Gotham Song and Phantom Ruka didn't have another chance to speak.
It was Mejiro McQueen's turn to make her appearance. Gotham Song quietly watched the Uma Musume, who pointedly avoided her gaze, silently imagining the events that might unfold next.
It was Gotham Song's own little schemes that had firmly pushed McQueen to race in this Japan Cup—but what about McQueen's popularity ranking today?
Known as the "Second Coming of Ruka," the "White Augustus," and URA's Horse Girl of the Year contender, Mejiro McQueen was entering this year's Japan Cup ranked third in popularity.
Emerging from the competitor's tunnel, she jogged elegantly toward the platform, waving gently at each of her cheering supporters.
Of course, if McQueen ranked third, who were second and first?
Second in popularity was none other than—Gotham Song herself.
This was only natural, because first place was occupied by Oguri Cap—the legendary Oguri Cap.
In the Uma Musume world, some things were simply insurmountable: Twilight Song's achievements as an escape specialist, for instance, or…
Oguri Cap's overwhelming popularity in Japan.
Practically every race Oguri Cap entered meant nobody else stood a chance at topping her in popularity.
Much like Seabiscuit's status in America.
Not that other Uma Musume weren't popular, but—
Seabiscuit and Oguri Cap were practically national symbols, the most beloved and iconic Uma Musume in the United States and Japan, respectively.
Trying to beat Seabiscuit's popularity in America, or Oguri Cap's in Japan?
Are you alright?
Wake up, stop dreaming already.
It was essentially that kind of situation.
"Song, winning the Japan Cup qualifies you to race in the Arima Kinen, you know…"
"I'm aware…? Why bring that up all of a sudden?"
Just as the cheers for Mejiro McQueen began to fade, Oguri Cap quietly appeared beside Gotham Song, whispering gently, leaving her momentarily confused.
"I just mean, no matter which of us wins today, let's race again in the Arima Kinen."
"Let's put on the grandest performance imaginable as a gift to the fans."
The Arima Kinen… It was such a famous race that even Gotham Song, who'd once known nothing about Uma Musume, had heard of it. So…
"Alright, I promise, Oguri. Let's stay rivals then, too."
Oguri Cap smiled, bright and happy, but before she could reply, a profound hush fell outside the competitor's tunnel.
It was the calm before the storm, the expectant pause before the audience erupted in cheers.
Sensing this, Oguri Cap stepped behind Gotham Song and placed her hands softly on her shoulders, gently urging her forward.
"You've never properly enjoyed your own walkout parade before, have you? Go on."
Go tell your supporters clearly:
Gotham Song has arrived.
"Well then…I'll be off, Oguri."
Gotham Song said no more. Clutching her staff, she began to walk forward, her footsteps echoing crisply until they touched the soft grass, the sound gradually fading into the background.
The world around her was quiet, filled only with a gentle breeze and countless expectant eyes.
"Now stepping onto the field is today's highly anticipated second-most popular runner, hailing from America. She's defeated all challengers with unstoppable force and delivered an unforgettable performance alongside Tokai Teio in the recent Kikuka Sho—Gotham Song!"
"Indeed, just looking at her strength, it's clear she's formidable. Speaking of the Kikuka Sho, I spotted Tokai Teio in the stands today as well. That race truly moved everyone—rivals and fans alike."
Gotham Song continued slowly forward, choosing not to jog, instead savoring each deliberate step toward the presentation stage.
The Japan Cup's entry arrangement was unusual. Rather than emerging directly by the stage, the competitors had to cross from the tunnel along a path beneath the spectator stands, walking its entire length before reaching their introduction.
Wasn't this arrangement unnecessary?
If it were just about convenience, wouldn't the normal route be simpler?
But what if it was intentional—what if it was meant for something else entirely?
Gotham Song raised her hand high, and as she did, applause began to ripple outward, swelling with every step she took.
"Win it for us, Song-san!"
"Yeah, we've been fed up with those URA guys for ages!"
For the very first time, Gotham Song clearly heard individual cheers and encouragement from her own fans.
This really is the first time, huh? Since the overwhelming support after the Kikuka Sho, she'd wondered how it would feel when it finally happened. But now, experiencing it in reality—
This feeling truly fills your heart with excitement…
She thought she finally understood why Uma Musume always longed for the racetrack. It wasn't just the exhilarating wind when running—it was also the countless hopes and affection carried by that same breeze, the anticipation and excitement shared between runner and spectator.
"Onee-chan…do you think we'll ever race together on the track someday?"
A young Uma Musume's voice reached her—soft, timid, yet filled with yearning.
Gotham Song smiled softly in reply.
"I'll be waiting, so hurry and catch up."
"Song-san! You've got to win! I've wanted to see you beat those useless idiots at URA forever!"
"Ah, then I definitely won't disappoint you. Wait for my good news."
Then, as she walked further, she spotted Tokai Teio, unable to clap due to being seated in her wheelchair.
"Are you ready, Teio?"
"Huh…? What do you mean, Song?"
Gotham Song leapt up, clearly landing a crisp high-five with Teio.
