"Hey, Trainer, who'd win if I raced Rampage?"
"Tough question."
During Spica's training break, Teio, flipping through the schedule, asks Okino. The spark came from hearing about Ryan's victory party, where even Rudolf showed up, mentioned during a visit to the student council room.
"But why Rampage, not Ryan, the Satsuki Sho champ?"
"Don't know Ryan that well."
"That's your reason…?"
Okino slumps but ponders deeply, surprising Teio, who expected a quick "you'd win."
"What's wrong?" McQueen asks.
"Asked who'd win, me or Rampage, and he's stuck."
"That's tricky," McQueen replies.
"Even you, McQueen!?" Teio huffs.
Teio's annoyed—McQueen's Mejiro bias is understandable, but as teammates, shouldn't she back Teio?
"It's not about Mejiro. Rampage's skill is undeniable."
"Hmph, I'm stronger, right, Trainer!?"
"Uh… it's tough," Okino mutters.
Teio's high-pitched protest prompts Okino to explain.
"She's a year ahead, won the Cherry Blossom, and is the top Oaks contender. Your experience levels differ, making comparison hard."
Teio's a genius—Okino, Tojo, and Minamisaka all agree. Her fluid muscles and flexible joints produce a stride beyond her height. But her talent's still raw.
"Grr…"
"Not being mean. You're pre-debut, so it's hard to compare."
Rampage is a threat. Okino dreads Teio facing her as a senior. Rigil's already sweating Canopus countermeasures, and Okino feels the same.
"If I had to say… even in the Classic Triple Crown, she'd dominate."
"Agreed. The Satsuki Sho would've been fiercer," McQueen adds.
Rampage's weakness? Long distances are untested. Minamisaka likely trained her for it, but holding her big lead in the 3000m Chrysanthemum or 3200m Spring Tenno Sho seems unlikely.
"But McQueen's the first hurdle. She's Mejiro, aiming for the Tenno Sho."
"I won't lose," McQueen declares, chest puffed.
A classic stayer, McQueen eyes the Chrysanthemum to test her strength, prioritizing the Tenno Sho over the Satsuki or Derby.
"How do I win, then?"
"Don't trail her—Flora learned that the hard way. Bet on your final kick or match her pace."
Okino knows it's not that simple. Minamisaka, aware of Rampage's weaknesses, pairs her with Turbo's big leads and Ikuno's steady pace. Constantly facing her nemeses forged Rampage's strength.
"Teio, go run. CB, race her."
"Sure, I'll crush her lightly~"
"I won't lose! I'll beat CB like the President did!"
"Hah, love the spirit. But I won our last race, remember?"
"That was a mock race! The President's stronger in real ones!"
Teio and CB banter. Rampage faces her nemeses, but Teio has a perfect rival in Spica: Mr. CB, a Triple Crown Uma Musume like Rudolf. Racing him sharpens her skill.
"Trainer, what do you really think?"
"…Teio's got a tough fight."
Having felt Rampage's legs, Okino knows a race with Teio would be brutal. Rampage's robust build mirrors Teio's, with flexible joints and a height advantage.
"McQueen, watch out. She's serious."
"Understood. I won't underestimate someone Monsigny, Durren, and Granma recognize."
"Monsigny, huh?"
As CB's trainer, Okino feared Monsigny most—a fierce Mejiro Uma Musume who clashed with CB repeatedly. Hearing she acknowledges Rampage raises Okino's caution another notch.
"Hahaha!! Wait, no, that's unfair!!"
"What is this? It's killing my abs, pfft…!!"
"My stomach hurts! My abs are splitting!!"
"Rampage, please, mercy… hahaha!!"
"Turbo, you're next!!"
"Alright, double trouble!"
"Stop!!"
The feared Uma Musume, Rampage, is in Canopus's clubroom, reenacting Ryan's victory party dance. Donning a pumpkin head with Turbo, she grooves wildly to music, leaving her teammates in stitches.
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