"Hey, what's with that look—like you're accusing me of abducting fillies?"
"Nothing at all, dear Trainer. Donna is merely curious why three entirely unfamiliar Uma Musume would suddenly appear at our doorstep the very next day."
The morning after the race—or rather, after Donna forcibly dragged her awake—Gotham Song truly understood what it meant when people said tomorrow and unexpected events, who knew which would come first?
"Ah, did we perhaps arrive at an inconvenient time?"
"No—no, not at all! It's just…well, a little unexpected, is all. Mm."
Who exactly was saying this?
It was a taller, grown-up version of Vivlos… No, rather, it was her older sister—Halwa Sweet's eldest daughter, Verxina—who'd arrived early that morning, bringing along her younger sister Vivlos, and was now standing awkwardly at the door. They had come looking for Gotham Song but instead encountered Donna, who was always the first one awake.
Incidentally, the ones who habitually woke up last were either Gotham Song herself or that idiot Flightline.
What followed afterward was perfectly straightforward: after Donna confirmed Verxina and Vivlos's intentions, she quickly pieced together the entire situation, and then revealed a strange, somewhat chilling expression that made the other two Uma Musume quite nervous. It was only after that, once Gotham Song finally woke up, that formal introductions were made.
At any rate, after finally soothing Donna's slightly agitated mood, Gotham Song—now relaxed and still wearing her nightgown—finally got the chance to properly enjoy the morning, sitting curled up on the sofa with her knees pulled together, a steaming cup of tea held tightly in her hands as she calmed herself down.
And then, Gotham Song directed her gaze toward Verxina, who sat nervously across from her, looking as though she worried that coming here had somehow been a mistake.
Come to think of it, little Vivlos's sister—the tall, strong Uma Musume sitting before her—had also just entered her classic year, hadn't she? She was the same age as Donna. But exactly what goal did she have?
Instinct—or rather, the sharp intuition and experience of a legendary Uma Musume—told Gotham Song clearly that, while Verxina might not pose much of a direct threat to her, she definitely wouldn't be a weak opponent.
So, after careful consideration, Gotham Song decided to voice the question that had formed in her mind.
"Verxina-san…was it? I'm a little curious. Have you decided which races you're aiming to challenge in your classic year?"
"Ah, yes, Song-san. Mm… As for the races, I think the Triple Tiara would be most suitable for me."
The Triple Tiara—meaning the Oka Sho, Yushun Himba (Japanese Oaks), and Shuka Sho.
Though slightly inferior in terms of historical prestige compared to the Classic Triple Crown, the Triple Tiara was still an extremely difficult title to achieve.
Of course, the reason the Triple Tiara was considered lower in status wasn't just because of its shorter history, but due to another critical factor:
Participant restrictions. The Triple Tiara allowed entry only to fillies, while the Classic Triple Crown was open to all Uma Musume in their classic year.
Nonetheless, even if the Triple Tiara was considered slightly lower in prestige, it was still a Triple Crown series held during an Uma Musume's irreplaceable classic year. An Uma Musume's racing career only had one classic year—and similarly, the chance to challenge these classic races was limited to once in a lifetime.
In other words, whether it was the Triple Tiara, the Classic Triple Crown, or even the Spring and Autumn Triple Crowns—each of these was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Any Uma Musume who managed to achieve even one set of these titles would undoubtedly become a strong contender for Hall of Fame status.
"So, the Triple Tiara as well… This makes things a bit complicated…"
Gotham Song murmured quietly, setting down her cup. Placing her elbows on her knees and leaning her chin gently onto clasped hands, she lifted her gaze toward the straight-backed Verxina and posed a penetrating question.
"Since your goal is also the Triple Tiara, I suppose this confrontation can't be avoided. Verxina-san, I won't hide it anymore. Donna from our team is also challenging that title. As rivals meeting in your classic year, the greatest obstacles to each other's goals, do you believe you can defeat her?"
"This question is for both of you."
