A month into the training regimen my trainer devised to tackle my weaknesses, we've been doing this tag game three times a week. I've observed and practiced all sorts of moves—inside rail, middle passes, wide swings. I've learned a lot. I ended up as the tagger more than anyone else, which was probably Hikitani's plan. Watch the Uma Musume ahead, judge their moves, and decide your own in a split second. He said passing on the outside is the norm, but the inside's viable too—it's just harder when everyone's bunched up.
As for my leaning habit, Hikitani says it's improving, but not fully fixed. I didn't expect it to linger after a month, but rushing won't help.
Today's training is tag-focused again, but it's gotten complicated. It started with the president, Narita Brian, Silence Suzuka, and Rice Shower helping out. But other Uma Musume saw it, got curious, and wanted to join—starting the very next day. And Hikitani's response?
"Alright, let's do tag with this crowd."
His antics are baffling, but I often learn something after the fact. I hope today's another chance. Who's joining us?
"Hey, good work at school," Hachiman said, looking up from his desk.
"Yeah," I replied. "It's tag day. Got the lineup?"
"Nope, not set," he said. "I'm capping the numbers, though—first come, first served."
"That's made training efficient," I admitted. "But it's probably not winning you friends among other trainers."
"No kidding," he said. "I'm coaching Uma Musume who aren't even mine. Normally, I'd be told to stick to my own. But I'm a first-year, so they cut me slack."
He's right—some trainers don't like him. Veterans like Tojo and Okino, or those with teams, respect him, but others? They're jealous, envious even.
"You're not gonna do anything about it?" I asked. "This is your reputation."
"Don't care," he said, shrugging. "It's just talk. Doesn't hurt me."
"It'll affect your future," I pressed.
"If it comes to that, I'll head to a local Tresen Academy," he said. "And if I do, I'll train Uma Musume to crush the central league."
"Don't jinx yourself, idiot," I snapped. "Let's get to training."
"Yes, yes," he said, standing.
"Whoa, what a lineup," Hachiman said, grinning at the group.
"This is a heartburn-inducing crew," I said, eyeing them. "Are you sure their trainers are okay with this?"
"I got permission, so here I am!" Maruzensky chirped. "I've been dying to try tag!"
"I enjoy this training," Symboli Rudolf said. "Otherwise, I wouldn't be grabbing reservation tickets at dawn."
"I've only done it twice, so I'm pumped for another fun chase!" Mr. C.B. said, bouncing.
"No shortage of competition…" Narita Brian muttered.
Even if it's a surprise, this lineup?
"Maruzen, what about your training with Tojo-san?" Hachiman asked.
"She said, 'If you're curious, go for it,'" Maruzensky replied. "I'm so glad my ticket didn't go to waste!"
"You got the ticket then asked?" Hachiman said, incredulous.
"Let's start already!" Mr. C.B. said, suddenly hugging him. "I'm itching to play tag!"
"Whoa—don't just cling to me!" Hachiman said, prying her off. "We're starting, so let go."
"Aww, what's the harm?" Mr. C.B. teased. "We're close enough for a little skinship, right?"
"Mr. C.B.-senpai," I said, my voice sharp. "I'd prefer you not get too touchy with my trainer."
"What, jealous?" she shot back, smirking.
"No way!" I snapped. "Who'd be jealous over this idiot!?"
"Okay, okay, enough," Maruzensky said, stepping in. "I could watch this all day, but some of us are dying to run, so let's move."
"…I'm not making any face," Brian said, her expression flat.
"Let's get to it, then," Rudolf said. "Trainer Hikitani, I'm counting on you."
"I'm not your trainer, but fine," Hachiman said. "Warm-up's two laps, then stretches, followed by ladder drills. Heads-up: today's tag is tougher. With this crew, you won't break, right?"
"Bring it on," I said.
"Gonna blaze through!" Maruzensky declared.
"I'm fired up!" Brian said.
