Man o' War's POV
The warm-up routine is standard but reveals Hachiman's precision. Stretching wrists, ankles, knees, hips, and waist before running, then shifting to static exercises, working from legs upward. Dynamic drills are minimal, likely tailored to today's session. It's not a long warm-up, but it's not skipped either—no issues there.
Hachiman hasn't slacked on his studies. I see traces of Talia's teachings mixed with his own flair. He's calculated the best menu, blending it all. It's basic but time-intensive to perfect… Honestly, America could use talent like him right now.
Hachiman: "After one lap, hydrate and move to the main menu! Order is Sensei, Fuji, Air Groove, CB! Stick to warm-up pace—no faster!"
"…" I watched.
Hachiman: "…I hope they don't try keeping up with Sensei's lead… Feels like they might." mutter
"…" I glanced at him.
Hachiman: "…Uh, Professor? You're staring. Something up?"
"No," I said. "Just thinking how you've grown from an apprentice to this. It's humbling. Getting old's no fun."
Hachiman: "Uh… sure…"
"You haven't noticed," I said, "but behind us, it's not just students and trainers—reporters are swarming. My Uma Musume ears catch it, but you humans miss that."
Hachiman: "Really? They didn't seem fazed… Probably 'cause Sensei's here."
"True," I said. "Focus on your Uma Musume. Nothing else matters right now."
Hachiman: "Got it. They're almost back anyway."
As expected, Talia pulls ahead, returning with flair. Even retired, her run captivates. The other three aren't bad either.
Hachiman: "Alright, hydrate, then match race. Ideally, it'd be one-on-one, but we'll do three-on-three with one sitting out. First, you three race. Then, Sensei joins, CB sits. Next, CB joins, Air Groove sits. Then, Air Groove joins, Fuji sits. Finally, all four."
Fuji: "Got it… So, Hachiman-trainer, while we wait, just rest? Or something else?"
Hachiman: "Rest and observe. Watching's training too. Study your opponents' moves. It's key in races, right?"
Mr. CB: "Yeah! As a closer, I track the race, but staying too far back means no overtaking. Why's Miss Secretariat sitting out first, though? She's totally chill."
Hachiman: "To hear your movements, obviously. I can't keep up with you guys. That's the deal."
Air Groove: "So that's why you had Secretariat-dono train with us?"
Hachiman: "No way. I'd never use Sensei. That'd be insane."
Mr. CB: "Right~? Hatchiman'd get chewed out for that♪"
Hachiman: "CB, death sauce cream puff or wasabi cream puff—which one?"
Fuji: "Ooh, perfect for naughty ponies! Maybe I'll try it on some next time?"
Mr. CB: "I'm sorry, forgive me!!"
Air Groove: "Fuji, get ready. CB-senpai, you too."
Mr. CB: "Worry about me a little!?"
Lively bunch. Hachiman builds, Fuji Kiseki lightens, Mr. CB disrupts, Air Groove steadies. They've crafted a solid environment.
Hachiman: "Ready to start?"
The three: "Yeah." "Yup." "Okay!"
Hachiman: "Here we go…"
Clang!!
A sound cue for the start? Smart. Boosts focus and builds mental imagery.
Hachiman: "So, Sensei, how'd they look?"
Secretariat: "Mr. CB and Air Groove's forms are near flawless. That's their peak. Fuji Kiseki's still raw. Asahi Hai Futurity's soon, right? Will she be ready?"
Hachiman: "It's tight, but we've got three weeks for Asahi Hai, a month for Hanshin JF. I'll get her there."
Secretariat: "No need to worry, then. I've got nothing to add. Master, your take?"
Man o' War: "He's digging up ideas we didn't have. That sound-cue start's a prime example. He's studied well. Menu's solid, as I said. But Hachiman, you focus on the group over individuals. Sharpen your eye for each one."
Hachiman: "Yes, ma'am."
Secretariat: "They're back… CB's fastest, huh?"
Hachiman: "Sensei, prep please."
Secretariat: "Time to show them the [Big Red] run."
…Hope it doesn't crush their confidence.
Afterword
Man o' War's keen eye dissects Hachiman's meticulous training, praising his ingenuity while noting room for growth. Air Groove shines, Fuji Kiseki grows, and Mr. CB keeps it lively, all under Secretariat's legendary run. The Yahari crossover fuels the team's dynamic—Professor's insight is spot-on!
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