Takarazuka Kinen, Hanshin Racecourse—2200 meters, right-turning.
Within Japan, it was undeniably a prestigious race. Perhaps slightly overshadowed by the year-end Arima Kinen, but even that depended on who you asked.
Moreover, domestically was one thing—internationally, the Takarazuka Kinen currently held a significantly higher reputation.
After all, Takarazuka had officially stepped onto the international stage, leaving Arima Kinen far behind in the global racing scene.
But this wasn't entirely good news—at least, certainly not from the perspective of many Japanese racing fans.
Because this year, a monster from abroad had set her sights firmly on Japan's international-grade races.
As race day approached, online discussions grew increasingly chaotic. Some demanded a ban on Gotham Song, arguing that a foreign Uma Musume had no right participating in such a significant Japanese mid-year event.
Yet more voices passionately countered:
"What value would a race hold if it feared even a single foreign competitor? Would banning her just because you're afraid of losing and embarrassing yourselves really preserve your pride?"
"And why assume defeat even before the race begins? Takarazuka Kinen has been dominated by Japanese Uma Musume for countless years—when did it suddenly become an embarrassment?"
"In any case, it's fifteen Japanese Uma Musume against one foreigner. The advantage is clearly ours."
Indeed, observers from other countries—who typically didn't care much about Japanese races—commented that the heated online battles in Japan were even more entertaining than the races themselves.
Ever since Twilight Song's historic Arc run years ago, many international fans had gotten into the habit of tuning into Japanese forums annually for the sheer amusement.
Last year's excitement over Air Groove's Arc run, and now this year's Gotham Song—both events had sparked keen international interest.
And what about Gotham Song herself, the very center of this fierce debate?
Well, even as she headed to the racetrack, she was leisurely scrolling through her phone, thoroughly entertained by it all.
This had become something of a peculiar habit. Incidentally, today she was being driven to the track in a rental car arranged by Dancing Brave.
"Are Japanese internet comments really that funny?"
"Eh? Brave-san, you should understand, right? It's the oddly schizophrenic way they flip back and forth, plus their absurdly inflated self-confidence?"
Honestly, Dancing Brave couldn't suppress a faint smile.
Unfamiliar? No way—she knew all too well. As a tactical and information-gathering expert, she'd long studied the twists and turns of public opinion.
These ridiculous Japanese online statements were entirely within her expectations, yet still endlessly amusing.
Ah, truly Japan being Japan…
After laughing sufficiently, Dancing Brave felt a hint of melancholy. She still couldn't quite understand why Twilight Song had once willingly chosen to race as a representative of Japan.
She thought and thought, but ultimately gave up.
Well, whatever the reason, it must've been Twilight Song's personal choice. There must've been something I just never understood about you… Twilight-san, how I wish we could race again…
Perhaps there won't ever be another chance.
Dancing Brave glanced briefly at Gotham Song through the rear-view mirror.
Now, she was almost certain of one thing. Though she dared not jump to conclusions without further proof…
If something so absurd, something miraculously impossible had really happened, wouldn't that be wonderful?
Then, perhaps Dancing Brave wouldn't need to wait hopelessly for that legendary, elusive "Dream Cup," a race where any Uma Musume could challenge the greatest legends, even those no longer among the living.
She sincerely hoped that day would come.
"We've arrived, Gotham-san."
Dancing Brave kept her emotions carefully hidden. Despite her hopes and excitement, her voice remained perfectly calm. Smoothly parking the car, she quietly reminded Gotham Song in the back seat.
Gotham promptly put away her phone, took a deep breath, and began her final preparations.
Watching her quietly, Dancing Brave briefly tried to imagine her as a certain familiar white-haired Uma Musume, trying to discern any subtle differences.
Yet to her sadness, Brave realized she couldn't confirm anything. She'd simply spent too little time off-track with Twilight Song to truly know what the girl had been like beyond her racing legend.
A shame, truly…
"Brave-san? Brave-san…?"
"Ah, sorry, I was lost in thought. So, ready to go?"
Gotham Song nodded, eyes fixed firmly toward the track.
"Let's go then."
Go forth, Gotham Song, and crush this hostile track beneath your feet.
Dancing Brave smiled quietly. Gotham Song's state of mind was clearly excellent, and thus, they walked confidently toward the competitors' entrance.
Yet, as soon as they arrived, an unexpected scene greeted them.
A large number of reporters had gathered, anxiously waiting near the gate. Who else could draw such immense media attention to today's Takarazuka Kinen?
Despite being one of Japan's top G1 races, Takarazuka normally never received this level of intense attention—certainly far below that of Arima Kinen.
But this year was different. Any decent journalist understood how much publicity Gotham Song could generate.
