Fuji's Perspective
Commentator: "And now, only two G1 races remain this spring! Last month saw fierce battles among the Classic Umamusume, creating incredible excitement. But in terms of strength, the Senior Class won't be outdone! Now, the Spring Mile King Deciding Race, the Yasuda Kinen, is about to begin!!"
Fuji: "..." (trembling)
I wonder why... In my head, I'm incredibly calm. Frighteningly so, even to myself. But my body is restless, as if it's demanding to be allowed to run. I've never felt such anticipation to run before... Is it because I lost the last race? I'm not really nervous, and I even feel like I'm trembling with eagerness.
Fuji: "Haa... I wish it would start soon. And besides..."
I want to redeem myself for the Takamatsunomiya Kinen. This Yasuda Kinen has many entrants from the Takamatsunomiya Kinen. Flower Park, who I lost to before, is also participating. Debts should be repaid quickly, shouldn't they?
Knock knock knock
Fuji: "Hm? Come in."
Hachiman: "I'm coming in, Fuji."
Fuji: "Hello, Hachiman-san. I'm already ready. My body is practically aching to run!"
Hachiman: "So it seems. With your run following the defeat at Takamatsunumiya Kinen, and with opponents you've beaten before also here, it's no wonder your fighting spirit is burning so brightly. Your eagerness is more evident in your eyes and body than ever before."
Fuji: "Ahahaha, Hachiman-san sees right through me, huh..."
Hachiman: "You're laughing, but is it just my imagination, or do I see something frighteningly serious deep in your eyes?"
... As expected, Hachiman-san understands just by looking. You're right, I haven't forgotten the day I lost the Takamatsunomiya Kinen, not even once until today. I will never forget the feelings of that day. And today, I will absolutely win! Yes, to the point where my opponents won't even dare to harbor the will to fight.
Fuji: "!!"
Hachiman: "...Calm down." (pat, pat)
Fuji: "S-sorry, I wasn't losing my composure or anything."
Hachiman: "I understand how you feel, but you shouldn't show it now. I'd get intimidated." (pat, pat)
Fuji: "...You're right. If Hachiman-san distanced himself from me, I don't think I could recover."
This isn't a lie, rather, it's a truth I desperately don't want to come true. If this were to become reality... I don't even want to think about it.
Hachiman: "It's alright. As long as you don't wish it, I won't give up on you."
Fuji: "..."
Even though it's such a simple thing, words that shouldn't normally arise, is it strange that I feel so happy? And, there's absolutely no way I would ever give up on Hachiman-san.
Fuji: "Hachiman-san, you don't need to worry about that either."
Hachiman: "Hm?"
Fuji: "Because there's absolutely no way I would ever give up on you either."
--- On the Racecourse ---
Phew... Now that I'm here, it's okay, right? There's no need to hold it back anymore.
Everyone: "!!"
Park: (W-what? This sensation, like being pierced through the body... I've never felt anything like this before...)
Biko: (Who on earth is emitting this aura!? C-could someone be trying to defeat me?!)
Amazon: (This must be Fuji... To unleash something like this, is she trying to crush everyone?)
Fuji: "..."
Amazon: "Fuji... That's you, isn't it?"
Fuji: "Amazon... What are you talking about?"
Amazon: "Don't play dumb! The aura you're giving off is making everyone around you shrink back!"
Fuji: "But Air Groove used to do it too~. There's no rule saying I can't, is there?"
Amazon: "You admit it? Just as I thought... Well, it seems the other girls haven't noticed. You want to win that badly, Fuji?"
Fuji: "Of course. There isn't a single pony-chan who enters a race and doesn't want to win. You're the same, aren't you, Amazon?"
Amazon: "...You're right. No matter if it's you, I won't lose, Fuji!"
That's my line, Amazon. I can't afford to lose either!
Fuji's Perspective Ends
Hachiman's Perspective
Taliato: "So, how's Fujikiseki looking?"
Hachiman: "No problems, I can say with confidence. I say this without any of the arrogance or complacency from the Takamatsunomiya Kinen."
Taliato: "Hoh, quite the confidence. Does that mean her condition is that good?"
Hachiman: "That too, but more than anything, her will is on a completely different level than before. The will to absolutely win is so strong it's practically overflowing from her body."
Man o' War: "Phew, my disciple. Don't be too hard on your own disciple. Didn't you reprimand him about the last race already?"
Taliato: "But Master, this has been a daily routine between Hachiman and me from the beginning. Even if you tell me to stop, I can't now."
Man o' War: "Is it my influence? Was I too strict?"
Hachiman: "Professor, it's alright. Your words are almost always beneficial to me."
Aldan: "A mentor-disciple relationship, it's truly wonderful."
Maurice: "It makes me kind of admire it."
Bakushin O: "Hmm, indeed, I have thought it was quite good on occasion."
Air Groove: "I see, like me and Dober. Though there's not much to teach now."
Rice: "But, it's the first time I've seen Onii-sama being spoken to like that, isn't it?"
Arrow: "But, it's good that it's just that. For me... it's incredibly Spartan."
Everyone: "..."
Arrow... Well, hang in there. I'll make you your favorite food sometime.
The Yasuda Kinen is finally next!
-----------------------------
I've posted the next 40 chapters exclusively on Patreon!
If you like this story, please come and support me.
Here's the link: [pateoncom/DaoistRoeoNQ]
Thank you so much for your continued support!