September rolled in, leaving just one month until the Shuka Sho. Air Groove and I had two weeks of intense training planned, followed by fine-tuning for the big race. She was hitting her stride—summer camp's heat had slowed her, but back at Trecen Academy, she'd steadily regained her edge. By next week, she'd be in top form.

While Air Groove's training was humming along, I had another task on my plate: choosing my second Uma Musume. After three or four months since getting the chairman's approval, I'd finally reviewed every student. Exhausting doesn't begin to cover it—I never want to do that again. Now, it was down to one step: asking my pick for a yes or no.

Air Groove glanced over. "What're you doing?"

"Filling out paperwork for my second trainee," I said. "Getting it ready so they can sign and submit it fast."

"Have you decided who?" she asked, her tone sharp.

"Yup," I said. "I'm heading to meet them now. They're probably on their way to the dorm, so I'll catch them there."

She crossed her arms. "You're not the type to get turned down, but don't say anything stupid."

"I know," I said. "You off to student council?"

"Yeah," she said. "Some work, then I'm heading back."

"Don't overdo it," I warned. "Take it easy."

"I will," she said.

We left the clubroom, each bound for our destinations. I headed to a spot near the dorm, ready to wait for my target.

Minutes later, I checked my watch. "They should be here soon. They're not already inside, right?"

"Trainer-san, what's up?" a voice called.

I turned. "Oh, just waiting for an Uma Musume. They're not showing, and I'm starting to wonder if they're already in the dorm."

"Want me to check?" they offered.

"Really?" I said. "That'd help. Their name's—"

"Got it!" they chirped. "Wait here!"

A few minutes later, they returned. "Nope, not in the dorm!"

"Thanks," I said. "Sorry for the back-and-forth."

"No biggie!" they said. "You've helped me tons with training menus. Lately, I feel like I can push my limits more."

"That's great to hear," I said.

"Next time, train me directly!" they said.

I chuckled. "Maybe. Air Groove might get jealous, though."

"Haha, see ya!" They waved and dashed off.

Not inside, huh? I thought. Guess I'll wait a bit longer.

"Who're you looking for?" Fuji Kiseki's voice cut through. "If it's a Ritto dorm girl, I'm your gal."

I grinned. "Alright, here's the profile: high school Uma Musume, short blue-gray hair, handsome despite being an Uma Musume, super popular with juniors, loves pranks, and good at magic tricks. Know anyone like that?"

Fuji laughed. "Got it! Your target's standing right here."

"Whoa," I said, feigning surprise. "When'd you sneak up?"

"Don't play coy," she teased. "That's a bit much, even for you."

"My bad," I said. "Just my version of entertainment. Forgive me?"

"You're mangling the art of showbiz," she said, smirking. "So, what's up?" Her eyes sparkled with curiosity.

I took a breath. "Straight to the point, Fuji Kiseki. I want you as my second trainee. I'm here to scout you."

Her eyes widened. "Me…?"

That's right—my second trainee was none other than Fuji Kiseki.

"Why me?" she asked. "Can I know?"

"Your running's got serious potential," I said. "That's the biggest reason. But there's another. Remember that night at camp?"

"Of course," she said, softening.

"Your thoughtfulness then—taking me to that hammock—it's the other big reason. I probably didn't even realize I needed it. That morning after, I felt sharper than ever."

She fell silent, processing.

"Your races, too," I continued. "From last year's mock races, I've seen your form. It's impressive, Fuji."

"But why not Rudolf or C.B.?" she asked. "They've got proven talent. You've had offers from them, right?"

"Yeah," I said. "Rudolf pitched me after a mock race, and C.B.'s been on me daily. But I'm choosing you. That's my call."

Her expression softened. "Your words mean a lot. I've always felt the same as the other pony-chans, you know."

"Didn't know that," I said, caught off guard.

"Yup," she said, grinning. "So, I'll happily accept your offer. Let's make the best races with the miracles I'll show you!"

And just like that, I'd successfully scouted my second trainee.

Afterword

The second trainee's revealed, and it's Fuji Kiseki! With the Shuka Sho a month away, Air Groove's charging toward the Triple Tiara, while Hachiman seals the deal with Fuji's dazzling potential and camp-night kindness. The dorm encounter's all heart and humor, with Fuji's charisma stealing the scene. The second-trainee buzz is settled, but the turf's still heating up—let's see what miracles Fuji brings!

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