Hachiman's POV
One slot left: short-distance. But who to pick… I don't have many short-distance connections. The closest is Bakushin-O, who's still without a trainer—my top target. Maruzen and Taiki are already on Tojo's team. Karen-chan, Piko Pegasus, and Hishi Akebono have trainers too. Bamboo and Nishino Flower are free, though. Bakushin-O, Bamboo, and Flower are my best bets. Gotta choose from them… but Bakushin-O's the one to approach first.
Fuji: "Hey, Hachiman Trainer-san, you're looking upbeat. Something happen?"
Hachiman: "Yeah, after yesterday's selection race, I met an incredible prodigy at the track. Scouted her, and she said yes."
Fuji: "Ohh, a prodigy? So she's a freshman?"
Hachiman: "Yup."
Fuji: "That's awesome! So just short-distance left, right? You'll make it in time!"
Hachiman: "Yeah, I've already got a candidate. If they agree, the team's conditions are met. I'll tell Tazuna-san, and we're set."
Fuji: "Nice! But it depends on if your candidate says yes, right?"
Hachiman: "Exactly. I'm planning to scout them after school. Might be a bit late, but I gave you the training menu already—just follow it."
Fuji: "Got it. 'I see, so that's how it is.' W-Wait, President!?"
Hachiman: "Tch…" mutter
Rudolf: "I didn't expect you to be forming a team. From your talk, you're nearly done scouting?"
Hachiman: "Pretty much."
Rudolf: "But Hachiman-kun, you're harsh. You know how I feel, yet you didn't reach out?"
Hachiman: "You weren't off my list. But you know there's a free-spirited Uma Musume with talent rivaling yours who'd only pick me as her trainer."
Rudolf: "…Ah, CB?"
Hachiman: "Yup. So, sorry—only got a short-distance slot left, so I couldn't invite you."
Rudolf: "I understand. By the way, you had a long-distance slot too? Who'd you pick?"
Hachiman: "You're definitely holding a grudge. It's Rice—Rice Shower."
Rudolf: "Hmm… Her, huh? Makes sense. Her long-distance talent surpasses mine. Plus, she's your favorite, isn't she?"
Everyone says that, but am I that obvious? Ugh…
Rudolf: "Then maybe I'll go straight to the Chairman."
Hachiman: "Stop! That'd leave me with no downtime. I know their aptitudes, but not their exact distance limits yet. I know you from past training, so you're fine, but I'm not adding more than I've got now."
Rudolf: "Just kidding. Maybe I'll crash your training like CB does."
Hachiman: "C'mon, I just got rid of one troublemaker—don't add another…"
Seriously, the Student Council President can't do that.
After School
Hachiman: "Alright, tell Bakushin-O to wait there."
Rice (on phone): 'Got it! I'll talk to her before she runs off. Gotta go!'
Hachiman: "Cool, I'm heading over now."
Rice: 'Okay! See you!'
Good, Rice'll keep Bakushin-O in place. But it's Bakushin-O—zero guarantee she'll stay put. Gotta move fast.
Classroom
Hachiman: "Rice, you here?"
Bourbon: "Rice-san left 54 seconds ago, chasing Bakushin-O-san out of the classroom. She hasn't returned."
Hachiman: "…Figures."
Bourbon: "Is something wrong?"
Hachiman: "Nah, no big deal. Just had business. I'm off, sorry for the bother."
Damn it, Bakushin-O bolted! Calling Rice might be faster, but I could lose them. What got into her? She's probably still on campus…
Minutes Later
…Can't find them. Where'd they go?
Bakushin-O: "C'mon, let's BAKUSHIN to the world together!!"
???: "N-No, I'm not thinking about that yet!!"
Rice: "B-Bakushin-O-san, w-wait!!"
Hachiman: "…" staring
Bakushin-O's chasing a dark bay freshman with a red ribbon and floral earpiece, with Rice trailing behind… What the hell's going on?
Hachiman: "…"
…Gonna call Rice and tell her to talk to Bakushin-O once she calms down.
Afterword
Hachiman's final short-distance scout targets Bakushin-O, but her chaotic energy steals the show in this Yahari x Uma Musume chapter! Rudolf's teasing and Rice's frantic chase add humor, while the team nears completion. Who's the mystery freshman? Fuji's arc builds to the Derby!
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