First, Neo Universe is absolutely trustworthy.
Second, Oguri Cap won't endanger you, but she might drag you into insane competitions.
Third, you're safe around Manhattan Cafe, but you're not necessarily safe around "Manhattan Cafe."
Fourth, Mejiro Ramonu is extremely dangerous.
Fifth, you can ask Symboli Rudolf for help if necessary, but never let her discover your true identity.
Sixth, when Secretariat comes to Japan, you can leave with her—but don't tell anyone aside from Rudolf and Neo Universe.
Seventh, never mention "Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe" in front of Mejiro Ardan.
Eighth, stay away from Mejiro Manor. Never enter Mejiro Manor as a stranger, and absolutely never after your rebirth has been revealed.
Ninth, beware of Seeking the Pearl.
Tenth, Yaeno Muteki might become your safest refuge at a critical moment.
…
What kind of messed-up list is this?
Neo Universe had said so many things before she left, and by the time Gotham Song sorted them out, she'd somehow ended up with this bizarre rulebook.
Honestly, how had Japan's Tracen Academy become such a mess? This wasn't the normal Tracen anymore—it needed some drastic measures.
She pressed her finger thoughtfully on the list.
Well, it wasn't cowardice exactly. If Neo Universe really could observe parallel universes, then following her advice, at least temporarily, wouldn't hurt.
She'd just delay her return to Mejiro Manor. Besides, after someone dies, you can't exactly pop up out of nowhere, saying, "Hey everyone! I'm reborn! Let's happily roll some sushi together!"
Even Song herself felt she'd want to slice up anyone who dared trivialize those emotions.
She'd wait for a better opportunity. It wouldn't take too long, hopefully.
With these thoughts, Song stepped outside her room, only to see Manhattan Cafe silently waiting for her.
Turning around, Neo Universe had already disappeared without a trace, leaving Song momentarily at a loss as she faced yet another Uma Musume taller than herself.
Um…
"Cafe-nee-san?"
"Yes. Would you like to walk with me? It'll help you familiarize yourself with the place."
Some people had to work tirelessly to earn a "nee-san," yet here this person got it without effort. Life really was unfair—ah, the Afterlife Cup.
Naturally, Song had no reason to refuse. After following Manhattan Cafe around casually, she fully realized how incredibly vast this academy—where she'd almost enrolled once—truly was.
It was big, very big, extremely big!
So enormous that there were multiple fields alone, never mind the countless specialized areas.
By the time the two Uma Musume sisters finished wandering, it was already midday, conveniently leading them toward their next destination—the cafeteria.
However, as they passed through the small square, Song saw something unexpected.
A statue of herself…? No, not exactly her, but something vaguely resembling her.
"Looks familiar?"
Manhattan Cafe had walked slightly ahead before noticing her cousin had stopped. She turned back, looking at the statue with a gentle voice.
"Ah, yes...it feels familiar. I saw something similar in America…"
This wasn't a lie. During Gotham Song's brief time living in New York, statues like this were everywhere. The entire U.S. seemed to idolize Twilight Song.
"Japan differs from the rest of the world. It's the only place that doesn't idolize Twilight Song."
Huh? What?
Song raised an eyebrow, genuinely surprised—not from narcissism, but rather relief. Living in a country full of obsessive fans was embarrassingly awkward!
Back in New York, she'd seen people cosplaying as her and even tattooing her image onto their bodies!
But even though she was somewhat relieved, surely there must be a particular reason?
"Hmm... You can look into it yourself later, but in short, it's because of some inappropriate remarks that ended up dragging everyone into a mess…"
Manhattan Cafe obviously disliked talking about this incident, struggling momentarily to articulate it clearly.
Gradually, Song pieced everything together.
Essentially, it was a petty online feud sparked by pride and other meaningless things.
So then—
Cutting ties!
Japan decided to sever ties, but Secretariat stormed Japan alone, reclaiming Twilight Song's dignity and reputation.
Since then, Twilight Song had become a global legend. Unable to vent their frustration, some Japanese people stubbornly refused to acknowledge Twilight Song, blaming her for their humiliation.
Really, what could she say?
You people are the real Kings of Gotham here.
Suppressing her anger, Song was simultaneously amazed and nearly amused by their pettiness.
Fine, if this was how they wanted to play...
Of course, the Uma Musume themselves still respected Twilight Song; otherwise, a statue like this wouldn't be here.
They say patience brings peace, backing down broadens your horizons—oh hell no! This was way too twisted and disgusting to just ignore!
She had to get revenge.
Mutual restraint was overrated. If the Japanese didn't experience genuine terror, this anger wouldn't fade. But what form should her revenge take?
A faint, uncanny smile slowly spread across Gotham Song's face—perhaps, in a sense, this name was truly fitting.
After all, standing here was the King of Gotham, once again returned to the mortal world.
Japanese racing scene, in her past life she'd only focused on crushing foreign races, completely forgetting you. Well, now she'd spend some time shaking things up here instead.
Are you prepared to face me?
Under Manhattan Cafe's puzzled gaze, Gotham Song eventually regained her composure, pulling back her smile and doing her best to act completely normal as she turned and took the lead toward the cafeteria.
But just as she held Cafe's hand, about to step forward, Gotham Song caught a glimpse of a strange figure.
"Manhattan Cafe"—or rather, someone identical to Manhattan Cafe.
A ghostly presence lingered silently beside them. Cold and shadowy, it radiated an eerie aura, like evil roaming among the living, overwhelmingly clear in Twilight Song's vision.
Ah, this must be "Friend"—the rumored Sunday Silence, right?
Out of politeness, Gotham Song gave a slight nod toward her.
But as Gotham Song and Manhattan Cafe stepped away, the ghostly figure's face contorted into utter disbelief.
Then she licked her lips, excited.
Oh? You can see me too?