"Congrats again on the Japan Cup. Honestly, your world record topping my win was beyond my expectations," Rudolf said.
"Hah! Even the Emperor misjudges sometimes. Maybe I've got a trickster streak," Rampage grinned.
"Ugh, Rampage-chan, don't tease Rudolf too much!" Ramone chimed in.
"Sorry, Ai-chan-senpai."
Recovered enough from the sanatorium, Rampage returned to Tressen Academy. Staying cooped up wasn't healthy, so she'd rest there on weekends. Minamisaka smiled, seeing her back. But a student council summons surprised her. No memory of trouble, yet there were President Rudolf and Vice President Ramone, waiting.
"Not that I doubted you," Rudolf clarified, "but Oguri Cap came back from Mejiro's sanatorium in top form. I thought she'd take it."
"Yeah, Oguri-san was having a blast. Trainer Rokuhira said it was great refreshment, even thanked us."
Oguri's historical 11th-place finish marked her as "done." But Mejiro's intensive care, good food, and staff support revitalized her, mentally and physically, leading to a strong third place. Rudolf's high hopes for her were understandable.
"She'll shine in the Arima Kinen. I saw the press conference—good call sitting it out. Full recovery is best," Rudolf said.
"I get it. I'm resting quietly," Rampage replied.
Rudolf backed Minamisaka fully, as did Tojo and Okino. The media's obsession with hype annoyed them. Fame made your body less your own; small mistakes ballooned into scandals. But Minamisaka prioritized his Uma Musume's health over optics.
"So, why the summons? Did I mess up at the conference? Getting a lecture?" Rampage asked.
"Nah, I think you were right. Tressen's considering banning those publishers," Rudolf said.
"Sweet!" Rampage smirked, stifling a triumphant laugh to avoid a scolding.
"To the point," Rudolf continued. "Mejiro Rampage, ever thought of joining the student council?"
"Here? Seriously?"
"Yep. I'm president, Ramone's vice president."
The student council. In the app, Rudolf was president, with Brian and Air Groove as vice presidents. Now Ramone filled that role. An invitation was unexpected.
"Not just you—Ryan's been asked too," Rudolf added.
"What, is the council Triple Crown exclusive?" Rampage quipped.
"If so, we'd have 19 crowns together," Rudolf mused. "20 if Ryan takes Arima. No one'd dare follow us."
"That'd scare off successors. No council unless you're a Triple Crown?" Rampage laughed.
"Ramone also mentioned you're fluent in English and French," Rudolf said.
"German and Italian too," Rampage added.
"Brighter than I thought," Rudolf said, impressed.
In her human days, Rampage fell for German's coolness, then dove into mythology as a teen, leading to this. Youth's wild.
"You don't have to join, but could you help occasionally? You're getting documents, and I'm not as multilingual as you," Rudolf said.
"No problem, Prez. Easy gig," Rampage agreed.
For now, joining the council was on hold. She wanted to focus on racing, at least until she settled into the Senior division.
"So, what's your Senior goal? Undefeated Triple Crown, Japan Cup world record—you could even join the Dream Trophy League," Rudolf said.
"Nah, no interest. Haven't raced Ryan yet," Rampage shot back.
URA officials had asked Rudolf to gauge her interest, but her instant rejection—coupled with her win costume snub—left them reeling. How many times would Rampage crush their hopes?
"Overseas, then?" Rudolf pressed.
Her Japan Cup win over foreign Uma Musume raised expectations. Fans dreamed of her conquering the Arc de Triomphe. Her language skills made solo European challenges feasible.
"Nope, not really. Foreign turf's different—longer grass, softer ground. Winning here doesn't mean winning there," Rampage said.
"Realistic take," Rudolf nodded.
Foreign turf demanded power, unlike Japan's speed-focused tracks. Success in one didn't guarantee the other.
"Probably the Emperor's Cup. I'm a Mejiro Uma Musume, after all," Rampage declared.
"Makes sense," Rudolf approved.
With that, Rampage left for Canopus. Rudolf and Ramone exchanged glances.
"She'd handle foreign turf fine," Rudolf said.
"With her Shinzan Iron training, she's got power and speed. She's adaptable," Ramone agreed.
Rudolf glanced at a hidden document—a love letter from a foreign Uma Musume Rampage defeated in the Japan Cup. One line stood out:
"I'll beat you at the Arc de Triomphe."
"How do we get her interested in overseas racing? Quite the challenge," Rudolf mused.
"What?! Eviolite on Donphan does nothing?!" Turbo exclaimed.
"It's not Donphan's evolution, Turbo. I thought so too, but Iron Treads is like a Primal Reversion, not Mega Evolution," Rampage explained.
"Heh, no match for my sun-rain team!" Nature boasted.
"Speaking of, does Ancient Activator trigger in sun because of Primal Groudon?" Rampage wondered.
"Sounds plausible," someone said.
"Everyone's having fun," another voice noted.
Canopus was, as always, at peace.
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