In the Mejiro family head's room, Asama fulfilled her duties with grace. Beneath her large hat, sharp eyes softened at a newspaper on her desk, detailing her beloved grandchildren's victories.
"Palmer was a worry, but finding a friend in Helios has lifted her. Her big-lead win was splendid."
Palmer, once uncertain, had thrived since befriending Helios, recently dominating a race with a bold escape. Some said it wasn't Mejiro-like, but Asama dismissed that. It was Palmer's victory.
"Palmer, run your way. Ignore others' opinions—they're just noise. Stay true."
"Grandmother… Yes, I'll do my best!!"
Palmer now sent lively photos with friends, her youthful energy warming Asama's heart. Her gaze shifted to Rampage's victory. Though not officially a Mejiro, she was undeniably one of theirs, her triumph a joy.
"Her run was… awkward. New training, perhaps?"
In the Niigata Junior Stakes, Rampage's first G3 challenge showed tension, her stride off. Still, her final kick reclaimed her style, securing a one-length win.
"With her trainer, she'll be fine."
Planning to cheer her next time, Asama resumed work when the phone rang. She answered.
"What is it?"
"Milady, a call from the Symboli family head."
A butler's message. The Symboli family? Curious, she asked to connect.
"It's been a while, Asama-san. Sorry for the sudden call."
"No, but I'm surprised. Calling me directly… something up?"
The current Symboli head, Rudolf's father, was close to the Mejiros, their families often aiding each other. He nodded.
"My daughter asked about Rampage-san."
"What about her?"
"Not exactly business… Rudolf's concerned about her, had our butler investigate. I heard Rampage is close to the Mejiros."
"She's our Uma Musume."
"What!?"
Shock echoed through the line.
"I'd never heard her name before…"
"What does your daughter want to know?"
"…Her truth."
"Ugh… a barely win. Not funny."
The newspaper celebrated Rampage's first G3 victory, but she sighed, puffing a cigar. Minamizaka, behind her, mirrored her grimace.
"A one-length win is still a win. Celebrate."
"No way, Nami-chan. Content-wise, it's a neck difference at best."
Why was Rampage so dissatisfied? A G3 win marked her among the elite, yet she couldn't rejoice. Her usual big lead faltered; her stride was off, pace changes impossible. Ironically, this threw off rivals' doubts about pace shifts, letting her escape.
"The Shinzan Iron caused issues."
"Sorry…"
"No, my scheduling error."
The Shinzan Iron was the culprit. Constant use made her too accustomed, so with normal horseshoes, she ran with exaggerated thigh lifts, stuck in a pitch style, barely clinching the win.
"Didn't expect that pitfall…"
"Let's alternate weekly—Shinzan Iron and regular."
"Still using it?"
To counter this, they'd switch horseshoes weekly to adapt. Her lack of race experience also threw her off, so more races were essential.
"But this near-miss might be a blessing."
"Evil grin, Nami-chan…"
"It'll throw off their calculations about you."
"You're thinking like me! Was my grin that bad?"
"Worse."
No repeats next time—she vowed no more mediocre runs. Slipping on Shinzan Iron shoes, she'd been outpaced but wouldn't let it happen again.
"What's next, Nami-chan?"
"Saudi Arabia Royal Cup?"
"That's G3!"
"Then Daily Hai—G2, like Ikuno's."
"Wait, G2!? Ikuno's race!?"
"Yes, keep up. Shinzan Iron training continues♪"
"This trainer's a demon!!!"
"Hanshin Juvenile Fillies for year-end."
"Nami-chan, you seriously aiming for Triple Tiara!?"
"Of course. You can do it."
"Your expectations are too heavy!!"
Juvenile's tentative, but Minamizaka believed Rampage could conquer it. She was close to mastering Shinzan Iron; with perfect runs, G1 victories were certain. That was the plan.
"Let's train. Today's partners: Tamamo Cross, Super Creek, Oguri Cap. Wear the Shinzan Iron."
"Ughhh…"
"Too much?"
"Nah, but Creek-senpai keeps hugging me, saying 'It's okay' like I'm a kid. Am I that childish, Nami-chan?"
"Uh… everyone feels differently…"
Races follow Uma Musume standards.
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