The Takarazuka Kinen was fast approaching, but for Dancing Brave, it wasn't particularly significant. Her main reason for coming to Japan had already been fulfilled. While everything else was undoubtedly important, they were more like side objectives now.
But of course, even then, the legendary Dancing Brave would still give her absolute best. After all, taking things seriously was her style.
On a quiet training ground near Tokyo Racecourse…
Though Dancing Brave would've liked to spend more time experiencing the uniquely "abstract" high-speed turf of the Tokyo Racecourse itself, training was equally important. Thus, with neither of them lacking money, they rented a nearby grass field to practice.
Compared to Secretariat, however, Dancing Brave was far gentler—or at least, far gentler in Gotham Song's eyes.
Because what Dancing Brave taught Gotham was something extremely familiar.
To quote Dancing Brave's own words after watching the Yasuda Kinen: "It would be a waste if you didn't learn this."
What was she teaching exactly?
It was a strategy Dancing Brave had refined after that historic Arc de Triomphe: specifically, tactics focused on intercepting other runners right from the starting gate, then swiftly responding to follow-up threats.
In short: Gate block!
Block, then surge ahead!
Surge, and then win.
It felt slightly ironic to Gotham Song, since this very technique had originally been devised specifically to counter her former self.
But she had to admit—it worked incredibly well. She eagerly learned, even actively discussing nuances and adding her own minor adjustments.
What else was there to say? Takarazuka Kinen, oh, Takarazuka Kinen…
But training couldn't be tactics and theory all day long. When resting, Dancing Brave would invite Gotham Song to sit and enjoy the peaceful afternoons or gentle twilight.
Truly befitting a famously laid-back French Uma Musume. Although Dancing Brave possessed an elegant and imposing presence—and she could be exceptionally serious—she was never careless when it came to relaxation. There wasn't a hint of her earlier professional demeanor in sight.
Aha, maybe she's the kind of leader hardworking folks dream about most?
During these idle times, Gotham Song and Dancing Brave spoke about various intriguing topics. Like, for example…
The new "Japan Expedition Support Platform," announced just days earlier.
Officially launched by Secretariat and openly endorsed by Symboli Rudolf, this new system had already welcomed its very first client—Air Groove, Japan's rising star who had claimed second place in last year's Arc.
Air Groove had notably requested no additional services, simply choosing this new platform over URA's existing overseas support. Why? The answer was simple.
Back when Air Groove had initially set out for the Arc the previous year, no one had believed in her. Without fan support or URA subsidies, she had ventured abroad entirely alone, earning herself harsh criticism. People thought she was too arrogant, aiming for the Arc without having earned notable domestic victories.
Then, astonishingly, Air Groove had stormed into the Arc and secured second place, narrowly beaten only by the European favorite, Miesque.
How to describe it? When Air Groove made it to the Arc, all of Japan was stunned. When she clinched second place, Japan went wild.
She was the first Japan-born Uma Musume to take second at the Arc. They had been just a hair away from a true Japanese Arc champion!
What about the difference between first and second place? Eh, negligible! Next year would surely be the year—Japan's year—to conquer the Arc!
Upon returning, Air Groove was bewildered by her newfound celebrity status, becoming almost an instant Uma Musume of the year contender.
However, the most ironic, laughable part came afterward, hitting URA like a boomerang:
As an acclaimed Arc runner-up and top domestic contender, Air Groove expressed her intention to race in Japan's classic series and the Tenno Sho (Spring and Autumn).
She was promptly denied.
The reason?
Because despite her Japanese nationality, Air Groove was considered a "returnee." Like Grass Wonder, she had been born in Japan but raised abroad (America), returning only shortly before her racing debut.
Under URA rules, these "returnee Uma Musume" were restricted from competing domestically in certain major races.
That's why Air Groove had never challenged the Japanese Triple Crown and why she had raced overseas instead. When she finally returned, her domestic ambitions were still blocked.
But wait, wasn't Gotham Song also foreign?
Indeed, Gotham was—but she wasn't Japanese. URA rules bizarrely restricted their own returnee Uma Musume yet provided international guests like Gotham Song special privileges and racing allowances!
Ah, URA logic at its finest.
