Air Groove's POV

Tokyo Racecourse buzzed with life at the end of October, crowds flooding in like a tidal wave to witness the spectacle. Today was the Tennō Shō (Autumn), one of racing's grandest stages, held twice yearly—spring's grueling 3200 meters in Kyoto and autumn's fierce 2000 meters here. The shield of victory carries unmatched prestige.

My peer, Bubblegum Fellow, was set to run in this Tennō Shō, her first G1 since last year's Asahi Hai FS, ten months ago. I wanted her to shine.

Hiratsuka-sensei, her main trainer, gazed at the track. "Been a while since we've been on this stage."

Hachiman nodded. "Ten months, right? Since the Asahi Hai."

Hiratsuka-sensei sighed. "Yeah. She won the Spring Stakes, and we planned to ride that momentum, but a fracture hit a week before the Satsuki Shō. I was training other Uma Musume, so Kenta handled her. Bubblegum must've been crushed… and as her main trainer, I couldn't do a thing."

Kenta shook his head. "That's not true! You visited her, helped plan her rehab training. That's why she's here now!"

Hachiman agreed. "Kenta's right. He put in the most work, but your guidance shaped him. Let's see the results today."

He's unusually fired up for Hachiman. Guess it makes sense—he's invested in Bubblegum.

Fuji leaned in. "So, Kenta, how's Bubblegum's condition?"

Kenta grinned. "Best I've seen. You wouldn't think it's only her second race post-injury. But she's up against G1 veterans and proven stars, including the 'big three.' It's about how much she can compete."

I nodded. "Sakura Laurel, who took this year's Tennō Shō (Spring). Maya-no Top Gun, with last year's Kikka Shō and Arima Kinen, plus this year's Takarazuka Kinen. Marvelous Sunday, riding a six-race win streak. And other heavy hitters. For a classic-grade like Bubblegum, it's a steep wall."

She's the only classic-grade in the field, surrounded by veterans with double her experience and accolades. Honestly, her odds of winning are slim. But Bubblegum never gave up, training relentlessly. I'll cheer her on, believing she can make her mark.

A senior trainer smirked. "Well, if it isn't Hikitani."

Hachiman gave a curt nod. "Hey. Good work."

Another senior sneered. "Here to spectate, prize money thief? Must be nice, so carefree."

Kenta bristled. "What's that supposed to mean?!"

A peer snapped, "Stay out of it! We're talking to Hikitani, not you!"

Hachiman's voice was flat. "Got nothing to talk about. Don't decide for me."

The peer mocked, "Ooh, scary!"

So these are the ones… spreading trash about Trainer around the academy. They're not even fit to call themselves trainers.

Hiratsuka-sensei's eyes narrowed. "What's your business? Even in a trainer-only room, you're not here just to sling insults, right?"

The first senior grinned. "Oh, Hiratsuka-sensei. Bubblegum Fellow in the Tennō Shō? Bold move. But let's be real—isn't this reckless?"

Hiratsuka-sensei raised an eyebrow. "Meaning?"

The second senior chimed in. "Why not enter her in the Kikka Shō? A classic race would've suited her better."

Hiratsuka-sensei scoffed. "Reckless? I'd say running 3000 meters fresh off a fracture with barely any prep is reckless. And for the record, I didn't pick this race. Bubblegum did… and so did Kenta."

Kenta froze.

The first senior laughed. "He's been a trainer for what, six months? You're trusting a rookie like him? If she finishes out of the money, you'll look like a fool."

Hiratsuka-sensei's voice was steady. "Kenta's been with Bubblegum since last fall. He knows her best, and their bond is tight. She trusts him completely. Who else would I entrust her to?"

The second senior smirked. "Fine. Prove it. If Bubblegum lands top three, we'll admit he's legit."

Hiratsuka-sensei snorted. "What's this, a bet? You'll just 'admit' it? Lame."

The peer taunted, "What about you, Hikitani? Not chickening out, right?"

Hachiman looked at Kenta. "Your call, Kenta."

Kenta hesitated. "Senpai…"

"But remember," Hachiman said, "if you take this, it's your responsibility. Don't let Bubblegum carry that burden. Do that, and you're no better than these clowns."

The first senior snapped, "What's that mean, Hikitani?"

"Nothing you need to worry about," Hachiman said coolly.

Kenta took a breath. "…I'll take the challenge."

Hiratsuka-sensei stayed silent.

The second senior grinned. "That's some guts. Can't wait to see the race."

The three trainers walked off, leaving us in their wake.

I crossed my arms. "They've got some nerve, pulling this in front of the student council. I'll give you props for guts, Kenta."

Kenta stammered, "S-Sorry—"

"But honestly," I cut in, "I can't stand those three. Bubblegum's the one running, but make them eat their words."

"Y-Yes!" Kenta said.

Hiratsuka-sensei smirked. "When that happens, I'll rub it in their faces too. Fun fact: that second senior's Uma Musume ditched him, and he's scrambling for a new one. Let's use that."

Hachiman grinned. "Nice."

Fuji sighed. "Don't egg them on, Trainer-san…"

Hachiman shrugged. "I won't say a word. But let those guys off easy? Not a chance."

I smirked. "Funny. Neither will I."

Win or lose, they're not walking away unscathed!

Afterword

The Tennō Shō's heat is on! Air Groove's Triple Tiara legacy looms as she cheers for Bubblegum Fellow, facing giants like Maya-no Top Gun. Hachiman and Hiratsuka-sensei back Kenta's bold stand against smug rivals, with Fuji adding playful levity. Kenta's ready to prove himself, and Air Groove's ready to see those hecklers humbled—go, Bubblegum, go!

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