Hachiman's Perspective
Hachiman: "..."
Taliato: "..."
Man o' War: "M-mmh..."
Hachiman: "...Sensei, Professor, I think you both have a general idea of what I'm about to say... What on earth have you done, honestly?"
Taliato: "No, well... My apologies. I got a little too carried away for the first time in a while."
Man o' War: "N-no, Hachiman! We never imagined it would turn out like that—"
Hachiman: "It's the same for me, which is why I'm saying this."
Man o' War: "U-um..."
Hachiman: "Because have you seen these articles? They're writing unbelievable things! The race evaluations are one thing, but the content..."
"The Return of the [Big Red]!! Wing Arrow, never relinquishing the lead, dominates by a staggering 15 lengths!!"
"This is a debut race!!? It's like a battle between a Senior and a Junior!! Wing Arrow's astonishing debut victory!!"
"Otherworldly Running!! Has the soul of the [Big Red] possessed her!! Wing Arrow's flawless victory by 15 lengths!!"
Hachiman: "I've seen various articles... and every single one of them is ignoring the graded races to write about Arrow's debut! This situation is abnormal."
Taliato: "...Even though I told her to run as she pleased, I never expected Arrow to run so boldly. She led from the start, and she still stretched well at the end. Hmm... Master, did we perhaps overdo it?"
Man o' War: "U-um... I suppose so."
Hachiman: "I was surprised when I heard Arrow's comments after she came back. What do you think she said? 'Everyone was too slow.' Apparently, she initially intended to be a closer, but the pace Sensei set was overwhelmingly too slow for her, so she took the lead herself. I did observe the training, but you're not going to tell me that pace was the benchmark, are you?"
Man o' War: "N-no, Hachiman!! Don't lump us in with Arrow! Arrow is normal! It's just that we have superior cardiopulmonary function compared to ordinary Umamusume!"
Then why did you "demonic remodel" Arrow so much? It's been a year, right? Six months of my careful nurturing, and six months of being trained by the two of you, and the result is an astonishing life form!? It was her debut race, you know? What kind of debut race is a landslide victory by 15 lengths!?
Hachiman: "Anyway, she won her debut race, so that's good, but we need to think about her future. In Japan, there's only one graded dirt race for juniors, so it'll be a boring year for Arrow. We need to seriously consider challenging G1 races in America."
Taliato: "Hmm, in America, there are many dirt races for juniors. If Arrow were to challenge, the American Pharoah Stakes, Champagne Stakes, Breeders' Futurity, and the BC Juvenile on BC Day would be appropriate."
Hachiman: "All G1 races, huh... Are there any other graded races? Just a debut race isn't enough, so I'd like her to gain a little more experience if possible."
Man o' War: "But Hachiman, while there are many dirt races for juniors in America, many of them don't suit Arrow's distance aptitude."
Hachiman: "...Then let's aim for those races. But it would still be better to win an Open class race in Japan first, so we'll enter the BSN Stakes in August. After that, we'll decide which races to target while consulting with Arrow."
Man o' War: "I see. Well, the future is up to you, Hachiman, as her trainer. You should decide after consulting with Arrow. Don't make the wrong judgment."
Hachiman: "Yes."
Taliato: "Alright, then next. Last year, it seems you spent the summer at the academy instead of participating in the training camp, but what about this year? Will you participate in the camp after all?"
Hachiman: "Yes, I plan to participate this year."
Taliato: "Hmm... In that case, Hachiman, I would like us to participate in that camp as well. Not as your sub-trainers, but as trainers for unassigned Umamusume."
Hachiman: "I don't mind, but I'll have to talk to the Director. Though I think there'll only be one answer."
Taliato: "Then Hachiman, would you be willing to negotiate with the Director on our behalf regarding our participation?"
Hachiman: "Yes, it's an easy task."
Taliato: "I'm counting on you. Now, it's about time you headed to the academy. It's a good hour."
Hachiman: "You're right. Well then, I'll be going."
Alright, time to do my best today too.
--- In front of the Director's Office ---
Knock knock knock
Akikawa: "Welcome! You may enter!"
Hachiman: "Excuse me."
Akikawa: "Oh, Hikigaya Trainer!! How good of you to come! Then, once again... Welcome!!"
Tazuna: "Good morning, Hachiman Trainer."
Hachiman: "Good morning. I apologize for coming so early; I have a pressing request."
Tazuna: "A request, you say?"
Hachiman: "Yes. It's about the summer training camp scheduled for July. My team and I plan to attend this year's summer camp. I've already completed the necessary procedures. However, my mentors, Secretariat and Man o' War, have requested to participate in the form of observing training for unassigned Umamusume only. Would you kindly grant permission?"
Akikawa: "Permission!! That would be extremely beneficial! And to have your mentors personally oversee training, nothing could be more reassuring! We should be the ones asking you for this!"
Hachiman: ([She] gave an immediate answer, as expected.) "Thank you very much. I will inform my mentors. Oh, and if possible, I'd like you to recruit applicants who wish to be mentored by them. Let's say... around 10 people."
Akikawa: "Understood!! If it's something of that scale, leave it to me—"
Hachiman: "I should warn you, please don't use posters or giant posters for recruitment. Please recruit by making something like a box, or by placing paper and pens for a first-come, first-served system."
Akikawa: "I-I understand... I-I don't want my cheek pinched again."
Tazuna: "Hehehe ♪"
She's been through it twice before. Well, it's her own fault, so it's fine.
Arrow, unexpectedly "demonic remodeled."
Sensei and Professor to participate in the summer training camp!!
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