Air Groove's POV

Days after my Triple Tiara triumph, the world's still buzzing. The spotlight's brought a flood of TV and radio requests. Trainer's handling them, picking and choosing what I'll do. Life's changed drastically since the Shuka Sho, no doubt. But I haven't slacked on training. After talking with Trainer, my next race is set for February's Kyoto Kinen, a stepping stone to the Osaka Hai in March.

With Fuji Kiseki joining us, we're the talk of the season—top trainer and Uma Musume duo. But there's a shadow: Trainer's catching flak from jealous peers. I've heard the whispers.

Hachiman scribbled notes, lost in thought.

Fuji hesitated. "Trainer-san, got a sec?"

"Hm? What's up, Fuji?" he said.

"It's not a fun topic," she said, "but I overheard some trainers badmouthing you…"

Hachiman shrugged. "That? Old news. Started a year ago. It's just getting louder now."

I frowned. "Is that okay? I've said it before, but this could hurt your future. We respect you, but if their antics get worse, it'll cause problems."

"It's fine," he said. "Wasting time on sneaky gossips is pointless."

"But…" Fuji started.

"Don't worry," he cut in. "It won't affect you two."

That's how he shuts it down—like he's telling us to stay out of his business.

But it's not just trainers. Public opinion's turning shaky. Why? He avoids the spotlight. Since that junior-year article, he's dodged every interview. So people say:

"He's done nothing."

"Just leeching off Air Groove."

"Parasite."

"Prize money thief."

Yet he brushes it off, unfazed. Why doesn't he fight back? If it's wrong, deny it. But he doesn't even try.

Hachiman glanced at me. "What's with the serious face, Air Groove? Something up?"

"I was thinking about you," I said. "Are you really okay with this?"

"Let 'em talk," he said. "You know the saying—rumors last seventy-five days. They'll fizzle out."

Fuji frowned. "Will they?"

"Yep," he said. "You're overthinking it. Ignore them."

No getting through to him, huh?

In the student council room, Symboli Rudolf steepled her fingers. "Bad rumors about Hachiman, hm? Some trainers have been stirring trouble for a while. We're aware of the gossip tarnishing his image. Thankfully, many Uma Musume and trainers who know his skill keep it from getting too bad. Still, it's tricky…"

Narita Brian nodded. "If it keeps up, it'll affect us too."

I stayed silent, my jaw tight.

Rudolf's gaze sharpened. "If those trainers start poisoning Uma Musume with their nonsense, it's a serious issue. You know their faces and names. If they try anything with Uma Musume or you hear reports of it, tell me, the faculty, or the chairman immediately. Understood?"

"Got it," I said.

"Yeah," Brian added.

I won't let this slide. He's my trainer. This can't stand.

Air Groove's POV End

Hachiman's POV

It's those seniors, isn't it? Spreading this crap. Don't they have better things to do?

Knock, knock, knock.

"Come in," I said.

The door creaked open. "Hey, Hachiman," CB said.

"CB… you again," I said. "What's up? Not exactly chatty today."

"The rumors," she said.

"Already know," I said.

"You okay with this?" she asked. "If it keeps up, you'll be under fire forever."

"Wasting energy on people who only know how to snipe from the shadows? Pointless. They won't stop even if I try."

"Hachiman…" Her voice softened.

If they were reasonable, they wouldn't be doing this. My words at the party must've stung. Too proud to admit it, so they lash out like this.

CB stepped closer, grabbing my hand. "Hey, Hachiman…"

I flinched.

"You can vent to me, you know," she said, squeezing gently. "You've done so much for me. If you're struggling or pissed, I'll listen. Don't bottle it up—talk to me, okay?"

I sighed. "Don't wanna show weakness to a high schooler, but… if it comes to that, I'll take you up on it."

She nodded. "…Good."

Sorry, CB, but that day won't come. I'm used to this kind of crap.

Ten days since Air Groove's Triple Tiara, and Bubblegum Fellow's Tennō Shō is closing in fast. I'm running a joint training session with Air Groove, Fuji Kiseki, and Bubblegum at Kenta's request. With two weeks to go, heavy training's off the table—just light adjustments now. Kenta said, "I've checked everything I could, but I want your eyes on it, Senpai." Probably tweaking minor movements.

Kenta watched eagerly. "So, Senpai, how's it look? I think I fixed what I could."

