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

The air buzzed with a tension so thick it could choke a champion. Air Groove's ears twitched, catching the wary glances of her rivals. Biwa Hayahide, sharp-eyed and poised, moved like a deer sensing a predator. Yet no one could name the threat lurking in the shadows. Of course not, Air Groove thought, her pulse steady. An invisible enemy is the trickiest prey. Right, Trainer? Hachiman's words echoed, anchoring her focus.

The announcer's voice thundered across Hanshin Racecourse, igniting the stands. "Here we go, folks! The first Classic race of the year! Amid cherry blossoms in full bloom, eighteen young maidens charge for the Ouka Sho crown! Last year, underdog Wonder Perfume stole the glory. Will a dark horse rise again? Or will Junior champion Air Groove or a fan-favorite Uma Musume claim the prize? The 56th Cherry Blossom Stakes is moments from the fanfare!"

♪~♪~♪~

The fanfare's triumphant notes faded, and the Uma Musume strode to their gates. This was it—the Classic stage, a once-in-a-lifetime clash. Who would seize the first queen's crown? Little Audrey, third favorite after her Fillies' Revue victory, slipped into her gate with ease. Biwa Hayahide, second favorite, entered with confident strides. Air Groove lingered, feeling the crowd's eyes bore into her. Move. She stepped into gate 2-3, heart pounding. Finally, Adjudicator, the big outsider in gate 18, entered without protest.

The announcer's voice surged. "The gates are set! The 56th Ouka Sho begins! Who'll claim the Tiara's first crown? They're off!"

Air Groove's hooves struck the turf, a clean break. Perfect. Stick to the plan—run steady, then strike!

The announcer roared, "Hokuto Pendant surges ahead, but Nihonpiro Blaze steals the lead! Kanetoshi Shaver holds second, neck-and-neck with Hokuto Pendant and Biwa Hayahide! Little Audrey's on the outside! Air Groove—Air Groove's at the rear! Way back this time! Can she close from there?"

Normally, she'd claw for the front, but today demanded a different rhythm. Gate 2-3 hugged the inside rail—a golden chance for her gamble. Just wait.

Biwa Hayahide's thoughts raced. Where's Air Groove? I can't see her! Did she miss her dash? Or is the pack blocking her? Either way, this is my shot!

Little Audrey's mind churned. Her expression shifted… she's been wary since the start. Of what? Doesn't matter. I run my race!

The announcer's voice climbed higher. "Past the halfway mark, rounding the fourth corner! Nihonpiro Blaze still leads, but the pack's closing fast! Air Groove's at 13th or 14th along the inside rail—tough spot! They're hitting the straight! Kanetoshi Shaver takes the lead! Ibuki Perceive and North Sunday surge alongside! Fight Gulliver charges from the outside!"

Watch this! Air Groove's hooves thundered, her pent-up energy erupting like a storm. This is what it means to unleash!

The announcer screamed, "The leaders duel, but Ibuki Perceive and Fight Gulliver storm in from the outside! And from the inside—Air Groove's flying! Incredible speed! She's in striking range! 200 meters left—she's caught the lead! She's level—no, she's ahead! Ibuki Perceive and Fight Gulliver push for second, but Air Groove's untouchable! She's pulling away—two lengths, three lengths at the finish! Air Groove wins!"

She crossed the line, heart ablaze, triumph roaring through her veins. I did it!

The announcer's voice echoed. "Air Groove, from the rear, unleashes a blazing finish! The first undefeated Ouka Sho champion in five years! Her time: 1:34.0, with a four-furlong split of 47.1 and a three-furlong split of 33.9—the only one in the 33-second range! A stunning stretch run!"

Air Groove panted, sweat dripping, her breath ragged but resolute. "First crown down. Next, the Oaks. No slacking now."

Aoi's eyes widened, her voice barely a whisper. "That was… incredible…"

Okinoshima shook his head, dumbfounded. "Inside rail, blasting through in the straight… what kind of monster is she? What training makes that possible?"

Tojou stood silent, his gaze fixed on the track.

Hachiman's jaw tightened. No way. From that position, with that speed? He'd told Air Groove during tag she could attack from the inside, but using it like this? Who does that?

A chuckle broke his stupor. "Quite a race, huh? Didn't expect her to pull it off like that. Your idea, Hachiman?"

Hachiman glanced at the speaker—some higher-up, their grin sharp with amusement. "I gave her a nudge, but the strategy was all hers. I barely did anything."

"Fair enough," they said, eyes glinting. "First crown down. Classic victory—congrats. Let's have a toast later, yeah? A proper celebration."

"Really?" Hachiman asked, raising an eyebrow.

"No problem," they said. "Just you and me, though. Air Groove's dorm won't let her out. We'll have our fun."

"Cool," Hachiman said. "I'll confirm the day later."

"Good. Now go to her," they urged. "You're her trainer."

"Right. Excuse me."

The stadium lights burned bright, the roar of the crowd still echoing as Air Groove stood before a swarm of reporters, their microphones glinting like swords. The Ouka Sho results were final—victory was hers. Her heart pounded, not from the race's strain but from the weight of what she'd achieved. This wasn't just a win; it was a vow fulfilled, a step toward her mother's legacy.

"Congratulations, Air Groove-san!" a reporter's voice cut through the buzz. "You've conquered the Cherry Blossom Stakes, the first jewel of the Classic Tiara!"

Air Groove's tail flicked with pride. "Thank you."

"How do you feel right now?" the reporter pressed, eyes gleaming.

"I'm genuinely thrilled," she said, her voice steady. "My mother ran this race too. To compete on this track and seize victory—it's a joy beyond words."

"That surge in the straight, hugging the inside rail to overtake the pack—was that the plan?" another asked.

