"Alright, that's enough for today." "Tch… thanks… ughhh…"
Thud. Rampage collapses onto the sand, the twilight horizon glowing. Minamisaka's regimen was tough, but Shinzan's is brutal. Her plan? Simple: run and balance on the beach with Shinzan iron hooves to master full-body control.
"Exhausted…" "Already done?" Shinzan teases. "Don't mess with me… Morning camp, mountain climbs, more camp, more climbs, and this…" "Oh, yeah, that's rough. Up you go."
Shinzan, who raced everyone at the track—including serious bouts with Rudolf and CB—looks unfazed. Her stamina makes Rampage question if she's really retired.
"Daily mountain climbing… looks idiotic to outsiders." "You're already a massive idiot for using these hooves." "You're one to talk, Shin-san." "Don't lump me with you, cocky brat!" "Shut it, wannabe hermit hag!" ""What!?""
Their simultaneous, murderous glares belie their bond. Rampage started with respect but learned to match Shinzan's raw vibe.
"Enough, wasting energy." "My line. Ran too much with Rudolf's crew… Am I old? Used to race all day." "That old-lady talk doesn't suit your look." "Zip it! I live age-appropriately." "Normal folks don't feel ageless wearing hooves several times heavier."
As they bicker, the sun sinks below the horizon. Shinzan speaks.
"Why do you run?" "What's that out of nowhere?" "Curious. Undefeated ten-crown—twice my feats. You could retire, no complaints. Why keep going? With my stupid hooves?" "Blame Minami…"
It's a basic question, one every Tresen Uma Musume faces. Rampage's answer was revenge, achieved long ago. Yet she runs. Why? She hesitates.
"I know your story." "Huh? Never told you." "Don't underestimate Shinzan. I've got connections." "Scary, Shin-san!" "Don't dodge. Why run?" "The thrill of racing, the joy of cheers, the wonder of inspiring dreams. That's it."
Too simple, almost embarrassing. Why run? Because she wants to.
"Boring. Was hoping for some angst to tease." "You're a piece of work, hag." "Learn to talk to friends, punk!" "Gah!?"
Shinzan's fist sends Rampage to the sand again. No anger—just a playful grin between friends.
"Yo, Ran! You okay? Tired?" Turbo calls. "…Sure, let's say that. What's up?" "Dinner's soon, and you're not there!" "Right, my bad."
Turbo pulls Rampage, whose legs are shot, toward the hotel.
"See ya, Shin-san…" "Don't carry fatigue to tomorrow." "Yeah, yeah…" "Hurry! It's sushi tonight!" "Don't pull so hard…"
Exhausted, Rampage trudges, led by Turbo's enthusiasm. Shinzan heads to her inn but stumbles, legs giving out.
"…Racing then training Ran? Too much…"
Shinzan raced Rigil, Spica, and Canopus hopefuls. Planned as a selective race, her "come at me" challenge turned it into a three-team gauntlet.
"Gotta admit I'm old… Overdid it."
Laughing at her retired self competing with active racers, she feels young again, thanks to Rampage.
"My body's the one needing rest… Pathetic."
Wobbling, she blames Rudolf and CB's intensity. Minamisaka appears.
"Thank you for today. Not just Rampage, but Turbo and others too." "No biggie. I chose this. But… maybe overdid it."
The race rivaled Dream Trophy League. Without Ramone, it was still fierce: Shinzan first, CB second, Rudolf third. A retired legend beating active stars? Unbelievable.
"I'd normally lose, but… she pulled me along." "Rampage?" "Can't look weak in front of a friend. So I pushed. This is the result."
Shinzan slaps her leg, chuckling. Despite the physical gap, her guillotine-sharp finish sliced through, as promised.
"Need a bath and massage to recover…" "No worries. I've booked a chiropractor at your inn." "Huh?" "Figured the hotel wasn't your vibe. I'll drive you." "Damn, Minami, you're too good for Ran. And a good guy—gets Uma Musume hearts." "Flattered."
In Minamisaka's car, they head to the inn. Few trainers prioritize Uma Musume like him.
"Her legs? World-class." "Glad you think so." "I'll bring Ten Point to play sometime. Count on you then." "At least give a heads-up! No surprise visits!" "We'll see~"
Rampage'll click with Ten Point, TTG, and others. A big-front-run showdown sounds fun.
"Seriously, please, no surprises!" "Haha, I've got some manners." "Good…" "But I'll join her stream. With TTG." "Why them!?"
--+--
T/N: Although I'm an inexperienced Editor, I do have a Patreon account! Although it seems like I don't have many supporters right now, my webnovel will be released in full every day, and the advanced chapters will be uploaded to Patreon.
It may not be worth it now, but who knows, it might be different in the future. Who knows!
patreon.com/Greyhounds
If you want to see it, then why not?