"Is that girl some kind of monster, or what?"
"You're really the one to be asking that?"
Minamisaka's voice was thick with exasperation as he looked over at Rampage, who was currently leafing through a newspaper. His gaze fell upon the lead story: the results of the recent Yasuda Kinen. While Rampage had been away on her overseas expedition, Ikuno Dictus had been busy dominating the domestic turf.
This race had been a monumental bid for a third consecutive victory. After a grueling neck-and-neck battle with Yamanin Zephyr and a tense photo finish that lasted over twenty minutes, Ikuno had wrested victory by a mere seven millimeters. With that "three-peat" secured, she had officially etched her name into the annals of racing history.
"I mean, three in a row? That's unheard of," Rampage muttered.
"Coming from the woman who conquered the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe and the Breeders' Cup Classic, that doesn't carry much weight," Minamisaka countered.
Rampage understood his point, but having the perspective of someone who knew the "historical facts" of this world, she understood exactly how heavy a third consecutive title was. Even the legendary Mejiro McQueen hadn't been able to secure a third straight spring Tenno Sho. It was a feat of staggering difficulty. That was why she felt Ikuno's achievement deserved every bit of praise it received.
"So, what's next for her?"
"The Takarazuka Kinen," Minamisaka replied.
"Still keeping up that brutal rotation, huh? Unbelievable."
Then again, Ikuno's legendary toughness was old news at this point. Rampage realized she wasn't one to talk, considering her own track record was just as demanding.
"And after that... it's Ticket's Derby, right?"
"Yes. It's a hectic season," Minamisaka said.
Rampage glanced at him. "You say that, but you've got a smirk on your face."
"I'm a Trainer. It comes with the territory."
The celebration of Ikuno's feat was short-lived; the Japanese Derby was looming. It was a chance for revenge after losing the Satsuki-sho to Taishin, and the stage where Winning Ticket's dream—to become a Derby Girl—would be decided. Over at Team Rigil and Team Spica, the final push for training had surely begun.
"Ticket-san is in incredible shape," Minamisaka continued. "She's focused entirely on her goal of winning the Derby. It's like she's a heat-seeking missile."
"A Derby Girl, huh…" Rampage looked up at the ceiling, lost in thought. "Minami-chan, I think Ticket can go much further than that. If she's satisfied with just being a 'Derby Girl,' we're the ones who are going to be in trouble, don't you think?"
"Exactly. I was actually going to bring that up with her myself, but… Ticket-san said something that surprised me." Minamisaka's expression softened as he recalled the conversation.
『I used to think about nothing but the Derby. I didn't understand what came after. I thought if I won it, my dream would be over... and when I tried to imagine what happened next, my mind just went blank. I thought, "Would I just retire then?" But in that emptiness, I saw them. I saw Hayahide and Taishin!』
"She told me that she wants to keep competing against those two—her rivals—to go higher and higher. To her, the Derby isn't the finish line anymore. It's just a passing point."
"I see. So she finally broke through her shell."
"It seems your 'prodding' paid off," Minamisaka noted.
It was clear Minamisaka knew exactly how Rampage had influenced Ticket's mindset. Rampage took a sip of her coffee to hide her reaction, but she couldn't suppress the small smile tugging at the corner of her mouth. Seeing this, Minamisaka decided to drop a strategic piece of news.
"If Ticket wins the Derby, the idea of you establishing your own team will suddenly become very real."
"Why? Sure, I've been helping out as a sub-trainer, but the credit goes to you, Minami-chan. It's not my achievement."
"That's not how the world sees the Derby. It's not uncommon for even first-rate Trainers to go their whole careers without winning it. That glory reflects on the entire team. As the Chief Supervisor who's been managing her, anyone who doubts your aptitude for training would have to be a total amateur. It's better to get the official authorization sooner rather than later."
Rampage felt like she was being maneuvered into a corner—all part of a grand scheme to give her a team of her own. Minamisaka even mentioned that her achievements in the Finals and Legend Races were being taken into account. Do those even count? she wondered.
"But if I do that, Air Groove and Mejiro Dober will probably end up in my stable. Is Team Canopus really okay with that?"
"We've expected that from the start. Given their potential, it's what's best for them. Besides…" Minamisaka gave a sharp, confident smile. "I'm not so soft that I'll let a new team overtake us easily."
"Yikes… acting all cool with that pretty face of yours. Fine then. I guess I'll go give Ticket someone to chase."
"Yes, please do."
Since she was already in her racing silks, Rampage headed straight for the track. Minamisaka watched her go, convinced that the sooner she had her own team, the better. She wasn't meant to stay in the shadow of a sub-trainer. She possessed strengths—a charisma and a perspective—that no other Trainer or Umamusume had. To keep her in a supporting role would be a waste of a generational talent.
"Hey, Ticket! Want to go for 2400 meters?" Rampage called out as she reached the track. "If you can beat a World Record holder, the Derby will be a breeze!"
"Wait, really?! Awesome! I get to run with Senior!" Ticket shouted, her face lighting up.
"What's this? Are you running, Ran? Turbo's running too!" Twin Turbo chimed in, bouncing with energy.
"I think I'll sit this one out," Nice Nature said with a wry smile. "I'll handle the timing."
"U-um… Rice will help too," Rice Shower added shyly.
"Whoa there, don't go forgetting about me!" Nature laughed, joining the group.
Just by showing her face, a crowd had gathered around Rampage. She had a natural magnetism, a quiet charisma she had proven time and again through her own running. To Minamisaka, it was obvious: the best way for her to give back to the sport was to lead her own team.
"Hey, Minami-chan! Amazon and the others say they want in! What do you think?" Rampage shouted back.
"Amazon-san and the others are still pre-debut, so absolutely not!" Minamisaka called back.
For now, he decided to cherish these moments with her as a colleague. It was, in its own way, a wonderful time to be alive.
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