Hachiman's POV

Triple Tiara achieved… Air Groove said she'd top her Oaks performance, but pulling it off like that? The scoreboard calls it a "big margin," but 12 lengths? That's unreal. I hate to say it—it sounds like a jab—but I almost feel bad for the other Tiara contenders in her generation.

Tojo leaned in. "Hikitani-kun, can you share the strategy behind this?"

"Sure," I said. "It was simple: stay ahead of mid-pack. That's all I told her."

Aoi gaped. "That's it?! But she spurred before the third corner! That's suicide if it goes wrong! You didn't tell her to do that?"

"Nope," I said. "Her words, not mine: 'I'll show a race bigger than the Oaks for Shuka Sho.' I figured she'd widen the gap, but a 12-length blowout? Didn't see that coming."

Kurokuma shook his head. "That kind of run without your orders…"

Man o' War grinned. "For Hachiman? Par for the course."

Hiratsuka-sensei nodded. "Exactly."

Why are they smirking like they did the work?

Hiratsuka-sensei clapped my shoulder. "You're officially a Triple Tiara trainer now. Be proud. That title's no small feat."

"Thanks," I said.

Minamizaka stared at the crowd. "That roar… we're witnessing history."

Okinoshima nodded. "And pulled off by a second-year Trecen trainer. That's nuts."

"Rude much?" I said.

Aoi fidgeted. "Sorry, Hikitani-kun, but… I agree with them. You're kind of abnormal compared to our class."

Seriously? Not a single ally? What's this "abnormal" nonsense? I'm normal, right?

Kurokuma smirked. "Normal, huh? Let's test that. Is it normal to be mentored by a global legend like Man o' War, the biggest name in American racing, known by every Uma Musume fan?"

I froze. "…"

Hiratsuka-sensei mused, "He's got a point. 'Abnormal' sounds harsh… how about 'exceptional'?"

Man o' War laughed. "We're on the same page! Hachiman's the crystal of our knowledge and skills. If he's not exceptional, who is?"

…Fine, I'll buy it. They drilled their expertise into me. Exceptional, abnormal—call it what you want. That question hit too close to home.

Interviewer: "Now, the champion's interview! Air Groove, who just clinched the first undefeated Triple Tiara in the Shuka Sho—congratulations!"

Air Groove nodded. "Thank you."

Interviewer: "The first to sweep the Triple Tiara undefeated! How do you feel?"

Air Groove smiled. "Overjoyed. Beyond words."

Interviewer: "That third-corner spurt shocked us all. Was that part of your trainer's strategy?"

Air Groove shook her head. "No, he just said to stay ahead of mid-pack. The spurt was my call. I trained stamina relentlessly, so I knew I could hold it to the end."

Interviewer: "With the Triple Tiara secured, any plans for your next race?"

Air Groove replied, "Nothing set yet. I'll discuss it with my trainer to decide what's next."

Interviewer: "A word for your fans?"

Air Groove's voice rang clear. "Thanks to you all, I conquered the classic Tiara route. I'm still growing, but I'll keep pushing to meet your expectations. Please keep supporting me!"

Interviewer: "Thank you, Air Groove!"

Aoi beamed. "She's so poised!"

"Next up, the ceremony," I said. "She hates the spotlight, so those flashes will be torture."

Man o' War chuckled. "Same as you, huh?"

"I don't mind flashes," I said. "It's being in photos I hate."

Hiratsuka-sensei grinned. "Then let's take some! Mentor and disciple together—how can you say no?"

Man o' War's eyes lit up. "Brilliant! I don't have a photo with Hachiman yet. A rare chance like this? Let's do it!"

"No way out, is there?" I sighed.

"None!" Man o' War said. "Let's snap you in your trainer gear—and maybe try some other looks too!"

"Professor, I'm not a mannequin or a dress-up doll," I said.

Hiratsuka-sensei shook her head. "Give up, Hachiman. Once she's set, you just let her run with it."

"…Right," I said.

It's the Triple Tiara finale, so why am I stuck talking about photos?

Afterword

Air Groove's legend is sealed! Her 12-length Shuka Sho rout crowns her the first undefeated Triple Tiara queen, leaving rivals in the dust. Hachiman's mentorship shines, earning praise from Man o' War and Hiratsuka-sensei, while his peers marvel at his "abnormal" talent. The mentor-disciple bond takes center stage, with a playful photo shoot stealing the spotlight. Fuji's waiting in the wings, but Air Groove's reign is unmatched—here's to history!

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