Uma Musume using doping substances.
More precisely, it wasn't just a single Uma Musume or certain Uma Musume using doping drugs during races to improve their results. Or rather, doping substances were just one type of it. A more accurate way to describe it was…
The various "nutritional supplements" Uma Musume consumed after their daily training sessions.
If Gotham Song used a term from her previous life, it would probably be along the lines of "science-driven extreme methods"—stuff like protein injections.
Honestly, to Gotham Song, this was something utterly new and unfamiliar. Back in Japan, she hadn't heard of any Uma Musume willingly using such methods to boost performance.
While she'd seen nutritional management for meals during her time in Japan, she genuinely never encountered a single Uma Musume there resorting to these "technological methods."
Even in Europe, during her time with the Haya family, Gotham Song hadn't seen it either!
But just now, in Seabiscuit's quiet explanation, Gotham Song clearly realized something: perhaps, just perhaps, such abuses had become disturbingly common in America—so much so, that the situation was spiraling out of control.
Yes, completely uncontrollable.
Originally, America had also opposed Uma Musume using such extreme methods outside competitions. But the reality was, it was impossible to regulate… and more importantly…
The profits were massive.
This was far beyond the scale of the fitness industry from her previous life. Moreover, since the supplements weren't used directly during races but rather only off-track, as long as they weren't explicitly banned substances—at most, just extremely high dosages—
In other words, strong-willed Uma Musume wouldn't consider this cheating. Once such a mindset spread, especially when it became a near-unspoken rule within the community, nobody had trouble openly acknowledging it.
"You're saying, Seabiscuit-san… very soon I might receive invitations from those groups, hoping I'll endorse them with my reputation as the new World Horse Queen and a legendary Uma Musume, spreading these… 'scientific methods' globally?"
Gotham Song's mouth twitched. She never imagined she could gain fame again worldwide in such a way.
First, Gotham Song clearly understood how popular she currently was worldwide. Even though she still struggled with explaining she wasn't Twilight Song—something nobody seemed willing to believe—Gotham Song still directly faced reality.
In short, although she'd mainly crushed the URA in Japan and her only international races had been her debut and the Irish Champion Stakes, Gotham Song's fame and strength had become globally recognized.
So, when Gotham Song openly arrived in America, there was no way those groups would miss such a chance, right?
"Of course, Song-san. Though it might be hard for you to believe, we've already infiltrated quite deeply. We're just short a few more pieces of evidence to finish them completely. So, if they contact you, reach out to me in advance. Interested?"
Gotham Song looked toward Mejiro Ardan, who didn't object at all, just blinked at her calmly. What did that mean?
Nothing, just an answer.
Basically: "Do as you like, Song. Whatever you decide, your big sister supports you." Probably something like that.
After a brief hesitation, Gotham Song nodded in agreement.
After all, a world saturated with these extreme methods was truly bizarre—especially since those people had already set their sights on Gotham Song herself. Directly retaliating seemed fitting enough.
After settling this issue, Seabiscuit didn't leave immediately. Actually, this conversation wasn't supposed to happen today, but since she'd come anyway, and given how strongly she felt about this topic, she decided to speak first.
Seabiscuit absolutely couldn't accept such self-deceptive behavior—or rather, she couldn't accept those unethical people exploiting the emotionally intense nature of Uma Musume.
Every Uma Musume already felt anxious about falling behind others. Yet these malicious individuals dared exploit their insecurities for such detestable purposes—it was completely unacceptable.
After staying a bit longer, Seabiscuit, who originally hadn't planned to leave yet, received a phone call that abruptly ended her visit.
Reluctantly, she excused herself, wished Gotham Song an enjoyable stay in America, and promised to meet again at the awards ceremony. And just as dashingly as she'd arrived, Seabiscuit strode out the villa doors.
Only then did Gotham Song see how Seabiscuit traveled—rather than the typical luxury car chosen by successful individuals, this uniquely cowboy-styled Uma Musume actually mounted a powerful-looking motorcycle, vanishing into the distance with a roaring engine.
What a character, Gotham Song thought sincerely. Sighing deeply, she prepared to resume her interrupted plan—slipping out to buy video games.
However, just as she tried, a warm hand carrying an entirely different suggestion gently rested on her shoulder.
"A-Ardan-neesan? What is it, Ardan-neesan?"
"Oh, nothing, Song. Just that I feel like going out now too. Want to come along?"
