I Just Wanted a Quiet Life... So Why Am I an Uma Musume Trainer?!

A week of interviews had painted a clear picture: Hachiman Hikitani was a star in the eyes of Trecen Academy's Uma Musume. Their praise was unanimous, and no wonder—beyond Air Groove's dazzling Ouka Sho win, Hachiman crafted training menus for unassigned students and poured effort into Bubble Gum Fellow's rehab, guiding her through her career-crushing injury. Even struggling trainers grumbled about his rise, but team leaders and veterans lauded his skill. And when asked who they'd want as their trainer? Nearly every Uma Musume named him.

Rudolf wouldn't spill names—not here—but the consensus was undeniable. Hachiman commanded respect, and she was no exception. His technical prowess and knowledge rivaled the best, even surpassing them in flashes of brilliance. His knack for weaving play into training? A stroke of genius no active trainer could match. Rudolf's heart stirred with a fervent wish: that Hachiman would take a second trainee. And, if fate allowed, that she'd be the one.

"I've gathered most of the students' opinions," Rudolf murmured, her desk strewn with notes. "All that's left is to tally them for the council president. But to think so many want him as their trainer… It's only natural, I suppose. He's been under our spotlight since last year's rumors."

"What's that?" Tokai Teio piped up, leaning over. "What're we talking about?"

"Hachiman-kun," Rudolf said, smiling. "I asked you too, didn't I? About wanting him as your trainer."

"Yup!" Teio grinned. "I said I'd love it, no hesitation! You too, Kaicho?"

"Indeed," Rudolf said. "If he takes a second trainee, I'd hope it's me."

"Kaicho's in on it too!" Teio laughed. "But if it comes to that, I'm not backing down!"

Rudolf chuckled. "Fair enough."

Knock, knock, knock.

"Excuse me," Air Groove said, stepping in. "Good work today, President. Teio, you're here too?"

"Hey, where Kaicho goes, I follow!" Teio declared.

"Good work, Air Groove," Rudolf said. "How's your Oaks prep? We're two weeks out—shifting from heavy training to fine-tuning, I presume?"

"Yes," Air Groove said. "I'm focusing on speed now, keeping the load light."

"Sounds promising," Rudolf said, nodding.

"You're lucky, Air Groove," Teio said, pouting. "Getting trained by that Hikitani-sensei guy."

"Is that so?" Air Groove said, raising an eyebrow.

"Totally!" Teio said. "My classmates are jealous. I only got my running checked by him once last year!"

"Really?" Air Groove said. "Getting noticed at all is a win. Bet you nagged him into it."

"Ha, no way!" Teio laughed nervously. She's onto me…

Might as well ask her too, Rudolf thought.

"Air Groove," she said, "may I ask you something?"

"Of course," Air Groove said. "What is it?"

"If Hachiman-kun decided to take a second trainee," Rudolf said, "how would you feel?"

Air Groove's eyes narrowed. "Did he say that?"

"No, just a hypothetical," Rudolf said. "Your reaction suggests some hesitation."

"Not exactly," Air Groove said. "I just can't see him jumping to take another trainee on his own."

"Yeah," Teio chimed in. "Hikitani-sensei doesn't seem like the type to go looking for more work."

"Exactly," Air Groove said. "It's his call, so I don't have much to say."

"My apologies for the odd question," Rudolf said.

"Wait!" Teio said, eyes sparkling. "Kaicho, you'd want Hikitani-sensei as your trainer, right?"

"Of course," Rudolf said, her voice firm. "From the moment I saw his potential, I tried to scout him with you all. Got turned down, though."

Air Groove sighed. "President, don't make it sound like I stole him…"

"Sorry," Rudolf said, chuckling. "But it shows how many students want him. Though some are drawn to him for… less professional reasons."

Mr. C.B. was the poster child for that, her clinginess to Hachiman bordering on legendary. Who else? Rudolf mused. Too many to count.

"If he's favoring anyone," Air Groove said, "it'd be Rice Shower. He's been soft on her from the start. Lately, maybe Oguri Cap too."

"Yeah, Mr. C.B.'s always with him too," Teio added. "I see them together a lot."

Air Groove nodded. "True."

Rudolf sighed inwardly. Hachiman-kun, you work fast.

Afterword

Rudolf's got the scoop, and Hachiman's the talk of Trecen! Everyone's clamoring to be his next trainee—Rudolf and Teio are ready to duel for it! Air Groove's keeping cool, but those Rice Shower and Oguri Cap rumors? Juicy! With the Oaks closing in and Hachiman's star rising, who's snagging that second spot? The track's buzzing—don't miss the next sprint!