(Perspective: Hachiman)
I'm going to state the conclusion right from the start, so please bear with me. No, really—it's that bad. Actually, it's terrifying. It's a bit late to be realizing this, but I think I've formed a team of absolute monsters.
The very week the Grand Fan Appreciation Festival ended, Ardan had her race: the Saudi Arabia Royal Cup. Chiyono O, who could be considered Ardan's rival, was also running. But Ardan left all seven other runners in the dust, beating the second-place Chiyono O by a massive five-length margin to claim her first Graded victory. I honestly thought it would be a close contest, but what the hell was that run? Ardan looked overwhelmingly strong in that race...
Then, skipping a week, it was Maurice's turn in the Fuji Stakes. It was her first time facing older, Senior-class opponents, so I thought she might be a little intimidated. Instead, she won with an expanding lead. And get this—she was practically jogging for the last 100 meters. No, seriously, are you kidding me? Isn't she getting too strong? She eased up and still won by three lengths, securing priority entry for the Mile Championship.
I've been thinking... isn't this actually dangerous?
And then came the Kikuka-sho, Rice's turn. Her opponent was Bourbon. Given what happened at the Derby, I assumed Bourbon would have trained incredibly hard for this, so I predicted a grueling battle. I expected a back-and-forth dogfight down the final stretch, passing and counter-passing.
But man, Rice really went and did it! She set a record not seen since my grandmother's time! A victory in the Kikuka-sho by a "Great Margin"—only the second time in history! Come on, how does a girl that small and timid run like that!? And to top it off? She smashed the Japanese Record...
So, with all that in mind, let me tell you about my team members...
.
.
.
.
To put it clearly: They are insane. They are scary.
Hachiman: "And next up is Fuji's Tenno Sho (Autumn), and Arrow is over in America for the BC Juvenile... I have a terrifying feeling they're going to pull something crazy again."
Okino: "Look at that! Team Polaris is in the news again! Man, that's amazing! 'Team Polaris: Will they dazzle in Tokyo after conquering Kyoto!? The Triple Crown Uma Musume, Fuji Kiseki, has clear skies ahead for the Tenno Sho (Autumn)!!' It says right here!"
Hachiman: "Please stop, Okino-san. I'm currently trying to organize the schedule for the next round. I don't want to cram any unnecessary information into my head right now."
Tojo: "But I can see his point. Have you seen the American papers? Wing Arrow's reputation seems quite high over there. She's even being supported as the number one favorite, ranked higher than the local Uma Musume."
Hachiman: "Ahhh~ I can't hear you~."
Kuronuma: "Hikigaya. Tell me Rice Shower's schedule for her next run. I need to adjust Bourbon's regimen accordingly. My pride won't let me sit back and leave things at a loss."
Hachiman: "That is exactly what I am trying to work on right now..."
Junior Trainer: "Senpai!! The girl in my charge won her race the other day!! She won her debut! Thank you so much for your advice!!"
Peer Trainer 2: "Oh, your girl won too? Actually, my trainee just grabbed her second win recently! Thanks, Hikigaya! That training regimen you mentioned really paid off!"
Hachiman: "...What is going on with you people?! Why is the trainer density in here so high today?! Do you understand? I am busy right now!!"
Seriously, why?! And of course, Kiryuuin isn't here at a time like this!!
Okino: "I came to rubberneck."
Tojo: "I came to inform you about Arrow."
Kuronuma: "I came to hear Rice Shower's next race."
Junior Trainer: "I came to thank you for the advice."
Peer Trainer 2: "Same as the junior."
Hachiman: "I get the gist of it. Okino-san, I'll call Gold Ship for you later. Tojo-san, thank you for going out of your way. Kuronuma-san, it's still undecided. Junior and Peer... let's go grab food sometime."
—One Hour Later—
Hachiman: "Haa... I'm finally free. Or rather, why did I have to leave? That room is technically the Trainer's Room assigned to me and Kiryuuin. Something is wrong here... No, let's stop thinking about it."
Rudolf: "Oh? What are you doing in a place like this, Hachiman-kun? Furthermore, you look somewhat exhausted."
Hachiman: "Rudolf... No, it's nothing much. I just slipped out because I was being swarmed by other trainers."
Rudolf: "That sounds like hard work. But social networking is part of your duties, isn't it? Why not look at it with a little more generosity?"
Hachiman: "There are times when things are too much to overlook, no matter how generous you are."
Rudolf: "Is that so?"
Hachiman: "Then let me ask you this. If Sirius were to loiter in the Student Council room all day when she had absolutely no business being there, what would you think?"
Rudolf: "...I understand your feelings a little better now. That would indeed not be a pleasant experience."
I'm slightly happy that the number of people who understand me has increased...
Rudolf: "By the way, Hachiman-kun. Are you free right now?"
Hachiman: "I was just in trouble because I'd run out of things to do."
Rudolf: "Then that is perfect. If you don't mind, would you keep me company? I haven't been able to speak with you recently. Besides... I would like you to teach me a few of those puns you know."
Hachiman: "...That second part is your real motive, isn't it?"
Rudolf: "Come now, whatever do you mean?"
Hachiman: "Haa, well, fine. By the way, Rudolf, who is that over there?"
Rudolf: "...That is El Condor Pasa. It appears she is resting in the shade of a tree. Is something wrong with her?"
Hachiman: "El Condor Pasa... looks like El Condor Passed-out."
Rudolf: "—!? Fufufu... I see, I see. Indeed, simple and easy to understand."
Hachiman: "If that level is acceptable, I have a few more."
Rudolf: "Ah, I would love to hear them."
(Author's Note: Hachiman, you do realize you're the one bringing out that strength in them, right?)
-------------------------------
I've already uploaded 40 chapters of this story on Patreon!
If you enjoy it, come check out the latest chapters in advance.
Here's the link:
[pat*eon*com/DaoistRoeoNQ]
Thank you so much for your support!!!
"And If you're enjoying it, drop a Power Stone for me!"