Hachiman's Perspective
Three days had passed since we returned from the summer training camp, and Rice and I had fallen back into our usual routine.
Well, "usual" might be a stretch. As expected, our resident "freeloader" Uma Musume, Mr. C.B., had practically made herself a permanent fixture in our sessions. I didn't mind, really—in fact, having a partner of her caliber was an objective benefit—but I did wonder why she kept showing up day after day. Weren't "free spirits" supposed to, you know, value their freedom?
Then again, training with just Rice can get a bit quiet, so I suppose I'm just as much to blame for letting her stick around. Still, she only shows up two or three times a week with mandatory rest days in between. If she started coming every day, we'd have a problem on our hands.
"Man, I'm still reeling!" C.B. chirped, stretching her arms behind her head. "Hachiman, I had no idea you could cook like that. Those dishes at the camp were incredible!"
"That was a special occasion," I replied. "A reward for hard work. Don't expect five-star service on the regular. Though... maybe if Rice wins another G1, I'll consider whipping something up."
Rice's eyes sparkled. "R-really? Honestly, Onii-sama, anything you make is delicious. I'll eat every last bite, no matter what it is!"
C.B. leaned in, her eyes wide and pleading. "Hey, Hachiman, why don't you make something for me as a trial run? Come to think of it, I've never actually tasted your cooking!"
"I'll consider a rice ball and a side of pickled radish," I said flatly.
"This isn't a school field trip! I need more protein than that!"
Rice looked between us, her expression softening into that earnest, helpful look of hers. "Um, Onii-sama... C.B.-san has been such a big help training with me. Maybe we could make her something as a thank you? Like the lunches you make for me..."
"Rice..." C.B. whispered, her eyes beginning to well up with theatrical emotion.
"I could," I conceded, "but think about the consequences. If word gets out that I'm paying training partners in gourmet lunches, we'll be swamped. Today it's just C.B.; tomorrow there'll be a line of five others waiting to join the session."
Rice's soft expression vanished instantly, replaced by a polite, terrifyingly sharp smile. "I'm so sorry, C.B.-san. We can't have that."
"I won't tell anyone! I swear!" C.B. barked, desperate. "If I blab, not only will Hachiman be mad, but I'll lose my lunch privileges before I even get them!"
She was certainly motivated. Though, for the record, I never actually agreed to feed her.
—After Training—
"Phew! Another day, another dollar," C.B. sighed contentedly. "Seriously, Hachiman, training with you is actually fun."
"Glad you think so. This might be a dumb question, but... haven't you picked a trainer yet?"
C.B. suddenly lunged forward, getting right in my personal space. "I keep telling the school to just add me as your official sub-contracted trainee, but they won't budge! Can you believe that? It makes zero sense!"
"Don't look at me, I don't run the office... Hm?"
Rice tilted her head. "Is something wrong, Onii-sama?"
"No... just a feeling."
C.B. followed my gaze. "Oh. Her again."
Standing a short distance away was 'Senior Trainer B.' He was the same man who hadn't just looked down on me, but had the audacity to insult my teacher. Word on the street was that his primary Uma Musume had recently broken off her contract. I didn't care enough to ask for the details, but it was obvious he was scouting for a replacement—and he had his sights set on C.B.
It wasn't the first time I'd caught him watching us. Or rather, glaring.
The man eventually turned on his heel and stomped away.
"If he has something to say, he should just say it," C.B. huffed, crossing her arms. "That's the guy, right? The one who insulted you and the Professor? It's honestly pathetic. Imagine being a grown adult and taking your own failures out on a junior out of pure spite. So immature!"
"He's probably targeting you for a contract," I noted.
"Ew, Hachiman, don't even joke about that!"
"I'm not joking. Have you already forgotten the face of the guy who tried to scout you last week?"
Rice went pale. "O-oh... so it was him."
I noticed Rice looking a bit fidgety. She seemed to be glancing between me and C.B. with a worried expression, like she was holding her breath.
"Hachiman!" C.B. suddenly grabbed my arm, looking genuinely panicked. "You have to do something! Scout me officially, right now! If you don't, I'm going to get stalked by that guy!"
"Calm down, you original stalker," I said, trying to pry her off. "You'll be fine for now... but we should be careful. C.B., don't go wandering around the campus alone. Stick to groups."
"Got it! I'm counting on you, Hachiman!"
"I meant stick with other students... Why am I your first line of defense?"
C.B. gave me a playful wink. "What's the harm? Protect me, big brother! Please?"
"Good grief... you're a very high-maintenance 'little sister.'"
I hoped it wouldn't come to anything. But a man who speaks that way about other trainers is rarely a gentleman toward the girls. A few precautions couldn't hurt.
However... something was bothering me.
"By the way, C.B.?" I said, my voice dropping an octave. "I couldn't help but overhear something interesting just now. You mentioned that guy insulted me and my teacher. That's funny... because I'm fairly certain I only told one person about that particular incident. So... care to explain how you knew?"
I flashed her my most "pleasant" smile.
C.B.'s face went through a fascinating transformation. "Eh? ...Ah... uh... well... you see..."
Cold sweat began to bead on her forehead.
Bingo. Just like the situation with the Mejiro family, there was a secret being kept from me.
"You're going to tell me everything, right?" I asked, my smile widening.
"Y-YES SIR!" she squeaked, snapping to attention.
Rice's ears drooped sadly. I knew this was going to happen... she thought. I guess I'm going to get lectured too...
I began walking back to the clubroom with a trembling C.B. in tow to get the full story. For some reason, Rice followed along, looking like a puppy that knew it had chewed up a slipper.
"It was an accident! A total accident!" C.B. wailed as we reached the room. "I didn't do anything wrong, I swear!"
"Don't worry, don't worry. I just want to hear the story," I said, still wearing that polite mask.
"That face! That's the scary face! You're smiling way too much! It's terrifying!"
"C-C.B.-san..." Rice whispered, her ears still flat against her head. "It's okay... Rice will get in trouble with you..."
Rice Shower and Mr. C.B. have been cornered by Hachiman's "Trainer Smile"!
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