Fuji Kiseki's POV
One week until the Derby. After intense talks with Hachiman Trainer-san, we decided to skip the mile races and go straight for the Derby. The Oaks just finished, so we've really only got a week left. Thanks to everyone, my training's been solid—2400m prep included. Stamina drills with Air Groove and CB-senpai, speed work with Maurice and Bakushin-O, power training on dirt with Arrow, and recovery drinks from Ardan. They've all done so much for me.
Hachiman Trainer-san's effort stands out most… Maybe it's the Derby, but his intensity feels different. Crafting new weekly training plans is tough, yet he does it every week. This week's just final tune-ups, focusing on maintaining my condition and performance.
Fuji: "The Derby really brings out a trainer's fire, huh…"
Air Groove: "What's up?"
Fuji: "Oh, just thinking about Hachiman Trainer-san. The Japan Derby's one of the highest honors in the Uma Musume world. I was wondering if he's aiming for that 'Derby Trainer' title."
Air Groove: "…"
Fuji: "You know about the Derby, right? Japan's top, oldest G1 race. Every Uma Musume and trainer dreams of it. Winning's a lifelong honor."
Air Groove: "…I won't deny that."
Fuji: "I don't think anyone wouldn't want it. Maybe Hachiman Trainer-san—'No way.' …Huh?"
Air Groove: "Fuji, let me ask you something. Do you want to win the Derby?"
Fuji: "Of course! It's a huge stage—I'm going in to win!!"
Air Groove: "…That's your answer. Hachiman's doing everything to make you win. Sure, he might want some glory, but I doubt he'd put himself above us."
Fuji: "…Got it."
Air Groove: "I've been his trainee longest, so I know. He's not driven by fame or titles. When I won the Triple Tiara, he didn't cheer loudly or fist-pump the sky. Same with my senior autumn Triple Crown."
Fuji: "Is that… how he is?"
Air Groove: "So your worries are baseless. He's not entering you in the Derby for himself—you wanted it, remember? You said you wanted to race in it. Now just win it."
Fuji: "For me…"
Air Groove: "So relax."
…Right, that's who Hachiman Trainer-san is. Why did I even doubt him?
Fuji: "Thanks, Air Groove. I feel so much lighter now. I think I understand him better too."
Air Groove: "Good."
Fuji: "Yeah… I need to keep learning about him."
Air Groove: "We both do."
Fuji: "I'll sleep well tonight."
Air Groove: "What, you haven't been sleeping well lately?"
Fuji: "A little… But I'm fine now. Talking it out helped. Kinda bummed, though—no more anxiety means no sleepover at Hachiman Trainer-san's place."
Air Groove: "W-What are you thinking!? Good thing we sorted this out!!"
Haha, Air Groove's so intense.
Fuji: "Just kidding, but I'm really grateful."
Air Groove: "…Sigh, as long as your worries are gone. Sleep early from now on. You can't afford to be off your game."
Fuji: "Yup, I'm good now. Oh… got a minute?"
Air Groove: "What?"
Fuji: "Wanna join me for a drink?"
Air Groove: "You're underage… Fine, just for today."
I headed to my room to grab some carrot juice from the fridge.
Fuji side out
Hachiman's POV
Taliato: 'Next is the Derby, this week, huh.'
Hachiman: "Yup. Fuji's first big hurdle. Mine too."
Taliato: 'The Derby's a major race worldwide. Just winning is an honor. But you care more about your Uma Musume, don't you?'
Hachiman: "Obviously. Winning the Derby but ending with an injury? That's no joke. No honor in that."
Taliato: '…Right, you're correct. I can't be there, but I'll watch the Derby on broadcast. We'll talk then.'
Hachiman: "Got it, on Derby day."
Afterword
Fuji's Derby prep hits a heartfelt note in this Yahari x Uma Musume chapter! Air Groove clears Fuji's doubts about Hachiman's motives, while Team Polaris' support shines. Hachiman's focus stays on Fuji's dream, not his own glory. (Got a bit heavy, huh?)
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