Chukyo Racecourse in Aichi Prefecture was flooded with spectators for the G1 Champions Cup, Japan's first international dirt invitational, dubbed the "Dirt Japan Cup." Despite dirt races typically drawing smaller crowds than turf, this year was different.
"Here at Chukyo, the main event is about to begin, and the excitement is unreal! Over 180,000 fans have packed the stands, triggering entry restrictions!"
The unprecedented turnout left officials stunned. Was this the tyrant's influence? The real draw was the clash of titans, particularly the showdown between the "Tyrant" and a colossal name.
"Following Lady Saber is last year's Breeders' Cup Classic champion and this year's third-place finisher, the dirt world queen, Unbridled!"
As Unbridled appeared in the paddock, a hush fell, as if the world held its breath. Her regal aura and fierce presence contrasted with a disarming, friendly smile—an eerie gravitational pull that screamed world champion. The Canopus team watched, awestruck.
"That's… Unbridled," Turbo murmured, chewing on the name. As a champion herself, she felt the gap—this was true royalty.
"She's smiling, but it's creepy…" Rice whispered, shivering. Everyone nodded. Unbridled's innocent grin clashed with her overwhelming, almost menacing charisma. Rampage would face this?
Their eyes met in the paddock, both smiling, yet the air crackled with tension. Round one ended with an ominous vibe.
"Hey, you're Minami's girl? They say in Japan, meeting here's a hundred-year fate, right?" Unbridled chirped post-paddock.
"You're way off," Rampage shot back, thrown by her casual tone.
"Haha, sorry! Japanese is so fun, but tough. Minami's native tongue, so I'm studying it."
"Even I don't get half the words here," Rampage admitted.
"See? Japan's just like Minami—fascinating!"
Unbridled's bright, approachable demeanor stunned the surrounding Uma Musume, who gaped at her ease. Even Tempo, another American, seemed unnerved by Rampage's nonchalance.
"Nice to meet ya, Mejiro Rampage. I'm Unbridled, last year's Breeders' Cup Classic champ. Dropped to third this year, so not quite world queen anymore."
"Doesn't matter. You're a world champ, same as me."
"Heh, you say that? Kinda sweet," Unbridled said, her eyes sharpening. The air chilled as her charisma morphed into raw hostility and fighting spirit.
"Heard Minami trained you pre-debut," Rampage said.
"Yup. Minami's pals with my dad, so she coached me. Even now, I see her as my trainer."
"Hm."
Unbridled's unwavering gaze held no doubt. Despite having a current trainer, her loyalty lay with Minamisaka—same as Rampage. How alike are we? she thought, smirking.
"Sorry, she's my trainer now. I won her over."
"While I wasn't around, right? If I'd been there, no chance," Unbridled teased.
"Probably. I hate stealing. But 'ifs' and 'maybes'? I don't live that weak."
A storm brewed between them, the tension swallowing nearby Uma Musume.
"It's not cold, but I can't stop shaking…" one muttered.
"It's not just nerves… our bodies know," another said.
Amazing Dyna, Narita Eagle, and Lady Saber understood instantly. The two before them were on another level—opponents they longed to challenge but knew they couldn't yet match. Their trembling wasn't fear but recognition of their limits.
"Last year's world queen, Unbridled, and Japan's tyrant, Mejiro Rampage, are already clashing! What will the Champions Cup bring?!"
Rampage had no regrets and no intention of losing. After Unbridled's bold words, as Minamisaka's current Uma Musume and one entrusted with her series, defeat wasn't an option. In a fleeting moment, Rampage extended a hand. Unbridled gripped it firmly.
"Come at me, world's strongest. I'm the world's fastest."
"Bring it, fastest. I'll outrun you."
"Game on."
Another reason to win sparked within her. Unbridled, I'm not losing to you.
"The Champions Cup is moments from gate-in!"
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