I Just Wanted a Quiet Life... So Why Am I an Uma Musume Trainer?!

"How's your form, Air Groove?" Yahagi asked, eyeing her sharply.

"No issues. I'm in top shape," Air Groove replied, her voice steady.

"Good," Yahagi nodded.

The first Saturday of March marked the Tulip Stakes, the trial race for the Cherry Blossom Award, the opening leg of the Triple Tiara. Victory here would propel Air Groove toward the grand prize. Yahagi had noted her staggering growth since December's Hanshin Juvenile Fillies. "Near unbeatable," he'd said.

"Don't get cocky," Air Groove said. "You say my odds of losing are low, but the others aren't blind. They'll be watching me."

"You're right," Yahagi agreed. "The other thirteen will mark you, especially those with your running style. Biwa Hayahide, who took second in your last race, will be a threat. Stick to a forward position, lead the pack."

"Got it," Air Groove said. "I'll shadow Biwa Hayahide. I've only seen her races on video, so I don't know her habits. Today, I'll study her while running. Not that I plan to let her win."

Yahagi smirked. "Alright. The strategy's to take an early lead, but beyond that, it's your call."

Whether he trusted her fully or not, Yahagi left the rest to her. This was a prelim, but Air Groove, undefeated, had no intention of faltering.

The paddock buzzed with anticipation. "Number 5 in gate 4, Air Groove!" the announcer boomed. "The overwhelming favorite!"

"She's exceptional," the commentator added. "Her condition's so perfect, it's almost a shame to show it off here."

Air Groove's ears twitched. They can tell, huh? she thought. The seasoned eyes of horse watchers—Uma-me, was it?—could spot her edge. Years of observing Uma Musume gave them that gift.

Yahagi stood quietly, watching her. Minamisaka approached. "She's incredible today."

Yahagi started. "Minamisaka-san… and everyone's here too?"

Nearby stood trainers Yahagi got along with—Okino, Tojo, Aoi, Kuromuma—all likely drawn by Air Groove's presence.

"Of course!" Okino said. "A classic-grade lineup like this? No way we're missing it."

"She's a cut above," Tojo said. "The commentators nailed it—she's outshining everyone. Almost feel bad for the others."

"Amazing!" Aoi chirped. "How do you get her in that shape? What's the training?"

"Nothing special," Yahagi said. "Light workouts for the last two weeks, no heavy stuff."

"Interesting," Kuromuma mused. "Avoiding overtraining, then."

"And…?" Okino pressed.

"That's a secret," Yahagi said.

"Come on!" Okino groaned. "You can't tease like that. Spill it—there's gotta be a trick!"

"Nope," Yahagi said, smirking. "Not telling."

"That's intriguing," Tojo said, eyes narrowing.

"Given your skills, Yahagi, I'm curious," Kuromuma added.

"Tell us, please!" Aoi begged.

"Respectfully declined," Yahagi said.

"Ugh!" Aoi pouted.

A chime interrupted—Yahagi's phone. He stepped aside to check it.

To: Hachiman 

From: Teacher

At the racecourse by now, I bet. I'm watching on TV. Her growth is unreal—even through the screen, it's clear. The future's bright. You've got this, but don't forget my advice. I'll send more later.

"Teacher…" Hachiman murmured.

"Your mystery mentor?" Okino said. "Who is this guy?"

"Not telling," Hachiman said. "Wait for their permission."

"When's that gonna be?" Okino muttered.

"Your mentor's cautious," Kuromuma noted.

"Makes me more curious," Minamisaka said.

"I've said it before—stop digging into my teacher," Yahagi warned.

"I wouldn't," Minamisaka said. "No time for that anyway."

"Fine, then," Hachiman said.

"Focus on the paddock," Tojo said. "It's almost over."

"Only Kuromuma-senpai, Hana-senpai, and I were watching the Uma Musume," Aoi teased.

"I was too!" Okino protested.

"Name the Uma Musume in gate 4, number 5," Yahagi challenged.

"You're mean…" Okino grumbled.

"That's my charge, by the way," Yahagi added.

"What?!" Okino yelped.

Tojo stifled a laugh. "Pfft, haha!"

Minamisaka chuckled. "Hahaha…"

Aoi giggled. "Hehe!"