"Not bad," I said. "Like I told you before, Bubblegum needs to spurt earlier. Her timing's still a bit late. She should be neck-and-neck with the leader by the fourth corner. Her rivals are the so-called 'big three'—no room for hesitation."

Kenta nodded. "Got it…"

"One more thing," I added. "Bubblegum's engine takes too long to fire up, even with a spurt. Tell her to kick it in early, like I said."

"Will do!" Kenta said.

Bubblegum flopped dramatically. "Ughhh, I lost again!"

Air Groove raised an eyebrow. "Overdramatic much?"

"But it's legit strength, right?" Bubblegum grinned. "No surprise from the hottest trainer and Uma Musume duo!"

Fuji smiled. "I've heard that too. Trainer-san's skills are top-notch."

Bubblegum nodded. "Totally! But that makes the bad rumors stand out more, huh? Inside and outside the academy. You know, that 'prize money thief' crap."

Air Groove's eyes narrowed. "Baseless nonsense."

"Super irresponsible," Bubblegum said. "Don't they think how it'd feel if it was them?"

Kenta tilted his head. "What's up, guys?"

I smirked. "Holding a team debrief?"

Bubblegum laughed. "Nah, just talking about your rumors. Those spreaders are so careless."

"Pretty much," I said.

"But don't worry, Trainer!" Bubblegum said. "Most Uma Musume here know those rumors are fake!"

"How so?" I asked.

"It's obvious watching you!" she said. "You train Air Groove, sure, but you also make menus for unassigned students, give running tips, help the student council, even counsel injured girls! Your rep with Uma Musume is stellar. I know—you helped with my rehab and now this training!"

Didn't realize I was seen that way. Feels… kinda nice.

Fuji nodded. "I've heard the Ritto dorm ponies talk about you. Not a single bad word. They think the world of you, and so do I. I trust you completely, Trainer-san."

"…Thanks," I said.

Bubblegum nudged Air Groove. "Your turn!"

Air Groove flinched. "What? Why me?"

Fuji teased. "You're the only one who hasn't said anything! Come on, tell Trainer-san something!"

Bubblegum grinned. "Repeat after me: 'Thanks always, love ya, Trainer!'"

Air Groove sputtered. "Fool! As if I'd say that!"

Fuji chuckled. "You owe him a lot. It's not a big deal."

"That's humiliating!" Air Groove snapped. "No way I'm saying it!"

I waved it off. "It's fine. The thought's enough. If Air Groove said that, I'd think she had a fever. Normal's best."

Kenta laughed. "Haha…"

Bubblegum giggled. "Worrying like that's weird, but yeah, if Air Groove suddenly said 'love ya,' I'd be more freaked out than touched."

Air Groove softened. "…But I'll keep relying on you."

"Got it," I said.

Fuji pouted. "Trainer-san, give her more than that! That was Air Groove's big dere moment!"

"Fuji!" Air Groove barked.

Fuji laughed. "Kidding, kidding. But seriously, Trainer-san, that's how we feel. Just know that."

"…Yeah," I said.

The air turned awkward for a moment.

Bubblegum broke it. "Okay, weird vibe alert! Trainer, what's left on the menu?"

Kenta blinked. "Oh, we're done. Start cooling down. Don't skip stretches."

"Got it!" Bubblegum chirped.

I turned to the others. "You two, go with Bubblegum."

"Understood," Air Groove said.

"On it," Fuji added.

The three headed off to cool down, leaving me and Kenta behind.

Kenta looked at me. "Senpai, unlike those trainers talking crap, me, Hiratsuka-sensei, Hana, Kiryuin-senpai, Okinoshima—we all see you for real."

"…Thanks," I said.

"I'll clean up," Kenta said.

"I'll help," I said.

Afterword

The Tennō Shō's on the horizon, and the turf's buzzing! Hachiman fine-tunes Bubblegum's prep, while Air Groove's Triple Tiara legacy shines through her loyalty and rare soft side. Fuji's teasing and Bubblegum's cheer rally Hachiman against baseless rumors, with Kenta's trust sealing their bond. The stage is set for Bubblegum's big race, but Air Groove's reign holds strong—here's to grit and camaraderie!

---------------------------------------------------------

🚀 Want more?

📖 Unlock 10+ early chapters on my Patreon!

💖 Support me here: patreon.com/DaoistRoeoNQ

🔓 Get ahead of the story today!