She must have overlooked something crucial!
But Gotham Song couldn't quite pinpoint what it was at the moment, so she reluctantly pushed her confusion aside.
At least, in the end, everyone still respected her wishes. Treve wasn't given overly harsh treatment for the incident.
After breakfast concluded, Gotham Song promptly collapsed onto the sofa, surrounded by Daiichi Ruby and Manhattan Cafe, resuming her usual hobby.
Or rather, it had long surpassed mere hobby—
After all, whenever Gotham Song woke up naturally, the first thing she'd do was hide under her covers and turn on her phone…
Then scour the internet to fiercely follow the online discussions about herself!
Unsurprisingly, even after an entire night had passed, the top trending topic remained firmly about her.
[A Legend Reborn! Gotham Song Dominates Japan Cup, Twilight Song Returns?!]
[Twilight Song's Style Reappears on the Track!]
[Who Exactly Is Gotham Song?!]
Anyway, there were countless sensational headlines like these. Gotham Song felt speechless. She distinctly remembered never giving the reporters any explicit confirmation, yet people seemed intent on connecting the dots themselves.
But, perhaps, that wasn't too strange.
Previously, merely sharing the same face had prevented Gotham Song from escaping Twilight Song's shadow. But now, it wasn't just her appearance—she had the same hair color, the same running style, and even displayed a [Zone] identical to Twilight Song's.
This was one of only three known [Zones] powerful enough for ordinary people to clearly see.
Thinking about it now, Gotham Song's expression turned peculiar. Indeed, wasn't it strange that all three Uma Musume able to manifest a [Zone] visible to ordinary spectators were directly related to her?
Twilight Song and Gotham Song were literally herself, while Phantom Ruka was practically a piece broken off from her.
From that perspective, wasn't her connection to herself completely undeniable? Ah, wait a minute, is that logic even right…?
In the beginning, Gotham Song believed that if she firmly denied it, nobody could confidently claim she was Twilight Song.
But now, it seemed—
Even if she refused to acknowledge it, people would excitedly continue to discuss and spread it. Before long—perhaps just overnight—even denial would be interpreted as confirmation.
Gotham Song grimaced, quickly turning to her final sanctuary.
Why "final sanctuary"?
Because until recently, she'd hardly dared open it. Or rather, this was the one place most fiercely opposed to Gotham Song's very existence.
And what exactly was this place?
It was the Great Escape Uma Musume Forum and Twilight Song Fan Club.
In truth, Gotham Song had always clearly understood why so many Great Escape specialists had rejected her so harshly.
The reason was simple. She wore the face of their beloved goddess of escape, possessed equally formidable strength, yet stubbornly refused to run the same style.
One phrase perfectly summed up those Uma Musume's earlier attitudes towards her:
A creature with no soul of the Great Escape!
But that… was in the past.
Now, staring at her phone screen under the amused gazes of Neo Universe and Daiichi Ruby, Gotham Song felt as though the sky had fallen.
[I apologize, Gotham Song. It was presumptuous of me—I'm sincerely sorry.]
[I apologize, Twilight Song. I was wrong too—please forgive me.]
Uma Musume held themselves to much higher moral standards than humans. And what did she see happening now?
Though no one in the forum had demanded any public accountability, every Uma Musume who had previously criticized her spontaneously began opening apology threads immediately after yesterday's race concluded.
Nearly half the entire community had already participated, posting their own heartfelt apologies and remorse.
Hmm… how exactly should I describe this scene?
Is this some kind of religious repentance?! It's too orderly, I don't even know how to respond!
B-but… I kinda like your arrogant attitudes better!
The whole situation felt surreal. Gotham Song always imagined that even after getting caught red-handed, people would stubbornly refuse to admit their mistakes, wouldn't they?
Yet seeing the Uma Musume so readily confess their wrongdoing made the scene feel almost dreamlike.
Gotham Song continued scrolling through posts about herself and the Japan Cup until the morning dew completely evaporated. Only then was she gently called back to reality by Mejiro Ardan's voice.
"Huh…? Something wrong, Ardan-nee?"
