"Leading is Rampage, but what's this? Something's off! This isn't the Rampage we know!!"
At Tokyo Racecourse, the G3 Saudi Arabia Royal Cup, a 1600m race, saw Rampage take her usual big lead—but it was starkly different. After her lackluster last race, her run was noticeably sharper from the start.
"Rampage bolts ahead from the gate!! Accelerating fast, already 6 lengths clear, hugging the rail and widening the gap! Is this her pace, or a runaway!? She's 10 lengths ahead of second-place Burning Moon!!"
"Go, Ran!! GOGO Ran!!"
With other Canopus members absent—Nature and Tanhoiza busy, Ikuno focusing on her own race—Turbo, representing Canopus, cheered alongside Minamizaka. Her small frame belted out oversized cheers, and as if answering, Rampage surged forward. As others began closing in, Turbo blurted, "No way~!"
"Here, Rampage re-accelerates! The chasing pack struggles!!"
"Heh, let's go!!"
At the final turn, Rampage unleashed her reserves, kicking the turf with earth-shattering force, breaking through the air barrier to widen the gap.
"Rampage accelerates again!! This is her win—no one's catching her!! With a massive lead, Rampage crosses the line!! She's established a dictatorship over this race!!"
At the finish, Rampage braked with ease, did thigh-lifts, spun, and struck her Lizardon pose.
"YES!! I am No. 1!!"
"Amazing, Ran!!"
"Thanks, Turbo!! Your cheers fueled me!!"
"Literal Turbo boost, right~!!"
Exchanging gratitude, Rampage drew awed, fearful stares from trailing Uma Musume.
"Unbelievable… how's she not winded at that speed…!?"
"No way I could win…"
"Haha, ha… impossible…"
One Uma Musume glanced at the ground, drawing others' eyes. There, Rampage's hoofprints—etched by her horseshoes—radiated dominance, like a dictator's seal.
"Dictatorship…"
The announcer's words for her crushing G3 win felt piercingly apt. No other term fit—she was beyond a dictator, a tyrant.
"Alright, let's bring that energy to the live!"
Her outstretched hand, smiling, was irresistible—not from fear, but an inexplicable pull.
"Tyrant…!!"
Tyrant Rampage—a new king rising to rival the Emperor.
"Hahaha!! Nami-chan, you were right!"
"Glad to hear. Your live was stellar—nice air kisses."
In the Canopus clubroom, Rampage, elated, read the newspaper's bold coverage of her win. She'd finally harnessed Shinzan Iron's power correctly. Enhanced strength boosted her rotation speed, producing breathtaking pace. She wished she'd mastered it sooner.
"Don't fall for me—you'll get burned."
"Didn't you join Canopus 'cause you fell for me?"
"Got me there."
They high-fived, laughing. Nature, watching fondly, glanced at the paper.
"'Rampaging rogue dominates G3!!' Wow, what a write-up."
"I saw it on the street—total domination."
"I checked the video online. 'Dictatorship' fits oddly well."
The impact was undeniable. Crushing the Saudi Arabia Royal Cup with a big lead, her overwhelming strength drew comparisons to the Emperor. Some now called her "Tyrant" for this feat.
"Next, Daily Hai—Ikuno, our race."
"Bring it, Rampage-san."
The November Daily Hai Junior Stakes would pit Rampage against Ikuno, their first official Canopus clash. Normally, teammates avoid racing each other, but Minamizaka didn't. Why? The experience was invaluable.
"Both of you, treat this like any race. Some trainers avoid teammate clashes, but I believe they forge victories and defeats—priceless lessons. Compete to see who claims it."
"Whoa… Trainer's cool."
"Turbo, remember this. You'll feel it at your debut. Rivals as teammates fuel growth."
Having a true rival nearby was a blessing. Ikuno was Rampage's greatest foe; she'd trained with Shinzan Iron for this. The last race was just a prelude.
"I'll win, Ikuno. I promised Ryan we'd take the Triple Crown. No stumbling at G2."
"Bring it. To be Canopus's best, this race matters. Let's see who's the ace."
Sparks flew as they glared. Turbo's eyes sparkled, Tanhoiza held her breath, and Nature sweated at their intensity, so unlike their usual selves.
"Alright, let's celebrate tonight!!"
"Great! Mine too?"
"Of course!!"
The tension vanished, replaced by warmth. Nature nearly stumbled, but it was so them.
"Nami-chan, my treat tonight. Book somewhere tasty under Canopus."
"Already reserved."
"Perfect, Trainer…!!"
"Gratitude supreme."
"Yay!! Turbo's eating tons~!!"
"Me too~!!"
"Hey, you two, it's Ran and Ikuno's party!"
"It's fine, Nature. Pure Canopus style."
"Exactly. This is us."
Ikuno's quietly on a winning streak. Daily runs with Ran aren't for nothing—her Iron Lady's leveling up.
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