Umamusume's days are numbered

"So hesitant? You really forgot, didn't you? Speaking of which, why can I remember the story of the carp leaping over the dragon gate but not the carp?"

No, no, no, actually it's because Platinum has always relied on its logo to make people remember it.

Like a carp leaping over the dragon gate, tall, with jet-black hair and no other adornments, it's easy to remember.

And the other one...

"Oh, I remember now, you're the Big Tree Express, right?"

"Why is it the Big Tree Express? I'm Fuji Koji! Do you only judge people by their hairstyle and hair color?"

Fuji Koji slammed his hand hard on the table.

"I am Fuji Koji!"

What's the matter with the big tree and the express train here?

Huh? Look me in the eyes, stare straight at me, you little brat!

Look at me, who am I?

Platinum awkwardly covered her cheek. There was nothing she could do; that's how face blindness works—the face didn't match the person. Actually, it wasn't that she hadn't remembered Fuji Koji, it was that she hadn't matched Fuji Koji with that name.

She remembered a horse girl who had argued with her at the Hanshin Racecourse.

But now everyone has the same art style, they all look the same except for the hair... and watching anime is different from watching live-action.

You can remember characters from anime and games by association, but someone like Fuji Koji, whom you only met once... well...

"Alright, alright." Carp Leaps Over the Dragon Gate clapped his hands with a smile. "The president specially asked us to be the first guests of Platinum, so we can't spoil the fun."

"What...?" Fuji Koji turned around in shock to look at Koi Leaping Over the Dragon Gate. "So you knew why the chairman had called us here? You should have told me sooner!"

"Knowing you as I do, you'd be rolling on the floor in embarrassment if you found out it was related to Platinum, right?" Carp Leaps Over the Dragon Gate shook his finger. "You'd definitely be thinking: 'It's such a painful memory to see two people yelling at each other through a door. I wish I could have controlled my temper and talked things out properly back then.'"

"But on the other hand, you think, 'I didn't do anything wrong, so why should I reflect on myself? Next time I see Bai Jin, I'll definitely have a good talk with him.' But arguing in someone else's coffee shop will cause trouble for them. So I've been stuck in my dorm room like this until the end of the day. I might even have to come back to the venue when everyone leaves, and then sheepishly run back to my dorm..."

"What are you talking about?" Fuji Koji pointed at the carp leaping over the dragon gate, his face flushed red, and he jumped up and down. "Don't talk like you know me so well!"

This goes beyond a deep understanding; they even predicted his future actions and thoughts. Fuji Koji's entire set of habits has been thoroughly analyzed by the "Carp Leaping Over the Dragon Gate" technique.

A carp leaping over the dragon gate—a terrifying woman.

"Oh dear." Koi Leaps Over the Dragon Gate, covering his cheek with his hand, looking at Fuji Koji, "Is there anyone who understands you better than me, who has lived with you for a year, besides your parents? I'm a little sad."

As she said this, the carp leaping over the dragon gate made a pitiful, tearful face.

Episode 40 Apology

As she said this, the carp leaping over the dragon gate made a pitiful, tearful face.

"How boring!" Fuji Koji turned and walked out. "I'm going back."

"There's no point in talking to someone who can't even remember other people's names."

"Oh dear, don't do that..." Koi Leaps Over the Dragon Gate quickly grabbed Fuji Koji and winked vigorously at Shirokin.

Platinum understood what she meant. This was an opportunity that Rudolf had symbolized and that the carp had leaped over the dragon gate to create specifically for himself.

An opportunity to reconcile with Fuji Koji.

It seems that what he said at Hanshin Racecourse didn't really affect his chances of success, but it undoubtedly angered Fuji Koji. Actually, Shirogane's thinking was quite simple: if someone he might never see again, so be it if they hate him.

I didn't live in this world just to make you comfortable.

Platinum's life now is about trying to find his limits and, ideally, finding a cure for his illness.

Of course, Platinum knew her behavior was despicable. To speak ill of someone for no reason—even if the intention was good—is undoubtedly an act of evil.

But getting Platinum to explain herself, seeing others' feigned concern for her, was worse than being killed.

