Mejiro Rampage was a charismatic figure. Her ongoing undefeated myth was a factor, but her success overseas was undoubtedly a major contributor. Perhaps inspired by her, the number of horse girls aspiring to enter Tracen Academy was rapidly surging. Not just the Central Tracen, but even regional Tracens were overwhelmed with unprecedented requests for campus tours and career consultations. Some teachers were already worried about next year's entrance exams being an absolute nightmare.
Due to this charisma, not only turf racing but also dirt racing was experiencing a surge in popularity. The reason wasn't solely her; Lady Saber and Amazing Dyna, who fought valiantly in the Dubai World Cup, were also factors. The notion that dirt racing was inferior to turf was now considered an outdated idea. The very source of this phenomenon, the charismatic figure of the Japanese horse girl world, was—
"I want rice~ ♪"
—dancing the Uma Pyoi Densetsu on a livestream.
"So, that's it for Uma Pyoi Densetsu, as requested. I really wanted two people on the sides, but I'd feel bad asking Sue-chan to do it, wouldn't I? So it's just me, and I'm sorry the screen looks a bit lonely."
If a horse girl of her caliber did something like this, it would usually ignite a firestorm. Her streams would be flooded with anti-comments, and her Twitter would be filled with rambling complaints from self-proclaimed experts. She would be slammed for lacking dignity or being unsuitable as a representative of Japan. But Rampage's response was always:
"Well, that might be what you think, you being you. So why don't you actually take a poll to see if I'm unsuitable or not? Is there anyone else who's achieved more results than me, and is friendly with His Imperial Majesty, His Highness the Emir of Dubai, and His Majesty the King of Ireland? As for Ireland, diplomatic relations have even improved, so how about that...? Anyone can complain without showing anything through their actions, like I do."
No matter how much she was praised or criticized, Rampage stuck to her guns. Even when anti-fans appeared, she treated them as if the wind was blowing, completely unfazed. Some tried to latch onto her unyielding attitude, but—they quickly quieted down when pressure, in the form of "we'll sue you for defamation ♪" was applied through the lawyers of the Mejiro family and the Symboli family. For better or worse, Rampage had become a representative of Japan. Her next race was the Irish Champion Stakes, known in Japan as the "Ai Champion Stakes," for which she was currently undergoing special training.
"Ah, oops!"
However, a certain problem arose at that time.
"Sue-chan, what should I do? I've done it again~"
"Oh dear~"
It was the wear and tear of the Shinzan steel. The Shinzan steel, which supported Rampage's strength, had been significantly wearing down since she adapted her running style for European turf. Compared to Japanese turf, European turf had more cushioning and required more power, leading her to adopt a stronger, more forceful running style. Her cornering in the previous race was a clear manifestation of this, and her race-day horseshoes were so worn that they would break after just one more use. The Shinzan steel was no exception.
"I hadn't anticipated this... I didn't realize Ran-chan's leg strength had increased so much..."
"I think this is a phenomenon unique to running here. This is the result of adapting to the turf here."
Taking off the Shinzan steel she had been wearing, both pieces were equally worn down and broken. This was not only proof of Rampage's leg strength but also of her excellent body balance. It also indicated how well-conditioned her body was, but... it was still a problem.
"That said, practicing with caution won't do any good..."
"Best friend~! I brought a delivery~!!"
As Sue-chan held her head in her hands, Fine arrived with her security detail. It was a familiar sight by now, but the SP captain was running, sweating profusely. What a mischievous princess...
"It's here! The gift from Japan!"
"Oh, just in time."
"Talk about perfect timing."
The SP captain placed the box on the ground. Urged by Fine, Rampage opened it... Inside were horseshoes and a letter.
"So these are the Shinzan steel horseshoes!"
"Yeah, they should be. And this letter... it's from Shin-san. What's with a letter, all of a sudden?"
"Well, why don't you read it? Knowing him, I doubt it's meaningless."
Prompted by Sue-chan, she opened the letter. It was written in an unusually elegant hand; accustomed to Turbo's neat writing, Rampage could barely read it, but for most people, it would probably be too skillfully written to decipher.
Congratulations on your KG VI & QE Stakes victory. How does it feel to conquer both overseas turf and dirt? Well, that's beside the point. Watching your race, I thought your leg strength had improved significantly, so I'm sending you something I've been requesting for a while that's finally complete. I asked a renowned craftsman, the one who makes my horseshoes, to make these. He apparently struggled for over half a year to make them, so be grateful to the person who made them and use them well. Renamed from Shinzan steel to—Rampage steel. Be grateful and use them.
"Hey, hey, he said he'd give them to me along with the name, but seriously, don't put my name on them..."
Shinzan had previously said he'd give her the Shinzan steel, name and all, and now it had finally become a reality. Rampage steel, horseshoes literally engraved with her name. A substantial weight was evident when she lifted them. She knew Shinzan steel was made by craftsmen recognized by the country, and she understood that these were of the same caliber.
"Well, if it's something I can get, I'll take anything but illness, especially something like this..."
"Nyoho ♪"
"Sue-chan... I wanted to say that."
"Tehe ♪"
In any case, she now had new horseshoes. She immediately decided to try them on. The weight was the same as 10x Shinzan steel, but the feel was different. They were much harder than the previous ones but also had a subtle softness. And she understood: these were sturdy horseshoes that could withstand her powerful strides.
"Go run! You want to run, don't you? You're so restless, Ran-chan, it's adorable."
"Don't tease me, Sue-chan—but, I'm off!!"
As Rampage dashed off, Fine became excited. Sue-chan reread Shinzan's letter. There was a postscript at the end.
P.S. I also cooperated in the completion of these. If you lose using these, I won't forgive you, so run with all your might, my friend.
"Oh my, my, my... Another thing to report to Ah-chan ♪"
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