Gotham Song spent the entirety of the next day in bed. Even her meals were hand-fed by Neo Universe, who brought food straight back to their room.
It couldn't be helped—right now, stepping outside meant being instantly surrounded by excited Uma Musume. With popularity at its peak, it was easier to just stay comfortably in bed.
Well, there was one other minor reason…
Yesterday's race had indeed been her most intense in a long while. Truthfully, she was still sore enough that getting out of bed felt troublesome.
In short, due to various circumstances, it wasn't until the third day after Yasuda Kinen that Gotham Song finally set foot on the floor again.
Yesterday's internet reactions had been fascinating as well.
From initially blasting the URA for staying silent, to late evening when URA suddenly published a lengthy statement—
To summarize briefly, it was essentially a declaration targeting Gotham Song directly, calling on every Japanese Classic-year Uma Musume to step forward and compete against her:
The honor of the URA rests on you! Will the loyal not rise to the challenge?
Honestly speaking, an organization that gave itself such lofty self-importance clearly had lost touch with reality.
Gotham Song paid no attention to their announcement. She simply washed her face, got dressed, and stepped out of the room.
Immediately, she "coincidentally" bumped into Mejiro Ardan, who was just stepping out of Mejiro Bright's neighboring room.
Hmm. Probably a coincidence.
Clearly, even after a full day had passed, the Mejiro family ladies were still in extraordinarily high spirits. They'd specifically come by to congratulate Gotham Song, and brought along the two hair ribbons they'd promised.
Next came Manhattan Cafe and Agnes Tachyon. They hadn't brought anything special, though Tachyon offered a mysterious tablet after subtly plucking a hair from her own head.
After them came Mejiro Ramonu and Symboli Rudolf, who arrived together—an amusing combination indeed.
Ramonu didn't bother hiding her glee, whereas Rudolf seemed decidedly conflicted.
Hmm…
Rudolf wasn't unhappy about Gotham Song's victory itself. Rather, her mixed feelings stemmed purely from the sudden derailment of Japan's internationalization process.
Ultimately, Emperor-san said nothing. After all, Gotham Song had won fair and square. Even her flamboyant actions at the finish line could be considered a small mercy:
I slowed down and waited before crossing the line, yet you still failed your own goals… You're truly…
Absolutely hopeless!
In short, as Japan's symbolic "Emperor," Symboli Rudolf simply couldn't voice such complaints.
Too embarrassing.
It would shame all Japanese Uma Musume!
So Rudolf left silently, burdened by her melancholy. Ramonu, obviously delighted at Rudolf's discomfort, eagerly followed her out, savoring every moment.
Symboli Rudolf, how do you feel now, hmm? I just love that look on your face—wanting to cry but refusing to shed tears. It's simply delicious…heh heh heh.
Wait… Had Ramonu genuinely gone mad?
Worried, Gotham Song tugged gently on Neo Universe's sleeve, glancing anxiously down the hallway where the two had vanished.
"Will they be okay…?"
"Yes, they'll be fine," Neo Universe replied calmly.
Hmm, how to put it…
Please survive this ordeal, Tanuki-san.
Gotham Song clasped her hands together sincerely, praying quietly before finally regaining her usual cheerful mood.
Ah, Tokai Teio couldn't come today due to her scheduled hospital check-up. But her energetic voice on the phone had shown excitement—likely inspired by Gotham Song's overwhelming performance reigniting her fighting spirit.
At the moment, only Neo Universe remained at Gotham Song's side.
Releasing a long sigh, Gotham Song turned her head and suddenly noticed Neo Universe staring at her intently, utterly absorbed.
She suddenly felt inexplicably nervous. Wait—what was that phrase again?
"I'll keep watching you. Always. Watching you..."
Since when had Neo Universe become a creepy ghost-type character? Stop it, we already have Sunday Silence who's failing miserably at being spooky!
The two girls, who normally shared no distance or reservations, acted instinctively. Gotham Song abruptly grabbed Neo Universe's shoulders, and—amid Neo Universe's confused murmur—began shaking her friend vigorously, as if trying to snap her awake.
