Usually, after becoming famous, there was one thing you inevitably had to endure.
So, what exactly was that?
Live interviews.
Ever since her debut at the Yasuda Kinen, Gotham Song had consistently been the center of attention within Japan's horse racing scene. Naturally, that meant one thing:
An unavoidable flood of reporters crowding at every doorway, seeking interviews.
Although this world's "journalists" were frighteningly ethical—almost too good to be real—even serious and genuine interviews, when repeated endlessly, could become annoying, couldn't they?
With this in mind, Gotham Song decisively agreed upon receiving an invitation from a TV station, even specifically requesting to cover as many common personal questions as possible.
She might as well address everything at once, sparing herself further harassment.
Besides, this was a good chance to solidify her public image—
"The Demon King of the Track, Gotham Song."
She hoped this title would become even more deeply rooted in everyone's minds.
Ideally, so deeply that other competitors would withdraw immediately upon hearing it.
However, the interview didn't quite go according to plan.
"Let's welcome our guests for today: the Demon King of the Track, Gotham Song-san, and... her lovely dance partner!"
"The young lady of a prestigious family, Daiichi Ruby-san!"
Clearly, Daiichi Ruby's activities had also attracted considerable attention recently, hence their joint appearance on the show.
Why not someone from the Mejiro family?
Well, members of the Mejiro family had shown closeness to Gotham Song very early on. Even the notoriously aloof Mejiro McQueen had privately spoken to Gotham Song during last year's Kikuka Sho.
But that was old news—far beyond its expiration date. Fresh news always mattered more!
Naturally, the recently sighted Daiichi Ruby was the hot topic of the moment.
Wasn't this type of speculation commonplace anyway?
Successful Uma Musume often became tabloid staples for years. A recent example was Astronomer in Europe.
Hmm, would Gotham Song become Japan's own Astronomer? Expectations were high.
Internet discussions on this topic were already buzzing, spawning countless threads speculating:
Who exactly was Gotham Song's next "target"?
Curiosity about romantic scandals was simply human nature—especially when it involved someone who appeared so cold and detached in public.
After taking their seats, Gotham Song once again cast an apologetic glance at Daiichi Ruby, who had unintentionally been dragged into this mess.
But Daiichi Ruby merely shook her head gently in reassurance.
It's fine. This is nothing—I wouldn't mind at all.
Rather, Ruby understood clearly this was just the beginning; such attention would only increase from now on.
She wasn't a naïve little filly; she knew exactly what this meant, and she'd already braced herself. In fact, she was proud to be the first to share the spotlight with Gotham Song.
This isn't a bad development, right?
You've got this, Ruby!
"Good day, everyone. I'm Daiichi Ruby."
"Mm. Gotham Song."
True to her on-track persona, Gotham Song didn't just speak concisely; she introduced herself coolly without even a trace of a smile.
The host appeared unfazed. If anything, this was precisely the effect she'd hoped for.
It didn't matter how Gotham Song acted in daily life—what mattered was that the track's Demon King had come.
"Oh my, exactly as everyone imagines. Such a Demon King! Ruby-san, is Gotham Song-san always like this around you too?"
Interestingly, the host immediately tossed the question to Daiichi Ruby instead.
After all, talking directly to the "Demon King" seemed like a sure way to kill a conversation.
"In private? Actually, Song is much gentler in private compared to formal settings. She only becomes like this when surrounded by a crowd."
Daiichi Ruby naturally used her usual form of address—just "Song," a nickname reserved for those closest to her.
This alone made the host's eyes sparkle in excitement.
"What a surprise! It's difficult to picture that side of Song-san. Could it be that your on-track persona is intentionally cultivated?"
Ruby smiled without responding, instead glancing playfully toward Gotham Song as if silently asking for permission.
"My private life isn't important," Gotham Song replied coldly, decisively shutting down the expanding topic.
What an intimidating presence!
Even the host felt slightly pressured as Gotham Song stared expressionlessly into the camera.
"Is there any reason to care about what I'm like in private? My pursuit is solely toward the peak—the very pinnacle of an Uma Musume's career. Keep your attention on my races and my running, not on trivial personal details!"
However, the host wasn't displeased. If anything, she was thrilled.
This was a perfect start. Gotham Song, the controversial center of attention, was boldly challenging a national audience through their channel!
Tee-hee, ratings are soaring!
"Then, returning to racing, we're very curious about your post-race actions and some of your striking performances. Is there a particular reason behind them?"
A special reason?
Secretariat's idea—just kidding. Actually, Gotham Song had her own motives.
