Chapter 197: Chapter 197
Two weeks have passed since successfully scouting Wing Arrow. Today's the Satsuki Sho, the first leg of the Triple Crown—Fuji's most familiar course. It's practically a home game. She's raced here twice and won both times, a huge advantage.
CB: "So, Hachiman, how's Fuji doing?"
Wing Arrow: "With you as her trainer, is she in top shape?"
Ardan: "Fuji Kiseki-san seemed fine from what I saw…" Official source ıs 𝙣𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙡•𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙚•𝙣𝙚𝙩
Rice: "Y-Yeah… She'll be okay, right?"
…Okay, but why are you all here? This section's supposed to be just for me and Air Groove. You guys aren't on the team yet—technically outsiders.
Hachiman: "She's in great shape. She's got the skill to perform. Her goal's the Derby, so tripping up here would kill her momentum."
Air Groove: "Hey, watch what you say."
Hachiman: "I know that was a bad call as her trainer. But Air Groove, think about it—what's the one thing that shouldn't happen in a race?"
Air Groove: "Shouldn't happen?"
Hachiman: "Yeah. It's ideal in a way, but also a massive pressure. You, of all people, should get it."
CB: "C'mon, Hachiman, spill it~!"
Can't this clingy girl just wait?
Air Groove: "…Sorry, I don't get it."
Hachiman: "…The answer is 'absolute.'"
Rice: "Huh? What's that mean?"
Hachiman: "Rice, would you be happy winning a race you're guaranteed to win?"
Rice: "…No, that wouldn't feel good."
Hachiman: "Exactly. That's just a scripted race. I'm not saying this Satsuki Sho is like that, but look around—everyone's convinced Fuji's got it in the bag."
Hachiman: "Fuji's strong—we know that best, Air Groove and I. But there's always a 'what if.' With this much attention, she's bound to get marked hard."
CB: "And if she burns too much stamina, she won't have enough for the final stretch… right?"
Hachiman: "That's one possibility. Just thinking about it's exhausting."
…Time to check on Fuji.
Fuji: "Hey, Hachiman Trainer-san, I'm ready. How should I run this one?"
Hachiman: "Stick close to the lead pack. Ideally, right behind the frontrunner."
Fuji: "Not hanging back further?"
Hachiman: "I get why you'd think that. But this race will be your toughest yet. You'll be heavily marked. This strategy accounts for that."
Fuji: "Got it. I trust you, Hachiman Trainer-san. I'll stay behind the leader. I'm in gate 6, number 11—slightly outside, but good for reading the field. I'll move up when the time's right."
Hachiman: "Yeah, I'm counting on you."
Fuji: "Alright, here I go!"
Hachiman: "Go get 'em."
…Hope this strategy works. It's the best I've got in this field. If Fuji tried her usual mid-pack, stamina-saving style, she'd get boxed in. This Satsuki Sho's gonna be brutal.
Hachiman: "I'm back~."
Rice: "Welcome back, Onii-sama."
Ardan: "Would you like a drink?"
Hachiman: "Yeah, thanks."
Air Groove: "…Rare to see you this restless."
Air Groove: "Normally, he's calm and composed. Today's different—half expectation, half anxiety."
Hachiman: "…Four years together, huh? You read me well. Spot on."
Arrow: "Wow, she nailed it…"
CB: "Hachiman, don't worry. Fuji's got this. She'll find her own way."
Hachiman: "…Yeah, you're right. No point stressing now. All we can do is believe in her and cheer."
Ardan: "Exactly, Anii-sama. We do our part to the fullest."
Phew… That cleared my head. Now I'm starving, but this isn't the time to say it… What to do?
Rice: "Oh, Onii-sama! Want some yakisoba? Earlier, Gold Ship-san was selling it in a weird happi coat. I tried it—it's delicious!"
Arrow: "…We're about to watch a big race, and you're eating—'Rice, you're such a good kid.' …Wait, you're eating?"
Hachiman: "Yeah. My nerves settled, and now I'm hungry. Rice, you're a gem."
Rice: "O-Onii-sama, you're praising me too much~… But I'm happy, thank you ///"
How'd she turn out so pure? Gotta protect Rice at all costs. Oh, this yakisoba's good.
Fuji faces a fierce Satsuki Sho in this Yahari x Uma Musume chapter, with Hachiman's strategy and the team's support in the spotlight. Rice's wholesome yakisoba moment lightens the tension as the race looms. Fuji's arc hits a critical point!
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