The train's speakers crackled. "Next stop, Fuchu. Exit on the right."
Air Groove closed her book. "Finally here. Long rides aren't pleasant, but the quiet let me focus on reading. Time to get off."
At the station's ticket gate, she paused. "Just three days away, and it feels nostalgic already. I'm too young for this."
"Excuse me, Air Groove-san?" a voice called.
"I'm a huge fan! I'll cheer for your next race! Do your best!" the girl said, eyes sparkling.
"Thank you," Air Groove said. "I'll make sure to win."
"So cool!" the fan squealed. "Sorry, I'll go now! Good luck!"
"Thank you," Air Groove said, watching her leave. "It's special, hearing support directly like that."
At Trecen Academy's Rittou Dorm, Suzuka spotted her. "Oh, Air Groove. You're back."
"Just arrived," Air Groove said. "Happy New Year, by the way."
"Happy New Year," Suzuka replied. "Same as always?"
"You're still itching to run, aren't you?" Air Groove said. "So very you."
"Groove-san!" Fine Motion bounded over. "Welcome back! Happy New Year!"
"Happy New Year," Air Groove said. "Good to see you too, Fine. One question."
"What's up?" Fine asked.
"No new packages from your homeland took over my bed while I was gone, right?" Air Groove asked.
"Nope, none!" Fine said. "Well, they just haven't arrived yet."
"You're not denying the bed-stealing part," Suzuka noted.
"I can't predict how much they'll send!" Fine said. "Last time I asked, they sent even more, so I'm stuck."
"Fine, as long as nothing's changed," Air Groove said. "I'll unpack and head to the clubroom. See you."
"Later," Suzuka said.
Good, the room was livable. Fine's family had no restraint—last year's package pile-up was a nightmare.
In the clubroom, Air Groove steeled herself. "Mother was right. I need to be kinder to him." She took a breath. "Here goes."
She opened the door. "Trainer, I'm—"
Rudolph greeted her. "Hey, Air Groove. Enjoyed your trip home?"
"Finally back," Brian said.
"Yo, welcome!" CB cheered.
"Hi!" Maruzensky waved.
"You're back," Hachiman said.
The same crew from that chaotic tag game filled the room, with the Trainer working as usual. Air Groove blinked. "I'm back. Happy New Year, everyone. Trainer, what's going on? Why are the President, CB-senpai, and even Maruzensky-senpai—someone else's charge—here?"
Hachiman sighed. "I'd love to know. You called, and CB was already here. Then Rudolph showed up, followed by Maruzensky, and finally Brian. CB's after her usual, Rudolph wants puns, Maruzensky's pushing for a drive, and Brian's demanding food."
"That's a sloppy summary, but why does it make sense?" Air Groove said.
"'Cause you're sharp," Hachiman said. "Alright, Air Groove's back, so clear out."
"My run!" CB protested.
"My puns!" Rudolph said.
"Takanotsume said no to my drive!" Maruzensky whined.
"No food?" Brian asked.
"CB, I said no watching," Hachiman said. "Rudolph, CB's already stunned. Maruzensky, your Tatchan's drives outdo roller coasters—no way. Brian, no ingredients or kitchen here."
Grumbling, they left—Rudolph slightly satisfied. Air Groove shook her head. CB practically lived in the clubroom—she was here during that call? Unbelievable.
"Finally calm," Hachiman said. "Something up? Training's tomorrow, right?"
"Yeah," Air Groove said. "I… brought a gift. Felt weird coming back empty-handed. Mother's choice, though."
"Hm, thanks," Hachiman said. "Instant ramen and frozen food—perfect for a bachelor. I'll take it."
"Good," Air Groove said.
Stay calm. Act normal. No problem, she thought.
Two months into the Classic class, Hachiman watched Air Groove's training with growing confidence. Her progress was stunning—her strength seemed unmatched among her peers. Yet he stayed wary. Overconfidence could draw unexpected rivals, so he kept his guard up, ensuring Air Groove did the same.
