The Kikuka Sho was nearly upon them.
Truthfully, as the climactic final race of the Classic Triple Crown, Tokai Teio was naturally considered the most favored contender after winning both the Satsuki Sho and the Japanese Derby.
However—!
Also impossible to ignore this year was Gotham Song, a name that had already been prominent long before she won the Irish Champion Stakes. After her resounding victories overseas, her presence became utterly unavoidable.
Indeed, many on the internet had even begun passionately cursing Gotham Song.
What exactly were they saying?
They pleaded desperately:
Since you and Tokai Teio are such good friends, can't you each claim a Triple Crown? Let her take the Classic Triple Crown, and you go after the Autumn Triple Crown! Please, please, don't ruin our Teio-sama's shot at becoming a Triple Crown winner!
Reading such comments left Gotham Song simultaneously amused and exasperated. When Tokai Teio learned of them, she uncharacteristically became annoyed.
"They're basically implying Teio-sama can't beat you, Gotham! How rude!"
Well, combined with Teio's unique tone, her outrage had a strangely charming appeal. Perhaps the internet trolls were secretly craving exactly that—
But…Teio, when you said those words, only I was there to hear it, you know?
Hehe.
Nevertheless, those comments did slightly affect Gotham Song. For instance, when going to familiarize herself with the Kikuka Sho track, she deliberately left a few days early, traveling separately from Teio.
It wasn't because she took the internet complaints seriously; she just wanted, perhaps subconsciously, to create a sense of fair neutrality for their ultimate showdown.
Thus, Gotham Song arrived alone at the grassy track—and there, unexpectedly, saw someone familiar near the railing.
Hmm…isn't that the little one I met a while ago… Ah, Kitasan Black, right?
Yet, something felt off compared to her memory.
Has she changed that much?
Gotham Song furrowed her brows slightly but remained still, waiting as Kitasan noticed her and jogged closer.
Only then did Gotham Song spot a little figure trailing behind Kitasan.
It wasn't Satono Diamond, but rather a completely unfamiliar girl she'd never seen before.
Hmm…she does look strikingly similar to Kitasan. Wait, does Kitasan have a sister?
Well, it probably doesn't matter. And isn't there a more pressing question right now?
Kitasan approached slowly—not due to her own lack of speed, but because the small girl behind her moved timidly, holding her sister back. Eventually, the two black-haired sisters reached Gotham Song.
Curiosity took hold, and Gotham Song asked immediately,
"Um, Kita-chan? Diamond-chan isn't with you today?"
This was crucially important—if Satono Diamond were here, Gotham would immediately phone Gentildonna nearby, preparing for a swift escape.
That wasn't an exaggeration. This was Satono Diamond—the girl who'd "locked onto" her.
"The three years between you and Satono Diamond have begun."
"The lifetime between you and Satono Diamond has begun!"
Faced with Gotham's inquiry, Kitasan awkwardly scratched her head.
Looks like Gotham-san really likes Diamond-chan. I should tell her that later. But, um…how do I explain today's situation?
"Diamond-chan's not here today… Actually, um, my little sister isn't too fond of Diamond, so they didn't come together. Anyway…um, Gotham-san, Teio-san isn't with you?"
"Teio? Ah, right—you're a big fan of Teio's."
Gotham finally recalled that detail about Kitasan Black. Still, her curiosity now focused fully on the small girl hiding behind Kitasan, gripping her sister's waist tightly and cautiously peeking out at Gotham Song.
Hmm…she seems very shy. But goodness, she's really cute.
From her partially hidden face, the most striking feature was her large, curious yet wary eyes. Gotham wasn't bothered by the wary gaze; they were complete strangers, after all. And truthfully, such adorable caution was rather endearing.
"Teio will come later. She's not here today. But Kita-chan…your height—?"
Gotham Song clearly remembered that when they'd first met, Kitasan had been much smaller—at least significantly shorter than herself. But now…!
In the short span since their last meeting, this kid had shot up astonishingly—already nearly reaching Gentildonna's height.
I'm actually looking up at my junior now!
Dammit, why does having to look up at a kouhai who's so much younger than me feel this frustrating?