Gotham Song froze. Gotham Song stiffly glanced behind Mejiro Ardan. Gotham Song stiffly nodded.
How should she put it?
It seemed that, if Seabiscuit hadn't interrupted earlier, Gotham Song might have managed to sneak out successfully and return victorious. But now, hmm…
It seemed her Ardan-nee-san also wanted to go out together.
So, where exactly would they be going?
Obviously to the shopping mall, you idiot—!
To be precise, Mejiro Ardan had asked Gotham Song where she wanted to go. Hearing her younger sister's reply "the mall," the older sister seemed slightly surprised.
Gotham Song's thinking was simple: since she was already going out, she might as well take care of what she'd originally planned.
Besides, for some reason, Gotham Song didn't feel resistant at all to buying clothes.
Well, I mean… as Gotham Song, I am indeed a cute Uma Musume, right? Wanting to buy pretty dresses isn't strange at all, is it?
Hehe—wait, wait, no, no! How could I possibly enjoy cute dresses? It's only because Ardan-nee-san wants to come along. I have no choice but to buy them—right, no choice at all.
Before she realized, Gotham Song had already entered a high-end boutique alongside Mejiro Ardan.
Incidentally, Mejiro McQueen hadn't followed, unable to move away from a nearby pastry shop. Meanwhile, Neo Universe wandered off into a small accessory store nearby, claiming she'd sensed a powerful electromagnetic wave and had to confirm whether it connected her to the mysterious cosmic guidance.
Very typical Neo Universe daily communication.
Since Mejiro Manor's crisis had been resolved, Neo Universe occasionally showed these genuine sides, and Gotham Song naturally wouldn't object. Thus, she and Mejiro Ardan walked alone into the store, resembling a pair on a date.
Though… wasn't something slightly off?
Gotham Song, not thinking deeply, ran happily among many beautiful dresses, leaving Mejiro Ardan behind to watch her younger sister indulgently.
Yes, it should've been simple…
So what went wrong? Or rather, what extra complication occurred?
Gotham Song guarded her chest nervously, momentarily baffled by why events had escalated so suddenly.
How to describe her embarrassment clearly?
Firstly, Gotham Song's hair had grown very, very long, almost to the length she'd previously kept—falling past her waist, nearly reaching her hips.
At that hair length, trying certain complicated dresses… well, what happens?
Gotham Song glanced back secretly, seeing a helpless Mejiro Ardan reaching toward her…
"Eek—!"
"What are you shouting for? Honestly, would I really do anything strange?"
Something like pressing against your back, embracing you from behind, doing questionable things? Is that how you see your older sister?
Mejiro Ardan had a sudden urge to smack Gotham Song's head but ultimately didn't, just sighed fondly.
"It's just helping you get dressed. Is this more intimate than anything we've already done?"
"T-That's different! Those times were at home, but now we're outside…!"
This was exactly the kind of awkward scenario described in embarrassing stories young fillies shouldn't read!
Gotham Song trembled slightly, biting her lip, resigning herself and pressing her forehead gently against the wall.
Ar-Ardan-neesan, please be gentle… Ow!
"You're the one who loved this dress and couldn't put it on yourself, weren't you? I don't remember my dear sister being so imaginative."
Mejiro Ardan's tone grew impossibly complicated—part exasperated, part amused. She had to endure patiently, restraining herself from staring too long at her sister's flushed, adorable neck…
That night, she'd just hug her to sleep to make up for this embarrassing moment.
Finally, after a nearly half-hour struggle in the changing room under the knowing yet discreet gaze of the shop assistant, the two sisters emerged.
Wearing her casual dress, Mejiro Ardan held Gotham Song's hand, allowing her younger sister to twirl happily in front of the mirror.
"How do I look, Ardan-nee-san?"
"Lovely as always. But why suddenly buy such a complicated dress?"
"You didn't even like these before, did you?"
"Hehe, that was before. Suddenly I just wanted to. Maybe I'll use it."
"Use it…?"
Gotham Song smiled, making a formal gesture of invitation to Mejiro Ardan openly, gracefully lifting her skirt's edge:
"After returning to Japan, I plan to attend Ruby-san's ball again. When that happens… what should I say…?"
Ardan paused silently, watching her sister openly discuss another Uma Musume. Finally, she gently touched Gotham Song's hand, smiling softly:
"I'd love to spend that evening with you, Song-san. Besides—"
"You do owe me a dance, don't you?"