To be perfectly blunt, the Uma Musume known as Mejiro Rampage does not trust adults. She might place her confidence in them, but she never truly trusts them. Part of this stems from her aunt and uncle absconding with her parents' inheritance, but the cynicism only calcified over time, fueled by the relentless vultures of the press during her active racing days. She trusts her colleagues like Sasada and Kamisurugi, and she looks up to seniors like Okino and Tojo. When it comes to Minamisaka, her faith transcends standard boundaries; the same could be said for Grandmother and "Su-chan."
"Are you really letting the media into the party?"
"Only the ones we can rely on, dear," her grandmother replied. "They represent companies vetted by the Mejiro and Symboli families. We audit and renew those credentials every six months, so you can put your mind at ease."
"There's no such thing as a 'reliable' journalist. Having confidence in someone is one thing; having faith is quite another."
"My, what a cynical granddaughter I have."
Consequently, the only guests invited were the press corps she found useful for coverage and those from companies approved by the family elders. Even so, Rampage was far from pleased. Her hatred for the media dated back to her previous life. Once, while she was heading home, a news crew had accosted her; when she refused the interview, they tried to force their way into her space. When she moved to call the police without a second's hesitation, they finally scrambled away.
Yet, amidst this crowd, there was one person she herself had invited.
The woman wore an ivory-white dress hat adorned with a deep green ribbon. Her hair was a chestnut blonde with a dull luster, marked by a distinctive white "star" pattern in her bangs. Her matching dress featured a belt draped with gold medals and various orders of nobility. She was tall—standing well over 180 centimeters—and though she clearly bore the weight of her years, her back was as straight as a spear.
"...That's no ordinary person," Rampage muttered, the words escaping her lips unbidden. "She might even be a cut above Grandmother or Su-chan."
Rampage startled herself with the observation. There were only a handful of people she had ever categorized that way: the Emperor of Japan, the Emir of Dubai, the Irish royalty who had looked after her, and President Freedom of the United States. She wondered what kind of Uma Musume this woman was, but unfortunately, Rampage wasn't a scholar of history. While she knew her horse racing, her knowledge of steeplechasers and the equestrian world was virtually non-existent—Oju Chosan was about the only name she knew.
"Are you enjoying the party?" Rampage asked, approaching her.
"Oh, yes. I'm enjoying myself immensely," the woman replied. Her voice was dignified and resonant. One didn't need to look at her physical stature to know she was someone worthy of respect; her spirit alone commanded it. It was a realization Rampage could only make because of the vast experience she herself had accumulated. "Being young is a marvelous thing, isn't it? So full of future and energy."
"The future isn't some overflowing well of certainty," Rampage countered. "What they have is simply time and vitality. These girls always had that within them; they just hadn't found the right opportunity to use it. They acted for their families; they had the talent; they faced language barriers... I simply provided the spark for their passion. How they turn that fire into strength is entirely up to their own will."
"You speak from a remarkably detached perspective."
"I've brushed against death once before. Whether I liked it or not, it forced me to see the world for what it is. And besides, once you enter the world of adults, a little detachment is a requirement for survival."
At those words, the Uma Musume turned to look Rampage directly in the eye. Her gaze was sharp enough to pierce like an arrow, carrying the heavy gravitas of someone who had tasted all the bitters and sweets of a long life. Then, those eyes softened with a mix of compassion and bewilderment.
"There is no lie in those eyes. I have seen many eyes like yours, but yours are... different. You have experienced the threshold between life and death firsthand. Am I wrong?"
"Let's just say I haven't glimpsed the 'other side' for nothing," Rampage said with a shrug. She couldn't say her life had been easy since regaining her memories—the struggles of her past remained etched into her very bones.
This seemed to strike a chord with the woman. She nodded as if savoring a profound truth, and then, she finally introduced herself.
"Allow me to introduce myself properly. I am Uranus. I serve as the Honorary Advisor for the Japan Athlete Uma Musume Union (JAUU), the National Uma Musume Association, and the International Uma Musume Federation. I am just a humble, retired girl."
"There is no way a 'humble' person holds all those titles at once," Rampage deadpanned.
Uranus laughed. "You certainly don't mince words. I like you."
Uranus. In another world, she was the beloved mount of Baron Takeichi Nishi, the gold medalist in individual show jumping at the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics—the only Olympic equestrian gold Japan had ever won. In this world, the history remained unchanged; she was the golden legend of the equestrian world. Not only the URA, but the Tracen Academy itself relied on the support of the JAUU, which Uranus had founded.
Known as "Lady Uranus" or "Mother Uranus," she had dedicated her life to protecting the peace and social standing of every individual Uma Musume. Even Symboli Rudolf's ideals were said to be heavily influenced by her.
"I heard there was a young girl shaking the very foundations of the URA lately," Uranus continued. "While the upper management is panicking, I heard that 'Ar-ko' and 'Su-ko' were busy weeding out the rot. I simply had to meet the one behind it all."
"Ar-ko and Su-ko...?" Rampage blinked. "I can't believe you can call those two by such names. I can barely manage 'Su-chan' without hitting a wall."
"That isn't a wall, my dear. That is the summit."
It was no exaggeration to say this woman had set the highest records possible for a Uma Musume. Rampage had known the name, but she never imagined that she would be the one to strike up a conversation with a titan of this caliber—even at a party where she expected big names to appear.
"You look as though you've carried quite a burden. If you are struggling, I am happy to offer my support."
"I appreciate the offer, but... I'm the type to cause trouble quite freely on my own. If I had to complain about something, it's just that the URA is being a nuisance."
"They're likely just harassing you for retiring from the turf so early. I'll be sure to have a word with them. I'll ask them: 'Are you lot traitors to your country?'" Uranus said with a playful wink.
"The gap between your status and that joke is giving me whiplash," Rampage sighed.
As the two chatted, the adults around them who understood the gravity of the situation were paralyzed with awe. Is Mejiro Rampage really speaking to Lady Uranus that casually? That fierce woman?
The leadership of the Mejiro family (including Mejiro Asama), the Symboli family heads (including Speed Symboli), the "Brilliant" families, the ancient Meisho house, the up-and-coming Satono family, and the Machikane family—even if all the great houses of the Uma Musume world banded together, they could barely restrain Uranus. She was the ultimate "lethal weapon" of the social world.
"I watch your streams every time, you know. I'd love to make an appearance!"
"I could put you on, but honestly, for someone of your level, I feel like we'd need an event prepared with airtight security."
"A simple gaming stream would be fine... but very well. Since we are here, let us take a photo together in front of the press. If they see we've become intimate, it will serve as a fine deterrent against them."
"Oh, I like that idea. Alright! Any reporters who want a shot of us, line up right here!"
But the one facing Uranus was no ordinary girl either. Rampage had conquered the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe and the Breeders' Cup Classic. She had stood face-to-face with Emperors, Emirs, and Presidents. Her nerves were made of reinforced steel; at this point, no matter who stood before her, she felt no fear.
[Postscript: Mejiro Rampage After Retirement]
The Mejiro Farm took a heavy blow from the eruption of Mount Usu, but thanks to the prize money from Rampage's career and the success of her offspring, they managed to recover.
Meanwhile, the international community panicked at the news of the disaster. A "Rampage Relief Fund" was established immediately, and several countries contacted Japan, essentially saying, "If you can't look after her, we will take her in."
Today, that legacy continues in the form of the "Rampage Birthday Donation," a global charitable event.
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