Perspective: Hachiman
December has arrived, and the year is rapidly drawing to a close. Lately, we've been focusing primarily on speed training. Thanks to that, Rice's speed has become something to behold. I honestly believe she ranks near the top of the Junior Class now—and that includes the sprinters and milers.
Then, last Sunday, the Asahi Hai Future Stakes took place. Bourbon won. It was a razor-thin victory—just by a nose—but she ended up running in second position rather than her signature lead. She looked a bit uncomfortable unable to set her own pace. Even so, her final three furlongs were the second fastest in the field. She held off the girls closing in from behind, so the result speaks for itself.
And next... it's our turn.
Rice is running in the Hopeful Stakes, so today is her final breeze. She's incredibly fired up. In fact, she's running with such intensity right now that I'm worried she's overdoing it. Better check on her...
Rice: Huff... huff... phew...
Hachiman: "Rice, aren't you pushing too hard? Today isn't a full-effort day. You're supposed to be running at a natural canter—your own pace without urging. Remember?"
Rice: "U-Un... That was my pace, though. Was it no good?"
Hachiman: "Ah... no. If you're aware of that, then it's fine. Sorry for stopping you. Carry on."
Rice: "Un! Understood!"
Don't tell me... that was just a canter? I knew the speed training was paying off, but did she really get this fast? Was she hiding this from me? No, impossible. Rice isn't the type of girl to pull a stunt like that.
[After Training]
Hachiman: "That was an incredible breeze today. Your condition seems to be peaking."
Rice: "Un! ♪ My legs feel so light! And you know, when you called out to me earlier, I was only running a little bit seriously. Does that mean I was really that fast?"
Hachiman: "Yeah. It looked good. With that speed, you'll be competitive against the field in the Hopeful Stakes. I think you'll run a great race."
Rice: "Ehehe... I'm so glad..."
Hachiman: "Also, Rice. I have a gift for you."
Rice: "A gift?"
Hachiman: "Next is a G1, right? We can't have you be the only one out there in gym clothes... Here. A racing uniform, made just for you. The only one in the world."
Rice: "Wah... T-This is... mine?"
Hachiman: "That's right. Remember when we took all those measurements a while back? I had an acquaintance make it based on those. Go ahead and try it on to make sure it fits. Unless your body type has changed since the measurements, it should slip right on."
Rice: "U-Un! I want to try it!"
Rice sounded excited, so I quickly stepped out of the club room. She must have been looking forward to this; her face was practically beaming.
Rice: "O-Onii-sama~ You can come in now~"
Hachiman: "Oh, coming in."
Click.
Hachiman: "Excuse me... Oh, looks like you got it on. Yeah, it suits you perfectly."
Rice: "Ehehe... Th-Thank you... ///"
Hachiman: "Is it tight anywhere?"
Rice: "Un, it's fine! Everything fits perfectly! Your acquaintance is amazing, Onii-sama, to be able to make something like this."
Hachiman: "Glad to hear it. I'll pass that along. You'll be wearing that in the Hopeful Stakes. Phew..."
Rice: "?"
Hachiman: "Rice, this race is the first big stage for both of us. The scenery will look different than before, and the pressure will be on another level. I can only be with you until the underground tunnel to the track. From there on, it's a battle only you can fight. I could tell you to treat it like a normal race, but this is a G1. It's not that simple."
Rice: "...Un."
Hachiman: "It might be a bit early to say this, but... do your best. Regardless of the result, just standing on a G1 stage is something only a handful of people achieve. That alone is amazing."
Rice: "...Un. Thank you, Onii-sama. But... I want to win! For the sake of Onii-sama, who made me this strong... I want to win!"
Hachiman: "..."
I've never seen Rice like this... I suppose even she gets fired up when it comes to a G1.
Hachiman: "Then I'll be expecting great things. In that case, let's set some conditions."
Rice: "Conditions?"
Hachiman: "The primary goal is 1st place. The minimum requirement is to make the Board—top five. How about it? Think you can do it?"
Rice: "Un! I'll definitely show you I can!"
I didn't expect her to burn this brightly. But...
Rice: "..."
She has good eyes. She looked serious right before her debut and her second race, but showing this kind of expression now... I can see the determination.
Hachiman: "Good answer. But hey, don't get too worked up with all that motivation just yet, alright? Come on, put that scary face away until the actual race."
Rice: "Fueh!? O-Onii-sama! I finally got all fired up, don't say thaaat~!!"
Hachiman: "You don't need to pump out that much adrenaline yet. Keep it bottled up until the real thing. Understood?"
Rice: "Y-Yeees~!"
Hachiman: "Heh, exactly. Just like that. Let's keep it nice and relaxed."
...
Next time: The First Big Stage!
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