Chapter 27: The Strongest vs. The Strongest
Following the intense G1 race, public attention on McQueen skyrocketed.
Her rival, Kousei, also garnered some attention. Her remarkable performance in the G1 and her unique running style captivated certain fans, making her a particularly intriguing Umamusume.
Though still far from matching McQueen's popularity, Kousei had shed her image as an ordinary Umamusume.
Meanwhile, the two stars of the hour were embroiled in a trivial dilemma.
"Alright, McQueen, can't you just pick anything?" Kousei asked, exasperated.
"What did you say?!" McQueen retorted. "As a Mejiro, my appearance must be impeccable, even for a casual outing!"
"We've been trying on clothes for four hours already," Kousei groaned. "Isn't that enough?"
"What? Are you getting impatient?" McQueen challenged.
"No..." Kousei mumbled.
Finally, after another hour, Miss McQueen settled on an ensemble that met her exacting standards.
Kousei clasped her hands together in relief. "Thank God!"
Why were McQueen and Kousei together today?
Because it was the day of the highly anticipated Kikuka Sho, the final leg of the Triple Crown.
This prestigious race, already the most eagerly awaited event, featured its most prominent star: Tokai Teio.
The final trial on the Royal Road awaited the most highly anticipated genius. If Tokai Teio could secure the undefeated Triple Crown, she would officially ascend to the throne of champions.
"Wow, the crowd is absolutely massive—even bigger than at the Hopeful Stakes," Kousei murmured, gazing at the sea of people.
"Of course," McQueen replied. "This is the Kikuka Sho, and Teio's last chance at the Triple Crown."
The legend of the undefeated Triple Crown champion captivated hearts everywhere.
Kousei and McQueen weren't just here to watch the race. Since their time in Kasuga Town, they had rarely seen Teio. Although Miss Mizunoe Fujino was accompanying Teio to provide medical care, the two friends remained deeply concerned about her physical condition.
Their primary purpose in attending was to check on Teio's well-being.
They effortlessly navigated their way to Teio's private lounge.
"Excuse me," Kousei said as she pushed open the door. Teio, her Trainer, and Miss Mizunoe Fujino were all inside.
"Kousei and McQueen!" Teio exclaimed delightedly, rushing forward to embrace them warmly.
"It's so good to see you looking so energetic," Kousei said, her brow furrowing with concern. "How's your leg? I remember you mentioning how fragile it was."
"Don't worry! Dr. Fujino has been taking excellent care of me, and I'm in surprisingly good condition. The strongest, most invincible Empress will keep shining brightly!" Teio grinned, holding up three fingers.
Kousei and McQueen remained slightly uneasy.
"Rest assured," Dr. Fujino said, completely dispelling their concerns. "I guarantee Teio will be able to give her all at the Kikuka Sho."
This was Kousei's first time meeting Dr. Fujino, whose full name was Mizunoe Fujino. She was a strikingly beautiful woman with an air of refined intellect.
Since Dr. Fujino, as a medical professional, had said so, there was truly nothing to worry about.
"That's wonderful, Teio! Next is winning the Kikuka Sho! You're so cool, aiming for the undefeated Triple Crown!" Freed from her anxieties, Kousei transformed into a devoted fan. Her eyes sparkled as she spoke of the Triple Crown, as if victory were already assured.
"Not to dampen the mood, but as the saying goes, 'The strongest Umamusume wins the Kikuka Sho.' This race has gathered the strongest Umamusume of our generation. We can't afford to let our guard down," Teio's Trainer cautioned.
"Isn't Teio the strongest?" Kousei asked, puzzled.
Teio's Trainer smiled. "I'm glad you have such faith in Teio. As her trainer, I naturally believe in her strength as well. But in the world of Umamusume, there are no absolutes—except for that one exception. No matter how powerful she is, there's always a risk of losing."
This was Teio's first long-distance race, a completely new battlefield filled with unknowns. Despite her rigorous training, practice and actual competition were fundamentally different.
Moreover, Teio's current momentum would likely make her a target for many other Umamusume. Unleashing her full potential would be even more challenging than before.
Kousei nodded, realizing the truth in his words.
"And that's not all," McQueen suddenly added. "As Teio's trainer mentioned, the Kikuka Sho gathers the strongest Umamusume of our generation. The most noteworthy among them is... Leo Durban."
At the mention of Leo Durban, McQueen and Teio's Trainer simultaneously frowned, and the atmosphere in the resting room grew slightly tense.
"Who exactly is this Leo Durban?" Kousei wondered, genuinely puzzled. She had no recollection of anyone by that name.
"Don't you know? Leo Durban was the runner-up in Teio's Derby."
"Runner-up in Teio's Derby..." Kousei's mind went into overdrive, frantically searching her memories.
Suddenly, it struck her like a bolt of lightning. "Wait a minute! The runner-up in Teio's Derby... that's her!"
Kousei finally remembered. Leo Durban was the highly renowned long-distance specialist, hailed as an equal to Mejiro McQueen in their generation, and considered the most likely to win the toughest races and claim the title of strongest Umamusume of their era.
No wonder McQueen and Teio's Trainer were so concerned. Now it made sense.
"Leo Durban..." Teio murmured softly.
"She's strong, but! I am Tokai Teio! I won't back down from any challenge or victory, no matter who my opponent is. I'll show the world—I will win!"
Teio's face showed no trace of fear, only a calm declaration of her triumph. As always, she proclaimed herself the strongest, no matter the circumstances.
Ah, Kousei had completely forgotten. Even the strongest Umamusume of her generation had never faced an undefeated Genius in a long-distance race.
Kousei felt an unprecedented thrill. This was a historic match unlike any before!
The ultimate showdown!
The strongest versus the strongest!
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SpyNote: Idk who Leo Durban is tbh. Apparently the child of Maruzensky irl