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

Air Groove sighed, the weight of her mistake settling in. I didn't expect him to notice so fast. She hadn't meant to hide her condition, but she'd underestimated Hachiman's sharp gaze. Now, she faced three days of rest, no training, to focus on recovery and regain her strength.

"I'm pathetic," she muttered, her voice heavy with self-reproach.

In her quiet dorm room at Ritto, Fine's voice broke the silence. "Oh, Groove-san? No training today? You're usually out there."

Air Groove glanced up. "Got a slight fever, over nine degrees. I've been told to rest for three days."

"What?!" Fine's eyes widened. "Are you okay?"

"I felt sluggish during training, but it's not so bad now," Air Groove said. "Sorry for worrying you."

"Don't apologize!" Fine waved it off. "If you need anything, just say so. You've got big races ahead!"

"…Thanks. I'll take you up on that," Air Groove said, a faint smile flickering.

It wasn't severe enough to keep her bedridden, but rest was wise. "Fine," she said, "I'll lie down until dinner. If I'm still asleep, wake me, alright?"

"You got it!" Fine beamed.

I need to recover today, Air Groove thought, settling into her bed. Missing the Cherry Blossom Award is not an option.

Meanwhile, Hachiman sat with Rudolph, the air thick with concern. "So, Air Groove's down…" Rudolph said.

"Yeah," Hachiman replied. "You notice anything off about her? She mentioned feeling feverish around noon."

Rudolph frowned. "Nothing comes to mind. She didn't seem unwell or act off. Sorry I can't help."

"Nah, it's fine," Hachiman said. "It's on Air Groove for hiding it."

"Don't be too hard on her," Rudolph urged. "You know she's tough on herself and others. She's probably feeling guilty already."

"Already gave her the lecture," Hachiman said. "Now it's up to her recovery. It's not severe, but if it worsens, she's out of the Cherry Blossom Award."

Rudolph chuckled. "She'd hate hearing that."

"Told her as much," Hachiman said. "Bet she's buried in her blankets right now. Who knows?"

"Let's hope," Rudolph said softly.

Hachiman leaned back. No telling how this plays out. If she recovers, great, but training's limited—maybe a light workout at best. Even if she's back, she won't be at her peak. A hundred percent no. "Didn't expect to stumble at the first classic," he said. "Lesson learned. I wasn't overdoing it, but pushing too hard's no good either."

"Don't beat yourself up," Rudolph said. "Everyone hits snags. You're still a rookie trainer—year two come April. With just Air Groove as your charge, you've brought her to four wins in four races, unscathed. You're an exceptional trainer, Hachiman. I'm certain of it."

"Thanks," Hachiman said, scratching his neck. "Gotta plan for her return. Menu's ready, but what do I do for three days? Kinda out of tasks…"

Rudolph's eyes gleamed. "Then, Hachiman, how about training me for those three days?"

"You?" Hachiman raised an eyebrow.

"I haven't chosen a permanent trainer," Rudolph said. "I rarely feel the urge to have someone guide my runs, but with you, it's different. What do you say?"

Hachiman hesitated. "Your runs, huh? Fine, but keep it quiet. It'll leak eventually, but don't go spreading it."

"Of course," Rudolph said, smiling. "Three days, then. I'm counting on you."

Seabea's gonna lose it when she sees us, Hachiman thought, already picturing her reaction.

"Sorry for interrupting your work," Hachiman said, standing. "We're done—"

"Wait," Rudolph interrupted, a rare playful tone in her voice. "Let's talk a bit longer. It's been a while since we've had a moment like this."

Hachiman blinked. "Have we ever been alone like this?"

Rudolph tilted her head. "You forgot? You shielded me with your body that time, didn't you?"

"Oh, right," Hachiman said, recalling. "Yeah, just us."

"As the president, I don't get moments like that often," Rudolph said softly. "Mind doing it again?"

"What'd I even do?" Hachiman teased.

"Are you that mean-spirited?" Rudolph shot back, eyes narrowing.

"Kidding, kidding," Hachiman said, chuckling. He reached out, gently patting her head.

Rudolph's ears twitched, her tail swaying slightly. … She stayed silent, but her subtle movements screamed joy.

Hachiman smirked. Hard to imagine Rudolph letting anyone else see her like this.

The day after Air Groove's fever sidelined her, Hachiman took on a new role: temporary trainer for Rudolph. So far, no Uma Musume had mentioned it, so Rudolph must've kept quiet. Still, Hachiman had a plan. He'd seen Rudolph race but never studied her form closely. Like with Air Groove, he'd start by analyzing her running style. Might as well score it too, he thought.

