Consequences That Can't Be Easily Resolved

But there were no ifs in racing.

When McQueen and Gold Ship reached Nogami Zenkyō, McQueen and the Uma Musume watching the livestream froze.

There were no bandages or casts on Nogami Zenkyō's legs, but she was using crutches.

[Supersonic B70]: What's going on?

"That looks like anxiety affecting her legs."

Zhou Yuang quietly explained.

Once bitten, twice shy. Some people changed their habits after an accident and developed fear and anxiety as well.

Claustrophobia, depression, anxiety, violent outbursts—there were all kinds of possibilities.

It was a problem that affected both mind and body.

The muscles could grow too tense and contract, causing pain, stiffness, and spasms.

An ordinary person could keep it from seriously affecting daily life with proper care. As long as they avoided swimming and strenuous exercise, they would be fine.

But for an Uma Musume, it was devastating.

If problems with her leg muscles left her unable to run, her racing life was effectively over.

[Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon]: This is serious.

As a scientist, Tachyon understood the body well enough to explain what caused the condition.

Listening to her, every Uma Musume in the livestream went pale.

It would hardly be surprising if Nogami Zenkyō retired at any moment. If her luck was bad enough, that Tenno Sho Autumn might have been her last race.

"How could this happen?"

McQueen's eyes widened, and she trembled all over.

She had thought her Impediment had only let down her family, fans, and trainer. She had never imagined she might so easily ruin someone else's life.

Could a simple apology undo what she had done?

On the screen, McQueen approached Nogami Zenkyō uneasily, gift in hand.

But as soon as she drew near, she saw Nogami Zenkyō glaring at her.

"Mejiro McQueen... what are you