Kitasan, clearly used to this line of questioning, laughed without noticing Gotham Song's slight frustration.
"Ahaha, I practically woke up like this one morning. My maturation isn't even finished yet, so I keep having to buy new clothes. It's kinda troublesome…"
While Kitasan genuinely lamented her wardrobe issues, Gotham Song quietly sulked at her own lost height advantage. At this moment, the small figure behind Kitasan tugged on her sister's sleeve.
"Hm? What's wrong, Bun-chan?"
"Big sis, you're an idiot."
Ouch, harsh!
Kitasan's expression turned blank, then helpless. Clearly not the first time her little sister had said something like this, she looked desperately toward Gotham Song for help.
Seeing this scene greatly improved Gotham Song's mood. She chuckled softly, crouching down to smile gently at the younger sister.
After brief hesitation, the girl called Bun-chan released Kitasan's clothes, shyly stepping toward Gotham Song.
"Can you tell big sister why you called Kita-chan an idiot?"
"Because… Big sister clearly knows already?"
Gotham Song's feigned ignorance caused the child genuine confusion. Tilting her head in bewilderment, Bun-chan's innocence made Gotham Song smile warmly. She liked this earnest little filly. Checking her pockets for something to offer as a gift, she came up empty.
Wait, I don't need a physical gift. We're at the Kikuka Sho track itself, aren't we?
"How about I teach you running as our greeting gift instead? Big sister's pretty famous, you know."
Gotham confidently expected her offer would be warmly received. Yet surprisingly, the small girl shook her head gently.
"Gotham Song… Bun-chan knows your name, but running…"
Her large eyes were suddenly filled with uncertainty. Gotham looked toward Kitasan Black for answers, only to find a similarly helpless expression.
It seemed Bun-chan believed she lacked talent, preferring quiet solitude.
Hmm, a filly without running talent? But…my instincts tell me differently.
Intuition was a mysterious thing. Gotham Song, a veteran Uma Musume, deeply trusted her instincts—and right now, her intuition said this child wasn't simple at all.
"Don't you want to run, Bun-chan?"
"I do! But no one expects Bun-chan to achieve anything."
Within those wide eyes flickered determination—and hidden deeper, vulnerability and confusion.
She has the wish to run. Of course she does. What Uma Musume wouldn't, besides myself?
"That's fine—I think you're suited for running."
Gently taking Bun-chan's small hand, Gotham Song felt their heartbeats quietly synchronize.
In this moment, no lie or falsehood exists between us.
Seeing budding hope in Bun-chan's eyes, Gotham stood up, leading the girl forward.
"Let's not overthink it. How about we just run first?"
"…Okay!"
Gotham didn't give Bun-chan a chance to refuse, gently pulling her into a slow, comfortable trot around the glorious turf.
Kitasan, watching from afar, whispered softly in disbelief. This was the first time she'd ever seen her sister show such determination.
After completing the gentle lap, Gotham Song returned to Kitasan's side.
"Gotham-san, my sister—"
"Kita-chan, your sister is a genius."
Kitasan's eyes widened, stunned.
"Your sister didn't show any fatigue after a full lap at her age, even before maturation. If that's not talent, what is?"
Gotham Song turned back toward the girl.
"Can Bun-chan become strong like Gotham-onee-san?"
"Like me? I'm sure you can. Absolutely."
She might surpass me someday.
Gotham gently stroked Bun-chan's head.
"Next time, Kita-chan, come visit me at school. I'll introduce you around."
"Really? Is it okay?"
"Of course. I'll even tell Rudolf-san myself."
Kitasan smiled gratefully, eyes sparkling in admiration.
"Then…I'll come watch your duel with Teio at the Kikuka Sho. Good luck!"
Gotham smiled warmly.
"You won't be disappointed."
Afterwards, Gotham asked gently, "Oh, by the way—what's your name, Bun-chan?"
"My name is… Vernal Equinox (Shunbun)."
Vernal Equinox? I've never heard that name…
"Well, Shunbun-chan. Big sister won't forget your name—so don't forget mine either."
"Gotham Song."