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Chapter 199 - Chapter 197: Fuji Kiseki Arc - Criticism and the Selection Race

Fuji Kiseki's POV

Winning the Satsuki Sho earned me congratulations from not just the pony-chans, but academy staff, Air Groove, and my future teammates—naturally, Hachiman Trainer-san too. This victory thrilled me and feels like both a spark and a miracle cure for the Derby ahead. Others said similar things. Showing everyone a "Kiseki" (miracle) with my own strength felt amazing!

But amid my joy, I found—or rather, Air Groove found—another article about Hachiman Trainer-san. Its contents were like this:

The Satsuki Sho ended with Fuji Kiseki's victory. Her form was excellent, and she was expected to handle this distance, so it's no surprise. Her next race is reportedly the Japan Derby, but that's unrealistic.

From what I've seen, Fuji Kiseki is a mile-type Uma Musume. She handled mid-distance this time, but that's likely because it was 2000m. Training for the second crown is expected, but I question whether her trainer, Hachiman Hikigaya, truly understands her.

Any trainer knows it's standard to enter races an Uma Musume can win, not ones where aptitude or odds are lacking. The Derby is 2400m, just shy of long-distance—a tough ask for a mile-type. Does he want titles and accolades that badly? This is just my opinion, but Fuji Kiseki should skip the Derby and aim for the NHK Mile Cup or Yasuda Kinen. It's obvious that targeting winnable races is better than forcing her into one she can't handle.

In conclusion, Hachiman Hikigaya needs to understand his Uma Musume better.

Reading this made me furious. Hachiman Trainer-san doesn't understand us? What does this nonsense writer know about him?

I couldn't ignore it, so I asked Air Groove to track down the source. She wasn't just willing—she was eager. I hope she finds out soon.

And now…

Hachiman: "…That's the lineup of runners. Alright, I'll gauge them from their warm-up moves."

We're at the selection race for the new students. Only Air Groove and I are with Hachiman Trainer-san. The others aren't on the team yet, so their presence might raise eyebrows. Plus, it's less suspicious with just us—his current trainees.

Air Groove: "Hachiman, what about mid-distance and beyond? Are you only looking at short-distance and mile?"

Hachiman: "That's the plan."

Fuji: "Won't that seem odd?"

Hachiman: "It's fine. I'll just say I want to train short-distance types."

Air Groove: "Is that reasoning solid enough?"

Hachiman: "…It'll do."

Does Hachiman Trainer-san know his cover's a bit flimsy?

Rudolf: "Hey, Hachiman-kun, working hard? Scouting someone, perhaps?"

Hachiman: "Something like that. Just short-distance and mile, though. I've mainly trained mid-distance, with some long-distance mixed in, but short-distance needs a different approach. I want to try it."

Rudolf: "I see…"

Hachiman: "Don't look so disappointed. I haven't done anything wrong, have I?"

Fuji: "Can't help it, Hachiman Trainer-san. Like CB-senpai, the President's only had eyes for you for ages."

Hachiman: "I know, but still…"

Rudolf: "By the way, I saw CB in an unusually great mood recently. Know anything about it, Hachiman-kun? I think you're the only one who could get her like that…"

Hachiman: "CB? Nah, no clue."

Probably because he invited her to the team. If the President finds out… ugh, I don't even want to imagine it.

Hachiman: "Anyway, I want to focus on the selection race. Can we talk later?"

Rudolf: "No real business, just saw you and thought I'd chat. Good luck with the new students."

Air Groove: "CB-senpai seemed thrilled, huh, Hachiman?"

Hachiman: "Seems so. If she was that happy, scouting her was worth it."

Fuji: "Haha, I can picture it. Bet CB-senpai was all smiles."

Hachiman: "…Yeah, easy to imagine."

Afterword

The harsh critics strike again, but Fuji's unfazed, fueled by her Satsuki Sho win! The selection race begins in this Yahari x Uma Musume chapter, with Hachiman scouting for his final team slot. Air Groove's on the hunt for the critic, and CB's joy sparks curiosity. Fuji's arc charges toward the Derby!

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