Secretariat was known throughout the Uma Musume world for her decisiveness and swift action. And just now, Gotham Song had personally experienced exactly how true this was.
How to describe their phone call?
If you have time, I'd like to meet you in the next couple of days.
That was the first line. And the second?
"Or perhaps you're available right now?"
After a quick mental check, Gotham Song realized she indeed had nothing else to do.
"Excellent. If you're free now, then ten minutes should be enough for you to reach the main gate of Central Tracen Academy, right?"
What does that mean?
Wait, she couldn't possibly mean…
"Um, Chairwoman Secretariat…what exactly do you mean?"
"I'm waiting for you right outside the gate."
Isn't your efficiency a little too high? Hold on, did you just assume I'd be free when you called?
Secretariat, you totally set me up!
Gotham Song ended the call, exchanging a bewildered look with Neo Universe.
But Neo Universe swiftly sidestepped her friend's panic, merely standing up and neatly fixing Gotham Song's collar again.
Even though the uniform of Central Tracen was frankly nothing special, Neo Universe never seemed tired of fussing over it—
"Go meet Secretariat. She's the key to escaping Mejiro Manor."
You should have said that earlier!
Gotham Song suddenly surged with renewed vigor, bolting out of the room in a blaze and disappearing from Neo Universe's sight.
Of course, Gotham Song was extraordinarily fast. Even on concrete, her sneakers—so different from track shoes—provided excellent support.
Amid shocked stares from students amazed that an Uma Musume could run that fast on pavement, Gotham Song arrived at the academy gate in roughly five minutes.
A towering figure came clearly into view.
Secretariat was tall—extremely tall. Gotham Song had to tilt her head back slightly just to clearly glimpse the legendary face from afar.
How to describe her stature?
Secretariat was at least forty centimeters taller than Gotham Song, and even a good dozen centimeters above Symboli Rudolf.
She was, without a doubt, the tallest Uma Musume Gotham Song had ever seen.
Her attire was equally distinctive. She wore a long, black coat draped over her shoulders, accented by a red-lined cape on one side. One hand gripped a cane, while a golden-rimmed monocle rested elegantly over one eye.
She stood perfectly upright, patiently waiting like an aristocrat from a bygone European era. Her presence radiated pride, grace, and an overwhelming sense of stability and courage, completely transcending conventional gender perceptions.
This person is definitely extraordinary—!
Even someone utterly unfamiliar with Secretariat would instantly reach the same conclusion at a single glance.
Of course, that was only when Secretariat remained quietly still.
Gotham Song's footsteps were extremely quiet, yet even her gentle approach caused Secretariat to slowly turn, her long black hair catching the wind gracefully—
At that moment, Gotham Song saw clearly Secretariat's crazed smile, her lips parted to reveal rows of shark-like teeth lurking beneath.
Secretariat was undoubtedly the most famous—and most insane—madwoman in the entire Uma Musume world.
And, naturally, likely the most powerful as well.
Of course, calling her a "madwoman" here wasn't an insult but an accurate description of her nature.
This legendary figure was known as an absolute maniac when it came to challenging the strong. Her reckless disregard for rules often extended beyond the racecourse, allowing her to do exactly as she pleased.
For instance, she'd seized Twilight Song's name rights away from Japan and, driven purely by her own whim, declared Twilight Song's legacy belonged not to America but to the entire world.
In short, Secretariat was legendary in every sense—both in her career achievements and her unapologetically unconventional actions.
And what was the hallmark of such a legend?
An overwhelming pressure.
Gotham Song locked eyes firmly with Secretariat and immediately felt her skin crawl under the piercing stare of those crimson irises.
Scary! It feels like I've become the prey of some ferocious predator—are Uma Musume even capable of having such predatory eyes?!
"You arrived five minutes early, Gotham Song-kun. That's an excellent habit."
"Ah, yes. Thank you, Chairwoman Secretariat..."
Incidentally, Secretariat was already acquainted with Gotham Song, albeit briefly, from the day she'd transferred from American Tracen. It had been a short meeting—just signing documents in Secretariat's office, then promptly leaving.
Yes, Secretariat had signed those documents herself—after all, the legendary Secretariat was currently the chairwoman of American Central Tracen Academy.
In other words, wasn't this scene akin to the former principal coming to visit a student who had transferred overseas? Wait, why does that feel slightly off?
"Since you're early, let's head out immediately. I've reserved a room. Until curfew, your time belongs to me. Any objections?"
Actually, it wasn't very early at all. But since Secretariat had already spoken, what else could Gotham Song do except follow along obediently?