I've seen that kind of look more than enough in my past life.

As for his subsequent outburst in the bar, it was entirely out of willfulness and misplaced anger, taking advantage of the racehorse girl's physical abilities to commit evil deeds, which can be described as heinous.

Even though those two were bastards too.

That's how most people probably handle it, since it's impossible to make everyone in the world like you.

But since such a choice is placed before me...

Nobody likes being disliked by even a stranger, right?

If Platinum doesn't appreciate this now, he could be considered to have absolutely no emotional intelligence.

Of course, I don't intend to become friends, but it would be best if we could avoid becoming enemies.

So, Bai Jin politely bowed deeply to Li Yuelongmen and Fuji Koji.

"The carp leaps over the dragon gate, Mr. Fuji, I am very sorry."

“I said a lot of hurtful things to others at Hanshin Racecourse before, which caused you all pain. This is all because of my bad personality.”

"I'm sorry, I'm so sorry."

"It would seem hypocritical to say too much, but what I said before was not my true intention. I respect my opponents and am happy to run on the same track as you."

This is the truth. Platinum was indeed very grateful that Surugawa Tessuna had given him such an opportunity, and that the "Carp Leaping Over the Dragon Gate" had given him a push from behind. Even if it was just one sentence, that one sentence completely changed Platinum's thinking, and thus changed Platinum's life.

It can be said that Surugawa Tezuka, the carp leaping over the dragon gate, and Rudolf symbolize these three people who shaped his life in this way. If it weren't for these three people, Platinum might already be lying quietly in a bridge archway, waiting for death.

Platinum felt immense gratitude and respect for these three individuals.

"If you're still not satisfied, you can slap me a few times. I hope we can clear up the misunderstanding between us—well, it can't really be called a misunderstanding, anyway, I want to make up with you two."

Fujiko was surprised by Shirogane's straightforward apology. She had thought that, given Shirogane's personality, even if she were blown up by a bomb, she would still have a mouth left, and her mouth would remain hard even after her body had cooled down.

In short, we must hold fast to our principles and not give up, no matter what the winds blow from east, west, north, or south.

Therefore, she was prepared to immediately retaliate if Platinum made any sarcastic remarks.

Of course, the horse girls are all pure elves, unlike Platinum, who was a mudfish who had spent many years in Zaun in his previous life. Fuji Koji was just about to yell at him a few times, calling him a bastard.

As a result, Platinum obediently lowered her head, leaving Fuji Koji at a loss for what to do, frozen in place. Carp Leaping Over the Dragon Gate noticed that Fuji Koji was no longer moving out, so he quietly released his grip on her hand and gave Platinum a thumbs-up.

Well done! You've seized control of Fuji Koji's lifeline so quickly.

"Uh, um..." Fuji Koji stammered, his lips moving slightly, "Don't say that, I have a problem too..."

"Besides, slapping him and stuff like that is going too far... let's just let it go..."

"I... I'll forgive you for now, but if you do this again, I might..."

“Ah, that’s right, you also have a problem. You escalated the conflict so much that I have to apologize in person.” Unexpectedly, Bai Jin continued from Fuji Koji’s words, “So we’re even, neither of us owes the other anything.”

Fuji Koji was dumbfounded again: "No, me, you, eh—"

Why do you always do things differently?

"You really do have a terrible personality!"

"Don't get excited, we agreed that neither of us owes the other anything, okay?" Platinum covered her ears with her fingers.

"Who made an appointment with you?!" Fuji Koji shouted in despair.

Fuji Koji walked up to Shirokin and started making a racket, but he stopped talking about going back to the dorm. Shirokin rolled her eyes at him. Koi Leaping Dragon Gate watched them argue with a smile.

Rudolf watched the three men from afar, then turned and walked towards the kitchen with satisfaction. There was still much to do today. The Butler's Café would be opening soon, and the butlers needed to be fully prepared for the guests.

Following behind Rudolf's symbol, the gas tank headed towards the inner kitchen. She whispered in Rudolf's ear, "You specifically invited these two little ones over?"

