For Oguri Cap, this was not her first interview. In her view, there was nothing particularly daunting about such occasions—as long as the Gray Uma Musume did not say anything wildly inappropriate, fans would always grant her a level of tolerance that bordered on indulgence.
Twinkle magazine's reporter likewise had no intention of making things difficult for Team Sadalsuud in this special feature. Everyone knew of the amicable relationship between Shuta Trainer and Symboli Rudolf. The URA Association itself had been forced to compromise more than once because of him; even someone lacking basic judgment would not choose this moment or this outlet to stir trouble.
As expected, the reporter began with safe, conventional questions—exactly as Shuta Trainer had anticipated.
"After more than a month in America, how well have you adapted to the environment here?"
Oguri Cap had prepared for this in advance and answered without the slightest hesitation. "Although I didn't come to Chicago during my recuperation in America last year, I adapted to the climate here very quickly. I've also already inspected the turf—it's slightly softer than Tokyo Racecourse, but that poses no problem for me at all."
"It sounds like Shuta Trainer's decision to have Miss Oguri Cap make her comeback in the Arlington Million was carefully considered," the reporter said with a smile. "If the turf at Arlington Racecourse isn't an issue, then the deciding factor will be your opponents. Are there any particular Uma Musume you're concerned about?"
"No," Oguri Cap replied, her tone firm. "As long as I make every preparation I can, I will definitely win. Shuta Trainer determined from the start that this race suited me, and he will formulate a detailed plan before race day. You could say he has already paved the road ahead for me. All I need to do is give everything I have on the track and not waste his efforts."
The reporter was momentarily taken aback. Uma Musume usually named specific rivals when asked such a question, yet today's Oguri Cap was clearly different.
She quickly set the thought aside. After all, the opponents were overseas Uma Musume; there was no need to worry about offending domestic fans. Reporting it as it was would suffice.
"Then, after the Arlington Million, what are your plans?" the reporter continued.
"I will run in the Breeders' Cup Series," Oguri Cap answered candidly. "After that, the Arima Kinen will be my retirement race in the Twinkle Series."
"Although there have been rumors before, this is the first time you've personally confirmed it," the reporter said in surprise. "With your current condition, you could clearly continue racing. Won't retiring this year feel like a pity?"
"No."
The answer came instantly, accompanied by a resolute light in Oguri Cap's eyes—one the reporter could not fail to notice.
"Because I want more people to be encouraged by my running," Oguri Cap said, pursing her lips slightly. "I've suffered two injuries, yet each time I stood back up and continued to succeed. I hope that those who watch me race can rebound together with me. And to reach even more people, I must step onto the stage of the Dream Trophy Series."
She paused briefly before continuing. "So for me, the time left in the Twinkle Series is just these final five months—the last three races."
After more than half an hour and over ten questions, Oguri Cap's interview finally came to an end.
Throughout that time, Shuta Trainer watched Silence Suzuka, seated opposite him, nervously drain two large cups of carrot juice in quick succession.
"Even if this is your first special interview, there's no need to be so tense," he said softly. "They won't ask anything difficult. Besides, Twinkle magazine's focus this time is still Oguri."
"Even if that's true, it still hurts a little," Silence Suzuka pouted. "I'll do my best to win the Secretariat Stakes. Otherwise, I won't have won a single race this year."
"Just do your best and leave no regrets," Shuta Trainer replied, lightly nudging her foot in reassurance. "It's fine even if you lose this time. There are many G1 races in America—there will always be another chance. You don't need to burden yourself with so much pressure."
"How can I not feel pressure?" Silence Suzuka murmured. "I'm in a team with the 'strongest active Uma Musume.' If I don't strive for honor, I'll feel terrible deep down."
"Be patient," Shuta Trainer emphasized once more. "Suzuka's opportunity will come."
"Mhm…I remember," Silence Suzuka nodded faintly.
After the special interview concluded, Silence Suzuka and Oguri Cap switched places. The Gray Uma Musume sat opposite Shuta Trainer, holding a cup of cappuccino.
"How was it?" she asked softly. The hint of anticipation in her voice was unmistakable.
"You did great," Shuta Trainer said, reaching out to lightly flick the tip of her nose. "Your answer to the third question was far better than I expected."
"I truly meant it," Oguri Cap lowered her head slightly. "When Ann watches the news, I watch it with her. Back at Tokyo Airport, I noticed people's expressions were completely different from last year. That's proof that life hasn't been easy for everyone, isn't it?"
"As an Uma Musume, I can't restore their past lives," she continued after a brief pause. "But I can make the fans who watch me race feel happy—as long as I keep winning."
"The last three G1 races," Oguri Cap clenched her fist and gently tapped Shuta Trainer's chest, "I won't lose a single one."
Silence Suzuka had been nervous at first, but after answering just two simple questions, she gradually relaxed.
"It really isn't as frightening as I imagined," she murmured to herself. "I just need to answer calmly and make sure I don't leave anything that can be twisted later."
