Rice Shower dominates the selection race, finishing first with a four-length lead. Overjoyed, she attracts a flood of trainer offers. But her timid nature buckles under their aggressive pitches, and, overwhelmed, she flees to Rampage.
"Big sis…" Rice whimpers.
"There, there, scary, huh?" Rampage soothes.
Trainers could've salvaged their chance with calmer approaches, but Minamisaka's presence sparks a misunderstanding—assuming Rice is already Canopus-bound. The offers vanish.
"What now, Minami-chan?" Rampage asks.
"Let's do this. Rice Shower-san, would you like to join Canopus?" Minamisaka offers.
"U-Um… big sis is there, and Turbo-san and others… I'll be okay. Please, I'm in!" Rice replies.
"R-Rice Shower here. P-Please… take care of me!! Oh, I bit my tongue…" Rice stammers.
"Yay, Rice-chan's a teammate!!" Turbo cheers.
"Wah!?" Rice jumps.
With Rampage, her trusted big sister, and friends like Turbo and Tanhoiza, Rice feels safe, eagerly accepting the scout.
"Canopus grows!! Welcome, Rice!!" Turbo beams.
"Getting livelier. I like it," Nature adds.
"Please take care of me, Rice Shower-san. Let's shine as teammates," Ikuno says.
"Y-Yes! I will!" Rice nods.
Already close, Rice's bright expression matches the team's warmth. For her shy self, their kindness is a vital anchor.
"And we're welcoming another Canopus member," Minamisaka announces.
"Who!? Who!?" Turbo bounces.
"They're waiting outside. Come in!"
The door bursts open, and an energetic Uma Musume strides in.
"Winning Ticket here! Joining Canopus today! Call me Tikezo!!"
Winning Ticket, second in a different selection race, impressed Minamisaka, earning her a scout.
"My goal's to be a Derby Uma Musume!!"
"Big dreams, huh? Nature, you better keep up!" Rampage teases.
"Turbo's gonna shine too!!" Turbo declares.
"Pick a route already—Classic or Tiara!" Rampage groans.
"Can't I do both!?"
"You trying to die?"
The clubroom erupts in lively chaos. Rice and Ticket exchange smiles.
"What about Biwa Hayahide and Narita Taishin?" Rampage asks.
"Hayahide got into Rigil. Taishin joined Spica but might quit after a leg injury," Ticket explains.
"Typical…" Ikuno sighs.
"That trainer never changes," Rampage mutters.
The next-gen BNW trio splits: Hayahide, the strategic calculator, joins disciplined Rigil; Taishin, with her razor-sharp late charge, picks Spica with CB; Ticket chooses Canopus's vibrant vibe under Minamisaka's sharp guidance.
"But for a Derby dream, wouldn't Spica or Rigil—home to Triple Crown champs CB and Rudolf—be better?" Rampage asks.
"I thought about it, but Canopus just clicked. It's where I can run my Twinkle Series with no regrets!!" Ticket declares.
"Hah, hear that, Minami-chan? Big responsibility," Rampage laughs.
"Indeed. I'll step up," Minamisaka grins.
Ticket's reason echoes Rampage's choice. Canopus feels right for a regret-free run, firing up Minamisaka. A Derby goal means no rest anytime soon.
"Let's start training. Rice Shower-san," Minamisaka says.
"Y-Yes!" Rice responds.
"We'll craft your debut menu for next year. Today, I'll study your run."
"I'll do my best!!"
"Ticket-san, same plan. Okay?"
"Totally fine!!"
Rice, timid but resolute, and vibrant Ticket seem opposites but share a core strength. Minamisaka's eager to uncover their potential.
"Rampage-san, run with Rice. Ikuno-san, with Ticket."
"What about us?" Turbo asks.
"You and Nature are nearing debut, so we'll build serious menus. Tanhoiza-san, join them."
"Got it!" Tanhoiza chirps.
With new members, Canopus thrives. Rampage muses ambitiously—maybe they'll soon be Tracen's strongest.
"Let's go hard! New members, so dinner's on me tonight!" Rampage declares.
"Sweet! I found a great omelet rice spot!" Nature says.
"Omelet rice!? Turbo's in!!" Turbo cheers.
"Sounds nice," Ikuno nods.
"I'm starving already!!" Ticket laughs.
"Ticket-chan's so energetic," Rice giggles.
"Let's hit it, Minami-chan too. Don't worry, I'm paying," Rampage insists.
"I'll join, then," Minamisaka smiles.
Rice and Tikezo join Canopus. Hayahide to Rigil, Taishin to Spica. The BNW era pits three teams in a fierce clash.
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