May arrives, heat creeping in. Uma Musume race on, Rampage included. Teio's press conference, crashed by Rampage's streaming flair, electrifies fans. Her bold spring-autumn senior crown quest fuels Twinkle Series hype. A question lingers for Rampage.
"No Japan races?" she muses.
Post-Dubai World Cup, Rampage trains in Japan. Fans wonder: Europe when? Or another local run?
"Yasuda Memorial's soon. That why they're asking?" "Likely. Training here despite Arc plans invites speculation," Minamisaka replies. "URA added turf for me. No need to rush abroad."
The chairman, inspired by Rampage's feats, secured URA funds for a turf course post-Dubai. A clear ploy, but Rampage uses it gratefully.
"When do you leave?" "When Speed Symboli's free. She's got big tasks," Minamisaka says. "Like dining with the Emperor?" "Not that common."
Rampage, who's met the Emperor, half-jokes. She regrets it.
"Worst case, adjust my schedule?" "She insists no. June departure." "Figured."
Next: King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes, a top European G1, then one race before the Arc. Rampage wants two weeks to adapt to real turf.
"Wanna see Rice's Derby…" "July 25. Two months post-Japan Derby—plenty of time," Minamisaka assures. "Phew, missing Rice's Derby would suck," Rampage says, Helios-style.
She stretches, her flexible body contrasting Rice's rigidity, hitting the ground flat.
"France souvenirs, Minamisaka?" "Souvenirs?" "Won't return soon. Eiffel Tower model?" "Whatever you think's good." "Silver Arc trophy it is."
A bold vow to win the Arc. Minamisaka laughs, picturing it.
"Looking forward to it. Castle model too? Irish?" "Irish royalty connection." "Emperor, Dubai Sheikh, now Irish royalty?" "Technically, 'Highness.'"
Air Groove interrupts. "Guests: Sakura Bakushin O, Yamanin Zephyr, Nishino Flower." "Fun trio. Be right there," Rampage says, leaving Minamisaka.
Her network grows—presidents next? Feels like a curse.
"Let's start Tachyon's menu," Minamisaka murmurs.
"Sorry, mid-training?" Flower asks. "Just stretching. Congrats on Sakura Sho! Oaks next? Third straight Tiara?" "M-Me, a Tiara!?" Flower blushes. "Don't be shy. G1 Uma Musume—own it," Rampage laughs.
Flower, fresh off Sakura Sho, eyes the Oaks but fears 2400m. Her trainer suggested learning from veterans.
"Rampage is our guide! Let's Bakushin together!" Bakushin O declares. "Like kumpu and seiran winds," Zephyr adds. "Uh…" Air Groove falters.
Rampage translates: "Kumpu's gentle summer breeze through new leaves; seiran's stronger gust. They want to support Flower, a budding G1, and run together." "Exactly," Zephyr nods. "Didn't know… I'm behind!" Air Groove laments.
Zephyr's poetic flair trips her up, but Rampage gets it. As a Tiara trailblazer, she's game—Canopus benefits too.
"Join, Air Groove. See Tiara runners live." "Please!" Air Groove beams. "Add one more," Rampage tells the trio. "Of course!" Flower agrees. "Let's Bakushin!" Bakushin O cheers. "Here we go," Zephyr smiles.
Zephyr's lines flow easier than Helios's, honestly.
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