"Talk about a heavy hitter…" Minamisaka muttered, reviewing the Champions Cup lineup in her trainer's office. Alongside familiar rivals like Lady Saber, Narita Eagle, and Amazing Dyna, who'd battled Rampage on dirt, there were international contenders. One name stood out: Unbridled.
The Breeders' Cup Classic, America's pinnacle dirt race, crowned the year's strongest dirt horse. Unbridled had won it, claiming the title of the world's top dirt Uma Musume. This year, she took third—still a world-class force. "Coming all this way… impatient, huh?" Minamisaka sighed.
Unbridled's name carried weight beyond her skill. It was she who'd issued Rampage the dirt challenge, sparking his shift to this surface. Her name, meaning "unrestrained" or "wild," mirrored Rampage's own "rampaging" essence—a clash of kindred spirits.
"Can Rampage win?" Minamisaka wondered. As her trainer for years, she knew Rampage's limitless potential, yet doubts lingered. Unbridled was a proven dirt world champion. Rampage's turf prowess was undeniable, but his dirt capabilities remained untested at this level. "If I don't believe in her, who will? She's worked so hard."
Shaking off her doubts, she stepped outside for a breather. Lively voices and focused training echoed around her. Spotting a rare figure by the Three Goddesses' statues, she approached.
"Minami-chan, what're you doing here?" Rampage asked.
"That's my line. You're not one for this place."
"Just felt like it."
The Three Goddesses—Darley Arabian, Byerley Turk, Godolphin Barb—were sacred to Uma Musume, a place for prayers. Rampage, never one for divine reliance, was an odd sight here. "If the Goddesses messed with my legend encounter rate, I've got some complaints," she grinned.
"You're as irreverent as ever," Minamisaka chuckled, feeling her tension ease.
"Praying for the Champions Cup?" she asked.
"Nah, did my shrine visit already. Just… looking."
"Same here, I guess."
Rampage lit a herb cigar, a telltale sign of unease. "Nervous about Unbridled?" Minamisaka probed.
"Last year's world champ? Could be worse," Rampage shrugged. "But you look worse than me."
Minamisaka's worry must've shown. Rampage offered her the cigar. Wiping the tip with a tissue, she tried it. "Not bad," she admitted.
"Told ya. Addictive stuff," Rampage smirked, taking it back and puffing, her smile both playful and alluring. "Indirect kisses? Don't care. Never got the hype."
"You're too much," Minamisaka laughed. "Wanna hear my troubles?"
"Shoot."
"I trained Unbridled before her debut."
"What?!"
During a stint in America, Minamisaka had worked with a pre-debut Unbridled, crafting her regimen to balance fundamentals and flair. "She's not your senior—more like your peer," she clarified. "Her dirt challenge to you? Probably tied to me."
The Champions Cup was now a clash of Minamisaka's students. Unbridled's challenge screamed, "You're not the only one I trained." Minamisaka longed to see her pupils battle. "Who do you think'll win?" Rampage asked, smirking.
Minamisaka faltered. She wanted Rampage to win but couldn't deny cheering for Unbridled, her former student. "Cheer for both," Rampage said. "You've always done that, like with me and Ikuno."
It hit her—her dilemma was pointless. She'd always supported both rivals. "Also, Minami-chan, what's your deal? Knowing Unbridled? Spill it."
"Win the Champions Cup, and I'll tell you."
"Deal. I'm recording this!" Rampage grinned, energized. "Let's do this!"
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