Fuji's POV
Fuji: "Ha… ha… ha…"
Rice: "Ha… phew… F-Fuji-san, you okay?"
Fuji: "Ha… ha… Y-Yeah, I'm fine. But wow… this is on another level. The Derby was nothing compared to this. My lungs feel like they're being squeezed… Is this my limit?"
Rice: "But you finished the Derby, right?"
Fuji: "Yeah, but barely. You saw it, Rice—my legs gave out the moment I crossed the finish line. The Derby was close, so for the Chrysanthemum Sho, I need to push myself even harder to make it through."
I'm not good enough yet… We just started this training menu yesterday, but at this rate, I can't run the full 3000m at Kyoto at top speed.
Hachiman: "Don't rush, Fuji."
Fuji: "Hachiman-san…"
Hachiman: "Training's just begun. Your aptitude won't spike overnight. Right now, your lungs are struggling with unfamiliar strain. When you get used to it, that's when your aptitude's built up. Take it steady. Even after these two months, without trials, you've got three months. We'll adjust based on your progress, so don't panic."
Rice: "Yeah, Fuji-san! Like Onii-sama says, let's build up steadily! It's just the start!"
Fuji: "…You're right. Sorry, you two, I got a bit desperate."
Hachiman: "It's natural to feel pressure—the Classic's first long-distance race is no joke. For now, keep up with Rice on these hill sprints, and that's your passing line. After that, we'll move to mock races on the course."
Keeping up with Rice on hill sprints is just the passing line… Tough. But if it's not this intense, it's not worth doing!
Post-Training
Arrow: "You okay, Fuji-senpai?"
Air Groove: "You're wobbling again today."
Fuji: "Haha… My legs are shot. This training's no joke."
Hachiman: "I'm one to talk, but you alright?"
Fuji: "I'll be fine after a bit. Plus, Hachiman-san's thorough care helps."
Hachiman: "Good. I'll take you to the dorm—'No way!! Air Groove and I will get Fuji to Ritto Dorm!! We can't trouble you, Hachiman!!'—Uh, okay? Why's Air Groove so intense?"
Fuji: "By the way, how're you getting me there?"
Hachiman: "…Like at the Derby."
Fuji: "…Pass, thanks///"
Hachiman: "Yeah, that method's pretty embarrassing. But it was necessary then, so cut me some slack."
Fuji: "I-I get it!"
♪~♪~
Hachiman: "Hm? Phone…! Sensei."
Air Groove: "From Takanotsume?"
Arrow: "Takanotsume?"
Fuji: "Hachiman-san's mentor. Remember? The tall chestnut Uma Musume who visited last year—'Big Red.'"
Arrow: "!! That Big Red…"
Hachiman: "Hello, Hikigaya here. Been a while, Sensei… Yes, thank you… I'll tell Fuji… Huh, future plans? We decided on the Chrysanthemum Sho, and we're training for it… Wait, are you serious?"
What're they talking about?
Hachiman: "…That'd definitely boost our team's skills, but over half are pre-debut. It's not realistic… No, we haven't set dates yet. I'm thinking two might debut in August… What, in that maiden?"
Maiden? Some racing term?
Hachiman: "…Sensei, can I have some time? I can't decide this alone. I need to talk with the team. I'll get back to you soon… Alright, bye."
Air Groove: "Hachiman, everything okay? Sounds like a big deal…"
Hachiman: "Yeah. Sensei suggested we train in America."
Fuji: "America!?"
Hachiman: "Yup, for the whole two months."
Arrow: "Is that… okay?"
Hachiman: "No issue in principle. There's precedent for training abroad before debuting here. Sensei's thinking the reverse."
Air Groove: "Debuting in America, not here?"
Hachiman: "Exactly. It's unprecedented. Usually, you build a record locally before racing abroad. Debuting overseas? I don't know of any case, here or abroad."
Fuji: "But why so sudden?"
Hachiman: "Probably you. Sensei saw your races and, when I mentioned your plans, said, 'I want to train her in America.'"
Fuji: "…"
Hachiman: "But I can't decide this alone, so I'll discuss it with everyone. Well, three of you already heard. Let's talk tomorrow."
…Training in America, huh.
Afterword
Fuji's grinding hard for the Chrysanthemum Sho in this Yahari x Uma Musume chapter, but Hachiman's mentor drops a bombshell: train in America! Fuji's determination and the team's future hang in the balance. What's next?
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That chapter ended on a bit of a cliff, didn't it? 😅 Don't worry, the next one's already on Patreon! [If you'd like to support my work, check out my: patreon.com/DaoistRoeoNQ]