'She charges, she charges!! Full throttle from the start, blazing through!! Rampage holds the lead, with Agnes Flora in pursuit, but it's out of reach!! A true dictator, overwhelming in strength, she crosses the finish!!'
As spring breezes caressed cheeks and cherry blossoms neared bloom, the Tulip Sho—a prestigious G2 race and a trial for the Ouka Sho—unfolded. Rampage, racing in it, claimed a resounding victory, dominating in every sense.
'This queen now sets her sights on the Tiara route's Ouka Sho!! Will the dictator become the true monarch, proclaiming a new reign? All eyes are on her! And who, if anyone, can dethrone her!?'
"She's gotten so much stronger since the Juvenile…"
Tojo, Team Rigil's trainer, muttered as she watched the race. Agnes Flora, a Rigil member, had climbed to the Tulip Sho undefeated, her strength worthy of her name. Tojo believed she could aim for the Triple Tiara, and had trained her with Rigil's escape artists to counter Rampage. Yet, Rampage broke away effortlessly.
"Indeed, we've been pushing intensive training since that day."
"Minami."
Canopus' Minami approached, holding drinks—likely for the teammates who came to cheer. His hands-on approach reflected his care for his Uma Musume and their bonds.
"Didn't you say you were focusing on experience?"
"Yes. In the Junior races, we had them run to feel the atmosphere and hone their instincts through technique. But since year-end, we've been building the physique to capitalize on that. Those are the results."
He gestured toward Rampage, striking her Charizard pose in victory. Her long legs and large frame made them seem slender, but on closer inspection, they were impressively sturdy.
"You said 'safety is the best horse,' but this time you came to win, didn't you?"
Rigil's rival was often said to be Spica, thanks to Mr. C.B. and Rudolf's influence. But Tojo found Canopus the most daunting. Their "safety first" mantra meant a relentless, undeniable contender always emerged. The certainty of a skilled opponent closing in was terrifying. Minami, however, looked troubled.
"It's less me and more the team. They decided to aim for the top—to make Canopus the strongest in the academy."
Minami hadn't aimed that high. He worried about Uma Musume betting their lives on a single race, sacrificing their future for fleeting glory. That's why he championed "safety is the best horse"—to ensure Canopus' lessons and growth would carry into their post-racing lives, not end at retirement.
"That's why they can shine. They said, 'With safety first, let's become true champion Uma Musume and the strongest.' So I decided to help."
"(Those eyes… they're different.)"
As a fellow central trainer, Tojo had known Minami for years, occasionally grabbing drinks as team trainers. His youth sometimes led others to underestimate him, seeing him swayed by assertive Uma Musume. But now, Minami exuded a different aura.
"(It's like Rokubei-san…)"
Rokubei Ginjiro, Oguri Cap's current trainer, nicknamed the Fairy Godfather—a veteran with a commanding presence. Sensing that in Minami, Tojo wondered what had changed him.
"What happened to you?"
"Nothing. I'm just… Canopus' trainer."
With a gentle smile, he bowed and returned to his team.
"Trainer, something wrong?"
Rudolf, there to cheer for Flora, noticed Tojo's stiff expression and sweat.
"…This year, Canopus is our biggest threat."
"Not Spica?"
"They're a concern, but Canopus is the real danger."
She'd need to overhaul the training menu—perhaps fundamentally—to beat Rampage. As a trainer, she had to do everything to ensure victory in the Ouka Sho.
"Rigil won't lose."
"Phew… total domination."
"Good work—though you don't look tired, do you?"
"The weight's off my chest, so I'm in high spirits. Bet a drink would taste amazing right now."
"No drinking."
"I know, I know."
In the waiting room, Rampage grinned, unfazed by her commanding win. The mental high of victory played a part, but more so, the burden that had weighed on her heart was gone, sending her mood soaring.
"Next is Ikuno in the Fillies' Review… How's that girl handling short distances so well? Is she a cyborg or what?"
Minami chuckled, equally amazed by Ikuno's versatility. She could likely tackle long distances too—a true marvel. She'd probably secure priority entry for the Ouka Sho, setting up a clash. Gauging Rampage's peak form, Minami asked.
"Feeling on top of the world? Because you settled things?"
"Yeah. I've drawn a line, but it's not over until the inheritance is fully returned."
Her retribution against her uncle Tomoichi and aunt Mei had succeeded. Through lawyers, she secured the return of her inheritance and a restraining order. As expected, they'd squandered it on debts, so none remained. Now, they'd work under Mejiro-affiliated companies, monitored, to repay it.
"Hey, Minami-chan… I'm feeling damn good right now."
"Are you?"
"Yeah, like I'm the world's greatest hero who just saved the planet."
Minami felt joy but also realized how much those two had consumed her. Betrayal by family would do that.
"So… Grandma Mejiro asked if I'd officially join the Mejiro family."
"That's… incredible."
Already under the Mejiro family's care through Ryan, being formally invited was rare. Joining the prestigious Mejiro lineage was a monumental offer, even stumping Minami.
"What happens then? Do I become Mejiro Rampage?"
"Likely… depends on when you officially join, but…"
Just as one family issue resolved, another arose—being asked to join a new one. But this was a happy problem, and she laughed.
"Now they're inviting me to a tea party to meet the other Mejiro Uma Musume… What do I do?"
"You should go. Family or not, they've supported you."
"Yeah… Durren and Monsny were all, 'Come meet us!' but… what do you think?"
"…That'll be one hell of a tea party."
"My stomach's already hurting…"
'Congratulations, you're a Mejiro now.'
Rampage, invited to a tea party celebrating her potential Mejiro ties.