Hachiman's POV
It's early April, cherry blossoms in full bloom—entrance ceremony time. New students are pouring in, and who knows, there might be a hidden gem among them. But let's be real, me loitering here screams "suspicious guy." Unlike last year, I planned ahead to avoid getting roped into helping, so I'm free all morning. Well, training starts this afternoon, though.
Time to slip away… Hm?
"Psst, isn't that the trainer?!" whisper
"Yup, the 'Heaven's Eye' Trainer!!" whisper
"Maybe he's scouting us!" whisper
"So nervous…!" whisper
…They're whispering and staring at me. With my creepy eyes, no wonder they're weirded out. Guess I'll head back to the trainer's room. I'm free anyway.
Air Groove: "Hachiman, you're here."
Hachiman: "? Air Groove, what's up?"
Air Groove: "Nothing specific. Fuji mentioned you were watching the new students at the gate last year too. Just checking—you're not doing that race thing again, right?"
Hachiman: "Hell no. I got dragged into that mess last year and turned into the prize."
Air Groove: "Heh, kidding."
Hachiman: "Stop, my heart can't take it…"
Fuji: "Oh my, what's up with you two? Checking out the new pony-chans?"
Hachiman: "Nah, just talking about last year."
Fuji: "Ohh, that mock race? That was fun♪"
Please, no repeat of that this year. With races coming up, I can't let these two get caught up in something like that.
"Wow, they're all here!" whisper
"Yeah, Trainer Hikigaya, Air Groove-senpai, and Fuji Kiseki-senpai!! The hottest trainer and Uma Musume right now!!" whisper
"I wanna be his trainee and run with those two!" whisper
Ugh, more whispering.
Fuji: "Hehe, you're such a star, Hachiman Trainer-san♪"
Hachiman: "You think that after seeing this?"
Air Groove: "You didn't hear? I caught bits, but they were talking about us and wanting to be your trainee."
Hachiman: "Really?"
Fuji: "Your rep among Uma Musume is stellar. Only someone who doesn't get you would badmouth you. I can't fathom why anyone would trash such a great trainer."
Air Groove: "Exactly. Not one bit of it makes sense. Those who can only prove themselves by slandering others are just small-minded."
Hachiman: "…You two, something happen recently?"
Fuji/Air Groove: "…Nothing."
Hachiman: "?"
Fuji (There was something, alright! People mocking Hachiman Trainer-san, so I had to say it! I couldn't let it slide!)
Air Groove (Hachiman, you probably know but won't say. My standards aren't that low. No one insults my trainer and gets away with it.)
Hachiman: "…If you say so. Vice-president, shouldn't you be somewhere else? What about your duties?"
Air Groove: "Just the ceremony proceedings later, so I'm free until then. I decided to stick with you."
Hachiman: "O-Okay…"
Fuji: "I'm free too, so I'll hang with Trainer-san♪ Training's later, and the new pony-chans won't settle into the dorms for a bit."
Hachiman: "R-Right…"
CB: "Yo, Hachiman♪ Team Hachiman's all here! Lemme join!" hugs arm
CB strolls up from the academy side and, as usual, clings to my arm. Why does she always do this? Four years at Tresen, and it's still a mystery.
Air Groove: "CB-senpai, isn't that a bit much in front of the new students?"
CB: "It's fine~♪"
Fuji: "CB-senpai's the same as ever~."
Hachiman: "Let go."
CB: "Nope♪"
Yup, exactly the response I expected.
CB: "So, Hachiman, no mock race this year? Like last year's?"
Hachiman: "Nah, not happening. Why'd we even do that race again?"
Air Groove: "…It was for a date with you, right? If we're holding one this year, I'm in."
Hachiman: "No way. You've got Osaka Hai this week. Why risk going all-out before the race?"
Air Groove: "Tch… Fair point."
CB: "Heh~ Then maybe it's my turn? Hachiman, wanna date me?"
Fuji: "Then I'll sign up too. I'd love a date with Hachiman Trainer-san. What do you say?"
Hachiman: "Don't ask me… And you're out too, Fuji. You're in the middle of intense training. I'm not letting you risk your legs."
Fuji: "Aw, it sounded fun…"
Phew… Thank god we dodged a repeat of last year.
Afterword
No date race this year, thankfully! This Yahari x Uma Musume chapter in Fuji Kiseki's arc captures the buzz of the entrance ceremony, Hachiman's unwanted fame, and the team's loyalty amid whispers and CB's chaos. With Osaka Hai and Satsuki Sho looming, the stakes are high!
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