Mid-December arrived, and the autumn G1 festival was nearing its close. Three weeks before the season's end came today's race—one of the three junior-class G1s, the Hanshin Juvenile Fillies. As mentioned before, Air Groove was registered. A win here would be a massive leap toward the Tiara Route. And… it was the debut of Air Groove's racing outfit.
G1 races were the only time Uma Musume could wear their ceremonial racing outfits, dubbed "finery." They looked impractical, yet Uma Musume felt a mysterious power in them… or so they said.
The announcer's voice boomed. "Number 9 in gate 7, Air Groove!!"
Air Groove stood silent, her focus razor-sharp.
The commentator added, "Following her debut and last race, she's in top form today! She's got a presence beyond her junior class!"
She's calm, holding strong, Hachiman thought, watching from the stands. Her fighting spirit's practically blazing.
In the waiting room, Air Groove faced Hachiman, her ears twitching.
"What's the plan today?" she asked.
"Run first, start to finish. Don't let anyone take the lead," Hachiman said.
"That's not my usual style. Why?" she pressed.
"No one in this race has won with a front-running strategy," Hachiman explained. "So you take control. Dictate the pace and win. You can do it."
"That's high praise for a G1," Air Groove said, eyes narrowing. "You really think I can win?"
"Obviously," Hachiman said, smirking. "This G1's too easy for you. I'd pit you against Classic-grade runners. But stick with the plan—run first. Show the others what you're made of."
"…Fine," Air Groove said, nodding.
In the stands, Hachiman leaned forward, muttering, "I told Air Groove to run first, but why push it today?"
His mentor, seated beside him, chuckled. "Just a little test for your Uma Musume. She'd better clear this hurdle easily, or it's no fun."
"You're messing with a junior-class Uma Musume?" Hachiman said, exasperated. "I think she'll win, though."
"It's also payback for you barely calling or emailing since starting at Tressen Academy," the mentor teased.
"That's got nothing to do with Air Groove," Hachiman said. "But… sorry, sensei."
"It's fine. You're growing as a trainer," the mentor said. "I'll let it slide this time. But call me five times a month. You're my only apprentice."
"No new students since me?" Hachiman asked.
"When word got out you passed the trainer exam, my name came up too," the mentor said. "But my teaching's too strict. No one's stuck around."
"…I see," Hachiman said.
"I'm content," the mentor said. "Training you was enough."
Hachiman fell silent.
"Don't look so glum. It's not like you," the mentor said.
"I'm not," Hachiman muttered. "Anyway, the race is starting."
"Still bad at dodging topics," the mentor laughed. "Enough talk. Let's enjoy the race."
The pre-race fanfare blared, and the Uma Musume entered the gates. From the stands, the turf was a distant blur, but the giant screen showed everything. She's fine, Hachiman thought, scanning Air Groove's form.
The gates slammed open.
"Good start," the mentor said. "No point running first if you're late out the gate."
"You're the one who pushed her," Hachiman grumbled.
"But it's a lesson, isn't it? Racing isn't just chasing the front," the mentor said.
The announcer's voice echoed. "At the third and fourth corner midpoint, Air Groove leads! She's two lengths ahead! Can she hold this lead!?"
Not just running first—she's keeping the gap tight, then surging at the fourth corner to pull away, Hachiman thought. A move typical for pace-setters or stalkers, but she's using it here. Her cornering and acceleration, honed in tag games and shopping races, are unreal. Anyone catching her would be a monster.
The final stretch loomed. Is this it?
"Air Groove leads!" the announcer roared. "Four lengths, now five! Biwa Hayahide closes hard but holds second! Air Groove, three wins in a row, claims the G1 title! A flawless run toward next year's Ouka Sho! A brilliant front-run today!!"
First place, as expected.
"How was that, sensei?" Hachiman asked, grinning.
The mentor paused, then said, "One piece of advice, Hachiman."
"Don't look away from her," the mentor said.
"Isn't that obvious for a trainer?" Hachiman said, frowning.
"It is," the mentor replied. "Just making sure. I trust you, but… just in case."
"…Got it. I'll keep it in mind," Hachiman said.
Hanshin Race 10 - Results
1st: ⑨ Air Groove - 1:35.3
2nd: ⑥ Biwa Hayahide - 5 lengths
3rd: ③ Ibuki Perceive - ½ length
4th: ⑩ Eishin Venus - 1¾ lengths
5th: ④ Rose Color - Neck