Hachiman's Side
It's early July, a week after the Irish Derby. Normally, I'd be at the training camp, deep in practice, but right now, I'm at the airport. You probably don't need me to tell you why, right? I'm here to pick up CB. After her Irish Derby win, she's scheduled for a two-week break at the training camp, followed by a month and a half of intense training. It wouldn't be fair to throw her straight into training right after her return. Still…
"Man, there are so many people…" I feel like I'm watching a celebrity arrival on TV, except I'm actually here.
But this, too, is a testament to CB's achievements. It means she's admired and loved by so many. It's truly a belated thought, but she's far too good a(- my assigned Uma Musume) for me. Not just CB, but all the other team members too.
"~~~!"
"Oh, looks like she's back. Well, I'll just wait here until CB comes over. Fan service is part of an Uma Musume's job, after all."
From a distance, I watched CB meticulously greet each and every fan who had waited for her. Eventually, she was stopped by staff, and those who didn't get a chance to meet her looked disappointed. But then CB made her signature pose, touching her index finger to her lips before pointing it forward, and another cheer erupted. She's incredible, that girl…
CB: "..." looks around
Hachiman: "(She's probably looking for me.) CB!"
CB: "—! Oh, Hachiman~!!"
Hachiman: "Hey! Welcome ba— Oof!?"
CB: "Ehehe~ ♪ Hachiman, I did it! I really got results!!" Hugs tightly!
Hachiman: "…Yeah, I saw it all. You went all the way to a foreign country by yourself and worked so hard." pats head
CB: "♪~" rubs her head against him
Despite being in public, CB buried her face in my chest. And her luggage… Ah, well, never mind that for now. I'll let CB have her moment.
—A Few Minutes Later—
Hachiman: "Hey, CB, it's time to go. This is getting a bit long, and people are watching."
CB: "Mphmph-mph-mph-mph-mph! Mph-mph-mph-mph~!!"
Hachiman: "I can't understand a word you're saying… Come on, let's head back to Tracen Academy first. Then to the training camp."
CB: "Huh?! Training camp? We're doing a camp this year? Is it because you want to push us harder?"
Hachiman: "That's part of it. But you'll have two weeks off, okay? You were doing the training I gave you over there, and you're probably jet-lagged too. First, you need to rest properly, got it?"
CB: "Okay~ ♪"
Hachiman: "Alright, let's go."
—Several Hours Later, At the Training Camp—
After returning to the academy to drop off our luggage and preparing new bags we'd packed in advance, we arrived at the training camp. Today was a day off for everyone due to various arrangements, so they were probably either doing self-training or out playing. As for CB… between the long flight and the long car ride, she was tired and fast asleep.
Hachiman: "Alright, time to carry the luggage and CB. 'I'll help, Hachiman.'… Air Groove, were you waiting?"
Air Groove: "Yes, I figured you'd be here soon. Senior CB… is she asleep?"
Hachiman: "Between the flight and the car ride, it's unavoidable. I actually wanted to take our time, but I pushed it because of your training schedules."
Air Groove: "I see… Then, Hachiman, Senior CB will rest as planned?"
Hachiman: "Yeah, I'll let her do whatever she wants for two weeks. That'll be best for CB."
Air Groove: "Indeed. Then I will carry the luggage. Can I leave Senior CB to you, Hachiman?"
Hachiman: "That's the plan. I'll leave the luggage to you."
CB: "Snooze… snooze…"
Hachiman: "What a carefree sleeping face. You'd never guess she's an Uma Musume who just won two Irish crowns. But, it's a good face."
Air Groove: "Yes, it is."
CB: "Snooze… snooze…"
—Hachiman's Room—
Hachiman: "That was a big help, thanks, Air Groove."
Air Groove: "It was nothing. So, Hachiman, training starts tomorrow, correct?"
Hachiman: "Yeah, that's right. We're going to make up for not being able to go last year, so be ready."
Air Groove: "Of course. I'll relay that to the other members as well."
Hachiman: "Don't scare them too much, okay? Where are the other members, do you know?"
Air Groove: "Yes, I've asked around. Fuji is handling dorm duties with Amazon. Ardan is doing light exercise in preparation for her debut, and Rice is doing the same, trying to get in some movement. Maurice is exploring nearby with her classmates. Arrow is doing beach sprints, and Bakushin O is patrolling with Bamboo."
Hachiman: "I see… Understood. If they're only lightly moving, then I don't think I'll need to change tomorrow's menu to push them harder."
Air Groove: "On the contrary, we would be troubled if you did. Your menu is our strength and our nourishment; no holding back is necessary."
Hachiman: "Typical team leader, so reliable. But don't shoulder too much, okay? Relax a little, especially when it's just you and me."
Air Groove: "…Yes, I'll try to do that."
The Empress has softened quite a bit. She's mellowed in a good way, which makes things easier for me.
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