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Chapter 205 - Chapter 203: Fuji Kiseki Arc - Debut Timing and Just the Two of Us?

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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