"Hey, Minami-chan, can't I just sneak a smoke?"
"No way."
"Tch… fine, fine, I get it. I won't bring it up again, so cut me some slack."
That day, Rampage and Minami found themselves inside the URA building. The opulent interior screamed party venue, with a stage bathed in countless camera flashes and reporters' stares—a scene Rampage found utterly repulsive. She was there for a ceremony, having been named the Most Outstanding Junior Uma Musume by the URA.
"I'd rather be training than dealing with this nonsense."
"Come on, it's an honor."
"Once I snag the Triple Tiara, I'll have to endure this crap again anyway. That's enough for me."
Rampage had been grumbling nonstop, clearly loathing every second of it. Yet she showed up, understanding its significance—not just for her revenge but to uphold the Mejiro family's reputation. Otherwise, she'd have blown it off entirely.
"As expected, you went with a suit."
"What, Minami-chan, were you hoping to see me in a dress?"
"It suits you perfectly."
"Cut it out, you're gonna make me blush."
For such an event, formal attire was a must, and true to form, Rampage rocked a suit, tie and all. The look oddly suited her—she could see why Nature teased her about it. As she mused, the emcee grabbed the mic, signaling preparations were complete.
'We now begin the Junior Division awards. Selected as the Most Outstanding Junior Uma Musume, with an impeccable 6-for-6 record and a performance befitting the title of Junior Champion, from Team Canopus—Rampage!!'
With her trainer, she ascended the stage amid a barrage of flashes. She'd been warned not to break her composure, so she endured. Her heightened Uma Musume senses made the lights feel blindingly worse than in her human days.
'Now, we'd like to hear Rampage-san's future goals. What path will you take moving forward?'
The question came, and with it, the gazes of reporters and TV cameras locked onto her. Were they watching? The thought tempted her to unleash a venomous rant, but that'd drag Minami and the Mejiro family into trouble. She swallowed it down.
"Well, I made a promise with a friend, so I'm charging full speed toward keeping it."
'Could you share more about that promise?'
"I'm going for the Triple Tiara."
Her confident declaration drew murmurs of "as expected" and gasps of awe from the crowd.
"Second in history to claim the Triple Tiara. They call me a dictator, so it'd be fitting to seize it, don't you think?"
With a wink, she drew chuckles and nods from the reporters. The title of Triple Crown, earned only by taking all three races, would indeed suit the so-called dictator.
'Very well, to honor Rampage-san's pursuit of the Triple Tiara, we present a new winning outfit!'
As she accepted the outfit from a staff member, she muttered under her breath.
"I've only used the first one once, and now another? Which one do I even wear?"
"Whichever you like," Minami replied.
"When you say that, don't people just stick with the one they've worn? Then the new one ends up buried in the closet."
Their exchange sparked more laughter from the crowd. Some agreed, while others whispered they'd choose the new one. With heartfelt applause wishing her future success, Rampage bowed in gratitude, and the ceremony concluded.
"Ugh… my shoulders are killing me. An Uma Musume playing nice? I'm practically a catgirl in disguise."
"Good work out there."
Post-ceremony, Rampage dodged interview requests and hopped into Minami's car, heading back to Tresen Academy.
"They're setting up a party in the clubroom, you know."
"Sweet, let's get back quick then."
Minami gave a wry smile as Rampage tossed the new winning outfit into the backseat. A second winning outfit was a rare honor, proof of URA recognition, yet her casual handling screamed Rampage. The reason?
"Who the hell designed this thing?"
The new outfit was a dress—form-fitting at the waist with a chest-emphasizing design. Rampage swore she'd never wear it.
"Can I just complain to the URA and get them to change it?"
"Well… I've never heard of anyone rejecting a new winning outfit, so I'm not sure."
"Then I'll be the first."
"Please, spare me that…"
"If they want me to wear it, they better redesign it."
Minami could only grimace as Rampage doubled down, resolute to reject the outfit and demand a redesign if pushed.
"Minami-chan, you think they saw this?"
"At the very least, they'll hear about it. You're the Junior Champion, a potential star of this generation."
"Good enough."
Rampage figured this moment, broadcast widely on TV, might prompt them to reach out. If they did, it wouldn't be surprising.
"If they do show up, what'll you do?"
"Nothing different. Just speed up the plan."
"Right."
If they came, the response was the same: reject them, shove them away, make them regret it.
"If there's anything I can do to help, just say the word. I'm pretty capable, you know."
"Okay, then who are you, Minami-chan?"
"Me? Your trainer."
"Can't argue with that."
As they bantered, the car rolled toward Tresen Academy. Rampage and Minami would join the Canopus crew for a lively party, channeling it into strength for the year ahead—to fulfill her purpose and—
"Rampage-san, a moment, please?"
"What's up, Tazuna-san?"
"Well… someone claiming to be your family called. The Chairman is handling it directly, but what would you like to do?"
The moment had arrived.
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