Hachiman's POV
School's out. The final bell has rung, and I'm currently in the clubroom with my teacher, Taliat, waiting for Rice and the others to show up.
There's no point in trying to hide it anymore: today's training session is another group affair. Rice and Taliat are the constants, but Rudolf and CB have made it a habit to join in as well. It's reached the point where their presence is a foregone conclusion, so I've decided to just stop fighting it. Worrying about it is a waste of energy; I'm past the point of no return anyway. Just like the way they insist on addressing me—some things you just have to accept.
Besides… it's a little rowdy outside today. I have a feeling that's the "Taliat Effect" in action.
"It is quite noisy out there," Taliat remarked, looking toward the door. "Is it truly such a rare occurrence for guests to visit Tracen Academy?"
"If those are Trainers out there," I replied, "then this is probably ninety percent my fault."
"What?"
"The truth is…"
I gave her the honest breakdown of the friction I had with that one senior trainer back in early May. I'll admit, I let my emotions get the better of me, and I've reflected on that—but when someone insults your mentor like that, you're allowed to get a little pissed off, right?
"...I see. So that is the way of it," Taliat said, her voice dropping into a dangerous, measured calm. "This man dared to mock my prize pupil? Then, as your master, I suppose I must pay him my proper respects…"
"No, there's no need for you to go out there, Sensei. The second he realized you were the American Triple Crown winner, his attitude did a complete 180. Besides, I told him to his face that I'd let my results do the talking."
"Hmph. Very well… for your sake, I shall let it slide for now. But there will not be a second time."
"He's not even worth the effort," I added.
And honestly? I meant it.
Slide—
"Onii-sama! Master! Good work today-phew!" Rice chirped, stumbling over her greeting in her excitement.
"Hey. Good work, Rice."
"We look forward to your guidance today," Rudolf said, stepping in with her usual poise.
"So, this is Hachiman's teacher?" CB asked, peering around Rudolf.
"Indeed," Rudolf replied. "A woman of immense knowledge and impeccable character."
"Hmm…" CB hummed, her eyes narrowing with interest. "But that's not all, is it? Just looking at her… you can tell she's not your average girl."
"That," Rudolf said with a small smile, "is something you'll understand once you see her run."
"Sounds like everyone's ready," I cut in. "Alright, let's head to the track. I'll explain the menu when we get there."
— At the Track —
The crowd outside was a mix of both Trainers and students, but as expected, the suits outnumbered the tracksuits. I did my best to ignore them. Focus on the training. That's all that matters right now.
"Now then, Hachiman," Taliat said. "What is the objective for today?"
"Right. Today's session will focus on—." I laid out the specifics. "After watching Rudolf and CB's previous runs, I've got a handle on their aptitudes. I've judged that this group can handle the load. Plus, Sensei, you've got more than enough experience with long-distance endurance."
"It seems you've already committed my racing style to memory," Taliat said, looking impressed. "I have no objections. What about the rest of you?"
"Sounds like fun to me," CB chirped. "No complaints here."
"Nor from me," Rudolf added.
"Rice is ready too!"
"Good. Let's start with a warm-up. Fall into two lines for the jog."
The session proceeded smoothly, warm-up included. With Taliat participating, the air felt more electric than usual—a heightened sense of tension—but the girls' movements remained fluid, not stiff.
Eventually, we hit a break before moving into the main set.
"All three of you are moving well," Taliat observed. "Rice Shower, in particular—your core stability is remarkable. It's likely the result of Hachiman's daily regimen. Your form is nearing the ideal. Symboli Rudolf and Mr. CB, your movements are excellent as well, but you haven't quite reached Rice's level of precision."
"As expected of Sensei," I muttered. "You've picked up on all that in such a short time."
"I was watching from the best vantage point. I'm truly looking forward to seeing how Rice Shower grows. To think she is still in her developmental stage… though, I suppose that applies to the other two as well."
"Yeah. I'm going to keep pushing them," I said, then turned to the girls. "We start again in a few minutes. Get yourselves ready."
"I'm already set!" Rice said, beaming.
"Hachiman, you should run with us!" CB teased, waving me over.
"Sure. And starting tomorrow, you don't have to come back at all~ ♪" I replied with a refreshed, deadpan smile.
"Hey! Hachiman!?" CB cried out, horrified. "Why would you say that?! And why do you look so happy saying it?!"
"Now, now, CB. I'm sure my brother is merely joking," Rudolf said, though she didn't look entirely sure. "Come, we need to prepare. Rice Shower is already ahead of us. If we don't hurry, we'll be left behind."
"CB-san, don't worry, Rice won't leave you behind!" Rice said gently.
"Rice-chan…! You're such a good girl!!" CB wailed, lunging for a hug.
"Fueh?!"
I get it… Rice, I totally get it.
(Note: Believe me, I feel your pain too!)
— After Training —
"Alright, good work, everyone."
"Thank you very much!" Rice bowed.
"It was a highly productive session," Rudolf noted.
"See you tomorrow, Hachiman~♪" CB called out with a wink.
"So you are planning on coming back…" I sighed.
Taliat walked over as the girls headed off. "The session is over. I could give you a full evaluation, but… it goes without saying. You've added your own nuances to the training without losing sight of the core objectives. Well done."
"...Thank you."
"Continue to devote yourself to your craft. Never become complacent."
"I won't."
"Now then," Taliat said, her expression shifting to something more significant. "I am satisfied with seeing your progress as a trainer. However, I have one more piece of news."
"News?"
"My Master is coming to Japan."
"...I see. But what does that have to do with me?"
"The visit is scheduled for July. Hachiman, what are your plans for then?"
"Ah… I'll be away for the Summer Training Camp. I don't think I'll be able to greet them."
"I figured as much. Don't worry, leave the logistics to me. Once my Master arrives, we'll head straight to your location."
"Wait—you're coming to the camp?"
"My Master's desire to meet you is quite… relentless. If I don't facilitate the meeting, I'll never hear the end of the complaints."
Professor… please stop being so selfish with Sensei.
Besides, if the sole purpose of a legendary figure coming to Japan is just to see me… wasn't there literally anything else more important on the itinerary?
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