Hachiman's Perspective
Well, here I am, late at night, in the Tracen Academy gymnasium. The reason isn't for overtime work, a test of courage, or even self-training. Besides, a large number of Umamusume are also in this gymnasium. The real reason is... to cheer on CB in the Irish Derby.
Having won the 2,000 Guineas last time, CB is now running in the Derby, the second leg of her Irish Triple Crown bid. There wasn't this kind of mass support for the previous 2,000 Guineas, but when a Triple Crown is on the line, it's a different story. Even from a distant land, support should become strength.
Rudolf: "For so many Umamusume, trainers, and reporters to gather all at once like this... It's all thanks to you, Hachiman-kun. The fact that so many have gathered is solely a testament to your influence."
Hachiman: "It's not mine. It's CB's, isn't it?"
Rudolf: "Indeed, CB's strength is certainly a factor. But without your influence, this wouldn't have happened. Even so, I am very grateful to you."
Hachiman: "You're welcome."
???: "Hmph, the Emperor still dotes on that guy, eh? Going to all this trouble even at night."
Rudolf: "Sirius, you came too."
Sirius: "CB's running overseas. And it's an overseas Derby at that; there's no way I wouldn't watch it."
Hachiman: "What, are you interested in overseas races?"
Sirius: "None of your business. But if you were to become my trainer, I might tell you. How about it?"
Hachiman: "Heh, sorry, but I don't have any openings right now, so I'll decline."
Sirius: "Hmph, figured. But I'm grateful to you. I hear you're looking after those without trainers."
Rudolf: "Thanks to Hachiman-kun, many students have had trainers assigned to them. I, too, am grateful."
I heard they don't get along, but they seem to be in sync...
Sirius: "The Emperor, always spouting ideals, wouldn't understand. You guys, who live in the sunlight, wouldn't even notice those shadowy figures, so you wouldn't get it."
Rudolf: "I don't know who you're referring to as 'shadowy figures,' but I don't recall ever neglecting the academy's students, do I? Is that your mistake?"
Yep, they definitely don't get along. "Cats and dogs" is a perfect description for these two.
Hachiman: "That's enough, you two. You didn't come here to fight, did you? If you want to fight, take it outside. Don't raise such voices at a cheering event."
Sirius: "...Hmph, it's just a verbal spat. No need for such an exaggerated reaction."
With that, Sirius left the scene.
Rudolf: "...My apologies, Hachiman-kun. I seem to have gotten a little emotional."
Hachiman: "No, it's fine. More importantly, it's almost time. Don't you have some work to do?"
Rudolf: "Isn't that true for you as well?"
Hachiman: "We're both busy, aren't we?"
--- Race Start Time ---
Commentator: "And now, here at Curragh Racecourse, the start time for today's main race, the Irish Derby, is fast approaching! Standing firm in this European, Irish land is the Japanese warrior, Mr. CB!! Bearing the epithet 'Ten'i Muhō,' she challenges for her second crown!! She is supported as the third favorite in this Derby!!!"
"Hikigaya Trainer, how does Mr. CB look from here?"
"Do you think she has a chance to win this time!?"
"Hikigaya Trainer, the distance has increased to 2400m, are there any concerns?"
It's a barrage of questions. I want to watch, but these reporters won't leave me alone. Besides, I'm not watching live, so how could I know CB's condition? Well, I did call her beforehand, and I call her several times a week, so I have a general idea of her condition. In fact, I called her yesterday. She seemed normal.
Commentator: "And now, the favorite for this race, Lutin D'Arque, makes her appearance!! She's a 2400m specialist who has won the French and British Derbies, and there are high hopes for her to achieve the Triple Crown!! Following her is the second favorite, Guinee Seeds!! The winner of the Irish 1,000 Guineas, this race is likely a stepping stone towards the Irish Oaks! And here she comes, here she comes, our very own Japanese Mr. CB!! Can she demonstrate the power that effortlessly won her the Irish 2,000 Guineas in the Derby as well!?"
CB was waving widely to the local fans, all while flashing a smile. The first and second favorite Umamusume weren't even looking at the fans, let alone smiling. Perhaps they were just focused on the race. Or perhaps they were displeased with CB smiling while in a foreign land?
Hachiman: "CB is as usual, huh. Her condition is the same as before. No abnormalities in her legs, so this should be enough. She's run 2400m many times in training, so her aptitude isn't an issue. All that's left is... whether she can win on this grand stage."
Air Groove: "Ah, especially the first favorite Umamusume is a formidable opponent. Having won two country's Derbies, she's not someone to be underestimated. She will undoubtedly be Senior CB's greatest rival."
Hachiman: "Yeah, she will."
Next time, the Irish Derby!!
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