Hachiman's POV

Hachiman: "…After careful consideration of eight responses, we're taking a break until the 4th. It's New Year's, after all. A little extra downtime won't hurt. Plus, I could use a breather myself."

Yesterday, I emailed the team group chat about the break. I told myself I'd decide once everyone replied. The tally? Three for rest, five for training. I threw in the penalty game warning, and—surprise, surprise—no one dared say "whatever." Why go with the break when training won out? Well, our team's full of workaholics. They'd probably run themselves into the ground if I let them.

Hachiman: "Alright, rest until the 4th it is. Any training will be light, so no issues there. Now… what do I do with myself?"

Academy Festival – Cafeteria

Hachiman: "Not like I had nothing better to do, but here I am at the cafeteria. Seriously, am I this much of a slacker when I'm not working with the Uma Musume?"

Maurice: "Oh, Trainer!"

Hachiman: "Hey, Maurice."

Maurice: "Happy New Year! Here's to another great year! I sent you that email yesterday, but I wanted to greet you properly in person."

Hachiman: "Thanks. So, who're the two behind you? Friends?"

Maurice: "Yup! Let me introduce them. This is Eishin Hikari—Hikari-chan—and Isla Bonita—Isla!"

Hikari: "Heard all about you from Maurice! I'm Eishin Hikari. Nice to meet you, Trainer!"

Isla: "I'm Isla Bonita. It's an honor to meet the famous 'Sky Eye' Trainer in person."

Eishin Hikari and Isla Bonita, huh? They seem like good, straightforward kids. But Isla… something about her reminds me of Fuji. Can't quite put my finger on it.

Isla: "You know, I get what Maurice was saying now. You're kind of intimidating to approach, but once we're talking, it's easy. Haha, I feel silly for being so cautious."

Maurice: "Right? Trainer's super nice! He's tough during training, sure, but that's just what we need!"

Hachiman: "Glad you think so. Maurice, I've always thought your potential's too big for just Japan. I'm gonna push you hard to make sure you shine. Same goes for the rest of the team—settling for domestic wins feels like selling you short."

Hikari: "Wait, so you're planning to take Maurice overseas?!"

Hachiman: "If she's got the will and the drive. It's not my call alone."

Hikari: "The world stage… wow."

Hachiman: "One step at a time. Right now, we're focused on the next win. Your run in the Manryo Stakes gave you a good feel for the track, so for the Shinzan Kinen, we're aiming for the board—or at least third."

Maurice: "The race before that was rough… My first graded stakes, and I finished sixth. So embarrassing…" ///

Hachiman: "Don't make that face. You told me yourself when we met—you're a late bloomer. Results might not come now, but your time to shine will. Just keep at it."

Maurice: "…Got it!"

Her form's solid. We just need to pinpoint what's missing and build from there.

Isla: "Hey, Maurice, Hikari—why don't we ask Trainer to come with us today?"

Hachiman: "Hm?"

Hikari: "Ooh, great idea! Trainer'd probably give awesome advice. I'm in!"

Hachiman: "You guys going shopping or something?"

Maurice: "We're actually checking out shoes today. We've all raced enough to get some experience, so we figured it's time to pick out shoes to go with our G1 win outfits."

Makes sense. Investing in the future's not a bad move. Plus, it'll boost their motivation.

Hachiman: "Alright, I'm in. I've got nothing else going on. I'll toss in some advice—just don't expect me to be too naggy."

Hikari: "Sweet, thanks!"

Maurice: "Thank you!"

Isla: "Looking forward to it, Trainer!"

We hit up a bunch of shops after that—big chain stores, specialty boutiques, you name it. Each of them had totally different tastes. Maurice went for gurka boots, Hikari picked mutton boots, and Isla chose opera pumps. Couldn't be more distinct if they tried.

Isla: "That was some great shopping!"

Hikari: "Totally! Having Trainer around was awesome—he gave such good advice. Found a pair that's perfect for both style and comfort!"

Hachiman: "Glad you found what you wanted."

Maurice: "Me too! I had a blast. Thanks for coming with us!"

Hachiman: "No problem. I had a good time too. Oh, Maurice—one thing. Does CB really call you 'Mo-chan'?"

Maurice: "Yup! It was new for me, but I kinda like it. Feels fresh. You can call me that too, if you want!"

Hachiman: "Nah, I'll stick with Maurice."

Didn't expect her to be so chill about it. Or that she'd be into it. Go figure.

Racehorse Introductions!

First up, Eishin Hikari! Same "Eishin" as Eishin Flash, but different owners—though, honestly, it's practically the same deal.

Her wins include G3 Epsom Cup, G2 Mainichi Okan, and G1 Hong Kong Cup and Prix d'Ispahan. Record: 15 races, 10 wins! She's an all-or-nothing horse—either first or out of the placings. Her two G1 victories were both overseas, in Hong Kong and France. She thrives on both Japan's high-speed tracks and Europe's firmer turf, a real strength. Also known for carrying a legendary jockey through a rough patch!

Next, Isla Bonita! Daughter of Fuji Kiseki, sporting the same blue-black coat, so we sent her to Sunday Silence's line!

Record: 25 races, 8 wins. Her victories include G3 Tokyo Sports Hai 2-Year-Old Stakes, Kyodo News Hai, G2 St. Lite Kinen, Mile Championship, Hanshin Cup, and G1 Satsuki Sho. She's got a knack for second and third places, making her a consistent performer over a long career. Fuji Kiseki was a legendary sire, but Isla's the only one of his offspring to win a Classic race. Her dad couldn't race due to injury, so her Satsuki Sho win feels like a beautiful story of carrying his legacy. Makes you wonder what Fuji Kiseki could've done if he'd stayed healthy.

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