NOVEL NEXT Chapter 115: Lingering Unease
Air Groove's POV
Days after the Takarazuka Kinen, late June edges toward July. I ran three races this half-year, but only the Kyoto Kinen felt right. For the fall, I'm pouring myself into summer camp, prepping for the Sapporo Kinen in late August. Trainer says I need to shine even on short straights. Good thing I've run 2000m before—I've got the experience.
"President, I've compiled the camp participant list," I said.
"Thank you," Symboli Rudolf said. "Quite a crowd this year. Heh, it's thriving."
"Mostly freshmen and Classic-grade stars," I noted.
"Indeed," she said. "We can't let this momentum pass us by. We mustn't be outrun by the new wave."
"Yes, President," I agreed.
Right… Last year's Tenno Sho (Autumn) saw Bubblegum Fellow topple senior Uma Musume to claim the throne. I can't fall behind. This summer, I'll tighten my focus.
"By the way, is Hachiman-kun free?" Rudolf asked.
"…What do you mean?" I said.
"Nothing much," she said. "I want to join his training. Last March's three-day session was unforgettable—so fulfilling. I'm hoping he can do it for camp."
"With respect, President," I said, "he's my trainer. It's his call, but is it right for you to join a non-assigned trainer's session?"
"Then how do you explain CB?" she countered. "Lately, all sorts of Uma Musume are joining his training."
"Tch… That's…" I faltered.
"What Hachiman-kun's doing is admirable," she said. "Broad-minded, splendid. But most trainers wouldn't approve. With students like CB, it'll only grow."
"…"
"Can you swear the same won't happen at camp?" she asked.
"…No," I admitted.
"Exactly," she said. "I don't know his intentions, but he's in a position to draw criticism."
She's right. Even now, other trainers grumble about him. He could silence them, but with his personality, he'd only bother with those who directly challenge him.
"…Sorry," Rudolf said. "No need to burden you with this. Forget it."
"No…" I said.
"I'll talk to Hachiman-kun," she said. "Even as a trainer, he should ease up on unassigned Uma Musume. But he'd probably say, 'I'm already making menus for them, so what's the big deal?' I can hear it now."
"Shall I tell him?" I offered.
"No, it'd be pointless," she said. "The academy's silent approval suggests they have a plan. We shouldn't interfere."
"Understood," I said.
"Besides, I have questions for him," she muttered.
"President?" I said.
"Nothing," she said. "Let's finish the remaining tasks."
Hours Later
"Phew… Finally done," I said. "The post-first-half workload is no joke. June and December are brutal."
No training today, thankfully. I'll skip self-practice too. Time to head back to the dorm—
"So, what's this about?" Hachiman's voice.
Trainer? In the student council room?
"It's about your recent training," Rudolf said. "Including unassigned Uma Musume—what's that about?"
"You're worried about that now?" he said.
"You've noticed other trainers' opinions, haven't you?" she said.
"Yeah," he said. "But they don't say it to my face—probably scared of being shut down. You don't like what I'm doing either?"
"No, not at all," she said. "I'm grateful for what you do for unassigned students. I'd be out of line to complain when I'm doing nothing."
Sounds like what we discussed earlier.
"That's all?" Hachiman asked.
"No, the real topic starts here," Rudolf said. "It's about you and Air Groove."
"!" Me and Trainer?
"Fuji Kiseki, your second charge, has shared concerns with me," Rudolf said. "I'd like to discuss them. Is that okay?"
"If Fuji hasn't told me, Air Groove doesn't know either," he said. "Fine, let's hear it."
Afterword
Air Groove's unease lingers as Rudolf's probing talk with Hachiman hints at deeper issues tied to her trust arc and Fuji's concerns. The summer camp looms, with Air Groove's Sapporo Kinen prep intensifying. Hachiman's bold training style draws scrutiny, while Fuji's role grows. The Yahari crossover fuels Hachiman's "Tengan" defiance, with Haruno's shadow lurking. A tense cliffhanger!
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