Hachiman's POV
Two weeks after summer camp, Fuji's debut, and Air Groove's kickoff, we're back at Tracen Academy. Next up: Fuji's Momiji Stakes, the first OP race in October. A 1400m sprint—tough for a debut, but Fuji's got the chops. Air Groove's GIII was easier in comparison.
Air Groove's next target is the Emperor's Cup (Autumn). The Elizabeth Queen Cup was an option, but I want to test her against the best—three-crown, mile, and tiara-route runners. Win, and it's the Japan Cup. Lose, and we hit the Turquoise Stakes. Either way, two more races this year.
This year's Emperor's Cup isn't as stacked as last year, but Bubble Gum Fellow—last year's champ—is gunning for a repeat. Royal Touch, Genuine, and Silence Suzuka are joining too.
"Momiji Stakes is next," I said. "1400m's short, but Fuji's fine. Air Groove's got no distance issues either. Just don't get baited by Silence Suzuka's big breakaway, and we're good."
"Uh… why strategize in front of me?" my kouhai said. "I'm Bubble's trainer—a rival this time."
"Just leaking useful info," I said. "Maybe it'll spark a new plan."
"That's sneaky, senpai…" he said.
"Kidding," I said. "But your Bubble's on fire. Naruo Kinen, Tanabata Sho—two GIII wins. Aiming for the Mainichi Okan too?"
"Absolutely!" he said. "We trained hard at camp. I'm confident we'll win and not lose!"
"Declaring war on me and Air Groove, huh?" I said. "Can't let that slide."
Still a month and a half away, but Bubble's shaping up as the top rival. And…
*Bubble: "I won't… EVER yield the lead!!!" *ROAR!!
…Seeing that fire, anyone would feel it. Honestly, Air Groove can compete, but winning? Not guaranteed. If Bubble's got last year's form, our odds drop. We need more raw strength, but time's tight.
"Hey, did you figure out why Bubble was off in last year's Emperor's Cup?" I asked.
"Uh… not really," he said. "I asked her, but…! No, it's nothing."
"Why hold back?" I said.
"If I tell you, you'll counter it!" he said.
"Obviously," I said. "But that was good. You let slip there's something, but not what. Now I've got too many possibilities—start, mid-race, corners, straight? Hard to prep for."
"Ugh, I knew it," he said. "That's a lot."
"It's less for Tokyo's 2000m," I said. "Other courses, longer or shorter? You'd be screwed in a second."
"Being around you teaches me so much," he said. "Even my同期 ask you for advice, don't they?"
"I get around," I said.
Not just his同期—newbies, peers, even seniors like Hayahide come to me now.
"We won't lose!" he said. "I'll pull off the first Emperor's Cup (Autumn) repeat!"
"Bring it," I said.
Trainer Room
"…" I sat.
"…" Narita Brian stared.
"♪~♪~" Mr. CB hummed.
"Trainer, ready yet~?" Maruzensky said.
"Not yet," I said. "Wait. And you guys didn't tell anyone, right? Especially Oguri and Spe?"
"No leaks," Brian said.
"Sorry to Spe-chan, but I wanna try your cooking~♪" Maruzensky said.
"No one knows, and no one saw," CB said. "Relax, Hachiman!"
"Good," I said. "Kiryuin, you eating?"
"I'm fine," Aoi said. "Brought my own."
"Cool," I said.
I'm cooking for these three. With Brian here, you can guess—meat's involved. But veggies too. They won't notice 'til they bite.
Minutes Later
"Here ya go," I said.
"Wow, fancy~!" Maruzensky said.
"Meat rolls… yum♪" CB said.
"Looks good," Brian said. "Let's eat."
Brian popped a meat roll in her mouth, then grabbed another and some rice. Whoa, she's eating normally…
"Delicious~," Maruzensky said. "Right, Brian?"
"Yeah," Brian said.
"So good~," CB said. "Right, Brian?"
"…What's with those faces?" Brian said.
"Taste good?" I said, taking a bite. "Nailed it. Brian, you like it?"
"Why ask?" she said.
"'Cause the meat's wrapped around veggies," I said.
"…What?" she said.
"But it's good, right?" CB said.
"Y-Yeah…" Brian said.
"You guys are too nice," I said. "Setting this up for Brian?"
"It's a waste otherwise," CB said.
"Veggies are tasty too~," Maruzensky said.
"Amazon's idea?" Brian asked.
"Bingo," I said.
"Hmph," Brian said. "This, I can eat. Keep it up, Trainer."
"Nope, one-time deal," I said. "But I'll give Amazon the recipe since it works for you."
"…Fine," Brian said.
Phew… Crisis averted.
Afterword
Hachiman's sly tactics target Bubble's mystery weakness, while Air Groove gears up for the Emperor's Cup, her trust arc simmering. Fuji's Momiji Stakes looms, her Niigata glow lingering. Brian's veggie surprise, sparked by CB and Maruzensky, adds levity, with Amazon's touch shining. The Yahari crossover fuels Hachiman's edge—will Air Groove conquer her rivals and doubts?
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