"Rampage-san! Let's do a duet!"
"Absolutely not."
"WHAAAAAT—!?"
Following the self-promotional interview, it was time for a live performance to keep the gala's momentum going. Flora immediately seized the chance to ask for a duet, but Rampage's flat rejection sent the chat into a frenzy of laughter.
—LMAO she got rejected instantly.
—F in the chat for Flora.
While they had technically performed on the same stage during their active days, Rampage harbored a deep, borderline pathological distaste for the concept of a duet.
"Songs change with the times, and the times change with songs," Rampage announced, smoothly ignoring Flora's despair. "As this year draws to a close, a new beginning is upon us. Ladies and gentlemen, please enjoy a solo performance by Agnes Flora!"
"Wait, what is this vibe!? Are we in a televised singing contest!?"
"She will be performing the song that commemorates her two greatest victories—'Special Record!'"
Rampage shoved the microphone into Flora's hands and hopped off the stage. Flora stood frozen for a second, bewildered by the sudden turn of events, but as the lights shifted and the familiar intro music began to swell, a switch flipped. The goofy, thirsty girl vanished, replaced by the elite talent of Team Rigil. Her voice rang out with professional grace, proving her pedigree.
I'll use this as my chance for a break, Rampage thought, slipping into the crowd.
The gala featured a literal mountain of food—Japanese, Western, and Chinese cuisines were all represented. The chef teams from the Mejiro and Symboli estates had formed an alliance for the night, determined to prove that no matter how much an Uma Musume could eat, they could provide more.
"Whoa! Tama, this dish is incredible!"
"Let me see—hey! Oguri! You didn't leave any for me!"
"Please do not worry," a waiter appeared instantly, carrying a fresh tray. "We have prepared ample seconds."
"Where are ya even hidin' that much food!?" Tamamo Cross barked in surprise.
"A trade secret, I'm afraid. Please, Oguri-sama, eat to your heart's content."
The kitchen staff was in high spirits. Faced with legendary gluttons like Oguri Cap, the chefs took it as a personal challenge to make the racers admit they were full before the night was over.
"Still..." Rampage murmured, watching the stage.
Flora was dancing now, her eyes sparkling under the spotlights. It was easy to forget, given how she acted around Rampage, but Flora was one of the definitive racers of her generation—a two-time Japan Cup winner who had taken on the world. She was a figure of inspiration for many juniors, and her performance tonight reminded everyone why she held her status.
"When she's like that, she actually looks like a reliable, popular senior," Rampage noted.
"She is. She's a pillar for Team Rigil," a voice replied.
Rampage turned to see Hana Tojo leaning against the wall near her. The veteran trainer held two cocktails; she handed one to Rampage. It was a non-alcoholic blend, judging by the scent.
"In many ways, she's exceptional," Hana continued, watching her student. "It's only because Rigil has girls who are even more 'flashy' that she sometimes gets overlooked, but she's more than strong enough to be the core of any top-tier team. To be honest, she's so capable I could leave her in charge as my proxy."
"Is she planning on becoming a trainer?" Rampage asked.
"I wouldn't go that far, but if I have to go on a business trip for a few days, I can leave the team in her hands without a single worry. It's a huge help."
Rampage nodded. It made sense. Flora came from the prestigious Agnes line. While they might not have the overwhelming historical weight of the Mejiros or Symbolis, they were a distinguished family of high-spec athletes. It wasn't surprising that her baseline capabilities were so high.
"You really trust her, don't you, Ohana-san?"
"I do. I once thought she would be the next Captain of Rigil—the one to finally claim the Triple Tiara."
"My, is that a hint of bitterness I hear?"
"No," Hana smiled, her gaze turning toward Rampage. "Actually, I'm grateful to you."
Before her defeat to Rampage, Flora had been good—but after finding a true rival, she had evolved beyond anything Hana had envisioned. It was a stark reminder of how much a "nemesis" was required for true spiritual and athletic growth. Flora had become obsessed with Rampage, yes, but that obsession provided a constant, self-sustaining fountain of motivation that made Hana's job significantly easier.
"I'll admit, I spent many sleepless nights trying to craft a menu that could actually beat you," Hana said.
"See? Bitterness."
"I told you, it's gratitude. From the bottom of my heart."
Team Rigil had sent Symboli Rudolf off into the world, and everyone expected the next "Once-in-a-Century" talent to appear immediately. But geniuses don't grow on trees. Hana had endured countless articles questioning if Rigil had lost its edge, or if they had simply been riding on Rudolf's coattails.
"But you know... training Flora has been the most fun I've ever had," Hana confessed. "Training an absolute, invincible genius is stressful in its own way. You're always walking on eggshells. But helping a girl who is burning with a fierce, ugly desire to win—who wants to drag down the champion no matter what—that was deeply fulfilling."
The days of huddling over data with Flora, trying to bridge the gap between hope and reality to topple the Tyrant... those days had reminded Hana of why she became a trainer in the first place.
"Don't get too sentimental yet," Rampage teased. "She's already talking about the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. Your days of 'struggling' aren't over, Ohana-san."
"True enough. I'll keep doing my part—as her trainer."
Hana finished her drink, waved a hand, and disappeared into the crowd to greet the trainers who had traveled from the regional tracks. Rampage realized Hana was taking over the networking duties so Rampage could relax—a small but professional kindness.
As Rampage stood there, Oguri Cap approached her.
"Rampage, do you have a moment?"
"Sure, Oguri. What's up?"
"Today, I'm racing as 'Oguri Cap of Kasamatsu.' So, it isn't just Rokuhei-san behind me."
"Oh? Does that mean your old trainer from Kasamatsu is here?"
"Yes. He was just with me a second ago... Ah! Over here!"
Oguri waved toward a man who was walking toward them with tentative steps. He was wearing a high-end suit that clearly felt foreign to him; he looked uncomfortable, as if he were afraid of breaking something just by standing near it.
"Don't rush me, Oguri... I'm renting this suit, and I don't want to get a single speck of dust on it..."
"It will be fine! Rampage said it's okay if they get dirty!"
"Yeah, don't sweat it," Rampage chimed in. "In fact, feel free to just keep the suit when you head home."
"I couldn't possibly—oh, wait, Oguri, if she's right there, you should have warned me!"
The man stood before Rampage, straightened his posture with a nervous cough, and bowed.
"I-it is an honor to meet you, Mejiro Rampage-san. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for this invitation. I never dreamed I'd get to stand by Oguri's side for a race like this again... I am Minoru Kitahara, Oguri's trainer back at the Kasamatsu track."
"Also known as 'Kitahara Jones,'" Oguri added helpfully.
"H-hey! Don't call me that now!"
"Kitahara, don't be so stiff," Oguri said, her expression softening into its usual blank but kind look. "Rampage and I are friends. You can talk to her just like you talk to Berno."
"Don't make it sound so easy..." Kitahara muttered.
Rampage watched the exchange, feeling a genuine warmth in her chest. Oguri's trainer was officially Rokuhei now, but her heart still belonged partly to the man who discovered her in the dirt of the countryside. Seeing them together, preparing to face the legends of the turf as a unit...
Yeah, Rampage thought. This is why I planned this whole thing. It was worth it just for this.
"Oguri is always helping me out," Rampage said, offering a hand. "Drop the formal stuff. I'd much prefer it if we could just talk normally."
"Ah... alright. I'll... I'll give it my best shot," Kitahara replied, shaking her hand.
With Oguri nodding happily in the background, Rampage felt the weight of the upcoming races. It was time to stop being a "host" and start getting ready for the "Legend."
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