Gotham Song pushed past her limits, becoming a blazing streak on the racetrack—utterly dazzling!
In the blink of an eye, even Festival Glory, who'd been closing the distance mere moments earlier, was left hopelessly behind. Helpless, all she could do was stare in awe at the wavering figure ahead.
That monster—that burning, relentless monster—even maintained her unstoppable acceleration through the second descent…!
How could anyone possibly catch up to something like that? A sight like this makes victory seem impossible from the very start.
Perhaps this era, like one from many years ago, would soon bear the name of a single person.
After all, this year's Gotham Song had truly been dazzling beyond measure.
But… wait. Why would an Uma Musume of such caliber participate in only one leg of the Classic Triple Crown?
Festival Glory couldn't understand, and neither could Gotham Song herself. After all, her current condition wasn't exactly ideal.
Her unique [Zone], [Blaze Fiercely] essentially provided a slight speed boost and greatly enhanced resistance against bodily pain, allowing her to accelerate regardless of the circumstances.
Normally, she wouldn't activate this [Zone] lightly.
But!
She had her reasons. It wasn't just for that negligible boost in speed—it was to utterly ignore her body's warnings and continue onward.
Of course, she wasn't putting herself on a life-threatening countdown again; it was just…
When Tokai Teio had suddenly fallen, Gotham Song had already been accelerating at full tilt!
The best she could do was swiftly grab hold of Tokai Teio, cushioning the impact by letting her crash into her own body instead of the ground.
Tokai Teio was safe now.
But what about Gotham Song, who'd been slammed into by a literal human missile?
"Gotham Song is still racing forward! She's approaching the final stretch, and paramedics are already waiting here! We're witnessing history—the hero of our epic, Gotham Song!"
The crowd roared her name, the cheers alone preventing her consciousness from fading. Gritting her teeth, she pushed onward until finally crossing the finish line. Only after carefully placing Tokai Teio onto the waiting stretcher did Gotham Song allow herself a moment to relax.
Gradually, the flames surrounding Gotham Song began dissipating, and then…
The instant her [Zone] fully lifted, a heavy pain surged violently through her chest.
Despite anticipating the shock, she could only grit her teeth, swaying slightly before collapsing to the ground.
Then, without her noticing, a trickle of blood seeped from the corner of her mouth.
The previously deafening racetrack suddenly plunged into utter silence, creating a surreal scene.
Several Uma Musume—even famous ones, retired legends, and rising stars—vaulted over railings and stormed onto the track.
At the forefront were Symboli Rudolf, the Emperor herself; Mejiro Ramonu, the young mistress of Mejiro Manor; and two legendary figures from across the ocean, Secretariat and Dancing Brave!
But, having started from the VIP area, even they faced an overly long distance to reach her in time.
Moreover, those who started earlier couldn't get close immediately either, as the medical personnel, quick to react, swiftly carried off the two protagonists of the Kikuka Sho together.
Thus, the others could only helplessly prepare to follow to the hospital, wondering anxiously what had happened.
However, one person didn't join the crowd trying to approach.
A golden shadow—Neo Universe—had quietly flashed toward the exit at the earliest possible moment.
...
When Gotham Song awoke, it was nearly midnight.
Honestly speaking, the experience was awful. Even as consciousness returned, a sharp pain still radiated from her chest.
Barely awake, she involuntarily gasped at the discomfort.
"Song, you're awake?"
"Ah… water, Neo-chan… mm."
No sooner had Gotham Song whispered than a straw was gently pressed against her parched lips. Feeling the soothing coolness, she finally felt alive again, lying exhausted yet relieved on the hospital bed.
"So, uh, what exactly happened?"
"What happened? Mejiro Ramonu completely lost it, and Symboli Rudolf wasn't any better."
Neo Universe didn't even want to recall that chaotic afternoon. Mejiro Ramonu had nearly gone berserk, and even Symboli Rudolf—who normally could control her old friend—was utterly silent, embodying pure melancholy Luna.
Neo Universe had hoped Mejiro Ardan could restrain Ramonu, but instead, Ardan became even more anxious and panicked.
Fortunately, Dancing Brave and Secretariat had intervened decisively to forcibly calm Ramonu down.
Dancing Brave likely understood something, judging by her reaction, while Secretariat remained confused throughout, acting purely on the unwavering determination of her old friend.
Among those who visited later that afternoon, Daiichi Ruby and Manhattan Cafe had been the calmest.
Ruby, determinedly suppressing her worries with sheer rationality, busied herself tirelessly, certain Gotham Song would be fine.
And Manhattan Cafe?
Neo Universe had noticed Sunday Silence appearing at Cafe's side, whispering reassurance through mysterious means, convincing her Gotham Song would indeed be okay.
Well, Gotham Song wasn't seriously harmed after all. According to the doctor—
"It's just a minor alveolar rupture… a very minor injury for Uma Musume. The main reason for your collapse was continuing at high intensity after sustaining a major impact."
In short…
"Song, you pushed yourself too hard. That's why you collapsed."
Neo Universe spoke evenly, as if feeling nothing at all about the situation, yet Gotham Song caught the subtle undertones.
"Haha, it seems like—cough, cough—this kind of incident was bound to happen with me and Teio?"
"...I'm unhappy about it!"
