Air Groove's POV
Sunday, race day. Fuji's running in Kyoto's main event, the Kobe Shimbun Hai. It's usually at Hanshin, but this year it's Kyoto—perfect for Fuji's mental prep. Before that, we're heading to the shrine where Hachiman visited yesterday, to the grave of his grandmother. I wish he'd told me sooner… She won what's now the Oaks and is a revered senior to us.
Ardan: "Anii-sama, are there no records or photos of your grandmother?"
Hachiman: "None at my place or my parents'. They say she donated everything to URA—trophies too. All I know is her record and her old age. I've searched for racing photos but never found any. Could probably find some online now, but I don't feel like it."
Arrow: "That's incredible. Giving away proof of her victories isn't something just anyone could do."
Hachiman: "Yeah. She could've been rich, maybe started a prestigious family. But she didn't. Some might call her eccentric, but those who knew her understood—she wasn't small-minded."
…Hachiman praising someone, even family, this much? A bit—no, very surprising.
Fujimori Shrine: Before the Grave
Hachiman: "Grandma, I'm back. Brought more people this time. This is my team, Polaris. Cool name, right?"
CB: "Hi, Miss Kurifuji. Nice to see you again."
Air Groove: "A pleasure to meet you, Kurifuji-dono. I'm Air Groove, team leader and the first Uma Musume your grandson chose. He's an excellent guide."
We each offered our greetings smoothly.
Hachiman: "Grandma, this blue roan, Fuji Kiseki, is on the verge of the Triple Crown. Lend us a bit of your strength. Fuji and I might fall short alone, so we need you."
Fuji: "Today's just a trial, but the Chrysanthemum Sho is a 3000m long-distance race. I'm suited for mid-distances, so I don't know how far I'll go. If you're willing, please lend me your power."
Afternoon: Kyoto Racecourse
Hachiman: "She's the top pick, but her popularity's a bit lower than last year."
Air Groove: "No, it's impressive she's this favored. She was top in the Derby too, but half the crowd was skeptical."
Hachiman: "True. Today's about proving them wrong. As long as she doesn't burn out, distance is the only concern."
Announcer: "Here's today's main event, Kyoto's 10th race, the Kobe Shimbun Hai! Last year in Chukyo, this year it's in Kyoto, same as the final Triple Crown leg! The top three earn a ticket to the Chrysanthemum Sho. Who'll claim it!?"
Commentator: "Fuji Kiseki's drawing the crowd. She's stronger post-summer, so expectations are high. Tayasu Tsuyoshi, Derby runner-up, should also shine."
Hope so… Kyoto's course is tricky, not your standard corners.
Announcer: "They're set… and they're off! A clean start! Nehai Japan and Ogino Kamuiwan charge from the inside! Fuji Kiseki takes a mid-pack, slightly forward position into the first corner!"
CB: "Fuji's staying outside! Hachiman, was that your call!?"
Hachiman: "Yup."
Maurice: "W-Why!? Staying behind others saves stamina and legs…"
Hachiman: "That's pointless here. This race is about learning Kyoto's course, sure, but she needs to run 2400m on her own power. If she can't, the Chrysanthemum Sho's a pipe dream. I told her to run with no one ahead, relying on herself. Even if she wins by tailing others, that's just tactics. The Chrysanthemum Sho isn't that easy for Fuji."
Air Groove: "…Fair point. I'm convinced."
Hachiman: "Also, trust Fuji. She endured two months of Rice's grueling stamina training and exceeded expectations. No way her legs give out at 2400m."
Announcer: "At the third corner, they're moving! Tayasu Tsuyoshi surges from behind! Thrilling Hour leads but barely! Narita King O and Fuji Kiseki are neck-and-neck! Tayasu Tsuyoshi closes in! They round the final corner into the straight!!"
Fuji: (Light… still light! I can do this!)
Announcer: "It's a tight pack, but Fuji Kiseki breaks through the middle to take the lead! Thrilling Hour holds second, Tayasu Tsuyoshi charges from the outside! Fuji Kiseki leads! Fuji Kiseki leads! She's strong! FUJI KISEKI!!"
A flawless win… She might just handle the Chrysanthemum Sho!
Announcer: "Fuji Kiseki blooms in Kyoto! She dominates the trial!!"
Hachiman: "…More than a pass. She'll do well in the Chrysanthemum Sho."
Kyoto 10th Race Results
1st: ⑭ Fuji Kiseki – 2:24.7
2nd: ⑧ Tanino Create – 1 1/2 lengths
3rd: ⑤ Besso King – 1/2 length
4th: ④ Thrilling Hour – 1 3/4 lengths
5th: ⑥ Tayasu Tsuyoshi – 1/2 length
Afterword
Fuji triumphs in this Yahari x Uma Musume chapter! Team Polaris honors Kurifuji at her grave, then cheers Fuji to victory in the Kobe Shimbun Hai. The Chrysanthemum Sho awaits!
-------------------------------
Thank you for enjoying my stories! If you want to go further and support my work,
Patreon is the best way to do it — many of the newest chapters will be posted there!
👉 pat*eon*com/DaoistRoeoNQ
💖