Air Groove's POV
Rudolf: "Is that everything… Air Groove, Brian, how's your side?"
Air Groove: "Yes, we've just finished."
Brian: "Same here."
Rudolf: "Good, preparations are complete. I never imagined we'd book the gymnasium for something like this, but it's a joyous occasion."
Today, officials from the government and URA's top brass are visiting the academy. The reason? To commend Hachiman-kun… with the press in tow, no less.
Officer 1: "President, we're done here!"
Officer 2: "Same!"
Rudolf: "Well done. Let's head to class until the ceremony. It starts this afternoon."
Air Groove: "Yes, President."
Brian: "Yeah."
Lunch Break
"Hey, isn't today Hikigaya Trainer's commendation ceremony?"
"Yeah! Government and URA bigwigs are coming. Wild, right?"
"So exciting~!"
The students are buzzing about today. It's only natural—Hachiman's incident has been the talk of the school.
Rudolf: "Quite the celebrity, Hachiman-kun."
Hachiman: "Stop it. I wanted to skip today. The Mejiro crew dragged me here."
Air Groove: "You were going to skip?"
Hachiman: "I'd have come for training, but Ardan…"
Air Groove: "Honestly… We students are attending, so you can't skip. The academy would've called you in anyway."
Brian: "Yeah, making those VIPs wait would make you either a big shot or a huge idiot."
Air Groove: "Definitely the latter."
Hachiman: "Ha… Air Groove, can you take my place at the ceremony?"
Air Groove: "Why would I accept an honor meant for you? It's yours—own it."
Hachiman: "…Fine."
Commendation Ceremony
The press has already swarmed the gymnasium, cameras ready.
Akikawa: "Spotted! Symboli Rudolf, student council president, all set?"
Rudolf: "Yes, Chairman. Everything's ready."
Akikawa: "Perfect! Students, stand by until the ceremony starts!"
Rudolf: "Understood, Chairman. Everyone, wait until it begins."
Rudolf side out
Minutes Later
Tazuna: "Thank you for waiting. Please welcome Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, Soma Fujita, and URA Executive, Riko Kashimoto. A round of applause, please."
Fujita: "…"
Kashimoto: "…"
Hachiman: "Deputy Minister of Agriculture? Nobody told me! That's, like, the second-highest in the ministry…"
Air Groove: "We weren't told who was coming, but this is a big deal."
Hachiman: "…Please, take my place."
Air Groove: "Too late. Give up."
Tazuna guided the two to the stage, where they stood before the podium.
Rudolf: "We'll begin with remarks. First, Deputy Minister Soma Fujita."
Fujita: "Students, thank you for your hard work in academics and training. I occasionally visit races, but I'm thrilled to meet you outside the track. I wish you continued growth."
Rudolf: "Thank you. Next, URA Executive Riko Kashimoto."
Kashimoto: "I'm Kashimoto from the URA. I'm here for Trainer Hikigaya's commendation, but I've watched your races. As Deputy Minister Fujita said, I look forward to your growth."
Rudolf: "We deeply appreciate your visit despite your busy schedules. Now, to the commendation. Team Polaris Trainer, Hachiman Hikigaya, step forward."
Hachiman: "…(These shutters and flashes are annoying as hell.)"
As Hachiman walked to the stage, camera shutters echoed, and flashes lit up the gym.
Kashimoto: "Commendation for Hachiman Hikigaya. For your significant contribution to resolving the recent incident involving public disturbance and attempted murder, and for apprehending the culprit, we express our gratitude."
Rudolf: "Next, Deputy Minister Fujita will present a medal for the same."
A medal combining a horseshoe and laurel crown was pinned to Hachiman's chest. As he turned to face the students, another storm of shutters and flashes erupted. By the way, Hachiman's wearing braces and glasses today.
After photos with Fujita and Kashimoto, the two left the stage and exited the gymnasium.
Hachiman: "It's over… finally."
Air Groove: "Good work. You looked dignified, not like your usual self."
Hachiman: "Didn't expect that from you…"
Air Groove: "I praise when it's deserved."
Rudolf: "Air Groove's right—you looked great. That medal suits you."
Hachiman: "Thanks. But I'm only wearing it today. It's too heavy."
Air Groove: "Why not keep it on until training's over? You'll get all the attention."
Hachiman: "You, joking? Stop it."
The ceremony wrapped up in just a few dozen minutes.
Afterword
Hachiman's in the spotlight in this Yahari x Uma Musume chapter, begrudgingly accepting his commendation while Air Groove and Rudolf keep him in check. The press frenzy and VIP presence make it a big deal, but Hachiman just wants out!
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