Fuji Kiseki's POV
Two months into the Classic season already. Hachiman Trainer-san took my dream of racing in the Derby to heart and built a training menu for me. We're focusing on stamina-building right now. Of course, I'm not slacking on other training—I'm giving it my all. Still, I can't shake the anxiety about whether I can compete in the Derby and go the distance.
I train with Air Groove and CB-senpai, but even then, I'm only running at 70-80% effort. It makes me feel like I need to do more, but Hachiman Trainer-san's mentor warned against overworking. Plus, his sharp eyes would catch me pushing too hard.
Hachiman: "…Yayoi Sho's almost here. You're looking solid. 2000m should be no problem."
Fuji: "Really?"
Hachiman: "I don't lie."
Fuji: "So, keep up this pace? Or add something?"
Hachiman: "…Fuji, you been sleeping okay lately?"
Fuji: "H-Huh? Why do you ask?"
Hachiman: "You're hiding it with light makeup, but you've got bags under your eyes. Something up?"
Fuji: "…Haha, didn't think you'd notice that. No big reason, just… running a distance I've never tried is kinda nerve-wracking. Not comparing myself to Air Groove, but I'm worried."
Hachiman: "I get it. But now's the time to train through that anxiety. Didn't realize it was keeping you up at night, though."
He's right. I might've been overthinking a bit…
Hachiman: "You've got dorm leader duties, but your body comes first. If you're not in top shape, I'm changing the plan. Less risk that way."
Fuji: "Sorry, Hachiman Trainer-san…"
Hachiman: "Don't sweat it. Yayoi Sho's less than a month away, so we'll train while monitoring your condition. Got it?"
Fuji: "Yeah, please!"
Click
Air Groove: "You're both here."
Hachiman: "Yeah, just talking Yayoi Sho and her condition. No issues so far."
Air Groove: "Hachiman, Fuji, let me know if I can help. I'll do what I can."
Hachiman: "Thanks, Air Groove. We're focusing on stamina now, so no help needed yet, but I might need your running later. Hang tight."
Air Groove: "Got it. And Hachiman, don't forget my Osaka Hai. Focusing on Fuji doesn't mean neglecting me."
Hachiman: "No way I'd play favorites. You're in top shape already. I'd ask you to pace her, but you're too fast, and CB's covering that. Kinda feel bad about it."
Air Groove: "Heh, you saw through me. I'm aiming for a repeat win, so I'm all in."
Hachiman: "Just don't overdo it. Bombing out from pushing too hard isn't funny."
Air Groove: "Obviously."
…Three years together, and their trust is unreal. I can't let them down!
Fuji: "Hachiman Trainer-san, quick question. Are we doing that tag game Air Groove did last year?"
Hachiman: "Could, but that was for correcting Air Groove's form and timing her push. It'd help you, but not as much as you might think."
Fuji: "Aw, it sounded fun…"
Hachiman: "Maybe a scavenger hunt, but we'd need to reserve the track, and it's not the best menu for you."
Air Groove: "Ask the President or CB-senpai—they'd get approval fast."
Hachiman: "Yeah, but then every Uma Musume would want me to watch them. I'm only here for my team. They should pitch to other trainers."
Fuji: "Haha, popular trainers have it rough, huh? Bet tons of freshmen at the entrance ceremony will want you as their trainer. You and Air Groove are practically legends."
Air Groove: "And you might join that legend soon, yet you're so carefree. I didn't expect this fame starting out either."
Fuji: "Wonder what I'll be like in a year? Maybe we'll crash and burn?"
Hachiman: "Don't jinx it… I'll cry."
Air Groove: "Relax, Hachiman. If you cry, you can lean on me."
Fuji: "It was a joke, but if you really cry, I'll lend you my shoulder too."
Hachiman: "…Thanks for the sentiment, but watch your words. I get it, but to others, that sounds risky."
Hmm~? What's that about?
Afterword
Fuji's Derby dreams face a hurdle with her anxiety in this Yahari x Uma Musume chapter! Hachiman's sharp eye and Air Groove's support keep her grounded as the Yayoi Sho looms. The team's trust shines, but Fuji's nerves add tension to her arc!
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