Tokyo International Airport.
The first figure Gotham Song saw was Mejiro Ramonu, who had clearly been waiting there for quite some time.
However, unlike the previous occasion when Gotham Song had returned to Japan and had been too afraid to face Ramonu head-on, this time she showed no intention of hiding at all—rather, she threw open her arms and latched herself onto her dear elder sister.
This scene made Mejiro Dober and Mejiro Bright, standing to the side, blink several times. Naturally, they didn't say anything unusual, and after this brief interval, Mejiro Ardan stepped into their view.
Of course, it wasn't just the Mejiro family's Uma Musume waiting at the airport. Kitasan Black and Satono Diamond were also there, along with First Ruby—an Uma Musume fated to have quite a significant relationship with Gotham Song.
And then—
Representing URA to congratulate and welcome Gotham Song, who had personally gone to compete and win the Dubai World Cup, stood an Uma Musume currently in her classic year, soon to race for her own glory—a tall, voluptuous girl.
Somehow… this figure looked a bit too familiar…
In fact, Gotham Song herself wasn't surprised at all by URA sending someone to welcome her. Putting aside her status as a legendary Uma Musume and URA's current situation, there was another compelling reason for URA's obligatory welcome.
Whether the Japan Cup could regain its status as an international Grade 1 race was a decision currently resting in Gotham Song's hands!
The position of "Japan Representative for the International Uma Musume Racing Committee" wasn't especially prestigious or powerful in the global racing governance system.
Normally speaking, at least.
After all, this job was merely that of an observational delegate. How much actual authority could it really hold…?
But here's where things got absurd.
If the position of observational delegate wasn't typically powerful, what if, within the entire organization—or even within its departments—there was only one observational delegate?
It was only after Secretariat had spoken to Gotham Song in that mysterious, irritating tone about the massive responsibility and room for maneuver she now held, that Gotham Song realized exactly what kind of outrageous stunt Old Bastard No. 2 had pulled off.
She was now the only one with any say in this matter, reporting directly to the top—Seabiscuit and Secretariat. In short, in every possible sense, it boiled down to:
"If you forgive URA, we'll allow them back into the international racing fold."
Damn…
Absolute power breeds absolute recklessness, you Old Bastard Secretariat!
Under these circumstances, wasn't it only natural for those URA folks to try buttering Gotham Song up, both logically and emotionally?
However, Gotham Song sensed something entirely different coming from Almond Eye. She recalled the information she had on the Uma Musume standing in front of her.
In reality, Gotham Song should have very little knowledge of a character like Almond Eye, who hadn't appeared in the anime. Even if Almond Eye was a renowned World Horse Girl who had once dominated the racing world, Gotham Song hadn't specifically researched her in the past.
But by coincidence—or perhaps inevitability—she actually did know a bit about Almond Eye.
This wasn't due to lingering memories from her previous life, but rather because, by chance—or maybe inevitably—just before she'd left Dubai, Gentildonna and Verxina's rivalry had reached a boiling point. Every day they ran side by side, refusing to yield to each other, though objectively, Verxina was indeed weaker than Donna in most aspects.
But neither of them were the type to give up willingly, so their rivalry dragged on for quite some time.
And it was precisely during that competitive period, after carefully observing Verxina's condition and making judgments as a Trainer, Gotham Song did what she was supposed to do.
Surprisingly enough, it turned out quite useful—she had helped Gentildonna identify a competitor she should be wary of, that being…
The Almond Eye standing right in front of her now.
Such dazzling, radiant eyes, impossible to look away from.
Their exchange didn't last long—just a simple greeting, almost perfunctory, before Almond Eye excused herself from occupying Gotham Song's time any further.
Yet despite its brevity, Gotham Song, who'd kept eye contact throughout, couldn't help but feel Almond Eye's intentions were far from merely routine.
She definitely has something else in mind. Or perhaps… she's harboring some kind of special agenda for me?
Gotham Song could see clearly that within Almond Eye burned a flame at the mention of the name Gotham Song, a flame that seemed like it would never go out.
Interesting. Since this girl was chosen to represent URA to greet me, perhaps she's deeply tied to them…? Thinking a step further, could this be some sort of probing or scouting attempt?
Gotham Song suddenly had an absurd idea: what if this Uma Musume named Almond Eye was actually URA's ultimate weapon—the ace they'd cultivated to challenge Gotham Song in the Japan Cup, using sheer strength to push the event back onto the international stage?
If that's true, now that's fascinating… Very interesting. If that's the case, let's just see what this Uma Musume called Almond Eye is capable of.
