Hachiman's POV
Hachiman: "…" slump
Nanzaka: "H-Hikigaya-kun?"
Hachiman: "…Yeah?"
Nanzaka: "It's not like you did anything wrong… No, you did something great! That's why you're getting this recognition!"
Aoi: "Exactly! You protected civilians and your team from a criminal! This kind of thing is only natural!!"
Hachiman: "…Ha."
I'm slumped over my desk in the trainer's room, staring at the paper in front of me. Long story short: the government, via the URA, through the academy, issued a commendation. For my role in apprehending a criminal during the public disturbance and attempted murder incident in Tokyo, and for ensuring no harm came to civilians or students, I'm being honored by the government and URA higher-ups at Tresen Academy.
Hachiman: "Ha~…"
Okino: "C'mon, it's a big deal! You're a hero! Be proud—no one got hurt because of you."
Hachiman: "But I'm kinda the reason it happened. Hard to celebrate that."
Kuronuma: "That's nonsense. The guy's grudge caused it, not you. Protecting Symboli Rudolf was the right call."
Main Trainer: "Kuronuma's right, Hikigaya. Plus, public opinion's shifting in your favor. Check this out."
Hachiman: "Huh?"
Tresen Academy's Trainer Hikigaya Protects Citizens and Students Fearlessly!!
On May 31, post-Japan Derby, Team Polaris was heading back to the academy when a figure approached. He was a former rookie trainer assigned to Tresen four years ago, stripped of his license and fired for misconduct. That day, he attacked Trainer Hikigaya, who's been thriving as a team trainer since April. Wielding a knife, the assailant charged, but Hikigaya kept his distance to protect civilians, students, and his team. He ultimately subdued the attacker and handed him to the police. Eyewitnesses were plentiful, and we gathered their accounts.
"An amazing trainer and person!! Incredible guts, even in danger!!"
"It's natural to prioritize your team, but caring for others too? That's rare. He put others before himself."
"I don't know much about Tresen trainers, but this guy's focus on Uma Musume really came through!!"
"A rare young person these days, risking himself for others. Makes you want to cheer him on!"
Tokyo's public holds a largely positive view of him. Furthermore, the slander and harassment letters mentioned by Fuji Kiseki in her Derby interview are highly likely linked to this culprit, and investigations are ongoing.
Hachiman: "…"
Tojo: "I was shocked when I saw it. Not just the incident, but how much the narrative's changed."
Junior Trainer: "Doesn't this mean no one'll badmouth senpai anymore? Look at all this praise!"
Colleague 1: "Not so sure."
Junior Trainer: "Huh?"
Colleague 2: "Being praised that much draws envy from peers. Not us or the seniors here—we respect Hikigaya—but others might not."
Hachiman: "Know a way to stop standing out?"
Colleague 2: "No clue. How do you make you less noticeable? I'd love to know."
Hachiman: "Ha…"
Nanzaka: "W-Well, why not act normal today? It might work out. Students probably won't bring up the incident."
Hachiman: "Yeah, I'll do that."
Tojo: "Still, you noticed her sharp, huh?"
Hachiman: "Thanks to our promising rookie. If she hadn't caught it, I'd have missed it."
Kuronuma: "Oh? A rookie like that?"
Hachiman: "I was floored. She ran the widest course, 1600m, in 1:32. Three furlongs? Roughly 33.7. Monster-level."
Colleague 1: "A rookie did that!? No way it's a mistake… not from you, Hikigaya."
That day, going to the course was worth it. An Uma Musume with that kind of run is rare. Gotta nurture her.
Hachiman side out
Maurice's POV
Maurice: "?"
Weird… feels like someone's talking about me.
"What's up?"
Maurice: "Oh, nothing."
Afterword
Hachiman's hailed as a hero in this Yahari x Uma Musume chapter, but he's not thrilled about the spotlight. Meanwhile, Maurice's monster-level talent gets high praise—unbeknownst to her! The public's turning, but envy looms.
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