"This place… it's one of the Metjiro family's, right?" Rampage muttered.
Riding a sleek motorcycle—a gift from Asama after she aced her license test using her ingrained human soul's instincts—Rampage arrived at the Metjiro family's private training course. Designed to mirror Tokyo Racecourse, it was where Asama had instructed her to go. She'd taken the license for ID purposes, but Asama insisted she use it, handing her the keys to a Metjiro-owned bike.
"This is the spot, yeah?" Rampage said, parking the bike. "She said I'd understand when I got here, but… what's waiting?"
She entered the course, her mind racing. To prepare for the Japan Cup and future senior-class races, Asama had said she needed to face Japan's elite—the pinnacle of Uma Musume. Two legends, but who?
"Pinnacle… maybe the Prez and Seabiscuit?" Rampage mused. "Nah, she'd just say their names. So who?"
As she pondered, a car roared into the parking lot, executing a flawless drift before stopping perfectly. The maneuver was so precise it left Rampage stunned.
"What reckless driving…" she said, awestruck by the control. The sleek, crimson sports car—a Countach—gleamed sharply. Even Rampage, no car expert, recognized the iconic name. As the scissor doors lifted, two Uma Musume stepped out.
"Perfect parking!" the driver exclaimed, brimming with energy.
"Same as always," the passenger groaned. "I feel like I aged a decade."
The driver radiated enthusiasm, while the passenger looked drained, as if surviving a high-speed stunt. Understandable—enduring a drift like that from the passenger seat would leave anyone rattled. The passenger shakily knelt, looking queasy, so Rampage pulled a thermos from her bag.
"Uh, want some?" she offered. "Just barley tea, but…"
"Thanks," the passenger said, accepting it gratefully.
"Hey, you're that cool, trendy Uma Musume, Rampage-chan, right?" the driver said.
"Yeah, that's me," Rampage replied, blinking at the dated slang. I'm one to talk, using old phrases myself…
She froze as recognition hit. The Countach should've tipped her off. Only one Uma Musume was known for driving that car.
"Nice to meet you!" the driver said. "Metjiro's Obā-sama asked us to check out your running. You okay, though?" she added, glancing at her companion.
"Whose fault is that?" the passenger muttered, steadying herself against the car and returning the thermos. She straightened, her face sharpening into a familiar one—not from the app, but from classes and Minamisaka's lectures.
"Let's do this properly," the driver said. "I'm Maruzensky. Retired now, but you've heard of me, right? I'd be thrilled if you have!"
"You'd have to be a total poser not to know you," Rampage said.
"Haha!" Maruzensky laughed. "Hear that? I'm that famous! Talk about a slam dunk!"
"Sorry for the noise," the passenger said. "I'm Katsuragi Ace. You know me, I hope?"
Rampage felt faint. What kind of legends did Obā-sama call? These two were beyond iconic.
Maruzensky: Undefeated in eight races, a true superstar. Her 13-length victory in the Asahi Hai set a 1600-meter record for three-year-olds, earning her the nickname "Supercar" amid the era's supercar craze. Her dominance was so overwhelming that many horses avoided racing her, with four of her eight races run with the minimum five entrants.
Katsuragi Ace: The undisputed middle-distance king, a contemporary of Mr. C.B. and Metjiro Monsny. If Monsny was the greatest rival, Katsuragi Ace was the ultimate one. She made history in the Japan Cup, defeating Triple Crown winners Mr. C.B. and Symboli Rudolf, plus international horses, to become the first Japanese horse to win the race—a record for beating two Triple Crown horses in one go.* [Note: A similar feat was achieved by Almond Eye, who defeated Triple Crown horse Contrail and undefeated Triple Tiara mare Daring Tact in the Japan Cup.]
"You heard, right? An undefeated Triple Tiara, just like Rudolf!" Maruzensky chirped.
"Seeing such promising juniors year after year is heartening," Katsuragi Ace added.
Legends didn't even cover it. Rampage felt her nerves spike, which Maruzensky noticed, swooping in for a tight hug from behind.
"No need to be nervous!" Maruzensky said. "Today's just about running with your big sisters. Can we expect a Katsuragi Ace-level Japan Cup performance?"
"We'll see," Katsuragi Ace said. "Relax, we're retired. No need to be so formal."
"Right…" Rampage said, calming down.
It clicked why Asama had chosen them. Maruzensky, whose sheer speed made her an accidental escape artist, and Katsuragi Ace, who won the Japan Cup with a bold escape strategy, were perfect mentors for refining Rampage's own escape tactics—especially against international competition.
"Alright, you two," Rampage said, her voice firm. "I'm borrowing your strength today. I'll show you a run worthy of a Triple Tiara!"
"That's the spirit," Katsuragi Ace said.
"Love that fire!" Maruzensky cheered. "Let's hit the course—let's roll!"
"Still so old-school…" Katsuragi Ace muttered.
And there you have it—Maruzensky and Katsuragi Ace enter the scene!!
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