Among the truly genius-level beings at Tracen Academy, even someone as proud as King Halo had to admit that her own talent fell short in comparison. T.M. Opera O was one of the existences she acknowledged in her heart, and Tokai Teio was someone she respected completely.
As one of the few universally recognized geniuses at the academy, Tokai Teio's talent and ability were famous among both the middle and high school divisions.
After all, not many Uma Musume could gain the approval of the "Emperor," Symboli Rudolf. Although King Halo had never competed on the same stage as this darling of Tracen, Teio's talent and strength were among the few she would concede to without even needing to race.
A unique running style, the rumored unbeatable "Teio Step," innate talent, and long-term personal guidance—this was Tokai Teio, constantly under the watchful and envious eyes of everyone.
And now, what was King Halo seeing? She was seeing this darling of Tracen, this true star of tomorrow, who, while seemingly easy to get along with, was actually not particularly concerned with anyone... proactively striking up a conversation with a second-rate trainer she herself looked down on?
And she even invited him to be her trainer?!
For a moment, King Halo's mind went blank. She even wondered if she was still dreaming, if everything that had happened today was a dream.
But she knew it was all real. Tokai Teio was standing right in front of them, smiling at Kitano Ryuichi with an expectant look, her ponytail wagging so cheerfully that a light breeze brushed against King Halo's face.
Instantly, a torrent of emotions flooded her heart, causing her body to tremble uncontrollably. She bit her lower lip hard to keep from exploding, but her horse ears drooped against her will.
Because King Halo knew, without a doubt, that Tokai Teio's invitation would be accepted. No one would refuse the invitation of such a true genius. At Tracen Academy, no trainer could possibly refuse.
This was the dream charge for countless trainers. Who would say no?
At this thought, King Halo's trembling intensified—thankfully, Kitano Ryuichi's view was blocked by Teio's body, so she didn't expose herself.
At this moment, Kitano himself was blinking in confusion. It took him a long moment to process what Tokai Teio had just said to him.
She said... she wants to be my assigned Uma Musume? Why? Did I do something?
He was bewildered. If it had been Mejiro Palmer who had asked him, he would have been overjoyed. He would have felt relief that she had come around and was willing to give him a chance. Then, no matter how she performed in the selection race, he would have brought her onto the team.
Of course, that was on the condition that Palmer actually participated in the race to show her strength and resolve. Just because he would recruit her didn't mean the "first charge" position was a given; that would be too unfair to the other girls.
And if Mihono Bourbon, Rice Shower, T.M. Opera O, or even King Halo had made the request, he could have understood. After all, they had some history. Although the timing would have been off, he could at least see their willingness.
But Tokai Teio... were they close? Since the start of this loop, he had barely even exchanged greetings with Symboli Rudolf, let alone Teio. Why would she suddenly approach him?
He frowned slightly, feeling that something was fishy, especially with her baseless enthusiasm... Had he done anything to earn her admiration?
...Doesn't seem like it. Then why would she seek me out? I've never even been her trainer before.
True, after so many loops, he had trained many outstanding Uma Musume. He hadn't started out this dejected and content with mediocrity. In the beginning, though he didn't realize it, he was very motivated. He had been the trainer for many girls whose talent was no less than Teio's. Rudolf wasn't the only Triple Crown winner he had guided.
But, Tokai Teio... she was one of the very few existences that even a "scourge" like him, who had "ruined" nearly half of Tracen's elite, had little connection with across all his loops combined. The reason was obvious: he knew her future.
The unachieved undefeated Triple Crown. The indomitable Emperor who shed her undefeated status. The Uma Musume who stood up again and again despite numerous setbacks. As a veteran horse racing enthusiast who considered the second season of the anime a masterpiece and constantly proselytized about it, he was all too familiar with her story.
But it was precisely because of this that he had never once approached her. The reason was simple: from the very beginning, he believed he was unworthy.
He had originally thought he could continue the tradition of transmigrator protagonists and, as if by divine intervention, change all the tragedies in the Uma Musume world. Like many other "golden finger" seniors, he thought he could use cheat-like acupuncture or massage techniques to change the fates of tragic racers.
—That's what he thought at first. But reality gave him a harsh slap, forcing him to wake up and see himself clearly.
He had tried. He had struggled. He had explored numerous acupuncture and massage techniques in this world, but none of them could change a Uma Musume's bone structure.
He had also taken on several tragic girls like Rice Shower, but without exception, tragedy still struck. No matter how hard he tried to stop it, to prevent it, it was as if history was repeating itself. Being a spectator and being a participant were two completely different things.
It's always easier said than done, especially for an ordinary person like him without a cheat ability. All he could do was improve himself as much as possible and keep trying.
...And then, after every failure, with more guilt and despair in his heart, he would start over again.
He hadn't given up, but it seemed he had given up long ago. He understood that there were some things in this world he couldn't change no matter how hard he tried. All he could do was try again and again, countless times—try, fail, and restart.
...But still, nothing changed.
The current Kitano no longer hoped he could change anything. He just wanted to live an ordinary life and help those he could... but at least, he didn't want to experience that powerless agony again.
At least, if it wasn't in his team, not right in front of him, his heart could bear it a little better. He could still comfort his guilt-ridden conscience with "I did my best."
Therefore, although he didn't understand why she had approached him, he ultimately gave a faint smile and asked softly:
"You're Tokai Teio, right?"
"Yup, that's right! Looks like you know me too, Trainer Kitano!"
Facing her future trainer, Teio puffed out her chest, her small face shining with pride. "Since you know me, let's go to the President's office and sign the contract! Don't worry! With Teio-sama here, victory in any race is a piece of cake!"
"...I have no doubt about that."
He nodded, looking at her energetic state. His soft heart made it hard for him to refuse, but his reason still prevailed.
If I refuse her now, things won't get too complicated. At least, it's better than her experiencing that pain again under my care.
Thinking this, he took a deep breath. Then, looking her straight in the eye, he said with an apologetic smile:
"Student Tokai Teio, I am well aware of your talent and ability. You are exceptionally outstanding and extremely gifted. In the entire academy, there are probably few who are more talented than you."
"—But, it is precisely because of this that I must refuse your request to join my team. My deepest apologies."
"Mhm, mhm, so let's head over now—huh?"
Tokai Teio, who had been nodding along as if it were a matter of course, had never even considered the possibility of being rejected. When the words she heard finally reached her brain, she belatedly reacted.
And just like that, she froze, her mouth slightly agape, staring at the apologetic Kitano in disbelief.
Nearby, the trembling, head-bowed King Halo suddenly stopped shaking. Her horse ears showed signs of perking up.
Not far away, Mihono Bourbon, having just finished her training, arrived at the cafeteria and happened to witness this scene, stopping in her tracks.
And all the surrounding Uma Musume who were watching were stunned by his words, which were not loud but were crystal clear. For a moment, the entire area fell into an eerie silence.
The one to break the silence was the first to recover—Tokai Teio. Her expression was one of utter shock, and with a mix of confusion and anxiety, she immediately cried out:
"Ehh?! But why!"
Tokai Teio, for the first time in her life, tasted the immense shock of "rejection."
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