With the Hopeful Stakes concluded, the curtains fell on the Twinkle Series for the year, passing the baton to the next generation. Ordinarily, the focus would now shift to the Dream Trophy League—the "Festival of Dreams" where the strongest girls who proved their mettle in the Twinkle Series competed. However, this year was different. All of Japan was vibrating with a different kind of fervor: the URA Finals and the Legend Race.
The architect of this excitement was none other than Mejiro Rampage. Once known as the world's fastest and strongest Uma Musume, she was now wielding her influence as a trainer to organize this unprecedented spectacle. Usually, the year-end and New Year holidays were a time for people to return to their hometowns or relax at home, but this December was chaotic. Reservations for bullet trains and highway buses heading into the city were sold out—everyone was rushing toward the heart of the action.
"Right, handle it exactly like that. My apologies to the accompanying trainers, but once they reach the hotel, have them contact Tracen Academy immediately to coordinate their schedules. Coordination is everything for an event of this scale. Yes, exactly. I'm counting on you. ...Huh? Oh, yeah, it's Rampage. God, if you're going to call, at least give me a heads-up first!"
By all rights, Rampage should have been enjoying a year-end party with her team, Pleiades. Instead, her days were a blur of logistics and management. It was her brainchild, so the burden was hers to bear, but the sheer efficiency with which she balanced it all was nothing short of legendary.
"Yeah, I get it. Pass this along to them: If they really want a piece of me, tell them I'll fight with everything I have. And when that happens, I won't hesitate to use every resource at my disposal. If they've got the stomach for that, tell them to step into the ring."
Her voice, low and laced with a cold, menacing authority, echoed through the staff room. It was a tone that didn't just command attention—it seeped into the bones. Even a veteran like Rokuhei found himself swallowing hard at the sheer pressure she radiated. Most assumed she was talking about the "vulgar elites" she so often clashed with, but the phrase "use every resource" carried a chilling weight.
Minamisaka approached her with a fresh cup of coffee as she hung up. "Rough day? Was that Speed Symboli on the line?"
"No, just U-chan."
"U... chan?"
"Yeah. Uranus."
"...You really do have the most terrifying connections," Minamisaka remarked, momentarily speechless.
Everyone knew Uranus was a legend, but Rampage was likely the only person on the planet—outside of family—who would dare call her "U-chan" with such casual intimacy.
"I can't keep relying on U-chan for everything," Rampage sighed, taking the coffee. "So, I decided it was time to let certain people know exactly who's standing behind me."
"The Mejiros and the Symbolis?" Trainer Kamimizuru asked.
In the world of Japanese racing, having the backing of those two families was an absolute shield. Yet, there were still those high-level donors and URA investors with enough social standing to try and pull strings.
"No," Rampage said flatly. "The President, the directors of the FBI and CIA, the Irish Royal Family, and the Emir of Dubai, to name a few."
"Right... I forgot... you have those connections too..." Kamimizuru muttered, a cold sweat breaking out.
"If push comes to shove, I'll just tell the world that the people in Japan made it impossible for me to stay here, and I'll move overseas. What do you think happens then?"
"Good lord, kid... that is absolutely ruthless," Rokuhei whistled.
The entire staff room shared the sentiment. Rampage's value was recognized globally. If she were to claim she was being driven out of the country by "vulgar" interference, the international community would scramble to scout her, and the resulting public backlash in Japan would be catastrophic. It wouldn't just be a scandal; it would be the total social and financial ruin of anyone responsible.
"It's not ruthless," Rampage countered with a shrug. "I'm giving them the exit strategy in advance. I'm basically saying, 'Let's play nice, okay?' If they just flip the script and cooperate, I won't do a thing, and they actually stand to profit from me."
"And you think they'll find that easy to do?" Rokuhei asked. "The types who've been complaining about you this whole time are stubborn old fossils. They won't bow their heads easily; they'll likely just stay silent and seethe."
"Then let them be silent. It just means they won't be able to use my name for their own gain."
Rokuhei shook his head. That was exactly why it was ruthless. Those donors feared losing their status, but they feared losing profit even more. Seeing the massive returns being enjoyed by those who did cooperate with Rampage would be torture—but to get a piece of that pie, they would have to swallow their pride and bow to a "mere girl." Either way, their egos were going to be shredded.
"Well, I'm going to go check in on the girls slated for the Finals," Rampage said, standing up. "Kam-chan, sorry, but I'm leaving Pleiades in your hands for a bit."
"I've got it," Kamimizuru replied, her voice steady. "I'll fulfill my duties as sub-trainer to the letter."
"Look at you, getting all reliable! Big sister is so proud. I'll have to give you a special reward later."
Rampage blew a playful kiss and sauntered out of the room. Kamimizuru drained her coffee with a sigh and turned to Minamisaka.
"Minamisaka-san, please... if I get overwhelmed, let me rely on you."
"Of course," Minamisaka smiled. "Though, you really should have said that while Rampage was still here instead of trying to act tough."
"It's a senior's pride," Kamimizuru grumbled. "I'm twenty-three, but she treats me like a kid sister. It's annoying being teased like that."
"Haha, nothing wrong with that," Trainer Spica added. "The big hurdles are over for us anyway, so I can help out too—though I'm drowning in interview requests, so I might be limited."
"Then don't offer! Rigil will help too, so just ask," Trainer Rigil chimed in.
"And don't forget to put this old man to work before I kick the bucket," Rokuhei added.
Despite her "senior's pride," Kamimizuru felt a deep sense of gratitude for the bonds she had formed thanks to Rampage. Her goal was clear: she wanted to become a trainer Rampage could trust implicitly, someone who could handle Team Pleiades so Rampage could focus entirely on the Legend Race. The first step? Earning the full respect of a veteran like Minamisaka.
In a corner of Tokyo, a luxury hotel was buzzing with activity.
Uma Musume were arriving one after another, many of them looking pale and intimidated by the sheer opulence of the building. This was a premier Mejiro-owned estate, and Rampage had chartered the entire property to serve as the official lodging for the URA Finals and Legend Race participants.
As the girls entered the lobby and saw the organizer herself waiting for them, the atmosphere shifted instantly. Some cheered, some laughed, and others simply stood in awe. The reality was finally sinking in.
"Welcome, everyone," Rampage announced, her presence filling the grand hall. "There's no turning back now. The URA Finals and the Legend Race are officially upon us. Consider tonight the opening festival!"
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