The year's final G1 races, the Arima Kinen and Hopeful Stakes, had concluded, wrapping up the racing season. But for trainers, there was no break. Hachiman was buried in paperwork at his desk, rushing to tidy up before Air Groove arrived. She'll start cleaning if it's even slightly messy, he thought, grimacing. If she ever comes to my room, I'm done for.
"Excuse me," Air Groove said, entering the clubroom.
"Hey, good work," Hachiman replied.
She nodded, settling in. Their conversations were sparse—bare necessities, training, and races only.
A knock came. Knock, knock, knock.
"Come in," Hachiman called.
Tazuna stepped in, beaming. "Oh, Air Groove-san, you're here too—perfect timing!"
"What's perfect about it, Tazuna-san?" Air Groove asked.
"I'm here to congratulate you!" Tazuna said. "Air Groove-san, you've been selected as the Most Outstanding Junior! Congratulations!"
"Me… for the Junior Class?" Air Groove said, stunned.
"Yes!" Tazuna said. "And it's rare for a junior—a unanimous vote!"
"But weren't there other strong contenders?" Hachiman interjected. "Like Bubble Gum Fellow, who won the Asahi Hai Futurity Stakes, or Royal Touch, who took the Hopeful? Two other Uma Musume won G1s in the Junior Class."
"It's Air Groove-san's overwhelming strength," Tazuna explained. "Three races, three wins—an unmatched record. The committee considered others, but compared to her performance, they fell short."
Seriously? That's their selection process? Hachiman thought. Not saying Air Groove doesn't deserve it, but come on, do it properly.
"So," Tazuna continued, "we'd like you to attend the awards ceremony on December 31st. What do you say?"
The awards ceremony… Hachiman mused. No plans, but no reason to go either. Plus, there's that article mess.
The article fallout had been intense. Hachiman's mentor had confronted the journalists responsible, her sheer presence forcing their apologies. But she'd raged further: "Apologize to my disciple, not me—you slandered him!" Terrified, the journalists had come to Hachiman, trembling, to say sorry. Yeah, no surprise, he thought. She's downright terrifying when angry.
But now, the focus was the ceremony.
"Air Groove," Hachiman said, "you should go. Other Uma Musume will be there, and it could spotlight the Tiara Route—maybe even spark some hype."
"I don't mind," Air Groove said. "But what about you? Are you going?"
"Me?" Hachiman scoffed. "What's the point? It'll be packed with famous trainers, noble families, and top Uma Musume. A rookie like me? I'd be a nuisance. Better to skip it."
"But, Hachiman-sensei," Tazuna said, "there'll be interviews for trainers too. It could clear up your bad rep from the article."
"Nah," Hachiman said. "Too much hassle. The world already thinks I'm a useless trainer. If that's the verdict, I'll accept it. Besides, me being there might steal your shine, Air Groove. I'm sitting this one out."
Uma Musume shine—we just support them, he thought. I don't care about recognition. Though it might mess with work…
Air Groove's eyes narrowed. "Then I'm not going either."
"What!?" Tazuna gasped. "Why not?"
"I'm not ready to stand on that stage," Air Groove said. "I want to earn that right with more strength. So, I'll pass on the ceremony. Sorry, despite your kind offer."
"I see," Tazuna said, disappointed. "Alright, we'll send Air Groove-san's Most Outstanding Junior award and trophy later."
"Thanks," Hachiman said.
"I'll inform the URA you're not attending," Tazuna said. "Excuse me."
As Tazuna left, Hachiman shook his head. Air Groove, passing up a chance ? It was perfect for boosting her fame.
"Just so we're clear," Air Groove said, "this isn't about you. That was my honest reason—I'm not worthy of that stage yet. Got it?"
"Didn't doubt it," Hachiman said. "Attending's your call. I've got no say in it. Do what you want."
And so, their Junior Season ended. The Classic Class loomed, fiercer than ever, with no room for slacking.
Air Groove's Junior Season Record:
Saudi Arabia Royal Cup G3: 1st
Hanshin Juvenile Fillies G1: 1st