On June 1st, Gotham Song finished reviewing the data on the Yasuda Kinen competitors, then finally glanced toward Tokai Teio beside her.
Surprisingly, Tokai Teio wasn't as broken-hearted or despairing as one might've expected after enduring such a blow. Or rather, perhaps she'd buried all those feelings deep within her heart—
At least, that's how it should've been.
But ever since her initial treatments ended, Teio, still leaning on crutches, insisted on following Gotham Song around everywhere.
She called it providing strategic advice for the Yasuda Kinen—but really, it was just because being alone in her hospital room was too painful.
Tokai Teio's injury wasn't catastrophic, but it certainly wasn't trivial either.
Strictly speaking, she could force herself to run, but the toll on her body would be far too great.
Yet, despite that, Tokai Teio had still stubbornly planned on competing in the Kikuka Sho—
Until Symboli Rudolf's "righteous iron fist" swiftly captured the second unruly patient.
Clearly, Rudolf prioritized Teio's health far above any honor or glory.
Even Gotham Song had felt a chill of fear when she first noticed the horror in Rudolf's expression upon discovering Teio's condition.
Oh, and by the way, Mejiro Ramonu hadn't fared any better than Rudolf.
For these Uma Musume, unexpected injuries on the track were… well…
Definitely something they never wanted to witness again?
In short, Teio's reckless plan to race injured was utterly crushed.
Rudolf's exact words had been—
"Unless the doctor explicitly clears you, you won't set foot on the track. And we'll check with the doctor ourselves—frequently. Don't even think about trying any clever tricks."
Hmm, what can I say?
Sorry, Teio—someone else already tried that route; you're late to the game.
So, things ended up like this:
Gotham Song, now babysitting an extremely quiet child, spent her breaks pushing Teio around in a wheelchair.
"Hey, Song, are there any competitors we should particularly watch out for this time?" Teio asked.
"Hmm, let's see… You're still asking me?" Gotham Song replied with an amused smile.
Who required special attention? Actually, there were only two, both old acquaintances:
One was Twin Turbo, who loved explosive escapes. And the other…
Well, the recent third-place finisher at the Japanese Derby, now dubbed a rising star—Fine Motion.
The Japanese Derby had taken place on May 26th, while Yasuda Kinen was set for June 10th—more than enough for a two-week rest. Fine Motion's participation was only natural.
Oguri Cap had originally planned to participate too, even openly expressing a strong desire to challenge Gotham Song directly, wanting to duel from the first Classic all the way to the final race.
But Gotham Song firmly rejected the idea.
There was no other reason—Oguri Cap's sudden entry would bring an overwhelming amount of hype.
It was Oguri Cap, after all!
The Yasuda Kinen would instantly transform into an Arima Kinen-level spectacle.
Hmm—just how absurdly popular was Oguri Cap, really?
Probably ranked third among all Japanese Uma Musume at this point, consistently in third place, frequently second, and occasionally even first.
It just wasn't the right time.
After several meals' worth of bribery, Oguri Cap didn't strongly oppose Gotham Song's suggestion.
Aside from Fine Motion and Twin Turbo, only one more person truly required careful attention:
Uh, her name was…
Manhattan Cafe.
That's right. Gotham Song's own cousin had suddenly announced her participation. For the first time, they'd have a full-fledged competition on the racetrack.
It was sudden, but Gotham Song had no objection to Manhattan Cafe's challenge.
Her cousin was quite stubborn after all. If she wanted to compete, then let her. They'd simply settle things on the track.
Tokai Teio nodded thoughtfully. She had also been surprised at Cafe's entry, but as a fellow Uma Musume, Teio easily understood Cafe's motives:
Manhattan Cafe wanted to ride the wind alongside Gotham Song.
"But by the way, Song—have you gotten your racing outfit yet?"
"Ah—uh…"
Gotham Song froze abruptly.
Right, how could I forget something so important?
