Hachiman's POV
Bakushin-O: "Talk about keeping your word!! I didn't expect it to happen so soon, but this one-day trip's gonna be fun!!"
Rice: "B-Bakushin-O-san, maybe keep your voice down a bit~…"
So, everyone… It's Friday, 7 p.m., and we're on a train to Kansai. A few weeks ago, I mentioned heading to the race area a couple of days early to enjoy a travel vibe. Naturally, everyone except CB and I filed overnight permits. The day after tomorrow is the Kobe Shimbun Hai, a trial for the Chrysanthemum Sho.
Arrow: "This is my first time doing something like this, so it's kinda weird."
CB: "Same~! Everyone was so into it, it came together fast, huh?"
Arrow: "Yeah… Trainer was just like, 'Sure, let's go.'"
No big deal. I haven't been to Kyoto in a year. Went to Hanshin for Air Groove's Takarazuka Kinen, but Kyoto's mostly an autumn thing…
Maurice: "What's Kyoto like?"
Ardan: "Hehe, it's beautiful. I'm sure you'll love it, Maurice-san."
Maurice: "Really? I want to race on a G1 stage there someday!"
Ardan: "Let's both work hard for it."
Yeah… You'll get there. You all have that potential.
Air Groove: "When I ran there, it was the inner course, so it's not much help. But last year's Kyoto Kinen was on the outer course. Watch the climbs and descents."
Fuji: "Got it… So I need to save stamina there?"
Air Groove: "That, and don't burn your legs on the downhill. You're not built for long distances, so focus on conserving energy mid-race."
Fuji: "Gotcha. Thanks."
Air Groove: "It's 2400m, mid-distance, so you should manage. But it's good to treat it as prep for the real thing."
They're prepping for the day after tomorrow… Fuji's learning the Kyoto course from a senior. Time for me to work—"Hachiman♪" Guess I'm summoned.
Hachiman: "What's up, CB?"
CB: "Hungry? I've got snacks! Water too!"
Hachiman: "I'm good, I brought my own. Why're you here?"
CB: "Need a reason to come?"
Hachiman: "Yup."
CB: "Fine♪ I'll borrow your lap~♪"
Hachiman: "Oi…"
CB leaves Arrow's seat, comes to mine, and plops her head on my lap.
CB: "Mmm~ Your lap's the best~♪"
Hachiman: "Whatever, can you move?"
CB: "Nope♪"
Hachiman: "I can't work like this."
CB: "It's a break~."
Hachiman: "Even for the day after tomorrow?"
CB: "No way."
Hachiman: "How about petting your head?"
CB: "No way—wait!?"
Hachiman: "Was gonna do it, but guess not. I'll pet someone else then." smirk
CB: "H-Hold on!?"
Hachiman: "What~?" grinning
CB: "Ugh!!" rubs head against stomach
Hachiman: "Don't grind your head into me. Lap's fine, but no petting."
CB: "Boo~…" pouting
Alright, sorry~ But let's chill, CB? We're on a train. I'll allow the lap thing, but not for long, okay?
Rice: "O-Onii-sama?" peeks
Hachiman: "Yo, Rice. What's up?"
Rice: "Is our hotel close to the racecourse? Or kinda far?"
Hachiman: "Chose a close one. Less hassle. Planning a morning jog, huh?"
Rice: "Wow, Onii-sama! You totally read my mind!"
Hachiman: "Nailed it. Jog's fine, but keep it short. Getting lost isn't funny."
Rice: "Got it! But… is breakfast okay? I-I eat a lot…"
Hachiman: "Checked the hotel. It's Uma Musume-friendly, even for big eaters. No problem."
Rice: "Phew, that's a relief."
Rice eats the most on our team, so that was her worry. She's a bread person in the morning, though… I'm more a rice guy.
Ardan: "So it's a buffet?"
Hachiman: "Yup. Tons of options, which is nice. Never been, so I don't know what they've got."
Ardan: "Hehe, sounds exciting. What kind of food, I wonder?"
Maurice: "It's morning, so maybe sausages or scrambled eggs? Bread too!"
Ardan: "Talking breakfast already? We'll get fat."
You're fine, Ardan. The biggest risk is that sweets-gobbling queen in your family.
Afterword
Team Polaris heads to Kyoto early in this Yahari x Uma Musume chapter! Fuji preps for the Kobe Shimbun Hai, CB claims Hachiman's lap, and Rice plans a jog. A fun trip before the big race!
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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]