After sharing the joy with my trainers, I was whisked off to an interview. A classic-grade Uma Musume winning the Tennō Shō? That called for a public stage in front of the crowd. Even my trainers were stunned. I get why Kenta's nervous—he's new, and he's been with me every step. But Hiratsuka-sensei getting jittery? That's a surprise.
The interviewer's voice rang out. "Let's begin! Here's the Tennō Shō champion, Bubblegum Fellow—congratulations!"
I grinned. "Thank youuu!"
"Your feelings right now, honestly."
"Um…" I started. "I don't know what to say! Spring was a bust with my injury, and I thought this year was over. But my trainers got me here, winning this huge stage. I'm beyond thrilled!"
"As a classic-grade contender, you drew a lot of attention. How was that?"
"I didn't think about it much," I said. "My trainers and I decided 3000 meters was too much for me now, so we chose this route."
"That final straight, with three powerhouses closing in—how intense was that pressure?"
"Super intense!" I said. "They were behind me, but their speed was unreal. I thought they might pass me, but I ran with everything, not wanting to let my trainers or myself down. And winning? Amazing. Even better? They congratulated me despite losing. That meant a lot."
"Now, to your trainers," the interviewer said. "This was a bold route choice. Was the Tennō Shō always in the plan?"
Hiratsuka-sensei shook his head. "No, it wasn't in the original rotation. A certain well-known trainer's advice changed that."
Wait… Air Groove's trainer?
Hiratsuka-sensei continued, "Let me clarify: I'm not the one leading Bubblegum now. That's my sub-trainer, Kenta, right here. He's taken full charge."
"Understood," the interviewer said. "Kenta-san, what did you think of her performance?"
Kenta stammered, "W-Well… she was moving great in training, but today? She outdid herself! I think she's got even more potential!"
"Hiratsuka-sensei mentioned advice from a well-known trainer. What was it?"
Kenta hesitated. Can't spill training details. Keep it simple.
He said, "I was told to speed up her spurt timing. Bubblegum's strength is her sustained speed, so we were advised to start her kick earlier to maximize it."
"And—" the interviewer started.
Kenta cut in. "One more thing! My senpai… he's been slandered. I've heard it all—'prize money thief,' 'parasite,' 'third-rate trainer riding Air Groove's coattails.' But that's not him! When Bubblegum was injured, he made rehab menus for her. He crafts training plans for unassigned Uma Musume, helping them get stronger. I can't stand my respected senpai being trashed like that by other trainers!"
The crowd fell silent.
Hiratsuka-sensei snatched the mic. "I back everything Kenta just said. Hachiman raised Air Groove to Triple Tiara glory because of his skill. Stop the slander—that's my plea!"
I bounced. "Trainers, me too!"
Hiratsuka-sensei chuckled, handing me the mic. "Go for it."
"Thanks!" I said. "I don't know what everyone thinks of that trainer, but saying hurtful things without knowing his face, his character, his heart? That's wrong! Even kids know better! That's all!"
The interviewer fumbled. "Uh, thank you! That was Bubblegum Fellow!"
Trainer-Only Viewing Room
Hiratsuka-sensei called out, "Hikitani, it's me. Can we come in?"
Hachiman's voice came through. "Go ahead."
Hiratsuka-sensei opened the door. "Pardon us."
Kenta followed. "Excuse me."
I chirped, "Coming in!"
The three trainers inside froze, looking uneasy.
Who are these guys? Why're they here? And why so awkward?
Hachiman's voice was sharp. "So, got something to say to Kenta? Bubblegum didn't just hit top three—she won. A 'sorry' won't cut it for me."
The three stayed silent.
I tilted my head. "Trainers, what's this about?"
Hachiman glanced at Fuji. "Fuji, take her next door and explain."
Fuji nodded. "Got it. Bubblegum, let's step out. I'll fill you in."
Confused, I followed Fuji-senpai to the next room.
With Fuji and Bubblegum gone, everyone left knew the deal. Should make this easier.
Senior Trainer 1 muttered, "We're… sorry. We shouldn't have badmouthed you."
Senior Trainer 2 mumbled, "Sorry for mocking you…"
I leaned in. "That's not all, is it? You started this bet. Show some accountability."
Senior Trainer 2 swallowed. "We're… sorry for mocking you."
The peer stammered, "Uh, I mean, sorry for everything—"
"Need a lesson in apologizing?" I cut in.
"S-Sorry for everything!" he blurted.
God, this peer of mine's pathetic. Just a spineless lackey.
Kenta spoke up. "I'll let it slide this time. But there's no next time. And be glad it's me here. If it was my senpai, he'd crush you without mercy."
Hey, I'm not that ruthless.
The Tennō Shō spotlight blazes! Bubblegum's heartfelt interview, backed by Kenta and Hiratsuka-sensei, slams the "prize money thief" rumors, cementing Hachiman's skill. Air Groove's icy authority and Fuji's quick wit corner the sorry rival trainers, forcing their apologies. Bubblegum's historic win and Air Groove's Triple Tiara legacy shine, while Kenta's rise promises more epic showdowns—suck it, haters!
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