"Neo, snap out of it!"
"Snap out of... what? Oh. Neo Universe was observing Song's wavelengths. They're dazzling."
Dazzling?
Hadn't Neo Universe witnessed countless versions of her across parallel worlds already? Besides, what about her was dazzling anyway?
Gotham Song voiced her confusion aloud, only to receive a surprisingly clear response.
"It's different every time. Even though it's always you, Song, each version shines differently. Your personality isn't always the same either."
What did that mean, exactly?
Naturally, Gotham Song asked again, and received a response that left her quietly moved:
Due to subtle differences in life experiences, her parallel selves tended to branch dramatically, each developing entirely distinct personalities.
Neo Universe hadn't encountered a parallel world as ideal as this in a very long time—so long she couldn't even properly describe it herself.
Moreover, Neo Universe revealed another interesting detail:
In many parallel worlds, Gotham Song spent her entire life trapped by lingering trauma from her past brushes with death. Even after rebirth, she'd remain withdrawn, quiet, and constantly haunted by self-destructive urges.
That was why Neo Universe had called her dazzling today—
Because this unique Gotham Song, in this very world, shone brilliantly like a gentle sun, warm enough for anyone to approach safely.
So, Neo Universe, you must never again betray the trust of someone who believes in you so deeply…
Speechless, Gotham Song chuckled softly, playfully pinching Neo Universe's cheek.
They didn't embrace. Instead, they naturally joined hands—as comfortably as if they'd done it a thousand times before.
"Stop worrying yourself with all sorts of strange thoughts. Didn't I promise you already? I won't do anything foolish. We'll change all the bad things together."
"Ah. Neo Universe understands. Objective clearly received."
That's exactly why this world's Gotham Song shines so warmly—so brightly—that Neo Universe can't bear to look away.
Neo Universe quietly curled her fingers inward. But such a small gesture between intertwined hands couldn't possibly go unnoticed.
Gotham Song simply smiled, interlocking their fingers tightly.
"So then, Song, where should we start first?"
"Hmm. Good question! First, let's eat!"
Eat first, and then, while they're at it, check if that silly grey-haired friend of theirs had once again completely missed all the news!
...
The dining hall wasn't far from the dormitory buildings, and Gotham Song and Neo Universe soon arrived hand-in-hand, stepping into the lively bustle.
As expected from an athletics-focused academy, most Uma Musume had extraordinary appetites. And if there was a landmark in Tracen Academy's dining hall, it had to be the mountain of empty dishes stacked beside the famous Oguri Cap.
When Gotham Song approached, the silly gray-haired filly was still devouring carrot dishes, crumbs scattered around her lips.
Watching her messy eating habits, Gotham Song felt both amused and embarrassed—That's Oguri Cap for you. Leave her alone, and she'll probably clean out every plate in the cafeteria, and maybe the cafeteria itself.
"Son—chew chew—g, about your race, I—"
"Finish chewing before you speak."
Though Oguri Cap's speech remained surprisingly clear, pausing every few words to chew was still too much to handle. Besides, Gotham Song wasn't here just to find Oguri—
She hadn't eaten lunch yet!
She and Neo Universe fetched their own trays and sat at a nearby table to start their meal, waiting patiently.
Oguri Cap continued eating, starting from when the dining hall was packed, all the way until it emptied out, and eventually until they were almost completely alone.
Observing this spectacle, Gotham Song sighed internally.
Truly, there's no one else like Oguri Cap. Do your schools have gluttons like this?
In the relieved expressions of the cafeteria staff who'd survived another day, Oguri finally put down her bowl.
"Mm, I'm…almost full."
Ah, so characteristically Oguri Cap.
Realizing that this silly grey-haired filly truly meant it—and might soon consider ordering another round—Gotham Song immediately grabbed Oguri's wrist and dragged her out.
However, she was frustrated to find how difficult it was to move Oguri Cap, even though the filly wasn't actively resisting. Neo Universe had to help by gently pushing from behind to finally get them out the door.
"Song, I watched your race. It was incredible."
