A week after the Yayoi Sho, and the Classic season's buzzing. It's a bit awkward to say, but I'm the favorite for the Satsuki Sho after winning the trial race. There are other strong girls out there, but my undefeated record from Junior class and a G1 win seem to be hyping things up. So this is the pressure Air Groove felt…
And get this—some are already calling me a "Triple Crown lock." Hachiman Trainer-san warned me my long-distance talent's lacking. I'm grinding stamina training just to survive the Derby.
Fuji: "Sigh… Wonder what the fans would think if they knew my limits?"
Air Groove: "What's that? Worried about something?"
Fuji: "Oh, Air Groove… A little. How much do you know about the rumors?"
Air Groove: "About you? 'Satsuki Sho favorite' and 'Triple Crown lock,' right?"
Fuji: "Yeah, that's about it…"
Air Groove: "But there's talk about Hachiman too. Depends on how you look at it—could be good or bad."
Air Groove: "Simply put, if you win the Triple Crown, Hachiman's a top-tier trainer. If not, he's a third-rate one riding our coattails."
Air Groove: "Seems someone's got it out for him. Even after my strong words in the Arima Kinen interview, they're still at it. Must really hate him."
Fuji: "Why would they…"
Air Groove: "No idea. But focus on what's ahead. We both check our fan letters, right? Hachiman used to sort them, but we can't let him bear all the hate. Agreed?"
Fuji: "Absolutely. We can't let Hachiman take all the heat… Hey, Air Groove, can I ask you something?"
Fuji: "If I win the Satsuki Sho—"
Fuji: "Hachiman Trainer-san, ready for today's training!"
Hachiman: "Yo… You're fired up."
Fuji: "Gotta be! I'm aiming to win the Satsuki Sho and race in the Derby! No time to slack!"
Hachiman: "Good enthusiasm, but don't burn out."
Air Groove: "One month to the Satsuki Sho, two and a half to the Derby. Not much time. What's Fuji's training plan?"
Hachiman: "Got it covered. Fuji, on Tuesdays and Fridays, you'll wear these shoes."
Fuji: "These…!? They're heavy!"
Hachiman: "Yup, the horseshoes are three times heavier than usual. You'll train with them. Normal routine, but no hill dashes with those—they're too much. Instead, hill dashes on Saturdays. If you hit the target time, your legs'll hold up for the Derby."
Fuji: "Sounds like a tough month."
Hachiman: "But the week before the Satsuki Sho, we'll go light—no heavy shoes, just race-specific training. Lucky we've got someone with Nakayama 2500m experience. Best backup ever."
Air Groove: "Not backup—I'm your trainee. I'll lend my strength whenever you need."
Now I really can't lose! ɴᴇᴡ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ 𝕟𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕝·𝕗𝕚𝕣𝕖·𝕟𝕖𝕥
Hachiman: "For the next three weeks, I'm forging you into shape. It'll be rough, so brace yourself."
Fuji: "I'm ready. I want to live up to your expectations. I'm Fuji Kiseki—I'll show everyone my ultimate 'Kiseki'!"
Hachiman: "Alright, let's start."
Fuji: "Never realized how light my usual shoes are until today~ Whew, I'm a bit wobbly♪"
Air Groove: "You seem thrilled for someone wobbling."
Fuji: "How could I not be? Hachiman Trainer-san made this plan for me! Your Osaka Hai's coming up too, so maybe it's prepping us both. Hanshin's got hills."
Air Groove: "True… Hachiman's menus are for us. We just answer with results. I still want to get stronger."
Fuji: "Haha♪ Then I've gotta get way stronger to prove I'm the best♪"
Air Groove: "Yeah, exactly."
Fuji's fired up for the Satsuki Sho in this Yahari x Uma Musume chapter, facing hype and hate! Heavy horseshoe training and Air Groove's support push her toward the Derby dream, with Hachiman's reputation on the line. (Those shoes scream Gold Ship vibes!)