"Hey, Hachiman," Rudolph greeted, striding up. "Hard at work as a trainer?"

"You too," Hachiman shot back. "Balancing school and student council? I'd pass."

Rudolph laughed. "It's for everyone's comfort. I'll do whatever it takes."

Talk about noble, Hachiman thought.

"Anyway," he said, "today's training isn't intense. I'm just observing your running style. Might feel light, but bear with me."

"No complaints," Rudolph said, smiling. "It's your plan for me. Let's head to the course."

Her cheerful acceptance caught him off guard. Unlike Air Groove, who'd likely grumble, Rudolph seemed almost apologetic for the simplicity.

At the racecourse, Hachiman leaned against a rail. "Start with your usual warm-up. Take your time, but don't drag it out. We've got more to do."

"Got it," Rudolph said. "Mind if I ask something?"

"What?"

"You mentioned analyzing my style. How exactly?" she asked, ears perked.

"Like with Air Groove," Hachiman said. "I studied her at classic distances—1600, 2400, 2000 meters—checking form, habits, everything. Found strengths and flaws to tweak."

"I see," Rudolph said. "You'll do the same for me?"

"Yeah. You're okay showing me your runs?"

"Of course," she said warmly. "If you're my trainer, I trust you."

"Alright," Hachiman said, then paused. "Don't pull a Seabea and joke about me bailing."

Rudolph chuckled. "Her 'jokes' aren't exactly jokes. She's quite fond of you."

"Tell that to my ears—she begs me to watch her run every time we meet," Hachiman groaned.

Rudolph began her warm-up, her movements precise. She trains solo, but her routine's pro-level. Does she even need a trainer? Hachiman wondered, noting techniques even seasoned trainers used.

Forty minutes later, Rudolph jogged over, catching her breath. "Warm-up's done, hydrated too. Ready when you are."

"Good," Hachiman said. "We'll check your style at 2000 meters, left turn. You decide your pace and sprint timing."

"Understood," Rudolph said, nodding.

"I'll signal the start," Hachiman added. "React sharp."

Air Groove nailed her starts. Let's see about you, he thought.

"Ready?" Hachiman called.

"Yeah," Rudolph replied, stance steady.

Clang!

Rudolph exploded forward, not just on time but with a blistering start. No hesitation—she's locked in, Hachiman thought, heading to the finish line.

Rudolph crossed, breathing hard—huff, huff, huff. Hachiman stopped the timer.

"No trainer, and you run like that?" he muttered. No wonder no one dares take her on.

"How'd I do?" Rudolph asked, wiping sweat.

"Want the breakdown?" Hachiman said.

"Your perspective's always intriguing," she replied. "Tell me."

"Total score: 95," Hachiman said. "Best form I've seen. Ideal stride, balance—everything. Time's 1:59.4, solid for average pace. You're unreal."

Rudolph blinked. "That much praise? I almost doubt it's true. Thanks, though. Any critiques?"

"Yeah, the missing five points," Hachiman said. "Your arm swing—it's different from before. Tweaked it?"

"You remembered," Rudolph said, ears twitching. "Before Air Groove's Hanshin JF, you said speed's not just legs. I took it to heart and adjusted my arms. How's it look?"

"Better," Hachiman said. "Before, you'd score 92 or 93."

"That's a relief," Rudolph said, smiling.

"Next, 2400 meters, left turn," Hachiman said. "Rest five minutes, hydrate, and relax."

"Got it," Rudolph said. "Oh, and Hachiman?"

"Yeah?"

"Look behind you."

Hachiman turned. Seabea stood there, staring intensely. Oh no. The one Uma Musume I didn't want spotting us.

He started to move. "Alright, let's shift the finish—"

"Hachiman?" Seabea's voice cut in, sweet but firm.

"Yes?" he said, bracing.

"I want you to watch my run too!" she chirped, tail swishing wildly.

"Look, I'm with Rudolph—"

"On break, right?" she interrupted.

"I—"

"Warm-up's done. I'm ready!" she pressed.

"Distance?"

"Same as Rudolph!"

Hachiman sighed. "…Fine."

"Yay!" Seabea squealed, ears perked to the sky, tail whipping. She's too excited, Hachiman thought.

"Sorry, Rudolph," he said.

"No worries," Rudolph replied. "I'm curious about her run too."