Honestly speaking, Gotham Song still preferred the Symboli Rudolf she'd met before.
It wasn't for any particular reason. It's just that an arrogant, imperious Rudolf was infinitely preferable to this sorrowful Luna, who seemed on the verge of tears.
Come on, you're the Emperor of Japan's Uma Musume—the idol admired by every girl in the country!
If anyone saw her current state, they'd be utterly shocked, wouldn't they?
At least Gotham Song had never heard of Symboli Rudolf easily showing such vulnerability.
No, seriously… I clearly died once, not transmigrated again. How come the Uma Musume world I'd just gotten familiar with completely changed in just four or five years…?
Who turned you all into this? It couldn't possibly be because of me…
…Right?
Gotham Song maintained an awkward yet polite smile, trying her best to appear respectful and innocent.
A sudden gust of wind blew past, alerting Tokai Teio to Gotham Song's presence. In a flash, Teio was standing protectively between her and Symboli Rudolf.
Rudolf immediately wiped away the sadness on her face, instantly resuming her dignified composure. Teio, however, was far more direct. She immediately clung tightly to Rudolf's arm, casting wary eyes toward the unfamiliar newcomer.
"Prez, who's this?"
"Oh, nice to meet you, Teio-san. I'm Gotham Song, Manhattan Cafe's cousin. This is my debut year too."
Quickly sensing the misunderstanding, Gotham Song introduced herself clearly. Tokai Teio considered her words for a moment before her eyes flashed challengingly.
"So, you're an enemy then?"
Gotham Song immediately broke out into a nervous sweat.
"I-I have no interest in the Triple Crown!" Gotham Song quickly waved her hands, hastily clarifying.
Hearing this, Tokai Teio nodded cheerfully, immediately bouncing out from behind Rudolf.
"Oh, in that case, wanna be Teio's friend? Come on, say yes—you have to!"
Enthusiastically, Tokai Teio grabbed Gotham Song's wrists tightly, looking as though she wouldn't let go until she agreed.
How should I put it… If we're not rivals, we must be friends, huh?
Tokai Teio, you're surprisingly straightforward.
"Alright then, we're friends."
Teio nodded excitedly, then tugged Gotham Song's hand to proudly show Rudolf her new accomplishment.
"Look, Prez! Teio made a new friend!"
"Good job, Teio. However, Song, did you say you have no interest in the Triple Crown?"
After praising Tokai Teio gently, Rudolf's gaze turned serious as she addressed Gotham Song.
Teio immediately took the opportunity to latch onto Rudolf's arm again, smiling contentedly.
But Gotham Song didn't flinch under Rudolf's intense stare. Instead, she nodded seriously.
"That's right. I genuinely have no interest in the Triple Crown."
After all, she'd already won the first two legs of the Japanese Triple Crown before. There was no real meaning in repeating her achievements in her second life.
However, the Kikuka Sho was still something she deeply desired—it was, after all, the only one she'd truly missed.
Rudolf looked slightly surprised. Gotham Song had come to Japan specifically for competition. If not for the Triple Crown, then what was her goal?
"Oh, I suppose my main goals would be... the Japan Cup? And the Arima Kinen too."
She'd nearly forgotten to include the Arima Kinen.
At that, Rudolf understood perfectly.
Indeed, targeting the Japan Cup was more plausible, considering the declining international prestige of Japan's Triple Crown. Many people openly joked about how the American and British Triple Crowns had skyrocketed in prestige because of Twilight Song, whereas the Japanese Triple Crown…
Unfortunately, remained incomplete.
Symboli Rudolf always felt powerless hearing these criticisms. But faced with so many fans and supporters, what else could she do?
While Rudolf fell into contemplative silence, Tokai Teio energetically made another proposal.
Between Uma Musume, there was a uniquely simple way of making friends.
You love running, right? So do I!
Then let's run together. After racing side by side, we'll surely understand each other better, and then we'll be best friends!
At least, Tokai Teio believed firmly in this idea.
No matter how cold or distant an Uma Musume might appear, the passion ignited during a run was always warm.
Thus, with Gotham Song barely managing to maintain her thoughts clearly, the scene swiftly transitioned from casual conversation among two fillies and one senior to a joint training run between the two younger girls.
Symboli Rudolf even took on the role of starter, standing at the starting line, readying the stopwatch.
Gotham Song was still mildly confused as to how she'd been dragged into this, but soon gave up thinking about it.
I was supposed to come for morning practice anyway—I almost forgot about it after being interrogated by Rudolf.
Since it came to this, running properly against Tokai Teio wouldn't be so bad, right?
Let's test the so-called undefeated genius.
Inexplicably, Gotham Song felt her blood beginning to boil.
This wasn't her first time feeling this way.
From her final, fatal acceleration in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe to her reincarnated self's every exhilarating run afterward, Gotham Song found herself addicted to the thrill.
How should I describe my current state?
Gotham Song felt she'd truly fallen into the depths of being an Uma Musume—but it wasn't bad at all.
Because, after all…
Running feels amazing. Sprinting without limits, the wind brushing past on the track…
The feeling of pouring your entire heart and soul into every step, your spirit soaring and burning hotter with every heartbeat—it was utterly addictive, like catnip for Uma Musume, irresistible and thrilling.
If that's how it was…
Both Uma Musume held their breaths, waiting eagerly for Symboli Rudolf's command.
Japan Central Tracen Academy, 1200-meter grass track. Weather: Clear skies. Two participants at the starting line. Finish line… at Hishi Amazon.
As Symboli Rudolf's voice signaled the start, both fillies burst forward instantly—
But unexpectedly, a small, energetic figure rushed onto the track first, bolting ahead.
Blue twin-tails streamed wildly behind her as she dashed forward, laughter echoing loudly across the field. Gotham Song watched amusedly as Tokai Teio stood momentarily stunned.
The uninvited newcomer took the lead effortlessly, shouting confidently as she went:
"Hahaha! Whatever it is, first place always belongs to the great Twin Turbo! You two will never catch up!"