Rain drummed against Trecen Academy's windows, forcing the Oaks training indoors. A few days into the regimen, Hachiman and Air Groove stood in the gym, the hum of machines filling the air. No injuries here—just a soggy course sidelining them. Stamina training in this cramped space was tricky, so Hachiman had Air Groove on a self-powered treadmill, mimicking an uphill climb. The goal? Simulate the final straight of the 2400-meter Oaks.
Air Groove's breaths came steady. "Hff… hff… hff…"
"Don't shift your center," Hachiman instructed, his voice calm but firm. "Even if you're surging, keep your legs driving forward. Focus on that… Good. Hundred meters left."
"Nice," Hachiman said. "Ease off gradually, then walk on the next treadmill. Hydrate. Five minutes walking, then stretch."
Air Groove panted, nodding. "Got it… hff…"
Her form was stellar, a step up from her pre-Ouka Sho wobble. She'd cleared 2400 meters in training, but races were chaos—walls of rivals, blocked paths. We need counters for that, Hachiman thought, jotting a mental note.
His phone buzzed. Hiratsuka-sensei?
To: Hikitani Hachiman
From: Hiratsuka-sensei
Hachiman, about that Ouka Sho celebration we planned—tonight work? If not, we can reschedule. What's your schedule?
Right, that promise. No plans tonight, no reason to dodge. Hachiman typed back: Sounds good. I'll prep. Where we meeting?
"Hey," Air Groove called, wiping sweat. "Got a sec?"
"Yeah, what's up?" Hachiman said, pocketing his phone.
"About my sprint timing," she said. "Should I start pushing before the final straight?"
"Depends on your position," Hachiman said, crossing his arms. "If there's a wall, you'll burn out early. Too soon, and you'll fade. Middle of the corner's a safe bet, but ideally, you want clear space to slip through. Tough for a front-runner like you."
"But that's the best shot at winning, right?" she pressed.
"Sure," he said. "But don't force it. If it messes with your rhythm, it's not worth it."
"Got it," Air Groove said, her eyes sharp. "I'll try to shape the race that way."
"Good," Hachiman said. "If it feels off, drop it. It's just an ideal."
If she pulls that off, it's a game-changer, he thought. But it's a tall order.
He glanced at Maruzensky, lingering nearby. "Yo, why're you glued to my side? I'm not here for weights."
"No worries!" Maruzensky said, waving a hand. "Not trying to drag you into a workout!"
"Then what's with the hovering?" Hachiman asked, eyebrow raised.
"Well…" Maruzensky leaned in. "Oguri Cap's been acting odd. Keeps muttering about you, so I got curious."
"Oguri?" Hachiman frowned. "No clue. Saw her morning training the other day, chatted a bit, that's it."
"That's all?" Maruzensky said, skeptical. "You sure you didn't do something?"
"Why's it gotta be me doing something?" Hachiman groaned. "We just talked."
Air Groove cut in. "We done for today?"
"Yeah," Hachiman said. "Light movement, then we're out. Wasn't planning a heavy session anyway. Got a thing tonight—just came up."
"Alright," Air Groove said, stretching.
"Onii-sama, good work!" Oguri Cap's voice chimed, a towel thrust toward Hachiman. "Here!"
"Thanks—wait, what?" Hachiman blinked, startled.
"Oguri!?" Maruzensky yelped, eyes wide.
Oguri smiled serenely. "Hello, Maruzensky. Anisama, I made a recovery drink with fatigue-fighting ingredients. Please try it. Air Groove-san, you too."
"Uh, thanks," Air Groove said, taking a bottle.
"Quit popping up like that," Hachiman said, recovering. "Scared me."
"Hehe, sorry," Oguri said, unfazed.
Maruzensky stared, speechless.
Air Groove sipped the drink. "Huh, pretty good."
"Yeah," Hachiman said, tasting his. "Could sell this. Thick, but smooth."
"It's mandarin-based," Oguri explained. "Paprika, carrots, honey, lemon juice, and ground white sesame. Inspired by honey-lemon pickles athletes eat."
"Nice balance," Hachiman said, impressed. "Sweet, tart, and the carrot's subtle. You nailed this."
"My body's frail," Oguri said softly. "I wanted to get stronger, so I experimented. This is what I came up with."
Hachiman nodded. "Never thought of that. Might try it myself sometime."
Oguri's eyes lit up. "Really? Want to experiment together? It'd be fun!"
"Sure," Hachiman said, ruffling her hair. "When we do, I'll count on you."
Oguri beamed. "Yes, Onii-sama!"
Maruzensky's jaw dropped. Oguri's… glowing! She'd never seen her friend smile so brightly.