Training with Air Groove resumed after the three-day break. Awkwardness lingered, but it was fading. That wasn't the issue. The real problem loomed too large, dwarfing all else.
Race day. Preparations were made—serious thought poured into the training menu for two weeks straight. Yet time slipped away. Why does it drag in misery but race in joy? Isn't that backward? Shiraoki-sama, can't you fix this?
Air Groove spoke up. "Oi, what are you doing?"
"Questioning Shiraoki-sama about time. Bad moments crawl, good ones vanish. Unfair."
"Lost your mind? Whatever. I'm not perfect, but better than usual. Two weeks to peak is tough, even for you."
"Even I have limits."
"…Can I ask something selfish?"
"Rare from you. I'll hear you out. What is it?"
"For the Ouka Sho strategy, we'll go forward, but can I choose the sprint timing?"
She'd never spoken . A safe approach seemed wiser, given her condition. But her silent resolve was clear.
"Alright, it's your call. You don't have to stick to forward."
"Do it your way. I left the race decision to you. This is your stage—execute your plan. I'll advise if needed."
"Even if I delay the sprint until the fourth corner?"
"Doesn't matter. If you see a path to victory, I'm with you."
"Got it. I'll follow my strategy. And… I'll win."
Her eyes burned with fierce determination, hinting at a deeper purpose.
"Hey, Hachiman," the trainer called.
"Sensei… I kept my promise. We made it to Hanshin."
"Seems so. She's different today. Any reason?"
"No clue, but it's significant."
"Hm. We'll ask her later. To the stands—unless you want to sniff around the young Uma Musume's rooms?"
"Don't say creepy stuff."
The Ouka Sho was a stage Air Groove's mother, Dynacar, had run, finishing third. She'd dismiss it as a mere record, but losing as the favorite must've stung. That regret fueled her Oaks triumph.
Heidi approached. "Been a month, Air Groove."
"Heidi… Shame about Rose Color."
"You recovered well. Fevers are rampant this year. Even Satsuki Sho contenders withdrew."
"Odds are split. You're the favorite, I'm second, Little Audrey from the Filly's Review is third."
"The field's shaken up. Max Rose, the Fairy winner, is one to watch. New routes are producing strong contenders."
"Lots to consider. This race won't be like last time."
Mother… this won't ease your pain. Trainer, this is my selfishness—an immature, unfilial Uma Musume forcing her whims on you. I'll clear your regret with Dynacar's run!
"Hm, you look a bit more resolved. Seems you followed my advice. Thanks," the professor said.
Hachiman nodded. "I bear some responsibility for not heeding your warning fully. This is the least I can do. Probably your last bit of help, too."
"You get it. From now on, you guide her. My interference won't help her grow," the professor replied.
The professor wasn't indifferent, but he only engaged with those who piqued his interest. His attention to Air Groove, beyond her being Hachiman's charge, suggested curiosity. As they say, the opposite of love is indifference.
"Who's that? I'll check. Coming!" Hachiman called, opening the door.
"Hey, Hikitani!" Okinou burst in.
"You again? Wrong room?" Hachiman asked.
"Nah, I'm staying," Okinou grinned.
"Mind if we join, Hikitani-kun?" Aoi asked.
"Well, I've got a guest already, but—" Hachiman began, only for the professor to interrupt. "It's fine, Hachiman. I don't mind."
"…If you're sure, come in," Hachiman relented, despite his unease.
As expected, the Tresen Academy trainers' eyes gravitated toward the professor.
"You're the university professor who taught Hikitani-kun the ropes?" Toujou asked.
"That's right. I'd rather skip introductions. I'm not fond of being probed—got enough of that in my active days," the professor said.
Okinou nodded. "Heard as much from Hikitani. We won't pry."
"Appreciate it. Besides, I'm not the main event. The focus is the Uma Musume racing amidst cherry blossoms, not a retired one," the professor said.
Aoi thought, Incredible… Even I can tell. Just sitting there, he exudes overwhelming presence. No active Uma Musume could match him.
Okinou mused, Is there really an Uma Musume ? Who is he? Hikitani said anyone, interested or not, would've heard his name at least once…
Toujou reflected, Stronger than any Uma Musume I've seen. No wonder Hikitani's skills shine—this is part of it.
Hachiman offered, "Coffee, sensei."
"Thanks… Hm? Getting better at this?" the professor noted.
"There's a coffee-loving Uma Musume at the academy. Made a deal to brew for her, so I started drinking it myself," Hachiman explained.
"Good. Your early attempts were rough, but this is delicious now. How's your charge, Air Groove, doing?"
"Not at her peak, but in decent shape."
The three trainers gasped.
"Entrusting everything to her, not even at her best? You really trust her," the professor said.
"If anyone can deliver despite that, it's her. I believe in her," Hachiman replied.
"Indeed. You've got a sharper eye than even me. Her peers are all rivals, each aiming for victory with resolve. But Air Groove stands apart. Her intensity's even rattling the others," the professor observed.
Hachiman noticed it too. Less-favored Uma Musume scanned their surroundings warily, affected by Air Groove's aura. Even top contenders had their ears pinned back, tense and alert, yet unaware she was the source.
Aoi asked, "So, Air Groove's preparation is better than usual?"
"No, it's average. She's trending up but not perfect. Something inside her is driving this," Hachiman clarified.
Toujou frowned. "Not perfect, yet she's intimidating others like that?"
Okinou, peering through binoculars, added, "I checked—she's dominating the atmosphere. Could her presence suppress everyone's performance?"
"That's highly likely," the professor said. "But Air Groove has her own issue."
"What do you mean? With that intensity…" Aoi trailed off, admitting, "I can't quite see it."
Hachiman explained, "Simple. She's so intense she might overdo it. Even at her best, in a race she's desperate to win, misplaced effort could ruin her performance."
Toujou nodded. "So that's the only concern?"
"Exactly. But how long's she gonna keep this up?" Hachiman muttered.
She needed to loosen up soon, or it'd be trouble.