Yasuda Kinen.
An esteemed race with decades of history.
As Japan increasingly pursued international recognition for its races, the Yasuda Kinen gradually rose in prominence, holding the potential to become an internationally recognized event.
Though domestically it still lagged behind events like the yet-unrealized internationalization of the Japanese Triple Crown, Yasuda Kinen nonetheless garnered substantial global attention.
Especially this year's Yasuda Kinen.
Of course, this wasn't solely due to Gotham Song, but rather thanks to Secretariat's unexpected morning appearance—promptly reported by quick-witted journalists.
[Shock! Secretariat visits Japan—could the reason be?!]
Though the news broke only around noon, by afternoon it had exploded across international social media. Yasuda Kinen's live viewership instantly set a new record for a Japanese race.
Such was Secretariat's star power.
America's Secretariat, Europe's Dancing Brave, Japan's Oguri Cap—any race associated with these legends was bound to draw extraordinary interest.
And this time, the buzz was about Secretariat personally accompanying a young Uma Musume to her debut Classic race.
But inevitably, with Secretariat's presence in Japan, discussions in the livestream chat took a strange turn.
Well, maybe not strange. More like natural: they inevitably drifted to another figure.
If anyone else could rival these legends in representing their countries and communities, it had to be Twilight Song, deeply intertwined with Japan.
Initially discussing Twilight Song, playful fans quickly escalated into a lively critique of Japan's racing rules and notorious competitive environment.
Predictably, as had happened repeatedly over the years, Japanese fans defended their turf, foreign fans attacked, and the livestream devolved into chaos.
Yet, shockingly—
The fiery debates continued uninterrupted, even as the race preparations began.
For a brief moment, Yasuda Kinen's comments section felt more like some otherworldly battlefield…
Certainly more intense than usual.
But none of that mattered to the competitors or even the audience at the venue.
Because right now, everyone's eyes were fixed on the track.
"Next to enter the stage is today's third-most popular… Eh? Third-most popular, really? Ah, apologies! Now stepping onto the stage—Fine Motion!"
Gotham Song lingered quietly in the shadowed entrance corridor, eyeing Fine Motion's appearance outside. At this moment, she felt her name was rather fitting—
Like a dark knight from Gotham, lurking in the shadows.
Still, why was Fine Motion only third?
Oddly enough, last year's Kikuka Sho winner, Gotham Song's cousin Manhattan Cafe, was ranked fourth and had already completed her introduction.
Considering the list of participants yet to appear…
Wait… seriously?
"Next to enter is a surprising runaway star, an eccentric yet lovable idol! Truly remarkable! Her name is—"
"Twin Turbo!"
Wait, he pronounced it correctly?!
Shockingly, Twin Turbo, of all people, was the second-most popular competitor today?
But why?
Gotham Song struggled momentarily to understand—until she heard the explosive cheers from the crowd greeting Twin Turbo's vibrant entrance.
Is it really just because she's a lovable idiot who only knows reckless sprinting?
The more Gotham Song thought about it, the more plausible it became. Runaway Uma Musume often garnered immense popularity, regardless of their actual results.
Hmm…
But Twin Turbo was adorably foolish enough that even if ranking second seemed unusual, it wasn't entirely surprising.
As for…
"And now, stepping onto the stage, our undisputed favorite today! Undefeated since her debut year, the eternal rival of the equally undefeated genius, Tokai Teio—Gotham Song!"
"Cheer for her! Let her see you! Let her hear you! Tokyo Racecourse eagerly awaits her miraculous performance!"
The ground seemed to tremble beneath the deafening cheers.
This was nothing like the Gotham Stakes she'd experienced as Twilight Song. Her second Classic debut brought her unprecedented popularity and explosive excitement.
Gotham Song flexed her wrists, took a deep breath, and stepped confidently into the sunlight.
The whole arena awaits my arrival. In that case, Japan, let me show you what true strength looks like.
Her steps were graceful yet firm, boots echoing sharply as sunlight illuminated her figure. The cheers crescendoed.
At this moment, Gotham Song felt herself transported back to those days—races from long ago, under another name.
Back then, the world also eagerly awaited her displays of power, her victories.
Twilight Song would raise a hand, signaling the honors she'd earned, responding warmly to her fans.
