In the end, the planned two-person run became a lively three-person sprint.
For most Uma Musume, joint runs like these weren't particularly serious affairs. Usually, by the final stretch, they would dissolve into playful teasing—especially when two of the three girls involved had such energetic personalities.
Gotham Song allowed herself to enjoy these carefree moments, savoring the kind of ordinary high school life she'd once admired from afar.
After spending the entire morning together and having lunch, Tokai Teio clearly intended to continue training with Gotham Song. However, the black-haired Uma Musume politely excused herself at that moment.
She had already made plans to meet Oguri Cap today, after all.
Though… why do I feel a bit guilty, like some Casanova picking flowers everywhere? Gotham Song shrugged off the thought.
After bidding farewell, she quickly left the training ground, heading toward the area Oguri Cap usually frequented.
Unnoticed by Gotham Song, Symboli Rudolf remained behind, quietly watching her departing figure, lost in thought for a long time.
Or perhaps... lost in memories?
For some reason, Symboli Rudolf had an inexplicable feeling she'd met Gotham Song long before today.
"Prez?"
Why this strange sense of déjà vu...?
"Prez!"
No. She'd definitely met her somewhere, but where...? More importantly, when?
"Prez!"
Tokai Teio wrapped her arms tightly around Rudolf's waist, finally bringing the usually composed Rudolf back from her dazed state.
"Prez, are you alright?" Teio asked anxiously.
"Hm? Why wouldn't I be, Teio?"
"Because your expression just now seemed… painful?"
Teio had never seen Rudolf like this before. Struggling to describe her feelings, she spoke honestly and directly from instinct.
She had the absurd sense that if she hadn't snapped Rudolf out of it just now, the older Uma Musume might have sunk deeper into her thoughts, perhaps leading to something worse.
That's why she'd become so anxious, even resorting to physical contact.
Rudolf reflected carefully on her previous state, finally realizing with a lingering chill how odd she'd just acted.
Indeed, she had felt as if something was pressing down on an old wound—but why?
There's no reason…
Unable to figure it out, Rudolf redirected her attention, trying to identify what had triggered such a reaction.
Is it related to Gotham Song? Perhaps I should keep a closer eye on her.
"Speaking of which, Teio, what do you think about Gotham Song?"
Rudolf didn't dwell too long. Instead, she took Teio's hand, heading toward the student council office, asking casually as if making small talk.
The answer Teio gave, however, was completely unexpected.
"Gotham Song… She's a really challenging rival! I definitely want to beat her someday!"
Such high praise. Anyone who could earn that level of respect from Tokai Teio was certainly no weakling.
"But it's a shame she isn't interested in the Triple Crown races, huh..."
Tokai Teio never feared a challenge—in fact, she loved it. Her first thought upon encountering a strong fellow Uma Musume was to beat her fair and square on the grandest stage possible—the Triple Crown.
"It's fine. There'll be other opportunities, right? After all, didn't she say she'd be aiming for the Japan Cup?"
Teio's eyes immediately brightened.
Right!
Even if Gotham Song didn't race in the Triple Crown, why couldn't Teio challenge her in the Japan Cup?
Hehehe, I'll give you a huge surprise then, Song! Don't disappoint Teio!
Looking in the direction Gotham Song had left, Tokai Teio's face broke into a wild, almost crazed grin.
She had a feeling Gotham Song might become a lifelong rival.
Whether on or off the track, I just want to monopolize your attention, Song. After all, maybe we're fated to be eternal rivals.
Meanwhile, Gotham Song remained blissfully unaware of the father-daughter duo's intense thoughts. After being thoroughly tormented by Oguri Cap's absurd energy, she collapsed onto the nearby grass, resembling a peaceful corpse.
In short—despite Gotham Song's formidable stamina, Oguri Cap's sheer enthusiasm far exceeded that of any normal Uma Musume.
What exactly had they done?
Simply put, they had run wildly the entire afternoon, with Oguri Cap chasing Gotham Song like she'd spotted a delicious all-you-can-eat buffet.
Wasn't this supposed to be a casual joint run?
The way you're charging at me with glowing red eyes and activating your [Unique Skill]—this is clearly no ordinary training!
Since so many people were watching, Gotham Song couldn't even activate her Twilight form. She could only awkwardly maintain a small lead, fleeing desperately from Oguri Cap.
Simply put—it was agony. Pure agony.
Never once have I found running with Oguri Cap enjoyable...
After finally catching her breath, Gotham Song shakily rose to her feet—only to receive another hopeful stare from an endlessly energetic Oguri Cap that nearly sent her back to the ground.
Please stop! You're a legend, I'm a legend, but you're downright terrifying, Oguri Cap!
Firmly rejecting Oguri's next eager invitation—withstanding even Oguri Cap's pleading puppy-dog eyes—Gotham Song managed to escape. As she jogged away down a secluded wooded path, she suddenly came face to face with an unexpected figure.
Mejiro Ardan? When did she arrive?
Gotham Song didn't bother hiding herself. Spotting her easily, Mejiro Ardan approached directly, clearly intending to speak to her cute junior.
Recognizing Ardan, Gotham Song saw no need to flee. Instead, she stood still, ears twitching slightly, as Ardan drew close.
"Twin Turbo told me you'd be here. Good afternoon, Song."
Gotham Song politely returned the greeting, waiting expectantly for what Ardan would say next. She doubted Ardan would've come here just to say hello.
Ardan looked unusually shy. After a brief hesitation, she finally spoke.
"Little Song, could you… come with me tonight to meet a few people? It's been so long since I've seen them, and I think it would be easier if someone were there with me."
Meeting people, huh?
It wasn't as if she couldn't…
Thanks to Gotham Song's persistent efforts, her relationship with Ardan had improved greatly. Although they weren't yet exceptionally close, they had grown quite comfortable around each other. Today's invitation was proof enough of that.
"Of course I can…but may I ask who we're meeting?"
"Mm…well... My sister, Mejiro Ramonu."