With the Oaks a week away, Air Groove was in top form, her strides brimming with confidence. No lingering doubts from the Ouka Sho—her final stamina training had her breezing through 2400 meters like it was nothing. Now, Hachiman had her running 1600-meter sprints, sharpening her speed. Shorter distance, faster pace, he thought, watching her tear across the track. Perfect for honing that burst.
"Looking good," Hachiman said, nodding.
"Senpai, how's Air Groove doing?" Kenta asked, jogging up.
"On track for the second crown," Hachiman said. "No obstacles so far—just her versus herself. How's Bubble holding up? Looked like she's bouncing back fast."
"Yeah!" Kenta said, eyes bright. "Sensei's shocked at her recovery. Said she might race by year's end!"
"That's great," Hachiman said. "But don't rush her. Push too hard in rehab, and you're asking for trouble. Slow and steady."
"Got it!" Kenta said, saluting.
Bubble Gum Fellow's progress was stunning, even to Hachiman. A month post-fracture, her drive to return to the track was palpable, her body responding in kind. Her hospital room was a fortress of rehab books—bone health, seated strength exercises—proof she was giving it her all. That's the kind of fire that wins races.
"Yo, Hikitani-sensei!" Takanotsume called, approaching. "You've got a visitor."
"A visitor?" Hachiman said. "Hiratsuka-sensei?"
"No, someone else," Takanotsume said. "A Trecen OG, but she asked to keep her name under wraps."
Hachiman raised an eyebrow. "Gonna meet her, and she's hiding her name?"
Takanotsume laughed awkwardly. "Well…"
"Fine, I'll go," Hachiman said. "Air Groove!" He relayed her training instructions and followed Takanotsume to the gate, quickening his pace.
At the entrance, Takanotsume gestured. "Here's Hikitani-sensei, Air Groove's trainer."
"Nice to meet you," Hachiman said, bowing. "Hikitani Hachiman."
The Uma Musume before him smiled warmly. "My daughter's in your care. I'm Dyna Car, Air Groove's mother."
Hachiman blinked, caught off guard. "Oh! Uh, pleasure to meet you."
"No, the pleasure's mine," Dyna Car said, her voice gentle. "My daughter's… intense. I hope she's not too much trouble."
"N-no, not at all," Hachiman said, recovering.
Her features mirrored Air Groove's—same sharp eyes, same eyeshadow flair—but softened by a motherly warmth.
"Shall we move inside?" Hachiman said. "The trainer's room is this way. That okay?"
"Everything's cleared," Takanotsume said, nodding.
In the trainer's room, Hachiman set a cup of tea before Dyna Car. "It's simple, but please."
"Thank you," she said, taking a sip. "So kind."
"So," Hachiman said, leaning back, "what brings you here? Not just to cheer Air Groove on, I assume?"
Dyna Car's eyes twinkled. "Sharp, just as she said. She told me your eyes miss nothing."
Hachiman scratched his neck. "Did she?"
"I'll see her later to offer encouragement," Dyna Car said. "But today, I'm here for you."
Hachiman's brow furrowed. "Me?"
"When Air Groove came home for the holidays, she spoke of you," Dyna Car said. "An exceptional trainer. I felt gratitude—and awe."
"No need for that," Hachiman said. "It's my job."
"Even enduring her sharp tongue?" she asked, smiling faintly.
"Well," Hachiman said, "I give as good as I get sometimes. Try to keep it civil, though."
"Of course," Dyna Car said. "But she's different—relentless with everyone, including herself. Even her trainer."
"Know the type," Hachiman said, nodding.
"That's what worries me," she said, her voice softening. "I fear her intensity drives people away."
"She's fine," Hachiman said. "At school, she's the student council vice president, a beacon for every Uma Musume on the track. Always under scrutiny, which makes her tense, but it's not a flaw."
"That's exactly my concern," Dyna Car said, her eyes heavy.
Hachiman tilted his head. "How so?"
"She's chasing her goals, I know," Dyna Car said. "But I worry she'll drag you into her relentless pursuit, imposing ideals of what a trainer should be. Her personality… it's not impossible."
Hachiman fell silent, her words sinking in.
"You're an exceptional trainer," Dyna Car continued. "But as a mother, I have one request. If she ever pushes impossible demands or her own values onto you…"
Whoa, mama's in town! Dyna Car's dropping truth bombs, and Hachiman's caught in the crossfire! Air Groove's killing it pre-Oaks, Bubble's on the mend, and now this heartfelt plea? Hachiman's got his hands full, and with the council's second-trainee talk still looming, the drama's spiking! What's Dyna Car about to ask, and will Air Groove push too far? The track's electric—don't blink!