"Winning outfit~?"
"Yes, since we have G1 races on the horizon, we should get preparations underway now."
Rampage continued her training with the Shinzan Iron, interspersed with sessions using regular horseshoes to regain her feel. Her workload was heavier than most other Uma Musume. It was during one such time that her trainer brought up the topic of winning outfits—the special attire Uma Musume wore for major races like G1s, akin to a track and field racing suit. These garments mysteriously granted the wearer extraordinary power, fitting perfectly no matter the design and never hindering movement. It was said to be tied to the so-called "Uma Soul."
"Do you have any ideas? You can submit requests from the Uma Musume side to the designer."
"Doesn't matter to me."
"...Nothing at all?"
"Seriously, doesn't matter."
She said it with a completely straight face. Honestly, Rampage truly didn't care. She'd been avoiding feminine clothing, but Ryan and Ines had dragged her out on off-days for dress-up sessions, so she'd gotten used to it. Realizing she could pull off anything as long as she wore tights—even frilly skirts or gothic lolita—meant she was fine tossing the whole decision to someone else.
This put Minami in a bind. A winning outfit was an Uma Musume's literal battle garb for the grand stage, embodying their honor and pride. Almost all— no, every—Uma Musume had strong opinions about it... yet the one in front of her had zero attachment. Submitting a form that just said "whatever" would stump even the designer.
"At least make it something cool enough not to embarrass the Mejiro family."
"Ehh..."
For one thing, Rampage didn't really get the whole "mysterious power from the outfit" thing. To her, it was just clothing that didn't get in the way of running—nothing more.
"If it's all the same, I could just race in a suit without the winning outfit."
"No, please don't. I'd get penalized for that."
"Oh, for real? Then nah."
There were cases where accidents made winning outfits unusable, so backups were always prepared. But no Uma Musume had ever actively chosen to race a G1 without one. Doing so would be straight-up disastrous.
"How about something suit-inspired, then?"
"Ah, that actually works."
That reminded her of Fuji Kiseki, who she'd encounter later—her winning outfit was suit-like. Though it had a boldly open chest... If Rampage tried that, it'd be unbroadcastable on national TV, so she'd hold back. Her bust was 95, after all.
"Then go for a cool, zero-femininity route with no skirt."
"That's still pretty bare-bones as a proposal... but alright."
Minami couldn't help but smile wryly at the utter lack of specifics—no decorations, no obsessions. She'd handled winning outfit applications before, but never one so empty.
"It's your fault for asking me about this stuff anyway, Minami-chan. My fashion sense is zero—not bragging or anything."
"That's really not something to brag about... Just understand that the designer will struggle with this."
"Sheesh, even if you say that~..."
Rampage had always struggled with these kinds of requests due to her lack of style. As she scratched her head, an idea suddenly struck her. A certain scene flashed in her mind, stirring an irrepressible mix of nostalgia and relief, and she couldn't help but grin.
"Minami-chan, I do have a request."
"Oh, good. What is it?"
"Red and black long pants for the bottom. White shirt on top, with a black long coat over it."
"Got it. But what brought this on so suddenly?"
"Nothing much—just a bit of... nostalgia. Anyway, thanks~"
With that, she left the clubroom. The red and black long pants with a white top were what her parents often wore. Adding her preferred coat felt like a declaration of resolve. Deciding to embody that in her winning outfit, she stepped outside for a cigar—only to find the student council president waiting, as if anticipating her. She casually raised her hands in mock surrender, playing it off as she pocketed the cigar.
"Well, well, if it isn't the Student Emperor. What brings you here?"
"—I need a moment of your time."
Rampage had tried to lighten the mood, but Rudolf's expression was stern—like the no-nonsense glare from Cinderella Gray, stripped of any prettiness, just pure intensity. Rampage inwardly flinched at the imposing sight.
"Whoa, scary."
"This way."
Ignoring her quip, Rudolf beckoned her to follow. Figuring compliance was best, Rampage trailed behind. They ended up in the reception room, furnished befitting its name. Rudolf sank into the central sofa and motioned with her eyes for Rampage to sit, which she did.
"So, what's the Emperor want with me? Some pervert transfer consultation or something?"
"You once said, 'If you want to know, step in.' So I've... decided to step in."
"I see. And your thoughts?"
Rudolf seemed to grasp the intent from those words alone. As Rampage pulled a cigar from her pocket, she posed the question. In response, Rudolf clenched her teeth, desperately holding back a surge of rage.
