Chapter 134.
Following the thunderous applause of her first song, Mejiro Dober offered a deep bow and disappeared backstage to prepare for her highly anticipated encore.
Because Maruzensky had already tipped off the press, the thousands of fans in the stands—and the millions watching the live broadcast—knew exactly what this final performance meant. This song would be Dober's ultimate answer, her true explanation for the shocking retirement declaration she had posted earlier.
I wonder what kind of song she chose.
Shuta Ann thought, his anxiety slowly mounting in the audience. He had already faced the media sharks, defending her choice with everything he had. Now, it was entirely up to Dober to convey her own heart to the world.
Please let it be a song that truly captures your feelings, Dober.
The young man prayed silently, his eyes locked on the empty, darkened stage.
Backstage, Dober adjusted her summer-themed racing outfit. She took a deep, trembling breath.
"Hoo... it's a bit chilly wearing a summer clothes in late autumn."
The backstage crew didn't dare interrupt her focus; they simply offered polite, encouraging smiles.
Shaking off the nerves, Dober did a final equipment check. Confirming her earpiece and mic were secure, she stepped onto the hydraulic lift and flashed a thumbs-up to the stage director.
"OK!"
The crew scrambled to activate the sequence. First up was a special VCR produced by the URA, projected onto the stadium's JumboTron.
Standing in the dark beneath the stage, Dober closed her eyes and listened to the audio of a video she hadn't even seen yet.
Up in the stands, Shuta Ann watched as the massive screen flickered to life.
[America, Hollywood Park Racetrack]
An Uma Musume wearing a sharp suit and glasses appeared on the screen. The subtitle identified her as Laragh, the runner-up of the inaugural Breeder's Cup Turf Tiara.
"My impression of Mejiro Dober?" Laragh tilted her head, a wry smile forming. "To be honest, I still have vision about that Breeder's Cup. She blew past us in a split second and instantly opened a gap of several lengths. My Trainer and I just looked at each other; there was absolutely nothing we could do against an Umamusume like that."
Laragh paused, her expression softening into admiration.
"After my injury sidelined me, I transitioned into a Trainer's course. My ultimate goal now is to train a Triple Tiara Uma Musume as breathtaking as her."
[Australia, Rosehill Racecourse]
"Mejiro Dober is terrifyingly strong." shrugged the legendary Australian Uma Musume, Godolphin, who was now transitioning into the Dream Trophy Series. "That Queen Elizabeth Stakes was the first time I was completely, utterly convinced of my own defeat. If the stars ever align, I would love nothing more than to race her again in the Dream Cup."
[England, York Racecourse]
"It is a profound tragedy that Miss Mejiro Dober did not register for the Yorkshire Oaks this year." the Chairman of York Racecourse sighed heavily on screen. "Had she graced our turf, we all believe she would have achieved an unprecedented three consecutive victories."
[France, Longchamp Racecourse]
"Miss Mejiro Dober is, without question, Reinedumonde—the true Queen of the World." acclaimed legendary trainer André Fabre. "Her deceleration in the final stretch of the Prix Vermeille was absurd; even while holding back, she shattered the course record by 0.1 seconds. It is terrifying to imagine what would have happened if she had gone all out. She is the ultimate, perfect realization of the Triple Tiara route, all thanks to Mr. Shuta."
Not at all, Shuta Ann muttered to himself in the stands, lowering his head humbly. It was all her.
As the ten-minute tribute video concluded, featuring old rivals from across the globe sending their blessings, the stadium fell into a breathless hush.
The hydraulic lift hummed to life, and Mejiro Dober ascended onto the center stage.
""Forward "."
She announced softly into her microphone.
The massive screen behind her instantly shifted into a vibrant, sun-drenched beach scene. The stage spotlights converged on Dober, her summer racing outfit glowing under the intense illumination.
A catchy, upbeat violin melody soared through the stadium speakers.
The tempo... it's not a sorrowful ballad at all, Shuta Ann realized. A wave of immense relief washed over him, loosening the knot in his chest.
Instead of reproducing the full lyrics of her chosen song here, the essence of Dober's performance told a beautiful, relatable story. The song was a bright, emotional anthem about a girl walking down a sunflower-lined road, bound by the strict, sensible discipline of adults.
It told the story of how she almost forgot her true reason for running—until she witnessed someone else chasing their dreams with everything they had under a clear summer sky. It was a song about embracing detours, turning setbacks into fresh starts, and refusing to stand still.
Approaching the emotional peak of the chorus, Dober pulled the microphone from its stand. Her resolute, amethyst eyes swept across the sea of glowing penlights in the audience.
"Once again, taking running steps, my heart boiling with passion!" she sang out, her voice echoing with unshakable conviction. "Life is about constantly running, unable to bear standing still!"
Shuta Ann stared blankly at the stage. The Undefeated Triple Crown Queen was dancing and singing with an absolute, unrestrained freedom.
This is Dober—
He thought, completely mesmerized. Compared to the explosive passion she was radiating right now, all her previous Winning Lives felt like mere routine obligations.
As the backing track swelled into the final verse, Dober's voice trembled slightly. Tears shimmered in the corners of her eyes, but her smile never wavered. The entire stadium of fans began to sing along, their united voices shaking the very foundations of Kyoto Racecourse.
When the final violin chord faded into silence, Mejiro Dober stood at the edge of the stage, gripping the microphone with both hands. She closed her eyes, letting the roaring cheers wash over her one last time.
Slowly, she crouched down. With the utmost care and reverence, she placed the microphone onto the stage floor.
"Goodbye."
She whispered, mouthing the words to the thousands of fans who had supported her journey.
She stood up, turned her back to the roaring crowd, and walked off her exclusive stage for the very last time, leaving without a single trace of hesitation.
Down in the VIP section, Tokai Teio watched her senior's retreating silhouette, her heart swelling with an indescribable surge of emotion.
"When I retire—" Teio tugged gently on Shuta Ann's sleeve, her voice barely a whisper. "My final live performance has to be exactly like that."
"When that day comes, your fans might riot. They'll be far too reluctant to let you go."
Shuta Ann replied softly, offering a faint smile. Teio's legendary status practically guaranteed a national meltdown upon her retirement.
"No."
Tokai Teio shook her head slowly, her eyes still glued to the empty stage where the microphone rested.
"There will never be a retirement live more unforgettable than Dober-senpai's."