Uma Musume: Beyond Peak

"Rice Shower, I bought popsicles! Want to share one?" McQueen asked excitedly.

"Really? Thanks, McQueen!" Rice Shower replied.

McQueen eagerly began dividing the popsicle. With a crisp snap, it broke into two pieces. However, her technique wasn't the best, resulting in drastically uneven halves.

An awkward silence fell between them as they engaged in an intense mental battle. Finally, McQueen reluctantly offered the larger half. "I've been watching my weight lately," she said, "so you can have this one, Rice Shower."

"No need! You can have it all, McQueen!" Rice Shower insisted.

McQueen's teary-eyed, pitiable expression was oddly endearing—and a little comical.

Kousei, observing from the side, couldn't help but wonder, "Why didn't she just buy two in the first place?"

A pale hand extended toward McQueen, a frosty popsicle glinting brightly. McQueen turned to meet Kousei's gaze.

"Here," Kousei offered.

McQueen blinked, surprised. "For me?"

Kousei grinned, proudly showing off her own matching popsicle. "We have a pair!" she said triumphantly.

McQueen's outstretched hand trembled and froze mid-air, as if she'd hesitated for a second look. Then, with lightning reflexes, she snatched the ice cream from Kousei's hand, turning away and muttering, "There's nothing to be happy about."

Kousei was bewildered. Why had she just been scolded? "Why are you being so gloomy?"

"Maybe it's the heat~" McQueen replied.

The autumn air was crisp and refreshing, and chrysanthemums were in full bloom.

The three of them sought refuge in the shade of a tree, savoring the cool relief of their ice cream.

"Speaking of which," Rice Shower remarked, "Tracen has decided to expand the training grounds because of the Teio Triple Crown. They want to ensure every active Umamusume can participate in training."

Kousei found this reassuring. At least she wouldn't have to worry about training space anymore.

"Oh, I just remembered," Rice Shower added, "Summer Special Training is coming up soon!"

Summer Special Training? But the Kikuka Sho had already passed. What kind of summer training was this?

McQueen noticed Kousei's confusion. "Even though it's called Summer Special Training, the competition format has changed in recent years. It doesn't necessarily happen before the Kikuka Sho anymore. Otherwise, we wouldn't be following Teio's schedule so closely."

Ah, that explains it! Kousei realized. No wonder Mother's old training videos always seemed a little odd. It's because the competition format was different back then. (Though, in reality, that wasn't the reason at all.)

"The main reason for changing the competition format is to allow participants who debuted at different times to compete together, making the races even more exciting," McQueen explained.

Kousei nodded vigorously. "I get it! As long as I sign up with McQueen, everything will be fine!"

Rice Shower chuckled awkwardly, while McQueen rolled her eyes at Kousei, realizing she hadn't understood a thing.

In short, the competition format was simply different from what they were used to.

McQueen suddenly remembered an important matter from their Summer Training Camp. "Oh, right! I almost forgot to mention something important."

"What is it?" Kousei replied casually.

"Well, Teio fractured her leg, so she can't perform at the Winner's Stage. But since her Triple Crown victory was so significant, Central has decided to postpone the performance indefinitely. Teio definitely can't participate, so I'll be taking her place."

"I see. But what does that have to do with me?" Kousei asked.

"Remember when you fainted during the 'S' performance? I was the only one there that day. For the sake of your fans, you need to perform again. And this time, you'll be the center!"

Kousei learned for the first time that the Winner's Stage offered a second chance. Come to think of it, she had never actually performed there before, despite her experience as an idol in the Shopping Street.

She wasn't particularly reluctant. After all, she had seen others shine brilliantly on that stage, radiating an extraordinary brilliance. Her only concern was whether she could live up to the challenge.

"Don't worry! Kousei can definitely do it! You're so beautiful—everyone will love it!"

"Beautiful? Indeed!" Kousei was supremely confident in her own beauty.

The Winner's Stage? Kousei would conquer it flawlessly.

"Even if it's not a competition, I'm going to steal McQueen's thunder! Witness the full power of the Silver Dance Beauty!"

Here's a little secret about Kousei: she had a peculiar competitive streak, and aside from running, she excelled at nearly everything.

McQueen had been bracing herself for Kousei's refusal, ready with persuasive arguments. But to her surprise, Kousei didn't hesitate at all—she agreed immediately.

McQueen felt a slight sense of relief.

"By the way, McQueen, is the setlist for the performance fixed?" Kousei asked.

McQueen pondered for a moment. "Traditionally, it's a predetermined setlist. But since we're not Teio, and the essence of the Winner's Stage is fan service, I think we could probably switch to a different song."

Hearing what she wanted to hear, Kousei's face lit up. "Perfect! I have a song I'd love to perform."

McQueen had already guessed Kousei's intentions, but she still felt the need to temper her enthusiasm. "Don't get ahead of yourself. Remember, you're not the only one performing. If you want to perform an unfamiliar song, it means everyone else will have to learn it from scratch. We need to discuss this with the other Umamusume first."

McQueen's words were sound. It wouldn't be fair to make such an important decision unilaterally.

"Then I'll contact everyone! I'll explain my idea to them!" Kousei exclaimed.

McQueen tapped Kousei's head with her half-eaten snack stick. "What's the rush? You've already convinced one person, haven't you?"

Kousei understood McQueen's implication perfectly and immediately beamed. "I knew McQueen was the best!"

"Rice Shower will help too!"

"Oh! Rice Shower is the best too!"

Though the path ahead remained uncertain, Kousei was brimming with confidence.

Back in her dorm, she immediately called her mother.

"Hello? Mother?"

"Kousei actually called me on her own!"

Her mother, usually reserved, couldn't hide her excitement when Kousei called.

"I'm sorry for being in such a hurry. I hope I'm not bothering you?"

"Not at all! You can call me anytime, Kousei."

After a few casual greetings, Kousei got straight to the point.

"Mother, do you still have the dance dress I wore when I was little?"

"Yes, it's still here. But I doubt it would fit you now, would it? Why do you ask?"

"Because I need it for something important, Mother. Could you please send it to me?"

Even though it won't fit anymore, I think there's still time to have a new one custom-made if I act quickly.

"Oh?" Mother's tone was loaded with meaning. "Why this sudden urge to dance? Could it be..."

Mother caught the scent of gossip, and Father, who was washing dishes nearby, pricked up his ears warily.

"No, Mother! I just want to dance!" Kousei protested urgently.

"Tsk, tsk, tsk~ I haven't even said anything yet, and you're already explaining yourself. I was young once too, you know. I understand."

"You don't understand!"

Ignoring Kousei's outburst, Mother continued rambling, "So, who's the lucky one who's captured our Kousei's heart? Hmm? Darling, what are you doing with that knife?"

The atmosphere was getting increasingly tense. Better end this conversation now before the misunderstanding deepens.