"Munch munch munch... You're saying that for McQueen, you're going to use your full strength?"
"Yeah, exactly. So you'd better be ready to face me at my absolute best."
Oguri Cap continued attacking her food with gusto, while Gotham Song idly watched Kitasan, who was happily running alongside her little sister. She absentmindedly offered another morsel to the ever-hungry Uma Musume beside her.
"It's fine. Actually, I'd prefer it if you went all-out anyway. Rather, a race against you wouldn't mean as much unless you gave it your best."
After all, Oguri Cap wasn't here solely for the sake of winning the Japan Cup. She was here specifically because she wanted to face a serious Gotham Song on this grand stage.
Oguri really is impressive, Gotham Song mused. Only someone like Oguri Cap could confidently say something like that while facing a formidable rival.
And calling Gotham Song "strong" at this point wasn't narcissism at all.
Even without the legacy attached to Twilight Song, Gotham Song herself had already claimed more than enough victories to prove her strength.
Since Oguri had no reservations, then why should she hesitate any longer herself?
Or rather, hadn't she made up her mind long ago?
On the day before the Japan Cup, the various Uma Musume on the field were each occupied with their own tasks.
Meeting Oguri Cap here at this moment had been somewhat unexpected—though she was also here to familiarize herself once more with the turf of the Japan Cup.
In fact, Oguri was practically a regular at this race. She'd competed several times already, although she'd yet to secure a truly satisfying victory.
That one particularly close second-place finish must've been especially bitter.
Perhaps it had even become a lingering regret?
And now, with Gotham Song competing this time, maybe Oguri felt this was the perfect opportunity to try again and finally seize that elusive victory.
Of course, Gotham Song suspected that the gray-haired dummy didn't think quite so complicatedly. Oguri probably just thought the Japan Cup was the best possible stage for a rematch against Gotham Song.
As for Kitasan Black and Vernal Equinox (Shunbun)—they had practically become daily fixtures here.
Throughout this entire week leading up to the Japan Cup, these two had been showing up near the track every day, joining Gotham Song almost as regularly as a timed respawn.
Incidentally, since Tokai Teio wasn't participating in the Japan Cup at all, Kitasan Black had completely switched her allegiances.
Supporting Miss Teio's greatest rival is just indirectly supporting Miss Teio herself! Besides, those two got so cozy back during the Kikuka Sho.
Even if Teio and Gotham Song race against each other again in the future, my heart has already chosen a side!
This was probably how Gotham Song viewed Kitasan Black at the moment: a passionate warrior fueled entirely by roaring engines and excitement.
Vernal Equinox was far simpler and gentler by comparison.
This sweet little girl simply wanted to see Gotham Song, so she kept showing up day after day.
Such adorable, sincere behavior warmed Gotham Song's heart, prompting her to openly promise Vernal Equinox that she was welcome to visit anytime, rather than having to seek out opportunities like this.
Still, there was one other thing that gave Gotham Song some extra peace of mind…
Speaking of Kitasan Black, wasn't it strange that Satono Diamond hadn't shown up even once in these past few days?
That troublesome Uma Musume—the real headache who caused chaos whenever she appeared—was actually behaving herself for once?
Gotham Song wasn't sure what to think, but secretly, she breathed a sigh of relief.
You can't rest yet, because Satono Diamond is lurking nearby.
It was exactly that unsettling feeling. Fortunately, until now, that frightening Uma Musume had yet to make an appearance.
Even on this last afternoon, when the sun was beginning to set and training was about to conclude, there was still no sign of her.
Gotham Song rose, about to bid farewell to Oguri Cap and run one final lap with Vernal Equinox, when the gray-haired glutton suddenly spoke up behind her.
"But Song... can you really unleash your full power right now?"
"My full power…? What do you mean?"
Oguri Cap hesitated, clearly struggling to find the right words.
"Well... Kitahara once told me something important. If you haven't pushed your body to its absolute limit for a long time, you might find it difficult to reach it again. After retiring, I experienced something similar myself."
"Your body stops listening."
Ah, she's talking about that.
As a seasoned, battle-hardened Uma Musume, Gotham Song immediately grasped Oguri's meaning.
Why did professional Uma Musume, even if they continued training after retirement, inevitably see their racing performance decline sharply?
The answer was simple: it was all about habit and control.
After retirement, many continued regular training, but because they no longer needed to push themselves to the brink, their bodies gradually lost their edge. When they suddenly needed to summon their peak performance again, their bodies refused to cooperate.
Their instincts for high-intensity running had grown dull.
Oguri Cap, who'd been semi-retired for quite a while now, understood this all too well. She'd experienced this very problem.
And Gotham Song's situation wasn't so different.
She'd frequently competed in intense races, yet even these efforts hadn't truly touched the limits of her potential. Perhaps—
Had Gotham Song's body become accustomed to conserving strength, rather than relentlessly breaking through her own limits?
This was Oguri's real concern, the reason she asked.
However, this wasn't much of a barrier for Gotham Song.
After all, in the recent Kikuka Sho, hadn't she pushed herself far beyond any previous limit?
As long as Gotham Song was prepared to pay the necessary price, she could easily reach her maximum potential.
What truly challenged her wasn't reaching her known limit—it was surpassing it.
But if all she needed was to fully unleash her innate potential?
At least for now…
Gotham Song was overflowing with determination.
"Don't worry. I can do it. Just look forward to our race."
"Our race… and the way we'll run."
Oguri Cap said nothing further. She simply nodded blankly, and Gotham Song trotted off to catch up with Vernal Equinox.
Seeing Gotham Song approach, Kitasan Black and Vernal Equinox paused their practice. Alongside Donna, the four gathered at the edge of the track.
