"Found your reason to run, Teio?" Rampage interrupts Teio's post-race interview.
The media erupts at the undefeated legend's arrival. Some reporters, blacklisted by Rampage, shrink back, while her favored ones bask in the moment.
"Beating McQueen? Impressive," Rampage grins. "Trained hard!" Teio beams. "Tough, huh?" "Brutal."
Both go stone-faced. Monsigny's Spartan training, now with Shinzan irons, pushed Teio's limits. Long-distance drills? All Shinzan irons.
"Worth it for today," Teio laughs. "Glad to hear. My training's next…" Rampage shudders. "How…?" Teio falters. "Terrifying thought."
Shinzan irons match the original's weight. More intense drills? Maybe legendary match races. Neither wants to dwell.
"Uh…" Teio stammers.
The interviewer panics—live broadcast silence risks disaster. They lock eyes, nod, and—
"Ohakonhallo!" they chant, waving with grins.
Flashes pop, cameras roll.
"World-record tyrant, undefeated Tiara, grab Cassiopeia from the stars—Rampage!" "Teio Step, invincible Triple Crown, run the skies with closed eyes—hero Tokai Teio!" "Good deeds stacked, folks?"
Their streaming energy obliterates the awkward air. Rampage avoids TV, preferring streams, making this a rare treat for broadcasters.
"Two spring senior crowns, Teio. Takarazuka next?" "Absolutely! Full spring and autumn senior sweep!"
The crowd roars at Teio's bold claim—Osaka Cup, Emperor's Cup, Takarazuka for spring; Autumn Emperor's, Japan Cup, Arima for autumn. No Uma Musume has claimed both.
"I'll surpass the President, as promised!" Teio declares. "Yup," Rampage nods.
Teio aims to outshine the Emperor in the senior battlefield. Takarazuka, fan-voted and talent-packed, won't be easy.
"I'll cheer. Mejiro's got runners too." "Bring it!" Teio fires back. "Go get 'em." "You bet!"
A high-five, and Rampage leaves, shrugging off reporters' pleas. Others wait. At her Impreza, Tachyon's crew greets her.
"Big show on TV," Tachyon teases. "Better than crashing servers," Rampage quips. "Fair point," Tachyon concedes. "Talk with Minamisaka?" "Yes, very fruitful," Cafe smiles.
Tachyon's thrilled from Minamisaka's insights. Pocket and Cafe clutch signed papers.
"Got Ikuno and Nature's too!" Pocket boasts. "Turbo's huge signature!" Cafe shows a page:
Blazing Turbo Engine, Twin Turbo!!
Written in bold, gifted calligraphy pen.
"Didn't sign anything. I'll hook you up later," Rampage offers. "For real? Gonna flex on my class!" Pocket cheers. "Not worth bragging. Just invites jealousy," Tachyon warns. "Pocket's style. She'll be fine," Cafe says.
Kids have their world—adults meddling just complicates things.
"Plans? School tomorrow?" "Got a day off," Cafe says. "Emperor's Cup excuse worked," Pocket adds. "Teachers take it too. It's 'study' for Uma Musume," Tachyon explains. "Public education, huh?" Rampage mutters.
No rush back. Tourism, then.
"Wanna hit a tofu shop I'm curious about?" "Tofu with Rampage? I'm in!" Pocket exclaims. "Just an old-school place," Rampage clarifies. "Love tofu. Parents' tofu burgers beat carrot ones," Tachyon says. "Their carrots are perfect too," Cafe adds.
Rampage's shocked—her tofu interest was just a nod to a Kansai chef. Kyoto adventure it is.
"Regular here?" the shopkeeper asks. "First time. Fell for your soy milk. I'll be back," Rampage replies.
"This customer? Mejiro Rampage! Undefeated, first to win a G1 abroad!"
"Hard to find real tofu. Traditional's best. Some okara too, please." "Gladly!" "Okara fan?" "Saved me back in the day."
Post-broadcast, the shop's swamped daily.
"Okara, Ran?" Teio asks. "Love it. Local shop's okara kept me from starving pre-Mejiro." "…Sorry," Teio says. "For what?" Rampage laughs.
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