On the night of September 10th, the Uma Musume community across the world was rocked by an unprecedented shock.
Simply put, two of Europe's most promising rising legends were completely and utterly defeated—by the Uma Musume now regarded as the greatest hope of this era for reaching historical legend status: Gotham Song, the American horse girl based primarily in Japan who had won this year's Irish Champion Stakes in astonishing fashion.
Even Secretariat called immediately after the race, praising Gotham Song's incredible performance while repeatedly expressing amazement.
In essence, Secretariat was deeply impressed yet cautioned Gotham Song not to use such extreme methods lightly, as they posed significant strain on her body.
Indeed, the legendary American director seemed more concerned about Gotham Song's well-being than anyone else—even more so than Neo Universe or Mejiro Ardan. The moment Gotham Song stepped off the track, her condition was thoroughly examined by a racing physician, who was astonished by her results, exclaiming she'd never seen an Uma Musume so healthy after such an intense run.
Yet, at the end of the call, Secretariat openly expressed her feelings:
"Watching your run reminded me vividly of seeing Twilight Song race, years ago. The same dazzling brilliance, the overwhelming strength… You made me want to step onto the track myself and challenge you, just like back then."
Of course, seeing Gotham Song break into a nervous sweat, Secretariat quickly clarified that it was only a casual remark. Even though Gotham Song resembled Twilight Song in appearance and brilliance, Secretariat certainly wouldn't jump to such improbable conclusions.
Then came more encouragement—and a piece of news.
Secretariat announced she'd personally witness Gotham Song's upcoming races at the Kikuka Sho and the Japan Cup.
Originally, Secretariat's own attendance at the Japan Cup might have been essential, but another legendary Uma Musume volunteered to take her place in the U.S. so Secretariat could head to Japan.
The bearer of War Admiral's legacy, a legendary Uma Musume even more senior than Secretariat herself: Seabiscuit.
Thanks to this unexpected support, Secretariat now had ample time to personally witness the URA's final, humiliating collapse. Just imagining this scene almost made the usually composed American Academy director burst into gleeful laughter.
Honestly, hearing this promise greatly eased Gotham Song's mind.
After all, she'd exposed a considerable amount of her abilities at the Irish Champion Stakes. Other than not revealing her runaway strategy, nearly everything from her past life as Twilight Song—even her refined arc-running technique developed after reincarnation—had been displayed openly.
Undoubtedly, while most in Japan would be panicking, a certain someone—Mejiro Ramonu—would be ecstatic, wouldn't she?
Mejiro Ardan clearly saw through Gotham Song's unease, offering her gentle reassurance by softly holding her hand.
I'm here for you, Song-chan.
And now, with both Secretariat and Dancing Brave accompanying them back to Tokyo, everything was finally falling into place.
Indeed, it seemed they could rest easy now.
Still, even with the current situation, Gotham Song hadn't forgotten her priorities:
I definitely need to find an appropriate chance to talk things through properly with Ramonu-neesan. If only a perfect moment like the one I had with Ardan-neesan would come again…
Sadly, opportunities like that weren't so easy to come by…
But Gotham Song's worries quickly vanished as Haya Of Star cheerfully burst into the room.
To Gotham Song's relief, the young fan didn't immediately come to congratulate her after the race. Instead, Haya Of Star had first gone to comfort her sister, Astronomer.
Although most would feel fortunate to have such an ardent fan, Gotham Song honestly couldn't relate. Just the thought made her skin crawl.
It was simply too scary!
Yet, Haya Of Star was brimming with infectious joy, her sparkling eyes overflowing with happiness.
"Song-sama, Star really must be the happiest person in the world, right?"
"Shh… Happiness isn't something you should announce loudly. It's enough to just quietly feel it."
Indeed, it was enough to simply feel it. To be honest, Gotham Song still found it difficult to handle being a public figure, especially in front of an enthusiastic fan. She genuinely didn't know how to react other than offering an awkward smile.
That's why, after seeing Haya Of Star's debut race, Gotham Song had decided to perform a similar style of running as a special gift for her devoted young fan.
Since she clearly understood my intentions, I guess my feelings were conveyed well.
In a far better mood, Gotham Song returned to Haya's residence, then flew back to Paris with everyone the next day.
