Fumino Nase's answer further validated Wada's thoughts; he knew that he could now completely trust Fumino Nase, and she would no longer be able to side with Shadai.
Because he had 'morally blackmailed' Fumino Nase into being tied to their team.
Wada wasn't some naive fool, ignorant of everything; he had made thorough preparations to test Fumino Nase.
If Fumino Nase had agreed with too much excitement, Wada probably would have truly believed that Fumino Nase actually decided to side with Shadai.
And the entire process just now, with Fumino's obvious internal struggle, surprise, and then resolve, was the strongest shot in the arm for Wada.
Wada felt that Fumino Nase must have already had her own plans regarding the Kikuka Sho.
Since she didn't want others to know about her efforts, then he didn't need to push her; he just needed to cooperate well with Fumino Nase.
As for what Fumino Nase's plan entailed... Wada felt that he no longer needed to know this.
He believed Fumino's plans would likely be much more thorough than what he had imagined, right? It probably wouldn't require his participation.
All he needed to worry about now was to win the Tenno Sho (Autumn) with Meisho Doto as soon as possible, then rush from Tokyo to Kyoto for the Kikuka Sho.
If they could make it, they might even arrive at the Kyoto Racecourse before the opening.
"So, our race is about to begin."
Wada returned to the team building, called Meisho Doto and T.M. Opera O together, and looking at these two Uma Musume, both of whom made him incredibly proud, he spoke:
"Meisho Doto, the Tenno Sho is about to start. Are you nervous?"
"No, not at all! Trainer, we've done enough training, and I've rested for a long time. It's time, it's time for me to win a GI!"
Despite her spirited speech, Meisho Doto was clearly still a bit worried.
After all, she wasn't in race mode yet and hadn't used her Aura. She still held a strand of timidness, but compared to when Wada first met her, she had improved tremendously.
The Meisho Doto of the past would never have said something like "win a GI," but now, under Wada's guidance and after growing as both an Uma Musume and as a person, Meisho Doto had completely metamorphosized.
She now understood that she possessed immense strength that was above others and had the confidence to back it up too.
Perhaps winning against T.M. Opera O again would be difficult to achieve in the short term, but as long as it wasn't T.M. Opera O, Meisho Doto was confident in winning against any other Uma Musume.
"I'm just a little worried... Trainer, will Shadai target me...?"
"Although I probably don't receive as much attention as T.M. Opera O, but, but..."
Meisho Doto's biggest concern now wasn't her own abilities, but Shadai. Now, within their team, everyone already knew that Shadai will be targeting them in these important races.
Currently, Team Miracle as a whole was a staunchly "Anti-Shadai" group. Those with more loud personalities like Orfevre and Tokai Teio even made statements like "We will never coexist with Shadai."
Although Meisho Doto hadn't said similar words, in reality, her inner anger and annoyance regarding Shadai's actions were no less than those of her other teammates.
She just knew very well not to let her anger affect her mind, which was something Wada didn't want to see.
Though this anger hadn't manifested in Meisho Doto yet, but when facing them on the Racecourse... that might not be the case.
"—Without a doubt, Meisho Doto, this Tenno Sho will not be an easy one."
"Shadai will definitely intefere in this race, especially after their previous few attempts ended in failure."
"A GI race, even if it's not part of the Classic Triple Crown route, is something they definitely won't easily give up on."
Wada nodded, rubbing Meisho Doto's small head with his hand to calm her down, then spoke calmly:
"So, this time for the Tenno Sho, I will accompany you to the venue."
"Since variables are bound to happen there, I'll adjust your tactics right then and there to ensure you win this race."
"H- huh?! Trainer, yo- you're going to the Tenno Sho with me?!"
Wada's words caught Meisho Doto completely by surprise. Like Fumino Nase, she never expected Wada to accompany her to the Tenno Sho this time.
She had even prepared for the worst-case scenario of going alone...
Hearing this news, Meisho Doto's face visibly lit up with joy, her ahoge stood up excitedly, and her tail wagged vigorously, expressing her owner's emotions.
