Hachiman's POV
Training with Tojo-san's done, and I asked Air Groove and Fuji to stay in the clubroom. The reason's obvious: the team.
Hachiman: "I need to fill you in on why the chairman called me earlier. It affects our future. Long story short, I've been promoted to team trainer as of today."
Air Groove: "Finally, Hachiman!"
Fuji: "That's awesome! You're officially a veteran trainer now!"
Hachiman: "Hold the cheers. That's not the main issue. This is."
I showed them the outline Tazuna-san gave me. They studied it seriously, and then…
Fuji: "I see… Picking one freshman's tough when we don't know who's out there. You'll decide after the selection race, right?"
Air Groove: "It's scheduled soon. But Hachiman, if you can scout four from current students, you could finalize the team quickly, no?"
Hachiman: "Sure, I could, but my problem's too many candidates. Not to brag, but do you know how many Uma Musume want me as their trainer?"
Fuji: "Yeah… you've probably got a ton of options."
Hachiman: "Exactly."
Air Groove: "But mid-distance and long-distance are already set, aren't they?"
Hachiman: "Huh? Those are the most competitive slots."
Why's she acting like it's a done deal?
Fuji: "Come on, you've got your favorite, Rice Shower. And CB-senpai's been hitting on you hard. Weren't you eyeing her too?"
Hachiman: "…Yeah, fair, but do I really seem that into Rice?"
Air Groove: "You should notice by now your attitude toward Rice Shower's different."
Was I that obvious…? Well, that settles mid-distance and long-distance with those two. Now for short-distance, mile, and dirt…
Hachiman: "Know any Uma Musume good at short-distance, mile, or dirt?"
Air Groove: "Let's see… Suzuka's taken, Dober's contracted, the president can run but it's not her forte, Brian's not mile-focused, and Taiki's with Tojo-san. I'd say Fine's a good pick. Others don't quite fit."
Fuji: "From the dorms… For short-distance, Nishino Flower stands out, but Miho's Bakushin-O is probably better. Karenchan's already got a trainer, so she's out. For mile, how about Takion, Scarlet, or Vodka? Oguri's solid too. For dirt, maybe Agnes Digital or Smart Falcon?"
Hachiman: "That's the vibe for non-freshmen. But I can't just pick from Ritto dorms—that'd stir jealousy, even if unintentional."
I'll think it over more… Watching the selection race before deciding's a good move. No rush—team's set as long as I choose by April's end. For now, I'll narrow the candidates.
Hachiman: "Thanks, you two. That helped clear things up. Sorry for keeping you."
Fuji: "No big deal. If you need to talk, I'm here anytime."
Air Groove: "Fuji's right. You rely on us, so rely on us more. We'll live up to your expectations."
Hachiman: "You're already doing more than enough… But yeah, I'll lean on you if needed."
Trainer's Room
Hachiman: "…click click"
Haven't touched this in a while… the debut list. Three years already? Never thought I'd use it like this.
Slide
Okino: "Yo, Hikigaya! Heard you're a team trainer now! Congrats!"
Minamisaka: "Finally joining us as a team trainer. Congratulations."
Hachiman: "I'll take the congrats, but keep it down. If an Uma Musume hears, I'm ghosting tomorrow."
Tojo: "You really plan to keep this quiet? That'll make it harder to gauge their true potential."
Kuronuma: "Just announce it. Might take some weight off your shoulders."
Hachiman: "No way. That'd destroy my peace. This room could get swarmed by Uma Musume any second."
Okino: "Come on, it's not that bad… But I can't deny it, 'cause that's proof of your skill. Got it."
Kuronuma: "Tough life, huh?"
Hachiman: "How'd you guys handle it?"
Okino: "I—'Oh, I can guess, no need to say.' Asking just to brush me off, huh?"
Probably judged by groping Uma Musume thighs, right? Okino's passion's admirable, but that's straight-up creepy.
Afterword
Rice and CB are locked in—saw that coming! Hachiman's team-building begins in this Yahari x Uma Musume chapter, with Air Groove and Fuji helping narrow candidates. The pressure's on with short-distance, mile, and dirt slots to fill, plus a freshman pick. Fuji's arc builds toward the Satsuki Sho!
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