Hachiman's POV
Three weeks until the Japan Cup. I'm lined up with the press, watching the overseas Uma Musume train. Today's the main event: Pilsudski. As expected from a four-time G1 winner across multiple countries, her strides are razor-sharp. Only a week in Japan, and she's moving like that? Only a seasoned traveler could pull it off.
"Her movement's incredible…" Air Groove said.
"Yeah, not your average stride," I said.
"Even compared to me?" she asked.
"Don't even try it," I said. "Your muscle types are different. If you mimicked her, I'd stop you flat. It'd wreck your legs."
"Fair enough," she said. "No plans to copy her anyway. I'm fine with my style—the legs we've strengthened together, Hachiman."
"…Right," I said.
Lately, Air Groove's been dropping these slightly cheesy lines. Not cringeworthy, but… she never used to talk like this. What's gotten into her?
"Still, she doesn't look anything like Fine," I said. "More like Fuji or Opera O, maybe? Like she could pass for a guy in a suit."
"Don't say that in front of them," Air Groove warned.
"Nah, I'd just say they've got Takarazuka stage vibes," I said.
"That's just as bad," she said.
"Wanna test their reaction?" I grinned.
"Don't come crying when you get kicked," she said. "I'll patch you up, but you're on your own after that."
She'd actually patch me up? That's… kinda sweet.
"Today's not yielding much, though," I said. "Not to be rude, but with three weeks to go, overtraining now would kill their legs. Doesn't seem to faze Pilsudski, but better safe than sorry."
"No forcing it," Air Groove said. "Travel's stressful for Uma Musume. Limited movement, weight fluctuations—it's tough. We'll have to plan based on what we saw today."
"Yeah, let's wrap up," I said.
Time to shift to adjustments. The Japan Cup is perfect to test Air Groove's current strength—not just against Japan's best, but the world's.
"Alright, let's—" I started.
"Wait, fair princess!" a voice boomed.
"…What?" Air Groove said.
We turned to see Pilsudski sprinting toward us—holy crap, that speed!
"Oh, what fortune!" Pilsudski said. "To meet a beautiful, radiant, and delicate princess like you! Might I have the honor of your name, fair lady?"
"…" Air Groove blinked.
"…" I stared.
"Oh, forgive my haste!" Pilsudski said. "I got ahead of myself—how rude! I'm Pilsudski, Fine Motion's sister from Japan. And you, princess?"
"I-I'm Air Groove," she said. "Fine's… not just a friend, but a roommate who's helped me a lot."
"What!" Pilsudski exclaimed. "My princess has spoken of you! A reliable classmate and roommate! This must be fate, bringing such a lovely lady before me."
"Uh… sure…" Air Groove said.
…What a larger-than-life character.
"Highness!" Pilsudski's trainer called, rushing over. "What are you doing, sprinting off like that? Let's go—you're bothering them!"
"Bothering?" Pilsudski said. "How rude! Even if she's our greatest rival in this race, would you say the same?"
"She's scoping out the competition," I said. "Ignoring an Uma Musume like you would take a real big shot—or a complete idiot."
"And you are?" Pilsudski asked.
"Air Groove's trainer," I said. "Watched your session. Not much to gain, but still."
"You're the young genius, Clairvoyant!" her trainer said. "Word's reached us. They say you led her to the Triple Tiara in just two years."
"Thanks, but… Clairvoyant?" I said.
"It means 'clairvoyant' in your language," Pilsudski said. "Or 'Tengan'—Heaven's Eye, yes?"
"Kinda embarrassing…" I muttered.
"Indeed," her trainer said. "Highness, these two—Clairvoyant and the Empress—are no small foes."
"I can see it in her eyes," Pilsudski said.
"You're no slouch either," I said.
"Indeed," Air Groove said. "Four G1s across countries, including your homeland. Impressive."
"Praise from the Empress herself…" Pilsudski said. "Training's done for today. How about tea, for future camaraderie?"
"Thanks, but I'll pass," Air Groove said. "I want to beat you. Let's go, Hachiman."
"…Yeah, see you at the race," I said.
Afterword
Air Groove and Hachiman face Pilsudski's dazzling charisma head-on, her flair only sharpening their resolve. The Japan Cup looms as a global stage, with Air Groove's trust in Hachiman fueling her edge. The Yahari crossover shines through Hachiman's "Clairvoyant" title—will they outshine the international star?
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