Hachiman's POV
Alright, I've got a plan to see Wing Arrow's moves. Now for Rice. Timing's tricky, though. Bringing this up in the cafeteria? Instant game over. Hmm… Maybe ask her to join Fuji's training today? Nah, that feels kinda scummy.
Hachiman: "What to do…"
Rice: "Onii-sama, what's wrong?"
Ardan: "Troubled, Anii-sama?"
Hachiman: "Hm? Oh, yeah, sorta. I've got something to talk to Rice about, but how to bring it up… Wait, huh?"
Rice: "? Something about me?"
Oh, God, you give rewards and trials, don't you?
Hachiman: "Uh, yeah, but it's tough to say here."
Rice: "D-Did I do something bad—'Stop that thought.' Okay… But, Onii-sama, you don't usually have business with me…"
How can I say it when she's right here—the one who swore she'd only take me as her trainer? Scouting her in front of her? Impossible! What kind of nightmare difficulty is this!?
Ardan: "…Anii-sama, is this something you don't want others to hear?"
Hachiman: "…Yeah. (You, specifically!)"
Ardan: "Then how about the courtyard?"
Rice: "Eh? But wouldn't there be tons of people there now…?"
Ardan: "Hehe, it's fine."
Hachiman/Rice: "?"
Courtyard
Rice: "Huh, it's pretty empty?"
Ardan: "At this time, the wind picks up here, so people avoid it. Plus, it's still chilly in early spring. Even if it's spring, cold days linger."
Hachiman: "Didn't know that…"
Ardan: "This spot should be safe for your talk."
Hachiman: "…Right. (Still doesn't solve my problem.)"
Rice: "So, Onii-sama, what's the talk?"
Ugh… Rice's pure eyes are killing me. She's waiting so earnestly, and dodging this now would feel wrong. But with Ardan guiding us here, bailing would cause too many issues…
No choice. Gotta be straight.
Hachiman: "Rice, I'm thinking of scouting you. Take a look at this."
Rice/Ardan: "…"
Rice is expectedly curious, but Ardan's staring hard. What, she that eager to join me?
Rice: "…Onii-sama, are you sure about me? Really, me?"
Hachiman: "I chose you. Your long-distance stayer talent is top-tier in this academy. The Tenno Sho Spring, the longest G1, might have tough rivals, but I think you've got the legs for even longer races. Like… the 4000-meter Gold Cup, the world's longest G1."
Rice: "Eek!?"
Hachiman: "Just an example. So, Rice, what do you say? Will you take my offer?"
Rice: "B-But there are faster Uma Musume, right? And for long-distance, others might—'Let me put it this way.' Huh?"
Hachiman: "For long-distance, you're my only pick right now. No other candidates. No rivals."
Rice: "…"
Hachiman: "You can say no. I'm just scouting, not forcing you. Decide when you're ready. I'll give you time. Just don't tell anyone."
Rice (W-What do I do… This chance won't come again if I miss it. But if I join Onii-sama's team, won't I hold everyone back? I'm such a failure, I'll just drag them down…)
Ardan: "Anii-sama, am I not a candidate for your team?"
Hachiman: "Uh…"
Ardan: "You know I won't sign with any other trainer. Please, let me join your team, even at the bottom!"
Hachiman: "I know your stance—I heard it a year ago. But…"
Ardan: "I know my limits best. I know I fall short compared to others… But I'll overturn that! Please, Anii-sama!!"
Hachiman: "…"
Knew this was coming. But what now? Ardan's a mid-distance type, and that slot's filled by CB. She might handle miles, but I'm worried about her legs breaking down…
Tazuna: "Oh, Rice Shower-san, Mejiro Ardan-san, and Hachiman Trainer too. Scouting, perhaps?"
Hachiman: "Yeah, but I'm in a bind…"
I explained the situation to Tazuna-san.
Tazuna: "I see… You're worried about going over the team limit."
Hachiman: "Exactly."
Tazuna: "Please wait a moment."
She started making a call. To the chairman?
Minutes Later
Tazuna: "Sorry for the wait. I just spoke with the chairman about this."
Ardan: "A-And!? What did she say?"
Tazuna: "Her exact words: 'Approved!! Hachiman Trainer's trust from Uma Musume is well understood!! Thus, I'll allow one extra slot!! Such requests from Uma Musume are a testament to his daily communication with them!!' That's all. So, Mejiro Ardan-san, your scouting is officially approved."
Ardan: "T-Then!!"
Hachiman: "…Fine, your passion won me over. Join my team?"
Ardan: "~!! Absolutely—'M-Me too!!' Rice-san?"
Rice: "I… I want to join Onii-sama's team too!! I'll take your offer!!"
Hachiman: "…Alright. The team's not formed yet, but welcome aboard, both of you."
Rice: "Yay, I'm in, Onii-sama!!"
Ardan: "Thank you so much!"
Tazuna: "Hehe, how beautiful♪"
Afterword
The chairman pulls through with a clutch move! In this Yahari x Uma Musume chapter, Hachiman scouts Rice Shower and, unexpectedly, Mejiro Ardan, whose passion secures an extra team slot. With CB and Wing Arrow already in, the team's blooming! Fuji's arc charges toward the Satsuki Sho!
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