Taiki Shuttle was the newest addition to Team Pleiades. Despite being a freshman, the girl known as the "Strongest Miler" was already showcasing the raw power that had made her a legend in the making. Born and raised in America, she possessed a sturdy, well-developed physique—arguably the most athletic build in the team, surpassing even Stay Gold in sheer physical presence.
"Rampage-san! Howdy~!!"
"Yo, Taiki. Howdy."
True to her high-spirited nature, Taiki had a habit of lunging into a hug whenever she spotted Rampage. For any ordinary trainer, having a girl with a "Western" build—packed with world-class speed and power—tackle them at full tilt would result in a trip to the infirmary. But Rampage was an Umamusume herself, one whose physical foundation was second to none. She caught Taiki's "tackle" with effortless grace. Seeing that she didn't have to hold back, Taiki only grew more enthusiastic, her hugs becoming tighter and more frequent.
"What are you working on, Rampage-san?"
With Team Pleiades officially established, they had been granted a team room. It was the same space Team Canopus had occupied before moving to their current headquarters; recycling the room was much faster than waiting for a new one to be built. As Rampage tapped away at her laptop, Taiki leaned over her shoulder, her chin resting comfortably on Rampage's head. Rampage simply closed her eyes for a moment, silently appreciating the tactile "perks" of her new job.
"Planning for the summer training camp. Securing the facility, logistics—the usual headache."
"Oh... that sounds like a big trouble... Is there anything I can do to help?"
"Don't worry about it. This is a Trainer's job. Just focus on your training."
Rampage felt a warm flicker of appreciation. She had said similar things to Minamisaka in the past; she finally understood the quiet satisfaction a leader felt when a student offered to share their burden.
"Actually, Taiki, I do have a high-priority mission for you."
"A MISSION?! Tell me anything!"
"I won't hold back then... We're planning a major event for the camp, but I've never been much of an expert on the specifics. I want you to serve as my Chief Advisor."
"YES!! I'm your girl! But what is this event?"
"It's a... BBQ."
The moment the word left Rampage's lips, Taiki's tail shot straight up, wagging with enough force to generate a breeze.
"A BBQ... So really?!"
"That's the plan. I figured you were the expert, but was I wrong?"
"YEEEEEEEESSSSSS!! I'll do it! I'll do it!! A BBQ party at the camp! I will prepare so much American Beef!!"
"I thought you might say that," Rampage chuckled. "I'll handle the seafood."
"ROGER!! PARTY! PARTY! PARTY!!"
Taiki practically vibrated out of the room, her infectious energy trailing behind her. Rampage knew that for someone as social as Taiki, giving her a "mission" like this was the best way to keep the team spirit high.
She returned to her work, only for Suzuka to enter a moment later, flanked by Sunny and Dober.
"Um, Rampage-san... we just saw Taiki running through the halls screaming about a party. Is everything okay?"
"Are we having a Pleiades Inauguration Party?!" Sunny asked, eyes wide.
"Nah, just a BBQ during training camp. I made her the vice-chair of the grill."
"That explains it," Dober sighed. "It's very 'Taiki,' I suppose."
"I can't believe she ran out while we were talking..." Suzuka pouted slightly. "This is the very first official meeting of Pleiades..."
Shortly after, Air Groove arrived, dragging a reluctant Stay Gold by the collar, with a beaming Taiki bringing up the rear.
"Alright, everyone's here," Rampage said, closing her laptop. "Let's begin the first official meeting of Team Pleiades. Don't look so stiff—it's not a board meeting. Think of it as a casual check-in. We talk shop, drink tea, eat some snacks, and discuss the future. I'll be providing the refreshments from now on, so you've got something to look forward to."
"In that case, I've got high expectations," Stay Gold drawled. "Since you're a Mejiro, I assume we'll be getting the top-shelf stuff from the family estate?"
"I wouldn't have it any other way. Expect the best, Stay."
Air Groove's gaze remained sharp as ever, clearly annoyed by Stay Gold's lack of respect. However, Rampage's effortless dismissal of the girl's attitude reminded Air Groove of how Rampage herself had always stood tall against the world's expectations. If I'm going to be her student, I have to be the one to uphold the standards, Air Groove thought, straightening her posture.
"Pleiades doesn't have a singular, overarching goal," Rampage began, her tone shifting to something more serious. "I'm not going to force you to chase G1 wins or the Triple Crown. Like I said before, you set your own goals. I'll design the menus to help you get there. But let me be clear—if you do decide to aim for something like an undefeated Triple Crown under my banner, be ready. I will give you a training regimen befitting that ambition."
The air in the room grew heavy. Even Stay Gold shifted her gaze toward Rampage.
"Most teams try to avoid pitting their members against each other in the same race. I don't follow that rule. I'll be mindful of trials, but if your distance aptitudes and goals overlap, I'm going to throw you all into the same ring. Understand right now: you are teammates, but you are also rivals."
This was the philosophy she had inherited from Minamisaka. He had never shielded Rampage from Ikuno; he had let them clash, allowing them to learn from each other's strengths and sharpen their own resolve.
"Having a rival among your comrades is a blessing. By fighting with everything you have, you elevate each other. Even in defeat, there is growth. Just look at Ikuno Dictus. She went toe-to-toe with me for years, and now? She's just completed a three-peat of the Yasuda Kinen."
That carried an undeniable weight. Rampage was the undefeated legend because of those battles, and Ikuno was a history-maker because she had learned how to turn defeat into fuel.
"For now, Air-Air, this doesn't affect you as much since you're in a different year. But once Suzuka and the others hit the Senior level..."
"Must be nice for you, Senior," Stay Gold smirked.
"Watch your mouth, you little...!" Air Groove snapped.
"It'll vary by route, of course," Rampage continued, ignoring the bickering. "But Suzuka, Sunny, Taiki, Dober, and Stay... things are going to get intense. You're all stacked in the same generation. Consider this your warning."
Though their paths diverged—Dober for the Triple Tiara, Sunny and Stay for the Classics, Taiki for the Miles—their trajectories were bound to collide. And wherever Suzuka decided to go, she would change the gravity of the entire field.
"Anyway, let's wrap up the meeting there. It was just an orientation, after all."
"Rampage-san, what about Team Nemesis?" Suzuka asked.
"Don't worry. I've already set their menus, and Sunday-san is handling the bulk of the coaching. I'm still checking in on them. In fact, I'm planning to set up some mock races between Pleiades and Nemesis soon, so keep that in mind."
Rampage's declaration was clear: the path of Pleiades would be grueling from day one. But as they looked at their trainer, none of the girls wavered. Whether they sought to follow in her footsteps or eventually overtake her, their eyes held a single, unified spark.
"Alright then," Rampage grinned. "This summer is going to be hot."
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