Hachiman's Perspective
"I see... so it was Air Groove after all," I sighed. "I suppose it makes sense. She was probably looking out for the safety of the students. No matter how much technique or knowledge a trainer has, no one wants to learn from a guy like that. So? Anything else you're hiding?"
C.B. looked down, her usual energy dampened. "No... that's everything."
"Rice doesn't have anything else either..."
I paused, looking at the small girl standing beside the legendary racer. "...Rice, can I ask you something?"
"Y-yes?"
"Why exactly did you come all the way back here? I only intended to question C.B. regarding the leak."
Rice fiddled with the hem of her skirt. "B-because Rice was keeping secrets from Onii-sama too. I thought... if you were going to be angry, I wanted us to be in trouble together."
...Good grief. If I had a little angel and a little devil sitting on my shoulders right now, both of them would be waving white flags and giving Rice a pass. How is she this good of a girl? What kind of upbringing results in a soul this pure?
(Internal Dialogue: I forgive everything!! I shall show no mercy to anyone who harms this precious child!)
"Look, I'm not angry, so relax," I said, trying to soften my voice. "I never had any intention of scolding you; I was just curious how C.B. found out about that incident. Rice, you can head back for now. C.B., you're coming with me."
C.B. blinked. "Eh? Where to?"
"Where do you think? The Student Council room."
—The Student Council Office—
Alright, we're here. I just hope someone is actually inside...
Knock, knock, knock.
"Come in," Rudolf's voice rang out from the other side.
I pushed the door open. "Pardon the intrusion, Rudolf."
"Oh, Brother? How rare for you to visit me here," Rudolf said, her expression softening into a small smile. "Did something happen?"
"Actually... yeah. Come here, you." I nudged C.B. forward.
"H-hey there, Rudolf..." C.B. waved awkwardly.
"I managed to get a very interesting story out of C.B. here," I said, leaning against the doorframe. "And now I'd like an explanation. I want to know why a private conversation between trainers has managed to spread to the entire student body."
Rudolf went still for a moment. "...So, you found out."
"Don't worry. I'm not here to yell at you."
Air Groove, who was standing by the window, spoke up. "Forgive us. It started with me. I sought counsel from Narita Brian, and it spiraled from there. Please, do not place the blame on the President."
"I told you, I'm not looking for a scapegoat," I replied. "I just want the facts. That's all."
"I understand," Air Groove said with a nod. "It began like this..."
And so, sipping on a cup of tea provided by the Council, I listened to their explanation. Honestly, I was stunned. To think the entire rumor mill started simply because they were offended on my behalf...
"I get the gist of it," I said after they finished. "But using me as the catalyst for a student-wide information blackout? Isn't that a bit much?"
"It is a more than sufficient reason," Rudolf said firmly.
"Exactly!" C.B. chimed in, regaining her spirit. "We won't stand for anyone talking trash about our 'big brother'! Also, Rudolf, that creepy trainer is basically stalking me now. Tell the Chairwoman to increase Hachiman's official trainee slots so he can protect me!"
Rudolf's brow furrowed. "Stalking? What do you mean?"
"The guy who insulted me is apparently eyeing C.B. as his next trainee," I explained. "He's been following us during training lately. It's becoming a nuisance."
"I see..." Rudolf mused. "Though I can't help but feel there's a bit of personal bias in your request, C.B."
"Well, duh!" C.B. snapped, stepping forward. "You know better than anyone how badly I want to be Hachiman's official student!"
...Wow. Hearing her say it so bluntly was actually a bit overwhelming.
"The man has a terrible reputation among the students regardless," Air Groove added. "His former trainee testified that he was constantly finding petty faults in her performance."
"So she really did quit," I said. "Is anyone actually still signed with him?"
"There are those who feel they have no choice," Air Groove explained. "With the trainer shortage, many fear that if they break their contract, they'll never find another and their racing careers will end. It's a tragedy, but a common one."
"I figured as much..."
Rudolf looked at me intently. "Brother, may I make a suggestion to the Chairwoman? Regarding an increase in your roster limit?"
"Don't you dare," I sighed. "That's just your personal bias talking too, isn't it?"
Rudolf gave me a look of perfect innocence. "To borrow C.B.'s phrase: well, duh."
...Of course.
"Just drop it," I insisted. "If you do that, it'll cause an even bigger scene than we have now. Besides, that other trainer will—"
BAM! BAM! BAM!
"CONFIRMATION!!" a loud, boisterous voice shouted from the hallway. "IS ANYONE WITHIN?!"
"Chairwoman Akikawa?" Rudolf called out. "Please, enter."
The door flew open. "EXCUSE ME! Oh, Trainer Hikigaya! Good to see you! Your hard work is most appreciated!!"
"Uh, thanks..." I mumbled.
"Chairwoman, what brings you here in such a hurry?" Rudolf asked.
"LUCK!" Akikawa declared. "It is most fortuitous that Trainer Hikigaya is present!"
Wait, why do I have a bad feeling about this?
"PROPOSAL!" Akikawa announced, pointing a fan at me. "President Symboli Rudolf! Trainer Hikigaya, though a newcomer last year, has achieved monumental success from his first day to the present! THEREFORE! I wish to increase his trainee quota! I ask you, as the head of the students: What say you?!"
...Are you kidding me? She's really doing this right here, right now?
"The Chairwoman is exactly right," Rudolf said, her voice smooth as silk. "Trainer Hikigaya—my brother—is exceptionally talented. The proof lies in the fact that everyone in this room is desperate to join his roster. We were just discussing the matter, but he was being quite stubborn and refused... It's truly a shame. We all simply wish to be guided by a trainer who is as skilled as he is caring."
"QUESTION!!" Akikawa rounded on me. "Trainer Hikigaya! Why would you reject such a development?!"
"Well... it's just that if I get a roster increase while senior trainers are still struggling, it'll cause friction. I thought I should wait a bit longer—"
"FUTILE!!" Akikawa cut me off.
"Eh?"
"WE SUFFER A CHRONIC SHORTAGE OF TRAINERS! TO LET TALENT LIKE YOURS SIT IDLE IS A CRIME AGAINST THE SPORT! President Rudolf, we shall move forward with the expansion of Trainer Hikigaya's roster! I shall consult with the team-founding trainers immediately! UNTIL THEN, WAIT IN ANTICIPATION!"
"Understood, Chairwoman," Rudolf replied with a victorious glint in her eyes.
"EXCELLENT!! Trainer Hikigaya, prepare your heart!! EXCUSE ME!!"
With that, she vanished as quickly as she had arrived.
This can't be happening. I came here to clear up a rumor, and I'm leaving with a promotion I never wanted. Why does my life always go in the opposite direction of 'peace and quiet'?
And you three... stop looking at me with those sparkly eyes. I'm not recruiting any of you yet!
He went to settle a dispute and came back with a bigger job... Hachiman's roster expansion is officially in motion!
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