Hearing: Breaking the Stalemate

Not a single person spoke.

Yet this absolute silence carried more force than any of the heated arguments before it.

All the previous debates over risk, responsibility, and qualifications suddenly seemed incomparably pale, trivial, even laughable before this silent lineup of legends spanning generations.

The senior who possessed the aloof grace of a mountain flower and bore a striking resemblance to Mejiro McQueen stepped forward elegantly. With flawless poise, she bowed to Nase Fumino.

"Moderator Trainer Nase, and all representatives present. Please allow me, Mejiro Takamine, on behalf of the Shining Series Overseas Pioneering Generation Joint Initiative Group, to request permission to attend this hearing."

Mejiro Takamine's voice was clear and steady.

Nase Fumino seemed to exert tremendous willpower to pull her gaze away from the dark green and crimson figure and refocus on her duties as moderator.

Her voice regained some of its composure, though a faint, barely detectable tension remained. "—Under Article 5, Chapter 7 of the conference regulations, attendance by parties not originally scheduled to participate requires the approval of more than half of the current attendees. We will now vote."

As soon as she finished speaking, she raised her right hand first, without hesitation.

Akikawa Yayoi smiled, while Yukishiro Sakuya nodded. They raised their hands together.

Anjing Zhen, Agnes Tachyon, Daiwa Scarlet, Almond Eye, Mejiro McQueen, Satono Diamond—everyone on Kitasan Black's side raised their hands almost simultaneously.

Kitasan Black hurriedly raised her own hand as well, her arm trembling slightly with excitement.

The seats across from them fell into a brief commotion, filled with whispered exchanges.

The Association chairman and the Commercial Federation president exchanged glances once again, their expressions complicated.

A few seconds later, the chairman closed his eyes and gave an almost imperceptible nod.

Immediately afterward, more than half the people on the other