"Really, your memory's terrible… Did you forget the Japan Cup isn't quite finished yet?"
The Japan Cup wasn't finished yet…? Strange, hadn't yesterday's race concluded perfectly? Interviews, winner's concert—everything had been neatly wrapped up. What loose ends could possibly remain?
Ardan, pleased by Gotham Song's adorably confused expression, lightly pinched her clueless younger sister's cheek and softly reminded her.
"Did you forget already? What was your purpose in running the Japan Cup in the first place? Secretariat-san specifically mentioned that once you arrive, the official inquiry will begin."
My original purpose in running the Japan Cup? That was… Oh!
So that's what this is about.
Gotham Song had momentarily struggled to keep up with Ardan's sudden topic shift. But once she connected the Japan Cup with Secretariat—and especially the reason she'd participated in it—the realization finally dawned on her.
Snapping back to attention, Gotham Song promptly stood, quickly following Mejiro Ardan's footsteps. But just as they approached the entrance, she noticed Haya City and Haya Of Stars waiting near the car.
"Huh? I recall Van Gogh also came along. Where is she now? Doesn't she want to join us?"
"Ah, Van Gogh, she's…"
Haya Of Stars seemed uncertain how to explain, but the more mature Haya City smoothly took over.
"Ah, little Van Gogh said she wanted some time alone today. She seemed troubled by something, though I'm not sure what."
"I see. I hope she feels better soon."
Gotham Song nodded thoughtfully, vaguely suspecting Van Gogh's current mood had something to do with herself, but unable to pin down the reason. After a moment's hesitation, she decided to set that worry aside for now.
Oh well, if Van Gogh keeps acting this way, I'll find a chance to check on her later.
She was still curious, after all—why had the usually lively, mischievous Van Gogh suddenly turned so withdrawn?
But Gotham Song soon pushed her curiosity aside, got into the car with Mejiro Ardan and the others, and headed toward the URA headquarters.
...
Initially, Secretariat had planned to publicly announce the prepared documents immediately after the Japan Cup, which would take effect the moment Gotham Song claimed victory.
But upon hearing that Gotham Song intended to hold her Winner's Concert the same night, the two veteran Legends had tacitly agreed to delay matters slightly.
There was no rush. A single night's delay wouldn't hurt; let the URA enjoy a final bit of mercy. After all, wasn't it even more agonizing to anxiously await an inevitable judgment rather than swiftly facing the music?
That was Secretariat's intention. She had arrived early this morning, positioned herself prominently outside URA headquarters, and simply stood with arms crossed, letting everyone see her.
Greetings, URA. I am Secretariat.
That was the brazen aura she projected.
Secretariat recalled sending those provocative private messages from Gotham Song's account earlier. The URA had already been rattled back then, hadn't they? So how did it feel today, now that she stood here openly?
How are you feeling now, URA? How does it feel, hmm?
It didn't take long. Secretariat didn't even need to open her eyes to know that a small group of suited officials had already assembled anxiously by the lobby doors, practically ready to kneel and beg forgiveness.
But these nobodies weren't today's main characters. Secretariat herself didn't even consider herself the star attraction today.
After all, wasn't there only one Uma Musume qualified to announce something of such magnitude?
Though she sure is taking her sweet time.
Secretariat wasn't overly impatient, casually casting a glance into the distance. Just at that moment, a satisfied smirk spread across her lips.
And why was that?
Because the one she'd been waiting for had finally arrived.
Well, the Mejiro family's efficiency isn't too bad.
With that thought, Secretariat gracefully climbed the steps, completely ignoring the URA members who had come forward to welcome her.
As perhaps the oldest and most respected Legendary Uma Musume in the world, Secretariat decisively pushed open the grand doors of URA headquarters herself. With a faint, mocking smile, she gazed toward the direction she'd come from.
There, the Mejiro family's private car had just stopped. Gotham Song, looking slightly bewildered, stepped out just in time to see Secretariat's wildly arrogant grin. Completely confused, she was quickly ushered inside by the Uma Musume around her.
