Hachiman's POV
We're prepping for the Arima Kinen's pre-race interview at Tresen Academy. The questions were sent in advance, so that's no issue. The real problem? My reputation. The public doesn't think much of me as a trainer. They credit Air Groove's Tiara Triple Crown and undefeated record to her talent alone. I don't deny it—it's true. Her strength made it happen. But Air Groove? She won't hear it…
Air Groove: "No way! My record is all because of you, Hachiman—your skill! I could never have achieved this alone! It's a path we forged together, and even you, my partner, can't deny that!!"
She said that with such fire, I couldn't stay quiet. So, if the interview brings it up, I'm ready to set the record straight. When I told Air Groove, she grinned and said, "That's my partner."
"Next up," I said.
Air Groove: "Nervous?"
"If it goes smoothly, fine," I said. "But if it doesn't… I'll make my stance clear to the whole country. I'd be weird not to."
Air Groove: "Relax. If it comes to that, I'll protect you. And you'll back me up to win, full force."
"Getting protected by a high school girl feels kinda lame…" I said. "But if it happens, I'm counting on you."
Tazuna: "Excuse me! Hachiman-trainer, Air Groove-san, the interview's ready. Please come."
Hachiman/Air Groove: "Right."
Press Room
Host: "We'll now begin the pre-race interview with Air Groove-san and Hachiman Hiki-trainer. I'll be your host. Please raise your hand for questions."
As expected, plenty of reporters raised their hands. They wouldn't be here otherwise.
Reporter: "This is your first Arima Kinen. Why did you decide to compete?"
Hachiman: "After discussions with Air Groove, we decided that since she conquered the Emperor's Cup and Japan Cup, we'd aim for the Senior Triple Crown, one of the highest honors."
Host: "Yes, you there."
Reporter: "It's your first time at Nakayama and your first long-distance race. What are your concerns?"
Hachiman: "The distance is a factor, but she won the 2400m Japan Cup by eight lengths against world-class competition, with light steps and no fatigue. So, 2500m should be fine. For Nakayama, we're training to handle the final steep hill and pace control."
Host: "…Yes, you there."
Reporter: "How do you view the strategies of rival Uma Musume?"
Hachiman: "We're focused on Air Groove running her race perfectly, so we're not too concerned about the others."
Host: "…Yes, you there."
Reporter: "Air Groove-san, why did you choose to run in the Arima Kinen?"
Didn't I just answer that?
Air Groove: "As my trainer said, it's for the autumn Senior Triple Crown. And one more thing…"
The room went quiet.
Air Groove: "…To clear my trainer's name."
The reporters started murmuring. What's she about to say?
Reporter: "…Yes, you there."
Reporter: "You mentioned clearing his name. What do you mean?"
Air Groove: "You all know my trainer's reputation isn't great. You know why. But my record? No other trainer could've achieved it. It's because of Hachiman Hiki—not my talent alone, not other trainers, not his mentors, but him. I'm running in the Arima Kinen to prove his skill with my full strength."
She paused, then dropped a bombshell.
Air Groove: "And part of this stems from an article after the Hanshin JF two years ago."
Hachiman: "!"
Reporters: "!!!"
Air Groove: "Even if the race coverage was fair, I won't stand for my trainer being slandered. I've stayed silent until now, but winning the Arima Kinen will prove his skill to everyone."
Host: "…Any other questions?"
Her words left the reporters stunned—or maybe scared. No one raised a hand. Should I say something?
Host: "That concludes the interview. Please exit."
We left the room… but then…
Air Groove: "One more thing. If you write about this interview, be careful. I still have that Hanshin JF article. If there's even a hint of misrepresentation, I'll protest immediately. Be warned."
Air Groove, you're that serious!? You've been holding that grudge this whole time!?
Afterword
Air Groove's fiery defense and bold warning, as you noted, ensure no reporter dares twist her words! The Yahari crossover fuels her fierce loyalty and Hachiman's quiet resolve, setting an intense stage for the Arima Kinen.
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