The pair walked through the shopping district until reaching a quieter area.
The street catered mainly to high school girls, primarily offering snacks and sweets. There were only two izakaya pubs, with the classier hotels and restaurants located in a calmer neighborhood nearby.
Secretariat chose a Western-style restaurant.
Perhaps it was consideration for Gotham Song being an American-born Uma Musume?
They exited the elevator and walked down a corridor. Secretariat knocked on a private room door, and upon entering, Gotham Song unexpectedly spotted a very familiar figure.
The reason she was so familiar was that Gotham Song definitely remembered meeting this muscular blonde girl before.
But the reason she was only "very familiar" was because…
She'd already forgotten her name.
Gotham Song silently blinked in confusion. Secretariat, amused, raised the corners of her mouth.
This child wasn't always this forgetful, was she? Well, it certainly beats the robotic, vacant stare she used to have.
"My assistant, Festival Glory. I suppose you haven't met at school."
Who?
Festival Glory?
Oh, now that you mention it, that name sounds familiar.
Gotham Song truly hadn't expected to encounter this particular individual here, but she quietly took her seat without saying anything.
Since Secretariat herself said Gotham Song probably didn't know Festival Glory well, it was best to remain silent.
Yet, for some reason, Festival Glory stared intently at Gotham Song as she sat down.
But Gotham Song was composed enough not to react.
Secretariat, on her end, merely engaged Gotham Song in a casual chat, inquiring about her daily life, as though genuinely checking in on a former student who'd transferred across the ocean.
Of course, Gotham Song knew things weren't that simple.
After finishing dinner, Secretariat slowly dabbed her lips clean and folded her hands beneath her chin, leaning forward and fixing Gotham Song with an intense, manic grin.
"You know, Gotham, the only race of yours I haven't watched live was your debut."
Secretariat paused, then elaborated deliberately.
"More precisely, I've watched every one of your races. The debut was simply on video."
Gotham Song, who'd been nervously sipping her soda, choked slightly at that, nearly brought to tears by the carbonated sting.
You've been watching all my races? Wait, hold up—what?!
Sure, Neo Universe had warned her earlier, but hearing it directly from the source was terrifying!
Especially when someone as legendary as Secretariat casually tells you:
"Oh, sweetheart, I've always been watching…"
So scary!
What exactly are you implying here?!
Gotham Song desperately comforted herself, taking deep breaths to calm her nerves.
It's impossible that someone who's never met her personally could have seen through everything. Secretariat was just guessing blindly—or maybe she just hit the mark by accident. Yeah, that's it.
Just coincidence.
"I-Is there something wrong, Chairwoman?"
"Nothing. It's just—I have a feeling you've never given your all in your races."
"Not even once have you truly gone all out."
"Ah…"
"Yes or no, my dear student?"
Secretariat abruptly cut off Gotham Song's attempt to argue. As the most experienced and strongest surviving legend in the world, Secretariat believed she had earned the right to make such a judgment.
Gotham Song was definitely hiding something. However, hiding ability alone wasn't especially important. Far more interesting was her peculiar race schedule.
A schedule featuring nearly all Japanese G1 races that had a chance of becoming international-level events, including the already upgraded Japan Cup.
What an intriguing schedule this girl had chosen. If she was truly as strong as Secretariat suspected…
Well, this might get very entertaining indeed.
She'd set the stage ablaze herself if she had to.
Let those useless fools here realize racing didn't need their petty approval.
"Yes…I've indeed been hiding my true abilities."
"Very good, Gotham. There are many reasons I've come to meet you. Your hidden strength is one, and your racing schedule is another."
Secretariat leaned even closer, oppressive aura fully unleashed.
"Are you familiar with the international race demotion mechanism? Interested?"
"W-What exactly do you mean, Chairwoman?"
Gotham Song certainly knew the mechanism well:
If the winner crushed the runner-up thoroughly enough, the event could lose international status.
That had been Gotham Song's plan from the start.
Secretariat reclined confidently, her expression filled with contempt.
"I've disliked the URA's way of doing things for a long time. Let's keep this simple: For every race you decisively win, I'll grant you one favor. Anything you want. How's that?"
Stunned, Gotham Song hesitated slightly before nodding.
"If you think I can…I'll do my best?"
Secretariat smiled, satisfied.
"I look forward to your victories. I'll be watching closely—make me proud."
Gotham Song staggered slightly, nodded, and quickly departed, leaving Secretariat alone, smiling mysteriously.
Perhaps she'll be the second coming of Twilight Song.