Uma Musume: Beyond Peak

After the G1 races, Kousei and McQueen were granted a well-deserved vacation. This wasn't just a day or two off; given their exhaustion, medical professionals advised them to temporarily suspend training. While Umamusume bodies are more resilient than human ones, they aren't made of steel.

McQueen suggested they go on a relaxing trip together and, on a whim, decided to visit the shopping street where Kousei's parents lived. Kousei wasn't sure what McQueen was thinking, but she welcomed the rare chance to return home.

Kousei's shopping street was located in Kasuga Town, a small place that lived up to its name. But even small towns have their own vibrant charm, though it couldn't compare to the bustling cityscapes.

"Is this where you grew up, Kousei? It's quite nice," McQueen remarked, her eyes, accustomed to urban vistas, clearly intrigued by the quaint atmosphere.

"I'm glad you like it. Let's go inside and take a look around."

Kousei led McQueen into the shopping street, where a fishmonger was enthusiastically hawking his wares in front of his stall.

"Good afternoon!" Kousei greeted.

The fishmonger squinted, then beamed. "Isn't that Kousei?!" he exclaimed.

He shouted to the street, "Everyone! Kousei's back!"

Heads popped out from the shops lining the street.

"Oh my, it really is Kousei!"

A crowd gathered around, bubbling with enthusiasm.

"Kousei, you've grown into such a lovely young woman!"

"I watched your race, Sister Kousei! You were amazing! You almost kept up with Mejiro McQueen!"

"Kousei, are you hungry? We have some snacks here—all your childhood favorites!"

The cacophony of voices made Kousei's head spin.

Everyone's still the same as ever, Kousei thought with a warm smile.

Suddenly, someone noticed Mejiro McQueen standing beside Kousei. "Isn't that Mejiro McQueen?"

McQueen smiled graciously and introduced herself with perfect poise: "Good afternoon. I'm Mejiro McQueen."

It was the first time the residents of Shopping Street had met a young lady from such an elite background, and they grew noticeably reserved.

"Please don't be nervous," McQueen said, sensing their discomfort. "I'm just an ordinary Umamusume. I simply wanted to see the place where Kousei grew up."

"That's right, everyone," Kousei chimed in. "McQueen is very kind and approachable. She takes great care of me at school and even shares her lunch with me."

Immediately, everyone grew solemn, their eyes now tinged with a newfound respect as they looked at McQueen.

The fishmonger became particularly serious. "Really? You've been taking care of Kousei all this time? Then please allow me to express my deepest gratitude."

The others echoed his sentiments.

"There's no need," McQueen replied quickly, waving off their thanks. "We're friends, so it's only natural."

The fishmonger persisted. "Please, you must accept this. Even we know Kousei's life at the academy can't be easy, with those reporters spreading rumors so carelessly. And because she's so quiet and well-behaved, she probably endures a lot of unfairness without complaint. A friend who looks out for her must be incredibly important to her."

McQueen maintained her smile outwardly, but inwardly she pictured Kousei on the racetrack—taunting her rivals with fiery words and wild declarations. If that counted as "well-behaved," then McQueen clearly had a fundamental misunderstanding of the term.

"It's everyone's way of showing their appreciation, McQueen. You should accept it," Kousei chimed in at the perfect moment.

"Alright then," McQueen conceded, "but it seems like everyone here is quite fond of Kousei."

The vegetable vendor drifted into reminiscence. "Kousei... we watched her grow up right here in Kasuga Town. After all, she was the only Umamusume besides her mother. As a child, Kousei was much more lively than she is now, and she was already a little beauty. She loved playing in the streets and was always eager to help everyone, eventually becoming the town's beloved mascot."

The fishmonger pulled a framed photo from his stall. It showed a young Kousei, beaming as she held a large, plump fish, standing next to him. "Sometimes, after a long day of work, just seeing this little rascal's smile would chase away my fatigue."

Everyone sighed, marveling at how much time had passed.

"Later, Kousei announced she wanted to attend Tracen Academy and become an Umamusume who would carry everyone's dreams. At first, we all supported her wholeheartedly. Her mother had been an Umamusume, so it seemed natural for her to follow in those footsteps.

"But sadly, she didn't seem to have the talent. She faced constant setbacks at Tracen. As her smiles grew fewer and farther between, I couldn't help but wish she had never gone there."

"But we couldn't bring ourselves to tell Kousei to give up. As long as she didn't give up, we wouldn't say anything to discourage her. If she ever can't bear the outside world, she can always come back to Kasuga Town. Everyone will be waiting for her here."

Tears streamed down the fishmonger's face as he spoke.

"Look at you, an old man crying like a baby," a slightly older man teased, his voice thick with emotion.

Everyone was deeply saddened, as if their own children had suffered a setback.

Kousei bowed deeply to the crowd. "I'm so sorry for making you all worry."

The villagers simply wiped their tears, muttering, "It's just good to see you're alright."

McQueen glanced sideways at Kousei, understanding dawning in her eyes. So, you're carrying the dreams of everyone in town on your shoulders too.

"Alright, Kousei! It's rare to see you. Let me give you a big fish!" The fishmonger's mood shifted abruptly, and he eagerly reached for his net.

"No, thank you, Uncle. Mother would scold me if she found out I was still taking things from you now that I'm grown up."

"What does it matter? It's for Kousei!"

After some back-and-forth, Kousei reluctantly accepted a few snacks to quell the commotion. But truth be told, McQueen was carrying far more.

"Grandma gave me so many carrots," McQueen murmured, gazing into her bag with a hint of awe.

"Carrots? I love carrots!" Kousei exclaimed.

"Really? Want me to share some with you?" McQueen offered.

"Share with me? I thought that wouldn't even be enough for you!" Kousei replied.

"Hey, don't make me sound like I'm a glutton!" McQueen retorted, slightly offended.

For a moment, Kousei froze, a brilliant flash of realization in her eyes. McQueen, slightly annoyed, pressed, "What's that supposed to mean? Why aren't you saying anything?"

"But your stomach clearly..."

"Okay, okay! Stop right there! That's rude!" McQueen interrupted.

They both knew exactly what the other was about to say. As they discussed their next destination, they suddenly spotted a familiar figure ahead.