Fuji Kiseki's POV
Fuji: "Alright!"
Hachiman: "Ready to go?"
Fuji: "Of course! You've tuned me up so well, my body feels too perfect—it's almost scary."
Hachiman: "Sounds like you're set."
Fuji: "This race decides my path forward… right?"
Hachiman: "…Pretty much. I hate to say it, but you don't have much long-distance talent. Not none, but compared to Rice, Rudolf, or Brian, you're not a stayer. The Derby's technically mid-distance, but 100m more makes it feel like a long-distance race. Treat the Yayoi Sho like it's 2400m."
Fuji: "Not sure if I can, but if you say so, it's gotta be right. Got it."
It's Yayoi Sho day. A month flies by, and now it feels like the eve of the spring G1 season.
Hachiman: "Alright, go get 'em."
Fuji: "Yup♪"
Main Track
Back at Nakayama, it feels a bit longer… I was on the other side before, but today's start is from the stands. Just 400m more changes the vibe.
Fuji: "Time to prove myself. How far can I go? How much can I handle?"
Announcer: 'Here comes the trial race, a showdown before the main event! Same stage as the Satsuki Sho—who'll take first and head to the big one? Only three get a ticket! Who among these ten will shine? The Yayoi Sho is about to start!!'
Let's shock everyone!!
Announcer: 'Gate loading's smooth. What's the race outlook?'
Commentator: 'Telnoshin Geki will take the lead. Then the front-runners and chasers will bunch up. With fewer runners, it'll be a cautious race.'
Announcer: 'Top favorite Fuji Kiseki is already in the gate, with only No. 10 Kachiboshi left outside. Fewer runners than usual, but that doesn't faze them! Kachiboshi's in! Who'll claim the Satsuki Sho spot!? Yayoi Sho… START!!'
…Yup, the hill's tough. Climbing it again at the end? Brutal.
Announcer: 'Telnoshin Geki and Fuji Kiseki are neck-and-neck up front! Fuji Kiseki's setting the pace with Telnoshin Geki! Behind them, Kachiboshi, Automatic in the middle, and Mapper Shan inside. After the second corner, Max Windsor and Hashino Taiyu are a length back. Chasers Toujou Fenoma, Hokkai Rousseau, and Ibuki Yamon Kagura trail at the rear! Heading from the backstretch to the third corner!'
Still feeling good. Got control, legs feel strong… I might pull this off!
Announcer: 'Third and fourth corners—Fuji Kiseki closes in on Telnoshin Geki! Kachiboshi surges outside, and Toujou Fenoma charges from behind! Four abreast into the final turn to the straight! Now it's a head-on clash!!'
Here we go!!
Announcer: 'Fuji Kiseki takes the lead!! Not much of a gap!! What's behind!? Toujou Fenoma and Kachiboshi are closing in! Hokkai Rousseau's stretching with great legs!! 200m left! Can Hokkai Rousseau overtake!? What about Fuji Kiseki!?'
Sorry… I've still got more!!
Announcer: 'Fuji Kiseki surges!! Hokkai Rousseau can't catch up, holding second! Fuji Kiseki pulls two lengths ahead and crosses the finish!! She's unstoppable—the Junior Champion's strength is no fluke!! Conquering 2000m with ease!! This is the Junior Champion's dominance!!'
Fuji: "Huff… huff… Yes, I won!!"
This run… this means I can take on the Derby!!
Fuji side out
Hachiman's POV
Hachiman: "…"
Air Groove: "How was it, Hachiman? Fuji's run?"
Hachiman: "…She's got what it takes for the Derby right now, no question. But if she aims for the Triple Crown, it's gonna be a rough road."
Air Groove: "So she's set for spring?"
Hachiman: "Yeah, the first half's fine. The real test is autumn, after summer. New Uma Musume will emerge, unlocking new potential—that's the key. You were different; your raw talent set you apart from your peers early. Fuji's got an aptitude wall. If we don't break through, her future races will be tough."
Air Groove: "But you can make it happen, right?"
Hachiman: "Where's that confidence coming from? No guarantees here."
Air Groove: "You made me win at long-distance, didn't you? That's proof. I had no long-distance talent, but you unlocked it. So it's possible for Fuji too, isn't it?"
Hachiman: "…Can't say it's impossible."
Air Groove: "Heh, that's my partner. We're counting on you."
Hachiman: "Got it, Empress."
Afterword
Fuji triumphs in the Yayoi Sho, crushing her doubts in this Yahari x Uma Musume chapter! Her dominant run secures a Satsuki Sho spot, while Hachiman and Air Groove plan for the Derby's challenges. Fuji's Triple Crown dream is alive!
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