At present, Silence Suzuka did not possess Oguri Cap's confidence. For her, the pressure of next month's Secretariat Stakes was no lighter than that of the Japanese Derby.
What she did not know was that someone else was about to face pressure far beyond anything she could imagine.
A few days after the interview, Twinkle magazine published the exclusive feature in its latest weekly issue. As expected, sales were excellent.
Among the Uma Musume and Trainers of Central Tracen Academy, Twinkle was practically mandatory reading. Tojo Hana was no exception—she, too, was one of its regular readers.
After receiving the new issue from a Rigil team Uma Musume, her gaze was immediately drawn to the cover. Oguri Cap and Silence Suzuka were pictured side by side, eyes gently closed, their expressions calm and distant.
"Ha~" Tojo Hana let out a soft sigh.
She didn't need to open the magazine to know what kind of narrative was spreading outside.
The decision to transfer Silence Suzuka after the Derby had been hers. At the time, she could see no path that would allow Suzuka to achieve satisfactory results that year. In the end, she had entrusted the Uma Musume to Shuta An almost as if she were running away.
The guilt had never truly faded.
Now, seeing this cover, Tojo Hana felt an urge to disappear from the internet entirely. At the very least, she resolved not to check any forums for the rest of the week.
"Shuta-kun must resent me"
The thought lingered heavily in her chest. Because of it, she hadn't dared to message Shuta An on LINE for more than two months. And Shuta An—never one to initiate conversation—had not contacted her either.
Thus, the connection between them gradually thinned.
In contrast, Shuta An had been chatting frequently with Nase Hideto as of late. The reason was simple: Nase Hideto was deeply curious about how Shuta An trained an Uma Musume for overseas mile races.
Sensing that Nase Hideto was considering sending Bamboo Memory abroad, Shuta An held nothing back, openly sharing his experience and insights. But recently, something more immediate had begun to occupy his attention.
"Oguri hasn't been very focused in training these past two days."
Shuta An spoke calmly as he looked at Oguri Cap after their parallel training session.
Beside her, Silence Suzuka stiffened slightly. She didn't understand why her Trainer suddenly brought this up to the seven-crown Uma Musume. An uneasy thought crept in—was it because of her?
"I've just been reading some news with Ann lately," Oguri Cap replied evenly, lifting her head. "So I've been a bit distracted. Aren't you troubled by it too, Ann?"
"News?" Shuta An paused, then understood. "The war in the Middle East?"
"Yes—it seems almost certain that more countries will get involved," Oguri Cap scratched her head lightly. "I used to say I wanted to inspire people through my running, but…"
"It has nothing to do with us right now." Shuta An reached out and gently pinched her cheek. "Focus on what we can do. Don't comment on things we don't fully understand. It's the same reason I always dodge questions about Japan's economic policies."
He hesitated for a moment, then added, "But if winning is the only way for you to feel at ease—then after you win the Arlington Million, you can express your wish for peace. For people here, the memories of the Vietnam War are still painfully vivid."
"I just don't understand," Oguri Cap murmured. "Wouldn't it be better if everyone could get along peacefully?"
Shuta An had no answer.
Uma Musume racing in the Middle East was isolated from the rest of the world; overseas Uma Musume couldn't even participate there. No matter how chaotic things became, it wouldn't affect the URA or the interests of the Twinkle Series.
Only someone like Oguri Cap—who genuinely wished to give strength to others—would be troubled by such things.
———
Time continued to pass, drawing closer to August 30th—Wednesday, four days before the Arlington Million.
That day, the gate positions would be drawn. As with any major race, both Oguri Cap and Silence Suzuka were required to attend.
"It's a good thing I thought ahead and took Suzuka-chan to order a dress," Berno Light said, patting her chest. "Otherwise, I'd have had to make do with my spare."
"We're flying from New York," Shuta An reminded them. "There's no need to wear evening gowns on the plane. Casual clothes first—change after we arrive in Chicago."
If he hadn't said it, he was certain both Oguri Cap and Silence Suzuka might have seriously considered boarding the plane in formal attire.
Just imagining it made it hard for him not to laugh.
The Japanese reporters who had lingered in Chicago for over a month were finally about to be rewarded. Simply waiting at the draw ceremony venue would almost guarantee photos—and perhaps even a few questions.
Shuta An, however, intended to handle the media himself.
Before the ceremony began, he had no intention of letting Oguri Cap or Silence Suzuka face reporters. Political questions were traps—there was no such thing as a completely safe answer.
The best response was silence.
Chicago's summer heat wasn't oppressive, but stepping out of the air-conditioned car still made Shuta An fan himself instinctively.
As he turned to help the three Uma Musume out, he caught sight of reporters rushing toward them in a wave.
There was no doubt why.
Oguri Cap—the "French Two Crowns" and "Seven-Crown Uma Musume"—was the brightest star of this year's Arlington Million.
Before anyone could speak, Shuta An stepped forward, placing himself squarely in front of her.
"Apologies," he said coolly. "Our team's Uma Musume are observing an interview blackout during this period. If you have any questions, you may direct them to me."