Quickly getting to her feet, Gotham Song gently picked up Tokai Teio, princess-carried her into the wheelchair, and immediately started sprinting behind it—
Dash, dash, dash!
Choosing her racing outfit didn't take long. At Teio's suggestion, Gotham Song selected a style resembling her cousin's iconic long coat.
The key difference was that Gotham Song's outfit had an unmistakable resemblance to a certain nation's military uniform.
Though thankfully, it wasn't so realistic that she would instinctively salute.
After choosing her racing attire, Gotham Song stared in confusion at Tokai Teio, who sat peacefully in the wheelchair with her hands politely folded on her knees, somehow radiating a serene elegance.
"It must be nice—I wish I could run alongside you, Song. Wearing our racing outfits together on the track."
"Is that so? Then you'd better focus on recovering. I'll be waiting for you at the Kikuka Sho."
Tokai Teio forced a dazzling smile—one so brilliant it was as if her confidence and optimism had never faded.
"I'm the invincible Teio-sama, remember?"
"Any setbacks—I'll leave them all far behind me!"
Gotham Song returned her smile.
That's right. You'll overcome it all. You're especially charming when you're like this, Teio.
…
June 15th.
The eve of Yasuda Kinen.
Tokyo Racecourse. International G1 race. 1600 meters.
When Gotham Song awoke, a severe face was already staring down at her.
"G-ghooost!"
Startled awake, Gotham Song nearly jumped out of her skin.
But once fully conscious, she managed to relax slightly.
It wasn't a ghost—at least not Sunday Silence.
It was someone possibly capable of tearing a ghost apart with her bare hands—the even scarier Secretariat.
But after spending some time with Secretariat, Gotham Song had developed some immunity to these abrupt scares. It was just surprising, not a big deal.
"It seems I'm even scarier than a ghost now, Gotham Song. That's rather unexpected."
"No, not exactly—well… You and ghosts are equally frightening, just differently," Gotham Song replied awkwardly.
Wait, why was she seriously continuing this conversation?
Shaking off her sleepiness, Gotham Song got out of bed, reached for the neatly folded clothes nearby, and began dressing.
"In other words, you've actually seen a ghost before, Gotham Song?"
Gotham Song nearly tripped mid-way into pulling on her tank top.
Secretariat was definitely messing with her. Absolutely.
However, seemingly satisfied with the reaction, Secretariat swiftly exited the room.
Muttering quietly, Gotham Song continued dressing quickly.
Earlier, there had nearly been an argument over who should accompany her around the racecourse:
The parties involved were Mejiro Manor and Symboli Rudolf.
While Gotham Song was still struggling with how to resolve the conflict, the distinctive tap of a staff hitting the floor had announced Secretariat's arrival.
…And that immediately silenced everyone.
"I will escort Song to the racecourse. That should settle things, yes?"
At that moment, Secretariat truly looked… remarkably cool.
Gotham Song, having put on her racing outfit, adjusted the ornamental braid of her military-inspired jacket in front of the mirror, giving herself a firm nod.
It's been a while since I last stepped onto a racetrack… and now my blood's really starting to boil.
She stretched her hand, flexed her fingers open and closed, then clenched her fist tightly. After carefully checking every detail once more, Gotham Song finally stepped out the door.
Secretariat looked her over approvingly, extending a hand with a slight smile. "An excellent combination—but still, something's missing."
"What…?" Gotham Song asked curiously, reaching out instinctively, only to feel Secretariat's staff pressing gently into her palm.
So, what I lacked was a prop for my grand entrance?
Fine by me; as long as you're happy. But don't expect to get your staff back once it's in my hands.
Cheerfully clutching her new toy, Gotham Song descended the stairs and stepped outside, immediately greeted by reporters who had been patiently waiting on either side of the road.
In the public consciousness of this era, Tokai Teio was unquestionably the strongest Uma Musume. But with the current star sidelined by injury, naturally the spotlight shifted to her longtime rival—Gotham Song.
