The Metjiro family's dual Triple Crown sent shockwaves through the racing world. Following Rampage's undefeated Triple Tiara, Ryan's Classic Triple Crown dominated headlines. Every TV channel buzzed with the news, and commentator Misato Akasaka's phrase, "Metjiro Golden Era," became the banner for this historic moment.
"What a mess," Rampage muttered, peering out the window of the Metjiro estate.
"No kidding," Ryan agreed, wide-eyed.
Outside, a swarm of news vans and reporters clogged the estate's gates, making it nearly impossible to come or go. Asama was reportedly fed up enough to call the police, and as if on cue, sirens wailed in the distance.
"I mean, I did say we'd go for a double Triple Crown," Rampage said, puffing her cigar. "But I didn't expect it to blow up like this."
"You were totally just caught up in the moment," Ryan teased.
"And you went along with it, so you're just as guilty," Rampage shot back.
"Well… we did it," Ryan said with a sheepish grin.
As they bantered, a knock came at the door. A butler entered, bowing deeply. "Pardon the intrusion, Lady Rampage, Lady Ryan. The Great Lady requests your presence."
"Ugh, still not used to this 'Lady' stuff," Rampage grumbled.
"You'd better get used to it," Ryan said. "Metjiro family duties are probably coming soon."
"From a regular family to this?" Rampage sighed.
The two headed to Asama's room, where she awaited them, a wistful smile on her face.
"Ryan, a Triple Crown… truly remarkable," Asama said. "The first in Metjiro history, and the greatest feat in the Twinkle Series. I'm at a loss for words."
Even Asama, a pillar of the family, struggled to articulate the magnitude of their achievement. Consecutive Tenno Sho wins were within reach for a skilled Uma Musume, but a simultaneous Triple Tiara and Classic Triple Crown? It was a miracle, and Asama felt privileged to witness it.
"Um, Obā-sama, I just… kept my promise with Ran to win the Triple Crown," Ryan said. "And honestly, I only made it to the Kikuka Sho because of her."
"Because of her?" Asama asked.
"Yeah, Ryan was shaking in her boots 'cause you were coming," Rampage said with a smirk.
"Why'd you have to say that!?" Ryan yelped.
"It's true, isn't it?" Rampage teased.
"You haven't changed one bit!" Ryan groaned.
Ryan couldn't help but think back to Rampage's old habit of blurting out the truth—a natural trait back then, though now it was clearly deliberate teasing.
"Did I put too much pressure on you, Ryan?" Asama asked, her tone apologetic. "I only meant to cheer you on."
"No, no, it's fine!" Ryan said quickly. "It's like when your parents show up to a school event, and you get all nervous, right, Ran?"
"Asking the orphan about parents? That's cold, Ryan," Rampage said, feigning hurt with a dramatic tear.
"That's not what I meant!" Ryan cried, her face flushing red, then paling as she scrambled to explain.
Rampage's mock sulking and Ryan's flustered apologies painted a picture of their true closeness. Asama watched with a fond smile, sipping the finest tea.
"Ryan, what's your next race?" Asama asked.
"Um, I haven't decided yet, but my trainer suggested the Arima Kinen," Ryan replied.
"Nice!" Rampage said. "Too bad I'm not running it."
"You're not!?" Ryan exclaimed, louder than intended.
She'd assumed Rampage would join her. Technically, Rampage hadn't ruled it out, but it wasn't in her plans yet.
"Minami-chan's swamped with Japan Cup prep," Rampage explained. "I wouldn't mind running the Arima, but he's not keen on it. He was already grumpy about the Elizabeth Queen Cup to Japan Cup jump."
"Seriously?" Ryan said. "He's okay skipping the Mile Championship?"
"It's like last year's Oguri-senpai schedule," Rampage said.
Oguri Cap's monstrous run—Tenno Sho (Autumn), Mile Championship, Japan Cup, with a second, first, and second—came to mind. Her results were legendary.
"I'm concerned about that schedule," Asama said. "After the Elizabeth Queen Cup, rest at the Metjiro family's retreat for a few days. I've already informed Minamisaka."
"Got it," Rampage said. "Arima talk can wait until after the Japan Cup."
Personally, Rampage thought a Classic-Tiara Triple Crown clash in the Arima would be thrilling, though Oguri's retirement race meant she'd likely dominate.
"The Japan Cup, huh?" Ryan said. "You good for that?"
"I'm working on it," Rampage said. "New Shinzan iron, training menu on track."
"Shinzan iron… that Shinzan iron, right?" Ryan said. "You've been at it for a while. What's the weight now?"
Ryan, a muscle-training enthusiast, knew about the Shinzan iron—a specialized training tool. She'd been discussing it with her trainer, but what weight was Rampage using?
"Seven times, I think," Rampage said casually.
"Seven times!?" Ryan gasped. "You can run with that?"
"I'm easing into it," Rampage said. "Even I can't just jump to that. Started at four times and worked up."
"'Easing into it' doesn't sound convincing," Ryan muttered.
Asama rubbed her temples, stunned. She'd heard about Rampage's intense training but hadn't imagined this. Clearing her throat, she changed the subject.
"Rampage, there's someone I'd like you to meet," Asama said.
"Me?" Rampage asked, surprised.
"You'll soon face senior Uma Musume, and in the Japan Cup, international competitors," Asama said. "You need to understand Japan's elite level—the pinnacle of our Uma Musume."
"You mean…?" Ryan gasped.
Asama smiled. "Race them. It'll be a valuable experience."
In her hand was a document featuring two Uma Musume, their identities a mystery for now.
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