February arrived, and with it, Rampage's long-awaited release from the daily medical commute to the Mejiro estate. Her legs were back to peak condition. Finally, she could return to her duties as a trainer with her full focus. For someone managing Mayano Top Gun's final polish and overseeing the entirety of Team Nemesis, being unable to run had been a massive handicap.
In her world, the best way to analyze a trainee's data was to feel it firsthand by running alongside them. To compensate for her absence, she had spent her recovery time setting up a network of stationary cameras and drones to observe their strides from every conceivable angle.
"How much did all this tech set you back?" one of the other trainers asked, eyeing the fleet of drones.
"Nothing. They're prototypes," Rampage replied with a smirk. "I'm testing and promoting them on my stream in exchange for the gear. Free PR for them, free eyes in the sky for me."
"…Mind if I borrow a few?"
And so, high-tech digital surveillance became the new norm at Tracen Academy. Since the academy sat on the Chairwoman's private land and held direct permits from the Japanese government, the drones hummed over the tracks without legal interference. It was during these busy days that Minamisaka approached her with a request.
"You want me to look after Canopus?" Rampage asked.
"Yes. I've already spoken with Miss Sasada, but I wanted to ask you personally."
"I don't mind, but what's the occasion? Oh, wait—Dubai?"
"Exactly."
Minamisaka explained that he would be traveling to Dubai for an overseas campaign with Twin Turbo. Unlike Rampage's previous trip, Super Creek wouldn't be going—Creek had only agreed to cross the ocean because Rampage was the one running. For a normal campaign, the logistics were much more focused.
"Turbo is incredibly fired up," Minamisaka said. "I want to get her on-site early so she can adjust to the environment."
"Good call. I spent a month out there myself before my race. First-time international travel is no joke."
Rampage assumed Minamisaka might send a proxy, but Turbo's hidden streak of shyness meant she'd likely crumble in a foreign land without a familiar face. Minamisaka had decided he was the only one for the job.
"I get it. Sasada's good, and you've got the others covering for you, so Canopus will be fine. So, which race is she in?"
"The Dubai Turf."
"The 1800m on grass, right?"
The Dubai Turf was a prestigious G1 event held during the World Cup Meeting. At 1800 meters, stamina wouldn't be the primary concern for Turbo; the real hurdles were the difference in the turf and the mental pressure of her first global stage.
"Actually, I'm not worried about her nerves," Minamisaka noted. "Mentally, she's already prepared."
"Really?"
"Did you see the Hong Kong Gold Cup the other day?"
"I did. Oh... I see. She's chasing Silverstone."
Silverstone, the girl who had traded blows with both Rampage and Turbo, had recently claimed victory in the Hong Kong Gold Cup. As a fellow "Great Escaper," her success had lit a fire under Turbo.
"You sure you don't want me to go?" Rampage teased. "I could head out there, and you could look after Pleiades for me."
"Actually... Turbo specifically asked for me to go instead of you."
"Turbo did?"
"Trainer, I want you to come to Dubai with me."
"Me? I thought you'd want Rampage-san by your side."
"...If I keep relying on Ran-ran forever, I'll never grow up! I want to win in Dubai with my own power! I want to fight Ran again—as an equal. I have to become someone who belongs in that Legend Race!"
Rampage felt a pang of warmth in her chest. Turbo was her disciple, her "little sister" who always looked to her for guidance. Turbo had realized that if she stayed under Rampage's wing, she would always just be "Mejiro Rampage's student, Twin Turbo." She was trying to break out of her shell.
"Hmph. Look at her, talking all big..."
The girl who had always been a handful was finally standing on her own two feet. It made Rampage's heart swell with pride. As a mentor, the best thing she could do was step back and let her fly—even if Rampage didn't quite remember ever "teaching" her anything traditional.
"Alright, Minami-chan. Take care of her."
"I don't need to be told. She is my trainee, after all."
"Fair point. Bring back a win."
"We will."
"Alright, Ran! Turbo's heading out!"
"Yeah. Make sure you win, Turbo. You're the second one from Canopus to take on the world. Don't let me down."
"Leave it to me!"
With her usual explosive energy, Turbo marched off toward Dubai. In her absence, Rampage kept to her routine, though she found herself running with her Canopus juniors more often, enjoying a nostalgic sense of camaraderie. Periodic reports came in from Dubai: Turbo had acclimated quickly; the turf suited her; she was ready. And then, the day arrived.
『Twin Turbo is in the lead! The Japanese challenger is absolutely tearing up the track! The Turbo Engine is running at 100% today! Can she hold on? The world's elite are closing in!』
"GO, TURBO!"
"Just a little further! Hang in there!"
"Turbo-san!"
"Go, Senpai!"
"Don't let them take you! GO!"
Back in Japan, the entirety of Team Canopus had gathered for a viewing party. Even though it was late at night, their screams of encouragement echoed through the room.
『They're gaining fast! Is Turbo fading!? Her safety margin is gone!』
"Wait, is her form off?" Nature bit her lip.
"She hasn't fully adapted to the environment... This is bad," Ikuno muttered.
They rounded the final turn and hit the straight. The gap between Turbo and the pack had shrunk to nothing. It looked like she was spent. But in that moment, the camera caught a glimpse of her face. She was smiling. In the midst of the most grueling race of her life, she looked like she was having the time of her life.
(—This is it... the real... TURBO DOKKAN BURST!)
It was almost as if they could hear her voice through the screen.
『HERE SHE GOES! Twin Turbo has ignited! The "Dokkan Turbo" is screaming! The lead was down to half a length, but she's exploding away again! Maddox is giving chase, but she can't close the gap! Zelcassette is charging from the back, but she's too late! Twin Turbo—the engine that never quits—is pulling away! SHE'S DOING IT!』
『TWIN TURBOOOO! She wins the Dubai Turf by a staggering six lengths over Zelcassette! Team Canopus has done it again! Following in the footsteps of Mejiro Rampage, another Japanese girl has conquered Dubai with a legendary Great Escape!』
"YESSSS!"
"She did it! She actually did it!"
"Sister! Turbo-san won!"
"That crazy brat... she actually pulled it off!"
Rampage had believed in her, but seeing the magnitude of the victory still sent a shiver of excitement down her spine. Turbo had conquered one of the biggest stages in the world.
『RAAAN-RAAAN! Ikuno, Nature, Machitan, Rice, Ticket, Amazon, Laurel, Doralun! Are you watching!? TURBO WON!』
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