At a bustling standing soba joint in Ooi, a lone Uma Musume savored her meal. "Ngu ngu ngu… Phew! This soba's damn good. Just as recommended," she said, slurping with gusto.
"Quite the appetite!" the cheerful proprietress chimed. "An Uma Musume like you needs more than that, right? How 'bout another bowl, on the house?"
"Oh, kind words from a lovely lady! I'll take you up on that—kake soba, no scallions this time," she replied with a grin.
"Flatterer! It'll be right up," the proprietress laughed.
Following a tip to fuel up here before the big race, she was glad she listened. No soba allergies—a small blessing she genuinely appreciated.
"Here ya go!" the proprietress called, sliding over the fresh bowl.
"Thanks! Pass the chili flakes," she said, catching the shaker mid-air. Sprinkling generously, she dove into the steaming soba, savoring its hearty portion, rich aroma, and flavorful broth. This place was the real deal. She drained it to the last drop.
"Phew… Thanks for the meal. Nothing beats soba for firing up the soul!" she exclaimed.
"You running in the Teio Sho today?" the proprietress asked, intrigued.
"Yup, pre-race fuel. A senior recommended this spot to get me pumped," she replied.
"That's high praise! How 'bout a signature? A Teio Sho contender's gotta be a big deal," the proprietress said, offering a pen and paper.
"If my scribble's worth somethin', I'll sign as many as you want!" she laughed, her speech carrying a playful, almost old-school edge. She signed with a flourish and hung the paper on the wall herself.
"Thanks! What's your name? Gotta cheer for ya," the proprietress said.
"Name's on the paper, but since you asked…" She removed her tinted glasses and ten-gallon hat with a dramatic flair. "I'm Mejiro Rampage, the unbreakable victor, stacking win after win, building an unyielding castle of triumphs that echoes across the world. Remember the name!" she declared with a playful wink.
"Quite the spiel! I'll be rootin' for ya, Mejiro Rampage!" the proprietress said, then paused, stunned. "Wait…"
"Like your senior Inari said, this soba's top-notch! Keep the change!" Rampage tossed down a bill, tipped her hat, and strode toward Ooi Racecourse. The proprietress's shocked gasp trailed behind, but Rampage feigned deafness, hurrying to meet Minami.
"Damn, Inari's speech is rubbin' off on me. Kinda sticks, don't it?" she muttered.
"Rampage-san, all fueled up?" Minami asked as she arrived.
"Hell yeah, Minami-chan. That soba's got me unstoppable!" Rampage grinned.
"You're extra sharp today," Minami noted.
"Blame Inari's vibe. It's like… an Edo kid's swagger, y'know? Hard not to mimic," Rampage said, chuckling.
"I get it," Minami replied with a smile.
In the locker room, Rampage changed into her racing gear. Minami, ever the worrier, checked in. Rampage, a former salarywoman turned Uma Musume, prided herself on being more reliable than certain golden ships.
"Today's race—watch out for Lady Saber and Amazing Dina. But honestly, everyone's fired up, so assume they're all threats," Minami advised.
"Sounds intense. My undefeated streak's on the line, huh?" Rampage mused. She didn't cling to her record, but if they came for her crown, she'd make them earn it.
"Let's get to it. Time for some dirt-kickin' fun!" she said, striding out.
"Go get 'em!" Minami called.
"You got it, boss!" Rampage shot back, then cringed. "Ugh, Inari's vibe is still stuck!"
As she emerged onto Ooi Racecourse, thunderous cheers erupted. The announcer's voice boomed: "Here she comes! 18 races, 18 wins! Nine G1 victories! One more, and she claims an unprecedented tenth crown! The undefeated Mejiro Rampage, the crowd's top pick!"
Waving to the roaring fans—some banging drums, others waving banners—she soaked in the electric atmosphere. Dirt racing's raw energy was unmatched.
"Rampage, bring it home!" a fan shouted.
"Betting my dinner on ya, sis!" another yelled.
"Rip it up!" the crowd roared.
"Cute bets, huh? I got this!" Rampage hollered back, feeding off their energy.
"Show 'em the champ's swagger!" a fan called.
"Less sexy, more lovable!" another teased.
"Love me or hate me, keep cheerin', ya loudmouths!" she shot back, grinning. "And who's callin' me 'sis'?"
The crowd laughed, their playful jeers laced with affection. This rough, rowdy vibe—nothing like the polished turf races—lit her up.
"Rampage-san, I'm not losin' today!" Amazing Dina declared, her voice tinged with a Kochi accent.
"What's with the dialect, Dina? Half-assin' it?" Rampage teased.
"Just raced in Kochi. Feelin' unbeatable!" Dina retorted.
At the gate, rival Uma Musume greeted her warmly. Fans begged for autographs, and locals vowed to defend their turf. Rampage signed papers, bantered, and spotted Lady Saber, who extended a hand with a smile.
"Thought you'd skip for Takarazuka," Saber said.
"Ignorin' a challenge ain't my style!" Rampage replied, channeling Inari's flair. "Gotta answer the call, right?"
"That's so Inari!" Saber laughed, echoed by others.
"Yeah, hung out with her before comin' here. Rubbed off a bit," Rampage admitted.
Spectators, including Canopus members, watched in awe. "She's… having fun?" one murmured. "Usually, we're all focus at the gate."
But as gate-in approached, the mood shifted. Eyes sharpened, the air grew heavy, and a blade-like tension settled over them.
"Let's do this," Rampage said, voice low.
"I won't lose," Saber replied.
"Victory's mine," Dina added.
Each took their place, the playful chatter gone, replaced by a charged, razor-sharp focus.
"And now—the Teio Sho begins!" the announcer declared.
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