Umamusume's days are numbered

Leo Deban took out the chocolate from his desk again and looked at Platinum's back as he handed out chocolates.

So... what does this mean? Is it a declaration of sovereignty? For some reason, the sight of the platinum-haired chocolate man always reminds Leo Deban of scenes where gangsters collect protection money and say, "I've got this street under my control."

Could it be that he wants to emulate Rudolf's symbolic tradition and become the Emperor of the Night for a while? What, does accepting chocolate mean you're mine...?

Leo van quickly shook his head. "No way, that's too outrageous."

Sure enough, just as Leodban had predicted, within a class or two, the news of Platinum's wholesale chocolates had spread throughout Treson Academy.

These little ponies from Treson College may be lazy at most, but they're really good at spreading gossip.

[Did you hear? The kid in the next class just won the Yayoi Prize Platinum and gave chocolates to the whole class!]

[Really? The whole class gave gifts? Why? Is it because they're foreigners and don't understand the holiday customs?]

[Heh... I heard she'd been planning this for a long time. She's from Italy, and supposedly the gangs there like to give chocolates. If you accepted the chocolate, it meant you were one of them.]

"Don't lie to me. Didn't you say they were from Poland before? How come it's Italian now? Besides, why would a gang give chocolates?"

Who knows? I've heard that Italian gangsters like to wear tuxedos and perform ballet-style gunfights, so sending chocolates isn't so strange, is it?

And some people actually believed it after hearing it, and after class they secretly sneaked into the classroom where Bai Jin was, blushing as they came to ask for chocolate.

Platinum didn't think much of it; she'd bought a lot that she couldn't send out anyway, so she accepted everyone who came. In the end, she even put the chocolates on the table to prevent anyone from disturbing her sleep.

Besides, she genuinely hadn't considered any of those other factors. She simply thought it was just a holiday for giving out chocolates.

You must have had those rich friends back in school, right? The kind who'd book the whole restaurant when you went out to eat. The relationship might not have been that great, but they were happy to spend lavishly and enjoy the pleasure of money. That's similar to how Platinum feels right now.

As a result, a series of coincidences came together, and without Platinum's knowledge, she took another step closer to the "Emperor of the Night" symbolized by Rudolf.

(Leodban, also a horse girl who appeared in the anime.)

After the Emperor of the East Sea missed the Chrysanthemum Appreciation due to injury, he won the championship of the Chrysanthemum Appreciation.

Descendants of Maruzensky.

Unfortunately, he disappeared after retiring.

Episode 160 The Emperor of the East Sea: It feels like it's been ages since I last appeared.

The Emperor of the East Sea sat on a bench in front of the garden and let out a long sigh.

Sigh, even though I see Platinum every day, I always feel like I haven't appeared in ages. It feels like I haven't appeared for about sixty-four chapters.

Shaking his head to dismiss the strange thought that had popped up out of nowhere, the Emperor of the East Sea rested his chin on his hand listlessly.

The Emperor of the East Sea was naturally a frequent recipient of chocolates. A child as outstanding as the Emperor naturally had many admirers. The Emperor of the East Sea wouldn't embarrass anyone; he would never refuse a chocolate if someone mustered the courage to offer it to him.

I learned from the chairman that I must not let the other racehorse girls be sad and to cherish the racehorse girls around me.

but···

Thinking of this, the Emperor of the East Sea couldn't help but puff out his cheeks.

The amount of chocolate sent by different people is different.

So... what about the president's chocolate? What about McQueen's chocolate? And—what about Platinum's chocolate?

Why has everyone disappeared today? They're not even showing their faces; how am I supposed to give out my chocolates?

The president's words... the East Sea Emperor could understand. When he was bored like this, he would usually just go to the student council to hang out.

Today was an exception. The student council chamber was now a scene of carnage, a veritable battlefield. It was a hellish place that even Qi Gao and Narita Shirahito dared not step into.

Because—not only Rudolph, but also Mejiro Takamine and Tokai are naturally in that student council.

With Mejiro Peak and Tokai Nature at the head, the emperor's concubines are usually well-behaved as if there are no conflicts... It's truly admirable that Rudolf's symbol is worthy of being called Rudolf's symbol.

