"Cough… huff… huff…" Rampage collapses on the sand.
"You okay, Rampage-san?" Minamisaka asks.
"You know damn well…" Rampage wheezes.
"Plenty of energy left," Minamisaka quips.
Rigil's nearby runners gape, incredulous. Rampage, washed ashore by massive waves, has "energy"?
"Thirty minutes left. Keep going," Minamisaka urges.
"Not one kind word… you demon!!" Rampage yells.
A wave drags her back to sea, her protests fading. Seconds later…
"Too much?" Minamisaka calls.
"I'll show you, Minami-chan!!" Rampage roars.
"'If you try, you can; if you don't, you won't.' My favorite saying."
"Are you Lipia or Unit Zero!? Fine, I'll do it!!" Rampage snaps, splashing upright to trudge on.
Rigil's Tojo, snapping out of shock at the clap of her hands, returns to training. She approaches Minamisaka.
"Seriously, are you the Minamisaka? Not some alien in his skin?" Tojo demands.
"Don't call me an extraterrestrial. I'm Canopus's Minamisaka," he replies.
"The Minamisaka I know didn't treat his Uma Musume like that."
"Only for Rampage-san. She's built for it."
Turbo or Nature couldn't handle this. Rampage's physical toughness allows it—essential for winning future races.
"Too much for a Triple Tiara?" Tojo asks.
"It's for what comes after," Minamisaka says.
"After?"
"Japan Cup."
"You're serious?"
The Japan Cup, an international G1 race in autumn, draws elite foreign Uma Musume. Senior-class runners dominate; Classics are rare challengers. Strength alone isn't enough.
"Arima Memorial, I'd get. But Japan Cup?" Tojo presses.
"I know. But Rampage-san wants it, so I support her," Minamisaka says.
"Change it to Arima. There's time," Tojo urges.
"If only she'd listen," Minamisaka sighs.
His eyes, unwavering, focus on Rampage's future—her revenge-driven purpose fulfilled by victories.
"First, the Triple Tiara," Minamisaka adds.
"Easy for you to say. Flora's leveling up. We won't let it go," Tojo retorts.
"Same here," Minamisaka counters.
Tojo returns to Rigil, wary. Japan Cup training will boost Rampage's Autumn Flower strength. Beating her means raw power or tactical brilliance, but honing instincts now is too late. Strength is the only way.
"Fifteen minutes!" Minamisaka calls.
"I know!! Another wave!?" Rampage yelps.
This camp will elevate her. Can Flora, mentally shaky, win? Tojo, sensing drastic measures, pulls out her phone to call Okino.
"Done…" Rampage gasps, emerging.
"Good work," Minamisaka says, tone unclear.
Rampage sighs, dreading post-break beach sprints. Another sigh escapes, heavier.
"Minami-chan… Oguri okay?" she asks.
"She's recovering. She'll be fine," Minamisaka assures.
After the Takarazuka, Oguri's bone inflammation forced her to skip July races. She's at a spa facility, but Rampage, indebted to her, worries. Oguri's set for the Dream Trophy League, but retirement rumors linger.
"She might return for the Tenno Sho," Minamisaka adds.
"Tenno Sho… I'm out, got Autumn Flower," Rampage says.
"Want to race her?"
"She's a senior I respect…"
At Tracen, they shared meals and chats. Oguri cheered at her debut. Her strength and presence rival Tama and Creek.
"If so, Japan Cup's your shot. She ran it last year and will likely return if recovered," Minamisaka suggests.
"Japan Cup… can I fit it?" Rampage asks.
"No issue. Want in?"
"Hell yeah."
Minamisaka smiles—her answer's no surprise.
"Then nail this camp. I built this menu for Japan Cup," he reveals.
"No way… thought you'd stop me," Rampage says.
"I'd stop a reckless plan."
Not reckless, then? He preempts her thought: she has a shot.
"You can win. Only issue is post-Queen Elizabeth timing, but I've got connections to handle it," Minamisaka assures.
"That's my Minami-chan. Falling for you all over again," Rampage grins.
"Flattered. So, tough it out this camp," he replies.
"Can't back down now. I'll gripe, but… wanna seal it with a kiss?" she teases.
"Tempting, but save that kiss for luck," he laughs.
"Nice one."
Rampage knows she chose the right trainer.
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