May. Spring fades, green leaves flourish, and warm days grow hotter. Rainy season looms with increasing clouds, but today's clear—perfect for laundry. Ikuno's wild NHK Mile Cup plan fizzled, though she's mildly miffed. Minamisaka worries she'll concoct another insane schedule. After all, the real Ikuno ran three G1s in a month.
"Hey, is this seat okay?"
"Yo, Rice! Sure, eat with me."
At lunch, Rampage, shedding her lone-wolf habits, eats more. The kitchen aunties' stares seem sharper, though. Rice Shower, a frequent dining buddy, joins her.
The "Black Assassin," Rice Shower, paired with jockey Matoba, earned her heel reputation by defeating Mihono Bourbon and Mejiro McQueen. Yet her name, true to form, brought happiness to dreamers through her races.
"Thanks for the other day."
"No biggie, just thanks for running with me."
Rice, a member of Canopus's Tanhoiza, is Rampage's adorable junior. Their similar morning schedules lead to joint runs and occasional food outings, deepening their bond.
"How's it going, Rice?"
"Um, the instructors say I'm suited for mid-to-long distances. I can run longer than others."
"Stayer, huh? Like Tanhoiza. I'm jealous—long distances are uncharted for me."
"N-No way! You'll be fine, I think."
No basis, but their runs give Rice confidence. Escaping 3000m? Only Turbo's big-lead partner or the golden generation's world-record Cloud could manage.
"Found a trainer yet?"
"Nope…"
Rice's shy, timid nature makes self-promotion tough. Ideally, she'd pick a trainer this year for her debut next year, but rushing into a bad match is risky. Rampage and Minamisaka's rare connection is hard to replicate.
"Bluebon, Bakushin-O—they've got trainers, but if I'm the only one left…"
Anxiety spills out, a common fear at Tracen Academy. Some Uma Musume never get scouted, missing their debut. In this racing world, the race has already begun.
"Don't worry. Trainers want you. Even our Minamisaka sees your potential. Canopus is an option."
"But… is that okay?"
"Scared?"
Rice nods, hesitating to deny it, but Rampage stops her, gently patting her head.
"Fear's normal. Can't believe in yourself? Believe in me. I'll believe in you, Rice."
"…Like an older sister."
Tears well as Rice smiles, moved by Rampage's encouragement. Wanting to lean on her strength, she speaks. Rampage grins brightly.
"Big sis, huh? Never had a sister, but a cute one like you? Sign me up. I'm your big sis now. Got troubles? I'll help."
"Okay, I'll try! I'll run selection races too. Will you… watch, big sis?"
"Obviously! Gotta eat big for the race. Body's your capital. Eat like Oguri!"
"Yup, Rice'll eat tons!"
Rice digs in, matching Oguri's gusto, and Rampage keeps pace.
"Oh, Rice, come to the Oaks?"
"Definitely! Can't wait to see you race, big sis."
"Can't lose in front of my little sis, then."
Rice's ears and tail wiggle happily as Rampage pats her, smiling. Other Uma Musume, captivated by the wholesome sisterly vibe, stare.
"Big sis… I'm calling her that too."
"I wanna be her sister!"
"That's Rice's thing, not ours…"
"Move! I'm the sister!"
"Get a grip!!"
"So, Rice'll probably come to the Oaks. Cool?"
"Fine by me. I'll invite her along."
"A new Canopus member!?"
"If she wants in, we'll welcome her warmly."
"Rice joining would make me happy~"
Why's Rice so… precious?
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