At some point, Donna had quietly arrived next to Gotham Song without making a sound. She stood silently behind Gotham Song's sofa, hands folded neatly in front of her, gaze calm and steady, not even glancing directly at Verxina—yet emanating her usual, chillingly powerful aura.
Verxina clearly hesitated for a moment, first glancing at Donna, then back at Gotham Song, before finally nodding firmly, as if reaching a decisive conclusion.
How exactly to describe Verxina's feelings at this moment?
Excited? Nervous? Envious?
Perhaps all of these.
Donna was unquestionably—indeed, in an absolute sense—the very definition of strength. Verxina had felt this clearly from the instant she stepped through the door. As an Uma Musume entering the most crucial races of her lifetime, even though she didn't have someone as overwhelmingly powerful as Gotham Song for a trainer, it didn't mean Verxina lacked intelligence or awareness.
After all, the official URA website published a full list of all the Uma Musume entering their classic year—and among them was a name that every Uma Musume this year had marked carefully:
Donna, of Gotham Song's team, from Eternal Beat.
It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say Donna's name alone was a mountain pressing heavily upon every single classic-year Uma Musume this year. If an Uma Musume couldn't directly defeat this legendary team's only active racer, could she truly call herself the year's finest, worthy of entering the Hall of Fame?
So under these circumstances—fully aware of what awaited her—now actually face-to-face with Gotham Song and Donna, what answer could Verxina give?
After a short silence, Verxina closed her eyes, drew a deep breath, and then opened them again, brilliant determination shining clearly. Straightening her back proudly, she looked directly at Donna, who remained cool and silent, and gave an answer that was nothing short of a declaration of war.
"Donna-san is indeed far stronger than I could've imagined. But even so, I refuse to yield. No matter what, I will never give in."
"If someone intends to stand in my way—even if that someone is Donna-san herself—I will overcome her. I will completely conquer and defeat her."
Because I am Verxina. A supreme peak, the most resolute and towering mountain peak of all…!
What can mere winter winds do against me? They cannot defeat me—absolutely impossible.
Verxina's response was even more determined than Gotham Song had expected. It wasn't that such determination was wrong, but rather that she showed surprisingly little fear in the face of Donna's overwhelming presence. Clearly, Verxina was an Uma Musume born with an innate disposition for strength.
"A very good answer, Verxina-san. However, if that is truly how you feel, then let's settle it directly on the track."
Donna's expression didn't change in the slightest as she coldly met Verxina's eyes and responded with calm certainty.
"Since Trainer-san has no interest in taking such a title herself, I, Donna, shall ensure that the Triple Tiara remains firmly within Eternal Beat."
I will trample that glory beneath my feet, gathering more and more victories, steadily becoming the strongest Uma Musume. And when I reach that summit, I'll finally challenge the only true sun in this world…
To prove Donna's strength.
I will ensure even that sun trails behind my footsteps—and it will remain so forever.
Before achieving that, all these challenges ahead? Naturally, Donna would crush them utterly. Absolute power was all she needed. After all, she intended to eventually challenge Gotham Song herself—and any Uma Musume with such ambition must never lag behind anyone else. Otherwise, there'd be no hope at all of reaching that ultimate goal.
Verxina didn't say anything more, but Gotham Song could sense clearly the fire burning fiercely between their gazes—an unquenchable flame ignited by mutual rivalry.
These two—they've already acknowledged each other as worthy rivals, haven't they… Hmm…
Maybe that's actually pretty good? Gotham Song didn't know for sure, but she couldn't shake a vague feeling that something was off—almost like Donna was holding back something else she wanted to say. But ultimately, Gotham Song chose not to press further, instead shifting her attention toward Vivlos, who had looked quietly dejected all this time, and helplessly broke into a soft, reassuring smile.
This little one… She might be good at acting spoiled, but she's still just a child at heart.
After a moment's hesitation, Gotham Song gently instructed Donna to lead Verxina, and then grabbed a still-drowsy Flightline—who'd just crawled out of bed, completely clueless—to head over to the training grounds.
