The long overseas expedition had finally come to an end. Rampage was going home.
Stepping onto Japanese soil for the first time in ages, she felt a surge of emotion. She was surprised by her own reaction, wondering if she actually possessed such a thing as patriotism. However, a question from Sue-chan quickly clarified the true source of her feelings.
"Ran-chan, what's the first thing you want to eat when we get back?"
"Ah... I want Tamago Kake Gohan [Raw egg over rice]. It's not like it's my favorite food or anything, but knowing I couldn't have it for so long... now that I know I can, I'm dying for a bowl."
"Ah, I totally get that~."
Japan's hygiene standards are considered the best in the world, which is why eating raw eggs is safe there—something that was naturally out of the question overseas. The moment she realized she was back, the craving became unbearable.
"Come to think of it, Japan has a whole culture of eating things raw. Is there anything besides sushi? ...Is it actually good?"
"It's delicious. It's simple to make, but if you try to get particular about it, you can fall into a pretty deep rabbit hole. There are even special soy sauces made just for it."
"...I'm eating it, too."
In history, Sunday Silence was known for a temperament so fierce people said he looked like he'd eat meat. The horse girl version was no different. However, she also showed glimpses of an intellect that didn't judge things based solely on prejudice, backed by a wealth of knowledge.
Chatting idly, the group relaxed on the plane until they finally touched down on Japanese soil. But when they arrived—
"Oi, look at that. That's one hell of a banner."
"And we didn't even announce our return~."
The scene awaiting them at the airport was... a mob of humanity, the kind you'd see when a Hollywood star visits Japan. At first, Rampage thought about slipping past them, but since she had pulled a complete 'silent run' when leaving the country, she decided she ought to do things properly this time.
The moment her presence was noticed, a blinding storm of camera flashes erupted, followed by a roar of cheers that threatened to blow the roof off the terminal.
"RAMPAAAAGE!!"
"YOU DID IT!! WORLD CHAMPIOOOON!!!"
"OUR TYRANT~!!"
"DICTATOR TYRANT~!!!"
The reporters were shouting desperately, trying to get her attention, but the voices of the fans completely drowned them out. It was a wave of intensity that seemed to say, We won't let the media's noise reach her. The citizens had become the Tyrant's imperial guard, standing as a wall against the press, refusing to let boorish questions reach their hero.
"Rampage-san! Rampage-san! Please, a word on your future plans...!!"
Still, some persisted. But just as one or two reporters managed to break through—seizing the chance for an interview they had fought tooth and nail for—an entity descended upon the scene, instantly extinguishing the heated frenzy.
"There's always an annoying one... Pushing your own convenience onto someone who's clearly exhausted? Ah, you piece of trash."
"Hii...!!?"
She grabbed the approaching reporter by the lapels and lifted him effortlessly with pure brute strength. Her glare seemed to say: My strength is only this much—know your place. Understand your weakness. The reporter froze, terrified.
Seeing this, and watching her release him, a fan in the crowd cried out.
"Wait... isn't that... S-S... SUNDAY SILENCE?!!?"
"EEEEEEEEEEH!!!??"
The Horse Girl Who Bit at Fate. The name Sunday Silence thundered even in Japan. Often called the American version of Oguri Cap, her life—tossed about by a bizarre destiny yet crushing her perfect, elite rivals—was a story Japanese fans couldn't get enough of.
Capitalizing on the shock, she took a deep breath, stomped her foot on the floor, and roared:
"Yo, Japan! Are you happy?! I've decided to move here from the States. And let me tell you something—I've taken a liking to this one right here. If any of you try anything stupid with her, remember this: You'll have to deal with me!"
She was like a beast. A ferocious animal stood before them. She hadn't taken the Tyrant under her protection; she had acknowledged her as a pure equal.
Mejiro Rampage's nickname, "The Tyrant," came from her violently overwhelming ability. But Sunday Silence was called a tyrant for her literal temperament. It was no exaggeration to say that here, in both name and reality, the complete form of "The Tyrant" had been assembled.
"Come on. Let's go."
"Oh dear, you've gone and killed the mood... Ah, to our usual publisher friend: I'll email you later with dates she's available for an interview!"
"Ah, yes! Understood..."
"Right then, let's get moving~."
Guided by Sue-chan—who was smiling as if to say the silence was an improvement—and Sunday, Rampage left the airport. After giving a quick confirmation to their preferred publisher, they climbed into the waiting Mejiro family limousine.
"Still, Japanese paparazzi are easy to handle. Say a few words and they quiet right down."
"Well, they have their own annoying habits, though..."
"Still better than the scum who try to invade your property by any means necessary. Back in the States, I had idiots using drones to try and film inside my house."
"Wow..."
Listening to Sunday's horror stories from America, the limousine glided toward the Mejiro estate. And there...
"Welcome home, Rampage... You really... you really are an amazing child."
Her Grandmother, Mejiro Asama, was waiting at the entrance to greet her. Asama welcomed her with a smile, though her eyes were wet with tears.
In that moment, Rampage felt it.
This person is my family. The Mejiro estate is my home.
It should have been obvious, but only now did she truly feel the reality of it. Sensing this, Sunday nudged her lightly with an elbow. Her eyes said, Go on, tell her.
"I'm home... Grandma."
"Oh... Welcome home, Ran."
Asama held Ran in a deep, tight embrace.
And then, another person stepped forward to welcome her. It was Ryan.
"Ran, welcome back."
"---Yeah. I'm home, Ryan."
Several years had passed since she entered the Mejiro family. And finally, in this moment, Rampage could puff out her chest and feel it. She was a Mejiro.
Being held by her best friend, Ryan, made her realize that at last.
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