Chief Trainer's Perspective
"..."
I sat at my desk, eyes fixed intently on the document before me.
"Chief? What are you looking at?"
I blinked, looking up to see Mejiro Dober standing there. "Oh, Bel-chan. Forgive me. Did I worry you?"
"No, not at all. It's just rare to see you looking quite so serious over paperwork. I was curious."
"It doesn't directly involve you, but... tell me, are you familiar with Trainer Hikigaya?"
"Yes," Dober nodded. "He's Rice Shower's trainer, right?"
"That's the one. Now, keep this between us, but there's been a recurring discussion behind closed doors—between the Board and the senior trainers—about expanding Hikigaya's responsibilities. Specifically, moving him toward managing a full team."
Dober's eyes widened. "What!? That's... isn't that a huge deal?"
"Indeed. I've been in this business a long time, and I've almost never seen a trainer being considered for a team lead before they've even hit their three-year mark. It's a testament to just how exceptionally capable the Academy finds him."
Calling it 'unprecedented' wouldn't be an exaggeration, I thought. The boy has an undeniable spark. Right now, his world revolves around Rice Shower, but that's only because it's still early days. By next year, I suspect his horizon will look very different.
"So..." Dober asked hesitantly. "What is your stance on it, Chief?"
"Initially, I was neither for nor against it. We're heading into the autumn G1 season; I didn't see the need to burden him with a team during such a high-pressure period. Besides, no matter how much we push, he's the one who has to make the choice. I've reached my position through years of accumulated results, but he's threatening to bypass those steps entirely. I was curious to see if he'd even want that weight on his shoulders."
"And if you were in his shoes?"
"If I had his level of success and the confidence to match, I'd take the offer. But if I were a typical rookie? Absolutely not. Experience is everything in this field, and 'training' on paper is worlds apart from the reality of the track. You can pass every certification with flying colors, but once you're in the thick of it, it's a meritocracy. Your skill is the only thing that keeps you afloat... just like the world you girls live in."
"I wonder what he'll decide," Dober murmured.
"Who knows? But personally, I think he could handle it. Not just a few trainees, but an entire team. I've seen him out there quite often, lately—training not just Rice, but Symboli Rudolf and Mr. C.B. as well. I believe Narita Brian was with them the other day, too."
Dober looked stunned. That's incredible... even the Chief, one of the best trainers in the Academy, is watching him. He really must be talented...
"That's why," I said, reaching out to pat her head, "the next time the council meets to discuss it, I think I'll cast my vote in his favor. Fufu, I can't spend all my time looking at my girls; I need to keep a wider perspective, even if I am an old woman now. Who knows? If I ever retire, I might just have to leave you in his hands, Bel-chan."
"Chief! Don't say that!" Dober protested, blushing. "I only want you as my trainer!"
"Is that so? Well, thank you, dear."
Senpai 2's Perspective
What? Hikigaya? A Team Trainer?
Don't make me laugh! That brat is my junior—he's a second-year who hasn't even shed his "rookie" label! And they want him to lead a team? I won't accept it! I refuse to recognize it! There are plenty of people more suited for that role than him! Even if it's not me, there are dozens of trainers with multiple trainees who have more seniority!
So why... why does it have to be him!?
(Note: As you can see, this individual is laboring under a massive, ego-driven delusion.)
He's just some guy who gets pampered by the horse girls! Why is he being singled out for promotion!?
"Whoa, take it easy there," a voice drawled. "With a face that scary, you're going to frighten the girls away before they even get near you."
I snapped my head around. "...Trainer Okino."
The man from Team Spica looked at me with an expression of pure exhaustion. "Something eat you for breakfast? I'm all ears if you need to vent."
"It's nothing," I spat.
"Doesn't look like nothing. But hey, if that's your story, I'm heading out. Just a word of advice: don't stomp around the campus looking like that. Everyone can see you're in a foul mood. Try to keep it under wraps, yeah?"
"Mind your own business," I muttered.
"Suit yourself. Just saying." Okino turned and began to walk away, thinking to himself: (Either a scout went south, or this is about Hikigaya again. Typical.)
Damn it... I feel sick. To hell with scouting. I'm going back to the dorms.
— Trainer's Dorms - Private Room —
I threw myself onto my bed, staring at the ceiling.
I won't acknowledge him. I won't. Him, a Team Trainer? He's the one who cheated Kitasan Black and Mihono Bourbon out of their Triple Crowns! I bet he's forcing Rudolf and C.B. to train with him. He must be! There's no way elites like them would hang around a rookie every day unless he was pulling some kind of shady trick!
"Tch..."
The worst part is that he isn't even at the Academy right now. I don't even have to see his face, yet I can't stop thinking about it! Just the thought of him is enough to keep me from finding a moment's peace!
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