But that was really just a period of conserving energy. Every year on White Valentine's Day, when inner emotions find their perfect outlet—the nightmare symbolized by Rudolf is about to begin.

Last year, Megumi no Takamine and Tokai naturally fought so hard that they broke into Rudolf's house, forcing her to slink back to her hometown for a night. This year, the two clashed directly in the student council. After Rudolf was dragged in this morning, not a sound came out of the door, only a deathly silence.

What about Megumi McQueen? Surely he wouldn't go to support his own sister? Knowing the Emperor of the East Sea as he does, that fat man can forget everything, but he'll remember festivals like this where he can easily show off his sweets.

Hmph, all that effort I put into preparing the sweetest honey chocolate for her was for nothing...

And Platinum, Platinum! I heard that guy distributed chocolates to the whole school, why did I get left out?!

The thought of platinum made the Emperor of the East Sea hesitate again.

This time it wasn't because of the chocolate... but ever since returning from Hong Kong, Donghai Diwang has felt that Platinum is acting strangely.

Oh dear, that's not quite right either. It's not that Platinum is weird, it's that my relationship with Platinum is weird. I don't know why, but I just can't treat Platinum the same way I used to.

Every time I see Platinum, the image of her crossing the finish line alongside Golden Gun Sixty involuntarily comes to mind.

That was truly...an incredibly beautiful scene. After the intense burning, a dazzling display of fireworks erupted on the field. The fireworks were so magnificent that even the Golden Gun Sixty paled in comparison.

I was somewhat dissatisfied when the president made the decision, and I still felt resentful until the competition.

—Why give this opportunity to Platinum?

—Why not for me?

Although the president had explained to him that there were scheduling reasons, the Emperor of the East Sea knew that this was not the final word.

The president... must think that Platinum is stronger than her. She's the strongest genius in our class.

This made the East Sea Emperor, who had always been number one since childhood, feel very uncomfortable, and he couldn't believe that the president didn't believe him after spending so much time with him.

Although it's shameful to say it out loud... at that time, even though I called myself Platinum's older sister... I still felt jealous of her, right?

And the final outcome proved the president's decision to be wise. Against all odds, Platinum became the biggest dark horse and won the championship!

Upon seeing Platinum win the championship, the Emperor of the East Sea couldn't help but press his hand to his chest.

If I were the one standing on the field... the Emperor of the East Sea, could I achieve such results?

There is no answer. Or the answer is obvious.

It's just that the Emperor of the East Sea himself didn't want to think about it.

This compromised yet distant attitude has continued until now.

Satsuki Shō... he will fight Platinum face to face.

This was the first fight between the two.

The Emperor of the East Sea now feels a mix of pride, guilt, and even a little fear whenever he thinks of Bai Jin.

Sigh... such a somber mood... it doesn't seem like the demeanor of an emperor.

The Eastern Sea Emperor forced a smile. She stretched and stood up.

"Alright, since McQueen isn't coming to find me... then let's go to the training grounds."

The thought of platinum instantly dampened the Emperor of the East Sea's interest in White Valentine's Day.

The thought of the two facing off at the Satsuki Sho in the near future made the Emperor of the East Sea restless.

With my current abilities, can I beat Platinum?

The East Sea Emperor was uncertain. She was genuinely unsure whether she could defeat her opponent. This was the first time in the East Sea Emperor's tournament schedule.

There's no use thinking about it now... Just as the Emperor of the East Sea was thinking this, he felt something was off about the sensation on his feet.

Strange... The Emperor of the East Sea squatted down to look under the bench, only to be startled and fall to the ground with a thud.

"This this···"

Platinum lay sprawled on the bench with her legs curled up and her arms wrapped around her chest. Upon seeing the Emperor of the East Sea, she quickly pointed her finger and desperately tried to shush him.

"What's going on?"

"Keep your voice down... I barely managed to escape..." Platinum didn't answer the East Sea Emperor's question. Instead, he twitched his ears and listened around to make sure there was no one else around before continuing.

"Especially Ibuki Mai Kagura and Koi Leaping Over the Dragon Gate... they've practically gone crazy for chocolate..."

Platinum couldn't help but shudder at the thought of the horrific scene he had just experienced.

That was probably what they called a "battleground," a memory I absolutely don't want to recall.