They were both rather short, weren't they? But that was no obstacle.
As long as we want to, anything is possible—right?
Without stopping, Gotham Song winked and continued jogging forward.
She passed Vernal Equinox, Ardan-nee, Ramonu-nee, and countless familiar yet fleeting faces—even those she'd never seen before…
Yet now, as Gotham Song's steps took her from that tunnel, from a filly once forgotten, to this moment of absolute focus…
From days when she had only a single supporter in the stands, to now, when nearly a quarter of the crowd cheered her name…!
Recognizing just how much had changed, Gotham Song finally ascended the stage, spreading her arms wide, as if embracing the entire world.
What were all these people here to see?
What were her fans hoping for?
What had she worked so hard to achieve?
A glorious, exhilarating victory.
If that's the case…
Then let's go to war.
Augustus—she rather liked that title. Although she'd been given a prefix now: the "Augustus of Deepest Night," meant to contrast with McQueen's silver-white brilliance…
Sorry about that, my foolish little sister.
But she would be both Caesar, who first conquered the world, and Augustus, returning like lightning just when the world had nearly forgotten.
Darkness and brilliance—both belonged to her alone.
She raised her hand high, palm open for all to see—a declaration:
This would be Gotham Song's fifth victory.
"This is the first time Gotham Song hasn't taken a more provocative stance at her introduction. Honestly, it's a bit surprising—I've actually grown used to her sharpness."
"Perhaps we've just become captivated by her strength. But fifth victory, huh? Seems Gotham Song remains confident—announcing she'll claim victory even before the race has begun."
"And yet, she faces formidable rivals like Mejiro McQueen and the miracle runner, Oguri Cap."
"Confidence isn't bad, right? Now that our second-most popular entrant, Gotham Song, has made her appearance, next up is today's undisputed crowd favorite—the Miracle Runner herself, Oguri Cap!"
Gotham Song turned elegantly and stepped off the stage, observing the crowd's colors in the stands.
Oguri Cap's appeal was truly incomparable. Half the stadium supported her alone, while Gotham Song and McQueen roughly split the rest.
That's an undeniable gap in popularity, Oguri. But popularity alone won't beat me—I promise you.
Gotham Song closed her eyes, conserving energy until Oguri Cap finished her entrance and approached.
"Ready, Song? Though I'm really curious about that method you mentioned earlier."
Oguri's eyes glowed with undisguised curiosity—a rarity except when she was eating. But Oguri was truly passionate about racing, so it was understandable.
Gotham Song's response, however, was simple:
"You'll know soon enough. But for now—it's a secret."
With that, Gotham Song stepped calmly into the starting gate.
She had gate number six; Oguri Cap had eight, and Mejiro McQueen stood closer to the inner rail at four.
Given that arrangement, how would this race unfold?
It was clear enough: Mejiro McQueen, positioned advantageously, would unquestionably attempt a great escape—her only real option. For her, this race wasn't merely about victory; it was a declaration that she alone was the rightful inheritor of Twilight Song's legacy.
Oguri Cap, as always, would stick to her signature running style, holding steady in mid-pack until surging forward in the final stages.
And Gotham Song—given past performances, what approach should she choose?
Definitely not a big escape.
Yet…
Though I don't know if Phantom Ruka warned you, McQueen…
If you've been preparing based on my previous late-running tactics, you've already fallen behind before we even begin.
Perhaps it was time to remind her little sister what genuine care felt like?
Gotham Song grinned softly in anticipation.
"All entrants have taken their positions. Mejiro McQueen, ranked third, has secured gate four—ideal for repeating her astonishing escape from the Ruka Stakes."
"Indeed, and as for Gotham Song—if she attempts a late surge against McQueen's escape this time, will she even be able to overtake?"
"It'll certainly be difficult. Perhaps she'll alter her strategy?"
"As for our crowd favorite, Oguri Cap, she'll likely maintain her usual style—holding position until the critical final sprint."
"I can't help but hope Oguri Cap finally claims her first Japan Cup today."
[Red]
"Yes, but honestly, no matter who wins today, it'll be spectacular. Let's look forward to it!"
[Red]
Gotham Song's breathing deepened. She slightly shifted her toes, finding a firmer foothold, casting away all extraneous thoughts.
What was the first step for Twilight Song to surpass her own limits?
Entering her absolute state of mind—complete immersion, utter focus, pure flow…
Then, just before the gates burst open—
Oguri Cap felt it most keenly. Positioned close to Gotham Song, she sensed a fierce, overwhelming presence, as though death itself had been conquered and cast aside.
Is this Song's true strength?
Yet how would she overcome a body that might now resist her commands?
Indeed—how could sluggishness be conquered? It was a question with no easy answer.
Yet if the body's sluggishness was like dampness dulling a blade…
Then let blazing flames burn it all away!
[Green!]
"The gates are open—and incredibly, Gotham Song, usually a late-runner, is surging ahead first?!"
What was Gotham Song's secret for conquering physical inertia?
Simple: turn the body into the most refined weapon imaginable, and stake everything on it.
[Ignite, body—blaze fiercely and consume everything in your path!]