"You mean—munch, munch—you agreed to Tokai Teio's request—munch, munch—in front of a national audience?"
"Oguri, swallow your food before talking."
Gotham Song stared blankly at Oguri Cap, who was happily devouring snacks beside her on the grass, momentarily at a loss for words.
After the live interview ended, Gotham Song had quickly evaded Tokai Teio and boarded the train first. On the way back, passing through the shopping district, she'd impulsively bought some snacks to nibble on later.
Then, as she passed by the training field, she spotted Oguri Cap staring at her with big, hopeful eyes.
And now, those snacks were reduced to nothing more than crumpled wrappers littered around them.
Finally, after vigorously swallowing the last bite, Oguri Cap looked seriously at Gotham Song.
Honestly, this grey-haired creature was undeniably cool when silent. Unfortunately, she had a mouth…
Well, at least that contrast was cute.
"So, you're saying you accepted Tokai Teio's declaration of rivalry on a live national broadcast?"
"Yeah, that's basically what happened."
Oguri Cap nodded slowly, seeming to understand, though her gaze discreetly wandered towards the now-empty snack bags.
"But it's pretty surprising that Tokai Teio chose you as her rival simply because Symboli Rudolf had high expectations of you."
Symboli Rudolf! You Tamamo-chasing fool—this is all your fault!
In Gotham Song's heart, Symboli Rudolf immediately jumped to the very top of her blacklist.
Seriously, she's unbearably irritating!
I beg you, come back already—my proud Symboli Rudolf, the Uma Musume I once didn't actively hate. Even if I curse you now, it won't hurt me one bit!
"It sounds almost like an inheritance of sorts. Tokai Teio challenged you to gain Rudolf's approval."
"If it were only that simple—I wouldn't have to worry so much."
Oguri tilted her head, clearly not understanding Gotham Song's meaning.
"It's nothing much. I just think that if Tokai Teio wants to prove herself, she doesn't have to pick me specifically, right?"
"Of course she does. You're different, Song—you're strong."
Unexpectedly serious, Oguri Cap reached out, holding Gotham Song's hand while gazing earnestly into her eyes.
"From the moment we first met, I immediately knew you were strong. Deep inside me, there's always been a burning urge to challenge you."
So that's why you constantly want to run with me almost every day?
And why you're always acting like a lunatic?!
"Isn't this going off-topic, Oguri?"
"Not at all, Song! Um… how do I say it? If I were Tokai Teio, I'd also want to challenge you—Ah! That's right!"
Gotham Song's lips twitched, unsure exactly how to respond.
Though, to be fair, Uma Musume naturally sought challenges from the strong. Anyone who'd ever stepped onto a racetrack, feeling the rush of wind, understood the intoxicating beauty of that view—the landscape visible only to yourself, with everyone else desperately trying to catch up behind you.
The reason Gotham Song felt troubled by Tokai Teio's declaration was simply—
How exactly was she supposed to respond to such intense, earnest feelings?
Should she use her full strength on the track?
But wouldn't that utterly crush Tokai Teio's heart?
Then maybe hold back slightly?
But Teio was sharp—how would she explain herself if she got caught doing that?
In short, Gotham Song had absolutely no idea what role to assume in front of Tokai Teio, especially after that passionate rivalry declaration.
"It's fine, Song. Just run with everything you've got. I'm sure Tokai Teio wants the same thing, right?"
Surprisingly perceptive, Oguri Cap accurately sensed Gotham Song's internal struggle. Oguri's eyes shone with a fiery determination that Gotham Song found unexpectedly familiar, yet strangely unreadable.
"Yeah… I suppose there's no other choice. We'll settle it at the Japan Cup."
"You're entering the Japan Cup, Song?"
Gotham Song momentarily put aside her anxieties about Tokai Teio, noting something oddly off about Oguri's attitude. Why did Oguri suddenly seem strangely expectant?
That fiery expression looked extremely familiar—almost as if Gotham Song had seen it earlier today.
Yet, no matter how she studied Oguri's perpetually blank face, Gotham Song couldn't quite place where she'd seen that look before…
Forget it. Oguri doesn't have an ounce of scheming in her anyway.
"Yes. My target is the Japan Cup."
And several other races leading up to it… and then afterward, the Kikuka Sho and Arima Kinen.
That should be sufficient for a Classic Year. It didn't need to be overly dramatic.
Yet, Gotham Song had a sneaking suspicion that if she achieved everything as planned, she'd end up even more famous in Japanese Uma Musume history than she'd been in her previous life.
But so be it. She'd participate in the Japan Cup and crush Japan's premier international race firmly beneath her feet.
"The Japan Cup… Oh, I see. Then, Song—you'll use your full strength on the track, won't you?"
"Um… probably? At least, I certainly won't deliberately hold back."
If she truly unleashed her full potential, she might as well walk straight back into Mejiro Manor afterward. She'd certainly avoid anything blatantly recognizable, but beyond that, she had no reason to hide anything.
After all, she'd learned plenty of bizarre tricks from those creatures down at the Afterlife…
"In that case, I've made up my mind. Next year, if you're participating—"
"What…?"
Gotham Song stared at Oguri Cap. But suddenly, no matter how she looked, Oguri's usually blank face took on a completely different expression:
It was a naive yet confident, determined, and fiercely burning expression—the absolute belief of certain victory.
Tokai Teio…?! When did you get here—?
Wait, no. It was just Oguri Cap—yet why did her expression match Tokai Teio's exactly?
Gotham Song's internal danger radar screamed wildly, finally grasping Oguri's hidden meaning.
Oguri had confirmed she'd run in the Japan Cup. She'd also ensured Gotham Song would compete seriously.
Given the nature of Uma Musume…
No way—
"I've decided, Song. I'll enter the Japan Cup too."
Oguri Cap drew a deep breath, her expression serious and unyielding as never before.
"I want to fight you seriously on the track—at your strongest."
"Let's finally settle who's better!"