Episode 161 This is the real war.

The incident began when the person who came to see me at noon saw Ibuki Mai Kagura showing off her skills after leaping over the dragon gate.

"Chocolate... I have two whole pieces!"

After being comforted by Leo Deban, Ibuki Kagura became so engrossed in her theory that she wanted to glue two pieces of chocolate to her face so that everyone could see them.

Hehehe, I have two chocolates, while you only have one.

In Platinum's heart, it's obvious which one is more important, right?

After saying that, Ibuki Kagura seemed to think that Koi Leaping Over the Dragon Gate's reaction wasn't intense enough, so she blew a kiss to Koi Leaping Over the Dragon Gate and winked: "No one who is a support horse girl who is with you every day... would only receive a piece of chocolate on White Day, right?"

No way, really? No one can catch up to the progress in just one day, right?

After half a year of planning, this is all the progress I've made?

Truly—a nobody! A nobody!

Someone like you is still dreaming of winning a battle by developing feelings over time? Let's not even talk about whether you'll end up just being best friends. Even if you're about to achieve victory and are just one step away, someone like you will still hesitate.

Ibuki Maikaku was different; she had a very clear understanding and awareness of her own position.

I am a humble woman! A sudden infatuation plus a persistent pursuit—that's my most powerful weapon!

What kind of opponent could maintain their formation under such an offensive? They would all be routed!

Then, Ibuki Kagura smiled and wrapped her arms around Shirokin's left arm, saying sweetly, "Don't you think so... Onee-sama?"

Upon hearing Ibuki Mai Kagura's voice, Platinum got goosebumps all over his body.

Everyone prefers compromise. Originally, Platinum wanted to say that her arm was hurting from being poked by Ibuki Kagura's ribs and asked her to relax a bit.

Upon hearing the sound of her blowing into his ear, Platinum compromised, not wanting her to let go, but simply wanting Ibuki Kagura to stop talking like that.

Platinum finally understood why Sixty Gun and Rudolph symbolized trembling all over upon hearing her own voice. She herself, upon hearing it, indeed trembled.

"Ibuki Kagura..."

Platinum's tongue was trembling.

"Big sister, just call me Kagura~" Ibuki Masako blinked shyly, constantly sending flirtatious glances to Platinum, her demeanor full of humility.

—Click!

Li Yuelongmen smiled, but veins bulged on her forehead. Her hands gripped the doorframe tightly, the wooden frame bearing the clear imprint of her fingers. The sound just now came from the doorframe finally giving way under its weight.

This chestnut-colored mosquito... it's getting energetic, isn't it?

Seeing Ibuki Mai Kagura holding Platinum, Koi Leaps Over the Dragon Gate felt an urge to kill her.

Those arms, as delicate as white lotus roots! Those arms, as smooth and warm as jade!

You haven't even touched it yourself, how dare you lay a hand on it?

At this moment, Li Yuelong was filled with grief and indignation. If Bai Jin hadn't been there, she would have wanted to rush up and bite that beast.

You are the filth that pollutes the world... a pest that should not exist... a cancer that only has a negative effect!

You tried to seduce Platinum with your shallow body that has no looks whatsoever, but you don't know that a soulmate is the one who is steadfast and devoted!

“Ah Li…”

Bai Jin turned to look at the carp leaping over the dragon gate, and immediately broke out in a cold sweat. She didn't know why, but at this moment, the smiling carp leaping over the dragon gate felt incredibly terrifying.

"Platinum...you certainly won't favor one over the other...right?" Carp Leaps Over the Dragon Gate walked forward with a grin, taking the opportunity to take Platinum's right arm and looking at her with eyes full of tenderness and affection.

Platinum felt completely trapped by the two people. Only then did she realize that she seemed to be caught in a vortex created by these two individuals.

"Uh...of course..."

No sooner had Platinum finished speaking than Carp Leaping Over the Dragon Gate eagerly pulled another chocolate from Platinum's drawer. His fingers moved so fast they left afterimages.

"Hey you..." Ibuki Kagura also reached out to stop Koi Leaping Over the Dragon Gate, but she was shorter than Koi Leaping Over the Dragon Gate and her body had shrunk considerably, so she couldn't reach it. "How come you took two chocolates at once?"