Perspective: Hachiman
Hachiman: "I saw the Make Debut race last week, Kuronuma-san. Incredible stuff. To think she even set a new record."
Kuronuma: "The execution was lacking, though. She was influenced by the other horse girls, but... it was a decent start."
Hachiman: "If that was just 'decent,' then the other girls' starts were absolutely abysmal. But it looks like Bourbon has no trouble running the Mile distance now."
Bourbon: "Affirmative. It is thanks to the Trainer. Without that advice, I would likely still be at a loss. I am very grateful."
Hachiman: "Don't mention it. Besides, it seems my advice and Kuronuma-san's training regimen had excellent compatibility. To put it indirectly... I suppose I've ended up aiding the enemy."
Kuronuma: "If that advice is the reason I managed to scout Bourbon, then I suppose I owe you my thanks."
Hachiman: "Is that sarcasm?"
Kuronuma: "A joke. Regardless, we intend to aim for the Classics just as we are. We're going to win the next race, too. Besides, Bourbon isn't the type to crack under a little extra training. A strict regimen is exactly what she needs."
...As expected of Kuronuma-san, he already understands Bourbon's characteristics perfectly. I was the one who suggested the slope training, but I didn't tell him to make it that grueling. At this rate, the favorite for the Classics will undoubtedly be Bourbon.
Kuronuma: "How about your side? You won your debut earlier than us. What's the next move?"
Hachiman: "We're entering the Fuyou Stakes right at the start of October. If she wins that, we head to the Hopeful Stakes."
Kuronuma: "...Jumping from an Open straight to a G1? That's bold. That's not a common rotation."
Hachiman: "My Rice is a stayer type. She can't fully display her abilities unless the distance is long. We need to polish what we can now, otherwise, we won't be able to leave a mark in the Classics."
Kuronuma: "Are you sure you should be telling us that? Bourbon and Rice Shower are in the same year. They'll be fighting on the Classic stage, you know?"
Hachiman: "Of course, I don't mind. Bourbon is strong, undeniably. I've only seen her run a Mile so far, but I'll say this now: she has the ability to rise to the top of next year's Classics."
Bourbon: "..."
Hachiman: "However... we will be the ones standing in your way at the final hurdle. Even if we yield the 2000 meters at Nakayama and the 2400 at Tokyo, we have no intention of handing over the 3000 meters at Kyoto."
Kuronuma: "...I see. So that is why you mentioned she was a stayer. Indeed, if we are aiming for the Triple Crown, she is the most dangerous enemy."
Hachiman: "We don't intend to quietly hand over the Satsuki Sho or the Derby either, but if there is one race Rice has the highest chance of winning, it's the Kikuka Sho."
Bourbon: "...Master. It is still early, but I request permission to train."
Kuronuma: "Hah. I knew you'd say that. Very well. You are authorized for independent practice until the other members assemble. Warm up so you can transition immediately into the main regimen."
Bourbon: "Understood, Master."
I certainly hope I'm wrong, but... does he intend to make her do the full main training session after she does a full warmup until the others arrive? If so... that is insanely hard.
Kuronuma: "Well, that's that, Hikigaya. We're heading out. I look forward to the next race."
Hachiman: "Yes. Let's both keep winning."
Kuronuma: "Yeah. I'm already looking forward to the big stage."
Yeah... absolutely.
Rudolf: "Fufufu... You look like you're having fun, Brother."
Hachiman: "Rudolf..."
Rudolf: "You have the face of someone who can barely wait—as if a single moment feels like a thousand autumns."
Hachiman: "...Well, something good happened."
Rudolf: "Oh? And what might that be?"
Hachiman: "That's something to look forward to next year."
Rudolf: "If you tell me now, will the enjoyment vanish?"
Hachiman: "Not necessarily, but let's just say there are some things you're better off not knowing."
Rudolf: "I believe that expression is usually reserved for bad news, no?"
Hachiman: "It's fine, really. Also, for the love of god, stop calling me that."
I think it's already too late, though.
Rudolf: "Ahaha, I've gotten quite used to it, you see. Or perhaps... would you prefer I call you 'Hachiman-niisan'?"
Hachiman: "Don't make it worse. Sigh... Are there really so few decent people like Air Groove in this academy?"
Air Groove: "What about me?"
Hachiman: "I was just asking Rudolf if there aren't any other good people like you in this school."
Air Groove: "...President, what is this about?"
Rudolf: "He is wondering if there are any other students who are close to him but don't treat him like a brother. You are likely the only one, Groove."
Air Groove: "I am a 'good person,' is it...? I'll accept the compliment with gratitude, but why exactly are you so dissatisfied with being called 'Brother'? If word got out off-campus it would be a problem, certainly, but why not just take it as a sign they rely on you?"
Hachiman: "It's a matter of mindset. Would you be happy if your juniors started calling you 'Big Sis' or 'Lady Sister'?"
Air Groove: "...I imagine I would feel bewilderment and doubt before I felt any joy."
Hachiman: "In my case, it happened before I even realized it, so I didn't even have time to be bewildered."
Air Groove: "I see... In that case, try adding a slight change to your daily routine. Do one less thing for them. That alone should yield a different reaction."
Hachiman: "...As expected of the Empress. Or should I say, 'Onee-sama'?"
Air Groove: "Are you mocking me...?"
Hachiman: "Of course not."
Rudolf: "I have no intention of stopping, Brother."
Hachiman: "...First, it seems we can't even have a conversation until you do something about your boss here."
Air Groove: "...Sigh."
I'm the one who wants to sigh here.
...
Bourbon and Rice. Who knows when the showdown will be?
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