On the first day of classes after the New Year holidays, a piece of news imdiately rocked the entire Japanese Uma Musu scene.
The Black Heiress—winner of the Japanese Derby and the Arima Kinen—announced she would be embarking on an overseas expedition, traveling to New York to compete in the Ruka Stakes.
This was no ordinary bombshell—it was a nuclear warhead detonating in the deepest sea.
The timing alone sparked massive outrage among the Japanese public, with many openly voicing dissatisfaction and protest toward jiro McQueen’s decision.
The Ruka Stakes, forrly known as the Gotham Stakes—
It was the first Arican race Twilight Song ever participated in, the very battleground where she unveiled her unparalleled Great Escape.
Following Twilight Song’s victory at the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, the Gotham Stakes was renad the Ruka Stakes and upgraded from a G2 to a prestigious G1 event.
An extrely prestigious G1 event, to be exact.
Of course, "prestige" here refers specifically to front running-type Uma Musu.
Or rather, for all the world’s front runner-type Uma Musu, to win the Ruka Stakes using the running style of Twilight Song was essentially the highest possible honor.
Unlike Japan’s hostile dostic environnt, the international Uma Musu community didn’t have the URA’s bloodthirsty rivalries, nor did it breed the hostility that followed.
Therefore, Twilight Song—who crushed Dancing Brave decisively in the Arc—was effectively crowned the goddess of front running-type runners.
Winning the very race where the Goddess of Front-Running debuted, using the sa strategy she once employed—
Wasn’t that equivalent to receiving the sa cheers and glory once bestowed upon the legend herself?
Thus, to front running-type Uma Musu, the Ruka Stakes wasn’t rely prestigious; it represented unparalleled glory.
Yet, jiro McQueen offered no response to the dostic outcry against her decision to participate in this overseas expedition.
It was reminiscent of how she’d directly declared herself unavailable during the Kikuka Sho, offering no explanation whatsoever.
However, this ti, lantations didn’t echo solely through human communities—forums for front running-type Uma Musu were also filled with frustration.
The reason was simple: jiro McQueen wasn’t even a front runner!
If an front runner Uma Musu wanted to participate, these girls would wholeheartedly support the expedition. It would make sense. But—
There was simply no way jiro McQueen intended to run the race using the Great Escape.
Yet perhaps due to their shared origins in jiro Manor, front runner Uma Musu eventually chose to back her decision.
In terms of justification, after all, jiro McQueen had far more legitimate reasons to enter the Ruka Stakes than anyone else.
She really was Twilight Song’s younger sister, after all.
As for Gotham Song, the actual person at the center of this controversy, her expression twisted, unable to voice any opinion at all.
How should she put it?
She had once again witnessed just how utterly obsessed jiro McQueen had beco.
And it further reinforced Gotham Song’s determination to reject jiro Bright’s invitation.
The logic was simple enough: If she successfully convinced jiro McQueen that she was indeed herself, she’d end up dragged into jiro Manor; if she failed...
Why do I feel like I’ll end up shredded into horseat?
Still, jiro McQueen joining the Ruka Stakes gave Gotham Song an inexplicable premonition.
As if McQueen was about to deliver a massive shock to the entire world.
Gotham Song was sitting on her bed, lost in these thoughts, when Neo Universe returned from outside and approached her.
Neo Universe imdiately understood the look on Gotham Song’s face and gave a knowing smile.
"Oh, during the Classic Year around this ti, jiro McQueen does indeed participate in that race. And..."
Neo Universe hesitated, seemingly struggling to find the right words.
"The result will leave people...very surprised."
"Hm? How surprised exactly?"
Gotham Song had to admit she was painfully curious now.
Neo Universe wasn’t surprised by Gotham Song’s interest. She leaned onto Gotham Song’s shoulder, whispering the unbelievable revelation:
"She’ll change her running style during the Ruka Stakes—and compete by imitating you."
"What?"
Gotham Song felt as if her brain was short-circuiting, unable to formulate a proper response.
You’re saying that McQueen—a girl completely unsuited for front running—is going to win the Ruka Stakes with a Great Escape?
Wait. Am I even awake right now?
Gotham Song stared at Neo Universe in disbelief, only to receive a firm nod in response.
"Gotham Song, you’re very much awake."
Neo Universe reluctantly got up from Gotham Song’s shoulder.
"By the way, Gotham, this isn’t even the most pressing matter. There’s sothing else you need to think about."
Wait, there’s more?
Gotham Song twitched her ears, raising her head toward Neo Universe, awaiting her roommate’s explanation.
"Your racing schedule has already been announced, right?"
Gotham Song nodded.
"The Japan Cup, international G1s, and a few other races that might beco international G1s."
Gotham Song nodded again.
The schedule had been decided together with Neo Universe—was there a problem?
"Actually, ever since your Newcor Year races, there’s been soone secretly observing you."
Neo Universe displayed an unusually serious expression, instantly causing Gotham Song to beco equally solemn.
Soone who could make Neo Universe react this way was a first—even jiro Ramonu hadn’t achieved this.
Who could it possibly be?
"You’ll probably receive an invitation today, or tomorrow at the latest. This ti, I can’t co with you."
"R-Really? Then...who is she?"
Neo Universe nodded, softly uttering a na in reply.
"Secretariat."
"Huh?"
Who?
Gotham Song blanked, repeating it once more.
"You’re saying...Secretariat wants to et ?"
"Yes."
"And Secretariat has been secretly watching my races all along?"
"Correct."
For a mont, Gotham Song didn’t know what to say. But considering that Secretariat was a complete stranger from her previous life, perhaps there wasn’t much to worry about.
Still...Secretariat. The na alone evoked a sense of awe.
After all, she was an iconic legend—surpassing even Dancing Brave in sheer renown.
The two fell silent, until Gotham Song’s phone abruptly rang, startling them both.
It was an unknown number. Gotham Song picked up the call, only to be t by a voice brimming with madness.
"Gotham Song, right? I’m sure you still rember . If it’s convenient, I’d like to et with you soti soon."
Reviews
All reviews (0)