Gentildonna herself would soon become busy as well—busy with her own races.
Though she had been yet to debut when they first met, given Gentildonna's talent, she should have been pursuing victories much earlier. At Gotham Song's recommendation—and with advice from Dancing Brave and Secretariat—Gentildonna's debut race would come very soon.
Next year would belong to Donna's own Classic races.
Truthfully, Gotham Song felt she hadn't done much for Gentildonna. The most she'd provided was companionship during training runs. Yet Gentildonna had repeatedly insisted that running alongside Gotham Song was already ample reward.
Over time, Gotham Song had grown used to Gentildonna quietly following wherever she went—admittedly, it provided a reassuring sense of security.
Even so, Mejiro Ramonu occasionally still worried. So Gotham Song's outings typically included Gentildonna plus someone from Mejiro Manor as an escort.
Today, though, since they were just near the track, it was safe enough to have only Gentildonna around. Ardan-neechan and Ramonu-neechan were close by anyway.
But now, upon Gotham Song's approach, who expressed happiness most clearly?
It was Vernal Equinox, who wore her usual blank expression.
Though her face revealed little, the excited twitching of her ears and swishing of her tail completely betrayed her feelings. Gotham Song found this adorable, stepping forward and crouching down in front of the young filly.
"Vernal-chan, remember the thing I promised but haven't given you yet? If you guess right, you'll get a reward!"
"Something big sister hasn't given me yet… Hmm. Is it from our promise during the last race?"
The promised "award ceremony" that had been interrupted?
"Correct! You're so smart, Vernal-chan. Then your reward is spending a whole day out with big sister. How's that sound?"
Gentildonna's mouth twitched slightly. She watched as Gotham Song playfully took a medal from her skirt pocket, pinning it neatly onto Vernal Equinox's clothes, her expression full of childish excitement.
Why does this feel exactly like she's just using Vernal as an excuse to go out herself?
Honestly, Gentildonna's image of Gotham Song was rather contradictory. To Gentildonna, Gotham Song represented absolute strength—a peerless winner who effortlessly claimed victory after victory. For an Uma Musume who chased strength, that was enough reason to follow her unconditionally.
Yet occasionally, Gotham Song displayed moments of playful childishness that left Gentildonna questioning her impression.
Is this really the kind of immature behavior you'd expect from such a powerful Uma Musume?
Gentildonna kept her doubts quiet, though. For now, her role was simply to follow. Only if their positions were reversed someday would she voice such thoughts.
Under Gentildonna's watchful gaze, Vernal Equinox obediently nodded, accepting Gotham Song's invitation. With that, the three headed off for one final run.
As the sun's glow dimmed further, they concluded their preparations on the turf. Gotham Song then led the group back to their shared accommodations.
Naturally, Kitasan Black and Vernal Equinox didn't stay nearby, so the four of them had booked rooms at the same inn. Oguri Cap, on the other hand, had different plans—
She intended to explore the nearby shopping street's buffet.
Well, Gotham Song hoped Oguri would manage. This time, she wasn't planning to help.
She was already considered a "close acquaintance" and enjoyed significant discounts at practically every buffet in Tracen's shopping street!
After parting ways with Oguri Cap, during the short walk back, Gotham Song finally encountered the Uma Musume she'd been silently wary of all day.
As if she'd known exactly where Gotham Song would pass, Satono Diamond stood conspicuously at the corner of the small street.
At the sight of her, Vernal Equinox immediately tensed, anxiously gripping Gotham Song's sleeve.
She really doesn't like Satono Diamond, huh? Gotham Song thought. But hiding forever wouldn't solve anything. Maybe facing her head-on now would be best?
She gently patted Vernal Equinox's head reassuringly, then slowly stepped forward under everyone's watchful gaze.
Satono Diamond hadn't yet grown as tall as Kitasan Black, but clearly, she was already maturing. Gotham Song had to tilt her head slightly upward to meet her gaze.
Seeing Gotham Song approaching willingly, Satono Diamond's face immediately brightened with happiness.
"Song-neechan! I finally get to see you again. Will you come home with me after the race?"
"Ahem, Diamond…? Let's talk about that later, okay? Besides, your enrollment at Central Tracen Academy is coming up soon, right?"
We'll have plenty of chances to meet again after you enroll anyway.
"Oh... is that so…"
Satono Diamond's ears drooped in clear disappointment. Gotham Song sighed helplessly.
"Come here. Lower your head."
As Satono Diamond obediently leaned down, Gotham Song reached up and gently stroked her head.
Why do I feel like I've become a head-patting specialist? Oh well. Diamond's still practically a child, right? This kind of reassurance should be the fastest way to soothe her.
"I still have many things I have to do, Diamond. But if I finish all of them and there's time afterward—and if you still want—I'll consider it."
Satono Diamond's ears perked back up, and she stared earnestly at Gotham Song.
The young lady of the Satono family nodded firmly.
Then I'll remember this promise. Hehe, I won't give up easily!
She hadn't gotten exactly what she wanted, but she'd secured a promise—making Satono Diamond surprisingly easy to placate. Happily promising to witness Gotham Song's victory, she practically bounced away. Even Kitasan Black stared after her in confusion… or envy?
Gotham Song caught Kitasan's odd look and tilted her head, puzzled. But since Kitasan was such a straightforward girl, she immediately voiced her desire.
"Kita…? What's wrong?"
"Me too!"
Huh? You too?
Kitasan lowered her head quietly, waiting expectantly.
Gotham Song sighed softly, smiling with amused resignation as she reached out to gently pat Kitasan Black's head.
She then mischievously glanced sideways at—
Gentildonna.
"Ah, no! Th-that's okay, Miss Song… really…"