"Exactly," Air Groove replied. "With an inside gate, I chose to stick to the rail, conserve energy, and strike at the end. It went as planned."

"Next is the Oaks, where your mother also triumphed," the reporter said. "It's a longer distance—2400 meters. Any concerns?"

"The distance is a challenge," she admitted, her gaze unwavering. "But with my trainer, I'll train hard and prepare thoroughly."

"You're now an undefeated Ouka Sho champion," the reporter continued, voice rising. "Only one Uma Musume, Mejiro Ramonu, has claimed the Triple Tiara undefeated. Are you aiming for that legend?"

The question hit like a gust. Undefeated? She hadn't dwelled on it. "I don't race for records," she said firmly. "I run my race, do what I can. But since I've come this far, I'll aim for the undefeated Triple Tiara."

"Thank you, Air Groove-san, champion of the Ouka Sho!" the reporter beamed as cameras flashed.

She stepped away, the word undefeated echoing in her mind.

The dressing room was a quiet haven, a stark contrast to the stadium's frenzy. Air Groove sank onto a bench, her racing silks clinging to her sweat-soaked skin. Undefeated. She hadn't realized—Junior season, Classic season, she'd galloped through every race, unchallenged. Only one Uma Musume had claimed the Triple Tiara: Mejiro Ramonu-dono, the Mejiro family's radiant star. No one since had grasped all three crowns.

"The Oaks is the true test," she murmured, clenching her fists. "But if I'm at my peak… No, no arrogance. Compared to Mother, I'm still a fledgling. I must aim higher!"

Knock, knock, knock.

"Come in," she called.

Hachiman slouched through the door, his sharp gaze cutting through his usual apathy. "Yo."

"You," Air Groove said, narrowing her eyes. "What did you think of my race?"

"That inside run was your call, huh?" Hachiman said, crossing his arms. "Those legs—damn impressive."

A faint warmth bloomed in her chest. "Good."

"But," he added, his tone sharpening, "today's run didn't feel like you. I let you call the shots, so I won't rag on you, but why switch from leading to passing?"

She smirked. Of course he'd notice. "This race was special. Mother ran it, finished third. She chased but couldn't catch up. I had to win this, as much as the Oaks. That strategy—it was about running with her spirit."

Hachiman's eyes softened briefly. "Got it. Sorry for prying."

"Don't be," she said. "You're my trainer; it's your job to ask. I took a risk; I deserved the scrutiny."

"Next is the Winning Live," he said. "Tomorrow's a rest day—use it. The Oaks is a month out. We're training for 2400 meters, so brace for a grueling menu."

"I'm ready," she said, meeting his gaze. "I'm counting on you."

"Yeah," he grunted, turning to leave.

The Oaks loomed, the stage where her mother had shone brightest. I'll win it. I have to.

Hachiman's mind churned as he left the dressing room. Air Groove's choice made sense, in her own way. He'd handed her the reins for this race, so he couldn't complain too much. But the Oaks? That was her burning desire. No way he'd leave it all to her. A trainer's job was to steer—training, strategy, everything. He'd grip the reins tight.

"It's gonna get hectic," he muttered, rubbing his neck. "Summer camp's coming, and the workload's piling up."

♪~♪~

His phone buzzed. "Yo, what's up, ○○?"

"Senpai!" His junior's voice cracked, frantic. "Sorry for calling out of nowhere, but I don't know what to do!"

"Calm down, ○○," Hachiman snapped. "You're a trainer—panicking's the last thing you should do. Why call me?"

A shaky whisper. "Bubble Gum… she fractured a bone."

His stomach dropped. "What?"

"She said her right leg hurt during training," the junior stammered. "It was swollen, so—where am I? Trecen Academy's clinic!"

"I'm coming," Hachiman said, already moving. "Wait there."

Bubble, fractured…

The clinic's sterile air hit like a slap as Hachiman strode in. ○○ stood there, pale, eyes wide with fear.

"Senpai!" he said, voice breaking. "You came!"

"Yeah," Hachiman said, keeping his tone steady. "What'd the doctor say?"

"I… I couldn't ask," ○○ admitted, looking down. "Can you come with me?"

Hachiman sighed. "Fine. I'm with you."

The doctor's voice was calm, clinical, cutting like a blade. "As I mentioned, it's a fracture. Full recovery will take six months. The Classic season is out of the question. Even if she heals, running 3000 meters is unlikely, and pushing it risks re-fracture."

"No… no way!" ○○'s voice broke, desperate. "Doc, there's gotta be something! Bubble was training to sweep the Satsuki, Derby, and Kikka—everything!"

"I'm sorry," the doctor said, unmoved. "Returning to races this year is nearly hopeless. Focus on next season."

○○ fell silent, shoulders slumping.

Hachiman stepped in. "How bad's the fracture?"

"It hasn't ended her competitive ability," the doctor said. "But it's not light—between moderate and severe."

Damn. It was bad. Year-end races were out, or Bubble could lose her spark entirely. ○○'s dreams, her dreams—shattered in a single moment.

Afterword

Man, this one hit hard… Air Groove's blazing victory had my heart racing, but Bubble's tragedy nearly brought me to tears. The track's a cruel stage—one moment you're crowned, the next you're broken. Can Air Groove conquer the Oaks and chase the Triple Tiara? And what lies ahead for Bubble's shattered dreams? Saddle up for the next race!

Hanshin Race 10 – Results

1st: #3 Air Groove – 1:34.0

2nd: #4 Fight Gulliver – 2½ lengths

3rd: #13 Ibuki Perceive – Nose

4th: #9 North Sunday – 1 length

5th: #2 Kanetoshi Shaver – 2½ lengths