Still…
As Gotham and Dancing Brave stepped into view, the reporters froze anxiously in place.
Especially those who had previously interviewed Gotham Song at the Yasuda Kinen—who had seen her alongside Secretariat herself.
Wait, last time Secretariat accompanied her. Now it's Dancing Brave? Gotham Song, are you secretly the illegitimate daughter of some legendary Uma Musume? How else would you have connections like these?!
In Japan, Dancing Brave's popularity might not match Secretariat's, but she was still an internationally legendary figure. Her fame had skyrocketed with her legendary Arc showdown in the pouring rain, fiercely challenging Symboli Rudolf herself.
Maybe it's time we checked Gotham's bloodline…?
As before, the reporters waited anxiously, watching Dancing Brave closely. Gotham Song calmly nodded to everyone first, silently giving permission for photos.
Take all the pictures you like. Higher exposure suits me just fine.
Ah, the Takarazuka Kinen, her second major classic-year race…
The flashes fired repeatedly. Gotham, well-prepared, narrowed her eyes slightly and confidently strode forward, leaving only a quietly powerful image in the reporters' lenses.
In that moment, though small in stature, Gotham Song appeared towering, almost divine.
Once safely inside the competitor's hallway, Gotham Song finally relaxed, sighing softly as she played idly with Secretariat's former scepter. Dancing Brave smiled knowingly at her discomfort.
Clearly, Gotham Song wasn't accustomed to such intense media attention—a natural reaction for someone her age.
"Alright, Gotham, let's briefly reconfirm your rivals again. Thorough preparation is essential."
"Alright. Let's go over them once more."
They reviewed quickly—something they'd done repeatedly already.
Who were today's notable participants?
First, an old acquaintance from the Yasuda Kinen: Twin Turbo, the Reverse Jet herself!
Then there was Eishin Flash, Daiwa Scarlet, and… well…
Perhaps one of Japan's most infamous Uma Musume?
Matikanetannhauser.
Brave wasn't sure why Gotham had insisted on noting Tannhauser, but since she'd asked, they included her anyway.
Aside from the unpredictable Tannhauser, the other Uma Musume were all genuinely formidable. Both Daiwa Scarlet and Eishin Flash boasted impressive G1 victories—although Brave privately questioned the true level of Japan's G1 races.
Still, Gotham Song only had the Yasuda Kinen victory under her belt. Technically, the others currently held the advantage in prestige.
"Everything seems perfect. You're undoubtedly the top favorite today, Gotham-san. Ready?"
"Of course. Shall I get going?"
The scepter tapped lightly on the floor, the echo clear even as Gotham Song walked away. Dancing Brave quietly watched her go, then headed toward the VIP section—invited personally by Symboli Rudolf, though surely not just to watch the race.
She wondered briefly what Rudolf wanted to discuss.
Meanwhile, Gotham Song had already forgotten anything unrelated to the race.
Standing at the entrance to the competitors' tunnel, she closed her eyes calmly amidst the stares of her rivals. The long-missed "flow state" enveloped her once more—stronger than ever.
"Next up, today's third favorite—scion of the Meimon families, Daiwa Scarlet!"
That focused gaze finally moved away. Gotham gently tapped the scepter in rhythm, counting down.
Fifth favorite Dai Tak Helios, fourth favorite Eishin Flash, third Daiwa Scarlet, second Twin Turbo…
"And now—conqueror of the Yasuda Kinen, the Demon King herself! From America, racing from gate eleven—Gotham Song!"
No cheers, no applause, not a trace of warmth—only heavy silence.
A person's aura truly was magical. Even a single name could freeze someone's heart.
Tell any ordinary Uma Musume, "Hey, you woke up! It's your turn to race Eclipse next—excited?"
Even the bravest would probably have a heart attack upon hearing that.
Yes, names held power. A fearsome name alone could fill others with dread.
So, what if one's mere presence—one's name alone—could silence an entire stadium?
Gotham Song smiled inwardly.
"Conqueror of the Yasuda Kinen," huh? Not bad—I like it.
But "conquer" felt too gentle.
Ascending to the stage, Gotham Song silently raised her scepter, making a slow, sweeping gesture toward the silent, darkened grandstands, as if offering a toast.
You call me a Demon King who destroys races, who ruins the Japanese racing scene?
Then shouldn't you have prayed I wasn't actually as terrifying as you imagined?
Because otherwise, isn't this just a provocation?
Fine. Challenge accepted. I'll respond to your provocation in kind—with the greatest malice possible.
To everyone watching this race—drink deeply of this cup I offer you. It contains wine, but it also contains blood.
The blood of fools who dare defy the Demon King.
The blood of those foolish enough to harbor even the slightest thought of rebellion.