"I've done something similar!" Spe said cheerfully. "Back home, I'd pull a tire with my Mom sitting on it while I ran through the snow."
"Spe-chan, your childhood was terrifying, si," El remarked.
"But it's so lovely that your mother helped with your training," King said softly, a hint of melancholy in her eyes. "I wish mine had..."
"Ehehe... Mom isn't a trainer or anything, but she studied so hard for me," Spe said, her eyes softening at the memory. "I found her room full of reference books on sports science and nutrition. When I realized she was doing all that just for me... I knew I had to give it my all."
King looked at Special Week with genuine envy. If only my mother had looked at me like that, she thought.
"Here," Kamizuru said, interrupting their thoughts as he handed out chilled sports drinks. "Stay hydrated."
"Thank you, Ue-chan-san!" Spe chirped.
"You're the best, Ue-chan Trainer, gracias!" El added.
"Honestly, you two!" King scolded, though she took the drink with a bow. "Thank you, Trainer Kamizuru."
"Don't worry about the names," Kamizuru laughed. "Rampage calls me 'Ue-chan' so much it was bound to rub off. My seniors told me I should make you stop because it looks like I have no authority, but honestly? It makes me feel like you guys actually like having me around, so I'm fine with it."
"Say, Ue-chan-san," Spe asked. "What do you think of us? Honestly?"
"Me?"
"Are we looking sexy today, or what?!" El struck a flamboyant pose.
"Oh, that's what you meant?" Kamizuru joked.
"Behave yourself!" King snapped, whipping out a paper fan—a harisen—and whacking El upside the head.
"Gah?! King! Where did you get that?!"
"Grass-san gave it to me," King said primly. "She told me that if you said anything stupid, I was to use this to 'correct' you immediately."
"Does Grass have a grudge against me?!" El wailed.
"It's probably the sauce thing," Spe whispered.
"Spe-chan! Not you too!"
Kamizuru watched them with a smile. They were a lively bunch—the old saying about three women being enough to start a riot certainly applied here, but their energy was warm and full of genuine camaraderie.
"Seriously, though," Kamizuru said, his tone turning earnest. "The three of you are performing at an incredibly high level. I'm genuinely excited to see how much more you grow before your debut. But at the same time, seeing you three makes me realize how bottomless Rampage's talent is. I mean, remember—she's technically 'retired.' It's hard to believe."
"It really is," King agreed. "And she's training for a Legend Race this year... her dedication is staggering."
"But Rampage-san always wears those Shinzan Shoes, doesn't she?" El noted.
"I can barely even walk in those," Spe admitted.
To the girls, Rampage was an absolute, towering existence—an icon to be admired and chased. Kamizuru felt the same way.
"You want to try the beginner version?" Kamizuru asked. "We're scheduled for a stamina swim next, but we have time for a quick trial."
"Beginner version? How heavy is that?" King asked skeptically.
"About 1.5 times the weight of a standard horseshoe," Kamizuru explained. "That's actually a normal training weight. The 'Shinzan' shoes Rampage uses are the ones that are insane. Anyone who can use those like they're normal is a freak of nature."
"You should tell that to Minami-chan," a voice grunted from the shoreline. "I was just as shocked the first time I saw them."
Rampage had emerged from the sea. She unhooked the heavy rope, stacked the tires with practiced ease, and reached for a water bottle. Even in a standard competitive swimsuit, her physique was a masterpiece of functional muscle. The three girls couldn't help but feel a thrill of awe looking at her.
"And here she is," Kamizuru joked. "The Boss herself, in league with the King of the Weighted Shoes."
"Who are you calling 'Boss'?" Rampage growled, though there was no heat in it. "What were you all whispering about? Talking smack behind my back?"
"Never, Lady Tyrant!" Kamizuru teased. "I wouldn't dare utter a word against your terrifying majesty."
"Tch. Why do people always call me a tyrant or 'scum'? Honestly, what is wrong with the media these days?"
"They're just industrial waste," Kamizuru said flatly.
"See, girls?" Rampage laughed, gesturing to Kamizuru. "Your trainer can be just as savage as me when he wants to be."
The little performance broke the tension, and the girls burst into laughter. Rampage joined them, her eyes bright with competitive fire.
"Alright, enough standing around. I'm taking over for this next set. Get your tracksuits on and follow me. We're going for a run!"
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