But how should Gotham Song respond now?
The youthful filly, expression composed and serious, ascended proudly onto the presentation stage under expectant eyes. She stood confidently, hands atop her staff, its tip firmly against the ground.
The arena fell momentarily silent, fans waiting breathlessly to see how Gotham Song would acknowledge their cheers.
What would it be?
Would she act adorable—certainly, with her appearance, she'd conquer the world if she wanted. Or perhaps, given her military-inspired uniform and staff, she'd perform a dignified salute?
At that moment, even the fiery arguments in the international livestream paused, everyone's attention drawn to the staff Gotham Song carried.
Very quickly, nearly everyone realized:
Isn't that the staff Secretariat herself never leaves behind?!
Did Secretariat truly choose her as an heir—someone worthy of inheriting her glory?
Because of this, global viewers eagerly anticipated how Gotham Song would display the aura befitting her newfound status.
This time, unlike any before, fans worldwide weren't watching a recording—they waited anxiously in front of screens, witnessing Gotham Song's first grand entrance live.
The world held its breath for her reply.
And as the eyes of the entire stadium rested upon her, Gotham Song slowly lifted a hand.
Turning full circle, she gave the watching crowd a gesture no one had expected.
Gotham Song drew a thumb across her throat, then pressed her military-style cap down, grinning maniacally.
It was a savage, mocking smile—bloody, arrogant—as though Gotham Song wasn't here to compete, but to slaughter every opponent.
A threat openly declared to the Japanese audience, in front of the entire world.
The stadium went deathly silent, spectators staring blankly, uncertain how to respond.
Yet amidst this stunned silence, scattered cheers erupted unexpectedly.
They came from tourists and foreign spectators who were visiting Japan.
They, too, were caught off guard, but given their cultural background, they enthusiastically embraced Gotham Song's defiant gesture.
They'd come precisely to see this sort of bold challenge on Japanese soil.
For them, motives hardly mattered—whether bravado or genuine defiance.
The cheers quickly spread, igniting excitement once more.
Ironically, even fans unaware of the gesture's true meaning joined in, cheering along with Gotham Song's diehard supporters.
Soon, the whole crowd was enthusiastically responding to this provocative "threat."
Did that diminish its menace?
No, Gotham Song herself smiled with satisfaction.
Laugh, go ahead and laugh—let's see if you're still smiling when this race ends.
Gripping her staff, Gotham Song descended from the stage, firmly embedding the symbol of authority into the soft earth beside the track. She tossed aside her cloak, confidently stepping onto the starting line.
"A surprisingly bold entrance. All racers are now positioned in their gates—the race is about to begin. Let's see what awaits us."
The commentator stumbled slightly, but Gotham Song didn't care. She entered her starting gate without a word.
Manhattan Cafe stared at Gotham Song in astonishment. As for Twin Turbo…
Her eyes sparkled brightly, clearly delighted.
Gotham Song's dramatic, daring gesture had thoroughly captured Turbo's heart. Meanwhile, Fine Motion's expression grew serious.
Such boldness either indicated exceptional strength or absolute idiocy.
Could Gotham Song really be a fool?
Impossible. She clearly radiates power.
Fine Motion had personally faced Tokai Teio. She understood exactly how terrifyingly strong that undefeated genius was.
Someone hailed as her rival—how weak could she possibly be?!
Why do I always run into such monsters? No, no… I'm Fine Motion! I won't settle for third forever! Genius or not—I'll definitely win!
...
[Green]
"The gates open—what? All racers stalled at the start?! Did something malfunction?"
"No, Gotham Song burst out first! The starting lights functioned normally—the race continues?!"
Not bad, Gotham Song thought. Someone's bound to chase desperately now.
Sure enough, it was Twin Turbo who recovered first—launching furiously into her characteristic reckless sprint, ribbons and twin tails streaking behind.
Soon, footsteps rapidly approached behind Gotham Song, Fine Motion and Manhattan Cafe catching up swiftly.
And then…
Only one figure turned back to meet Gotham Song's eyes, a mocking grin on her face—
Sunday Silence.
The black phantom pulled slightly ahead, turning back to taunt her.
Is that all you've got, little one?