The next race was the Tulip Sho, a trial for the Oka Sho, run at Hanshin's 1600m. Air Groove had raced there last year, so the track wasn't new. Unlike her last race's bold escape, Hachiman planned a standard leading strategy. It suited her best, letting her run comfortably.
Today, after ten months, they analyzed her performance. With the race nearing, intense training was off the table to avoid overexertion. Hachiman stood trackside, stopwatch in hand, as Air Groove ran.
Click. The timer stopped. He stared at the numbers, floored. Compared to last year's 1:33.2, today's 1:31.7 was unreal—a full second faster. Almost no flaws remained.
"How'd I do?" Air Groove asked, catching her breath.
"Crazy good," Hachiman said. "Last year's time was 1:33.2. Today? 1:31.7. Over a second faster. With no interference, you could chase a record. You're in top form."
"Good," she said. "Next, I'll run the Oaks distance. I'm ready anytime. Let's go."
"Hold on," Hachiman said. "It's two weeks to the race. Even light training needs breaks. Remember last time."
"Fine," she said, relenting.
"Next is 2400m," Hachiman said. "It's early for Oaks prep, but that's your big crown. Your run just now? Solid 85 points. Anything less, and you're not winning the Oaks."
"I'm aiming for 100," Air Groove declared.
Her fire was palpable—a great sign. Hachiman wanted to carry that momentum to the Tulip Sho.
After training, he reviewed her performance. "Overall: 90, 90, 90. Every metric's improved. Time, form, positioning, sprint timing—all sharp. Rudolph always said your race sense is elite, and it shows. You're ready."
"Good," Air Groove said.
"But I'm glad you didn't hit 100," Hachiman added.
"Why?" she asked, frowning.
"If you did, I'd be out of a job," he said. "Ninety leaves room to grow. Perfect doesn't mean invincible. You've got more potential."
"So, with the right training, I can get faster?" she asked.
"That's my take," he said.
"What about the Tulip Sho? Can I win?" she pressed.
"I don't track every Uma Musume, but at your level, no one in your generation comes close," Hachiman said. "Frankly, you'll crush it, like Hanshin JF."
"That was an escape. This time's a lead, and you think it'll be the same?" she asked.
"Yeah," he said. "Even if someone's improved, the gap will hold."
"You don't usually sound this sure," she noted.
"That's how solid you are," he said.
Her growth since Hanshin JF was staggering. Is she peaking? Hachiman wondered. Uma Musume typically debuted after maturing due to physical limits. If Air Groove was peaking now, it'd be unprecedented—a second peak was unheard of, with no recorded cases. He shook off the thought. No way. Not possible.
"Anyway, Tulip Sho's in the bag," he said. "Gate assignments drop next week. Until then, we keep your form steady."
"Understood," Air Groove said.
"Alright, that's it for today," Hachiman said. "It's February—still chilly. Don't catch a cold."
"You think I'm a kid?" she said. "I can manage my health, or I wouldn't be student council vice president."
"Fair enough," he chuckled.
Inside, Air Groove fumed. Again with this attitude. Two months since my return, and I still haven't thanked him. Mother's advice isn't all right, but not thanking him sets a bad example. How do I…
The door swung open. "Yo!" a voice chirped. "There you are, Trainer! I'm running the Spring Stakes. How's my form? Huh? Huh?"
"Ask your trainer," Hachiman said.
"But you'd know!" she insisted. "How do I look? In top shape, right?"
"You're fine," Hachiman said. "A 200m stretch won't faze you. You know you're in peak condition, don't you, genius?"
"Hehe, knew you'd get it!" Bubblegum Fellow grinned. "I'm on fire! I'll win the next race and snag the Triple Crown! Leave it to Bubblegum Fellow!"
She's a live wire, same as ever, Hachiman thought.