Time marched on, and the seasons turned full circle. Spring had arrived—the first spring since transferring to Tracen Academy—and even Rampage couldn't help but feel a surge of exhilaration. This year was special. This was the year they'd finally make their debut. How could she not be pumped? Her training sessions crackled with newfound intensity, her spirit soaring.
"Wooo! Turbo's going full throttle!" Twin Turbo shouted, blazing ahead.
"Let's see you keep that up!" Rampage called back.
"I will keep it up!" Turbo shot back.
"I'm not letting you outshine me!" Nice Nature chimed in.
During Canopus's group practice, Twin Turbo led the pack with her trademark gusto. Rampage followed, holding a bold front-running pace while biding her time. Ikuno Dictus matched their rhythm, charging forward with precision, while Nice Nature kept her own steady pace, never letting herself fall too far behind. Canopus's entire roster was steadily honing their skills, their growth undeniable.
"Today's mine, Turbo!" Rampage declared.
"Sorry, no dice! Come back next time!" Turbo retorted.
As Turbo's reckless front-running style pushed her limits, Rampage surged forward on the straightaway, overtaking her with ease. Turbo scrambled to keep up, legs pumping furiously, but Rampage had more in reserve, passing her effortlessly. Ikuno, too, unleashed her remaining strength, closing in fast.
"No way I'm losing!" Turbo yelled.
"Not a chance I'm letting you win!" Ikuno roared.
Nice Nature closed in from behind, but Turbo held her ground. Despite her stamina waning, she clung on with sheer grit, refusing to slow down. They charged toward the finish line, neck and neck, until all four thundered across it. As they decelerated, Rampage, the leader, spun on one foot, pointing skyward with a triumphant pose.
"YES! I'm number one!" she crowed.
"Huff, huff… Managed to hold second today!" Turbo panted.
"Wheeze… Your friendly neighborhood third-place finisher, as usual," Nature quipped.
"It was a tie," Ikuno noted calmly.
The results: Rampage in first, Turbo in second, and Nature and Ikuno crossing the line together for third.
"Great work, everyone," Trainer Minamisaka said. "You're all faster than ever. Turbo-san, your stamina's improved, and you're holding your own as a front-runner."
"'Cause I'm always running with Ran!" Turbo grinned, catching her breath.
"Gotta say, that's terrifying," Rampage said, chuckling. "You and Ikuno both."
"I can't afford to lose," Ikuno said, her eyes blazing with resolve.
Even as she caught her breath, Ikuno's gaze remained fierce. Minamisaka's analysis pegged Ikuno and Turbo as Rampage's biggest threats. Ikuno's sharp analytical skills neutralized Rampage's subtle pace changes, while Turbo's all-out, start-to-finish sprinting was immune to disruption. Running alongside them was how Rampage sharpened her fundamentals, pushing herself to new heights.
"Speaking of, Trainer," Rampage said, "any new members joining Canopus this year?"
"We've made some offers, but as expected, most are heading to Rigil or Spica," Minamisaka replied.
"Well, yeah, they've got President Rudolf and CB-senpai," Nature said. "No surprise there. Even our classmate Teio's picked a team. Our generation's really starting to shake things up."
"Wait, Turbo doesn't know?!" Rampage teased.
"Widen your antenna a bit, Turbo," Nature sighed.
"Antenna? Like, Uma Musume antenna?" Turbo tilted her head, puzzled.
Ikuno patiently explained, Nature rolled her eyes, and Rampage watched with a fond smile. This was Canopus's signature scene—chaotic, warm, and utterly their own.
"…Looks like you're all in good spirits," Minamisaka said. "Rampage-san, Ikuno-san, I need a word."
"What's up, Minami-chan? Asking me out?" Rampage grinned.
"Sorry, not quite," Minamisaka said with a wry smile, used to her teasing by now.
Nature snickered at Rampage's antics, but Rampage leaned in, curious. "So, what's the deal?"
"Based on your progress, I've set tentative debut dates," Minamisaka said.
Rampage and Ikuno exchanged glances, their eyes lighting up with excitement. Turbo and Nature, overhearing, mirrored their enthusiasm.
"Whoa! Their debut races? When? I'm so cheering you on!" Turbo exclaimed.
"Obviously, we're teammates," Nature said. "But when is it?"
"Rampage-san's slated for June, Ikuno-san for July. Any objections?" Minamisaka asked.
"Nope, I'm good," Rampage said.
"No issues here," Ikuno agreed.
Newcomer races, or "Make Debut" in Uma Musume terms, typically kicked off in June and ran through February. A win there would mark their official entry into the central racing circuit.
"So, about two months from now," Rampage said, grinning at Ikuno. "Getting hyped yet?"
"Absolutely," Ikuno replied, her voice brimming with anticipation. "Another lap?"
"You're on!"
"Wait, Turbo's in too!" Turbo shouted.
"Turbo-san, you're resting," Minamisaka said firmly.
"Booo!" Turbo pouted.
"Don't 'boo' me," Nature said, patting her shoulder.
As much as they wanted to let Turbo run, her reckless front-running style demanded recovery time. Still, her stamina and speed had grown immensely. Minamisaka was confident that if Turbo raced in a Make Debut now, she'd clinch a win without question.
"What about you two? Classics or Tiara?" Minamisaka asked Turbo and Nature.
"Dunno!" Turbo said. "I'll watch Ran and Ikuno race and decide from there!"
"I'm leaning toward the Classics," Nature said. "But same—wanna see them in action first."
"Got it," Minamisaka nodded.
Rampage and Ikuno took off running again, their strides full of purpose. Their debuts signaled the start of a new generation storming the Twinkle Series. This "golden generation" was already drawing attention, with Oguri Cap moving up to the senior class and her rivalry with Tamamo Cross dominating headlines. But Minamisaka's focus was on Rampage and Ikuno—how far could they go?
"Here's where we settle it!" Rampage shouted.
"No way I'm losing!" Ikuno fired back.
Minamisaka felt a thrill watching them race, their joy and determination infectious. Even if their goal was to become top Uma Musume, their potential was limitless. They could rival the likes of Tamamo Cross and Oguri Cap—Minamisaka was sure of it.
"Hey, Minami-chan!" Rampage called, slowing down. "Who won that one?"
"I believe it was me," Ikuno said confidently.
"No way, it was me!" Rampage laughed.