Chapter 144: Hachiman Wants to Get His Driver's License Too
"Dad, Mom, there's something I want to discuss with you."
One evening, with both his parents unusually at home, Hachiman decided it was the perfect time to bring up the idea of getting a driver's license.
After all, he was practically an adult now, and having a car would make it much easier to handle various responsibilities.
Even Hachiman made an effort to speak politely in this kind of setting—but perhaps the awkwardness of it all was too much, as Komachi immediately chimed in with a jab.
"Big bro, the way you're talking is so gross."
"I mean, come on. I can't exactly say, 'Yo, pops, ma, got something to run by you,' when I'm trying to be serious."
As a side note, later on, Hachiman would feel too embarrassed to call his parents "pops" and "ma" in front of Asuna, and naturally started referring to them as "dad" and "mom." But that's a story for another time.
"School hasn't started yet, so I thought I'd take this chance to get my driver's license."
He composed himself and spoke up again to his parents.
"Sounds good to me."
"Yeah, you're already 19. Aside from going to Asuna's place, you've got plenty of free time. This is the perfect opportunity."
They both agreed without hesitation.
As for the cost, since the government had provided a sizable compensation, it was enough to cover driving school fees and even some initial parking costs before he began working.
His parents entrusted him with full control over the money.
Unlike in the past when he'd been careless and unreliable, they could now see how much Hachiman had matured since surviving SAO and trusted him not to waste the funds, so they didn't say anything more.
However, they did set one condition regarding getting his license: he had to bring Asuna home.
When Hachiman asked why, his parents beamed like never before.
"She's our adorable daughter-in-law! Of course we want to see her every day!"
"Nice job, Hachiman. You really nailed this one."
In fact, as soon as Asuna had been freed from ALO, Komachi had shown her picture to their parents, who were so overjoyed that they took a day off work the next day just to visit the hospital with Hachiman.
The moment they saw Asuna, they were moved to tears and praised Hachiman:
"Well done! You really did it, Hachiman!"
"To think we'd have such a cute daughter, aside from Komachi—it's like a dream come true."
Seeing how they acted, Hachiman shyly apologized to Asuna:
"Sorry, I didn't think my parents would act like this..."
But Asuna wasn't even listening. She was mumbling to herself with her head down. Curious, Hachiman leaned in closer and heard—
"I want to be Hachiman-kun's bride... I want to be Hachiman-kun's bride..."
"Hey, Asuna..."
Suddenly, Asuna turned to his parents and said:
"I-I'm still inexperienced, but please take care of me from now on, Dad, Mom!"
From that day on, his parents adored Asuna.
Incidentally, under their and Komachi's planning, an empty room in their house was gradually transformed into a personal room for her.
And so, Hachiman got the green light to go for his license. He had planned to ask Haruno for advice, but she instead referred him to the family butler, Tsuzuki.
Apparently, Tsuzuki used to be a driving instructor. Haruno explained, "This sort of thing is better left to a professional," and Hachiman agreed.
"Mr. Tsuzuki, is it okay if I just get the automatic transmission license?"
"Yes. In Japan nowadays, nearly all cars on the road are automatic. Manual cars are barely manufactured anymore."
"I see."
"Given the tight schedule, just focus on getting the license first. If you ever need to drive manual, you can remove the restriction later. But unless your home or job uses old cars, you likely won't need to."
"Got it. That explanation was really clear."
Listening to Tsuzuki's thorough explanation, Hachiman was reminded of the difference a true professional makes.
"Sorry to suddenly ask for this favor."
"No trouble at all. I'm happy to help—please don't worry about it."
Tsuzuki paused, then added:
"Besides, I once hurt you. Though this won't atone for it, I'll do my utmost to teach you how to drive."
"Please don't say that. It was completely my fault. But thank you, Mr. Tsuzuki. Also... would it be alright if you called me 'Hachiman' when it's just us...?"
"Understood. In that case, Hachiman-kun, let's do our best together."
"Looking forward to it."
And so began Hachiman's training.
"Try to pack your schedule full of lectures. Even if you don't remember everything, don't fall asleep. Watch out for tricky questions on the test and cram right before."
"For practical lessons, the most important thing is to constantly check your surroundings. The examiner is watching where your eyes go."
"Stick to the left side of the road at all times."
"The key is developing a sense of your vehicle's size. When parking, don't just rely on intuition—use the mirrors and approach slowly."
"Always give right of way to pedestrians at crosswalks without traffic lights. The examiner watches for this. Don't miss it."
Notably, Hachiman practiced at a private training ground on the Yukinoshita estate using their dedicated training vehicle.
At first, he was stunned that they had such facilities. Under Tsuzuki's strict yet kind guidance, Hachiman's driving skills improved rapidly.
Even the instructors at the driving school were amazed by his proficiency. Of course, Hachiman couldn't tell them he'd already practiced on a private track—he just quietly pushed through the tough coursework, imagining Asuna's smiling face for motivation.
"Mr. Tsuzuki, driving is actually pretty fun."
"Isn't it?"
Tsuzuki added with a gentle smile:
"It's even more fun when the person you love is in the passenger seat."
"That sounds really nice."
"But driving someone also means taking responsibility for their life. Please never forget that."
Finally, the day of the graduation exam arrived.
"Hachiman-kun, the key points are route selection, confirming surroundings, and proper parking. You've got this."
"I'll pass for sure."
"You don't seem nervous. I'll be waiting for the good news."
"I'll call you as soon as it's done."
During the exam, Hachiman recalled everything he'd practiced with Tsuzuki, smoothly completing every part. It ended more easily than expected, and he received his license the very same day. He immediately called Tsuzuki.
"Mr. Tsuzuki, I passed. Thank you so much for everything."
"Congratulations. Your hard work paid off. Still, it's a bit lonely to think I won't be helping you practice anymore."
"I'll miss it too. Next time we're in a car together, you'll probably be driving me and Haruno-san."
"Perhaps. Riding with others after getting your license lets you see things from a new perspective. That's another kind of fun."
"I'll look forward to riding in your car. I'm going to the center now to pick up my license."
"Good luck. Once again, congratulations on graduating, Hachiman-kun."
"Truly... thank you, Teacher Tsuzuki."
The next day, Hachiman officially obtained his license.
With Haruno's arrangements, he got his new car a few days later and took Komachi on a few test drives. She always insisted on sitting in the back—not because she didn't trust her brother's driving, but because, in her words, "the front passenger seat should be reserved for Asuna-nee."
When Asuna's discharge day came, Hachiman, now fully geared up, turned the key in his car and drove to the hospital to pick her up.