Well-Done Steak: "Whew... Honestly, thanks to the comments on Chapter 434, I've been chased by the police and detectives all day. I didn't even do anything wrong!"
Hachiman: "Probably because you broke into a private residence to pet a horse girl without permission."
Well-Done Steak: "I had no choice! How could I just leave Rice alone after she heard all that depressing stuff!? What are you, a monster!?"
Hachiman: "Hey, take it easy. I didn't go that far. Besides, you're way too worked up about this..."
Well-Done Steak: "I don't know who tipped them off, but it was a nightmare! I was just trying to comfort her! Why did I have to be treated like a fugitive!?"
Hachiman: "Because of the breaking and entering."
Well-Done Steak: "Details! They don't matter!"
Hachiman: "They matter a lot!"
Well-Done Steak: "Are you saying you don't think spending time on this intro matters!?"
Hachiman: "...Actually, you're right. That part really doesn't matter."
Well-Done Steak: "Exactly! So, on with the story!"
Chapter Title: The Return of the Trainer and the Student Council WhirlwindRice's Perspective
"Well, Father, Mother... we should be heading back to the Academy now."
"You're leaving already?" Father sighed, looking genuinely crestfallen. "At first, a week felt like such a long time, but why does happy time always slip through our fingers so quickly?"
"Ehehe, I know. But I'll come visit again soon!"
"Rice-chan, your father and I will always be cheering for you," Mother said, pulling me into a final hug. "And remember, you can call or LANE us anytime, okay?"
"I will. Thank you, Mother."
"Trainer," Father said, turning to Big Brother with a firm expression. "Please, continue to look after our girl."
"I know we're asking a lot," Mother added. "In fact, given my genes, I'm certain she'll be a handful... but please, take care of her!"
"M-Mother!" I squeaked. "You don't have to put it like—"
"It's alright," Big Brother interrupted. He looked at my parents with a rare, steady gaze. "Rice is going to get even stronger. I'm certain she'll live up to her name and shower the world with her achievements. My only job is to make sure I'm a trainer she won't want to abandon."
"I-I'd never!" I cried, grabbing his sleeve. "I'd never let go of Big Brother! Ever!"
"Glad to hear it," he said, a small smile tugging at his lips.
"Well then, Rice," Father said. "I'm looking forward to the Nikkei-sho. We'll be watching, no matter what."
"Wait, Rice-chan," Mother said, her eyes twinkling. "Should we do our little charm? Together?"
With Mother... oh, I'd love to!
"Yes! Let's do it!"
"Alright, on three. Here we go, Rice-chan... one, two..."
Rice & Mother: "Go for it! YEAH!"
Father's internal thoughts: (She really does love that little ritual... and hearing Rice's voice join in so clearly this year, I think she's going to be just fine.)
Hachiman's internal thoughts: (We should honestly try to market that ritual. It's too pure for this world.)
"There! Perfect," Mother said, patting my shoulder. "You'll be just fine, Rice-chan. Have confidence in yourself!"
"I will!"
I'm so glad I brought Big Brother home with me this year. And... even though I wasn't supposed to be eavesdropping that first night, hearing the three of them call themselves my allies... it made me so happy. I have to do my absolute best once we get back!
— On the Train —
"..."
"You've got a good look in your eyes now," Big Brother noted, glancing up from his seat.
"F-Fueh? You think so? Maybe it's because I got to see my parents... it had been such a long time."
"I see... listen, Rice. I'm telling you this now because we're officially back on the clock. Our goal for next year is the Tenno Sho (Spring). The Nikkei-sho will be our trial race to get us there. But I want to know—how do you feel about it? If you're still worried about how the crowd might react, we can change our plans."
"...No. I'm okay now," I said, looking him straight in the eye. "After the Kikuka-sho, I was really hurt. But now I know that even if the whole stadium is quiet, I have allies right here next to me. So... I want to try. I want to win!"
"...I see. Understood." He nodded. "Next year is going to be even tougher than the Triple Crown run. But if it's you, I know we can do it. Let's work hard together."
"Right!" I beamed.
"Good girl."
The Spring Tenno Sho... Mejiro McQueen will definitely be there. She's starting her season with the Hanshin Daishoten, so I can't afford to let my guard down for even a second.
— Several Hours Later - Tracen Academy —
"We made it back safely, Big Brother."
"Yeah. We did. Rice, I'll give you some free time until the end of the year, but if you want to get a head start on training, just let me know. What do you want to do?"
"I want to train!" I said without hesitation. "When I was home, I only did light jogging. I've been itching to get back to your real training sessions!"
He let out a short laugh. "Is that so? Alright. Tomorrow we'll start with something light to shake off the travel rust. We'll ramp up the intensity from there."
"Okay! I'll be—"
"AAAAAAAAGH! HACHIMAN! YOU'RE FINALLY BAAAAACK!!!!"
"S-C.B.-san!?" I gasped.
Mr. C.B. came flying toward us like a whirlwind, her hair a mess and her eyes wide with frantic energy.
"Hachiman-Hachiman-Hachiman-Hachiman! You're finally back! Do you know how long I've been waiting!? I stayed right here just like a good girl! See? Aren't I impressive!?"
"...What happened to you?" Big Brother asked, leaning back as she invaded his personal space.
"Hachiman, I was so lonely without you! I was bored out of my mind! Don't you think you owe it to me to comfort your poor, lonely sister?"
"No. Not even a little bit."
"Too bad! That means we're going to the Student Council office right now! Let's-La-Go! Rudolf is waiting, so hurry up!!"
She grabbed his arm and began dragging him away with the terrifying strength of a Triple Crown winner.
"Hey! Quit pulling! I haven't even unpacked yet! At least let me drop off my bags before you kidnap me!"
I guess he's okay with the kidnapping part... I thought, watching them go.
"Drop them off at the dorm then! I'll come with you! I'm going to watch you like a hawk to make sure you don't make a run for it, okay?" C.B. chirped with a predatory smile.
"I'm not going anywhere... Why is Rudolf waiting anyway? What is even happening? Rice! Usual time tomorrow! See you then!"
"U-um, okay! See you tomorrow!"
Big Brother sure has it rough... Alright! Rice won't let herself be outdone!
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