Hachiman's POV
The debate over me sharing a room has finally died down. Now I'm in my room, checking on tomorrow's details. Kyoto's weather forecast: sunny, 0% chance of rain. The course was rated "good" today, so it'll likely stay that way. That's in Fuji's favor. Her main rivals will be Hokkai Rousseau and Tayasu Tsuyoshi, both placing in the Satsuki Sho and Derby. Dance Partner, back from France, is a wildcard. She was expected for the Tiara route but entered the Triple Crown instead—must be confident in her stamina for long distances.
In a pre-race interview, I was asked if Fuji can handle the 3000m. My answer: "She's got the ability and we've done everything we can. She handled 2400m easily in the Kobe Shimbun Hai. It's down to how she performs on the day." I said she's got the strength to win but didn't guarantee victory. To the public, it might sound vague, but it's the best I can say. As mentioned before, Fuji's true strength lies in mile-to-mid-distance races, so I can't be too bold.
Knock knock knock
Hachiman: "Come in."
Fuji: "Excuse me, Hachiman-san."
Hachiman: "Fuji, what's up?"
Fuji: "About tomorrow… just wanted to talk."
Hachiman: "The Chrysanthemum Sho?"
Fuji: "Yeah. What do you think'll happen? I'm kinda scared of the 3000m… I want your take."
Hachiman: "Honestly, I don't know. Not everyone's built for long distances. All I can say is, if you race without mistakes, you've got a solid shot."
Fuji: "You don't know… But you're not saying I'll lose, right?"
Hachiman: "You're fine until the final straight. The real fight's there—that's where you'll need to dig deep."
Fuji: "The straight… Got it. I'll focus on conserving energy and stamina until then."
Hachiman: "Yeah. You're in gate 5, position 10. With luck, you can grab a good spot."
That's about all I can tell Fuji now. Conserve energy, save stamina—that's key. If she runs like she did in the Derby, the Chrysanthemum Sho's over. Her rivals will be watching her closely. I'll mention that tomorrow. No need now.
Fuji: "I feel a bit better. Thanks."
Hachiman: "Nah, sorry I can only give vague advice."
Fuji: "No, it's enough. But you know, it's not just what you said today. I'm focusing on something you told me before."
Hachiman: "? Something I said?"
Fuji: "You forgot? You said, 'Have fun.'"
Hachiman: "…Oh, yeah, I did. Forgot I said that."
Fuji: "Yup~ I'm gonna give it my all to follow that. Maybe even run with a smile."
Hachiman: "Don't. You'll look creepy on the replay."
Fuji: "Hahaha, just kidding♪"
Heh, her nerves are loosening up. Better than being tense.
Hachiman: "If it's a joke, fine. How's your condition? Anything bothering you?"
Fuji: "All good. You got anything, Hachiman-san?"
Hachiman: "Not like my opinion matters…"
Hours Later
Time to head to the cafeteria. Rice is probably tired of waiting.
???: "Well, well, Trainer Hikitani, was it? Fancy meeting you here."
Café: "Heading to dinner?"
Hachiman: "Café, Takion. You too? Café makes sense, but you watching a race, Takion?"
Takion: "Even I watch races sometimes. Fuji-kun's Triple Crown is on the line, so of course I'm here."
Café: "But something's odd…"
Hachiman: "What?"
Café: "There's a powerful guardian spirit behind your left shoulder, like it's protecting you."
Hachiman: "My left shoulder?"
Café: "Yes. It's so strong, my friends won't even approach you."
…Gotta be Grandma. But scary enough to keep Café's "friends" away? What's she look like?
Hachiman: "Is it, like, intimidating them?"
Café: "…No, it has a kind face, smiling at my friends. But they're wary. Is it someone you know?"
Hachiman: "Probably my grandma. She won three Classic races back in the day—not the Triple Crown, though. Oaks, Derby, and Chrysanthemum Sho."
Café: "…An incredible person."
Takion: "Your family has someone like that? Heh, fascinating."
Hachiman: "Don't get any ideas about experiments. Try it, and Grandma might mess with your notes."
Takion: "That's terrifying… I'll pass this time."
Café: "Please stop that altogether."
Fair point.
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