Hachiman's POV
I want to focus on scouting Uma Musume, but there's no time for that now. Air Groove's Osaka Hai is this week, and Fuji needs to be in top shape for the Satsuki Sho in two weeks. It's mostly fine-tuning now, so I won't push them too hard, but I'll keep an eye on their condition. Lately, new students have been peeking at our training sessions. Makes sense—they've only been here two or three days, and who wouldn't watch the undefeated "Empress" and the Classic favorite "Entertainer"?
Balancing both is the tricky part. Man, what do I do…
Slide
CB: "Yo~! Just Hachiman? Perfect timing♪"
Hachiman: "? CB, what's up?"
CB: "Hey, Hachiman, you seem off lately. Got something bothering you?"
Hachiman: "Yeah… CB-san, mind listening for a bit?"
CB: "Sure, I'm all ears. What's up?"
Hachiman: "Who to scout—'Me, me, me, me, me!! I'm the only choice!! I'm your top pick, right!?' …Can you let me finish?"
CB: "Oops, sorry! But you talking about scouting's rare. Why now?"
Hachiman: "Well, I'm in my fourth year. Figured it's about time for something big, (though I already got the news). Who'd be a good Uma Musume to pick?"
CB: "Hm~ Talent's key, but the most important thing is choosing someone you really want to train. Even if they're super talented, if you don't click, it's no fun, right?"
Whoa… CB's dropping some real wisdom. I'm kinda impressed.
CB: "So, pick someone in your head first, then see if you vibe with them. Like, I'm great with you, Hachiman—no awkwardness, right? And I know you trust me."
Hachiman: "How're you so sure?"
CB: "'Cause you only tease girls you're close to. You don't get deep with strangers, but with friends, you're all casual and chatty without realizing it. I notice, you know~! Haha♪"
Hachiman: "…I'm shocked. Didn't know you watched me that closely. Guess all that stalking for training paid off."
CB: "I'm not a stalker! It's just aggressive recruiting!!"
Hachiman: "…That's part of it too?"
CB: "Yup, exactly♪ You talk like this with me, but not others, right?"
Hachiman: "Yeah, not with others."
Damn, CB's been observing me way more than I thought. Kinda flattering, knowing she's been paying attention.
CB: "So, yeah, I really want to be your trainee~ Can't you make it happen?"
Hachiman: "…CB. If you promise not to tell anyone, I've got something to say."
CB: "If you don't want it spread, my lips are sealed."
Hachiman: "Good, it's a deal. A few days ago, the chairman gave me an order. Here's the deal."
I showed CB the same paper I showed the other two. As she read, she started… glowing, like literally radiating light. But she also looked kinda flustered.
CB: "H-Hachiman… Does this mean…?"
Hachiman: "Yeah, your words sealed it. Last summer camp and this talk made me decide. CB… no, Mr. CB, will you join my team?"
CB: "…"
Pause
CB: "…YAAAAAYYYYY!!!" tackle hug
Hachiman: "Whoa!?"
She slammed into me, knocking me over. Her hug's so tight I can't move my arms. Sorry to ruin the moment, but my organs are about to pop out…!
Hachiman: "C-CB… ease up a bit, I'm dying…!"
CB: "Haha, sorry! I'm just so happy… You finally scouted me, Hachiman. I've been waiting."
Hachiman: "Didn't mean to keep you waiting. Here's to working together, CB."
CB: "Yup, you got it, Hachiman!!"
Didn't expect her to be this thrilled, but that's one down.
CB: "Oh, Hachiman, you're looking for four more, right?"
Hachiman: "Yeah, one's probably locked in already. Why?"
CB: "I've got someone in mind. Wanna hear about my friend?"
Afterword
CB's four-year-long wish finally blooms! This Yahari x Uma Musume chapter sees Hachiman officially scout CB, a heartfelt moment amid the chaos of Osaka Hai and Satsuki Sho prep. Who's CB's friend? The team's taking shape in Fuji's arc!
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