Fuji's POV

A few days into the new year, I'm training with Maurice and Bakushin O, pushing myself to the limit in top-gear sprints. Trailing Bakushin O, trying to match her blistering speed—it's something I don't have yet. Maurice, despite being a Classic-class runner, has this raw momentum that's hard to ignore. She might feel a bit lacking now, but Hachiman sees her as a gem in the rough. She's bound to shine brighter with time.

Meanwhile, Air Groove's moved on to the Dream Series after dominating the Twinkle Series' URA Finals with an undefeated record. The Dream Series only runs in summer and winter, so it's thrilling to think about how far she'll go.

Hachiman: "Alright, almost there! Don't let up now—if you slack, you'll get passed at the line and regret it for weeks! Bakushin O, unless you want that gut-punch feeling, bakushin it!"

Bakushin O: "Bakushin! BAKUSHIIIN!"

Fuji: "Ngh… I'm not done yet!"

Maurice: "I'm keeping up too!"

Hachiman: "Rice, the Spring Stakes is 1800 meters—not your sweet spot. But the Classic's first leg, the Satsuki Sho, is 2000 meters. You've run that distance twice before, so you're good there. The catch? You've never raced right-handed. We're drilling that now."

Rice: "Y-Yes, sir!"

Hachiman: "CB, your potential's top-tier. You're even more versatile than Rice. We're gonna stretch every ounce of it—consider this your extreme makeover."

CB: "Extreme makeover? Oh, I'm in!" grinning

Hachiman: "Arrow, your goal is building legs that can surge from the back to first. It's a tough road, but not impossible. We're forging a blazing final kick."

Arrow: "Got it."

Hachiman: "Altan, your leg issues are clearing up—perfect timing. A G1 win isn't just a dream anymore. We'll set a target and strengthen those legs further."

Altan: "Yes, big brother."

Hachiman's got this knack for firing everyone up, keeping our spirits high. Plus, he mixes in fun, almost game-like training once a week, so those days are something to look forward to!

Fuji: "Huff… huff… I couldn't catch up! But I got a little closer!"

Bakushin O: "That was close—super close! Almost got me, but not quite! Still, that was some awesome running!"

Maurice: "You two are incredible, but I'm not backing down either!"

Hachiman: "The Takamatsunomiya Kinen is a 1200-meter left-handed sprint—a lightning-fast battle. You've got to make split-second decisions."

Fuji: "Got it!"

After Training

Air Groove: "Things are looking good. Rice's Spring Stakes is one to watch, but I'm really pumped for your Hankyu Hai, Fuji."

Fuji: "Thanks. Gotta keep this momentum going."

CB: "Okay, but am I the only one who's noticed Hachiman's been ducking into the trainer's room super early lately? He just says 'leave the clubroom open' and bolts!"

Rice: "Now that you mention it, he has been doing that a lot. Wonder why?"

Maurice: "Maybe… working on training plans? I can't imagine him doing anything else in there."

CB: "Wanna go check it out?"

Arrow: "Is that… okay?"

CB: "He never said we can't, so it's fine, right? Besides, I wanna hang out with Hachiman more!"

Fuji: "…Alright, let's go see."

Air Groove: "Fine, let's do it."

Altan: "Ooh, let's go!"

Rice: "Uh, are we… really going?"

Maurice: "Guess we're swept up in the flow…"

Haha, some of us have zero hesitation.

Outside the Trainer's Room

CB: "Wonder what he's up to…"

Altan: "Shouldn't we at least act a little guilty about spying?"

Rice: "M-Maybe we should just… not? Peeking's kinda wrong, right?"

Maurice: "Yeah, agreed."

Those two are such good eggs.

CB: "Wait, why's Rudolf here?!"

Altan: "The student council president with big brother?"

Arrow: "Why's the president visiting Trainer? Some kind of business?"

Air Groove: "Rudolf and Hachiman… maybe they're discussing something important?"

CB: "No clue. Looks like they're sitting and doing something…"

I'm dying to know what's going on. Rudolf and Hachiman, alone together… what could they be doing?

Rudolf: "…Whew, another loss. You're tough, Hachiman."

Hachiman: "I'm not that good. Just used to killing time with my teacher like this."

CB: "What?! What are they doing?!"

Air Groove: "CB, maybe cool it with the eavesdropping?"

Rudolf: "I thought I was pretty good at chess…"

Hachiman: "I'm no pro either. Wanna grab something sweet, Rudolf?"

Rudolf: "A treat from you? Don't mind if I do."

…Oh. Just chess? Kinda jealous, though. Alone with Hachiman like that…

Everyone's training hard!

On a somber note, for horse racing and Uma Musume fans, we've lost a legend. The world-conquering miler Taiki Shuttle passed away at 28 from old age. Reports say he went peacefully, with no signs of distress. We can only wish him rest in peace and thank him for his incredible runs.

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