"Ahh, it makes my blood boil... 'Rage that pierces the heavens, eyes splitting in fury'—now I understand what that means..."
"That's not a face the everyone's student council president should make."
It surpassed even the "don't mess with me" glare; Rampage had never seen the Emperor display such raw anger. Fists clenched, teeth gritted, she fought to maintain composure.
"Is there anything I can do...? With your permission, I'll make this public immediately and appeal to my family for proper judgment...!!"
"For starters, dial back the fury and killing intent, yeah? You're too pissed off for me to even talk. Here, it's my herb cigar—sorry it's not fancy, but wanna try? Doc says it's fine for others."
"—Sorry."
Accepting the offer, Rudolf took the herb cigar and began smoking. It was tuned for Rampage, but harmless to others—just less effective, per the doctor. After finishing one, she finally calmed, returning to her usual Rudolf poise.
"Sorry, for using your cigar..."
"Good to have the usual Emperor back. If fans found out I caused that, I'd get mobbed by your club."
Rampage chuckled as she retrieved the cigar case, loading a fresh one and lighting up.
"So, how much do you know?"
"...The years after your parents passed away."
"I see. Then you didn't know about my suicide attempt yet."
"S-Suicide!!?"
"Stop right there. Any more yelling, and I'm out."
Apparently, the investigation wasn't complete—understandable, since the Mejiro family had taken her in afterward, making info harder to access. That grandma wouldn't spill to the Symboli family easily.
"No way...!?"
"It was just an attempt—I stopped. Hence why I'm here."
"Your aunt and uncle inflicted such torment...!!!"
Rudolf teetered on the edge of rage again. To her dream, driving an Uma Musume to suicide was unforgivable—especially if malice-fueled, not accidental. Unable to tolerate it, she nearly mobilized the Symboli family's power for retribution—only to be halted by the ferocious killing intent and wrath from the Uma Musume before her.
"Enough, Emperor. Who do you think you are?"
"!!"
It was overwhelming. Snapping back, Rudolf sank deeper into the sofa in shock.
"I told you: meddling in my life could shake your own foundations. Think hard about what that means."
Gone was the usual carefree demeanor; in its place was a Rampage embodying a vengeful demon, seething with retribution. Nothing short of achieving her revenge would quell her. But she quickly reined it in, sighing an apology.
"Sorry, didn't mean to scare you."
"—No, I'm sorry too... But I never imagined you faced such circumstances..."
"It's normal not to. And it's not that I'm ungrateful for your concern—I appreciate you thinking of me—but poaching my prey? Not cool. That's my hunt."
Rampage's expression was sharp and cold, like a ruthless predator.
"The right to payback against them is mine alone. I'm not handing it over."
"That 'subtle revenge' you mentioned—this is it. But is 'subtle' enough?"
Rudolf genuinely believed the word didn't match the crime of driving someone to the brink of death. It demanded proper scale and justice, she argued—a kind and righteous stance, Rampage thought, but one she rejected.
"It's the subtlety that gives it meaning. They'll learn the cost of abandoning me—what glory and wealth they could've had by raising me. I'll make them regret it forever. Not a quick punishment— one that lasts as long as they live."
Rudolf gasped. It was subtle, yes—akin to the greatest revenge being one's own happiness.
"And on top of that, I want my inheritance back—what they stole. That's the revenge I've chosen."
The more fame Rampage gained, the deeper her aunt and uncle's regret would fester. They'd despair, knowing they'd never connect with her again, forever questioning their choice.
"...Sorry, I was truly meddlesome..."
"Nah, I appreciated that genuine rage face. Getting that mad for a stranger? That's appealing. You're a kind Emperor."
Beyond clashing with her dream, Rudolf was genuinely worried for Rampage. That's why the fury hit so hard.
"Got my reasons for revenge now?"
"I understand, comprehend, accept it fully."
"Glad to hear."
Rampage stood to leave, deeming further talk unnecessary. But she was stopped.
"One last thing, if I may."
"What?"
"—With such goals, why choose Canopus?"
Rudolf figured that for maximum success, Rigil would've been ideal. She wanted closure on this.
Rampage answered simply.
"I fell for Minami-chan's approach to Uma Musume. That's why I entrusted her with my Twinkle Series. Need more than that?"
"No—that's the best reason imaginable for choosing a trainer."
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