…Hachiman Trainer-san's words make sense now. I can feel everyone's eyes on me—watching, wary, analyzing, like they're piercing my body.
Maybe it's time for a little trick. I won't ruin Hachiman Trainer-san's strategy, but throwing the others off a bit at the start could work. Plus, the crowd'll love it♪
Fuji: "Phew… This'll be tough."
Announcer: "Seventeen young fillies gather at Nakayama Racecourse for the first hurdle of the Triple Crown, the Satsuki Sho! One contender's withdrawn, but the stands are buzzing! All eyes are on the Junior Champion, Fuji Kiseki, with her polished form and calm demeanor."
Commentator: "She's composed like a Senior-class Uma Musume. Rare to see such poise on this stage. Compared to last year's Asahi Hai FS, her growth's astounding—she's a top contender today."
Announcer: "The Uma Musume are entering the gates now, starting with even numbers. Now the odd numbers—Fuji Kiseki slots in smoothly. Second favorite Daitaku Teio follows, and from the outside, third favorite Hokkai Rousseau settles in easily! Who's the fastest!? The first leg of the Classic Triple Crown, the Satsuki Sho, for the first crown…!"
Announcer: "And they're off!! A clean, even start!! Who'll take the lead? Tayasu Tsuyoshi drops back, but will Fuji Kiseki surge forward!? Is she declaring an escape!? Myneil Bridge and Genuine are neck-and-neck! They curve right into the first corner—let's check the lead!"
Hehe, as expected, they're not letting me take the front. But I got lucky and slipped into the inner course. Now, I'll focus on saving my stamina for the final stretch!
Announcer: "Myneil Bridge leads by a length. Fuji Kiseki's right behind, with Genuine alongside and Daitaku Teio climbing from the outside. Following them, Vital Force, Automatic, and Oguri One in a tight trio! Into the second corner, the mid-pack has Hashino Taiyu, Ibuki Tamonyagra, and Flight Suzuka. Glorious You's moving up! Hokkai Rousseau and T.M. Rocket surge together! The rear group has Myneil Garbe, Ibuki Interhigh, and trailing slightly, Air Justice! They're approaching the third corner curve!"
Tch! The leader's drifting out a bit! But not yet—I won't push yet. The straight's where I make my move. Not time to burn my legs!
Announcer: "It's a packed field, bunched together! Myneil Bridge, Genuine, Daitaku Teio, and Hashino Taiyu are level at the front!! Fuji Kiseki's holding back—still no go signal!? Is she saving her spurt!? From behind, Hokkai Rousseau, Automatic, Flight Suzuka, and Vital Force are clustered, heading into the fourth corner for a straight-on showdown—a clash of wills!!"
Commentator: "Myneil Bridge and Genuine are duking it out! Can Daitaku Teio and Hashino Taiyu stretch forward!? Tayasu Tsuyoshi and Hokkai Rousseau are climbing with strong legs!! And from the inside!! Fuji Kiseki explodes with unbelievable speed!! But there's still the hill!! Nakayama's brutal incline continues!! Fuji Kiseki's breaking away!! She's in front, pulling ahead!!"
My legs still feel light… I can climb this hill and keep pushing!!
Announcer: "Fuji Kiseki storms to a three-length lead and crosses the finish!! From the inside!! A blazing charge to victory, number 11, Fuji Kiseki!! What incredible legs!!"
Fuji: "Ha… ha… phew…"
…I'm already catching my breath. This is Hachiman Trainer-san's training at work! Back at the Yayoi Sho, it took me forever to recover, but now… This means I'm ready for the Derby!!
Fuji side out Thɪs chapter is updated by 𝓷𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓵•𝓯𝓲𝓻𝓮•𝓷𝓮𝓽
Rice: "That was amazing! She passed everyone from the inside!"
CB: "She went all-in on the straight, huh… Makes sense why she stayed so far up front. Your strategy, Hachiman?"
Hachiman: "Nah, probably Fuji's improv. I didn't tell her to escape or charge from the inside. Just to stick behind the leader."
Ardan: "So that entire run was Fuji Kiseki-san's calculated move?"
Hachiman: "Pretty much. Faking an escape to throw off the position battle? Man, she got me good."
Arrow: "Even you didn't see it coming, Trainer?"
Hachiman: "Nope. Then again, Air Groove staying undefeated is a surprise too."
Air Groove: "Your training got me this record, and you're calling it a surprise?"
Hachiman: "I figured you'd lose somewhere along the line, but you just keep winning. Impressive."
Air Groove: "You're praising me?"
Hachiman: "Who else? Why would I pat myself on the back? Pointless."
Anyway, this secures Fuji's Derby ticket. One more month, and we can't let our guard down.
1st: ⑪ Fuji Kiseki - 2:02.4
2st: ⑥ Genuine - 3 lengths
3st: ⑦ Tayasu Tsuyoshi - Neck
4st: ⑧ Automatic - 2 lengths
5st: ⑰ Hokkai Rousseau - Nose
Fuji Kiseki nails a brilliant strategic win in the Satsuki Sho! This Yahari x Uma Musume chapter showcases her clever improvisation and Hachiman's trust, with the team's support shining through. The Derby looms—Fuji's arc is on fire!
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