"Oh, thanks…?"
Case closed.
This grey-haired goof had probably only watched the race itself and knew absolutely nothing about the chaos afterward.
But honestly, that made sense. If Oguri Cap had suddenly become an internet-savvy expert overnight, Gotham Song would've been genuinely worried.
That would've meant the sky was falling again.
After confirming repeatedly that Oguri Cap genuinely wasn't full yet, Gotham Song took pity and personally funded a tour through several snack stalls around the shopping district.
The All-You-Can-Eat Buffet Association immediately sent a message of heartfelt gratitude to Gotham Song for sparing their businesses from Oguri's endless hunger.
Under the grateful gaze of buffet shop owners, Gotham Song brought Oguri back to school, then wandered around alone for a bit—
Neo Universe was busy training. According to her, it was "just in case something happens…"
Wait…what exactly was Neo Universe training?
Surely not an elbow strike, right?
Gotham Song quickly banished that absurd thought from her mind, forcing herself to focus instead on the peaceful stroll ahead.
Yet, she wasn't the only one enjoying a leisurely walk today. She soon spotted an unexpected face—
Tokai Teio, struggling along slowly with her crutches, performing her rehabilitation exercises.
Ah. She'd wandered unknowingly near the hospital, hadn't she?
The area surrounding Central Tracen Academy was impressively complete—nearly a self-contained ecosystem with its own facilities, including medical centers.
Not hesitating, Gotham Song approached to accompany Tokai Teio in her rehabilitation.
Clearly delighted to see her rival visiting, Teio gave a radiant smile.
"I never thought you'd come visit me at a time like this, Song! I'm healing really quickly, you know. The Invincible Teio-sama might even leave the hospital soon and get back on the track!"
"Really? That's great to hear, Teio."
One had to marvel at the incredible physical strength and recovery of Uma Musume.
Even though Tokai Teio's injury was just a broken toe, it was still a fracture—and yet, she'd already reached the rehabilitation phase so soon.
But truly, rehabilitation was just the beginning, Teio. Soon, she'd face a tougher battle within herself. Gotham Song genuinely hoped she could overcome that hurdle quickly.
She liked Tokai Teio, really liked her, but even so, she knew one thing clearly:
Overcoming pain took time. Even the fiercely defiant Emperor, roaring against fate, first had to be tempered and reforged through burning pain before she could overcome sorrow and rise again.
"Heh heh. When Teio-sama returns to the track, you'd better not get scared, Song! Also—"
Tokai Teio's emotions suddenly became complex. Before, even when she considered Gotham Song her rival, her absolute pride and confidence never wavered. She always believed she'd win decisively, even against Gotham Song.
But after witnessing Gotham Song's performance at Yasuda Kinen, especially in Teio's current state, she realized something clearly:
She couldn't win. At least not at 1600 meters. Not right now.
Song's already shown such incredible strength, yet here I am, still stuck nursing my injury. It's so frustrating…
So frustrating, frustrating, frustrating!
I refuse to accept this! Tokai Teio gritted her teeth fiercely. I refuse to be left behind by you, Song, whether on or off the track!
You're my eternal rival, Gotham Song.
Mine alone.
Biting down hard, Teio poured all her strength into her rehab exercises.
Yes, maybe she couldn't beat Gotham Song at 1600 meters right now, but—but…!
There was no way Tokai Teio would meekly accept defeat!
"Song," Teio suddenly spoke up again.
"Hmm…? What is it, Teio?"
"Could you promise me something?"
What's this, so suddenly?
"What do you want me to promise?"
Teio looked straight into Gotham Song's puzzled eyes, her heart racing restlessly.
Being rivals is something that lasts a lifetime, after all.
"Until Teio-sama defeats you…you're not allowed to lose even once, okay?"
Gotham Song blinked, momentarily speechless. But wasn't that a given? Even without death's shadow behind her, Gotham Song was someone who still rejected the idea of losing.
She was Gotham Song, after all—the legendary Twilight Song reborn!
"All right. I promise you. I'll keep winning until you return and challenge me."