Kuromuma smirked. "Hmph."

"Damn it…" Okino muttered. "Can't argue with that."

The announcer's voice boomed across Hanshin Racecourse. "The GII Tulip Stakes, today's main event, is about to start! The cherry blossoms here haven't bloomed yet, but soon they'll greet the Uma Musume with a storm of petals. This trial race for next month's Triple Tiara opener, the Cherry Blossom Award, offers only three tickets to that stage! Who will claim the right to race under those cherries?!"

Air Groove stood ready, her mind razor-sharp. Same course, same distance as my last race, but a different strategy. This time, I run my way—leading the pack. A win here puts the Cherry Blossom Award within reach.

"Got a moment?" a voice called.

Air Groove turned. "You're… Biwa Hayahide, right?"

"Hayahide's fine," she said with a smirk. "Last time, I let you take the win. Not today. I'll claim this race—and the Cherry Blossom Award."

"Funny, I was thinking the same," another voice chimed in.

Air Groove's eyes flicked to the newcomer. Rose Color. Not from a top-tier lineage, but her Rose family's got a solid reputation. Her poise lives up to the name.

"For my family's dream, I'm taking this race," Rose Color declared. "You beat me before, but the queen's crown is mine."

Air Groove's lips curled. "Looks like I've got some real competition. Good. It'd be boring otherwise. Let's settle this."

"Bring it!" Hayahide shot back.

"I won't lose!" Rose Color snapped.

The Hanshin fanfare blared—Dette-dette-deen! Dette-deen! Paan!—echoing through the stands. The crowd roared as young Uma Musume entered their gates, hooves clacking on metal.

"Air Groove, the top favorite, takes gate 5!" the announcer shouted. "She dominated her last race with a front-running strategy. What's in store today?"

"She won beautifully before," the commentator added. "She might stick to leading, which puts her rivals in a tough spot guessing her move."

"Last to enter, gate 14, Biwa Hayahide—the Uma Musume who took second to Air Groove last time!" the announcer continued. "The stage is set! A queen's debut or an upset? Who'll grab the Cherry Blossom ticket? GII Tulip Stakes!"

The gates crashed open with a metallic gong. "They're off!" the announcer bellowed. "A slow start for number 12, Mayano Caprice! Biwa Hayahide bolts out from the outside! Kanetoshi Shaver and Adjudicator take the lead, followed by Toyo Thunder, with Hayahide surging forward! Air Groove holds fifth, right behind them! What's next?!"

Air Groove's hooves pounded the turf. Hachiman was right—sticking to the front was smart. From here, I can watch Hayahide and strike when she moves. This GII is mine!

Hachiman leaned forward, eyes locked on the track. "It's over."

Aoi blinked. "What? We're not even halfway! How can you—?"

"Hayahide went ahead of Air Groove, but that sealed the win," Hachiman said. "Air Groove's marking her, just as she planned. It's all about her timing now. Look at her position—perfect for a breakaway. Her rivals likely trained for stamina, expecting her to lead like last time. That's their mistake."

Aoi tilted her head. "Huh?"

"What do you mean?" Minamisaka asked.

"Explain it clearer," Okino urged.

Hachiman sighed. "The others, wary of me and Air Groove, trained for stamina to counter her front-running style. But that won't win this race. It's a mile—1600 meters. Stamina's great, but without speed to outpace everyone, it's useless. In a mile race, you need to leave others in the dust. Air Groove's got that speed. Her rivals, so focused on her, missed the simplest thing: pure, raw speed wins here."

The announcer's voice surged. "They're rounding the fourth corner! Air Groove glides up to the leaders! Kanetoshi Shaver holds first, but Hayahide's alongside, and—Air Groove blasts ahead! She's alone, untouchable! Still pulling away! A three-to-four-length lead! Hayahide's second, Adjudicator third—they can't catch her! Air Groove storms to a crushing victory! Undefeated, her fourth straight win! Not a scratch on her—she's conquered this trial race!"

Hanshin Race 10 - Results

1st: Air Groove (#5) – 1:34.2

2nd: Biwa Hayahide (#14) – 5 lengths

3rd: Adjudicator (#3) – 1¾ lengths

4th: Rose Color (#6) – ½ length

5th: Toyo Thunder (#1) – 2½ lengths