After seeing Almond Eye off, little Vivlos, who'd come along with her mother and elder sister, also bid goodbye to Gotham Song. Having promised to play together sometime, Gotham Song watched as Vernal Equinox walked over to Kitasan Black's side.
Her trainee was still far too sensible and well-behaved; after being away from Japan for a while, it was natural she'd want to visit home first. This was precisely why Kitasan Black was here today.
As for Satono Diamond?
If not for losing track of Gotham Song's whereabouts, this young lady of the Satono family might have already flown out of Japan earlier!
Of course, perhaps she wouldn't—since, after all, Diamond had debuted as an Uma Musume this year, she wasn't quite so free anymore.
With her childhood friend already racing towards the Classic Triple Crown, Satono Diamond had naturally started her maiden-year journey as well, leading to a busier life than before. Eventually, the instincts of an Uma Musume suppressed the untried, wishful ideas she'd previously considered natural.
At least, for now.
"Song-oneesama… hehe."
Actually, the entire scene was quite bizarre when Satono Diamond spoke those words. Though she wasn't as obviously robust as Kitasan Black, Diamond had genuinely grown into a presence Gotham Song needed to look up at.
Yet, even under these circumstances, Diamond still lowered her head, calling the petite Gotham Song by her old affectionate nickname.
How could one even describe that feeling?
Gotham Song could only smile faintly, swallowing her helplessness and frustration.
Three Goddesses, you'd better not let me catch proof you deliberately froze my height at this stage… Grr!
"Um… Diamond-chan? Did something urgent come up?"
Diamond's appearance here wasn't particularly surprising. Yet, her purpose certainly was puzzling, prompting Gotham Song to voice the question after some hesitation.
"It's nothing special, Song-oneesama. I just wanted to see you—that's really all."
Just wanted to see me… Indeed, this reason alone was enough motivation for Satono Diamond to do just about anything. Gotham Song's lips twitched; she fell into silence, lost for words.
"But… Song-oneesama, will you come watch my races when you have time?"
"Of course…?"
Thinking about it, Diamond could be considered someone deeply tied to Gotham Song. Logically and emotionally, if Gotham Song had free time when Diamond was racing, she'd probably attend. After all, it wasn't like she'd be doing anything particularly important anyway.
Satisfied by the expected response, Satono Diamond smiled sweetly, her tail swishing slightly. Then, with an apologetic nod to Satono Crown waiting behind her, she finally departed. Only after everyone else had dispersed, leaving Gotham Song with her closest family, did her poised demeanor finally collapse.
What the hell was all that about!? Who returns home only to get mobbed by people at the airport for one last round of social torture?!
Collapsing into the soft, squishy embrace of Ruby, Gotham Song received Ramonu's amused yet helpless gaze, openly flaunting her salted-fish aura. She even childishly pressed herself into First Ruby's arms, escaping reality by cuddling fiercely.
Satono Diamond? More like Satono Bomb! I never expected I'd get door-blocked by her upon coming back.
Fortunately, it seemed that racing still held a strong attraction for Diamond. At least for now, Gotham Song felt safe—temporarily, anyway.
"So, Song-chan, how long will you be staying this time?" Ramonu asked gently.
"How long? Probably until the Oka Sho ends, then I'll likely leave again."
Gotham Song had returned partly due to homesickness, but mainly to fulfill her duties as Gentildonna's Trainer during her classic-year races. She still had much left to achieve, after all.
Ramonu smiled knowingly, looking thoughtfully at Flightline, standing bewildered by the compact Japanese cars.
She chuckled softly.
"Ramonu-nee, are you thinking something incredibly rude right now?"
"Maybe? Alright, Song-chan, since you're back for a while, don't overthink things. Just relax properly."
"Ramonee-san—!"
Before Gotham Song could retort further, Ramonu skillfully diverted her little sister's attention with practiced ease.
First Ruby sighed quietly, watching Gotham Song easily toyed with by her older sister.
Poor girl… I've learned these tricks well, too.
Without a word, First Ruby just held Gotham Song gently, sharing her quiet, dependable warmth.
Realizing too late she'd been tricked, Gotham Song growled softly, baring her small fangs before biting Ramonu's arm in playful revenge.
Rawr…! Have you learned your lesson?!
"Yes, yes, your sister was wrong, Song-chan. Let go now, please?"
Did she really mean it? Probably not. But Ramonu laughed softly, gently stroking Gotham Song's head, and held her close.
From the front seat, Mejiro Ardan quietly averted her gaze.
Truly… too clumsily adorable for her own good.
Yes, that was exactly her little sister's charm—enticingly irresistible.