Chapter 29: Born to Dance

"The Kikuka Sho—the longest race on the Triple Crown Route. It's a formidable challenge for Tokai Teio, who has never competed in a long-distance race before. Her opponent, Derby runner-up Leo Durban, possesses considerable aptitude and experience at this distance. The final Triple Crown Race promises to be exceptionally difficult."

"True, but fortunately, long-distance races tend to have a slower pace, and Leo Durban's running style is relatively straightforward. This should give Teio ample time to adapt. However, other Umamusume are eyeing her position intently. It all comes down to how Teio handles the pressure."

As the commentators analyzed the race dynamics, the Student Council trio in the VIP seats reacted differently. Narita Brian showed no interest, while Air Groove's expression remained impassive, revealing nothing. President Rudolf, unusually serious, stood with her arms crossed, her gaze fixed intently on Tokai Teio.

"She's certainly making a fierce entrance," Rudolf murmured.

Marked by multiple opponents, Tokai Teio found herself squeezed into the inner track, running mid-pack. Behind her, Leo Durban loomed menacingly, just as the commentators had predicted. From the start, Teio was surrounded. The collective desire to defeat the undefeated champion had invisibly unified their movements.

"The Kikuka Sho is a long-distance race where conserving stamina is key, but with things as they are, even if the pack spreads out, I might not be able to secure a good position."

As Tokai Teio rounded the first turn, she suddenly sharpened her focus. Every Umamusume marking her instantly sensed her intent.

"Trying to escape? As if we'd let you off that easily!"

Almost simultaneously, they surged forward, the first clash erupting right there.

Surrounded on all sides, Tokai Teio merely smirked disdainfully. What followed was a display of genius-level technique.

With nimble footwork, her petite frame and graceful stride transformed into a peregrine falcon soaring through a rugged canyon. Each time she encountered an obstacle, she narrowly avoided disaster, leaving spectators on the edge of their seats. Yet she maintained unwavering confidence and composure, moving like a natural-born dancer.

Fluid and agile, she moved with effortless grace. Her cape billowed dramatically, transforming the track into a stage where all bowed before her Sky-High Teio Step. Glancing back with regal pride, she strode confidently along the Royal Road.

"What's this?! It's Tokai Teio's Teio's Dance!"

The grandstand erupted in cheers. Kousei watched in awe, her eyes wide with astonishment at the dazzling spectacle.

"That's the Sky-High Teio Step!"

Kousei had also tried to use it once, but her version was nowhere near as impressive as Tokai Teio's. The opponents Kousei had dodged were simply in a different league from the Triple Crown Race contenders. If Kousei were truly worthy of the Teio name, she wouldn't have attempted the move here, lacking the confidence to pull it off.

But Tokai Teio's Sky-High Teio Step not only flawlessly broke through the encirclement but was also dazzlingly spectacular. It possessed an inexplicable magic, a captivating allure.

This is the technique of a true genius... How can anyone possess such breathtaking footwork?

"Quite impressive, isn't it?"

McQueen had clearly read Kousei's mind. She stared directly at Tokai Teio. "Teio's lithe physique allows her to execute seemingly impossible maneuvers. People initially thought her petite frame would be a disadvantage, especially in lead running, where she might get caught in the chaotic melees that often occur. A smaller body would be particularly vulnerable in such a situation."

Kousei paused, momentarily stunned. So even a genius like Teio had faced early skepticism.

"But that's precisely why she's a genius. While everyone worried about her petite frame, she dazzled the racetrack with breathtaking, dance-like strides—elegant, composed, and unrestrained, forever standing apart from the pack as the sole, natural-born Teio."

Talent, it seemed, was a divine blessing. Even Mejiro couldn't help but feel a pang of envy. "Why must she always be so arrogant, so effortlessly composed?"

Kousei had never understood the world's obsession with Tokai Teio until she witnessed this. Now she understood: this Umamusume was worthy of entrusting one's dreams to.

"Teio and McQueen are polar opposites as runners. Yet they both possess extraordinary gifts. Could I ever catch up to them with just my Gate Technique?"

The question lingered in Kousei's mind.

Teio effortlessly slipped through the encirclement; the half-hearted attempts to trap her posed no threat. Positioned near the front, she pondered her next move.

Suddenly, a thunderous sound echoed from behind, like the thunderous steps of a mighty warrior. A chestnut blur surged into view, and Teio smiled faintly. "Then let's stir things up a bit on this racetrack, shall we?"

Get ready—she's accelerating!

Tokai Teio took a decisive step forward, her blue eyes flashing. In an astonishing second burst of speed, she soared like a seagull, her wings defying even the swiftest winds.

"Tokai Teio!" Leo Durban's eyes burned with boundless ambition.

Teio never yielded, Teio never faltered, Teio never acknowledged her rivals.

"Even so, I'll take you on!"

Teio and her rivals were eternally bound, destined to rise together.

A battle cry erupted from the Nakayama Racecourse as Leo's hooves struck the track with desperate force. The valiant challenger prepared to confront the Empress!

Transforming into a freely soaring seagull, the undefeated genius reveled in the roaring wind. Leo Durban relentlessly pursued, but the Teio refused to falter under such meager pressure.

"If you want to challenge me, this isn't enough. You need to be faster, Leo Durban!"

In the VIP box, Rudolf impatiently tapped his finger against his upper arm. "Maintaining rhythm is the best strategy. What are you thinking, Teio?"

"Are you alright, President?" Air Groove asked, a hint of concern in her voice.

"Ah, it's nothing," Rudolf said.

"But you seem really agitated."

Rudolf shook her head with a wry smile. "Sorry, anything involving Teio always makes me subconsciously tense up."

Rudolf couldn't even remember the last time she'd felt this anxious.

"You must really care about that girl," Air Groove remarked. "After all, you still keep the plushie she gave you on your bed."

As Rudolf's roommate, Air Groove knew sides of her that she rarely showed to others.

"Indeed, I care deeply for that child," Rudolf admitted. "She's constantly on my mind, and that's what's making me so restless."

Air Groove offered a rare smile. "Don't worry. You might not understand her methods, but every Umamusume has her own way of running. If she's chosen this path, she must have her reasons."

Hearing Air Groove's explanation, Rudolf relaxed slightly. "Thank you. Having you by my side is a blessing."

Air Groove responded with a warm smile. Behind them, Narita Brian grumbled under his breath, "(I told them I didn't want to come, but they insisted! This whole trip was pointless!)"

I can't stand another day in this Student Council!