Uma Musume: Beyond Peak

Headlines about Tokai Teio had been dominating the news, but the previously celebrated Undefeated Triple Crown winner had been overshadowed by Teio's actions. People were far more interested in Teio's invitation to Rudolf.

The three stood shoulder to shoulder on the racetrack, gazing up at the grandstand. A sharp-eyed reporter captured the moment. Teio and McQueen were familiar faces, but what surprised many was the recognition of Kousei. The first of the new generation to challenge the "Emperor," she embodied the fearlessness of a newborn calf. Kousei of yesteryear, now Teio.

As people marveled at this turn of events, they eagerly anticipated the sparks that would fly as the old era gave way to the new.

What kind of chapter would Tokai Teio's first stroke of the pen inaugurate?

Of course, the key figure at the center of this whirlwind found herself facing a more pressing matter.

"McQueen~ Kind-hearted McQueen~ You wouldn't mind giving me a piggyback, would you~?" Teio cooed, her expression utterly pitiful as she fluttered her eyelashes at McQueen.

True, Teio's performance had been nothing short of astonishing, but everything comes at a price. By pushing her fractured legs and her body beyond their limits, she had forced herself into a prolonged recovery. Due to the fractures, she could only move with the aid of crutches.

"I refuse. A little discipline will do you good," McQueen declared firmly, rejecting Teio's request with righteous conviction.

Teio then turned her pleading gaze toward Kousei.

"If you don't mind, I'm happy to," Kousei replied, ever the pushover.

"Really?! Long live Kousei!" Teio burst into laughter, a hint of mischievous triumph in her voice.

"Hey! Kousei, don't enable her! She needs to understand how dangerous her actions were!" McQueen insisted, even more steadfast than expected.

"But..."

"No buts!"

Teio's enthusiasm deflated instantly. With McQueen standing firm, Kousei couldn't argue. This was understandable. An Umamusume's speed was dangerously high, and a fracture at full gallop could be life-threatening. Countless past incidents served as grim reminders, and McQueen genuinely feared for Teio's safety.

Kousei couldn't help but feel that Teio's insistence was a bit excessive, but she understood Teio's stubborn determination. After all, even Kousei herself sometimes couldn't explain her own choices.

An Umamusume's instincts often surpassed reason.

"Well, if you absolutely insist on having it, I suppose we can make an exception. Just stay put here, and Kousei and I will go get it," McQueen said, still acting all tsundere and not even daring to meet Teio's eyes.

"Really?! Hooray!" Teio cheered.

Kousei chuckled inwardly, thinking, McQueen, you're so cute~

They approached their familiar little cart.

"One Bubble Tea and two carrot juices, please," McQueen ordered.

The vendor immediately recognized them. "Ah, it's you two again! The Bubble Tea is for Teio, right?"

"Exactly! You're spot-on," Kousei replied.

The vendor laughed heartily. "Don't flatter me! News about Teio is all over the place—I heard about her injury. It's not rocket science to guess."

Indeed, Teio was the talk of the town.

"Here you go. Be careful," the vendor said, handing them the drinks.

Kousei took the bag and was surprised by its weight. Glancing at Teio's cup, she noticed it was larger than usual. Puzzled, Kousei looked at the shopkeeper, who gave her a reassuring nod.

Kousei instantly understood and returned the gesture with a knowing look.

"Thank you," she said.

Back on the bench, Teio was already growing impatient.

"You took so long! Did McQueen and Kousei sneak off to have fun without me?"

In response to Teio's complaint, McQueen delivered a sharp chop to her head.

"Stop saying impossible things. Here."

McQueen handed Teio her drink, only to hear Teio exclaim in surprise, "It's huge!"

Kousei wasn't surprised, having already noticed, but McQueen was genuinely taken aback. "Did the shopkeeper make a mistake?"

McQueen started to return the drink, but Kousei stopped her. "It's not a mistake. It's a gift. Besides, Teio's already drinking it."

McQueen turned to see Teio gulping down the drink with gusto. Watching her delighted expression, McQueen couldn't bring herself to object.

"Never mind. She deserves a break once in a while. Let her enjoy it."

The three sat together on the bench once more, but this time, Teio had achieved the Undefeated Triple Crown, no longer just a figment of people's imaginations.

"Time flies so fast," Kousei murmured, sipping her carrot juice. "I can't believe Teio has already become a Triple Crown Umamusume."

"Oh? Judging by your tone, you didn't believe the invincible Teio could actually win the Triple Crown?" Teio's ears perked up.

"Of course I believed it! It's just... I still haven't fully processed it. Think about it—the Triple Crown, and undefeated no less! To have such an Umamusume by my side feels like a dream. Before I met McQueen, I was just an ordinary Umamusume. Now, both members of the Twins are right here with me. It feels like all the luck in the world is shining on me. I wonder if I'll ever get another chance to drink a 'one more cup' again?"

Teio and McQueen exchanged amused glances.

"What nonsense are you spouting? We're all just Umamusume. Our talents may differ, but our essence remains the same," McQueen replied, then cleverly concealed a hint of personal longing behind a radiant smile. "Perhaps... we're simply drawn to each other?"

After all, it was McQueen who had first suggested they work together.

"A little secret, huh? McQueen, you sly thing! The Elite really are devious," Teio teased playfully.

"Damn it! Who are you calling devious, you arrogant fool?!" McQueen exploded like a Molotov Cherry, her fuse lit by a single spark.

"Mutual attraction, huh?" Kousei murmured, her thoughts drifting into the distance.

Since stepping into this world, Kousei had witnessed countless breathtaking sights. She had seen dreams manifest in myriad forms, embodied by Teio, McQueen, Glory, and even her training partners, Rice Shower and Bakushin. The images of these Umamusume were deeply imprinted in her heart.

A landscape composed entirely of Umamusume—a sight unique to this world.

Teio suddenly pointed to the central billboard, where images of superstars like Rudolf were displayed. "One day, our silhouettes will be up there too."

A flicker of hope shone in Teio's eyes as Kousei rested her thumb against her chin, feigning deep contemplation. "I hadn't considered that before. McQueen, do you also aspire to be up there?"

"Not at all. I have absolutely no interest in such things."

"..."

Seriously? Are you two showing me absolutely no respect? I'm Tokai Teio!

"If the President has been up there, then if I get up there too, that means I could become President myself!" Teio exclaimed excitedly.

Kousei and McQueen exchanged amused glances as they imagined Teio as President.

"I am President Tokai Teio!"

Knock knock

"President, please handle these documents."

"I am the President! (Hands on hips, smugly)"

"Huh?"

Ah...

Oh no.

Just imagining it, the future looked bleak.