[Announcer]: "With the classic races' echoes still ringing, it's time for the ultimate autumn mid-distance showdown! Who will claim the historic shield's glory? The undefeated Empress? Last year's champion? A rising star baring her fangs, or a veteran flexing her might? G1, Emperor's Cup (Autumn)… STARTS NOW!!!"
Announcer: "Amid the lingering thrill of classic races, this race to crown autumn's mid-distance queen boasts a stellar lineup. All eyes are on Air Groove, last year's Triple Tiara conqueror, still unbeaten."
Commentator: "Her explosive final kick in the straight is breathtaking—no one's matched it yet. Will that burst shine again today?"
Announcer: "But standing in her way is last year's champion, Bubble Gum Fellow, the second favorite! She hasn't claimed a G1 since, but she's stormed into this race with three consecutive G3 wins this summer. If anyone can challenge, it's her. Other proven Uma Musume join the fray, promising a thrilling Emperor's Cup!"
Stands
"Honestly, I'm shocked," I said. "I never expected you'd be here, Dyna Car-san."
"I'd already planned to watch," Dyna Car said. "Running into you and getting this seat? Fate's funny, huh~."
"Guess so," I said.
"Where's your mentor?" she asked. "Not here today?"
"She's coming," I said. "Just running late. She's technically a teacher, though it's more like she's just on the roster."
"What's that mean?" Dyna Car asked.
"She's at the university but picks and chooses what to teach," I said. "Only mentors those she deems worthy. I'm the only one who became a trainer, though."
"Wow~," Dyna Car said. "The others lacked grit, huh."
(Harsh, but… not wrong?) I thought.
"No one else here?" she asked.
"My other charge is watching with friends," I said. "So it's just you, me, and later, Sensei."
"I see…" Dyna Car said. "Air Groove's face looks clouded, but I don't know why."
"You can tell?" I said.
"She's my daughter," she said. "Of course. Do you know anything, Trainer-san?"
"In short, it's like a typical interpersonal clash," I said.
"I get it," she said. "She's a bit stubborn, so I can see why you're struggling."
"It's partly my fault too," I said.
Dyna Car and I chatted, watching Air Groove from the stands. The paddock was still showcasing the racers. The race was a ways off, but I headed to the locker room to brief Air Groove on strategy.
I walked briskly.
"Hey, senpai," my kouhai called.
"Yo," I said. "How's it going?"
"Bubble's in top shape," he said. "We're winning this one too."
"Big talk," I said. "Now we just relay strategy and leave it to the Uma Musume. Not much else we can do."
"Yeah," he said.
Locker Room
"Air Groove, can I come in?" I called.
"Trainer? Of course," she said.
I stepped in. Air Groove was ready in her racing gear, exuding confidence… but a shadow lingered in her expression, just as Dyna Car noted.
"Trainer, what's the strategy today?" she asked. "The usual lead-chasing approach?"
"Yeah," I said. "Bubble, your main rival, will take the front, so mark her and ride the flow. Silence Suzuka will definitely bolt—don't get sucked into her pace."
"Got it…" she said. "Trainer, one thing?"
"What's up?" I said.
"Today… are you leaving right after?" she asked. "This is Tokyo—academy's close."
"I'd love to bolt, but I'm not ditching my charge," I said. "Have I ever left you behind? Why ask?"
"Just… wondering," she said.
"Alright," I said. "I'm your trainer, crooked as I am. I'm not abandoning you. I'll stay 'til it's over."
"I… see," she said.
"…" I paused.
"…" She looked away.
"Isn't it about time?" I said.
"…Yeah," she said. "Let's go."
"Air Groove," I said.
"?" She turned.
"Win it," I said.
"! …I know," she said.
The Emperor's Cup (Autumn)… moments from starting!!
Afterword
Air Groove faces the Autumn Shield with a shadowed heart, her trust arc teetering as Bubble looms large. Hachiman's steady support and Dyna Car's maternal insight deepen the stakes, while Fuji's unrevealed plan with Fine and Rudolf waits. The Yahari crossover fuels Air Groove's turmoil—will she claim glory or falter?
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