"Sorry, not interested right now."
Rampage hung up, handing the phone back to Minamisaka, who gave a wry smile at her bluntness.
"As expected, huh?"
"Obviously, Minami-chan. No race gets me this hyped. If they said I had to pay 1 billion yen to run it—I'd pay without blinking."
The race's allure was undeniable. Her words weren't hyperbole; to Rampage, money was trivial, something to lighten her wallet for convenience.
"Right, you haven't even been to Sapporo yet."
"Didn't we eat miso ramen last week?"
"That seafood didn't come up says everything about you."
She was so down-to-earth. At a fancy French restaurant, while others raved, Rampage seemed unimpressed, unable to grasp the flavors' depth. On the way back, she devoured a street vendor's roasted sweet potato Turbo spotted, savoring it most.
"My dad said being able to eat tonkatsu anytime is perfect. I think the best stuff is what's always within reach—bean sprouts, hanpen, pea shoots. My allies."
"…I'm treating you to dinner tonight."
"For real? Big ramen with half-fried rice, then."
"Let's go all out—extra-large chashu ramen, max toppings, plus gyoza."
"Hell yeah, I'm pumped!! That's way better than some URA award!!"
URA's 2000-yen prize paled in comparison. Minamisaka felt conflicted. Rampage won staggering G1 prize money—sums most could never dream of—yet her heart craved simple, everyday joys.
"Hell yeah!! I'm fired up!!"
"Won't Ryan-san, Ines-san, or Flora-san get mad hearing that?"
"Flora, maybe. Those two? Nah. And—Minami-chan, when it's time, I deliver."
Her vibe shifted instantly. The playful chatter vanished, replaced by a fierce, battle-ready aura. The ramen hype was gone in a flash.
"Alright—I'm gonna have some fun, Minami-chan."
"Have a great race!"
As Rampage dashed out of the waiting room, Minamisaka glanced at her ringing phone and picked it up—
"Cherry blossoms in full bloom and a crystal-clear sky seem to bless the Uma Musume emerging from the underground path."
The G1 Osaka Hai. Hanshin Racecourse, awash in springtime pink, hosted over 200,000 spectators—surpassing last year's Japan Derby, with entry restrictions enforced. The reason? The lineup of Uma Musume.
"Here comes the fourth favorite, Ines Fujin!! Will she unleash that ferocious Derby escape again!?"
"So many people! I'll give it my all, so cheer for me~!!"
"And here's Mejiro Ryan, the triple-crown Uma Musume who battled Ines Fujin in that legendary Derby!! Second favorite today!!"
"Hey~ Ines, we're pretty popular, huh?"
"Totally!"
Their iconic Derby duel was legendary, and their appearance sent the crowd into a frenzy, as if they'd come to see this moment. Cheers followed for the next Uma Musume.
"Here she is—where she goes, this Uma Musume follows!! She's here to win, to claim a G1!! Third favorite, Agnes Flora!!!"
"Today, I'll do it…!!"
Flora, the spearhead against Mejiro Rampage, had fought countless battles but fell short each time. Now, she channeled that into resolve, entering with fierce determination to cheers. Yet she didn't react—she knew the applause wasn't for her. The sound of approaching hooves stole her breath. The final Uma Musume was coming…
"With 16 races and 16 victories, the undefeated Triple Tiara bears the emblem of an invincible myth. She set a world record in the Japan Cup and claimed her seventh crown in the February Stakes. She's surpassed the Emperor as the true champion!! Mejiro Rampage!! The top favorite!!"
Rampage's entrance ignited the crowd. They came to see her race these rivals. This lineup—arguably the greatest in mid-distance history—promised an epic battle.
"By winning the February Stakes, Mejiro Rampage became the second Uma Musume after Inari One to conquer both turf and dirt G1s, but the first in the central circuit. A record worthy of a true champion. Facing her are triple-crown Mejiro Ryan, Ines Fujin, and Agnes Flora. This Osaka spring showdown, the ultimate mid-distance battle—who will claim victory!?"
At 2000m, Rampage, Ryan, Ines, and Flora could unleash their full potential. A true mid-distance all-star race. No one could predict the winner; the question lingered—who would triumph?
"No day's been this exciting. This lineup is perfect."
Rampage scanned her rivals: Ryan's sly grin, Ines's bright smile, and Flora's burning resolve. Everyone was at their peak.
"Lan-chan, let's make it a good one!"
"You bet. First time racing you, huh? You and Ryan—bring it."
"We didn't cross paths in the Classics, but today I'm winning. I'm a triple-crown Uma Musume too!"
"Can't let you say that and lose, now can I?"
Heading to the gate, Rampage greeted Ines and Ryan. Their paths, divergent in the Classics, now converged in this senior-class clash. She was grateful this day had come. And another had been waiting just as eagerly.
"Rampage-san, today I'll defeat you… today, I will… absolutely!!!"
"Can't wait—otherwise, why'd I even show up?"
Flora's glare locked onto Rampage's back. Her sole target was clear—Rampage alone.
"Countless legendary battles have marked history, and a new chapter will be written today. Our hopes and dreams gather here, ready to race. Gate-in… complete. The G1 Osaka Hai—STARTS NOW!!"
"Sorry for calling repeatedly, but she's focusing on overseas races this year. Look forward to next year."
"Ugh… isn't there some way…?"
"Don't worry—she won't run away."
Minamisaka spoke in flawless, fluent English.
"It's all under control."
"…Alright, I'll look forward to next year then."
"Yes, me too. Goodbye—Mr. President."
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