Fuji Kiseki's POV

So nostalgic… Just a few years ago, I was on the other side, a wide-eyed freshman. Everything sparkled back then—the seniors' races, their training, the sprawling facilities, the tracks. My eyes were practically glittering! Now, I'm the one welcoming new students. Time flies, huh? Better get ready—it's the big day…

Entrance Ceremony

It's a bit early, but some pony-chan get so excited they show up ahead of time. Better prep now than be caught off guard!

"…Oh?" I muttered.

There was Hachiman Trainer-san, working away. Hmm?

He was with Takanotsume-san, but from here, I couldn't catch their words. What're they up to?

"Hey, Hachiman Trainer-san, Takanotsume-san. Morning!" I called.

"Good morning, Fuji Kiseki-san," Takanotsume said.

"Yo, morning," Hachiman said, glasses glinting.

"Rare combo," I said.

"Got dragged in last-minute," Hachiman said. "Not enough hands, they said. Even with the instructors, they're swamped. How many people do they need?"

"Sorry," Takanotsume said. "The academy's huge, and none of the instructors are Uma Musume."

"Fair enough," Hachiman said. "But this year feels… different. Flashier, maybe?"

"Of course!" Takanotsume beamed. "Thanks to you and Air Groove-san's dazzling achievements!"

"That's enough to upgrade the vibe?" Hachiman asked.

I laughed. "Haha… but our successes do draw in pony-chan brimming with potential, right? Speaking of, Hachiman Trainer-san, isn't it time for your third Uma Musume?"

"Third, huh…" he said. "If that happens, one's bound to show up, loud and self-promoting. Any way to dodge that?"

"If I could, I wouldn't be struggling," I teased.

"Some trainers are pushing the chairman to have you form a team," Takanotsume said.

"Give me a few years, at least," Hachiman said. "I'm not keen on jealousy drama."

Hours Later

"Wow… This is Trecen Academy!!"

"So cool…"

"Let's do this!!"

Yup, those starry-eyed looks never get old. Hehe♪

"You love watching the freshmen, huh?" Hachiman said.

"Hm? Oh, yeah," I said. "They're just so sparkly!"

"Your job's guiding those sparkly kids," he said. "It's not just the racecourse, TV, or streams. This academy's got unique experiences. You've been here longer than me, so you get that, right?"

"Yup…" I said. Wait, what's that? Some freshmen are staring over here?

"Anyway, I'm done here," Hachiman said. "What about you?"

"Leaving already?" I teased. "No gentleman to escort a lady?"

"Sorry, I don't know anyone more gentlemanly than you," he said.

"I'm an Uma Musume girl, you know~," I said.

"My bad, just poking fun," he said, patting my head.

"Uh, um…" I blushed. …First time since last year's tour.

"Well, I can't refuse a lady's invite," he said. "I'll stick around."

"…! You won't take my hand?" I asked.

"I'm no noble," he said. "Too much stage drama for you. I'll just walk beside you."

"Fine, I'll let it slide," I said.

Plus, it's good for the pony-chan♪ They were probably eyeing Hachiman Trainer-san—the legendary "Tengan" Trainer, after all.

Amazon strolled up. "Here you are, Fuji. And Trainer-dude, scoping out the newbies?"

"Nah, just Fuji's sidekick," Hachiman said. "She's all, 'Youth's so great~,' and I'm just nodding along."

"I didn't say that!" I protested.

"My bad," he said. "So, Amazon, what's up? Fuji's not smoking, so you're good."

"You tease her too much," Amazon said.

"I'll grovel if she's really mad," Hachiman said.

"No anger left after that," I said.

"No risk of a kick then, huh, Trainer-dude?" Amazon said. "I'm here for the same reason as Fuji. Dorm leader duties, you know."

"Got it," Hachiman said.

"By the way," Amazon said, "I caught you patting Fuji's head. That good, huh?"

"Hmm… maybe?" I said.

"Not clear enough," Amazon said.

If I spill, pony-chan might swarm for head-pats. Can't let that happen!

Afterword

Fuji Kiseki basks in the entrance ceremony's nostalgic glow, her charm stealing the spotlight as Hachiman's "Tengan" fame draws starry-eyed freshmen. Amazon's teasing and the 1st anniversary vibe add sparkle, but Air Groove's Osaka Hai struggles and Takarazuka Kinen resolve loom large. The Yahari crossover's trust crisis simmers, with Haruno's shadow lingering. Fuji's arc is heating up—too late to hold back?

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