I Just Wanted a Quiet Life... So Why Am I an Uma Musume Trainer?! Chapter 39 38: Air Groove’s Defiant Stand!!

The year's final G1 races, the Arima Kinen and Hopeful Stakes, had concluded, wrapping up the racing season. But for trainers, there was no break. Hachiman was buried in paperwork at his desk, rushing to tidy up before Air Groove arrived. She'll start cleaning if it's even slightly ssy, he thought, grimacing. If she ever cos to my room, I'm done for.

"Excuse ," Air Groove said, entering the clubroom.

"Hey, good work," Hachiman replied.

She nodded, settling in. Their conversations were sparse—bare necessities, training, and races only.

A knock ca. Knock, knock, knock.

"Co in," Hachiman called.

Tazuna stepped in, beaming. "Oh, Air Groove-san, you're here too—perfect timing!"

"What's perfect about it, Tazuna-san?" Air Groove asked.

"I'm here to congratulate you!" Tazuna said. "Air Groove-san, you've been selected as the Most Outstanding Junior! Congratulations!"

"… for the Junior Class?" Air Groove said, stunned.

"Yes!" Tazuna said. "And it's rare for a junior—a unanimous vote!"

"But weren't there other strong contenders?" Hachiman interjected. "Like Bubble Gum Fellow, who won the Asahi Hai Futurity Stakes, or Royal Touch, who took the Hopeful? Two other Uma Musu won G1s in the Junior Class."

"It's Air Groove-san's overwhelming strength," Tazuna explained. "Three races, three wins—an unmatched record. The committee considered others, but compared to her performance, they fell short."

Seriously? That's their selection process? Hachiman thought. Not saying Air Groove doesn't deserve it, but co on, do it properly.

"So," Tazuna continued, "we'd like you to attend the awards ceremony on December 31st. What do you say?"

The awards ceremony… Hachiman mused. No plans, but no reason to go either. Plus, there's that article ss.

The article fallout had been intense. Hachiman's ntor had confronted the journalists responsible, her sheer presence forcing their apologies. But she'd raged further: "Apologize to my disciple, not —you slandered him!" Terrified, the journalists had co to Hachiman, trembling, to say sorry. Yeah, no surprise, he thought. She's downright terrifying when angry.

But now, the focus was the ceremony.

"Air Groove," Hachiman said, "you should go. Other Uma Musu will be there, and it could spotlight the Tiara Route—maybe even spark so hype."

"I don't mind," Air Groove said. "But what about you? Are you going?"

"?" Hachiman scoffed. "What's the point? It'll be packed with famous trainers, noble families, and top Uma Musu. A rookie like ? I'd be a nuisance. Better to skip it."

"But, Hachiman-sensei," Tazuna said, "there'll be interviews for trainers too. It could clear up your bad rep from the article."

"Nah," Hachiman said. "Too much hassle. The world already thinks I'm a useless trainer. If that's the verdict, I'll accept it. Besides, being there might steal your shine, Air Groove. I'm sitting this one out."

Uma Musu shine—we just support them, he thought. I don't care about recognition. Though it might ss with work…

Air Groove's eyes narrowed. "Then I'm not going either."

"What!?" Tazuna gasped. "Why not?"

"I'm not ready to stand on that stage," Air Groove said. "I want to earn that right with more strength. So, I'll pass on the ceremony. Sorry, despite your kind offer."

"I see," Tazuna said, disappointed. "Alright, we'll send Air Groove-san's Most Outstanding Junior award and trophy later."

"Thanks," Hachiman said.

"I'll inform the URA you're not attending," Tazuna said. "Excuse ."

As Tazuna left, Hachiman shook his head. Air Groove, passing up a chance like this? It was perfect for boosting her fa.

"Just so we're clear," Air Groove said, "this isn't about you. That was my honest reason—I'm not worthy of that stage yet. Got it?"

"Didn't doubt it," Hachiman said. "Attending's your call. I've got no say in it. Do what you want."

And so, their Junior Season ended. The Classic Class lood, fiercer than ever, with no room for slacking.

Air Groove's Junior Season Record:

Make Debut: 1st

Saudi Arabia Royal Cup G3: 1st

Hanshin Juvenile Fillies G1: 1st