Hachiman's Perspective
Alright, that makes two crowns in Ireland. But CB really does have incredible speed. Even after using so much energy, she still extends in the straight... No, honestly, I'm truly impressed. Glad she's not my rival.
Fuji: "You did it, Hachiman-san!! Senior CB achieved her second crown! Only one more to go, right?"
Hachiman: "Yeah, the Irish St. Leger... only the long-distance 2800m remains. If she wins that, CB will join the ranks of Triple Crown Umamusume."
Fuji: "And since it's an overseas Triple Crown Umamusume, her prestige might even surpass mine, Brian's, or Air Groove's, don't you think? What's your take on that?"
Hachiman: "She's achieving results in a different country from where she's based, so the level of attention will likely be somewhat different. But ultimately, it's up to the public to decide."
♪♪
It must be CB. Calling right after it's over... she probably still has interviews and stuff.
Hachiman: "Hello? "Hachiman~!! I won the Derby! That's two now~!!" ...CB, I know you're happy, but don't do that now. You probably still have interviews or something. Besides, let me at least say congratulations."
CB: "Because I wanted to report it to Hachiman quickly! Oh, and the academy everyone cheered for me in the gymnasium today, right?"
Hachiman: "Yeah, that's right."
Fuji: "Everyone rushed to cheer for Senior CB. Not everyone, but many did."
CB: "Yeah, yeah, thanks to everyone, I was able to win again. Please tell them I said thank you."
Hachiman: "Alright, got it."
Fuji: "I'll relay the message."
CB: "Oh, Hachiman! For the reward, now it's two—"
Reporter: "Mr. CB, it's time for your interview!"
CB: "Oh, is it already that time?! I see... !! Hey, hey, can my trainer also participate in the interview?"
Reporter: "...Huh?"
Fuji: "...Huh?"
Hachiman: "...Huh?"
...Huh?
Reporter: "Trainer... do you mean the rumored Hachiman Hikigaya, 'clairvoyant'!?"
CB: "That's right, that's right! Right? Hachiman, it's fine, isn't it?"
Reporter: "We would very much appreciate it as well!"
Hachiman: "Hey, at this rate, I can't refuse. And this is a live broadcast, so my face will be revealed... What have you done?"
Haaah... Seriously?
Fuji: "Ahaha... Hachiman-san, don't mind."
Hachiman: "That's no consolation... I'll go to a well-lit area; I think the camera quality will be bad here."
Fuji: "Okay... Oh, Hachiman-san. I think you should wear these."
Fuji handed me glasses. That's right, I should make myself look a little presentable.
--- A few minutes later ---
Reporter: "The winner of the Irish Derby, Mr. CB! Congratulations!!"
CB: "Thank you very much ♪"
Reporter: "Achieving two crowns here in Ireland, so far from Japan, how do you feel?"
CB: "Hmm... I'm not thinking about it too deeply, but once I decided to run this route, I wanted to make it an enjoyable race. And since I achieved results, I'm very happy ♪"
Reporter: "What was your strategy for today's race?"
CB: "Hachiman and I... oh, my trainer and I, decided to go for a closer finish as usual, and I was told I could decide everything else myself while watching the race, so there wasn't really a specific strategy."
Well, that's true. She's not lying.
CB: "Then let's ask him directly! This is Hachiman, my trainer~!"
Hachiman: "CB..."
Reporter: "Oh, you are the rumored 'clairvoyant'... Then, we will begin the interview immediately!"
...I can hear shouts of surprise from the gymnasium, but I'll ignore it for now.
Reporter: "We just heard from Mr. CB that you didn't give any specific instructions other than to close the race. Is that true?"
Hachiman: "Yes, it's true. I was confident that with CB's speed, she wouldn't fail to catch up to the front. In fact, she overtook them in both the Derby and the 2,000 Guineas."
Reporter: "Are you planning to enter the Irish St. Leger, the third crown, next?"
Hachiman: "That's the plan; achieving the Triple Crown is our goal. So, I plan to return to Japan once, and then approach the main event in perfect condition. It's a period that feels long yet short, so I'll ensure there are no mistakes in our adjustments."
Reporter: "Thank you very much. Lastly, Mr. CB, please give a message to your fans."
CB: "Um, thanks to everyone who came to cheer from Japan and Ireland, and those who cheered from Japan and everyone at Tracen Academy, I was able to win! I had a really fun race today ♪ Thank you so much ♪ Next, the Triple Crown is on the line, so I think it will be a tough race, but I'll give it my all, so please continue to cheer for me!"
Reporter: "Thank you very much! The outstanding Umamusume of the Irish Derby, Mr. CB!!!"
Phew... I'll hang up now.
CB: "Hachiman, thanks for the interview!"
Hachiman: "Oh, well, as an apology, I'm taking away one of your rewards."
CB: "Eh!? Just a—" click
She'll probably have a lot to say when she gets back, but I'll just deal with it with whatever mood I'm in at the time.
One of CB's rewards disappeared?
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