"Ugh… this food's so good…" Teio sighed.
"The rice's sweetness… it's heavenly," McQueen murmured.
"First time I've been this wiped since Rigil's early days," Flora added.
At lunch, the trio felt the morning's grueling basics hit hard. Minami's menu was relentless, building raw stamina.
"Vroom! Teio, how's Canopus training?" Turbo burst in, brimming with energy.
"So lively…" Teio muttered, envious. Turbo's different regimen didn't seem to faze her, but Teio realized her rival's daily grind had reshaped her perspective.
"Got lots of attention! But trainer grabbing my feet? Shocking!" Turbo said.
"Sounds like Okino," Rampage laughed, arriving with a mountain of food.
"That much? With more training?" McQueen gasped.
"Gotta eat big for Minami's menu. Plus, I have to," Rampage said.
"Have to?" McQueen asked.
"She's naturally a light eater," Turbo explained.
"Light eater? That's not light!" Flora said.
"Trained myself to eat like a normal Uma Musume," Rampage clarified. "You guys need more food. Minami's got your measure now—afternoon's the real deal."
"Already?" Teio yelped.
"Our trainers said day one's for assessment!" McQueen protested.
"Hana said the same!" Flora added.
"Minami's quick on the uptake," Rampage said.
"Yup, adjusts mid-session," Turbo agreed.
Minami's keen eye and adaptability let Canopus feel their growth, a blessing.
"Trainers vary. Some take it slow, and that's fine. Turbo, how was Okino?" Rampage asked.
"Way different! He freaked out at my DOKKAN Turbo!" Turbo grinned.
"No surprise there," Rampage chuckled.
"Gotta grab more food!" the trio declared, rushing to refill.
"Okino was shocked at your stamina, huh?" Rampage asked Turbo.
"Yup! Said he'd talk to trainer later," Turbo replied.
"Menu swap?" Rampage mused.
"Who knows?" Turbo shrugged.
Meanwhile, Minami faced Okino and Eastjo.
"What's your menu, Minami?" Okino demanded.
"Pre-debut, and that level?" Eastjo added.
Canopus's raw stamina stunned them. By prioritizing basics over flash, their fundamental skills packed a punch.
"Constant observation, ensuring confidence," Minami said.
"Turbo was shocked you taught advanced stuff," Okino noted.
"Your focus is almost all basics," Eastjo said.
"To prevent injury and build confidence," Minami replied.
Minami's mantra: a body that breaks mid-race or training is a failure. Solid foundations ensure durability. Canopus might lag in finesse but never in power.
"I plant seeds of advanced skills, letting experience and basics nurture them. When they sprout, it's pure confidence," Minami said.
"Roundabout, but effective," Okino admitted.
"Self-discovery's motivation hits different," Eastjo agreed.
Minami's unorthodox approach—relentless basics, delayed advanced training—forged unshakable confidence.
"That's my method," Minami said.
"Afternoon menu starts now. I've gauged your skills, so we're ramping up. Weights go from one to three plates, then walk in the sea," Minami announced.
"Just like Ran said…" Teio muttered.
"I ate for this!" McQueen said, teary.
"Crying, McQueen?" Flora asked.
Minami glanced at Rampage. "What's up?"
"McQueen's weight-conscious. Skipped sweets, calorie-counted pre-camp. Ate big for this," Rampage explained.
"Got it," Minami said. McQueen, reassured by Minami's tailored approach, rallied. Weight was a concern—Rampage, muscle-heavy, didn't care, but McQueen did.
"Rampage, where do you run from?" Minami asked.
"Whole body," Rampage replied.
"Exactly. Running's full-body, not just legs. Collisions in races can ruin you if you lose balance," Minami said.
"Like the Teio Sho?" Rampage recalled.
"Yes. Even you could falter. We'll strengthen balance to perfect Monsigny's unified running form," Minami said.
"Bring it," Rampage said, eyeing overseas races where rivals matched her. Minami's menu would prepare her.
Note: Minami's basics forge unbreakable bodies. Rampage's massive meals and tire-dragging grit? Fuel for dominance. Teio, McQueen, and Flora's struggle shows the gap—but they're catching up. Foundations matter.
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