"You're really worrying me. You're spoiling the kids way too much these days. Shouldn't they be allowed to resolve some misunderstandings and mistakes on their own?"

According to the idea of ​​the kamikaze, a racehorse girl who cannot solve all her personal problems other than training cannot be considered a top-tier racehorse girl.

Compared to Platinum, she felt that the Emperor of the East Sea was much better.

Rudolph symbolically smoothed his bangs and then walked towards the inner kitchen: "Platinum is different from the Empress. The Empress is the type who can get along well with anyone and everyone likes her. She doesn't need to be worried about by others."

"Platinum is more sensitive and brooding, but she just needs someone to give her a push from behind. Look? Isn't she doing a great job right now?"

Hearing the arguing coming from the front hall, Rudolf smiled and raised the corners of his mouth.

"I didn't actually do anything. The child took the initiative to apologize, and she also took the initiative to make up with me."

"Since all I need to do is get a push, why shouldn't I be that pusher?"

Episode 41 A Football Team

While the two people backstage were talking, the people at the front desk were also making a racket.

"Hey, have you changed your clothes yet?" Fuji Koji tapped his fingers impatiently at the table.

Xixisuosuo.

"I'm changing again, I'm changing again... This outfit is so hard to put on."

Inside the dressing room, separated by a door, Platinum responded as she changed her clothes.

"It needs lots of decorations to look nice, right?" Li Yuelongmen gently knocked on the door. "So, do you need me to come in and help you?"

"If two people work together, it will be much faster to put it on."

"No thanks." Platinum pouted and pulled the tight shirt over her shoulders. The outfit was designed to accentuate the body's curves, with some parts being particularly tight and others, such as the shoulders, being thicker to simulate a man's muscular physique.

The result is that it looks good, but it also feels bad.

The carp that leaped over the dragon gate still seemed somewhat disappointed, and, unwilling to give up, asked again, "Are you sure you don't need it?"

"Really?"

"If you keep doing this, I'll start to doubt your motives." Bai Jin put her black tuxedo back on and buttoned it up one button at a time with difficulty.

“I said…” Fuji Koji couldn’t help but glance at him, “You look so excited today.”

"Really?" Carp Leaping Over the Dragon Gate maintained its charming smile.

Platinum looked at herself in the mirror in the dressing room and felt that there was nothing wrong with her appearance.

Well... with her hair all over her head, she still looks a bit too feminine. Since she's playing a butler, she should probably appear more masculine, right?

I'm familiar with this myself.

Platinum glanced at herself in the mirror, then picked up a hair tie and gathered her hair into a high ponytail, revealing her neck.

This hairstyle is rather androgynous, but when paired with the clothes worn, it immediately becomes masculine.

Nodding in satisfaction, Bai Jin pushed open the locker room door.

"Sorry to keep you all waiting... Ugh, this outfit is really difficult to move in."

Platinum frowned and shook his hands and feet. This feeling of being restrained was very uncomfortable.

"...It really is true that clothes make the man and a saddle makes the horse." Looking at the platinum in front of him for a long time, Fuji Koji muttered reluctantly.

"What about the carp leaping over the dragon gate? What do you say?" Seeing Fuji Koji's reaction, Shirogane nodded in satisfaction, feeling a little smug.

Well, it seems I'm still quite charming.

"...Carp leaping over the dragon gate?"

However, Bai Jin did not receive a response from Li Yuelongmen. Looking at her in confusion, she saw Li Yuelongmen standing with his arms crossed, lips slightly parted, looking shocked.

"Hey, is this a carp leaping over the dragon gate?"

Despite Platinum's repeated calls, Carp Leaping Over the Dragon Gate remained dazed, as if it had lost its soul.

Oh no, has this child been cursed?

"---marry."

The carp leaping over the dragon gate uttered a few words through his teeth in a daze.

"What did you say?" Platinum didn't hear clearly.

"—Let's get married."

The carp leaping over the dragon gate suddenly rushed in front of Platinum and grabbed her arm. Its excellent legwork, adept at leading the charge, came in handy at this moment.

"As for children, I want eleven."