Hachiman's POV
Hachiman: "…"
…Sorry, I'm kinda in the zone here. Cooking, can't take my hands off. One second of distraction, and it's ruined. Talk later, okay?
A Few Dozen Minutes Later
Hachiman: "Phew… Done. Just gotta cut it up to make it easy to eat. It's round, so I'll slice it into even pieces."
"Hey, Trainer-san, making something cute again? A treat for your girls?"
Hachiman: "Nah, not this time. I want someone who knows their stuff to try it. An Uma Musume who's a pro at this."
Lunch Break
Hachiman: "Hm… There you are. Flash, mind if I join you during lunch?"
Flash: "Trainer-san? I don't mind. What about you, Falcon-san?"
Falco: "Falco's cool with it~! So, Trainer-san, what's up? Looks like you've got business with Flash-san."
Hachiman: "Yeah, I made some sweets earlier. I want you to taste-test them, Flash, since you're the expert. I went with German desserts to make them easy for you to eat. Can you help?"
Flash: "Intriguing… I've heard your cooking is delicious. If I'm suitable, I'd love to assist."
Hachiman: "Sorry to bother you. Falcon, you eat too. I need a regular opinion as well."
Falco: "Really!? I can!?"
Hachiman: "You're taking time out for me, so it's only fair. Unless you're cutting weight…"
Falco: "Nope, all good♪"
Hachiman: "Cool. I'll bring them out after you eat."
Flash: "How many items are there?"
Hachiman: "Three. I've cut them up for easy eating, and it's not a ton of food, so don't worry."
Flash: "That's reassuring."
After Lunch
Flash: "Thank you for the meal."
Falco: "Thanks for the food♪ Flash-san, you ate fast today So excited for the sweets?"
Flash: "Yes, I won't deny it."
Hachiman: "That hungry, huh? I'll grab them now."
I was gonna bring them out one by one, but they're so eager, might as well do it all at once.
Hachiman: "Here you go. These are the sweets to taste-test."
Falco: "Wow, they look yummy♪"
Flash: "…Stollen, Sachertorte, and Bienenstich. Impressive quality. Did you make these alone, Trainer-san?"
Hachiman: "Yeah. I've got people in mind to eat them, but their feedback's unreliable. Your family runs a cake shop, right? You've got an eye for looks and taste. You're the perfect judge."
Flash: "I'm honored. To meet your expectations, I'll savor them thoroughly. Any order preference?"
Hachiman: "Nah, your call."
Flash: "Then, the Stollen first…" nom
Falco: "I'll dig in too… Mmm~!"
Flash: "…This is Quarkstollen, isn't it?"
Hachiman: "Knew you'd catch that. I used regular cheese instead of fresh quark, but it's pretty close."
Flash: "The dairy's mild tang and sweetness balance perfectly. It harmonizes with the dough without clashing… Wunderbar."
Falco: "I thought it tasted kinda cheesy, but… nom… yeah, it really does!"
Flash: "Yes, it's delicious. Next, the Bienenstich." nom
Falco: "Me too~!"
I'd love instant feedback, but I'll let them focus on eating.
Flash: "…This is excellent too. In Germany, Bienenstich has thick dough, but this is thin yet satisfying. The cream and nuts have a lovely sweetness."
Hachiman: "That Bienenstich is inspired by Florentins, so the dough's thin. You can eat it on the go without it falling apart."
Falco: "Falco loves this~♪"
Flash: "Indeed, the thinness makes it less crumbly. The nuts are neither too soft nor too hard—perfect. Wunderbar."
…What's she saying with that "Wunderbar"?
Flash: "Finally, the Sachertorte. It's beautiful… I saw it at camp, but the quality is stunning."
Hachiman: "Thanks. I put a lot into it. It's not German, though—hope you don't mind."
Flash: "Not at all. Let's try it…" nom
Hachiman: "…"
Flash: "Rich, in a word. Yet refined, not just heavy chocolate. It's so good I can't help closing my eyes to savor it. I feel your heart in it, Trainer-san."
Hachiman: "My heart?"
Flash: "Yes. It tastes… kind."
Hachiman: "That kind of feedback's too much…"
Flash: "Hehe, sorry."
Hachiman: "So, how were they?"
Flash: "Ahem. I tasted all three dishes you made. I have no critiques. My skills couldn't match this flavor or quality. Your sweets are exceptional."
Hachiman: "Got it… Hearing that from you makes me happy. Thanks."
Flash: "No, now I'm inspired to bake. Trainer-san, are you free today?"
Hachiman: "Yeah, I'm open."
Flash: "May I join you?"
Hachiman: "Sure, I've got extra ingredients."
With Flash's approval, these should be fine to serve publicly. Even if Sensei or the Professor show up, I'm good.
McQueen: "!? Why do I feel like I missed a golden opportunity…?"
Afterword
Grass Wonder (Flash) and Air Falcon (Falco) shine in this Yahari x Uma Musume side story, taste-testing Hachiman's German-inspired sweets! Mejiro McQueen's last-second regret adds a hilarious touch. Hachiman's baking skills impress, and Flash's expertise elevates the scene—perfect prep for the Fuji Kiseki arc!