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

The morning after the Ouka Sho dawned crisp, Trecen Academy buzzing with its usual rhythm. Students headed to class, trainers grabbed free time until their shifts, but Hachiman was already buried in work. His desk was a battlefield of notes—training menus for Air Groove's Oaks campaign and a rough rehab plan for Bubble. Even with Kenta as her sub-trainer, a Classic-season fracture was a brutal blow for a rookie. Hachiman had promised the head trainer he'd help, and waiting for a call wasn't his style. Do what I can now, he thought. Check on Bubble later, tweak the plan if it's working.

Knock, knock, knock.

"Excuse me," Takanotsume's voice cut through. "Hikitani-sensei, got a moment?"

Hachiman's pen paused, his mind still on Air Groove's 2400-meter stamina. She won't tire easily, but I'll run her tomorrow, see where we stand. "Huh?" He blinked, snapping back. "Takanotsume? When'd you get here?"

"Just now," she said, her smile gentle. "You were deep in it. Planning for the Oaks?"

"Yeah," Hachiman said, leaning back. "Things are solid so far. We'll ride this momentum and take the Oaks too."

"Sounds promising," Takanotsume said, nodding.

"So, what's up?" Hachiman asked, eyeing her.

"The council president wants to see you," she said. "Can you head to the president's office?"

The council president? Hachiman's brow furrowed.

The president's office was a whirlwind of energy. "Welcome!" Akikawa's voice boomed, her enthusiasm nearly knocking Hachiman back. "Well done, Hikitani-sensei! Air Groove's performance was spectacular! Congratulations!"

"Thanks," Hachiman said, scratching his neck. "So, why'm I here?"

"Straight to the point!" Akikawa beamed. "Your Ouka Sho victory proves not just Air Groove's talent but your skill as a trainer! So, I have a proposal: take on another Uma Musume!"

Hachiman blinked. "Another one?"

The idea hadn't crossed his mind—not even a millimeter. One Uma Musume was enough; focus was his strength. Managing one let him pour everything into her, no distractions. Sure, sticking to one won't change things, he thought, but there's no rule saying one's not enough.

"Any conditions for this?" Hachiman asked, cautious.

Takanotsume stepped in. "Ideally, a first-year Uma Musume, one grade below Air Groove. But the president's flexible—any unassigned Uma Musume, any grade, is fine."

Hachiman nodded slowly. Anyone, huh? That was a golden opportunity. If he could pick someone he wanted to train, get their consent, it was a done deal. But there was a catch. What if word spreads? Someone like that "Mi" to "Bi" filly with Rudolf-level potential might come knocking. He shuddered at the thought.

Still, answering on the spot felt rushed. "Can I have some time?" he said. "It's a great offer, but we're mid-Classic season, and I want to focus on Air Groove."

"Understood!" Akikawa said, undeterred. "Take your time! I'll wait for your answer!"

"Thanks," Hachiman said.

"Oh, and Hikitani-sensei," Takanotsume added, holding out a package. "This arrived for you, from Chiba University. Probably from your mentor."

Hachiman's eyes narrowed. Mentor? He'd promised to celebrate the Ouka Sho with her, but sending something to the school? Could be anyone from Chiba, but she's the only one who'd bother. "Thanks," he said, taking the package. "I'll handle it here."

"That's all from us!" Akikawa said, her voice ringing. "Keep up the momentum, Hikitani-sensei!"

"Will do," Hachiman said, bowing slightly. "Later."

Back in the trainer's room, Hachiman sank into his chair. Another Uma Musume, huh? Choosing Air Groove had taken him ten grueling days, weighing every detail. Back then, focusing on her was no lie. Even now, with just her, he lacked the track record to justify more. Rookie trainers are like that, he thought. One's plenty.

He set the package on his desk. Chiba University, huh? His alma mater. "Could be anyone, but my mentor's the only one I owe anything to," he muttered. "The rest? Barely remember their names. She drilled the trainer's craft into me, start to finish. The others? Just faces I studied to avoid flunking."

What had she sent? Hachiman carefully unwrapped the package, curiosity sparking. Inside was…

Afterword

Whoa, Hachiman's got his hands full! Air Groove's on track for the Oaks, Bubble's fighting to recover, and now the council president drops this bombshell? Another Uma Musume? And that mysterious package—what's inside? Hachiman's pragmatic heart is in for a ride! Will he take on a new challenge, and who sent that gift? The track's heating up—stay tuned!