Hachiman's POV
I barely slept last night… No surprise there. Yesterday was the glory of Fuji's Derby win, but on the way back, we were hit with a barrage of venomous threats and an attack from that ex-trainer. Thankfully, no one was hurt, but I'm worried about the team's mental state. Witnessing that kind of thing would shake anyone, especially them. I'm an adult, so I'm fine—mostly. There's school today, but I've canceled training. Still, I plan to check in with the team.
Hachiman: "Ha… Can't help but sigh."
Living Room
Hachiman: "…" sizzle
Fuji's not up yet… or maybe she is but needs time to process. I'll let her be for now. Time to make breakfast—bacon, soup, and toast.
Minutes Later
Fuji: "Morning, Hachiman Trainer-san."
Hachiman: "Yo, morning. Breakfast's ready. Wanna eat?"
Fuji: "Thanks, I'll take it."
Hachiman: "Compared to a reward meal, this is a downgrade."
Fuji: "I don't need steak for breakfast."
…She's acting normal, but it's probably a front. No way she's fully recovered overnight.
Fuji: "Yum! As expected from you, Hachiman Trainer-san! So good♪ I could never make this."
Hachiman: "Thanks… You don't have to put on a brave face for me, you know."
Fuji: "Huh? W-What—'No one bounces back from something like that in one night. You're still a high schooler, at a sensitive age. You're bound to feel something.' …"
Hachiman: "Everyone's got secrets. I won't pry, but if it's about yesterday, that's different."
Fuji: "…I was scared. What if you got stabbed?"
Hachiman: "…I get it. In a situation like that, you'd imagine the worst. I understand. Sorry for worrying you."
Fuji: "…It's not your fault."
She gives a wry smile. If Fuji's like this, I'm worried about the others at the dorm. Better head there early. First, to Ritto Dorm—Fuji needs to get ready for school.
Ritto Dorm
Hachiman: "Alright, Fuji, get ready for school."
Fuji: "Okay, give me a sec—'Hachiman, Fuji!'—E-Air Groove!"
Air Groove: "Hachiman, Fuji, you okay!?"
Hachiman: "Yeah, we're fine. How about you guys after last night?"
Air Groove: "Arrow's in the same dorm, so I checked on her. She seems okay, but I'm worried about the four at Miho Dorm. CB-senpai lives alone but stayed in Ritto's duty room last night."
Hachiman: "Got it… You're here late for school, though."
Air Groove: "You weren't told? School's canceled today due to last night—for mental recovery. Tazuna-san arranged it with the Chairman."
Hachiman: "Really? …But some girls will still train, right?"
Air Groove: "Yeah, training's allowed, so no issue there."
Hachiman: "Cool. Fuji, rest up. My place isn't exactly relaxing. I'm heading to Miho Dorm. I was gonna gather everyone after class, but since school's off, it's a full rest day. Air Groove, is CB in the duty room?"
Air Groove: "Yeah, why?"
Hachiman: "…I'll call her later. I know her number."
Miho Dorm
Rice: "Onii-sama… You're okay!" hug!
Ardan: "Anii-sama… I'm so glad you're safe." hug!
Hachiman: "Hey, hey, I just went for questioning. No way I'd get hurt… But sorry for worrying you."
Maurice: "Trainer-san, I'm so relieved you're okay!"
Bakushin-O: "Yes, truly a miracle you're unharmed!!"
Hachiman: "Sorry to you guys too."
No surprise they're shaken. After that incident, it's gotta be tough—especially for sensitive Rice and Maurice, who's just started middle school. Their hugs kinda hurt, though…
Hachiman: "School's canceled, so I was gonna hold a meeting, but we'll do it tomorrow. Rest up today."
Rice: "So… we won't see Onii-sama today?"
Hachiman: "Sorry, yeah. Honestly, I'm still processing too. You saw the news, right? The media's all over me. No direct harm to us, but it's hard to move freely right now."
Ardan: "But Anii-sama, isn't the public's view of you the opposite of what you think?"
Hachiman: "That's why. If I do anything high-profile now, the media will pounce. The academy wouldn't want that kind of attention either. Best to lay low. I'm dropping CB off at her place, then getting groceries. Wanna keep outings to a minimum."
Maurice: "Trainer-san…"
Bakushin-O: "Hmm… Trainer-san might be right. My parents told me to avoid attention-grabbing actions or statements too."
Ardan: "…Anii-sama, I have a suggestion."
Afterword
The day after the chaos in this Yahari x Uma Musume chapter! Hachiman and Fuji grapple with the aftermath, while Team Polaris' mental strain lingers. School's out, and Ardan's got a plan—what is it? Note: Café's mischievous vibe reminds me of the ghosts in It's the Work of Spirits manga—so playful!
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