"Hahaha!"
Early morning, before sunrise, an Uma Musume dashes down the track. It's Tokai Teio, last year's undefeated Triple Crown winner, training daily since her break ended.
"Hmm… something's off. Rampage's run felt… unified, solid. What's missing?" Teio mutters.
She's building stamina for long races, but also studying Rampage's style to boost her own. Rampage's seamless, full-body sprint reduces knee strain and elevates performance—exactly what Teio needs. She and her trainer geeked out when they cracked it.
After dissecting Rampage's Autumn Vase races, Teio mastered the technique. Trainer Okino gave a dry laugh, not expecting such progress. But to beat Rampage, the originator, Teio must refine it further.
"Should I ask her? No, I gotta figure this out myself," Teio resolves.
Her run's a pale imitation, a lesser copy. Direct coaching from Rampage is ideal, but with her Dubai trip looming and Speed Symboli's training, Teio can't interrupt. She pushes on alone.
"What're you up to?" a voice calls.
"Rampage!?" Teio spins around.
There, leaning on a blue car, sipping water, is Rampage, sweat-soaked, swapping masks. Teio rushes over.
"What're you doing?" Teio asks.
"Morning training, duh. Why else be here?" Rampage replies.
She's been running Shinzan's summer camp menu—mountain climbs with iron shoes and mask. Teio shrieks, "No way!" Good thing they're at a mountain lot, or it'd spark complaints.
"Training my run," Rampage says.
"How'd you know!?" Teio gasps.
"Your Arima was rough. Polishing it for senior races? Obvious," Rampage smirks.
"Ugh… so, uh…" Teio hesitates.
"Wanna know how it's done?" Rampage guesses.
"…Yeah," Teio nods softly, surrendering pride. She planned to ask at the Uma Musume awards, but Rampage skipped for Dubai prep. A commemorative stream's coming, though—along with another gift of racing gear Teio hasn't seen.
"I'd love to teach, but it's not my call," Rampage says.
"Why!? Be my mentor!" Teio pleads.
"What're you, Turbo? It's simple—Monsigny taught me. Need her permission," Rampage explains.
"Monsigny!? That scary Mejiro Uma Musume!?" Teio squeaks.
"Scary's… kinda right," Rampage chuckles. Monsigny's vibe and stern face fit the bill, though she'd sulk if told.
"I can talk to her, but no guarantee she'll teach," Rampage offers.
"You teach me!" Teio insists.
"Idiot, I'm off to Dubai soon. No time," Rampage snaps.
"Oh… right," Teio sighs, eyeing Monsigny as her only shot.
"If you're desperate, I'll ask her," Rampage says, lighting a cigar.
"Really!?" Teio beams.
"Yeah, but she's tough. You ready?" Rampage warns.
"Ready!" Teio declares, her clear, unwavering eyes locking with Rampage's, captivating her.
"I lost to you, but gained something huge. I'll keep running, work harder, and one day beat you," Teio vows.
"Bold words, Teio. Challenge the world. Surpass the Emperor," Rampage urges.
Teio shudders with excitement. Overtaking Rudolf, her idol, once a distant dream, now feels close.
"You'll top the Emperor. Undefeated Triple Crown? You're Rudolf's equal. Now aim higher. I'll help. Deal?" Rampage asks.
"Surpass the Emperor…" Teio murmurs, Rudolf's absolute presence in her heart shifting. Rampage's words spark a deep desire to become the ultimate Empress.
"I'll surpass him! Prove I'm the Empress!" Teio shouts.
"Solid answer. I'll talk to Monsigny. The rest's on you," Rampage says.
"I'll do it!" Teio vows.
Rampage exhales her herb cigar, savoring its calming taste like never before.
"Give 'em hell, Teio," Rampage says.
"You too, Ran!" Teio replies.
They high-five, and Rampage prepares to conquer the world.
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