I Just Wanted a Quiet Life... So Why Am I an Uma Musume Trainer?! Chapter 55 54: The Council’s Call and a Curious Gift

The morning after the Ouka Sho dawned crisp, Trecen Academy buzzing with its usual rhythm. Students headed to class, trainers grabbed free ti until their shifts, but Hachiman was already buried in work. His desk was a battlefield of notes—training nus for Air Groove's Oaks campaign and a rough rehab plan for Bubble. Even with Kenta as her sub-trainer, a Classic-season fracture was a brutal blow for a rookie. Hachiman had promised the head trainer he'd help, and waiting for a call wasn't his style. Do what I can now, he thought. Check on Bubble later, tweak the plan if it's working.

Knock, knock, knock.

"Excuse ," Takanotsu's voice cut through. "Hikitani-sensei, got a mont?"

Hachiman's pen paused, his mind still on Air Groove's 2400-ter stamina. She won't tire easily, but I'll run her tomorrow, see where we stand. "Huh?" He blinked, snapping back. "Takanotsu? When'd you get here?"

"Just now," she said, her smile gentle. "You were deep in it. Planning for the Oaks?"

"Yeah," Hachiman said, leaning back. "Things are solid so far. We'll ride this montum and take the Oaks too."

"Sounds promising," Takanotsu said, nodding.

"So, what's up?" Hachiman asked, eyeing her.

"The council president wants to see you," she said. "Can you head to the president's office?"

The council president? Hachiman's brow furrowed.

The president's office was a whirlwind of energy. "Welco!" Akikawa's voice bood, her enthusiasm nearly knocking Hachiman back. "Well done, Hikitani-sensei! Air Groove's performance was spectacular! Congratulations!"

"Thanks," Hachiman said, scratching his neck. "So, why'm I here?"

"Straight to the point!" Akikawa bead. "Your Ouka Sho victory proves not just Air Groove's talent but your skill as a trainer! So, I have a proposal: take on another Uma Musu!"

Hachiman blinked. "Another one?"

The idea hadn't crossed his mind—not even a milliter. One Uma Musu was enough; focus was his strength. Managing one let him pour everything into her, no distractions. Sure, sticking to one won't change things, he thought, but there's no rule saying one's not enough.

"Any conditions for this?" Hachiman asked, cautious.

Takanotsu stepped in. "Ideally, a first-year Uma Musu, one grade below Air Groove. But the president's flexible—any unassigned Uma Musu, any grade, is fine."

Hachiman nodded slowly. Anyone, huh? That was a golden opportunity. If he could pick soone he wanted to train, get their consent, it was a done deal. But there was a catch. What if word spreads? Soone like that "Mi" to "Bi" filly with Rudolf-level potential might co knocking. He shuddered at the thought.

Still, answering on the spot felt rushed. "Can I have so ti?" he said. "It's a great offer, but we're mid-Classic season, and I want to focus on Air Groove."

"Understood!" Akikawa said, undeterred. "Take your ti! I'll wait for your answer!"

"Thanks," Hachiman said.

"Oh, and Hikitani-sensei," Takanotsu added, holding out a package. "This arrived for you, from Chiba University. Probably from your ntor."

Hachiman's eyes narrowed. ntor? He'd promised to celebrate the Ouka Sho with her, but sending sothing to the school? Could be anyone from Chiba, but she's the only one who'd bother. "Thanks," he said, taking the package. "I'll handle it here."

"That's all from us!" Akikawa said, her voice ringing. "Keep up the montum, Hikitani-sensei!"

"Will do," Hachiman said, bowing slightly. "Later."

Back in the trainer's room, Hachiman sank into his chair. Another Uma Musu, huh? Choosing Air Groove had taken him ten grueling days, weighing every detail. Back then, focusing on her was no lie. Even now, with just her, he lacked the track record to justify more. Rookie trainers are like that, he thought. One's plenty.

He set the package on his desk. Chiba University, huh? His alma mater. "Could be anyone, but my ntor's the only one I owe anything to," he muttered. "The rest? Barely rember their nas. She drilled the trainer's craft into , start to finish. The others? Just faces I studied to avoid flunking."

What had she sent? Hachiman carefully unwrapped the package, curiosity sparking. Inside was…

Afterword

Whoa, Hachiman's got his hands full! Air Groove's on track for the Oaks, Bubble's fighting to recover, and now the council president drops this bombshell? Another Uma Musu? And that mysterious package—what's inside? Hachiman's pragmatic heart is in for a ride! Will he take on a new challenge, and who sent that gift? The track's heating up—stay tuned!