Hiratsuka-sensei chuckled. "That happy, huh?"
"Then don't ever forget this feeling," he said. "Savor it. This is what winning a G1 feels like—worlds apart from conditionals or graded races."
Hachiman glanced over. "Bubblegum's coming back. You two go ahead."
Hiratsuka-sensei frowned. "Not joining us?"
"I've got business to handle," Hachiman said.
I sprinted with Hiratsuka-sensei to the Winner's Circle. Bubblegum had to be there.
Hiratsuka-sensei panted. "Huff… I need to exercise more."
I gasped for air. "Huff…"
Bubblegum spotted us and waved. "Thank you!" She bolted toward us. "Trainers!"
We entered the circle, meeting her halfway.
"I did it!" Bubblegum cried, tackling me in a hug. "I won!"
"I saw!" I said, patting her back. "You were amazing!"
Hiratsuka-sensei nodded. "The best out there."
Bubblegum beamed. "Thank you, Trainer, for making me this strong. Honestly, I wasn't sure I could win. But when I realized you were dead-set on getting me here, I ran harder than ever… So, thank you!"
Hiratsuka-sensei shook his head. "No, I'm the one who should thank you. I won a G1 once, but that was over a decade ago. I thought my time was up. Then you showed up, and Kenta joined as my sub. And look—junior G1, now a classic-grade Tennō Shō! You two made my dreams come true, one after another. I'm the one grateful—thank you!"
Hiratsuka-sensei grinned. "This seals it. I've been keeping it from you, but Hachiman and I have been working on something—your recommendation for independent trainer status."
My heart stopped. Hachiman mentioned it, but it was real? I thought it was just to shut those guys up…
"I'm nominating you to the chairman for independence next year," Hiratsuka-sensei said. "And I'll transfer Bubblegum's contract to you. You click with her better than I do."
"Stick with me until then," he added.
"I'm not 'sticking'!" I said. "I want to learn more from you! Please, keep teaching me!"
Bubblegum nodded. "Yeah! Even if I transfer, I'll visit! We'll train together then, right?"
Hiratsuka-sensei smiled. "Sounds good."
The crowd's cheers drowned out our voices, but it didn't matter. Right now, this joy was ours alone.
I strode forward, purpose in my steps.
Fuji tilted her head. "Where're you going, Trainer-san?"
I smirked. "Playing debt collector, I guess."
Air Groove's eyes glinted. "I see. That's the plan."
The trainer-only viewing room loomed ahead. Those idiots were probably inside, packing to slip away.
Click! The door swung open.
Senior Trainer 1 yelped. "Whoa?!"
Senior Trainer 2 stammered, "H-Hikitani?!"
The peer gaped. "Why're you here?"
I crossed my arms. "Going somewhere? You didn't forget our pre-race deal, did you?"
Senior Trainer 2 scoffed. "This has nothing to do with you!"
"Actually, it does," I said. "I helped with Bubblegum's training. So did the two behind me. If you're calling Kenta incompetent, that includes us. Oh, and it wasn't just top three—she won. So, sit tight. You're not going anywhere."
The peer sputtered, "B-But that was with Kenta, not you! Why're you butting in—"
"I just explained it," I cut in. "You deaf?"
Air Groove stepped forward. "Even setting this aside, your arrogance is intolerable. As student council vice president and an Uma Musume, I won't let it slide."
Fuji nodded. "Exactly. The cute ponies at Ritto dorm might be under your care. We're not letting you off."
Senior Trainer 1 raised his hands. "Alright, Hikitani! We'll apologize in writing—"
"Writing?" I snapped. "You think a soulless sheet of paper will cut it? Don't play me for a fool."
Air Groove's voice was ice. "No need for that nonsense. Everyone's here now. Apologize in person. Or can't you even keep a verbal promise?"
I shrugged. "Doesn't matter. You've got no escape. Winner's interview and ceremony are next. We'll wait. Oh, and if you try running? I'll stop you. Learned some jujitsu from my mentors—three guys? Easy."
Sensei and Professor made two feel like ten. Stopping regular humans? Child's play.
Bubblegum Fellow's Tennō Shō victory sparks pure jubilation! Kenta's tears and Hiratsuka-sensei's pride cement their bond, with Bubblegum's contract transfer setting him up as a rising star. Meanwhile, Hachiman and Air Groove corner the pathetic rival trainers, with Fuji's sharp wit backing them up. Air Groove's Triple Tiara legacy looms large, but Bubblegum's Zone-powered win steals the show—those cowards aren't going anywhere!
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