November's chill was biting now. With no races scheduled, Air Groove and Fuji Kiseki were pouring everything into training. Not exactly an off-season, but a time to build strength. Man, this time of year's packed with G1s—never a dull moment. The URA folks must be swamped. Being a trainer's tough, but their job? Pure chaos. Yeah, no way I'm switching careers.
Lately, I've been spotting visitors—er, cameramen—lurking around. No need to ask why. Trecen Academy's a draw, but I'm the real target. Thanks to Kenta, Hiratsuka-sensei, and Bubblegum shutting down those "prize money thief" rumors in that Tennō Shō interview, reporters are flooding in like clockwork. I don't care about the rumors, but still.
Air Groove panted, finishing her set. "Huff… huff… Done, Trainer."
Fuji tilted her head. "That was short. Any point to it?"
"There's a point," I said. "Drink water. Don't make me force you."
Fuji grinned. "Oh? How would you?"
I smirked. "Smirking like that? Guess you're ready for another lap right now, huh?"
Fuji laughed. "Sorry, sorry! I teased too much."
Air Groove huffed. "Let's go already."
Fuji whined, "Don't rush me! I haven't hydrated yet."
Things are smooth with us lately, as you can see. No more bickering—well, not real fights, anyway.
Then one day, the chairman dropped a request on us.
I blinked. "A workplace tour for trainer hopefuls?"
Aki-kawa Yayoi beamed. "Correct! We want young aspirants aiming for the narrow path of Uma Musume training to see the academy and facilities. That's why I'm consulting you!"
"And you called me because…?"
"I want you to handle their training demo!" she said. "Seeing the hottest trainer up close will teach them tons!"
"…So, just show them my usual training, and it's fine?"
"Correct!" she chirped. "Show those youngsters your skills!"
"Got it," I said. "But I need to talk to my two first. Can I report back after?"
Aki-kawa nodded. "Discussion's key! I'm expecting a yes!"
I leaned back. "That's the deal. What do you think?"
Air Groove shrugged. "I'm fine with it. No classes or races to watch that day. Just training, so no issue."
Fuji smiled. "I'm good too. No plans, so let's show them our moves!"
"Alright," I said. "You're cool with being watched? I mean during training."
Air Groove snorted. "No problem. If it was Dobel, she'd refuse flat-out, but I'm fine."
Fuji grinned. "Should I throw in a magic show?"
Damn, they're reliable.
"Got it," I said. "I'll tell the chairman it's a go. Keep that day free—don't pull a 'whoops, I forgot.'"
Air Groove scoffed. "As if I would."
Fuji nodded. "I'll be here, Trainer-san. Relax."
"I trust you," I said. "Mostly."
Time to hit the chairman's office…
I turned to Fuji. "You know what I'm thinking, right?"
Fuji smirked. "Of course, Air Groove. No way I'm wrong, but let's hear it."
I nodded. "This is a chance. A prime opportunity to boost Trainer's reputation."
Fuji tilted her head. "But just showing our training won't do much for his image, will it?"
"You're right," I said. "So, on that day, we'll have him dress sharp. And his posture—he'll need to stand tall, at least for then. But the biggest issue…"
Fuji finished, "His eyes, right?"
"Exactly," I said. "No offense, but his appearance isn't bad… except those dead-fish eyes ruin it. It's a major factor in how people judge him."
Fuji chuckled. "That's a prickly way to put it…"
Mr. CB poked her head in. "Yoohoo! Oh, Hachiman's not here? Just you two?"
Fuji smiled. "Hey, CB-senpai! Something up? Looking for Trainer-san?"
CB grinned. "Yup! I was bored, so I swung by. No Hachiman, huh? Maybe I'll come back."
I stepped forward. "CB-senpai, a moment?"
"Hm? What's up?" she asked.
"It's about Trainer," I said. "If we wanted to transform his appearance to the max, any ideas?"
CB blinked. "…What're you plotting?"
No choice. Time to explain from scratch.
Explaining the Situation
CB nodded. "Got it. First impressions matter, depending on who's watching. I like Hachiman as is—gruff, but with a kind streak."
Fuji sighed. "But that won't cut it this time…"
CB tapped her chin. "Hmm…"
Is there really no solution?
CB's eyes lit up. "Oh! I've got a great idea!"
The plot thickens! November's calm lets Air Groove and Fuji train hard, but the chairman's request for Hachiman to demo for aspiring trainers sparks a plan. Air Groove seizes the chance to fix his tarnished rep, with Fuji scheming alongside her. CB's mysterious "great idea" promises a game-changer, while Air Groove's Triple Tiara legacy looms large. What's CB cooking up? The stage is set for a reputation reboot!
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