Hachiman's POV
A week into Team Polaris, and only two members have debuted. The others are pre-debut, but their raw talent's showing—everyone's moving well. CB's been training with us pre-team, so her progress is no surprise, but the rest are solid too. Going from just Air Groove, Fuji, and CB to a max of eight for training is a game-changer.
From what I see, debut order's likely: Rice, Maurice, CB, Bakushin-O, Arrow, Ardan.
Ardan's last because I want her legs in top shape for her best run.
Arrow's a dirt chaser, so I'm sharpening her closing speed.
Bakushin-O's limited to sprints—miles are probably out. We'll see.
CB could debut sooner, but I want her to show her full potential.
Maurice is like CB but growing fast. Called a late bloomer, but if this is "late," she'll be a monster later. Getting her race experience now is key.
Rice's a long-distance specialist, so her early races are limited. I want to broaden her range now.
Hachiman: "…That's the plan. But right now, it's all about the Derby. Fuji's got a shot at her second crown. She wants that stage, so I'm getting her there in peak condition."
Air Groove: "Talking to yourself again?"
Hachiman: "Gah! Sorry, Air Groove. Can't shake this habit."
Air Groove: "It happens often, but I don't mind. It shows you're serious about us. Don't worry."
Hachiman: "Thanks for that."
Air Groove: "…Is the Derby really that tough?"
Hachiman: "Her aptitude's weaker than yours, but she can handle it. Remember last year's training with sensei? She cleared 2400m fine. It's about race tactics now."
Air Groove: "I see."
Hachiman: "Fuji can overcome the distance, but outsmarting seventeen same-age rivals is the real challenge. They're elite. We need every weapon ready to win."
Air Groove: "So that's why you're training her like that for the Derby?"
Hachiman: "Yup. Fuji'll likely face chasers, so I'm using CB and Arrow to build her staying power. She's got a gritty side, you know."
Air Groove: "…You're watching her closely, huh?"
Hachiman: "She's my trainee."
Air Groove: "When it was just me, you didn't act like this."
Hachiman: "Back then, we had a contract. I kept things professional, locked away the extra thoughts."
Air Groove: "…"
Don't go quiet… It was just how we started!
Hachiman: "But it's different now, right?"
Air Groove: "…Yes. We've built a good relationship."
Hachiman: "Yeah."
Air Groove gives a faint, gentle smile—nothing like the old days, but now it's her norm.
CB: "Hey, what's going on?" pout
Hachiman: "Huh?"
Air Groove: "?"
CB: "Why're you two making a lovey-dovey vibe? Were you watching our training, Hachiman?" glare
Hachiman: "What're you talking about… Of course I was watching."
Air Groove: "And CB-senpai, we weren't making any 'lovey-dovey vibe.'"
CB: "Oh? I've never seen Air Groove smile at Hachiman like that before."
Arrow: "…Yeah, I don't think I've seen that side of Air Groove either."
Note: I haven't seen it either~
Air Groove: "Even you, Arrow?"
Bakushin-O: "Well, well! What's all this lively chatter about!?"
Maurice: "What were you talking about?"
Fuji: "These two were making a flirty bubble."
Maurice: "F-Flirty!?"
Air Groove: "Fuji!! Don't say things that cause misunderstandings!! There's no such thing!!"
CB: "Air Groove, I'm not handing Hachiman over! I won't lose!!" hug!
Air Groove: "What are you talking about!?"
Hachiman: "Alright, enough. Maurice is about to short-circuit. Maurice, ignore them. It's just dumb teasing."
…Right?
Bakushin-O: "Hmm… I don't get it, but Trainer-san's super popular, huh!?"
CB: "!! …Genius?"
Hachiman: "Stop spouting nonsense and go cool down."
Afterword
Air Groove: "You, popping up now and then?"
Raw Meat: "I just wanna join the chat sometimes. Nobody seems to hear me, though."
Air Groove: "Obviously. And you said you've never seen my smile like that? Is that true?"
Raw Meat: "…It's a lie. I saw it a few times in your arc!"
Air Groove: "So you lied?"
Raw Meat: "!! P-Please, not the slaughterhouse!! Spare me!!"
Air Groove: "I didn't even say anything…"
Just a skit.
Team Polaris' training ramps up in this Yahari x Uma Musume chapter! Hachiman plans debuts for Rice, Maurice, CB, Bakushin-O, Arrow, and Ardan, while Fuji's Derby prep intensifies. Air Groove's smile sparks team teasing—flirty or not?
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