Hachiman's POV
…What do I do? Seriously, what do I do?
"…Hachiman Trainer-san," Fuji said.
"Yeah, I know what you're thinking," I said.
"What's gotten into Air Groove?" Fuji said.
"Hah… hah… hah…!" Air Groove panted, charging down the track.
Beep!
"…Three runs, three record breaks," I said.
"…" Fuji stared, speechless.
Words fail me. This is right after the Emperor's Cup, and she's already training like this? The plan was to gradually improve her times, but she's smashing records on the first, second, and third runs! What's going on? How does this even happen?
"Haa… haa… phew…" Air Groove said. "How's that, Hachiman? Did I improve?"
"Yeah, another record," I said.
"Yes!" she said, pumping a fist.
"Uh, Air Groove?" Fuji said. "What's gotten into you? This kind of performance…"
"My legs have never felt lighter," Air Groove said. "I'm in peak condition. That's what these results show. Hachiman, I can keep going!"
"…One more run, then we're done for today," I said. "After that, cool down. Fuji, sorry to keep you waiting. Your cool-down's probably done, but Air Groove's times are throwing me off. Didn't mean to drag this out."
"No worries, Hachiman Trainer-san," Fuji said. "I want to see this too."
Air Groove's fourth run… another record. She looked unfazed, barely tired. Not that she's immune to fatigue, but for those times? She's practically normal.
"Alright, just stretching left," I said. "Then we're—Hachiman Trainer!!"
"? Takanotsume-san?" I said.
"Haa… haa…" Takanotsume panted. "I've got news about the Japan Cup in a month!"
"Go ahead," I said.
"The overseas Uma Musume entries are confirmed," she said. "Here's the list."
This is big. Knowing who's coming changes everything. I need to check their names, their wins, their races—everything.
Japan Cup Overseas Entries
• USA: Astalabad – André Baboin Award (G3)
• NZL: Ebony Grove – Mackinnon Stakes (G1)
• IRL: Oscar Schindler – Irish St. Leger (G1)
• IRL: Pilsudski – Breeders' Cup Turf (G1)
• UK: Caitano – Bayerisches Zuchtrennen (G1)
• UK: Mons – Royal Lodge Stakes (G2)
"Four G1 winners, huh," I said. "And this Pilsudski… Fine's sister, right? What kind of Uma Musume is she? Irish royalty, so probably a powerhouse. Look at this—she's won five G1s across America and Europe, including the Breeders' Cup Turf."
"What're you looking at?" Air Groove asked.
"Done stretching already?" I said.
"Thoroughly," she said. "So, what's that?"
"The Japan Cup overseas entries," I said. "Check this name—Pilsudski, Fine's sister. Five G1 wins in America and Europe. She's the real deal. Our biggest threat, no question."
"I know her," Air Groove said. "I remember from all of Fine's souvenirs."
Weird way to remember her…
"America, New Zealand, Ireland, the UK…" Fuji said. "It's really a global field. The Japan Cup's seen as a top race worldwide, huh?"
"They'll arrive two weeks before the race," Takanotsume said. "Public training sessions will be at the racecourse."
"Got it," I said. "The schedule changes daily, right?"
"Yes," Takanotsume said. "We haven't set who trains when, but I'll let you know, Hachiman Trainer."
"Thanks," I said.
"Excuse me, then," she said, leaving.
Gotta research these Uma Musume when I get home, especially Pilsudski. Her record, including overseas races, is insane—two straight Arc de Triomphe second places, and she won the Breeders' Cup Turf. That's not normal.
"Hachiman Trainer-san, scouting the rivals?" Fuji asked.
"Yeah," I said. "Don't want to spend too much time on it, but chances to see overseas runners are rare. Gotta take it while it's there."
"Hachiman, call me when you do," Air Groove said. "I want to see them myself."
"Alright, I'll let you know," I said. "But just for a bit. We've got training too."
"Hmm~," Fuji teased. "Going on a date, you two?"
"It's not a date," I said.
"Y-Yeah," Air Groove said, blushing. "Just… scouting the competition///"
"Haha, sure, let's call it that," Fuji said.
It's literally just scouting.
Afterword
Air Groove's peak condition shatters records, her newfound warmth fueling her strides as Hachiman scrambles to keep up. Pilsudski's shadow looms large, promising a global showdown at the Japan Cup. Fuji's teasing adds levity, while the Yahari crossover deepens their bond—can Air Groove conquer the international stage
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