"It has been a long time, Rampage-san." "Ohh, if it isn't Eric!"
During their practice session, a certain person arrived: Eric, who had served as Rampage's SP (Security Personnel) captain in Dubai. He had since returned to his original security detail and was now leading the close protection unit surrounding the hotel. Notably, his team consisted entirely of highly decorated super-elites who had specifically volunteered to be part of Rampage's security detail.
"Your achievements were truly spectacular, sir. Conquering the Arc de Triomphe… I will eternally be proud to say that I was your SP." "You're exaggerating."
It turned out that this was no exaggeration; the feat was genuinely a massive source of pride. Upon his return to the States, Eric had been bombarded with questions and swamped by colleagues pleading to be recommended next. While it wasn't a compromise, exactly, Eric used the lure of potentially building a relationship with Rampage to secure SP assignments for Lady and Dyna. The sheer number of volunteers who took the bait ensured that two suitable teams, staffed with highly qualified personnel, were dispatched for the task.
"That's a good way to put those connections to use. If that's how you're using them, I'm all for it." "I knew you would say that, sir." "Heh, you really get me, don't you?"
Having been close to Rampage for a short but intense period, Eric had a solid grasp of his thought process and understood this aspect of his character. Naturally, Rampage had no intention of faulting his actions; if the connections benefited a friend, it was something to be praised.
"By the way, what kind of résumés do these guys have?" "Lady-san's SP captain is former SAS. Dyna-san's is former Green Beret." "Say no more. What kind of lineup is protecting them?!"
"If it would be alright with you, a signature would make everyone very happy." "Sure, I'll sign whatever you need…"
Rampage had thought this trip to America might generate new connections... but he'd completely forgotten that thanks to Eric and Minamizaka, a crazy powerful conduit was already established in the US. He was so preoccupied with rumors—like the FBI Director wanting to speak with Minamizaka while they were in the States—that he missed the obvious.
"Stop right there. Any more of that is going to set off a flag…" "Rampage-san, actually, I have one more request." "Eric, asking me for a favor? What is it? You want a signed photo for your entire family?" "For the family, absolutely, but that is not the request. I need you to save face for me." "Save face?… Ah-ha! Your boss told you to bring me in, didn't he?" "You are correct, sir…"
Eric, too, had certain obligations. Since Eric had helped him in Dubai and arranged security for his friends, Rampage had no issue with helping him save face. If anything, he was eager to cooperate proactively.
"So, what do I need to do? Do I need to head out somewhere?" "No, they will be coming to this hotel. I just ask that you wait in your finest attire." "Got it."
Eric immediately took out his phone to make contact, while Rampage, in the meantime, showered off the practice sweat and donned his best clothes. He was about to meet this person, but...
"Eric… My phonebook is absolutely wrecked now." "My boss sends his deepest apologies, sir…"
"Ohakon Hallochao! I'm the World Record in your memory, the tyrannical dictator, the Triumphant Return! Attacking the rail, sweeping the outside, passing everyone and letting absolutely no one get ahead—I'm Rampage! Have you all been doing your good deeds?"
Rampage decided to start a stream.
"This is a solo stream, which is kind of a first in a while. Honestly, having a guest had become the norm lately, so this feels super fresh. Normal streams don't get guests at this crazy pace, do they?"
This channel is an anomaly among all streaming channels.
It's not just the abnormal number of guests.
The guests who appear are invariably legends…
Lady won Japan's first G1 in America.
Dyna followed up right after.
This generation is seriously messed up.
Lady is a different generation, confirmed.
"Anyway, I'm streaming from America! Man, this place is wild—so many paparazzi. I always saw those extreme tabloid stories on the news and thought, 'Does that really happen?' And now I'm the target, which is annoying. It really makes you appreciate how comfortable Ireland was. But hey, I've got former military SPs watching my back, so I'm safe. Lady and Dyna have the SAS and Green Berets, by the way."
Is that your only takeaway about America?
Well, it's a more intense country compared to Japan, I guess.
I mean, come on.
Who would dare charge into the presence of the King and make a ruckus?
It affects national prestige.
SAS and Green Berets…?
That sounds terrifying.
Rampage's calm, business-as-usual demeanor, no matter the situation, was a source of inner relief for the viewers. The American trip was vastly different from the European one—the environment and the required perfect protection system were worlds apart. Fans had been worried, but it seemed their concern was unnecessary. (Though many fans weren't worried at all.)
"Alright, gentlemen, I know what's on everyone's minds. Don't even say it, I know, I know—you're wondering if I've made another ridiculous connection here in America, aren't you?"
No, not just that, but that too.
Definitely that.
The Emperor, the Emir of Dubai, the King of Ireland.
Who's next?
The CIA Director?
That's not funny.
Ah, the Duel Muscle Guy.
That's 'Director' (Chō-kan).
"Relax—I had zero intention of making one, but they came to me anyway."
H-he's dead inside… Look at his eyes.
The Tyrant's rare dead eyes.
The obnoxious fans must be thrilled.
Serves you right!!
Ugh, there they are already.
As much as you're celebrating, the Tyrant only looks like that for someone seriously big.
Is international relations deepening again?
The individual who steers the economy and the nation.
Rampage had encountered something that literally made his eyes dead. Coincidentally, Flora, who was watching this stream, felt something awaken within her upon seeing the "dead-eyed" Rampage, but she quickly refocused on identifying the obnoxious fans.
"So, Eric, who's my current SP, asked me to meet his boss. He took care of me in Dubai and hooked up Lady and Dyna with their security, so I owed him and said OK. So, I put on my best outfit and went to the hotel's VIP room, and guess who was waiting? Take a look."
Saying this, he revealed a photo taken at the time. He had secured full permission, so publishing it wasn't an issue—except for the sheer impact of the content.
Hey, there's a Umazu-me (Umamusume) in there.
Wait, isn't that Unbridled!?!
Seriously? The one he battled in the Champions Cup!
Why is the BC winner there? Wait, if she's with them, these other three must be incredible people…
…Is it just me, or do I really know that guy?
Funny coincidence, brother, me too.
I am shocked.
The photo displayed several figures: Unbridled, smiling with her arm around someone, and a man in a suit beaming behind her. Behind Rampage, a nice-looking, dapper man had his hand on Rampage's shoulder and was giving a thumbs-up, while another man was flashing a peace sign.
"The guy behind Rudd-san is Rudd-san's actual father. Yeah… I thought my head was going to explode."
FAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!
WHAT THE HECK IS THAT?!
Seriously, what are you doing? Why?!
Those faces are all over the news!
Wait, Rudd-san is the daughter of someone that big?!
Is this okay? Is it really okay to post this?!
Yeah, I'd lose my mind too!
LET'S PAAAAAAARTYYYYY!!!
It's literally that!
That's the President of the United States!?!
Yes, the "boss" Eric had brought him to meet was none other than the President of the United States, Unbridled's father (the FBI Director), and the CIA Director. Apparently, they had painstakingly adjusted their schedules and made the trip just to see him. While a grueling schedule awaited them afterward, all three gave Rampage a fervent handshake, declaring the time well worth it.
"...Nan-chan, America is truly a land of freedom."
"Mr. President… at least give me a heads-up…"
Even Minamizaka was clutching his head. And the server, which was supposed to have been reinforced and upgraded, promptly crashed.
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