Dyna Car's voice trembled with maternal weight. "You're an exceptional trainer, Hikitani-san. But as a mother, I have one request. If Air Groove ever burdens you with impossible demands or forces her ideals on you…"
Hachiman's gaze softened. She understands Air Groove better than anyone. Their personalities clashed, but that relentless drive—self and others pushed to the limit—was a shared thread.
"No need to finish, Dyna Car-san," Hachiman interrupted, his tone steady. "That won't be necessary."
Dyna Car blinked. "What?"
"I told your daughter this once," Hachiman said, leaning forward. "Trainers exist to help Uma Musume shine. If they're the sun blazing on the turf, we're the shadow at their heels. Light and dark, paired by nature. That's how I see it—Uma Musume and trainers, bound together."
"But that means you'd…" Dyna Car began, concern flickering.
"There's no shortage of trainers to replace me," Hachiman said. "But an Uma Musume? There's only one Air Groove in the world. Same goes for me, sure, but anyone can mimic what I do. She's young—should be a little selfish, a little bold. Keeps things lively."
Dyna Car fell silent, her eyes searching his.
"And," Hachiman added, "I'm not cutting ties with her."
"Is that because you chose her?" Dyna Car asked, tilting her head.
"Nah," Hachiman said, a faint smirk tugging his lips. "It's just my stubborn pride."
Dyna Car's thoughts raced. Pride? With his talent, other Uma Musume must be clamoring for him. Yet he stays?
"Pretty simple, my pride," Hachiman said, as if reading her.
"Tell me," Dyna Car said, leaning in. "Please."
"If you don't mind it being dull," he said.
"I insist," she said, her voice firm.
"Alright," Hachiman said, exhaling. "My pride is…"
The conversation hung unfinished as a familiar voice cut through the air. "Air Groove!"
Air Groove froze mid-stride on the track. "That voice… Mother!?"
Dyna Car waved, her smile radiant. "Looking strong out there! I'm rooting for you at the Oaks!"
"Why are you here!?" Air Groove stammered, sprinting over. Her eyes darted to Hachiman. "You've already met my trainer!?"
"Oh, yes," Dyna Car said, chuckling. "We had a good chat about you and this place. My, Trecen's come a long way since my day—barely recognize it!"
"That's not the point!" Air Groove snapped, turning to Hachiman. "You didn't feed her any weird stories, did you?"
"Why would I?" Hachiman said, rolling his eyes. "Got no dirt to spill. Should I have told her Rudolf's puns instead?"
Air Groove grimaced. "No, definitely not."
"Well," Dyna Car said, clapping her hands, "I got what I came for, so I'll head out. Air Groove, I'll be at the Oaks in person—don't tense up just because your mom's watching, okay?"
"I won't!" Air Groove huffed.
"And…" Dyna Car's gaze flicked to Hachiman, a silent understanding passing between them.
She doesn't want Air Groove overhearing, Hachiman thought. "Yo, Air Groove, I'm heading to the trainer's room. See your mom off, yeah?"
As Hachiman walked away, Dyna Car turned to her daughter, her expression softening. "Hold on, Air Groove."
"Hey!" Air Groove called after Hachiman, then sighed. "Mother, what is it?"
"I told you at year's end," Dyna Car said, her voice firm, "but I'll say it again. Treasure that trainer. Understood?"
"Yes," Air Groove said, nodding.
"And one more thing," Dyna Car added. "Try to understand him better. I learned a lot about him today, and I'm certain—he'll never betray you."
Air Groove frowned. "I understand, but… what do you mean?"
"You'll find the answer yourself," Dyna Car said, smiling. "Someday, you'll see what I mean."
Air Groove's brow furrowed.
"It's fine if you don't get it now," Dyna Car said. "You still have so much to learn about him."
"You sound like you know him better," Air Groove said, a hint of skepticism.
"I've got years on you," Dyna Car said, winking. "And sharper eyes for trainers. He's leagues above the one I had. If I were a student now, I'd be chasing him myself!"
Air Groove's jaw dropped. "Mother…"
"Focus on the Oaks," Dyna Car said, turning to leave. "See you there."
As she walked away, Dyna Car's thoughts lingered. Air Groove, you've found a rare trainer. Few are like him. If her daughter knew the depth of Hachiman's pride, she might feel unworthy. Best left unsaid. But when Air Groove uncovered that truth… What will you do then?
Happy New Year, folks! We're kicking off 2022 with a bang! Hachiman's pride is rock-solid, shutting down Dyna Car's fears like a champ. Air Groove's got a wake-up call—her mom's dropping wisdom bombs! With the Oaks a week away and Hachiman's loyalty shining, what's his pride all about? And how's Air Groove gonna step up? The track's roaring—let's race into the year!