I Just Wanted a Quiet Life... So Why Am I an Uma Musume Trainer?! Chapter 132 131: A Changed Response

Hachiman's POV

Two days since the Emperor's Cup. Yesterday was a rest day, as usual, but training starts again today. Knowing Air Groove, she probably did so solo practice anyway. I'll let it slide—part of our deal from the start.

Now, where's the clubroom key…

"You're already here, Hachiman," Air Groove said.

"? Yeah, just got here," I said.

"Good timing, then," she said.

"Timing for what?" I asked.

"For eting you this morning," she said.

"…" I blinked.

…

"…Not gonna open the clubroom?" she asked.

"! Y-Yeah…" I fumbled.

"Heh," she chuckled. "You're zoning out too much."

Since Sunday, sothing's off with Air Groove. Her usual sharp edge—the "tsun"—is gone. No biting remarks, no insults. What's the word… softer?

Clubroom

"Next is the Japan Cup," Air Groove said. "Distance isn't an issue, but we're up against international Uma Musu. Hachiman, what's your take?"

"Hmm," I said. "I'd focus on boosting either your speed or stamina."

"Why stamina, not just speed?" she asked.

"Timing your sprint," I said. "Go early, and you can check rivals while keeping the lead. Speed's for the final corner's push. You're smart—you get it."

"I see…" she said. "Hachiman, looking at now, which would you pick?"

…Okay, fine, it's not a big deal, but why's she calling by na? I'm not saying stop, but it's so sudden. Started in the winner's circle and hasn't let up.

"Hachiman?" she said.

"! Uh, stamina," I said. "Gotta keep the Arima Kinen in sight too."

"Arima Kinen, huh?" she said.

"Yeah," I said. "You're this close to a grand slam. Don't you want that path?"

"True," she said. "Let's go stamina-heavy for Japan Cup training. Hachiman, let know when the nu's ready."

"Got it," I said.

Where's the old Empress? No jabs, no "fool" or "idiot" thrown my way. Even this setup feels weird…

"Hey," I said. "You're kinda close, aren't you?"

"Am I?" she said.

"We used to sit across from each other," I said.

"This way, we can see the sa things better," she said.

"So, what, my side's more convenient now?" I said.

Co on, say it. "Fool! It's not so shaless reason!" Not that I want her to, but…

"You're right," she said. "I wanted to be next to you. That's part of it."

…Huh?

"Like at the Emperor's Cup," she said. "Being near you calms ."

…What?

"And your warmth feels nice…" she said. "Just feeling it… it makes happy///"

…WHAAAT!?

"…S-Say sothing!" she said, blushing. "This is… embarrassing///"

"S-Sorry," I said. "Your answers keep coming out of left field. I couldn't even react."

"Do better next ti," she said. "I'll let it slide just this once."

…So this is gentle Air Groove, huh? Two and a half years as her trainer, and I'm still learning.

"Well, see you after class, Hachiman," she said.

"Y-Yeah…" I said.

…Hold up. Is that really my Uma Musu? She's like a different person. The "tsun" in her tsundere is gone, and the "dere" is cranked up. She's closer—physically and emotionally—and she's even smiling. Not her usual "hmph" smirk, but a real, soft smile. What's going on?

Hachiman's POV Ends

Air Groove's POV

"…"

…Did I co off weird? Since the Emperor's Cup, I've been trying to be honest with Hachiman, but he seed a bit stunned.

No helping it—it's only the first day. I'll get used to it. But…

"W-Was saying that stuff out loud a bit too forward?" I muttered.

His warmth being comforting… It's true. When I hugged him at the Emperor's Cup, overwheld, it wasn't just calming—it felt good. I want that to be just for …! N-No, what am I thinking!?

"…But I do want that," I admitted, blushing.

Heh, I'm looking forward to this afternoon.

Afterword

Air Groove's "tsun" vanishes, replaced by a disarming "dere" that leaves Hachiman reeling in the best way. Her newfound warmth and na-calling signal a deeper bond, setting the stage for the Japan Cup. The Yahari crossover fuels this charming shift—will Hachiman keep up with his transford Empress?

📖 Enjoying the story? By joining my Patreon, you'll gain early access to new chapters and exclusive content available only to supporters.

🌐 Find here: pat*eon*com/DaoistRoeoNQ

I, Tomoya Aki, Will Not Be a Simp (45 Chapter)

Genshin Impact: Summoning Furina and the Genshin Gang to Reality (33 Chapter)

Honkai Impact 3rd: Stranded in Another World, Surrounded by Valkyries (33 Chapter)

Demon Slayer: I Refused the Path of Betrayal and Chose to Rewrite Fate (66 Chapter)

I Only Wanted to Fix Machines, Not Help Conan Solve Murders (63 Chapter)

One Piece: I Brought Piltover's Tech to the Pirate Era (75 Chapter)

From Diablo to Marvel: The Barbarian Who Crushes All Heroes (96 Chapter)

Resident Evil: Ethan's Epilogue Is a Road Trip With a Dead Girl (65 Chapter)

Date A Live: Kurumi Rebuild (65 Chapter)

Harry Potter: The Lion of the Serpent House (76 Chapter)

I Just Wanted a Quiet Life... So Why Am I an Uma Musu Trainer?! (145 Chapter)

The Irregular at Magic High School: Everyone Loves My Brother?! (130 Chapter)

Runeterra: Prince of Demacia (17 Chapter)

Love is War: What If Kaguya Ha (10 Chapter)

Blue Archive: One Last mory (36 Chapter)

If there's a particular novel you're enjoying on Patron, please give it a 'like' so I know to focus on it.