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Chapter 165 - Chapter 163: Sisterly Bonds and Self-Discovery

"Nice weather, huh?" Rampage muses, training under a clear autumn sky, prepping for the Elizabeth Hai. With Ikuno and Turbo as rivals, she's fired up. A figure approaches, blushing, trembling hands offering a drink.

"Here, Big Sister!"

"Thanks," Rampage says, sipping, glancing at the tail-wagging Uma Musume—her new sister, Mejiro Dobell, a historic mare with five GI wins, including the Oaks and Shuka Sho.

"Not boring watching me run?" Rampage asks.

"No way! Your training's inspiring, and you look so cool!" Dobell beams.

"Don't copy me. This training wrecks normal bodies."

Her regimen's extreme, tailored for global races. She hopes Dobell gets that—otherwise, she might try Shinzan iron and masks at Tressen. Self-restraint's not an option; the Arc looms.

"Two more laps. Here I go," Rampage says.

"Good luck, Big Sister!" Dobell cheers.

Adjusting her mask, Rampage runs, feeling Dobell's adoring gaze. Like Bright, Dobell's a Mejiro sister, idolizing her.

"Done! Man, this menu kills," Rampage groans, collapsing. The mask's oxygen restriction is brutal, forcing precise coordination. Even she struggles. Dobell rushes over, panicked.

"Big Sister! Are you hurt?!"

"Nah, just wiped. It's intense."

Relieved, Dobell kneels. Rampage sits up, apologetic. "You don't need to stick around. I'm here 'cause Tressen's tough for this."

"No, I want to!" Dobell insists.

Rampage's at the Mejiro training grounds, awaiting Monsigny's coaching, with Nanzaka's approval.

"You'll win the Elizabeth Hai, right?" Dobell asks, eyes sparkling.

"Don't race to lose. I'm aiming for victory."

"Of course!"

Dobell's gaze outshines Bright's. She's heard Dobell admires her.

"I want to be like you, Big Sister! I'll run the Tiara route someday!"

"Cool, but don't mimic me. Run your own race."

"My own race…" Dobell murmurs, looking down.

Rampage tilts her head as Dobell speaks softly, like dripping rain. Her mother demands she honor the Mejiro name, but crowds make her nervous, leading to stumbles and poor results. She feels she's failed the family.

"What's a Mejiro Uma Musume who doesn't shame the name?" Rampage asks.

"Huh?" Dobell blinks, startled. "Someone like you—winning the Twinkle Series, the Tenno Sho…"

"Maybe. But that's Mejiro's ideal, not your ideal, right?"

"Mine…?"

"Yeah. Not shaming Mejiro means being the Uma Musume you want to be, standing tall."

Patting Dobell's head, Rampage continues, "Forget the family name. Be you, flaws and all. I stick to that, and results follow."

"Really…?" Dobell whispers.

"Undefeated Uma Musume says so. Trust me."

Dobell ponders, struggling to accept it. Rampage strokes her head. "Take it slow. Your 'you' is yours to choose. Love painting, eating, training, laughing with friends—anything's fine."

Dobell clings to her. "This is my 'me' now… Mejiro Dobell, who loves Big Sister."

"Hah! Love from my cute sister? I'm thrilled. Love you too, Bell-chan."

"Bell-chan…?" Dobell blushes, hiding her face.

"Too much?"

"N-no… it's fine…"

Dobell's shy cuteness warms Rampage's heart. After Monsigny's training, they stay over instead of returning to Tressen.

"Grandma, look," Bright says.

"How sweet," Monsigny replies.

"So cute! I'll try that with Sea-chan and Lou-chan!" Speed Symboli adds.

Monsigny, Asama, and visitor Speed Symboli watch Rampage, Dobell, and Bright asleep together in one bed.

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