"Ughhh… I can't… I'm done… This is too much…"
I tried to hold back, but reason crumbled as words spilled from my mouth like a dam bursting. Collapsing into a chair in the waiting room, I barely kept myself from sliding to the floor.
"Damn it… It all came crashing down at once… Full throttle, no holding back. I've got nothing left to give…"
All-out, overdrive—call it what you will, but I don't even have the energy for witty quips. Exhaustion screams for food, a bath, and sleep. A great feat? Who cares. I can't even muster pride for the Mejiro family. I'm just that tired. A knock at the door. Ignore it. But then, as if on cue, a familiar voice—Minamisaka's.
"Rampage-san, may I come in?"
"Oh… Minami-chan? Sure, come in…"
Can't exactly turn away my trainer. The door opens, and Minamisaka steps in, giving a wry smile at my state but sparing me any lectures. She gets it.
"Brought you a sports drink. Want it?"
"Yes, please…"
I take the bottle—probably from a vending machine—and gulp it down. If the press saw this, the undefeated Triple Crown Uma Musume who just smashed the Japan Cup world record, they'd snap photos like vultures.
"Haa… Thanks, Minami-chan. Feeling a bit better."
"Good to hear. But are you okay?"
"Nah, I'm spent. Completely drained. Ask me to do anything else, and I've got nothing."
"Skipping the Winning Live?"
"No, I'll do it. There's time, and with some rest, I'll manage."
Exhausted as I am, I'll power through the live show. At first, I wasn't thrilled about it, but it's grown on me—a kind of fun, proof I'm becoming a true Uma Musume.
"But, like, there's interviews, right?"
"Oh, absolutely. You conquered the Japan Cup in the Classic division with a world record."
"Ugh, what a pain. World dictator, huh? Sounds like I'm some evil overlord who conquered the globe. And those reporters who wrote those articles are here, aren't they?"
"Of course."
"Those hacks and their flip-flopping."
They're just doing their job, stirring up the public. But don't think I'm some goody-two-shoes who'll let it slide. I'm the tyrant Uma Musume, after all. I snap my fingers, and Minamisaka flips open her notebook instantly. We're in sync. I smirk inwardly while she blushes, secretly thrilled to play along. We're a perfect pair.
"You've got the publishers and reporters lined up, right?"
"Of course. Seven companies total. Two of them offered solid, analytical critiques instead of just hype."
"Then I'll take those two. The rest can leave."
"What about the live TV crew?"
"They're fine. Though who knows what I'll say?"
"Haha, right."
I'm the Uma Musume who dominated the Japan Cup and set a world record—I've earned a little selfishness. Honestly, I'm just too tired for long interviews. Or maybe I just don't want to deal with them.
"This level of selfishness is okay, right?"
"Absolutely. After that performance, and with the Winning Live ahead, we can use time constraints as an excuse. Some will complain about the two companies, but I'll handle it. As your trainer."
"You're the best, Minami-chan."
I'm damn lucky to have her. As I leave the waiting room for the press conference, I light a cigar and stare at the ceiling.
"Fourteen races, fourteen wins… Rampage, I've made history."
I whisper to the departed souls. Are they satisfied? Cheering me on? I'm not stopping here. I'm still in the Classic division, with the Senior races and the Emperor's Cup ahead to prove I'm a Mejiro Uma Musume. My phone buzzes. Thinking to post something on Uma-tter, I see it's a call from Asama and pick up fast.
"This is Rampage!"
"Rampage, is now okay? I know you're tired, but I couldn't wait to call…"
"No, no, I'm resting. It's fine."
Thank god I didn't let exhaustion win and ignore the call.
"You did… you did so well… Truly, you're…"
"G-Grandma?"
"You're the pride of Mejiro… Oh, sorry, old age makes the tears come too easily. You did wonderfully."
"Thank you… Wow, this is kinda embarrassing."
Pure, unfiltered praise like this makes me blush. I'm thrilled, but mostly flustered.
"Rest well at the sanatorium, okay?"
"Yep, I'll head there with Oguri-san again."
"Good. Do that."
The call ends. Talking to Grandma always feels intense, but this time, the joy outweighed the nerves. It felt like being praised by family. As I pocket my phone, Minamisaka returns, right on time.
"Rampage-san, the interview's ready. There was some fuss, but we've narrowed it to the two companies and the live TV crew."
"Nice. Alright, time to strut my stuff."
"And now, let's welcome the Japan Cup champion who set a world record—Mejiro Rampage!"
"Heyy! Hello, everyone! Your turf tyrant, Mejiro Rampage, here to steal your hearts! Haha, just kidding!"
I'm in high spirits, striking poses and winking for the crowd. The reporters and interviewer are eating it up.
"Sorry for keeping it small, folks. I'm beat, so I picked my favorite publishers. No offense, interview lady—live TV's no big deal."
The dismissed publishers aren't thrilled, and Minamisaka gives another wry smile. They'll figure out why they were cut, but me saying it outright? That's gonna sting.
"Congratulations on the Japan Cup win! How do you feel?"
"One word? Exhausted. But honestly? I'm on top of the world!"
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