Hachiman's POV
No need for a grand intro, but besides Air Groove, I've got another Uma Musume under my wing: Fuji Kiseki. She's stepping into the Classic class this year after an undefeated 4-0 streak in her Junior days, including a G1 win. Word around the academy is she's a top contender for the Triple Crown. No doubt, she's brimming with talent.
Plus… she's got this gentlemanly charm and crazy popularity. A true gent of an Uma Musume. And she's amazing with the younger girls.
Fuji: "Oh my, brooding out here? Got something on your mind?"
Hachiman: "…Just sorting out my thoughts about you."
Fuji: "Me?"
Hachiman: "Yeah, pretty much."
Fuji: "Learn anything interesting?"
Hachiman: "Yup. You're a natural Uma Musume charmer."
Fuji: "Now I'm curious how I look in your eyes." leans in
Hachiman: "…You sure about this? My eyes are kinda murky. Doesn't it creep you out?"
Fuji: "Really? They're unique, sure, but I think they're lovely. They show you always put us Uma Musume first—kind eyes. So, how do my eyes look to you?"
Hachiman: "I take back the charmer bit. You could sweet-talk anyone."
Fuji: "Dodging the question? Very you. But I don't mind that side of you."
…She does this so naturally, it's unreal. I could never pull off lines that smooth.
Fuji: "You're focused on training now, but our first race is the Yayoi Sho, right? You mentioned in the meeting we're aiming for the Triple Crown?"
Hachiman: "For now, yeah. Your running style and aptitude suit mid-distance, but the Derby's length might be tough. We'll start with the Yayoi Sho and Satsuki Sho. If those push you too hard, we might switch tracks. But your goals come first."
Fuji: "…Hachiman Trainer-san."
Hachiman: "Hm?"
Fuji: "You'll get me to the Derby, right?"
Hachiman: "Nah, that's impossible."
Fuji: "Wha!?"
Hachiman: "Only you can seize that chance. I can help with training and support, but I can't take you to the Derby. It's all on you. If you want it, I'll back you 100%."
Fuji: "…"
Hachiman: "Even if you make it, winning's up to you too."
Fuji: "…Then, Hachiman Trainer-san."
Hachiman: "What?"
Fuji: "I want to win the Derby!"
…
Hachiman: "Then we've got serious training ahead. Building distance aptitude isn't easy, so brace yourself. More hill training's coming."
Fuji: "Hehe, leave it to me! I'll show you my 'Kiseki'♪"
Hachiman: "I'm counting on it. First up's the Yayoi Sho. You're strong enough to dominate now, but we'll make you stronger. Let's do this."
Fuji: "That's the spirit!"
Looks like I fired her up. The Derby, huh? My first shot with Fuji… Wonder what the pressure's like. No point dwelling on it now. Gotta build her training plan.
Club Room
Hachiman: "…"
Click
Air Groove: "Hm, you're early. Usually you leave the key and let us in, but you're waiting today… Rain tomorrow?"
Hachiman: "What do you take me for…"
Air Groove: "Haha, kidding. But it's rare. Something up? Wanna talk?"
Hachiman: "No worries or anything. I'm good."
Air Groove: "Alright. But if something comes up, Fuji and I are here."
Hachiman: "Yeah, thanks."
Click
CB: "Yoohoo! I'm here~!!"
Air Groove: "…Never learns, does she?"
CB: "Duh! Gotta keep appealing to Hachiman, or some other Uma Musume'll snag the third spot!!"
Hachiman: "Relax, you're the only third candidate right now."
CB: "Wait… Really? REALLY!?"
Hachiman: "Yup, so chill."
CB: "Yesssss!!"
Air Groove: "What about Rice Shower, Hachiman? Isn't she your favorite?"
CB: "…Hachiman?"
Hachiman: "Uh? Well… Yeah, Rice is great too… Oh, crap, maybe I've got another third candidate."
CB: "Noooo!! Air Groove, why'd you say that!!"
Fuji: "Sorry I'm late… Huh?"
CB: "You didn't have to say it now!! Save it for when I'm locked in as the third!! Not when we're picking!!"
Air Groove: "But Hachiman was eyeing her too, and I couldn't let that slip."
CB: "Grr!!" glare
Fuji: "Uh… What's going on?"
Hachiman: "Just some drama about my third trainee."
Fuji: "Ohh… Got it."
Hachiman: "Alright, you guys, get ready for training. Up, up!"
CB: "Hachiman!! It's me, right? I'm the third, right!? You said so!!"
Hachiman: "Yeah, yeah, I got it. Get ready, CB, or I'm leaving you behind."
Phew… Things are getting hectic again.
Afterword
The Fuji Kiseki arc kicks off with a bang in this Yahari x Uma Musume chapter! Fuji's charm and Derby dreams shine, while Hachiman's support and CB's antics set the stage. Air Groove's teasing and Rice's mention stir the pot—Fuji's Triple Crown journey begins!
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