"Regarding the Finals and the Legend Race that are coming up for the second time—rumors are circulating that this might be the last time you participate. Is there any truth to that?"
"It's not so much that I'm quitting, but considering my workload as a trainer, this year is simply the last chance I have to participate unconditionally. I might still enter after consulting with Kami-chan and Sakahara-san, but strictly speaking, I'm just way too busy."
"So that story got slightly blown out of proportion and became 'this is his last year,' which led Rudolph and the others to join the Legend Race as well…"
"Talk about an unwanted favor… Because of that, the URA won't shut up about it. Oh, Fine, you want a stewed soft-boiled egg?"
"I do~!!"
To normal people, the URA was a clear superior organization that couldn't be disobeyed. While many might complain behind their backs, hardly anyone would insult them so blatantly to their faces and remain perfectly willing to draw their bow against them. Of course, part of the reason was that Rampage's own influence had grown to rival that of the URA itself, meaning he had nothing to fear…
"By the way, Rampage, there is something I would like to ask you."
"What is it? There's still plenty of G1 Carrot Shirishiri left."
"I would love a second helping!! …No, wait—it's regarding your work as a trainer."
Carrots bestowed with the 'G1' title—reserved only for top-tier quality—were so delicious that one couldn't stop eating. Having seconds available was a welcome blessing, but that wasn't the main topic.
"You have been a trainer for less than a few years, barely stepping out of rookie status. Yet, you continue to actively move about scouting new Uma Musume. Even Trainer Tojo and Trainer Okino aren't quite that aggressive. While it brings me great joy to see you guiding them, doing so will only increase your busyness. It wouldn't hurt to settle down a bit, you know? You have already contributed immensely; there was no absolute need for you to become a trainer immediately after retiring from active racing. I believe you've been cautioned about this before, but… you should grant yourself a little more leeway."
It was quite a sharp point to have turned back on him. Just as he had called out the Chairwoman and her team on their workload, Rampage's own workload was exceptionally high, even among trainers. Managing two teams made that natural, but… he could easily focus on just one. In fact, the Chairwoman's view was that he could have spent at least a few years simply serving as the chief manager for Aggressor.
"I get what you're trying to say… but I've found a brand-new dream, so I can't stop now."
"A dream?"
"Japanese Uma Musume can get stronger and stronger, and I'm going to pour everything I have into that. Using that as fuel, I want to raise an Uma Musume with my own hands who will surpass even me. Could there be a more exciting dream than that? Besides, when talent like that enrolls in the academy, there's no way I can just leave them alone as a trainer."
Even for someone who didn't know horse racing, there were names everyone recognized. Thinking that Uma Musume bearing those legendary names might eventually arrive made his heart race with excitement. He wanted to run alongside them, to sprint together toward an endless, unseen horizon.
"Mm! That is indeed a sound argument!! However, do make sure to manage your health properly. As long as you submit an application in advance, I will gladly arrange time off for you!!"
"Ah, please give me a break on that. Everything has to be fair, or it wouldn't be right."
"Truly, Rampage-san is such a mysterious person."
"And that is what makes my best friend so great!!"
Fine declared with her chest puffed out in a smug posture, bringing a warm wave of laughter to the table.
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