Fuji's POV
Phew… Alright, I'm good. Perfect condition, as always. Gotta thank Hachiman for that. This big stage—I'm definitely gonna win it!!
knock knock knock
Fuji: "Come in!"
Hachiman: "Hey, Fuji. Looking good—no issues with your condition."
Fuji: "Yup, all clear! Thanks to you!" grinning
Hachiman: "Nah, you Uma Musume prep yourselves. Trainers just support. I knew you wouldn't let nerves mess you up the day before a race."
Fuji: "Not my first G1 rodeo, so no sleepless nights from nerves… But this time's a sprint—six furlongs, something I've never tackled. The competition's tough, but I'm winning this."
Hachiman: "That's the spirit. Strategy's the usual—run up front. But you're in gate 14, outer frame, which isn't great for a front-runner like you. Don't force yourself to lead. Third or fourth place is fine by me."
Fuji: "So, don't get too far behind the leaders or too close to the pack?"
Hachiman: "Exactly. It's a sprint, so tactics shift in a split second. Move earlier than the others—it'll play to your strengths. I'm trusting you to pick the moment."
Fuji: "Got it. I'll make sure I don't miss the timing."
Hachiman: "Good. That's the plan. First time at Chukyo—how's the course?"
Fuji: "Checked it yesterday—seems fine. But it's gonna be a pure speed showdown."
Hachiman: "The rivals are strong, but so are you. Trust your strength and go for it. Oh, and don't actually crash into anyone. Not funny."
Fuji: "Hachiman, I'm not that reckless."
That joke was not a hit…
End Fuji's POV
Hachiman's POV
Hachiman: "I'm back."
Altan: "Welcome home, big brother."
Hachiman: "Just went over the strategy with Fuji. Now we just pray she wins."
Arrow: "Trainer, I keep wondering… is it okay? Me hogging those two…"
Hachiman: "It's fine. They're the ones who insisted, so don't sweat it."
Arrow: "But my classmates and dirt-track friends keep saying how jealous they are that I'm getting coached directly by them."
Hachiman: "Yeah…"
Teacher and Professor are sticking around Japan for a bit, serving as temporary advisors at Tressen Academy. They're mostly looking after unassigned Uma Musume alongside the instructors. It was the academy's request, which they agreed to—on the condition I'd oversee things.
They asked to train Arrow, who's got dirt aptitude, and that's where we're at. I'm not doing much beyond hearing their training plans for her. Their methods are completely different from mine, and they're getting results. Gotta hand it to them.
Hachiman: "Can't help it—they're my teacher and grandmaster. Just say it's my connections."
Arrow: "If I do, everyone'll swarm you. That okay?"
Hachiman: "…Please don't."
Air Groove: "Rumors about you aren't new, though. You know there are still Uma Musume wanting to join our team."
Hachiman: "Yeah… I keep turning them down, but the chairman's all, 'Please! For the happiness of many Uma Musume!' pushing for more members. We just started last year—why rush to expand? If I could just get Tazuna to yank his cheeks hard, maybe he'd learn."
Arrow: "That didn't sound like a joke."
It's half-serious. Trainer shortages are a real issue. They could promote sub-trainers to mains or assign newbies to Central Tressen, but no—they keep pushing.
Air Groove: "You know the chairman's been lobbying you, other team trainers, and veterans. Good trainers are scarce—they can't afford to crush new talent early."
Hachiman: "Then why was I thrown into the deep end my first year? Got a main role right away, and the next year they're already talking about a second Uma Musume. Not crushing talent—more like ripping it out."
CB: "That's 'cause you did crazy stuff, Hachiman!"
Hachiman: "What crazy stuff did I do?"
CB: "G1 win in under a year!"
Air Groove: "Plus achieving the Triple Tiara."
Bakushin O: "You put effort into menus for unassigned Uma Musume too!!"
Altan: "You've been planning rehab menus for injured students."
Arrow: "You watch training for everyone, assigned or not."
Rice: "Um… uh… three years running as Most Outstanding Trainer!"
Maurice: "Er… Fuji-senpai's undefeated Triple Crown! And undefeated Triple Crown and Tiara routes!!"
Hachiman: "…Okay, I screwed up big time."
Holy crap… I really broke all the rules.
Sad News…
Yesterday, Zenno Rob Roy, who lived as a stallion at Murakami Kinya Farm, passed away at 22 (human equivalent ~55–60 years) due to heart failure from old age.
In his racing career, he achieved the second-ever Autumn Ancient Triple Crown. As a sire, he left a lasting legacy. Like Taiki Shuttle, we thank him for his incredible runs and pray for his peace.
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