Hachiman's POV
Hachiman: "Everyone's here. Let's start the meeting."
CB: "Rare for you, Hachiman. Usually, we'd jump straight to training. Something up?"
Hachiman: "You could say that. Yesterday, my mentor called. The three from Ritto Dorm overheard, so they know the gist, but listen up. In short: Sensei suggested we train in America for these two months."
Rice: "Ehh!? A-America!?"
Maurice: "America… That's huge."
Ardan: "A-America…?"
Hachiman: "Yup, and it's no joke."
Ardan: "I see… May I ask why?"
Hachiman: "Mainly Fuji. Sensei watched the Derby in America and thinks she can't handle the Chrysanthemum Sho as is. So, an invitation to train there—along with all of you. Even suggested debuting there."
CB: "That's wild, Mr. Takanotsume."
Bakushin-O: "America, huh? Sounds great!! I say we go!! Let's Bakushin it up over there!!"
Arrow: "I'm in too. America's the heart of dirt racing, right? That kind of experience is rare. I'm with Bakushin-O."
Hachiman: "That's my take too, but it's about what you all want. Fuji's got the biggest stake, but I won't let her decide alone. It's your choice."
Silence fills the clubroom. Understandable—I'd be stumped too. Training in America isn't something you just do. It takes prep, facility access, all that. Sensei's handling it this time, so no issue there. I talked with her at home yesterday.
Ardan: "I think we should stay in Japan. Training in America could offer a lot, but Anii-sama said this summer's for body-building. It's possible there, but conditions differ. I doubt we'd gain as much as we think."
Rice: "Rice agrees with Ardan-san. It's not that I don't want to go, but Onii-sama's training plan shouldn't be scrapped for it."
Air Groove: "Same here, for the same reasons. The gains don't outweigh pausing our current training."
Hachiman: "I didn't say we wouldn't follow my plan there… But wow, more opposition than I expected. Maurice, CB, Fuji—what about you?"
CB: "Hmm, I'm curious, but I'm fine either way. Hachiman's watching over us whether we're here or there."
Maurice: "I-I want to go! No big reason… I just admire the idea of overseas!"
Fuji: "I…"
Hachiman: "Say what you feel. No one's judging."
Sensei said it's our call anyway.
Fuji: "Can I… leave it to you, Hachiman-san? The offer's amazing, and I'd love to train under your mentor, but I want to get stronger with your training for the Chrysanthemum Sho."
Hachiman: "…That's basically a no. Alright, considering everyone's thoughts and mine, we're skipping the America trip. I'll tell Sensei, so don't worry. That's it for this—let's train."
Wonder how Sensei'll react?
Hachiman side out
Fuji's POV
Bakushin-O: "What a shame, but oh well!! Another time!!"
Arrow: "Yeah, it's not the end. We can race there later."
Air Groove: "Surprising, Fuji. I thought you'd jump at it."
Fuji: "I did want to go. But I want to win the Chrysanthemum Sho with Hachiman-san. Sorry to his mentor, though."
Air Groove: "Fair enough."
Maurice: "Um, Fuji-senpai, can I ask something?"
Fuji: "Hm? What's up?"
Maurice: "When did you start calling Trainer-san just 'Hachiman-san'? Didn't you used to say 'Hachiman Trainer-san'?"
Fuji: "Uh…"
CB: "Oh yeah! In the meeting, it was just 'Hachiman-san' with no title!"
Air Groove: "Oh? Let's hear more before training."
Fuji: "There's no reason! Calling him 'Trainer' forever felt too formal, so I just use his name with '-san' for closeness!"
CB: "Hmmm?"
Air Groove: "Oh, really?"
No way! Their eyes scream they don't buy it!!
Afterword
The answer's NO in this Yahari x Uma Musume chapter! Fuji trusts Hachiman's training over an American adventure, but her casual name-dropping sparks suspicion. Team Polaris stays focused on Japan!
Bonus
Takanotsume: "So, they're passing… If Fuji says so, that's that. Sorry for the trouble, Hachiman. Good luck with the Chrysanthemum Sho… Alright, bye."
Man o' War: "Well!? Is Hachiman coming to America!?"
Takanotsume: "Master, calm down… They're skipping it. They want to win the Triple Crown their way."
Man o' War: "Why…!? Hachiman, why not!? I'll invite him again next year!!"
Takanotsume: "You handle it then."
Raw Meat: "Keeping Man o' War in check sounds rough, huh?"
Takanotsume: "Indeed. Honestly, what are Admiral and Seabiscuit doing?"
Raw Meat: "Should I give her Hachiman's photo?"
Takanotsume: "Please do."
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That chapter ended on a bit of a cliff, didn't it? 😅 Don't worry, the next one's already on Patreon! [If you'd like to support my work, check out my: patreon.com/DaoistRoeoNQ]