The group made their way back to school. The evening air had cooled, carrying the faint scent of grass from the training grounds.
On the walk back, Oguri Cap's entire demeanor had shifted. She spoke much more warmly now, her earlier reserve melting away. She even chatted about her past races, describing famous matches with an enthusiasm that made her eyes light up.
After some investigation and research over the past few days, Hayato had preliminarily identified the opponents they'd be facing next month.
Looking at the increasingly formidable competitor lists, Hayato couldn't help but feel some concern creeping in. These weren't going to be easy wins.
Hayato didn't have 100% certainty of winning every single race. That would be arrogant and stupid. But he had at least 80% confidence, which was better than most trainers could claim.
The real concern wasn't whether they could win. It was whether King Halo and Seiun Sky could persevere through the upcoming training regimen he had planned.
Silence Suzuka against Air Groove in the Tulip Sho, King Halo against BNW, and Seiun Sky competition against a Uma Musume veteran.
That day, while supervising their training with some adjusted content, a female reporter suddenly appeared at the edge of the field. She had waterfall-like long hair and an excellent figure that her uniform somehow accentuated. The moment she spotted Hayato, her face lit up with recognition. "Aha! The Runaway Trainer!"
"A reporter?" Hayato's head whipped around in panic. This was Tracen Academy. How did a reporter get in here? Did she climb the academy wall? If Tazuna caught her wandering around unauthorized, she'd be toast.
There were no other reporters nearby. No camera crews, no assistants. This woman was operating completely solo. She wasn't even carrying proper camera equipment. Just a small notebook and a pen.
Wait.... Etsuko Otonashi?
"Hello, Runaway Trainer." She strode forward with confidence, extending a hand. "I'm a reporter from Twinkle Magazine. Etsuko Otonashi. Pleased to meet you."
Hayato eyed the outstretched hand but didn't take it yet. "Reporters shouldn't be able to enter Tracen grounds, though, right?"
"Hehe." Etsuko Otonashi's laugh carried a note of pride. She withdrew her hand without seeming offended. "I can be here because Director Akikawa gave permission. And you, my friend, are the main subject of this month's Twinkle Magazine issue."
Etsuko Otonashi pointed her pen at Hayato like it was a weapon.
Twinkle Magazine. A monthly publication in the Uma Musume world, it reported on the most high-profile events, with the occasional human-interest piece or playful Uma Musume joke slipped in. Some readers will love it. Trainers either feared its influence or tried to win its favor, depending on how well they got along with the media.
When it came to gaining fans and public recognition, Twinkle Magazine was an invaluable asset. Being featured in its pages could decide the rise or fall of an entire career.
Hayato's hand moved to his chin, thinking it over for a moment. "Alright. I'll accept the interview. First, let me make one thing. I'm not called the Runaway Trainer. My name is Hayato. Thank you."
"Mm-hmm. Runaway Trainer Hayato..." Etsuko Otonashi scribbled something in her notebook without looking up.
Wait. Wait, that wasn't...
"Does the Runaway Trainer already have arrangements for his uma musume's upcoming races?" She didn't even look up, pen poised and ready to record whatever came out of Hayato's mouth next.
Hayato decided not to bother correcting the nickname. Instead, Hayato chose to take advantage of the situation, using the opportunity to raise his profile and promote Team Altair.
Still, Hayato needed to be smart about this. Keep it low-key, not too arrogant. Avoid creating haters. Maybe play it a bit humble, gain some sympathy from readers.
"Well, capable Uma Musume naturally takes the classic route, right?" Hayato said casually, as if it were obvious. "So their upcoming plans are the Classic Triple Crown route for King Halo, the Triple Tiara route, and...."
"Mm-hmm. Triple Crown route, Triple Tiara route... this..." Etsuko Otonashi's pen paused mid-scratch. Her eyes flicked up to meet Hayato's face.
There was something in her expression he couldn't quite read. Surprise? Skepticism?
Hayato hesitated, shifting his weight as he became aware of how confident he'd sounded. Sure, his arrangements had some ambitious elements, but wasn't that normal for any competitive uma musume? Every trainer aimed high for their team. Did she think I was being unrealistic?
Etsuko Otonashi's expression shifted completely. Her eyes went wide with what could only be described as rapture. "This... this is absolutely wonderful!"
Hayato blinked. That wasn't the reaction he'd expected.
After her moment of intense enthusiasm, she looked at Hayato again, practically vibrating with excitement. "Mr. Runaway, you're going to have them dominate all the major races, right?"
"Wait, isn't that a bit of an exaggeration?" Hayato's hands came up defensively. Sure, he'd brag like that in private, but saying it in the media? That tone was way too arrogant. Hayato could already imagine the comment sections tearing him apart.
Talking about Triple Crown dreams was fine. That was every uma musume's goal, after all. It would be weird not to mention it. But what was with that addition at the end? Dominate all the major races? That was asking for trouble.
"Exaggeration?" Etsuko Otonashi pointed her pen at Hayato with a light laugh, clearly amused by his backpedaling. "Stop pretending. The Director told me all about you. You're quite arrogant, apparently."
That Akikawa Yayoi… Hayato let out a sigh. Of course, she'd push me into this situation.
"Wahaha! Did I guess right?" Etsuko Otonashi's grin widened. "The Runaway Trainer's thoughts are easy to read."
Only then did Hayato realize he'd been completely played. His face must have given everything away.
The nickname "Eccentric Reporter" was truly well-deserved. She wasn't an ordinary reporter at all. This woman operated on a different level entirely.
"Not bad. Started the interview already, have we?" A familiar voice cut through the conversation. "How about it? This guy's quite the rare talent, isn't he? Haha!"