Fuji's POV

It's late February now… and I'm at Hanshin Racecourse, dressed in my gym uniform with the number [7] pinned on.

That's right—this is the day of the Hankyu Hai, a race that could define my future.

Announcer: "Here we go! Today's main event, the G3 Hankyu Hai! This 1400m turf sprint draws short-distance Uma Musume from everywhere, all eyeing the Takamatsunomiya Kinen in March. The crowd's massive—way beyond a typical G3! And no wonder: last year's Triple Crown winner, the 'Beautiful Triple Crown Uma Musume' herself, Fuji Kiseki, is competing! Coming off the long-distance Kikka Sho, she's dropping to half the distance. How will this play out?!"

Commentator: "We've seen Uma Musume tackle every distance before, but few deliver standout results across the board. Even for a Triple Crown star like Fuji Kiseki, this won't be easy."

Announcer: "True enough—the race will tell! Now, let's head to the paddock for introductions in number order!"

A Few Minutes Later

Announcer: "Next up, number 7—the crowd favorite and top pick, Fuji Kiseki!"

Fans: "Fuji-sama!!!" roaring cheers

Commentator: "She's coming straight from the Kikka Sho and looks in peak condition. Switching from long to short distance is unusual, but we're expecting big things from her talent."

Of course I'm here to win. Anything less, and I couldn't give my all in the races ahead. Time to dig deep!

Waiting Room

Hachiman: "How's your condition?"

Fuji: "Perfect. Feeling strong."

Maurice: "Go get 'em, Fuji-senpai!"

Bakushin O: "Win this, and it's a straight shot to the Takamatsunomiya! Bakushin all the way!"

Fuji: "Haha, no pressure from you, Bakushin O. But yeah… lose here, and the Takamatsunomiya's off the table. We'd have to scrap the whole schedule. I'm bringing home the win!"

Air Groove: "That's the spirit."

CB: "Yeah, you've got this!"

Hachiman: "Alright, run it your way today. Tactics, positioning—everything's on you."

Fuji: "…You sure?"

Hachiman: "Do what feels right."

Fuji: "Got it!"

Hachiman's giving me free rein? Let's make this race fun!

End Fuji's POV

Air Groove's POV

Air Groove: "Hachiman letting Fuji call her own race? That's unusual. Got some angle here?"

Hachiman: "Nah, nothing like that. Just curious how she'll handle short distance. That's it."

Air Groove: "…Really?"

Hachiman: "You're that suspicious?"

Air Groove: "It's Fuji's first sprint in over a year. Even if it's a familiar distance, I can't buy you saying that without a plan. Spill—what's the real reason?"

Maurice: "Is that true, Trainer?"

Hachiman: "Tch, you've got me, Air Groove. How'd you know? That obvious?"

Air Groove: "Only I'd notice. I've known you longest—when you skip instructions where you'd normally give them, it stands out."

Hachiman: "Sigh… you're right. But what I said isn't wrong. I want to see her sprint style—it'll shape our Takamatsunomiya strategy. And one more thing… Fuji's not stumbling here."

Air Groove: "…Heh, yeah."

CB: "Hmph!" glomp

Hachiman: "Hands off at every chance, you."

CB: "But it's shady! You and Air Groove whispering secrets like it's just you two! Right, Mo-chan?"

Maurice: "I didn't think so…"

CB: "Even you, Mo-chan?!"

Bakushin O: "Trainer, you sound so sure Fuji'll win—like the outcome's set?"

Hachiman: "With that field? No way she loses. Interference's the only wildcard, but not here—with this crowd, anyone trying that sinks themselves."

Air Groove: "Agreed."

Hachiman… you're impossible to read—master of the poker face or just bad at hiding?

Hachiman: "Alright, let's cheer Fuji on. You're covering for Rice, Altan, and Arrow too."

CB: "You're not cheering?"

Hachiman: "You wanna see me yelling her name like a fanboy?"

Air Groove: "I'd take it during my races, but not up close."

CB: "Kinda don't wanna see it."

Maurice: "Doesn't suit you, Trainer."

Bakushin O: "Then let's cheer together!"

Hachiman: "One softie in the bunch. Pass."

In the end, Fuji took the Hankyu Hai—winning by two lengths over the field.

Air Groove: "Hey, why skip Fuji's race play-by-play?"

Half-Cooked Meat: "No, listen! I tried! But no 1996 footage, so I couldn't!"

Air Groove: "Couldn't improvise?"

Half-Cooked Meat: "I stick to era footage for accuracy. Don't wanna use anything else."

Air Groove: "…Fine, I'll let it slide this time."

Half-Cooked Meat: "Phew… wait, 'slide'?"

Air Groove: "Didn't say I forgive you."

Half-Cooked Meat: "You cool with that? I won't write your Hachiman SS then."

Air Groove: "Focus on Fuji's story first!!!"

Half-Cooked Meat: "Immune?!"

Air Groove: "…But don't slack—readers are waiting. No compromises."

Half-Cooked Meat: "…I'll tell Hachiman you dere'd for me first."

Air Groove: "I didn't dere!!"

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