"Yo, how's this burger!? Freakin' delicious, right!?"
"Whoa, it's so good!! And so big for this price? Total steal!!"
"Right!? Insanely cheap, tasty, and filling—total hype!!"
""Weeei!!""
Helios and Palmer were having a blast chowing down on burgers. Palmer had planned this outing ages ago, skipping the tea party without a clue about the chaos Rampage was enduring. She and Helios shouted their signature "Weeei!!" with boundless energy.
"But, like, was it cool to skip? Didn't you say there was a tea party today?"
"Yeah, but Grandma said to prioritize prior plans. Family time's important, but since we're family, we can always make more time—so I should enjoy friend time."
"Whoa!! Your grandma's so chill!! How 'bout we get her some accessories as a thank-you?"
"Oh, that's a great idea!"
In their lively vibe, Helios devoured her burger while Palmer took her time. After filling their stomachs, they dove into picking out accessories as a gift for Grandma.
"Hey, hey, hey, what about this horseshoe-shaped one!? Super cute, right!?"
"Wait, wait, this one's cool too, don't you think?!"
"Totally, I was thinking the same!!"
"We're, like, so in sync~"
""Weeei!!""
"Ugh, that trainer hasn't changed a bit… I'm relieved, or maybe just exasperated… Though he's a perfect match for C.B."
"I can't deny that, but I wish he'd stop grabbing feet out of nowhere. I reflexively kicked him, I was so startled."
"Oh, I get it, I've done that too."
Monsny clutched her head with a sigh, while McQueen vented about Spica's Trainer Okino. He hadn't changed since their active days—what was he even doing? Durren chimed in, apparently a fellow victim. Despite his quirks, his top-tier training skills were undeniable, which made it all the more frustrating.
"When's McQueen hitting the races full-on?"
"I'm not too interested in the Triple Crown, so after discussing with Trainer-san, I'm aiming for the Tenno Sho Spring via the Kikka Sho."
"Nice! Guess that makes me your biggest rival."
"Bring it on. As Mejiro sisters, we'll fight fair and square, Ryan."
"No way I'm losing."
The clash of Mejiro heiresses had an air of elegance, a refined yet fiery rivalry that drew fond smiles from the others. Being from the same family yet rivals was a rare fortune.
"I heard Rampage-san's next race is the Ouka Sho. How confident are you?"
The topic finally turned to Rampage. She'd reached a state of resignation, unfazed even when put on the spot—mostly because she had no energy left to put up a front.
"Honestly? Not confident at all."
"Oh my… Are you saying you're nervous?"
Ardan's question got a blunt reply, drawing looks from Durren, Monsny, and even Asama, who eyed her curiously. Rampage had looped past panic into a bizarre calm, almost mistaking it for enlightenment.
"Confidence comes from effort. Live with your chest out, and before you know it, you're a cool version of yourself. That's confidence, right?"
"Oh, that's a wonderful way to see it!"
Ardan nodded with a smile. Her bold mindset, distinct from the Mejiro family's noble pride, felt refreshing. Ryan, catching her drift, gave a wry smile, sensing Rampage was half-lost in her own words.
"Heh, 'cool version of yourself,' huh? So you're not cool now?"
"Nah, I'm bad at seeing myself objectively. I judge it by whether I can hold my head high after hitting my goals."
"Planning to be the second Triple Tiara winner, then♪"
"You might want to decide that soon."
Asama set down her cup at Ramonu's words, drawing everyone's eyes.
"Decide what?"
"I didn't think we'd call Monsny just for a tea party…"
Durren had a hunch about the real purpose. Still racing in the Dream Trophy, she knew Monsny, now retired and working for the Mejiro family, was here for family matters.
"Monsny, we talked a bit, right?"
"Yes, about her family situation."
"What's that about?"
McQueen and Ardan, out of the loop, were understandably confused. Monsny fixed Rampage with a sharp gaze.
"I see no issue. In fact, I like her—both as a racer and an Uma Musume."
"Good. Durren, your thoughts?"
"She's a good kid. I'd love to race her sometime."
Asama smiled and turned to Rampage.
"Rampage-san—would you formally become a Mejiro Uma Musume?"
"Grandma!?"
"Ran-chan, joining the Mejiro family?"
"Ran, becoming family!?"
"Oh my…"
McQueen gasped, Ramonu smiled gleefully, Ryan looked conflicted yet happy, and Ardan seemed to process the sudden news. For McQueen and Ardan, unaware of Rampage's past, it was shocking, but Durren and Monsny's demeanor hinted at deeper context.
"No need to worry about complications; we'll handle them. You can even race as just 'Rampage' if you want."
Monsny's firm reassurance signaled the moment had arrived—the offer she'd heard hints of was now real. Struggling to process, Rampage forced out words.
"If someone like me can really bear that name… I—I want to… I mean, I do want to…"
"Ran…?"
Ryan saw a shift in Rampage—not the changed girl she'd become, but the Ran from long ago.
"I want to… be part of a family again…"
"You already are, my dear granddaughter."
At those words, Rampage's tough grin melted into a genuine, joyful girl's smile. She quickly caught herself, coughing awkwardly.
"Uh, so… from now on, Mejiro Rampage… right?"
"Do as you please. That choice is yours."
"Haha… what do I do, Ryan?"
The fleeting glimpse of the old Ran vanished. Feeling a pang of loneliness, Ryan smiled.
"Mejiro Rampage sounds cool as hell."
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