Hachiman-less No More
Hachiman's Side
A few days had passed since returning to Japan, and I was finally getting used to the Japanese time zone again. Coming back was genuinely chaotic. I was bombarded with questions about the Irish Triple Crown, our next races, and the other team members. The upcoming schedule includes Rice's St. Lite Kinen, followed by Fuji's Sprinters Stakes. Things are about to get really busy…
Hachiman: "And then once October hits… Ugh, even if I planned this schedule myself, it's brutal. Can I really get through all this? Will my body hold up?"
Air Groove: "Don't be faint-hearted, Hachiman. If you judge that your own hands are insufficient, rely on me. I can assist with a certain degree of matters."
Fuji: "That's right, Hachiman-san. Rely on us a little." Hugs him tightly.
Aldan: "Big Brother, if there's anything we can do, please just say the word." Hugs him tightly.
Hachiman: "I appreciate that, but Fuji, Aldan, could you perhaps step back a little?"
Fuji: "That's an impossible request. We couldn't see you for two weeks, so it's been a long time, hasn't it? A little bit of this is fine, isn't it?"
Aldan: "I was lonely too, unable to see you, Big Brother."
Hachiman: "Everyone else feels the same way… or maybe not, but it's only you two, isn't it? And you've been like this ever since I got back, whenever you have a moment."
Aldan: "What's wrong with that? We haven't had much time with you recently, so this evens the score. Besides, not just our team, but everyone in the academy showed some impact from your absence, Big Brother. The academy seemed a little less lively without you."
Hachiman: "…Just because I wasn't there?"
No way, was it really that bad? And that lasted for two weeks? Seriously? How did it not fall apart?
Fuji: "It's true, it might have been a little down."
Air Groove: "It wasn't 'a little,' it was clearly lacking vibrancy. Even the Chairman seemed a bit dispirited. Trainers who were friendly with Hachiman also looked a bit listless."
Hachiman: "Seriously… Maybe I should invite them out for a drink next time? I haven't invited anyone since I was assigned here."
Arrow: "Hey Trainer, I know it's a bit late, but… are you serious? About me going to America for the… Breeders' Cup Juvenile?"
Hachiman: "I'm serious. I mean, it was the same with the BSN Stakes, right? Besides, aren't you feeling like you want more? That last race was an 8-length win, wasn't it? That kind of margin for a late-charger is really something… There aren't many other races you can run besides the All-Japan Junior Yushun in December, and if you just focused on training until then, the gap might widen even further. This is a good opportunity to see your current strength."
Arrow: "…Mmm, okay."
Hachiman: "And don't worry, the teachers will go with you. It's not realistic for me to go on an expedition now that the autumn season has started."
Aldan: "I have the Saudi Arabia RC, Rice-san will have the Kikuka Sho if things go well, Fuji-san the Sprinters Stakes, Maurice-san the Fuji Stakes, Arrow-san the BC Juvenile… They're all major races."
Fuji: "It seems everyone's growth has been remarkable thanks to Hachiman-san's training."
Air Groove: "It's beyond just 'remarkable' level."
Fuji: "Oh, that's right, you were the first one to be 'modified.'"
Air Groove: "Don't call it 'modified'!"
My training is being called 'modification'?
Well… it's not really wrong, is it? It's the truth.
Hachiman: "So, are you two still not going to let go? Even though today's a training day off, aren't you two a little too clingy?"
Fuji: "Hmm~ Is that no good?"
Aldan: "Yes, it's no good."
Hachiman: "I see…"
Air Groove: "You two, let him go. Hachiman has work to do, you know?"
Fuji: "You just had your head on Hachiman-san's shoulder a moment ago, didn't you? Are you really in a position to talk?"
Air Groove: "I had decided to do so only until another member arrived. Not indefinitely like you two."
Fuji: "…Not only that, but he was stroking your head, and even let you touch his ears, of all things, didn't he?"
Air Groove: "Wha!? H-how do you know all that!? No one was supposed to be there at that time!?"
Fuji: "You're so unfair~! Getting to have such a good time~! And letting him touch your ears, which are a very delicate part for an Uma Musume~."
Air Groove: "N-no! It's not like that! I was receiving a reward because Hachiman had worked hard as leader for two weeks! I didn't beg for it!"
Hachiman: "I was actually thinking of doing it a little for you two as well, but since you've been clinging to me like this every day, I decided against it."
Fuji: "N-no way!?"
Aldan: "Big Brother, that's too cruel!"
Hachiman: "Don't you think you're much better off than me, who can't be let go even when I want to be?"
Fuji/Aldan: "Ugh…"
Arrow: "You don't need to do that for me."
Hachiman: "You're not that type, are you? Don't worry, I'm not planning on forcing it on you. I'll pass that share to Rice, who hasn't come to do anything yet."
Fuji: "Eh!?"
Because Rice is working hard for her next race, and she even said she'd do some light self-training today. She's working hard, so she deserves a reward, right?
…Huh? Am I really soft on Rice?
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