The Final Race.
Retiring after updating the World Record in her last run. Rampage had executed a curtain call so perfect that it forced everyone to admit no better result could ever be hoped for.
After the race, amidst a flurry of hugs and reluctant goodbyes, the retirement ceremony began. It was a grand affair, fitting for the Tyrant of Japan—nay, the Tyrant of the World. An interview was conducted as Mejiro Rampage appeared alongside Trainer Minami-zaka.
"For me, meeting Rampage-san was a turning point. I honestly thought we would continue as the 'old' Canopus forever. I know you might not believe it if I say it now, but the Team Canopus of the past was positioned firmly in the middle of the pack. I truly believed we would stay in a place where we couldn't compete with the likes of Spica or Rigil... But thanks to being captivated by her, I feel like we've arrived at an incredible place."
"Mejiro Rampage-san, what is your impression of Trainer Minami-zaka? We'd love to hear your first impressions from when you met as well."
"Let's see... The first time we met was when I was asked to be a pacing partner for Ikuno. My impression was just, 'Oh, some soft-looking guy is talking to me.' That was about it. But from there, I got drawn in pretty fast. He assessed Ikuno's leg condition without even looking directly at them after her run, and he immediately established a policy of prioritizing her health while respecting her own will. Personally, I had zero interest in sales pitches like 'Aim for the Triple Crown' or 'Let's achieve the impossible.' I fell for his sincere attitude of facing an Uma Musume head-on and walking the path together. That's why I joined Canopus."
For once, Rampage gave a serious, measured response. Suppressing the high tension that hadn't wavered even overseas, she answered with gravity. Because this was the end... Some fans burned this image of her into their memories, while others, unable to hide their loneliness, began to weep.
"Trainer Minami-zaka, what is the most memorable race for you?"
"For me? ...I suppose it would have to be the Japan Cup. At that time, during our training camp, we had built a training menu with our sights set on the Japan Cup rather than the Shuka Sho. Seeing all of that preparation bear fruit makes the Japan Cup the most memorable, I think. She had only run 13 races at that point, I believe? There were voices claiming she lacked experience, so I remember it all the more vividly because of that."
"That's a mean way to put it, Minami-chan. For me, the number one is—after all is said and done—the Shuka Sho. It felt like the prototype of my current running style was finally completed at that stage. Well, after that, a lot happened... form reconstruction, crazy training menus that this 'soft-looking guy' put together... and the result is what you see now. Seriously, the idea that Canopus's slogan is 'Safe and Sound' is a total lie."
"But you never got injured, did you? That implies that my management and Rampage's natural constitution were compatible."
"I guess that's how the math works out, but I'm still not convinced."
The only time a glimpse of their usual dynamic shone through was during their banter. It was a moment that clearly displayed a relationship that had transcended "Trainer and Athlete" to become true partners.
As the retirement interview proceeded smoothly, the interviewer adopted a resolved expression before asking the next question.
"Mejiro... Rampage-san. May we ask about your plans after retirement?"
The voice trembled slightly. It was the question on everyone's mind, yet the one they dreaded asking. Knowing it couldn't be overturned was one thing; hearing it confirmed was another entirely.
In response, Rampage smiled, patted the interviewer on the shoulder as if to comfort them, and spoke.
"As I've publicly stated for a long time, I intend to help create the next legend. To that end, I'm planning to work on the establishment, maintenance, and adjustment of the Finals and the Legend Races. We're aiming to launch next year. As for what comes after that... well, actually, I've already decided."
The crowd stirred at her words.
Establishing the Finals and Legend Races—she had declared that her supreme mandate was to build a foundation for the next generation to shine. But what about her? She had declared she would retire without advancing to the Dream Trophy League. She had mentioned she might appear in Legend Races, but...
Finally, the truth was revealed.
"Like I said, I'm just changing the stage I run on. I plan to help out."
"S-Specifically, that means..."
"Well... Tresen Academy currently has the 'Aggressor Team' with Sunday-san at the core, and there's been talk of me becoming the General Chief for that... But, unfortunately, that ain't all. Look at this."
As she spoke, Rampage pulled something from her breast pocket. She flicked it into the air with her thumb like a coin toss. It made a sharp, rhythmic sound as it spun. She caught it above her head, pinched it between her fingers, and displayed it to the world.
"If I'm gonna do it, I'm going all the way. There's still so much running left in me. I can teach this running style, my technique, my soul. General Chief of the Aggressors... that's not bad, but I feel like stepping in even deeper. I——am planning to work as a rookie Trainer at Central Tresen after graduation."
Shining there was the badge that signified passing the Trainer Certification Exam—a license to work at Central Tresen.
Yes, Rampage had secretly taken the exam, passed on her first try, and obtained her qualification.
She was becoming a Trainer.
"I told you, I'm just changing the stage. From competitor to instructor. Retiring doesn't mean I stop running. I'm gonna be a Trainer who literally runs alongside her assigned Uma Musume. I decided on this around the time I learned that 'Sue-chan'—Speed Symboli—held a trainer's license. I am retiring, but that doesn't mean it's 'Goodbye, Sayonara' to all of you. So... I'm counting on you guys from here on out too!!"
The World's Fastest and Strongest Uma Musume transitioning to a Trainer.
Everyone was astonished by her words. The other Uma Musume watching the ceremony were no exception. Rampage laughed as she looked toward those who had run her final race with her—Turbo, Teio, Rice, Ryan, Flora, and the others.
Returning the gazes of the people calling out to her, she gave a wry smile at a certain VIP who was hugging her brother in pure joy next to the Akiyama siblings, and raised her fist high.
"I Have a Dream! I have a dream!! My dream as an Uma Musume is to keep running! That is the natural dream for all of us Uma Musume!! I have run across 11 racecourses in 6 countries worldwide. Those are the traces of my run, my race records—but they are not the goal!! I don't know what kind of place that goal is, but the fact that I keep running doesn't change! So, I'll just keep running!! We Have a Dream! We have a dream!! That dream is to keep showing dreams to someone else!! To dream ourselves!! For that sake, I swear right here and now—I will keep running!!!"
Those powerfully hoisted words became the gong signaling the opening of a new era.
The retirement ceremony, which should have ended in sorrow, had transformed into a glorious celebration heading toward the next stage. Wrapped in thunderous cheers, Rampage continued to laugh.
The legendary Last Run became the prelude to the next legend.
"Ahahaha... Lan really is amazing... I knew she was amazing, but I had no idea just how amazing..."
"I'm gonna keep causing you trouble, Minami-chan."
"Cause as much as you like. After all, I am your Trainer——and I know your strength."
"You bet!!"
[Author's Note]
Rampage has retired and chosen the path of a Trainer to use her power for the next generation of Uma Musume. She'll probably serve as a sub-trainer for Canopus while acting as the General Chief of the Aggressors.
Speaking of generations, the new school term brings an interesting timing with the enrollment of Dober, Taiki Shuttle, Bright, Fukukitaru, Pearl, and Suzuka. The following year brings Spe-chan's Golden Generation, and then Opera O's Supreme Sovereign Generation. The depth of the roster around this time is truly insane.
I'm thinking I'd like to write some interactions with those generations...
You ask if I'm not going to write it? ...Of course I'm going to write it!! In fact, various ideas are already swirling in my head!! Interactions with Ayabe-san were the first thing that came to mind.
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