"Hmm... what do you think, Rampage-san?"
"What more is there to say?"
"Right?"
In the Canopus clubroom, the Japan Derby race played on a large TV, comparable in size to Rigil's, a clubroom befitting a top-tier team. Everyone watched the final straight from the sprint to the finish. Minamisaka sought Rampage's opinion, but agreed with her unspoken sentiment that there was nothing else to be done.
"Eh, no, Senior, isn't there something? Like, the strategy was too sudden, so we didn't have enough preparation?"
"The fact that those are the only words you can come up with means there's nothing that can be done. The timing of their move, their starting dash, their pace after putting Bourbon in front—all perfect. In the end, they unleashed their remaining closing speed to try and overtake. Yet, they couldn't. It was simply meant to be. That's all."
Indeed, the strategy was sudden, but they had put in more than enough practice and effort to make it work. Still, Bourbon had surpassed them. In terms of pure ability, Rice and Tannhauser could be considered equals. The 2400-meter battlefield also favored the two, giving them home-turf advantage. Given that, the only other factors for their defeat could be luck and Bourbon's latent power.
"I think so too. Bourbon-chan was screaming at that moment."
"Yeah. She said, 'Haaaaahhh!!'"
"That Bourbon!? Seriously!?"
Turbo's shock was understandable, but Rampage felt that explained everything perfectly. Trainer Kuronuma had a philosophy:
"Uncle Kuronuma always said, 'Spirit can transcend the body'... So, that's what happened this time, huh?"
"So—it's a theory of grit and willpower?"
"It's not just some old-fashioned, blind 'just power through it!' kind of grit. It's about a spirit forged through training after training, alongside the body, that dragged the body higher."
"Truly, a formidable opponent."
Minamisaka chuckled wryly, feeling a bit helpless. In a sense, it was Rice and Tannhauser who had drawn out Bourbon's latent power; being pushed to such an extent must have ignited Bourbon's fighting spirit. Perhaps that's why Kuronuma had sent a message of thanks.
"'This time, Bourbon became a two-crown winner, but she gained something more valuable than a triple crown. The best rivals. I am grateful. That is precisely why we will claim the next Kikuka Sho. To defeat my rivals.' That's what he said."
"R-Rice is Bourbon-san's rival...!?"
"Hawa-wawawa... I was called a rival too..."
Rival. The two were flustered, but it was a fact that they were publicly recognized as Bourbon's rivals. Numerous articles praised their performance in the Derby, a testament to how much they had proven themselves.
"I'm looking forward to the Kikuka Sho even more now."
"You're right~ It might be an even more amazing race than my and Teio's Kikuka Sho."
"Uwaah, I'm getting excited! But first, I'm going to win my debut race~!!"
As various voices rose, Rampage couldn't help but bury her face in her desk and sigh.
"W-what's wrong, Sister?"
"Aaaah... why can't I be there for Rice and the others...? This is miserable..."
"Oh, right, Ramp is going overseas, isn't she?"
"That's right!! But I'm definitely, definitely going to watch the Kikuka Sho!!!"
Her schedule meant she should be able to watch the Kikuka Sho without issue... assuming she didn't cause any unnecessary trouble. Still, not being able to help Rice before then felt shameful as an older sister...
"Sister, Rice will do her best, so cheer up. Win the Arc de Triomphe."
"You can count on it. I'll conquer the Arc and raise the Japanese flag."
"She snapped right back into focus, that tyrant."
Nature made an exasperated remark. Was it really okay for her to show such a side to her juniors? ...she wondered, but since they spent all their time in Canopus, they were pretty much used to it by now. At first, everyone was surprised, but as they grew closer, they accepted it.
"The Arc de Triomphe, huh... Kuh~ I want to see it live!!"
"I know, right~ I'd love to witness Rampage-senpai's heroic figure live..."
Everyone agreed with Amazon and Dra-ran's sentiment. Their creed was to see it live if possible, but they had their own races, so it was out of the question. Fortunately, Rampage's race was already confirmed for live broadcast.
"Just relax and wait for the broadcast. If you want, I'll even say 'Ohakon Hello Ciao' in the interview."
"You'd probably actually do it."
"Well then—I should get going. I have a meeting with Sue-chan."
Over the next few days, she would begin serious preparations for her trip to Europe, and then fly out. Unfortunately, Eric wouldn't be able to join until partway through due to scheduling conflicts—but she wasn't worried about protection over there. After all, she had received a direct offer from royalty, which she had decided to accept.
"Please go safely. We're looking forward to your souvenirs."
"Right."
She bumped fists with her trainer a few times, then gripped his hand firmly. As they both smiled, Rampage briefly donned a mischievous expression and pulled Minamisaka into a hug. Amidst the gasps of surprise from those around, she quietly whispered only to him:
"Take care of everyone."
"Yes. Leave it to me."
They separated and high-fived. Then, before leaving the clubroom,
"Expect some good stories when I get back,"
she said with a wink, before exiting the clubroom. Everyone sent her off with a loud "Have a good trip!!" Her words were more invigorating than any other cheer. She then got into her Impreza in the parking lot...
"Hehe, full of spirit, aren't we?"
"Of course, Sue-chan."
In the passenger seat, for some reason, was Sue-chan, sipping bubble tea. Why that choice, she had no idea... but for now, she turned the key.
"Still, I was surprised when I heard you had connections with the Irish Royal Family. How did you meet them, tell me."
"Well, when His Majesty the Emperor came to see a race, I met the Princess of Ireland, who was there incognito, and we became friends. Even I wonder how I manage to be so popular."
"I'm jealous."
"I'd swap places with you if I could."
Finally off to Europe!!
And it seems she'll be staying with the Irish Royal Family during her time in Europe. Fully embracing the 'let them take care of me' style.
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