Thus, when an alternative overseas support platform emerged, Air Groove decisively chose it, aiming once again for the Arc as her lifelong objective—perhaps partly fueled by frustration at URA's absurd rules.
No matter how one saw it, this move was a clear slap in URA's face—a sign of rebellion and distrust. For Gotham Song and Secretariat's agenda, this was perfect.
Air Groove's popularity couldn't be overstated. More cases like hers were certainly welcome.
Listening attentively, Gotham Song casually asked afterward, "So, who's Air Groove's biggest competition at the Arc this year?"
If she'd asked anyone else, answers would've been unreliable. But Dancing Brave, a true race-track intel expert and a European legend, was perfectly suited to offer meaningful insight.
Dancing Brave paused, fingers holding a delicate macaron, obviously deep in thought.
Truthfully, although Dancing Brave had once contested the Arc twice, that had been years ago. As a long-established legend whose professional intensity had waned, she hadn't closely followed recent European races.
Still, it wasn't like she knew nothing at all…
Ah, if only I could return to the track again. If I could race Ruka-san once more with all my strength—even losing my life would be worth it. Will I ever have such a chance again…?
"If Air Groove-san's ultimate goal is the Arc, I believe her biggest opponents this year will be two in particular."
Wait. Actually, wasn't there a rumored way to let an Uma Musume return to her peak, even racing against those who'd passed away? I must check that later.
"One is Sangeki—yes, that's actually her name—a promising junior. The other is a French runner whose runaway style is nearly unbeatable."
Runaway Uma Musume and the Arc…such nostalgic words. Frankly, that pairing still evoked one particular legend. After all, only one runaway Uma Musume had ever triumphed at the Arc.
Could this young one become another legend?
"She consistently delivers astonishing performances in France, a truly legendary return: Sillery."
These names were completely unfamiliar to Gotham Song. She nodded politely, analyzing them briefly with her limited knowledge before resigning herself to simply wishing Air Groove luck.
"Oh, actually, Miesque-san still maintains top-tier competitiveness. If she wishes, she might very well aim for the Arc again."
Miesque—yes, Gotham knew her. Last year, Miesque had blocked Air Groove's victory. Surely it wouldn't happen again?
Gotham didn't know what else to say, silently praying for Air Groove.
I hope she's all right.
Indeed, Air Groove's Arc expedition had already made waves. Because she'd placed second previously, many people prematurely crowned her this year's Arc winner, placing her under immense pressure.
Perhaps even worse than what Twilight Song had faced back then. Gotham herself hadn't desperately needed an Arc victory—but Air Groove was now Japan's hope to reclaim pride after Twilight Song's loss.
Expectations and pressure loomed overwhelmingly.
Gotham Song disdainfully curled her lips, noticing Dancing Brave similarly grimacing—a rare sight.
"It seems we're thinking the same thing, Gotham-san. Honestly, weren't the Japanese being completely unreasonable?"
"Exactly. And that makes our next moves all the more important, doesn't it?"
Gotham Song ended the topic, stretching playfully.
When Twilight Song had dominated the world stage, who had URA named as Japan's best Uma Musume? Tamamo Cross—who'd refused the award out of shame.
Ah, truly URA at its peak absurdity.
Dancing Brave remained seated, silently watching Gotham Song run laps around the field, offering no advice—
As incredible as it sounded, classic-year Gotham Song's abilities were already beyond any criticism Dancing Brave could provide. Even at her peak, Dancing Brave doubted she could easily beat Gotham now.
Yet, Dancing Brave sensed something deeply familiar in Gotham's running. She instinctively recognized something hidden beneath the surface.
With such speed, stamina, and burst potential—why avoid a runaway strategy entirely?
Dancing Brave's eyes sharpened. She called out:
"Gotham-san, could you lower your center of gravity to your absolute limit while running?"
Wait, isn't that my original running style!?
Gotham Song froze internally but calmly lowered her stance slightly, deliberately stumbling as if unable to go further.
After a pause, Dancing Brave nodded, seemingly satisfied—but internally confirmed her suspicion.
Gotham Song was holding back.
Just what secret are you hiding, Gotham Song?
Perhaps…the most astonishing one of all?
Dancing Brave silently sipped tea, adding another question to her mental notes.
Well then, let's find a time to draw out your full strength.
Gotham Song…hehe.