From that day forward, Sakura Laurel's training menu intensified to a staggering degree. To an outside observer, it looked like a desperate bid for revenge—a burning obsession to reclaim the victory she had narrowly missed at the Satsuki Sho. In reality, the intensity stemmed from something far more foreign: the Derby was being treated as nothing more than a glorified training session.
In the past, Laurel had been haunted by the label of "Glass Legs," a fragile talent that might shatter at any moment. However, the constitutional reform program she had undergone daily at Team Canopus had fundamentally altered her physiology.
"I designed a menu with the goal of turning those 'glass legs' into bulletproof glass," Minamisaka had once said.
His words had proven true. Laurel's legs were now resilient enough to handle a professional-grade workload. Capitalizing on this newfound durability, Minamisaka began aggressively scheduling mock races with Mejiro Rampage.
Because the 2,400-meter distance was Rampage's home turf, even Trainer Tojo of Team Rigil took notice. Perceiving this as a sign that Canopus was coming for the Derby with everything they had, Tojo began her own counter-measures. She enlisted the help of legends like Symboli Rudolf and Daiichi Ruby to spar with Narita Brian, ensuring the "Monarch" was prepared for the challenge.
"We will be rotating tactics for every heat," Minamisaka instructed during a session. "For this run, I want you to chase Rampage-san without using her slipstream. Next time, you'll use the draft. We will alternate until the patterns are ingrained."
"Understood! Let's go, Rampage-san!" Laurel cried, her spirit undamped.
"Right behind you, kid. I'll go as long as you can keep up," Rampage replied.
The mock races became a staple of the turf. Occasionally, other heavy hitters like Hishi Amazon would join in, creating a high-pressure environment. To Minamisaka, these variables were a godsend—they allowed him to simulate the chaos of a real race with terrifying accuracy.
"So, Mina-chan," Rampage asked during a break, wiping sweat from her brow. "What's the real goal behind switching the tactics up like that?"
"One reason is to break the mental habit of relying on the slipstream," Minamisaka explained calmly. "The draft makes the run physically easier, which can lead to a dangerous lapse in focus. In a real race, that pocket won't always be there—especially not with a runner like you. I'm also conditioning her to stay calm at extreme speeds, whether she has cover or not."
"I see... so you're raising both her cruising speed and her top-end ceiling."
"Exactly. If she experiences the absolute limit of physical strain now, her spirit won't waver when things get tough on race day."
"I can't argue with that," Rampage muttered.
The goal was clear: to match Rampage's top speed even without the advantage of the draft. It was, effectively, a "Rampage Capture Method."
"You're really using me to teach her how to take me down, huh?"
"There is that," Minamisaka admitted. "But there's another reason. On the world stage, a 'Super Lead' strategy is actually quite effective."
"Is that so?"
"Put simply, when you're in an unfamiliar environment surrounded by pressure and anxiety, you don't have the luxury for complex maneuvering. It's often better to just put your head down and stay at the front of the pack."
Rampage squinted at him. "Are you calling me a simple-minded runner who can't handle complex tactics?"
"Not at all, not at all," Minamisaka replied with a thin smile.
It was a deceptively simple method of reinforcement. By forcing Laurel to synchronize with Rampage's world-class pace, he was forging a monster. There was no better training in the world than running against the world's fastest.
"I just hope it's enough to beat Brian," Rampage noted.
"We won't know until we try," Minamisaka said. "Her talent is certainly... abnormal."
"I agree. But you already measured most of her potential at the Satsuki Sho, didn't you?"
"To an extent."
Rampage smirked. When Minamisaka used words like "to an extent," it usually meant he had already dissected 90% of the target's capabilities. The only remaining variable was Brian's growth rate—a factor that could still produce surprises.
"Honestly, Mina-chan, what do you think of Brian's future?" Rampage asked. "I think she's got the 'Triple Crown' in her blood. And Laurel is right there with her. In any other generation, Laurel would have been the Triple Crown winner herself."
Minamisaka's expression didn't change. "To be perfectly honest... Brian-san isn't even in my sights."
Rampage blinked, stunned. "Whoa. If Hana Tojo heard you say that, she'd probably go into shock."
"It's a simple fact," Minamisaka continued. "She is a magnificent athlete, but that's where it ends. I feel no particular 'pull' toward her."
It had been a long time since Rampage had seen Minamisaka so dismissive. To him, the legendary "Monarch" was no longer a threat to be feared.
"Isn't it strange to view a fellow competitor as an enemy?" Minamisaka asked.
"Wait, you're coming at it from that angle?"
"Yes. As an 'enemy,' I don't give her a second thought. But as a 'comrade'—as someone who can help raise Laurel-san to a higher level—I think she is wonderful."
Rampage shook her head. If Brian heard that, I wonder how she'd react? Brian saw Laurel as her ultimate rival, yet here was Laurel's trainer viewing Brian as nothing more than a high-quality training partner.
"Shall we begin the next set? Laurel-san, this time: no slipstream."
"Yes, sir! Rampage-san, please!"
"Coming!" Rampage called out, heading back to the turf. "And don't forget you promised to stop by Team Pleiades later, Mina-chan!"
"Of course."
Minamisaka watched his partner walk away, a quiet, almost imperceptible smile on his face. Brian was a strong opponent, certainly—but that was all she was. If things stayed as they were, Brian would remain nothing more than a footnote in Laurel's journey to the world stage.
That was why he was being so provocative. He knew Trainer Tojo would respond to the pressure; she would push Brian to even greater heights to "crush" Canopus. And that was exactly what Minamisaka wanted. He needed Brian to be as strong as possible, because Laurel couldn't conquer the Arc unless she had a mountain like Brian to climb first.
"Laurel-san," Minamisaka called out as she reached the starting line. "I heard Brian-san is sparring with Rudolf-san and Ramone-san today. But do not worry. Your sparring partner is the fastest and strongest in the world. Objectively speaking, you are training at a higher level than she is. Face her with confidence—and make sure you lose effectively so you can grow even stronger."
"Wow, you really don't mince words, Trainer! Understood—I'll lose and learn!"
Since she had begun running with Rampage, Laurel's psyche had shifted. A raw, hungry spirit had begun to emerge. Every time she tasted defeat at Rampage's heels, her desire for victory grew sharper.
And yet, she hadn't noticed the subtle trap Minamisaka had set. Her "Anti-Brian" measures were slowly being overwritten by "Anti-Rampage" measures. She was no longer training to beat the best in Japan; she was training to beat the best in the world.
"Here we go," Minamisaka whispered to himself.
He wondered if she would ever realize the scale of his design.
"Start!"
-------------------------
If you enjoy this story, you can read 70+ advanced chapters on Patreon!
Webnovel will keep getting 1 new chapter every day but Patreon readers can stay far ahead.
Maybe it's not a big deal now… maybe it will be later.
[email protected]/Greyhounds
"And If you're enjoying it, drop a Power Stone for me!"