But soon, Meisho Doto regained her composure and asked with some uncertainty: "B- but what about T.M. Opera O..."
Meisho Doto cautiously glanced at T.M. Opera O beside her.
Although T.M. Opera O's smile was the same as usual, it inexplicably gave Meisho Doto a rather dangerous feeling.
Meisho Doto even felt that there was invisible ghost floating in mid air, as if it was the embodiment of a grudge, which immediately scared Meisho Doto into saying:
"T- Trainer, maybe you should go with T.M. Opera O this time."
"I- I'm fine, it's okay to participate in the Race alone. I will definitely win this race for our team!"
"—Hahahahaha! Meisho Doto O, there's no need to worry so much. This is Ryuji's decision, and he already discussed it with me."
"I, as your Overlord fully approve of Ryuji's judgment!"
Unexpectedly, this time it was T.M. Opera O who proactively stepped forward to encourage Meisho Doto.
T.M. Opera O patted Meisho Doto's shoulder, with no hint of jealousy on her face, as if the danger Meisho Doto had felt earlier was an illusion.
"Doto, your situation is more pecarious than mine. There, you will be fighting alone, while I still have Mejiro McQueen by my side."
"—Meisho Doto, as this Overlord's most beloved subject, even if you fight alone, I will not allow you to return defeated!"
"Go with Ryuji and win this race! Then hurry back. If you're lucky, you might even witness my glorious coronation as a Classic Triple Crown Uma Musume!"
"T.M. Opera O... Trainer..."
After receiving the unanimous approval of T.M. Opera O and Wada, Meisho Doto clearly relaxed a lot.
Her eyes were red as if she was about to cry, but soon, she restrained her emotions, wiped away a tear, and nodded solemnly.
"Mm, I understand! I won't let down the Trainer and T.M. Opera O's trust. I will definitely win!"
"Good, now, go back and rest well, Meisho Doto. Prepare to face the race with everything you got!"
Wada smiled and patted Meisho Doto. Meisho Doto then obediently went to her dormitory.
What she needed to do now was to rest well and prepare for everything before the Tenno Sho (Autumn).
For a moment, only Wada and T.M. Opera O remained in the room.
After a short while, T.M. Opera O's body trembled slightly, and her pink eyes faded again, transforming into the eye color belonging to another T.M. Opera O.
Undoubtedly, without her consent, T.M. Opera O's body had once again been taken over by her other self, and this takeover was not without consequence; "T.M. Opera O" did not seem as willing as her other self appeared.
"T.M. Opera O?" Wada quickly noticed her abnormality and then asked cautiously:
"Do you have any objections?"
"—YES! I HAVE VERY BIG OBJECTIONS! Waahhhhhh~! Why are you not coming with me to the Kikuka Sho! Why are you not coming with me to the Kikuka Sho!!!!"
At Wada's question, "T.M. Opera O" undoubtedly bristled. She took a few steps forward, waving her small fists and punching Wada's abdomen— fortunately, she wasn't using force.
She didn't even have the heart to hurt Wada even when venting her dissatisfaction.
"We could finally challenge the Kikuka Sho again, and you're not coming with me!!! You scoundel!"
However, as she punched, T.M. Opera O suddenly embraced Wada's body, and Wada allowed "T.M. Opera O" to vent her emotions, saying nothing, just hugging her with the same strength.
And at this moment, "T.M. Opera O", with her head buried in Wada's chest, remained still for a long time. Wada felt some dampness on his chest and subconsciously asked:
"Why are you crying?"
"...Don't speak. Just let me hold you like this for a while, just a little while."
"T.M. Opera O's" voice in response was very calm. Wada apparently already knew something and also hugged "T.M. Opera O," saying softly:
"You can hold me for as long as you want, T.M. Opera O, for as long as you want."
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It seems like Narita Top Road's effect had a one chapter delay due to only her name being mentioned.
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If you spot any errors, feel free to comment about it and I will fix it as soon as I can.