Especially after the incident at the Japanese Derby, Gotham Song's every move drew heightened attention.
But at least the journalists here remained considerate, refraining from completely blocking her path.
The instant Gotham Song appeared, however, every reporter felt their long wait was worth it.
Because after Gotham Song emerged wearing her military-inspired racing attire, the distinctive tap of a staff revealed the presence of another figure—none other than the legendary Uma Musume from America.
This marked Secretariat's first time openly appearing alongside Gotham Song in front of the media, openly displaying her affection and support for the younger filly.
Just as Symboli Rudolf had openly favored Tokai Teio, Secretariat now announced her choice:
Gotham Song is the Uma Musume chosen by Secretariat herself. Do you understand now?
Perhaps that was the whole point of Secretariat's presence today—and she didn't bother hiding her intentions at all.
The journalists exchanged uneasy glances, hesitating momentarily, not daring to press their shutters.
The reason was simple—Secretariat's imposing aura was overwhelming. Without explicit permission, they couldn't shake the feeling they might accidentally offend her.
This was Secretariat, after all.
The oldest living legend of the current era; possibly its strongest. The legend with the deepest entanglements with Japan itself.
She was the one who single-handedly stormed Japan Central Tracen Academy, seized the honor of Twilight Song from the hands of its "Emperor," Symboli Rudolf, and revealed it to the entire world.
So, without Secretariat giving them the go-ahead, these reporters wouldn't dare take a single photo.
They'd come here to photograph Gotham Song—who knew they'd stumble upon a final boss?!
Yet, as the reporters internally wavered between bravery and fear, Secretariat finally gave them a gentle nod.
Indeed, she had come precisely to lend Gotham Song her influence. All her earlier efforts and promotions led up to this—
As Secretariat once said: "In the past, you might not have needed this. But now that you're about to step onto the track—take off and soar, Song."
Gotham Song, however, didn't immediately grasp Secretariat's intentions. She simply responded politely to the reporters, swiftly grabbing Secretariat's hand to quicken their pace, hurrying across the street and into the racecourse.
"Well then, Song," Secretariat said quietly, bending down slightly to whisper to Gotham Song at eye-level, "my job seems to be complete. Since that's the case, I should fully enjoy my identity for today."
Secretariat, as the director of the American Tracen Academy, was normally impossibly busy. Yet, she had still carved out time to personally visit Japan today.
Well, perhaps that had a little something to do with Festival Glory proving unexpectedly skilled at paperwork, covering for Secretariat back home…
But mostly, Secretariat's interest in Gotham Song was simply genuine favoritism.
She was eager to see just how far the little one before her could go—
Perhaps after the Classic year ends in Japan, it might be time to introduce her to even greater competitions abroad.
When the time comes, we'll test it.
Gotham Song, meanwhile, blinked uncertainly at Secretariat.
Secretariat's identity today…?
She must mean as a spectator, right?
Gotham Song carefully studied the Uma Musume standing in front of her, complex emotions stirring quietly inside.
How should I put this…?
After preparing for so long, it's finally time to truly strike back. Very well then—there's no reason to hesitate now.
"In that case, please look forward to it wholeheartedly, Secretariat-san. I'll show you… um… my full power?"
This statement was a lie—or rather, not entirely true.
Gotham Song obviously wouldn't reveal her absurd, perhaps unique, ultimate runaway tactic here. But aside from that—
The residents of in the Afterlife had taught Gotham Song plenty of unusual little tricks.
She intended to employ them fully and claim her victory.
"Very good. Then I'll be waiting for your results," Secretariat replied calmly. "Oh, and regarding how much of a lead you'll need—make it impressive. If it's large enough, I'll personally call the international authorities tonight and have them follow the established rules."
How could Secretariat possibly harbor any ill intent?
Naturally, she wouldn't deliberately sabotage Japan's international races—but if the results genuinely triggered certain rules…
Secretariat, after all, was iron-hearted and impartial.