Both Haya Of Star and even Astronomer seemed reluctant to let her leave, but Gotham Song gently insisted on saying farewell.
Before leaving London, she made one final promise with Haya Of Star:
If Haya Of Star performed well in her classic year, Gotham Song would gladly accept a challenge from her in her senior year.
Any race her little fan chose, Gotham Song would surely attend!
After exchanging mutual encouragement, Gotham Song and her companions returned to Paris—to Dancing Brave's home.
Silic, whom they hadn't seen for a while, seemed sad and downcast, as Dancing Brave had only recently returned, and now Gotham Song and her friends were leaving as well. Her few close acquaintances in Paris had just halved!
But her spirits swiftly brightened upon hearing Gotham Song promise to watch her compete in the Arc de Triomphe.
Such a simple gesture immediately transformed Silic's nearly tearful expression into a bright smile, prompting Gotham Song to silently muse:
What an easy-to-please girl.
That same evening, Gotham Song departed Paris for Tokyo.
When Treve arrived in Paris the next day, all she found was…
A brief note, encouraging her to run her hardest.
...
The plane descended through the clouds, revealing familiar scenery below. This time, Gotham Song had slept leaning on Ruby's shoulder. When she finally woke up, she gave a huge yawn.
Neo Universe on her left, Mejiro Ardan by the window, and Ruby—Daiichi Ruby—on her right.
Why such seating?
She had no idea—it had just been booked that way.
She'd drifted through sleep the entire flight, and now she was finally back home.
With renewed energy, Gotham Song bounced through customs, arriving first at the arrival lobby.
Who greeted her there?
Not Mejiro Ramonu—but Secretariat, who'd been waiting for quite some time.
"Oh, welcome back, victorious Song-chan. You seem rather lively."
"Feeling pretty good, actually! Glad to finally be off the plane. Oh, Cafe-neesan, it's been a while too!"
After clearing the gate, Gotham Song leaped happily into Manhattan Cafe's embrace.
She truly had missed her dear cousin, Cafe-neesan.
Though…why were Secretariat and Manhattan Cafe waiting together?
"Actually, I just landed myself. While waiting for you, I happened to run into Cafe-san here. We've met before, you know."
After warmly welcoming Gotham Song, Manhattan Cafe gently released her from the not-particularly-soft hug and subtly directed her eyes behind them.
Floating there sheepishly was that old spirit, Sunday Silence, who meekly raised a hand:
I confess. Don't blame me.
Ah, well…it's fine. She already knew anyway.
The cousins didn't dwell on the matter. Manhattan Cafe had never been very talkative, preferring instead to silently watch over Gotham Song, just as she'd always done.
That was exactly why Gotham Song immediately dove into her arms upon returning from Paris.
Cafe was one of the few people—like Mejiro Ardan—who selflessly and unconditionally cared for her.
Secretariat wasn't jealous. Her attitude toward Gotham Song was straightforward: gratitude, admiration, and a desire to see her grow into someone strong enough to challenge someday.
If you truly become formidable… Maybe someday I can fulfill the regret of never racing Twilight Song.
Soon, the rest of their companions arrived, and together they boarded Daiichi Ruby's car back to Tracen Academy.
On arriving at the dormitory, Gotham Song realized something absurd:
Secretariat and Dancing Brave had arranged with Director Akikawa and Symboli Rudolf to stay in Japan's Central Tracen Academy dormitories.
They were going to become roommates—in Japan!
Watching Secretariat casually retrieve a hidden key beneath a dorm room doormat, Gotham Song completely lost her composure.
These old foxes are shameless!
Completely speechless, Gotham Song grabbed Neo Universe's wrist and fled.
Only back in their room did she collapse onto her bed, mentally exhausted.
After recovering somewhat, she got up, washed, and was gently guided back into bed by Neo Universe.
"It's been a long time since we slept together, hasn't it, Neo?"
"Yes…such a long, long time."
Neo Universe hesitantly moved closer, softly embracing Gotham Song as if fearing she might vanish. Only when Gotham Song finally fell asleep did Neo Universe dare whisper softly into her ear, voice filled with longing:
"I love you, Song… Good night."