Late at night, Tressen Academy glows with life. Classes and training are long over, yet the gym and classrooms buzz. Why?
"Let's practice again!"
"Rampage-neesama, fight!"
"Louder!"
"RAMPAGE-NEESAMA, FIGHT!"
Uma Musume in the gym wave penlights and Rampage-themed fans, cheering. Unable to be in Dubai, they send support from Japan. Rudolf, student council president, watches with a wry smile, impressed by their energy past 11 p.m. Sirius leans against the wall.
"Lucky Tyrant. Even if she loses, they'll riot and erase it. Undefeated champ," Sirius scoffs.
Japan time: 1:35 a.m. Dubai: 8:35 p.m.—race start. The gym's screen streams the Dubai World Cup Meeting. The main event is Japan's trio, but every top-tier race captivates Tressen's Uma Musume.
"Even if she loses, she'll grow and charge forward. She's not just racing to win—she's showing us what a challenge means," Rudolf says.
"Tch, you and Gran sound preachy," Sirius mutters.
Her two-year overseas stint yielded no wins. Unfamiliar terrain, no precedent—yet her data became invaluable. Rudolf recalls Speed Symboli's words:
"Japanese Uma Musume were untested abroad. Sirius's European quest, though fruitless, left a priceless legacy. Her challenge paved Ran-chan's Dubai path. I value her as much as you, Lu-chan."
"Let's see our rep shine," Rudolf says.
"If she flops, I'll chew her out," Sirius grumbles, lighting a cigar—Rampage's brand. Rudolf smirks at her unspoken faith.
"Everyone's hyped. They love Ran-chan," Ramone says, joining with tea for Rudolf.
"You're her biggest fan, roomie," Sirius teases.
"I don't deny it. She's great," Ramone admits.
"Let's see her face the world," Rudolf says.
"Ugh…" Turbo groans.
"You okay, Turbo-san? Coffee," Rice offers.
"Thanks, Rice…"
Canopus gathers in their room for Rampage's overseas debut. Late hours bring sleepiness.
"Almost time, Turbo-san," Rice encourages.
"Good kids sleep now… why's it night?" Turbo whines.
"Daytime's classes," Nature says.
"Five-hour time difference. Dubai's too hot for day races," Ikuno explains.
"Bitter…" Turbo chugs coffee.
"Go, senpai!" Ticket shouts.
"Loud…" Turbo mumbles.
Turbo's determined but battling sleep. She perks up during races, only to doze in breaks.
"Coffee, Trainer," Nature says.
"Thanks, Nature-san," Minamizaka replies, sipping. "Sure I shouldn't be there?"
He could've joined Rampage, leaving Canopus to Speed Symboli, but the team's size made it risky. Speed's experience and bond with Rampage made her the logical choice.
"I'm Canopus's trainer. My heart's with Rampage—I'm in Dubai," Minamizaka says.
Nature blinks, then laughs. "Smooth talker. No wonder Ran loves you."
"Flattered," he replies.
"Hm?" Rampage pauses.
"What's up, Ran-chan?" Sue-chan asks.
"Felt Nan-chan's heart sync with mine," she says.
"Such a Nan-chan fangirl," Sue-chan teases.
"Stop, I'm blushing," Rampage laughs.
In the locker room, donning her black coat—her signature race gear—she pauses briefly. A new URA outfit tempted her, but habit won.
"Almost time. My first Dubai—kinda nervous," Sue-chan admits.
"Not like you, Sue-chan. Stay cool, and I'll run easy," Rampage says.
"My bad," Sue-chan chuckles.
Nerves linger. Sue-chan's overseas G1 attempts flopped. Others followed, chasing global glory, but Japan's spark faded—even Japan Cup wins grew rare. Now, Rampage, Japan Cup victor and 2400m world record holder, carries Japan's dream.
"Sue-chan," Rampage calls, lifting her bowed head with a grin. "Let's smile and show them a dream."
"Right, let's go," Sue-chan agrees.
Taking Rampage's hand, Sue-chan's led instead of leading. Getting soft? she thinks. Following Eric's cue, Rampage strides into Meydan Racecourse under the stars, brimming with unprecedented energy.
"Here we go," she declares.
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