I Just Wanted a Quiet Life... So Why Am I an Uma Musume Trainer?! Chapter 109 - 108: A Bit of Progress

Hachiman's POV

Training as usual with my crew. Last year, talk of a second Uma Musu ca up, but nothing this ti—ans I'm good for now. Honestly, it's a relief. I want to focus on Fuji's debut and Air Groove's Takarazuka Kinen. A third Uma Musu or a team? I'd be toast. I'm already swamped—new nu demands from instructors, advice for juniors (why ?), training plans, and endless requests from Uma Musu. "Cook for !" "Let's eat sweets!" "Train with !" Never a dull mont.

And get this—Professor called directly. He's coming to Japan soon and wants a photo op. Apparently, he's jealous that Sensei bragged about our picture. "I'm getting that photo, no matter what!!" he insisted. Professor, I'll say this in my head: Sensei's probably tagging along.

"Hah… hah…" Air Groove panted. "Trainer, three sets done. What's next?"

"Phew… phew…" Fuji said. "Air Groove and I can keep going!"

"You two are pushing too hard," I said. "Tis are average, but your lap splits are wild. Racing each other?"

"Haha… caught us," Fuji said.

"I'm your trainer," I said. "I'd notice. What's the bet?"

"A day out with you, Hachiman Trainer-san," Fuji said.

"…I haven't even settled with Ardan," I said. "And you're piling on more?"

"It's not forced," Air Groove said. "Fuji misspoke. It's only if you agree."

"Oh… got it," I said.

Whew. Almost lost my rare day off. Speaking of, Ardan, when's our outing?

"But Hachiman Trainer-san," Fuji said. "That sounded like you don't want to hang out with us. Kinda hurts~."

"Didn't an it like that," I said. "If I upset you, I'm sorry."

"Nah, not good enough," Fuji teased. "How about asking CB-senpai to be your Uma Musu?"

"Are you serious?" I said. "She'd latch onto with 200% certainty until I say yes. I really don't want that, so I'm genuinely sorry."

"Now that's sincerity," Fuji said.

"I don't always half-ass apologies," I said. "This ti, the stakes were high."

"You hate it that much?" Air Groove asked.

"Not hate," I said. "I just want to focus on you two. No bandwidth for others. Takarazuka's end of June, Fuji's debut in Niigata in July—I'm stretched thin."

"I see…" Air Groove said.

"Hehe, happy, Air Groove?" Fuji said.

"W-What?" Air Groove said.

I tilted my head. "?"

"Our trainer's thinking about us this much," Fuji said. "Even as our coach, that kind of care feels special. Don't you think?"

"That's just what a trainer does…" Air Groove started. Wait…

Air Groove (Hold on. Why'd Fuji pass to ? To nd things with Trainer? She might not an it, but… no, I'll ride this wave!)

"You're right…" Air Groove said. "For you, Trainer, I'll et your expectations at Takarazuka."

"Nice, nice♪" Fuji said.

"Didn't expect that from you, Air Groove," I said. "But… I'll take it."

"Y-Yeah…" Air Groove said.

Didn't see that coming. We barely talk outside etings lately.

"Alright, next up," I said. "Ti's tight, so last set. Thirty high-knees, then a 1600m run. Done."

"Y-Yes!" Air Groove said.

"Got it," Fuji said, chuckling.

They nailed the nu, and training wrapped for the day.

"Ti to head ho," I said. "♪~♪~" Who's this? Unknown number… Whatever. "Hello?"

"Greetings, Anii-sama," jiro Ardan said. "It's jiro Ardan."

"You, huh," I said. "Unknown number threw . What's up?"

"Yes," she said. "I'd like to use my race-won right. Are you free this Sunday?"

"Sunday… yeah, nothing planned," I said.

"Could you et at Trecen's entrance at 10 a.m.?" she asked.

"Sure," I said.

"Then, 10 a.m. Sunday," she said. "Goodbye."

Sunday, huh…

Afterword

Fuji's clever assist sparks a breakthrough, nding Air Groove's trust in Hachiman as Takarazuka looms. Ardan's outing plan adds chaos, while Hachiman juggles Fuji's debut and relentless demands. The Yahari crossover fuels his "Tengan" focus, with Haruno's shadow lingering. Fuji's arc is knocking—nice pass, Fuji!

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