"Understood," Rudolf said.
"How about you join us, then?" Mr. C.B. teased.
"I'd collapse after one lap," Hachiman said.
"Man, it's cool here…" I said, soaking in the Hokkaido breeze. "No wonder it's so nice. I could stay forever."
"What nonsense are you spouting?" Air Groove snapped. "Hurry up—time's not infinite."
"I know, I know," I said. "But ease up on the tension. You're looking wound up."
"Tch… who's making me —?" she started, but I cut her off.
"Hey, don't react to every little thing," I said, smirking. "The race is tomorrow. Burn out now, and you won't last. Stay calm, keep some mental slack."
"…Don't just pat my head, idiot," she muttered, swatting my hand away.
Two more months of training with Air Groove have passed, and now it's July. The Summer Series is kicking off—Sapporo, Hakodate, Kokura, Fukushima, Niigata, and Chukyo races are in full swing, while major venues like Tokyo, Nakayama, Hanshin, and Kyoto take a break. We're here in Hokkaido for Air Groove's debut race.
"Let's head to the facility," I said. "Standing here's just blocking traffic."
Sapporo - URA Lodging Facility
"Man, Hokkaido seafood is unreal," I said, leaning back. "So damn good."
"Truly delicious," Air Groove said. "URA's management and chefs nailed it—perfect freshness and flavor."
Seriously, how's it that good? Are the chefs wizards? I'd pay them to cook at Tresen Academy.
"Gotta eat that again," I said. "Tomorrow, fish ramen. I'll rub it in Fine's face."
"What are you even doing in Hokkaido?" Air Groove said, exasperated. "Focus on tomorrow's meeting."
"Hold on, don't rush," I said. "We just ate. Chill a bit. Come to my room in an hour—you probably want some alone time, right?"
"…Fine, I could use a break," she said. "Got it. One hour."
"Cool," I said. "Rest up. A little tension's fine, but too much is poison."
"I know," she replied.
"Tomorrow's Sapporo Race 5, 2000 meters, good track conditions…" I muttered, reviewing my notes. "Based on the field, Air Groove should win easily. Just the field, though."
These past three months, we've focused on fixing her weaknesses. Her training's paid off—she's running like she's overcome them. But races aren't won on fixes alone. It comes down to raw strength. I've only taught Air Groove tactics for making moves, not big strategies. Why? Her raw ability should carry her, as long as no one pulls a massive lead.
"Hm? Email?" I said, checking my phone.
To: Hachiman Hikitani
Hey, my favorite student! No calls or emails from you, so I'm making the first move. Tomorrow's your Uma Musume's debut, right? I'll be watching. Can't wait to see what your trainee's got!
"Sensei…" I said, chuckling. "Haven't contacted him at all. Guess I'll call when we're back."
"Pardon," Air Groove said, stepping inside.
"You're here," I said. "Let's get started."
"First, a question," she said. "What were you looking at earlier?"
"Oh, this?" I said, holding up a necklace. "Horseshoe pendant."
"You're into accessories?" she said, surprised. "Didn't expect that."
"I keep this on me always," I said. "It's important to me."
"I thought you didn't care about stuff like that," she said. "Guess even you have something like that."
"Even I've got my things," I said. "Anyway, meeting time. Here, drink."
"Thanks…" she said, taking the glass. "So, what's the plan for tomorrow?"
"Not much of a plan," I said. "Run how you want. You're not the type to just nod at that, so if I had to say, go with a closing or front-running tactic."
"Can I use what we've worked on these past three months?" she asked.
"Yeah, that's up to you," I said. "I only handle training and races, not how you run them. I'm focused on the next race or schedule."
"…Honest approach," she said, nodding.
"It's our contract," I said. "One tip: Sapporo's corners are long. If those three months of training stuck, you'll breeze through."
"That's it for the meeting," I said. "Do what you want after, but no wandering outside. It's not the time for students to be out. Prep for tomorrow. We're done."