Hachiman's POV
The upcoming Takamatsunomiya Kinen is shaping up to be a brutal fight. The field's stacked—too stacked.
First up, there's Narita Brian, the Triple Crown Uma Musume. She's coming off a win in the Hanshin Daishoten, and instead of heading straight to the Tenno Sho (Spring), she's diving into this sprint. Blew my mind. Her comeback from injury was electric, and she's a real threat here.
Second, Hishi Akebono, last year's Sprinters Stakes champ and Best Sprinter awardee. That massive frame of hers churns out raw power—more propulsion than your average Uma Musume. Gotta watch her.
Third, Piko Pegasus. She only snagged the Centaur Stakes last year, so she might not seem like a big deal. But she's a G1 beast—never missed the board in one. She's taken second in the Sprinters Stakes two years running, with a 100% place rate in short-distance G1s. She'll be in the mix.
Lastly, Flower Park. She was running lower-class races until recently, but she crushed the Silk Road Stakes against graded competition. Her base strength is undeniable, and word is she's in top form.
And that's not even the full list of threats. This year's Takamatsunomiya isn't just about running hard—it's about strategy.
Hachiman: "This is a mess…"
Aoi: "Something wrong, Hikigaya-kun?"
Hachiman: "The Takamatsunomiya. The competition's brutal, and I'm racking my brain for a game plan. Facing last year's top sprinter, a Triple Crown winner from the year before, and other short-distance heavyweights."
Aoi: "Oh, right—Fuji earned her spot with that Hankyu Hai win."
Hachiman: "Yeah, but the field's tougher than expected."
All four I mentioned are front-runners, just like Fuji. That means a battle for position is inevitable. Could get messy if they tangle up.
Hachiman: "Racing's tough…"
Aoi: "Haha, isn't it?"
Lunch Break
Hachiman: "…" munch munch
CB: "♪~♪" nom nom
Hachiman: "Dessert after?"
CB: "Mmm… yup, I'll take it!" grinning
Hachiman: "You'll gain weight."
CB: "Your training'll burn it off, so I'm good! But, Hachiman, you can't just say stuff like that to girls!"
Hachiman: "Guess I'll skip it then."
CB: "I said I'll eat it!"
Hachiman: "…Right."
If CB turns into a food fiend like those four, I'm in trouble. Not praying—begging—she doesn't.
After School
No training today. I've got personal business, so I'm away from the academy—at the airport, actually. Should be here any minute…
Thaliard: "Been a while, Hachiman. And Japan too."
Man o' War: "Since the Japan Cup two years ago, my beloved grand-disciple!"
Hachiman: "Good to see you, Teacher, Professor."
Yup, my business is picking up these two. They came all the way from the U.S. They'd been planning this visit, so here I am. Their reason? Obvious.
Man o' War: "I want to see Hachiman! Two years without him! Thaliard, we're going to Japan to spend time with my grand-disciple!"
…That's the gist. And get this—their return to the U.S.? No date set. They're staying until they're satisfied.
Man o' War: "So thrilled to see you, Hachiman! And you came to pick us up? Missed me that much?"
Thaliard: "Sigh… I'm the one who pushed Hachiman for this. Thanks to that, he gave the team the day off. It was short notice."
Man o' War: "Right… I'll apologize to the team later."
Thaliard: "Start with Hachiman."
Hachiman: "No need. It's only natural to pick up my teacher and professor. So, what's the plan for today?"
Thaliard: "Nothing set. Long trip, so we're resting today."
Hachiman: "Got it."
Man o' War: "We're looking for a place to stay near Tressen, of course."
Hachiman: "…My place is a maisonette with spare rooms and bedding. Wanna stay there?"
Man o' War: "Really?! Then we'll impose!"
Thaliard: "You sure, Hachiman?"
Hachiman: "No problem. I'll give you a spare key for free access. Not like I think you two'd steal anything."
Man o' War: "I wanna steal you back to America!"
Hachiman: "So, kidnapping?"
Thaliard: "Master…"
Man o' War: "What?! I wouldn't actually do that!"
Thaliard: "But you didn't deny wanting him. I get it, though."
The mentors are in Japan!
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