Hachiman's POV
"Hmm… If we run Rice in the Saint Lite Kinen next, and focus entirely on stamina training until then… the real problem is the interval leading up to the Kikuka-sho. How should I handle the training during that specific gap? Bourbon is likely heading to the Kobe Shimbun Hai—she'll want to run at Kyoto, the same venue as the final leg—but I can't afford to let them clash just yet."
Even in the thick of summer camp, my head is a mess of logistics. I've already decided on her next race, but it's the how of the journey that's bothering me. I'm currently cycling through every possible permutation of her training menu.
The Saint Lite Kinen is roughly a month before the Kikuka-sho. What do I do with those four weeks? If I just focus on "tuning," her condition will be perfect, but I worry she won't have that raw, explosive power when she needs it. Of course, if I push her too hard, the opposite happens—she'll be strong but exhausted.
"...Forget it. I need to get out of here for a second. Staring at these walls is starting to choke me."
— The Beach —
"Phew…"
The Kikuka-sho… the final stage of the Triple Crown. We've finally reached the arena where Rice can truly unleash her maximum potential. I can't let her lose there. Not after everything. Plus, I want to settle the score with Bourbon. Our current record is two races: one loss, one draw. If we don't win this next one, I'll never feel like we've truly evened the scales.
"....."
"Yo, 'Onii-sama.' What's with the long face?" a boisterous voice called out. "Brooding out here all by yourself—got something on your mind?"
"Trainer Okino…" I muttered, looking over my shoulder at the Spica Team lead.
"Spill it. What's the matter?"
"...It's about Rice's future. I'm planning to take her from the Saint Lite Kinen straight to the Kikuka-sho, but… actually, let me ask you something, Okino-san. How did you handle Mejiro McQueen's training? Her interval from the Arashiyama Stakes was almost identical to the gap I'm looking at. What did you have her do?"
"I see…" Okino said, his playful grin softening into something more professional. "Basically, you're stuck on the specifics of the training menu, huh?"
"Something like that."
"Man, I never thought I'd see the day you actually came to me for advice. I've gotta say, it feels great! Finally getting to do something 'senior-like' for once!"
"...I'm glad I could make your day," I deadpanned.
"Alright, look. To be honest? After McQueen finished the Arashiyama, I put her through hell on stamina drills. I had the advantage of a full team, though. With Special Week and Gold Ship around, I had the perfect pacing partners for her. Well… Gold Ship was more about keeping McQueen's motivation from tanking than actual pacing, but you get the idea."
"I see. Stamina and motivation…"
"Exactly. I've got a whole squad, so I can afford to play those cards. For a guy like you who isn't running a team yet, it might be a bit of a steep climb."
"I'll find a way," I replied. "If I have to, I'll just lure your McQueen over to my side with some high-end sweets."
"Hey! Don't you dare…"
"I'm kidding. But thank you, it's helpful. I appreciate it."
Stamina and motivation. Both are essential. If I can find someone to run alongside her, someone who can keep up with her pace, that would solve the problem. But who? Ideally, it would be someone with a similar long-distance aptitude to Rice's.
"Well, if you hit another wall, just say the word," Okino said, giving me a thumbs-up. "I'm always happy to help out a cute junior."
"I'll hold you to that, Senpai."
"You bet. See ya, Hikigaya."
I watched him walk off. Focus on stamina… yeah, that's the right call, especially with next year's goals in mind. But I can't get ahead of myself. First things first: I need a pacing partner for Rice. Someone fast. Someone relentless.
Who could—?
"...You. What are you doing out here?"
I blinked. Narita Brian was standing a few feet away, her arms crossed, looking out at the surf.
"Brian? Oh. Just clearing my head. I was watching the waves to cool off."
"...I didn't think you were the type for that."
"I have my moments. What about you? On patrol?"
"Yeah."
"I see…"
Wait. A thought struck me like a lightning bolt. Brian has incredible long-distance aptitude. She's a powerhouse with a hunger for competition. Isn't this the perfect chance to snag the ultimate pacing partner?
"Hey, Brian. I've got a favor to ask. Do you have a minute to just listen?"
"...I'm listening. That's all."
"My trainee is heading for the Kikuka-sho if she clears her next race. I'm looking for someone to act as her pacing partner during that final stretch. If you're available… would you be willing to do it?"
"...Your trainee. That would be Rice Shower, wouldn't it?"
"Yeah. What do you say?"
Brian went silent, her eyes narrowing as she stared out at the horizon. "...A sparring session with the girl who won this year's Derby? Hmph. My blood is already starting to boil."
"...Is that a yes?"
"...Very well. I'll help you."
"Really? You're okay with that?"
"Yeah. But only after her next race is finished, understood? That's when we start."
"Got it. I appreciate it, Brian."
"...I'll keep it in the back of my mind. Just call for me when the time comes."
Damn, was Brian always this cool?
"Thanks," I said, feeling a weight lift off my chest. "As a thanks, I'll provide you with one of my home-cooked meals once a week. It'll be the same menu I make for Rice, but I'll make sure it's high-quality."
Brian's ears flicked. "Oh? And will there be meat?"
"...I'll make sure there's meat on the days I serve you."
"Good," Brian said with a sharp, satisfied nod. "Then we have a deal."
I've done it. I just secured the most elite pacing partner in the academy. With Brian pushing her, Rice will be more than ready for the Kikuka-sho. I just have to make sure I don't miss a single detail from here on out.
The deal is struck! Rice Shower's training partner: Narita Brian!
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