When the three of them left together, Dancing Brave somehow managed to keep her composure—maintaining the dignity of a senior legend. But the moment she caught sight, through the window, of Flightline being dragged forward by the collar like a lifeless doll in Donna's grip, she completely lost it and burst into thunderous laughter.
Gotham Song, witnessing the scene, couldn't help but twitch the corner of her mouth.
She didn't know exactly what was happening outside, but ten to one, Donna was once again physically teaching Flightline a "lesson," wasn't she?
Still, Old Bastard No. 2 (Secretariat)… I remember you never used to show it so openly before.
Who corrupted you, huh? Was it Sunday Silence? Whoever it was, I'll be sure to tell them—
You did well. You did beautifully!
After exchanging a few amused words with Gotham Song, Dancing Brave seemed to recall something funny and excused herself to go after the three girls, leaving Gotham Song finally alone with Vivlos.
"Speaking of which, Vivlos… you called me almost the moment I got home yesterday, didn't you? What a coincidence."
"Ah, um, that—that's because… I'd been watching all along."
Watching all along…? Watching what? No, wait—watching what exactly? Something about me?
Gotham Song frowned slightly. Seeing her beloved big sister look genuinely puzzled and unable to understand, Vivlos hurried to explain. And once Gotham Song heard the explanation, she found herself momentarily speechless.
So what had happened?
In short, when Gotham Song had gone out to play with her team yesterday, she had still been wearing her Racing Outfit. Naturally, that made her stand out far too much. Although no one had secretly taken photos, her fan community had immediately started a new thread about it.
Fans all over the world had then taken turns live-blogging in text form what they saw, like a relay—broadcasting Gotham Song's day out through the entire fanbase.
Vivlos had been following that thread and, upon reading the closing line—"Miss Song has returned to her hotel! The live report ends forever!"—she had grabbed her phone and, perfectly on time, made that call to Gotham Song last night.
Once she understood the full story, Gotham Song could only sigh in amusement. She'd really underestimated the enthusiasm of her little fans, hadn't she?
But she wasn't particularly bothered by it either—after all, she was the one who hadn't changed out of her Racing Outfit in the first place.
Well, she had done it to enjoy the Three Goddesses' blessing—so she could run around in Dubai's heat yet still feel like she was in mild spring weather. It could be said she'd paid a fair price for that comfort, right?
Mm, maybe a bit inappropriate, but if the weather's just as hot next time, would she do it again?
Of course she would. Without hesitation!
After all, Dubai was scorching. When she'd gone out yesterday, she'd nearly stuck out her tongue like a panting dog from the heat—!
"Um, Big Sis? Did Vivlos… come here today because I did something wrong?"
"Pfft—wrong? What makes you think that?"
Vivlos lifted her head. She was clearly flustered, almost as if she were interrogating herself.
"B-but that onee-san named Donna… she looked really upset earlier, didn't she?"
Donna, upset…? Was she? Gotham Song didn't think so.
If anything, meeting a challenger like Verxina probably pleased Donna.
Gotham Song, knowing her team far better than Vivlos did, fell silent for a moment, then helplessly reached out and pinched Vivlos's cheeks, kneading them gently before offering the reassurance she needed.
"Don't worry. Donna wasn't unhappy—she was actually in a great mood, you know? Vivlos, don't you believe what I say?"
"Of—of course I do! If Big Sis says so, then… okay. I believe it."
Maybe it was because she trusted Gotham Song too much, or maybe it was simply because her heart had settled, but Vivlos finally calmed down, inching unconsciously closer to Gotham Song's side on the couch.
After ruffling the little filly's mane once, Gotham Song—completely unaware of how natural the gesture looked—tilted her head slightly and asked, half-curious, half-serious, if Vivlos had come here today with something in mind.
Vivlos hesitated for a short moment, then, as if making a huge decision, nodded firmly.
"Big Sis… tell me. How can someone become truly famous—strong enough, dazzling enough—that no matter where they are or who they're with, they'll never seem lesser?"
"How does one become… a real, truly exceptional Uma Musume?"