After the Japan Cup, the narrative began to shift. Etsuko Otonashi published a standalone article on Kousei, prompting those previously unfamiliar with the Umamusume to re-evaluate her. Support for Kousei gradually increased.
The Japan Cup victory visibly boosted her popularity.
"Just luck! A coincidence!" some skeptics still insisted.
"Are you serious? Do you even understand the significance of a one-versus-four victory? Do you know who Kousei defeated?" others countered.
For every doubter, there was a supporter. The undefeated champion, who had traveled far and wide, had suffered her first defeat on the Central stage—an undeniable fact. Apart from attributing it to luck, there seemed no other explanation.
Kousei also garnered considerable votes for the Arima Kinen. However, the Japan Cup had left her severely fatigued, and her recovery was slow. Normally, she would bounce back with renewed vigor the day after any race, regardless of its intensity.
The rate at which water drips remains constant, but a larger kettle naturally takes longer to fill.
Due to this, Kousei decided to withdraw from the Arima Kinen.
McQueen, already struggling with anorexia, was later diagnosed with periostitis, forcing her into mandatory rest. Meanwhile, Dr. Fujino, prioritizing Teio's leg health, also advised her to extend her recuperation period.
Leo Durban was still recovering from her injuries, and Dicta Striker's whereabouts remained unknown.
For various reasons, the generation's main protagonists were absent from the year-end stage. While somewhat regrettable, this absence only heightened anticipation for the coming year.
Next year, the fledglings would soar to new heights on the grand stage known as the Classic Grade, competing alongside seasoned champions.
The dazzling victor of the Japan Cup, Kousei, the Derby champion Dicta Striker, and Leo Durban, whose fierce performance rivaled McQueen's—all distinguished by their eccentric, rebellious, and uncompromising styles.
No longer would this generation be called the Twins; they had earned a new title—
Villains of the Century
People believed these uniquely spirited Umamusume would unleash a new storm upon the racing world.
For now, let them rest well.
"So cool, Senpai! How can I become as cool as you?!" This Umamusume with bangs obscuring one eye was Vodka, a girl who adored all things cool, especially motorcycles and leather jackets.
She had been staring at Kousei with starry-eyed admiration for three days straight. Kousei felt a swell of pride at the fervor of her devoted junior.
"Hey, Senpai! Say it again!" Vodka exclaimed excitedly.
"Say what?" Kousei asked, puzzled.
"That! That!" Vodka exclaimed excitedly, pointing emphatically.
Kousei's expression turned slightly awkward; she probably knew what Vodka was referring to.
"Come on! Come on, Senpai!"
Unable to resist Vodka's persistence, Kousei reluctantly imitated her own triumphant pose from the Japan Cup.
"Get lost. Tell them Central sent you back."
As soon as the words left her lips, Kousei's face flushed with embarrassment, her cheeks burning.
"Wow! That's so cool! Hmm... what should I say when I win next time?" Vodka pondered aloud, looking genuinely troubled.
"Enough already, Vodka. Don't bother Senpai! We still have training to finish," said Daiwa Scarlet, Vodka's roommate and fellow trainee, her twin ponytails swaying.
"Though, this kid's definitely a tsundere," Kousei observed. Though she rarely spoke, her intuition about people was sharp.
"No! I want to talk to Senpai a little longer!"
"Ha?! Senpai is still recovering. You're just going to cause trouble!"
"What?! I'm not trouble!"
"I didn't say you were!"
It was almost inevitable. After just two or three sentences, they would start bickering—a testament to their close bond, perhaps?
In the end, Daiwa Scarlet forcibly dragged Vodka away.
"Vodka? She's such an enthusiastic girl," McQueen remarked as she and Teio slowly emerged after the pair had left.
"If you were here, you could have come out earlier."
"Sorry, I just wanted to see you flustered," McQueen said with a mischievous glint in her eyes, leaving Kousei utterly disarmed.
"Do you two know Vodka?" Kousei asked.
"Of course~" Teio nodded, shaking her head. "Not just Vodka, we know Daiwa Scarlet too."
Kousei was speechless. How could she be the only one completely out of touch, knowing no one?
"Are you both alright after your injuries?" Despite being the one who had arranged this meeting, Kousei couldn't help but worry about McQueen and Teio's health.
"We're fine. The Mejiro Family's physicians aren't just for show, you know," McQueen assured her.
"Hehe~ Miss Fujino is really amazing too!" Teio added.
Judging by their responses, there seemed to be no need to worry about either of them.
"Then let's go."
It had been a long time since the three of them had walked together. Though they were just taking their first steps, at least for now, they didn't need to worry about what the future held.
As they approached the dining car, the uncle selling drinks beamed at the trio, his smile almost splitting his face.
"Long time no see, you three! I can't call you 'nobodies' anymore, huh?" Kousei immediately caught the uncle's teasing tone.
"It's been a while, Uncle. You're still as lively as ever. Judging by your words, you've been following our progress closely, haven't you?" To Kousei's surprise, she found herself engaging the uncle in conversation.
"Of course! I'm your biggest fan! I've bought tickets to every single one of your races, and I haven't missed a single one!" The uncle puffed out his chest proudly.
"I want a Honey Tea!" Teio jumped forward.
"Got it! Extra-large cup, extra honey, thick and creamy, right?"
"Yep! You remember perfectly, Uncle!"
The uncle chuckled. "Don't underestimate your audience, kid. I know everything about Umamusume racing."
Kousei and McQueen exchanged knowing glances and shared a smile.
"Then please take care of our orders too."
"You got it!"
The world was indeed changing.