July's heat settled over Trecen Academy, signaling the start of summer break. But for us Uma Musume, there was no rest. The summer camp—a cornerstone of Trecen's training regimen—loomed, a crucible to forge us for the fall's major races. For me, the Shuka Sho in October was the final gate to the Triple Tiara, the pinnacle of my generation. Only one Uma Musume had claimed that crown before. I had to match her legend, to carve my name among the stars.
On the bus to camp, laughter filled the air. "And… I win again!" Hachiman declared, tossing down his cards.
Oguri Cap groaned. "Three straight wins? Trainer, you're unstoppable at Old Maid."
"Didn't expect to dominate," Hachiman said, smirking.
Super Creek frowned. "Tch, cards aren't just about strategy…"
"Impressive, Trainer-kun!" T.M Opera O beamed. "You're the true King of Cards!"
King Halo bristled. "Unacceptable! I challenge you, Trainer!"
Hachiman shot Opera O a look. "Great, you flipped her switch. Now what?"
"Prove it with skill!" Opera O said, grinning.
"So you're in too?" Hachiman said.
"Absolutely, Trainer!" King Halo said. "Anyone else joining?"
Opera O's eyes gleamed. "How about this? One day of joint training with Trainer-kun and Air Groove!"
""""I'm in!"""" a chorus of voices shouted.
Hachiman scoffed. "Lies! You're just making stuff up, Garnier!"
"Garnier?" Opera O blinked. "What's that?"
Hachiman faltered. "Uh… the Palais Garnier in France. You know, the opera house."
Opera O clapped. "A fitting nickname for me!"
"Fine, whatever," Hachiman said. "Everyone, call her Garnier from now on."
Laughter erupted, the bus shaking with mirth.
I let it slide. We'll lose this freedom once we reach camp. Savoring the travel vibe wasn't a bad idea.
"How about a new deal?" Opera O said. "Trainer-kun's home cooking as the prize!"
"Why's it always gotta be me?" Hachiman groaned.
Oguri Cap's eyes lit up. "I'm going all in!"
Super Creek nodded. "I'm joining! I won't lose!"
"Save that fire for the track," Hachiman said. "And no cooking, got it? If I did, it'd be for Air Groove only."
"You're my trainee," he said simply.
"That's unfair!" Super Creek protested. "Tell him to cook for me too!"
"Yeah," Oguri Cap said. "Share your cooking, Trainer!"
"I said no such thing!" I barked.
At the camp lodging, Symboli Rudolf greeted us. "Thanks for chaperoning, Hachiman-kun. You were a big help."
"No choice," Hachiman said. "Fuji was on another bus, so Air Groove had to step up. But was I really needed?"
"Absolutely," Rudolf said. "That's why I asked."
"Whatever you say," Hachiman muttered.
Mr. C.B. pouted. "So jealous… I wanted to ride with Hachiman."
"You're in Miho dorm," Hachiman said. "No way."
"Then I'll sneak onto Ritto's bus for the return!" she declared.
"I'm telling Hishi Amazon," Hachiman said.
"No, wait!" Mr. C.B. yelped. "I was kidding!"
I sighed. "What's going on here?"
"Air Groove, save me!" Mr. C.B. cried. "Hachiman's bullying me!"
"He says you're sneaking onto our bus," Hachiman said. "I'm just ratting you out to Amazon."
I crossed my arms. "Go ahead and tell her."
"On it," Hachiman said.
"Nooo!" Mr. C.B. wailed.
Hours later, I shook my head. "Mr. C.B.-senpai's exhausting. You could be stricter with her, you know."
"I'm not coddling her," Hachiman said.
"Whatever," I said. "Today's a travel day, so training starts tomorrow. Have you set our plan?"
"Yeah," Hachiman said. "I'll adjust based on your condition. Uma Musume vary in summer performance. Last year, you raced in Sapporo but skipped camp, so I'll gauge how you handle heat this time. If it's a weakness, we'll tweak camp or even race schedules."
"For senior season, right?" I said.
"Exactly," he said. "This is your one-shot classic season, with the Triple Tiara on the line. I'm fine pushing you a bit."
"I agree," I said. "The final Tiara will outshine even the Oaks."
Hachiman raised an eyebrow. "You mean topping your eight-length Oaks win? That was already brutal, you know."
"You trained me for that," I said, smirking. "How dare you complain?"
He chuckled. "Yeah, my bad."
Summer camp's heating up, and so's the Triple Tiara chase! Air Groove's gunning for the Shuka Sho, but the bus ride's a riot with T.M Opera O's "Garnier" nickname and King Halo's fiery challenge. Hachiman's juggling cards, Mr. C.B.'s antics, and Air Groove's ambition, all while the second-trainee buzz simmers. Will Air Groove claim the crown? And who's joining Hachiman's roster? The turf's alive—let's race!