Air Groove's POV

Today is the G1 Osaka Hai at Hanshin Racecourse, and I'm here, ready. My condition is flawless—thanks to Trainer's skill, no doubt. Yet, since he proposed our distant relationship, my heart's been parched, unfulfilled. He's nearby, but something's missing. I see Fuji, CB-senpai, Rice Shower lately, and others trading playful banter, but me? The last real talk with Trainer was that day. Borrowing Narita Brian's words…

"…Thirst," I murmured.

It's different, but I understand her now. I'm… unsatisfied.

"Trainer…" I whispered.

Fuji's voice cut in. "You okay, Air Groove? You're spacing out."

"…I'm fine," I said, startled.

"You've been saying that a lot," Fuji said. "The president noticed too."

"…Sorry," I said. "If it bothers you, I'll watch it."

"…"

"…"

"Something up with Hachiman Trainer-san?" Fuji asked.

I flinched. "!!"

"Thought so," she said. "That day you two went out and came back, you were off. What did he say?"

No, that's not it… Trainer's not at fault. I am.

"…It's time," I said. "I'm heading out."

"Be careful," Fuji said, pausing. Should I tell Hachiman Trainer-san?

Main Track

Announcer: "Here she comes! Air Groove, unbeaten in classic races, clincher of the Triple Tiara, and conqueror of seniors in her senior-class debut! Will the spring's strongest middle-distance Uma Musume claim the Osaka Hai!?"

"…" I stood silently.

Marvelous Sunday bounded up. "Air Groove-senpai, let's do this! Marvelous won't lose!"

"…Right, good luck," I said.

Elsewhere

Rudolf frowned. "Is she alright?"

"You're worried too, huh?" Narita Brian said.

"You know her recent struggles," Rudolf said. "Not physical—mental. Racing like this isn't ideal, but… it's unpredictable. She's dominated before, but today feels like… uncharted territory."

"…" Brian said.

Announcer: "The nine Uma Musume enter the gates, with Air Groove, the favorite, in the outermost! The first turf G1, the battle for middle-distance supremacy—the 41st Osaka Hai begins! Nishino Daioh stumbles! Fundry Libya takes the lead! Marvelous Sunday follows! Sankyo Shoot surges inside, while Air Groove tracks in fourth or fifth from the outside, eyeing the field. Satsuki Sho winner Ishino Sunday, Paris Napoleon, and Royal Touch follow into the first curve."

Good. This position lets me read the field. I can watch Marvelous Sunday, my main rival…

Announcer: "Fundry Libya holds the lead, Sankyo Shoot close behind! Second-favorite Marvelous Sunday trails, marked by Ishino Sunday inside and Air Groove outside! Yutou Sei's half a length back, followed by Paris Napoleon and Royal Touch a length behind! After You and Nishino Daioh bring up the rear! Approaching the third corner—who'll make a move?"

…Not yet. I wait for Marvelous Sunday's push.

Announcer: "Royal Touch surges forward! Air Groove holds back!? Past the midpoint, the gap's closing! Sankyo Shoot and Marvelous Sunday draw level! Air Groove joins them, neck-and-neck into the final straight—a slugfest!!"

…! Why's my stride so sluggish?

Announcer: "Can Air Groove pull away!? But Marvelous Sunday charges from the outside!! Yutou Sei and Royal Touch close in!! Air Groove holds the lead, clinging on! Marvelous Sunday fights, but the gap won't close!! Air Groove crosses first!! Marvelous Sunday takes second, Yutou Sei a close third! Air Groove wins again, but where was her signature burst!?"

Commentator: "Her prep seemed solid, but something's off. This could spell trouble."

I panted. "Ha… ha…"

What's this unease? My legs didn't respond. I trained and cared for myself as always. So why…?

Hanshin Race 10 – Results

1st: ⑩ Air Groove

2nd: ⑦ Marvelous Sunday

3rd: ⑥ Yutou Sei

4th: ④ Royal Touch

5th: ⑨ After You

Afterword

Air Groove's narrow Osaka Hai victory betrays her inner drought, her heart parched by distance from Hachiman. Fuji's concern and Rudolf's unease highlight her mental strain, while her lackluster race shocks the crowd. The Yahari crossover's trust crisis looms, with Haruno's shadow dimming the "Empress" and "Tengan" Trainer's bond. Can Air Groove quench her thirst?

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