Spring at Hanshin, summer at Tokyo, and now the grand finale graces Kyoto's stage! The last hurdle is a 2000-meter clash of wills! Eighteen Uma Musume, forged by summer training, stand ready. Who will claim the final crown? The Shuka Sho begins!

Announcer: "Half a year since the classics began, only two races remain: the Shuka Sho for the Triple Tiara and the Kikuka Sho for the Triple Crown. Today's spotlight? The chance for the first-ever undefeated Triple Tiara. Air Groove crushed the Oaks by eight lengths, securing a mother-daughter Oaks legacy and the first undefeated dual Tiara in forty years. Expectations are sky-high!"

At the stands, the crowd buzzed like a live wire.

"Packed today," I said. "Not surprising, though."

Fuji nodded. "It's Air Groove's shot at the Triple Tiara."

Hiratsuka-sensei smirked. "Your trainee's chasing history. No wonder it's a madhouse. Everyone wants to witness a legend in the making."

"True," I said.

"And it seems we've got an uninvited guest," she added, glancing sideways.

Man o' War huffed. "Uninvited? That's rich. I'm here on business! Plus, watching my adorable grand-disciple's Uma Musume race is only natural, right?"

Hiratsuka-sensei snorted. "You were a tyrant to me, but Hachiman gets the soft treatment. So much for the 'greatest Uma Musume in American racing history.'"

"Say what you want," Man o' War laughed. "Grandkids are meant to be spoiled!"

Okinoshima blinked. "Uh, Hikitani? Is it cool for us to be here? With your mentor and her mentor? We're not in the way, right?"

"No big deal," I said. "I invited you guys for a reason."

Aoi fidgeted. "B-but… I'm sensing an even crazier aura than last time. Is she, like, as legendary as your mentor?"

I shrugged. "The Professor doesn't hide her shine, so might as well. This is my grand-mentor, Man o' War. She taught me the ropes, even if it was just for a bit."

Man o' War grinned. "That's me! Think of me as a somewhat known Uma Musume in America."

Minamizaka gaped. "Somewhat known? She's a legend in American racing!"

Tojo nodded furiously. "Seeing the icon of American turf in person? Unreal!"

Okinoshima stared. "Hikitani, you serious…?"

Kurokuma shook his head. "Getting introduced so casually… Her fame isn't just American—it's global. Every Uma Musume insider knows her name."

Man o' War laughed. "Don't flatter me! That's ancient history. Compared to today's youngsters, I'm yesterday's news."

Hiratsuka-sensei nudged her. "Master, Air Groove's coming up. You watching or not?"

"Oh, that's trouble," Man o' War said, turning to the track.

Announcer: "Gate 8, number 17, the top favorite after dominating the Sakura Sho and Oaks—Air Groove!"

Commentator: "…"

Announcer: "Uh, everything okay?"

Commentator: "Sorry! Her condition's flawless, as always, but her aura? It's on another level. Crafting this kind of form is no small feat. Her trainer's skill must be top-tier."

Man o' War beamed. "Of course! That's my grand-disciple!"

Hiratsuka-sensei nodded. "For Hachiman, this is just another day at the office."

"Not really," I said.

Fuji chimed in. "Come on, Trainer-san. You always tailor our training to our condition. It's obvious watching you."

Hiratsuka-sensei agreed. "Every race, she's at her peak. Hachiman, give yourself more credit."

Man o' War laughed. "Exactly! We're saying it, so it's true—you're a damn fine trainer!"

"Thanks…" I muttered.

Man o' War ruffled my hair. "Still so cute with those reactions!"

Even I can't stand up to my mentor and grand-mentor.

"I'm heading to Air Groove," I said. "Be back soon."

Hiratsuka-sensei waved. "No worries. We'll chat with the others while we wait."

In the locker room, Fuji smiled. "Like I said this morning, you're looking sharp."

"Very," Air Groove said, her voice steady.

"Like we planned," I said. "Stay forward. Timing your push is up to you. I trust your instincts after all those stellar races."

"Got it," Air Groove said.

Fuji grinned. "If you win, we're celebrating tonight! School's tomorrow, but let's make it big!"

Air Groove smirked. "Then I'd better win."

"See you after," I said.

"I'll come back with the victory," Air Groove declared, striding toward the tunnel.

I watched her go, her resolve like a blade.

Fuji glanced at me. "Nervous?"

"A bit," I admitted. "Pointless, but still."

"Wanna sleep in the hammock again?" she teased.

"Tempting, but I'll pass," I said. "Big race coming up. If I dozed off, I'd get an earful."

Fuji laughed. "Fair enough."

Man o' War showing up in Japan? Didn't see that coming…

Afterword

The Shuka Sho's here, and the turf's on fire! Air Groove's chasing the first undefeated Triple Tiara, her aura dominating Kyoto's stage. Hachiman's mentorship shines, Fuji's cheering from the sidelines, and Man o' War's surprise appearance adds legend to the mix. With Hiratsuka-sensei, Okinoshima, and the crew hyping the historic moment, the stakes couldn't be higher. Will Air Groove claim the final crown? The classic season's peaking—let's race!

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