Spring had arrived, and with it, a new fiscal year.
April meant entrance ceremonies and the arrival of new students.
"So I'm going to recruit juniors."
"Oh!"
"Why are you both so motivated?"
For some reason, Rice-chan and Thank You were fired up about expanding the team. I, on the other hand, had no intention of adding new members.
"Because it wouldn't be fun without juniors!"
"It's tough—so we'll have to teach them everything…"
"Please, I'll take care of your mother!"
"Who's mom?! And don't treat new members like pets!"
"So, the recruitment method is… seared carrots!"
"You're not even pretending to listen to me."
Somehow, the two of them began preparing a carrot stand.
A wooden box. A mountain of carrots. Full of enthusiasm.
I sighed and went along with it.
"Welcome, welcome!"
"Would you like carrots?"
"All-you-can-eat carrots now!"
They shouted with gusto.
New students stared. Current students stared.
Everyone was… backing away.
I had no idea why they thought seared carrots would attract team members. But they were having fun, so I let it be.
"Looks like fun."
"Hello, McQueen. Carrots, please."
White-eye McQueen approached, curious.
A first-year high school student, elegant and refined—typical of the White-eye family. She knew Rice-chan and had spoken with her a few times.
She was classy, but narrow-minded. I couldn't help but think, as her trainer, I'd help her grow into a strong, healthy athlete by January.
"So, what do you want to do with the carrots?"
"Apparently they're recruiting team members."
"I don't understand what that means."
"I don't either."
Still, McQueen's presence drew attention. Slowly, more students came closer. But it felt like they were just here for the carrots—not the team.
Most second-years already had teams. First-years rarely joined this early. The timing was bad, the method worse, and the team wasn't well known.
Triple disadvantage.
"I'd be surprised if anyone wanted to join now."
"Well, I guess…"
"U…"
"Yeah, would you like some carrots?"
"I'm interested in the team…"
"Eh?"
A black-haired girl stood nearby, looking shy and uncertain.