While Secretariat would happily take responsibility, Gotham Song now had a more compelling reason.
"As I said earlier, my running and racing are for reaching and surpassing the very summit of Uma Musume history."
"Then, who exactly is this pinnacle?"
It was indeed a difficult question. But suddenly, the host felt an electrifying excitement.
Was Gotham Song also chasing after an idol's legacy? If so, whose? Dancing Brave? Secretariat? Probably not. They seemed more like companions with shared goals rather than idols.
Then, was it another legendary Uma Musume?
"The legend I chase after—the pinnacle of an Uma Musume's career..."
Who... who could it be?
Glancing briefly at the live ratings, the host was astonished by how explosively high they'd become. But her curiosity over Gotham Song's answer outweighed even that excitement.
"Though, is it really alright for me to say her name publicly in this country?"
Gotham Song dropped all pretense. Her cold voice dripped with blatant sarcasm and disdain.
Clearly, she was all but spelling out the answer.
Why couldn't she be recognized as the pinnacle?
Gotham Song's heart still burned fiercely over everything that happened after that particular year. That very anger was the reason she and Secretariat could join forces.
"What everyone really wants to know is why my race schedule looks the way it does, isn't it? It's simple."
It was revenge—for her idol.
Gotham Song slowly licked her lips, discarding her expressionless mask to reveal unrestrained ferocity and madness.
You wanted the truth? Then here's your truth.
Maybe now you'll understand why I'm racing the Kikuka Sho.
Because she never ran it.
"The legend I pursue—you all should already know her name clearly."
Saying this, Gotham Song subtly placed a reassuring hand on Ruby's, comforting the Uma Musume who was silently expressing concern beside her.
"Her name—is Twilight Song."
The host didn't even have time to intervene!
Instantly, the staff behind the cameras visibly panicked.
Sure, high ratings were good. But when things got too big—beyond mere entertainment into sensitive territory—this broadcast and their entire operation might face severe repercussions.
Someone with Gotham Song's status couldn't possibly evade special surveillance.
As expected, before the host could salvage the situation, the cameras abruptly cut off.
It was over!
Gotham Song glanced at the host, then at Daiichi Ruby, barely suppressing a burst of laughter.
They put her on air, but the moment she said a single name, they immediately pulled the plug?
Look how easily they panicked.
Those URA clowns—defeated utterly on track, yet they still tried to silence her elsewhere.
URA encountered an opponent who wouldn't play along—silencing quickly, unmatched speed. Completely unbeatable.
If only your racing strength matched your censorship ability!
But since they tried to silence her, she'd strike back.
Gotham Song calmly took out her phone. After briefly coordinating with Secretariat, she decided to reveal a small yet explosive secret aimed directly at the URA.
The Japan Cup—it's important, right?
Keeping its international participation intact was critical, right?
You went to great lengths to manipulate my participation rights, didn't you?
Tee-hee. All your efforts are about to be wasted.
Typing rapidly, she attached two images and hit send:
[Unofficial announcement—I'm too lazy to make it formal, so let's keep it simple.]
[I, Classic Year Uma Musume Gotham Song, announce my participation in the Irish Champion Stakes. Officially applied and approved—I'm on the confirmed entry list.]
Attached beneath was a screenshot of Japan Cup rules:
[12. Special priority entry conditions for Japan Cup: Winners and runners-up of current year Japan Cup; winner of Breeders' Cup Turf; winner of Irish Champion Stakes.]
The second image was Gotham Song's stamped approval from the Irish Champion Stakes organizing committee.
Almost simultaneously, the Irish Champion Stakes' official account reposted the announcement:
[We warmly welcome the participation of the highly popular Uma Musume Gotham Song. We wish you success in chasing the dream of surpassing your idol!]
Who was that idol?
Ask Japan—they should know better than anyone else in the world.
In that moment, despite the late hour abroad, the global internet erupted into festive chaos—outside Japan.
Everyone gleefully mocked Japanese netizens with a simple, repeated phrase:
"That's cool and all, but RIP your Japan Cup!"
This phrase alone sent Japanese netizens into a total meltdown.
Within moments, a new trending phrase dominated global trends:
[That's cool and all, but RIP your Japan Cup]
In ten minutes, the top-ranked post was bought by an advertiser—probably just some random user making a fortune instantly.
Thus, this ridiculous yet perfectly logical event became the most entertaining internet moment of the year.
Amid this chaos, Secretariat herself even joined the fray, tweeting boldly:
[Now, you can't silence this one, can you?]
Watching everything unfold from Central Tracen, Gotham Song smiled leisurely:
Tee-hee.
RIP Japan Cup!