As President, I Don't Think You're Ready

A short while later, at a milk tea shop near the hospital.

"Two honey specials—one with extra honey—and one coffee. Thank you very much."

A petite, lively-looking Uma Musume placed her order, then turned and walked toward a seat by the window. She sat down, crossing her arms with a dignified air.

Across from her sat a calm Yasui Makoto, and beside him, Hokubu Genkoma, who hung her head and fidgeted with her hands like a child caught doing something wrong.

The petite, serious Uma Musume gave Hokubu Genkoma a slightly stern glance, then turned to Yasui Makoto, her expression shifting to an appreciative smile.

"I couldn't explain properly at the hospital earlier, so I came to find you specifically, Trainer Yasui. I've contacted the parents of the child you saved—they really want to thank you in person.

"The driver responsible has also been found. He's giving a statement at the police station now. He's admitted to driving while fatigued and is willing to take full responsibility.

"Do you want to meet the parents, or the driver?"

Yasui Makoto shook his head.

"No need. As long as the child is okay.

"But Hokubu Genkoma said she'd cover my diagnostic and examination fees. I think that should be the driver's responsibility instead.

"That shouldn't be a problem, right, President?"

"Not a problem at all. I'll arrange it shortly."

The petite Uma Musume called "President" nodded immediately, then turned a serious gaze to Hokubu Genkoma, who still kept her head down.

"Now then... Xiao Bei, do you realize your mistake?"

"Yes! Senior Emperor!"

As if caught by the tail, Hokubu Genkoma snapped to attention, raised her head to respond, then nervously shrank her neck in confusion.

"My mistake... is it that I shouldn't have gone with Mr. Anzai to save that child?"

Senior Emperor sighed, pressing a hand to her forehead where a crescent-moon-shaped lock of hair fell.

"It seems you still don't understand..."

She crossed her arms, speaking with some authority.

"There's nothing wrong with saving someone—that's commendable. I've even drafted a letter of commendation for you.

"The problem is that you didn't control your speed.

"Anzai-kun, as a trainer, managed to dodge you in that emergency. But you, an Uma Musume, couldn't. Xiao Bei..."

She let out a heavy sigh and shook her head.

"You've disappointed me."

Hokubu Genkoma's ears instantly drooped—the most obvious sign of low spirits among Uma Musume. At the same time, her face filled with gloom and dejection.

Yasui Makoto, meanwhile, was quietly surprised.

The Uma Musume across from him was Tokai Teio, the Student Council President of both the junior and senior divisions at Central Treisen Academy, following after Symboli Rudo.

Compared to her illustrious predecessor, this President Emperor's career was no less remarkable: nine championships in twelve major races, with the first seven being consecutive wins.

After retiring to become Student Council President, she had shown outstanding ability in her work as well.

The accident had only happened a few hours ago, yet she was not only fully informed but had already handled matters with the rescued child and the driver.

She'd also tracked down both parties involved here. Such efficiency and decisiveness were truly commendable.

Beyond that, her professional insight was equally striking.

Compared to race footage, raw traffic surveillance wasn't very clear.

Yet from that footage alone, she could discern the exact moment before Yasui Makoto and Hokubu Genkoma collided. That wasn't just skill—it was the talent of a top-tier Uma Musume.

"I'm sorry, Senior Emperor..." Hokubu Genkoma said, lowering her head in defeat.

"Apologizing to me is meaningless."

Crossing her arms, she shook her head. Seeing Hokubu Genkoma hesitate and glance at Yasui Makoto, Tokai Teio shook her head again.

"Apologizing to Trainer Yasui is also meaningless.

"Xiao Bei, you still don't get it. What you need to do now isn't apologize—it's reflect.

"On the track, many moments are dangerous. If this is all the control you have over your speed and power..."

She let out a soft sigh, shaking her head a third time.

"I was trying to connect you with some excellent trainers, but with your current performance, I can't bring myself to speak up.

"This isn't my view as Student Council President, but as a senior. I don't think you're ready."

Faintly, Yasui Makoto sensed that after Tokai Teio's words, a kind of gray, defeated aura seemed to emanate from Hokubu Genkoma beside him. She was clearly hit hard.

And he agreed with Tokai Teio—Hokubu Genkoma wasn't ready yet.

Limit Special Skills carried high risks. Many movements could lead to injury if not careful.

To ensure safety, a great deal of training emphasized body control, and he had brought all that training into this world.

From his own disciplined self-training since childhood, his body's flexibility and control over force were far beyond ordinary people—even surpassing many Uma Musume.

In comparison, Hokubu Genkoma's level of self-control was clearly far behind.

Uma Musume races were intense; when dozens of kilometers per hour collided, the results were undoubtedly severe.

"I know, Senior Emperor..."

Hokubu Genkoma spoke again, her voice low, this time laced with much more gratitude and admiration.

"My dream is to become a legendary Uma Musume like you, but I know I'm no genius.

"Many teachers and trainers have also said that, compared to your career races, maybe I'd be better off focusing on short-distance races in the future.

"But I still want to try, no matter what, I want to try!"

She suddenly perked up, excited and passionate.

"Your figure on the track has always inspired me, so I won't give up until the very end!

"Even if no trainer acknowledges me, I'll still challenge the Triple Crown that you once set foot on!"

The girl's words drew the attention of many in the milk tea shop, and Yasui Makoto also glanced sideways, but Tokai Teio remained calm throughout.

"Without a trainer, you don't even qualify to apply for a race. How can you set foot on the Triple Crown?"

Crossing his arms, Tokai Teio shook his head calmly.

"Ah? That..."

Hearing this, Hokubu Genkoma, who had just been brimming with ambition, was instantly dumbfounded, then scratched her head with a silly grin:

"Seems... that's right, hehehe..."

"Honestly, how do you even listen in class? That's all basic knowledge..."

Letting out a low sigh, Tokai Teio shot Hokubu Genkoma a reproachful glance, then turned to Yasui Makoto with a somewhat serious expression.

"But, right here, there's an excellent trainer.

"Passing the Central Trainer Certification at the age of eighteen—that's unprecedented.

"I've also noticed that since Trainer Yasui came to the academy these past few months, he's been looking for a contracted Uma Musume, but has been rejected every time.

"So I have a request.

"Not a request as the President, but as Xiao Bei's senior.

"I'd like to ask Trainer Yasui to guide Xiao Bei. What do you think, Trainer Yasui?"

(Here's a picture of Teio grown up)