NOVEL NEXT Chapter 108: A Bit of Progress
Hachiman's POV
Training as usual with my crew. Last year, talk of a second Uma Musume came up, but nothing this time—means I'm good for now. Honestly, it's a relief. I want to focus on Fuji's debut and Air Groove's Takarazuka Kinen. A third Uma Musume or a team? I'd be toast. I'm already swamped—new menu demands from instructors, advice for juniors (why me?), training plans, and endless requests from Uma Musume. "Cook for me!" "Let's eat sweets!" "Train with me!" Never a dull moment.
And get this—Professor called me directly. He's coming to Japan soon and wants a photo op. Apparently, he's jealous that Sensei bragged about our picture. "I'm getting that photo, no matter what!!" he insisted. Professor, I'll say this in my head: Sensei's probably tagging along.
"Hah… hah…" Air Groove panted. "Trainer, three sets done. What's next?"
"Phew… phew…" Fuji said. "Air Groove and I can keep going!"
"You two are pushing too hard," I said. "Times are average, but your lap splits are wild. Racing each other?"
"Haha… caught us," Fuji said.
"I'm your trainer," I said. "I'd notice. What's the bet?"
"A day out with you, Hachiman Trainer-san," Fuji said.
"…I haven't even settled with Ardan," I said. "And you're piling on more?"
"It's not forced," Air Groove said. "Fuji misspoke. It's only if you agree."
"Oh… got it," I said.
Whew. Almost lost my rare day off. Speaking of, Ardan, when's our outing?
"But Hachiman Trainer-san," Fuji said. "That sounded like you don't want to hang out with us. Kinda hurts~."
"Didn't mean it like that," I said. "If I upset you, I'm sorry."
"Nah, not good enough," Fuji teased. "How about asking CB-senpai to be your Uma Musume?"
"Are you serious?" I said. "She'd latch onto me with 200% certainty until I say yes. I really don't want that, so I'm genuinely sorry."
"Now that's sincerity," Fuji said.
"I don't always half-ass apologies," I said. "This time, the stakes were high."
"You hate it that much?" Air Groove asked.
"Not hate," I said. "I just want to focus on you two. No bandwidth for others. Takarazuka's end of June, Fuji's debut in Niigata in July—I'm stretched thin."
"I see…" Air Groove said.
"Hehe, happy, Air Groove?" Fuji said.
"W-What?" Air Groove said.
I tilted my head. "?"
"Our trainer's thinking about us this much," Fuji said. "Even as our coach, that kind of care feels special. Don't you think?"
"That's just what a trainer does…" Air Groove started. Wait…
Air Groove (Hold on. Why'd Fuji pass to me? To mend things with Trainer? She might not mean it, but… no, I'll ride this wave!)
"You're right…" Air Groove said. "For you, Trainer, I'll meet your expectations at Takarazuka."
"Nice, nice♪" Fuji said.
"Didn't expect that from you, Air Groove," I said. "But… I'll take it."
"Y-Yeah…" Air Groove said.
Didn't see that coming. We barely talk outside meetings lately.
"Alright, next up," I said. "Time's tight, so last set. Thirty high-knees, then a 1600m run. Done."
"Y-Yes!" Air Groove said.
"Got it," Fuji said, chuckling.
They nailed the menu, and training wrapped for the day.
"Time to head home," I said. "♪~♪~" Who's this? Unknown number… Whatever. "Hello?"
"Greetings, Anii-sama," Mejiro Ardan said. "It's Mejiro Ardan."
"You, huh," I said. "Unknown number threw me. What's up?"
"Yes," she said. "I'd like to use my race-won right. Are you free this Sunday?"
"Sunday… yeah, nothing planned," I said.
"Could you meet me at Trecen's entrance at 10 a.m.?" she asked.
"Sure," I said.
"Then, 10 a.m. Sunday," she said. "Goodbye."
Sunday, huh…
Afterword
Fuji's clever assist sparks a breakthrough, mending Air Groove's trust in Hachiman as Takarazuka looms. Ardan's outing plan adds chaos, while Hachiman juggles Fuji's debut and relentless demands. The Yahari crossover fuels his "Tengan" focus, with Haruno's shadow lingering. Fuji's arc is knocking—nice pass, Fuji!
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