Chairwoman Akikawa's Perspective
"WELCOME!" I boomed, projecting my voice to the far corners of the room. "I thank you all for gathering here on such short notice! GRATITUDE!"
Tojo-trainer adjusted her glasses, looking around the room. "Thank you, Chairwoman. But might I ask why we've been summoned? It seems everyone present here is a 'Team Leader'... Is there a specific reason for that?"
"ATTENTION!" I raised my fan. "I have a proposal I wish for you all to hear. It concerns Trainer Hikigaya, who joined our ranks just last year. Though he is only in his second year of service, his achievements are nothing short of miraculous! A G1 victory in his first year, followed by a Derby win in his second... these feats alone would be enough to distinguish him. HOWEVER! That is not all. His contributions extend far beyond his own trainee. As you all know, the growth of the uncontracted girls who participate in his sessions has been remarkable!"
I paused for effect, scanning their faces.
"THEREFORE! To keep him restricted to a single trainee is a waste of monumental proportions! I intend to allow him to manage multiple contracts! I have gathered you here to seek your candid professional opinions. Speak your minds!"
Hikigaya's roster expansion? Okino thought to himself, a smirk playing on his lips. Man, the answer to that one is a no-brainer.
Chairwoman... why even ask? Tojo mused. Did Hikigaya-kun try to talk his way out of it again?
Minamisaka-trainer was the first to speak. "I'm in favor. I've seen his potential firsthand. I've watched him manage sessions involving both his own trainee and several others simultaneously; he never seems flustered, nor does he lose his composure. He gives precise, individual advice to every girl on the track. I see no reason why he couldn't handle a larger roster."
"Glad to see we're on the same page!" Okino added, nodding. "I'm with Minamisaka. I think we should push for it. The trainer shortage isn't going away, and even if he doesn't form a full 'Team,' letting him take on more students is the right call."
The room hummed with agreement, but I knew I couldn't decide on a whim. I needed to hear the counterarguments.
"AND THE REST OF YOU?" I asked.
Kuronuma-trainer spoke up next, his voice measured. "I am... in favor, theoretically. But is this something that needs to be decided this second? Perhaps we could wait until the end of the year? I value Hikigaya's abilities highly—whether he manages a team or just a larger roster—but I'm not sure we need to rush this mid-season."
"I agree with Kuronuma," the Chief Trainer added. "More importantly, we have to consider the man's own will. No matter how effective his training is, if he doesn't have the desire to expand, the whole endeavor will be counterproductive."
"I concur," Tojo said. "We need to confirm his intentions first. Everything else should follow that conversation."
"I'm against it," Senior Trainer 1 interjected sharply. He was one of the veterans, often seen with the man who had insulted Hikigaya. "The long-term trainers who have been working for years won't accept this. No matter how talented he is, he's still a rookie. We shouldn't be playing favorites."
The Chief Trainer narrowed her eyes. "With all due respect, Senior 1, most of those 'long-term' trainers with small rosters are lucky to win an Open race, let alone a Graded stakes. Considering Hikigaya has already conquered the Derby, I find the 'favoritism' argument a bit hollow."
Senior 1 bristled. "Even so, Chief, this will breed resentment! If we decide this based solely on results, it suggests that the standards of every other trainer are somehow inferior."
"Oh? I'm not basing my opinion solely on his results," the Chief countered with a sharp smile. "Results matter, yes, but so do relationships. Hikigaya-trainer has built an incredible rapport with the students. Can we say the same for your protégé, Senior Trainer 2? From what I've seen, the rapport there is... lacking."
Senior 1 turned red. "This has nothing to do with him! Let's get back to the subject of Hikigaya."
"My mistake," the Chief said, though her tone suggested she didn't regret a thing.
Tojo hid a small smile behind her hand. Completely dismantled.
Finally, Nishimura-trainer—a veteran with thirty years of experience—spoke up, and the room went silent.
"How about this? It seems the majority of us Team Leaders are in favor. However, we should do our due diligence. First, speak to Hikigaya-kun. Second, consult a few other trainers outside this circle. And third—select ten students at random and ask for their honest opinion on the matter. If the consensus holds, we move forward. How does that sound?"
I felt a surge of respect. As expected of a thirty-year veteran; his words carried a weight that no one could argue with.
"DECIDED!" I shouted, bringing my fan down. "WE SHALL PROCEED AS NISHIMURA-TRAINER SUGGESTS! We will gather feedback from the trainers and the students alike. The final decision will rest upon those results! DISMISSED! I THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME!"
It wasn't going to be as simple as I'd hoped. I had wanted a quick resolution, but I knew I couldn't force it. Still, I wouldn't let this end here. For the sake of Trainer Hikigaya—and the future of the Academy—I will see this through!
Hachiman's Perspective
"Ugh...!" I suddenly shuddered, a violent chill racing down my spine.
Rudolf stopped in her tracks, looking at me with concern. "Hm? Is something the matter, Brother?"
"I don't know..." I rubbed my arms, trying to shake the feeling. "I just got this sudden, ominous chill. Like my survival instincts are screaming at me. Is someone talking about me?"
C.B. giggled, leaning against my shoulder. "Hachiman, people say that about sneezing, not shivering!"
"It's getting a little colder lately, Onii-sama," Rice said softly, looking up at me. "Maybe it wasn't just your imagination. Please be careful not to catch a cold."
I looked at the small, worried girl and felt a tiny bit of my soul heal. "I think Rice is the only person on my side in this whole school..."
"Hey! I'm on your side too!" C.B. protested, grabbing my hand. "Are you cold? Do you want to hold hands? Or I could just hug your arm? I'm way warmer than a heat pack!"
"You're just desperate for an excuse, aren't you...?"
While Hachiman remains in the dark, the gears of the Academy are grinding toward a major change.
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