"What an honor to meet you. Worth the hassle," Hishi Amazon says.
"Ugh, you really pushed for this…" Rampage sighs, but quickly shrugs it off as Narita Brian bows apologetically.
"Sorry, Rampage-san. You're prepping for the Champions Cup…" Brian says.
"No need for juniors to tiptoe around seniors. Go all out," Rampage replies.
"That's our undefeated twelve-crown champ talking!" Hishi Amazon grins.
"Totally marvelous!" Maya and Marvelous chime in.
"Twelve-crown's a mouthful, though," Rampage laughs.
They're in Tressen's lounge, a hangout for Uma Musume. Fresh off her Elizabeth Hai win, Rampage rests for her next race. Brian, who let slip about their friendship, got roped into bringing Hishi Amazon to meet her—only for Maya and Marvelous to tag along.
"Let me introduce myself: Hishi Amazon, Brian's buddy!" Hishi declares.
Hishi Amazon, a foreign-born mare barred from Classics by old rules, famously outran Oaks winner Chokai Carol in the Elizabeth Hai, cementing her as her generation's top filly. Known for her dazzling late kicks, she earned the "heroine" title and even challenged the mighty Brian.
"Wanted to chat with you, senpai," Hishi says.
"Honored. Brian, bring her anytime—no need to hold back," Rampage replies.
"Still…" Brian trails off, less timid than before. Her once-shy nature is turning bolder, a sign of growth. Maybe she'll challenge Rampage someday.
"Get this—I'm a huge fan," Hishi says. "Undefeated Triple Crown? Who wouldn't be?"
"Hishi Ama-neesan, I bet more people admire Rampage-san," Maya teases.
"Totally!" Marvelous agrees.
"Haha, got me there, Maya-Marve!" Hishi laughs, her carefree vibe and big-sister energy oddly familiar, though more feminine than Rampage's.
"So, I'm joining the team soon. What's Canopus's training like for one-on-one battles?" Hishi asks eagerly.
"She's relentless," Brian groans.
"Calling her 'nee-san' already?" Rampage teases.
"My only nee-san is Haya Hide-neesan. Hishi Ama-neesan's just Hishi Ama-neesan," Brian corrects firmly.
"So it's that kind of 'nee-san,'" Rampage chuckles.
Brian won't budge on that. Hishi's already popular, called "Hishi Ama-neesan" fondly by peers and juniors for her caring, bold vibe.
"Should I call you Hishi Ama-neesan too?" Rampage grins.
"Nah, that'd feel weird. I'd be the one calling you nee-san," Hishi protests.
"I'm already drowning in 'Big Sister' titles. Call me whatever."
"Then 'Ran-san' it is."
"Boring choice! I expected flair," Maya pouts.
"Not my thing," Hishi laughs.
The talk shifts to Canopus. Maya and Marvelous perk up, listening closely, while Hishi scribbles notes, determined to keep up with her peers.
"Canopus grinds fundamentals to a razor's edge," Rampage explains.
"Not my style…" Maya sighs.
"Too rigid for genius Maya-chan? How 'bout you, Marve-chin?" Rampage asks.
"Hmm… it's solid groundwork for marvelous results," Marvelous muses.
"I like it," Hishi nods.
Maya, a skill-focused prodigy, finds Canopus's regimen tough to vibe with. Marvelous sees its value but wavers. Hishi's all in.
"It's like training for a one-on-one showdown, right?" Hishi says.
"Exactly. Races come down to your own iron will," Rampage confirms.
"Love that! That's my kind of thing!" Hishi beams.
"She's like this. Ignore her," Brian says.
"Ignore? I love her vibe. No stress, just real," Rampage says.
Lately surrounded by formal types, Rampage craves Hishi's laid-back, equal-footing energy. Hishi's eyes light up.
"We're clicking already! Gonna be great pals, aren't we?" Hishi says.
"Let's form the Big Sister-Nee-san duo!" Rampage jokes.
"Sounds fun!"
They high-five, vibing instantly. Maya and Marvelous join in, shouting "Marvelous!" Brian watches, jealous of Hishi's ease with Rampage, her idol alongside her sister.
(If I could be like that, high-fiving Rampage-san… Nee-san would be proud…) Brian thinks.
"You okay, Brian?" Rampage asks.
"N-nothing! (I'll work hard, shed this timidity bit by bit, and become a strong, cool Uma Musume like Rampage-san!)"
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