"Ran, are you really meeting those two!?"
It was a rest day from training, and Rampage was lounging on the rooftop, puffing on a cigar while gazing at the sky. Ryan burst in, her voice urgent. Rampage gave a slight nod in affirmation.
"Tazuna-san told me, so I went to the Chairman's office. They said I got a call."
"But are you seriously going to meet them!?"
"They reached out. If I dodge it, the media might get wind and make a mess. They'd eat up a scandal about the Junior Class MVP, you know."
She chuckled, but it wasn't a joke—if it happened, it'd be a nightmare. That's exactly why she was meeting them, to keep it under control.
"But!!"
"Look, Ryan, this is my chance to finally take the first step toward my goal. Why would you stop me?"
It was a cruel way to put it, and Rampage knew it. Ryan understood her, knew her purpose. So why try to stop her? Being questioned by her closest confidante made Rampage's resolve waver.
"I mean… meeting the people who drove you to suicide… who stole your parents' inheritance…"
Ryan was anxious. The aunt and uncle didn't directly cause the attempt, but they created the environment that pushed her there—no question about it. To Ryan, her best friend—her family—meeting such people was unthinkable. At least someone should be there as a buffer, but that was covered.
"Tazuna-san's on standby in another room. If things go south, she'll swoop in."
"Still…"
"What, you think I'd let those two get to me?"
Standing, Rampage stowed her cigar and fixed Ryan with an indignant stare.
"To me, they're just the scum who stole my parents' inheritance and abandoned me. They're not guardians or family—just strangers with the same blood."
"…Sorry, it's not that I don't trust you…"
"I get that you're worried. You saved me, after all."
Ryan had seen Rampage at her lowest, so her gut reaction to keep her from the source of that pain was natural. Rampage appreciated the kindness but was determined to settle things her way. Just then, the rooftop door flew open with a bang.
"Whoa!?"
"What!?"
Startled, they turned to see tears splashing onto the rooftop. A voice shouted, "What're ya doin'!?" from behind, and the tearful figure charged, tackling Rampage like a linebacker. Despite her training, Rampage hit the ground. The culprit?
"Waaahhh, Rampage-saaan…"
"C-Creek-senpai!?"
"Oh no… she went and did it…"
It was Super Creek, clinging to her. Behind her, Tamamo Cross and Oguri Cap peeked out. Creek's enthusiastic door-opening had ripped the hinges off, leaving it flat on the ground.
"Tama, what do we do?"
"What do ya mean? Gotta ask the janitor uncle."
"Got it, I'll handle it."
Oguri dashed down the stairs as Tama, looking apologetic, glanced at Creek, still glued to Rampage.
"Didn't mean to eavesdrop… tried to stop her, but couldn't."
"No… how much did you hear?"
"From the middle. But we kinda had a hunch. You wearin' your dad's suit and all."
Rampage nodded, understanding. It explained why Creek had hugged her so fiercely at her debut. They'd suspected her story from the start.
"Ughh… to go through such pain… it must've been so hard, so tough…"
"Hey, Creek-san, calm down. You look more upset than me right now."
"Sorry… I must be causing trouble…"
"Nah, it's kinda nice, you crying for me."
Creek was just a casual senpai through Tama, yet her tears over Rampage's story were touching. But Tama's seething rage also caught her eye.
"So that couple's comin', huh? Gotta punch 'em to settle my stomach!!"
"T-Tamamo Cross-senpai, aren't you angrier than me…?"
"Who wouldn't lose it hearin' this!?"
Tama's fury drove her to paw the ground, cracking the rooftop floor with her G1 strength. Impressive, but Rampage had to stop her before they got in trouble.
"Tama-san, if you're that mad, it makes it hard for me—the actual victim—to be pissed. Don't worry, I'll make them suffer for life."
"…Sorry, didn't think you had family like that."
"Rampage-san… violence isn't the answer."
Tama quieted, but Creek's expression turned stern.
"No matter what they did, stooping to their level makes you the same. That'll only hurt you more."
"I know. That's why I'm after subtle, lifelong revenge."
Explaining her plan, Tama let out a hearty laugh, while Creek smiled warmly, relieved.
"That's the spirit! Subtle but lasts forever—perfect!! They say the best revenge is livin' well, and that's exactly it!"
"Yes, it's wonderful. Those who do wrong should face proper consequences."
Both cheered Rampage on. Tama slapped her shoulder enthusiastically, and Creek gently patted her head. The warmth oddly stirred memories of family.
"…"
"What's up, Ran? You're spacing out."
"…Just thought Creek-san felt kinda like my mom."
"Oh my♪"
"Oh no."
Tama's smile froze. Super Creek, a fierce G1 racer loved for her gentle nature, had a flaw: an urge to pamper others. She'd even overwhelm trainers with her motherly aura, and if she couldn't indulge it, her condition suffered. Tama knew this but resisted being coddled, though she worried about Creek's sake. Now Rampage was the target? With a wry smile, Rampage patted Creek's head in return.
"Oh?"
"Thanks, Creek-san, but my mom's my mom—the one who's gone. Even if I can't see her, I don't want anyone else in that role… It's selfish, but it's how I feel."
"I see."
Creek nodded, a flicker of disappointment crossing her face for her well-meaning but intrusive offer. Then Rampage leaned into her.
"So, can I lean on you as a big sister instead?"
"—!! Yes, lean on your big sis as much as you want♪"
"Just a bit, but when I need you, I'll lean hard."
"Yay♪"
Tama's jaw dropped. Not only had Rampage deflected Creek's pampering, but she'd flipped it into a sibling dynamic—and Creek agreed. The shocking scene left Tama speechless.
"T-Tamamo Cross-senpai, you're overreacting…"
"It's just… Creek, sayin' that…"
"What…?"
"Tama, I'm back… what's going on?"
Oguri returned to find Rampage on Creek's lap, Tama stunned, and Ryan wryly smiling, tilting her head in confusion.