Fuji Kiseki's POV
May 28, Tokyo Racecourse. Japan Derby day has arrived—the battle to crown our generation's best. I've trained hard for this, and I'm ready to give it everything. I can feel the fierce determination radiating from the other girls—they all want to win just as badly.
This is my first Derby, and Hachiman Trainer-san's too. It's a huge race for me, and my desire to win is as strong as anyone's. I want to prove that Hachiman's meticulous training, clear strategies, and alignment with our dreams are the real deal. The Derby's about more than just victory—it's about showing what we're made of.
Waiting Room
Hachiman: "You're looking sharp. Should have no trouble running it out."
Fuji: "Yup, I'm pumped!"
Air Groove: "You seem even fiercer than at the Satsuki Sho."
CB: "With all that training, you'll definitely win. Right, Hachiman? Fuji's good to go?"
Hachiman: "You all teamed up to train Fuji for this day. Now just believe in her and cheer. And CB, you're asking if she's okay? You trained with her—any reason she wouldn't be?"
Bakushin-O: "Heh! Exactly, Trainer-san! We were part of her training, so there's no problem!!"
Fuji: "Thanks, everyone."
Hachiman: "Strategy time. Stay mid-pack and conserve energy. Air Groove and CB's drills should have that locked in your head and body. Focus on pacing yourself, then blast past the third corner."
Fuji: "Got it!"
Hachiman: "And the biggest strategy…"
Fuji: "?"
Hachiman: "…Have fun."
Fuji: "…Fun?"
Hachiman: "Yup. The Derby's intense, and you might think there's no room for fun, but in racing—or magic—the one who enjoys it most wins. They say the Derby goes to the luckiest. A sour face won't draw luck, right?"
Fuji: "Pfft, haha! Don't make me laugh, Hachiman Trainer-san!"
Hachiman: "That's the face. Go with that."
Air Groove: "Hachiman's right, Fuji. It's a race before it's the Derby. Enjoy it."
CB: "Have fun out there, Fuji!"
Rice: "Good luck, Fuji-san!"
Ardan: "Wishing you the best."
Bakushin-O: "We'll cheer with all we've got, so go full Bakushin, Fuji-san!"
Arrow: "We're rooting for you."
Maurice: "Do your best, Fuji-san!"
Fuji: "Thanks, everyone. I'm off♪"
It's the Derby—gotta enjoy it, or I'm missing out!
Main Track
Announcer: 'And now, all 17 Uma Musume are on the turf!! Only one remains—the undefeated star, carrying her flawless record into today! Can she conquer the Derby with this momentum!? From the outermost gate, No. 18, the top favorite, Fuji Kiseki!!'
Fuji: "Everyone, cheer loud!"
Time to show them Fuji Kiseki's 'Kiseki'!
Fuji side out
Ardan's POV
Hachiman: "2400m… Let's see how Fuji runs. CB, Ardan, Rice—pay attention. You'll aim for this race someday. Understand it's Japan's top race. It'll help later."
CB: "Got it♪"
Rice: "O-Onii-sama, can I stand on this stage too?"
Hachiman: "You've got a good shot. You're a stayer, but you've got mid-distance talent too."
Rice: "! Okay!"
Ardan: "Anii-sama, can I race here too?"
Hachiman: "If you want it, yeah. Only 18 make the Derby, but if you're determined to race and win, it's not impossible. Air Groove grew up hearing about her mom's Oaks win, so her drive for it was unmatched. If you want this race, charge toward it. Just don't get reckless."
Ardan: "…Understood. Thank you. I'll run even harder from now on."
Hachiman: "Good."
Ardan: "For Anii-sama too!"
Hachiman: "…Huh?"
Rice: "Y-Yeah! I'll run tons for Onii-sama!"
Hachiman: "No, not for me—for yourselves."
Air Groove: "How did this happen?"
CB: "Right?"
Arrow: "Trainer, did you put ideas in their heads?"
Hachiman: "No way… Ugh, how'd this happen? Look, the Derby's starting soon—focus."
Afterword
The Japan Derby looms in this Yahari x Uma Musume chapter! Fuji's ready to shine, backed by Team Polaris' training and Hachiman's heartfelt strategy: have fun. The team rallies, while Ardan and Rice dream big. (Race outcome next time!)
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