"…Phew, nice weather, huh?"
Sprawled out, Rampage puffs on an herbal cigar, the breeze still pleasant against her skin. Lately, though, clouds have been gathering—rainy season's near, maybe. Minamisaka mentioned it's a chance to train on heavy turf, but… with iron shinguards? The thought's a bit depressing. As she muses, a shadow falls over her.
"Got a moment?"
"Rather nap, honestly…"
"It won't take long."
The shadow belongs to Agnes Flora of Rigil, a rival set to clash in the upcoming Oaks. To Flora, Rampage and Ikuno are thorns in her side, likely planning an even tighter mark than last time. But who knows how it'll play out?
"Fine, what's up?"
"Why'd you run in the Flora Stakes?"
Flora's question is fair. With an Oaks ticket already secured, Rampage's choice to race in the trial seems pointless. Unlike Ramonu, who ran to erase doubts from a Tokyo track loss, Rampage's reasoning feels unclear.
"Why ask?"
"Pure curiosity. Is that not enough?"
A flicker of something obsessive glints in Flora's dark eyes. Despite her petite frame and bright-eyed resemblance to Takion, that spark feels almost familial, like shared blood.
"For small dreams. My own goals. Fame, maybe."
"Surprising. I didn't think you cared for such things."
"Ran for it, mostly. They call me a dictator—leaned into it."
In the Flora Stakes, Rampage and Ikuno raced together, clinching victory. The media, thrilled by her monopolizing move toward the crown, dubbed her "Dictator Mejiro Rampage," hyping her up further.
"Turf's Dictator, Mejiro Rampage!!"
"Nine straight wins!!"
"A dictatorship surpassing the Emperor?!"
Referencing Rudolf's eight-race undefeated streak, they proclaim her a dictator beyond the Emperor. But for Rampage, the louder the noise, the better—it fuels her regrets and despair toward that couple.
"You seek glory, yet I don't sense malice. Usually, those chasing it carry something… unpleasant."
"Instead of talking, maybe plan how to beat me. My slipstream was rough, right?"
Flora gives a wry smile, nodding. "Truly."
"Never imagined that."
"Ikuno and I didn't train for nothing."
In that race, Flora struggled to match their speed. Cornering at that pace without slowing—something she'd never done—threw her off. Chasing two relentless runners who never braked, she veered wide, caught in their wake, and slowed.
"So, beating you in the Oaks means limited options. But I'll win."
"Bring it. No dictatorship lasts forever. Someone's bound to topple it. If it's you, I'll face you."
"Gladly."
Flora bows politely and leaves. Rampage resumes puffing her cigar, gazing skyward.
"Even I'll lose someday. The Emperor did. Chan-senpai did. Defeat's always lurking."
Even the undefeated Triple Crown Rudolf and the treasured Ramonu fell. What will Rampage do when defeat comes? Doesn't matter. She'll accept it when it arrives. For now, her goal is the Triple Tiara—surpassing Ramonu. That's all.
"Hey, Ran, what're you doing here?"
"Yo, Satsuki Sho champ! Feeling good?"
"Ugh, not you too, Ran!"
Ryan bounds over, spotting her. Another G1 Uma Musume, adding another shining record to the Mejiro legacy. Behind her is Ines, burning for revenge after their fierce battle.
"Ran-chan, we're shopping for Ryan's Satsuki Sho celebration party. Join us?"
"Sounds fun. You in?"
"Of course! I planned it! Ryan beat me—frustrating, but she's amazing!! So, I won't lose at the Derby!! Let's celebrate now!!"
"Some Uma Musume you are."
Praising Ryan's victory while vowing revenge, Ines organizes the celebration. Not easy, but her smile radiates resolve: I'll win next time, but today, we celebrate. It's inspiring.
"Alright, I'm in. Might as well cook."
"Yay!! Ran-chan, you cook!?"
"Lived alone. Don't underestimate me."
Mostly bean sprouts and fish cakes, but Rampage scouted sales and cheap shops during paper routes. Plus, neighbors' occasional gifts taught her to improvise. She's confident.
"Let's invite more."
"Great idea!! Parties are better with a crowd. Who else?"
"McQueen, Palmer, but maybe one more cook…"
At that, their eyes land on someone. Rampage calls out, and she dashes over.
"We're throwing Ryan's Satsuki Sho party. Help cook, big sis?"
"Of course, leave it to your big sis!"
"Creek-senpai? Wow, a legend's joining!!"
Through Creek, Tama, Oguri, Inari One, and Gold City join. Even Rudolf, somehow catching wind, shows up, turning the party into a massive banquet.
"Haha… this is kinda overwhelming."
"Don't sweat it. To Ryan's stunning Satsuki Sho victory—cheers!!"
"Cheers!!!"
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