Wait, why does this suddenly feel like a yakuza raid on enemy turf?!
Still hesitating, Gotham Song was hurried onto the elevator without delay, surrounded by an entourage, then swiftly brought up to URA's innermost sanctum.
Contrary to expectations, despite URA being the behemoth of Japan's horse racing scene, their headquarters was far from luxurious. Rather, it felt oppressive and outdated, an impression reinforced by the sight of aged officials in their thirties and forties.
In fact, Gotham Song could hardly spot any Uma Musume here—only human staff.
The sole exception, vaguely connected to URA, was a youthful-looking Uma Musume with intriguingly shaped pupils. But she clearly wasn't the focus of today's visit.
Understanding at last what Secretariat intended, Gotham Song realized she currently had no room to protest. With an inward sigh, she steeled herself to cooperate fully.
After all, Secretariat had clearly gone through significant effort to arrange this. Gotham Song wouldn't waste Old Ghost #2's painstaking work and careful planning.
Upon entering the meeting room, Secretariat arrogantly pulled out the central chair and sat down as if it belonged to her by right.
The URA members exchanged awkward glances. Gotham Song could clearly see despair etched deeply into their aging faces.
Evidently, these people had never anticipated such a dire outcome, nor had they expected Secretariat to show absolutely no mercy.
She'd truly left no room for negotiation!
"I'm here representing the International Uma Musume Racing Committee. Local Japanese URA, you know exactly why I'm here, don't you?"
Secretariat put on her most official tone. Just as Gotham Song began listening carefully, someone tapped lightly on her shoulder.
Turning around, she saw Dancing Brave, now dressed formally as a secretary, placing a document on the table beside her and handing over a pen.
You want me to sign something? What exactly…
Gotham Song's eyes scanned down to the very bottom line:
[Special Review Commissioner for Japanese International Race Classification — Gotham Song: (Signature Here)]
Huh…? Special Review Commissioner? Me? Wait, wait—this can't be right!
Aren't I just the competitor on the racetrack?
Gotham Song glanced at Dancing Brave, who gave a firm, encouraging nod. With some confusion, Gotham Song finally scribbled her name.
"We understand, Secretariat-sama, but don't you think this is too—"
"Rules are rules. Didn't you once tell me, many years ago, that Twilight Song's image rights naturally belonged to you, simply because she debuted in Japan?"
Secretariat rested her chin upon her intertwined fingers, deliberately dredging up old grievances with a mocking edge.
"Very well. If you want to play by the rules, let's follow them precisely. According to regulations, if an international-level G1 race sees a margin of victory exceeding a hundred lengths, that race must automatically lose its Grade 1 status, correct?"
Secretariat's disdain was palpable, her tone dripping with undisguised mockery. Her expression made no effort to hide her contempt.
Since the outcome was inevitable, wouldn't quietly accepting your fate when we showed up at your doorstep have been more dignified?
Now you've lost every shred of dignity.
Then, Secretariat glanced meaningfully to her side, silently cueing someone else to step forward.
After a brief silence, the Uma Musume who finally stood—one who had seemed the gentlest and least likely to act sharply—was Gotham Song herself.
And what was Gotham Song thinking right now?
She thought only that the URA owed her answers. It was their underhanded tactics that forced her onto the path of revenge in the first place.
Haven't you bastards gone far enough?
Her usually calm and elegant face distorted into a manic, cruel grin—feral, unhinged, and utterly unmasked, like a beast called forth to devour the world.
In that instant, Gotham Song was infinitely more terrifying than even the perpetually scornful Secretariat.
"Enough nonsense, URA. Sign it. You brought this upon yourselves."
Gotham Song flung the document toward them, along with an unused pen.
"Or do you somehow still think you have a choice?"
However many options you think remain, however much hope you cling to, if you refuse to surrender, I'll crush every last hope of yours.
I'll keep breaking you miserable fools until your spines finally snap.
Gotham Song's smile grew even darker.
Perhaps banning you from international competition for five whole years would suffice?
Every time you see hope, I'll step out and personally extinguish it.
Heh.