I Just Wanted a Quiet Life... So Why Am I an Uma Musume Trainer?! Chapter 137 136: Late Visit and True Name

Hachiman's POV

The day before the Japan Cup. Preparations are set, every move calculated. All that's left is to entrust everything to Air Groove. I'm confident she's in the best shape of her career. Still, I can't say she's guaranteed to win—not with opponents like these. Training's done, and the girls are back at the dorms. I can't stay holed up in the clubroom forever. The sun sets early in late November—winter's creeping in. Ti to head out.

♪~♪~

"Hm?" I checked my phone.

To: Hachiman Hikigaya

From: Secretariat-sensei

Long ti no see, my dear disciple. It's been since the Emperor's Cup, but I'd like to talk. Can you make ti now? If so, I'll head over.

…A talk with Sensei? What's this about?

Fine, but this room's freezing. The trainer's room is better for a chat.

Alright, I'm free. Let know when you're close, and I'll et you, I typed.

"Phew…" I muttered. "Guess I'll wait for her reply."

Several Minutes Later

Sensei's email ca, so I headed to the school gate. She was already there—must've sent it after arriving.

"Sorry to keep you waiting, Sensei," I said. "But quit with the pranks. It's cold out here."

"Heh," she chuckled. "Teasing my disciple is a teacher's joy, Hachiman. You're especially fun to poke at."

"Geez…" I said. "Let's head to the trainer's room."

Trainer's Room

"Give a sec, I'll brew so coffee," I said.

"Thanks," she said.

I prepared coffee for both of us, set the cups on the table, and sank into the sofa.

"So, what's the talk about?" I asked.

"Air Groove," she said.

"…The Osaka Hai eve thing?" I ventured.

"Exactly," she said. "Even if it was true, she was still a young student, body and mind. I was too harsh, and I regret acting so immaturely. I figured she'd be at the dorms now, so I wanted to steal so of your ti."

"That's why you're here," I said.

"I've got a question," she said. "Her spring season was rocky, but co autumn, she ran brilliantly in the Emperor's Cup. What did you do?"

"…Nothing, really," I said.

"Nothing?" she said.

"Yeah," I said. "Rember the winner's circle after the Emperor's Cup?"

"Oh, Dyna and I were floored," she said. "Never thought Air Groove would do that."

"No kidding," I said.

"But what's the connection?" she asked.

"I was supposed to be with you and Dyna," I said, "but Air Groove's boss, classmates, and juniors begged to help her. When I got there, well… that happened."

"I see…" she said. "If that's the case, your relationship with her must be incredibly strong now."

Yeah, it's way better than during the Osaka Hai. No more insults or "fool" jabs. And that contract change… Wait a sec.

"Hm? What's up, Hachiman?" she asked.

Our contract has no limits now. She even said to speak freely and that she trusts my words…

"Hey, Hachiman," she said. "Don't zone out on ."

"! S-Sorry!" I said.

"You were deep in thought," she said. "Got sothing on your mind?"

"Yeah, well…" I started.

Knock, knock, knock.

Another trainer? "Co in," I said.

"Excuse , Hachiman…" Air Groove said, stepping in.

"Oh…" I said.

"…" Sensei paused.

"It's been a while," Air Groove said. "Since the Osaka Hai eve, I believe?"

"Indeed," Sensei said. "Am I intruding?"

"Not at all," Air Groove said. "Mind if I join you?"

"Not a problem, but…" Sensei said.

"What were you discussing?" Air Groove asked.

"Uh, you," I said.

"?" she said.

"Before that," Sensei said, "I owe you an apology. That day, I was immature, yelling at you like that. It was shaful, and I'm sorry."

"No, please don't worry," Air Groove said. "Everything you said was true—undeniable facts. Your words pushed to where I am now with my trainer. Well, mostly thanks to my friends."

"…I see," Sensei said.

Man, Sensei looks relieved. She must've been carrying that guilt for a while.

"Seeing you and Hachiman now," Sensei said, "it's clear you share a strong bond. As the ntor of your trainer, I'll share my na."

"!" I froze.

"Your…" Air Groove said.

"My na is Secretariat," she said. "The ninth Arican Triple Crown Uma Musu. Or perhaps you know better as Big Red?"

Afterword

The eve of the Japan Cup brings a late-night visit from Secretariat, Hachiman's ntor, whose true na unveils her legendary status. Air Groove's maturity shines, forgiving past tensions and embracing her bond with Hachiman. The Yahari crossover deepens their trust as the global stage awaits—can Air Groove triumph?

Secretariat Spotlight: Secretariat, the ninth Arican Triple Crown winner, is hailed alongside Man o' War as Arica's greatest horse. Why? She shattered records in all three Triple Crown races—records unbroken for 39 years! Her Belmont Stakes win by 31 lengths was a historic rout. Beyond the Triple Crown, she set three more records, including a world record still standing. As a sire, her legacy shines through her grandchildren—Storm Cat, A.P. Indy, and Chiefs Crown—whose descendants include Japan's stars like Agnes Digital (her great-grandfather!), Kizuna, Lord Kanaloa, Lachesis, Real Steel, Loves Only You, Karen Mirotic, and Deep Sky. A true titan of the turf!

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