Rarely did Neo Universe reply with such personal emotion, stubbornly turning her head away. But she turned back abruptly when she realized Gotham Song, who'd been lying flat, was now slightly turned toward her from the bed.
"If it were you and me on the track instead, Neo-chan, I'd probably push myself just as hard."
So unfair! How could Song say something like that? Now what can I possibly complain about!?
Neo Universe's imagination briefly betrayed her, picturing herself held protectively in Song's arms while racing together. But she immediately crushed such daring fantasies.
Song's body couldn't handle many more instances like this. Besides, Neo Universe, aren't you already satisfied?
"Cough, cough… So, Ardan-san and the others, where are they?"
"Well… good news. They didn't notice your hair turned white."
Neo Universe nodded lightly, pulling a small handkerchief from her pocket—filled with fine white strands.
Gotham Song raised her eyebrow, silently prompting Neo Universe for an explanation.
"While you were asleep, I cut out the strands that had turned white… oh, after the race, some of your hair had whitened, though thankfully not very noticeably."
Ah, I see.
Gotham Song nodded, grateful. Neo Universe truly made her feel secure.
I'm so glad I have you, Neo-chan.
But then, what was the bad news?
"The bad news is, Mejiro Ardan and Mejiro Ramonu are currently sleeping right next door. They'll probably stay until you're completely healed… er, rested enough."
Huh?
Gotham Song's eyebrow shot up in shock, briefly amused by Neo Universe's announcement, before slipping deep into thought.
Wait. Ardan-san knew, so that's not surprising. But isn't Ramonu-san's affection toward 'Gotham Song' suspiciously high?
The black-haired Uma Musume lying in bed began carefully analyzing those previously overlooked peculiarities.
Her memory settled on the scene of Astronomer being arrested by Mejiro Manor, as well as the strangely encouraging yet seemingly random words Ramonu had uttered before the Kikuka Sho.
At face value, such behavior might seem inexplicable between two strangers.
But, from another perspective, things suddenly made sense.
For instance, if Mejiro Manor hadn't detained Astronomer because of those words or Ramonu-san's old grudge, but instead because...
Hey, Ramonu-san, could I get Gotham Song's contact information?
Hey, Ramonu-san, could you help me out… by setting me up with Twilight Song?
Looking at it this way, didn't everything fall neatly into place?
Even the strangely encouraging words before the Kikuka Sho race suddenly felt understandable.
No way…
It couldn't be… right?
Gotham Song's expression turned grim, but before Neo Universe could say anything, a ghostly figure let out a long, eerie laugh.
"I'd thought it would take you much, much longer to realize this, little one. Seems you're not as dull as I imagined."
"W-what are you talking about, you old ghost? I don't understand."
Sunday Silence flashed a strange smile, leaning close to Gotham Song's face without saying a word, her transparent eyes staring directly into the other's from nearly zero distance, conveying her meaning clearly.
Pretend ignorance all you want, little one—I won't expose you. But don't deceive yourself.
After a prolonged, silent confrontation, Gotham Song finally accepted reality. She turned her gaze toward Neo Universe and sighed helplessly.
Ugh, seriously? Where did I slip up? I thought I was hiding things pretty well!
She couldn't understand—couldn't figure it out at all.
Anyway, since things had more or less been confirmed, well… first, she'd have to prepare herself to face another matter, right?
"Neo-chan, knowing Ramonu-san as you do, what do you think she'll do next?"
Gotham Song murmured softly, resigned. She knew very well what awaited her once she was able to stand on her own again.
"She'll probably invite you to live at Mejiro Manor?"
Invite? More like demand!
Of course, she had the option to refuse—or at least, find an irrefutable excuse like she had when she'd injured her foot previously.
But… this time, Ramonu-san wouldn't yield an inch, would she?
And besides…
She'd be hurt, wouldn't she?
Gotham Song stared at the ceiling, helplessly covering her eyes with one hand.
Teio! You idiot.
"So, Song, what's your decision?"
"My decision? This time, there's no avoiding Mejiro Manor."
If she refused, it would hurt Ramonu-san, and Gotham Song absolutely couldn't bear to see that.
But exactly what Ramonu-san intended was still uncertain. Even so…
Since the opportunity had presented itself, there was another matter she absolutely had to prioritize.
Moreover, if Ardan-san was also staying at Mejiro Manor, wouldn't that give her more breathing room?
Though Ramonu-san probably wouldn't go as far as confining her, if the two sisters could repair their relationship…
Ardan-san and Ramonu-san had always been close—at least, they used to be, so much so that even after their falling-out, Ramonu-san still trusted Ardan-san enough to handle things she herself couldn't do openly.
So, if she could somehow achieve the best outcome from this difficult situation and help Ardan-san return to Mejiro Manor, Gotham Song probably wouldn't be under Ramonu-san's watchful eyes all the time, right?
Determined, Gotham Song turned pitifully toward Neo Universe.
"Neo-chan, could you find a way to let me talk privately with Ardan-san?"
Normally, speaking alone with Ardan was simple. But Gotham Song could already imagine the scene awaiting her tomorrow—people crowded around her bedside constantly.
Thus, she could only rely on Neo Universe now!
Neo Universe nodded gently. Of course she'd follow Gotham Song's wishes.
Moreover, this was probably the best—indeed, the ideal solution.
"Alright. I'll do as you say, Song."
I'll always do as you say, Song.