"Well done, Ryan… truly well done."
In a room at the Mejiro estate, Ryan blushes under Asama's praise.
"S-Stop, Granma, you're embarrassing me…"
"Your achievement is an honor, for you and the Mejiro family."
The Derby, a title never claimed in Mejiro's storied history, is an Uma Musume's ultimate badge. Despite their pursuit of consecutive Tenno Sho wins, the Derby's allure drew countless Mejiro runners, only to be thwarted by its towering wall. Even Monsigny fell to Mr. CB. But Ryan has forged a new Mejiro legacy.
"Next is the Chrysanthemum?"
"Yes, that's the plan."
The final Classic Triple Crown race, Kyoto's 3000m Chrysanthemum, awaits. Mejiro excels at long distances, and Ryan's confident. The catch? McQueen, a long-distance master, is set to compete.
"McQueen's in the Chrysanthemum. She's tough."
"I know. I'm not running—I'm thrilled! Facing her in a G1 is exciting!!"
Asama smiles at Ryan's joy. Running is an Uma Musume's bliss; racing a worthy rival amplifies it.
"Ines is joining too, aiming for revenge. I'll meet her head-on!!"
"Two Derby Uma Musume clashing? Heh, that'll be a treat."
Ryan and Ines Fujin, whose Tokyo-shaking calls made headlines, promise another thrilling showdown.
"I'll cheer at the Chrysanthemum. I want to see you race."
"Really!?"
"Yes. I'll adjust my schedule. But no sloppy racing."
"Absolutely!!"
Ryan's grin is contagious. Asama admired Ryan's respect for McQueen's Mejiro pride, even envying her resolve. Now, Ryan stands tall, ready to face McQueen. Thanks to Rampage? Inviting her to Mejiro was the right call.
"Where's Rampage?"
"Oh, Ran's…"
"Ugh… I lost…"
"You okay, Turbo-san?"
Rampage is at Tracen Academy for Canopus's training day, prioritizing practice before Ryan's Derby victory party. She'll attend but trains hard until then.
"Why'd you run 3000m out of nowhere?"
"Ryan's next race is the Chrysanthemum! Turbo wanted to help, but… it's tough…"
"Full throttle for 3000m? Impressive you finished, Palmer."
"Well, long distances are my thing!"
Palmer and Rice join Canopus's practice. Palmer, yet to race G1s, competes in graded stakes, winning four of six with her big leads.
"Ryan's amazing, taking the Derby… so different from me," Palmer says, self-deprecating.
Rampage flicks her forehead.
"Ow!"
"Stop that negativity. Granma said it—run your way, don't sweat Mejiro."
"Yeah, but… with this 'Mejiro era' talk, all eyes are on us…"
Rampage's Double Tiara and Ryan's Classic Double Crown have media proclaiming a Mejiro era, pressuring Palmer and McQueen. McQueen shrugs it off, but Palmer feels the weight.
"With a Double Tiara and Classic Double Crown, it's inevitable. Canopus's getting flooded with join requests!" Tanhoiza adds.
"No surprise," Rampage says.
"Maybe I'll get juniors!" Rice beams.
"Could be."
Tanhoiza dreams of being called senpai, hoping for new recruits.
"Revived!! Rice, one more lap!! Turbo wants to master long distances for the Classics!!"
"I'm good!" Rice nods.
"Join us, Nature-san?" Tanhoiza offers.
"I'm in!" Nature agrees.
Turbo, Rice, Nature, and Tanhoiza start a 3000m race. Turbo's full-throttle lead draws wry smiles from Rampage and Palmer.
"Turbo's so lively… wish I could be like that," Palmer sighs.
"Ugh, you always do this," Rampage groans.
She guesses Palmer's been grilled about being Mejiro, future plans, and facing them. Feeling guilty, Rampage sees Palmer's worst traits surfacing.
"Who are you?"
"Mejiro Palmer…"
"Right. Your family's name?"
"Mejiro. I'm Mejiro too."
"Exactly—I'm your family."
Rampage gently pulls Palmer close, mimicking Creek's nurturing embrace, locking eyes.
"Mejiro's expectations don't crush us—they empower us. We run together—me, Ryan, McQueen, and you on the Tiara path."
"Together…"
"If you're scared, I'll run with you—beside or behind. Family gives you strength. That's what family is."
Expectations as strength? Palmer never thought that way, overwhelmed by their weight, tempted to flee.
"Scared? Throw it all away."
"What!?"
"I ditched everything once, yet here I am. Carve your name as Palmer, not just Mejiro. Like when you're with Helios."
Her words hit like Granma's encouragement—a jolt through Palmer's body. Herself with Helios—free, unbound. Her true self.
"Thanks, Ran… it's like my vision cleared. I'll escape my way. Weird, right? I race like that, but didn't think to live like it. Total mood-lifter!"
"Nice."
"I'll fight as a Mejiro Uma Musume—but run as Palmer. Mejiro's Palmer, escaping like crazy! That's me!!"
"Sounds good. Mejiro's big-lead duo, huh?"
"Love that!!"
Palmer beams, transforming pressure into power, even embracing escape. Greedy, but it's her way to run true.
"Crap, Palmer, we gotta go—Ryan's party! Plus, my Mejiro Uma Musume intro. Can't be late!"
"You're right! Hurry!!"
"Sorry, Minami-chan, we're off!!"
"Leave it to me."
The Classics and Senior races might just be Mejiro's rampage.
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