Perspective: Hachiman
So, the contract with Rice has been sealed, and I have taken my first step as a Trainer. Today, I've prepared various training regimens to observe Rice's running form, distance aptitude, and any habits she might have. Of course, since we have to determine her aptitude first, this will take some time. Though, since I already know Rice is a "stayer" type, I'm proceeding with the assumption that her aptitude lies in Medium to Long distances.
Today is a holiday, meaning no classes at the academy. I figured we could use the time more effectively on a day like this, so I checked with Rice and borrowed her schedule for the day. Now, I am currently waiting for the star of the show.
Speak of the devil... hm?
"Heave... ho... Heave... ho..." Drraaaaag...
...Okay, first off, Rice arrived on time... or rather, quite a bit early. That is something to be grateful for, yes. However, there is one thing bothering me.
What in the world is that massive, bursting-at-the-seams backpack she is dragging behind her?
THUD!!
...I feel like I just heard a sound that a backpack should absolutely not make.
"Haa... haa... S-Sorry to keep you waiting, Big Brother! Umm, I look forward to working with you starting today!"
"Ah, yeah... The feeling is mutual, but can I ask you one thing?"
"Eh? Un, sure..."
"What is with that gigantic backpack?"
"Umm... I prepared various things. I thought I should be ready just in case something bad happens. Like bandages and taping for if I trip, extra drinks for hydration, and spare shoes for if mine break."
Oh, that's good preparation. Commendable, even. There is a saying, "Preparedness prevents sorrow." However, I don't think those items alone would result in luggage of this magnitude...
"And an umbrella for sudden rain, a change of clothes for if I get wet, a raincoat so I can run even if it rains, and mayonnaise for if I get stranded!"
...Is this child going mountaineering?
"...Rice, are you heading out to climb a mountain after this? Also, the forecast is sunny today."
"Auu... Since it's my first training with Big Brother, I thought I shouldn't cause you any trouble, but... was it strange?"
"It's not strange, so I'll accept the sentiment. But seriously, you don't need to worry about being a 'bother'."
"Eh? B-But..."
"It's fine. In fact, I'd rather you bother me. It's better if you have requests or demands."
"W-What do you mean?"
"It means you shouldn't just blindly do what you're told. The training I assign isn't necessarily always the correct answer. So, if you think something or want to do something, you can tell me."
"I-Is that okay?"
"Well, eventually. For the beginning, I'd like you to follow my instructions if possible. Because I don't want my precious charge to get injured... absolutely not."
That kind of thing must not happen... That is my belief, and perhaps the most important lesson I learned from my teacher.
"B-Big Brother?"
"Tch! Ah, it's nothing. Sorry. Putting that aside, let's start training. We'll begin with a warm-up. It's going to be completely different from the warm-ups you've done before."
"Y-Yes! Please guide me!!"
Several Hours Later
Training with Rice went smoothly. In fact, it went perfectly. I learned a lot, too.
First, comparing it to the run I saw a week ago, Rice's running form is quite beautiful. She runs lightly while maintaining her center of gravity. It's a very standard running style—different from the 'pitch' style of Grass Wonder or Curren Chan, and different from the 'large stride' style of Teio or C.B.—but it is a good run.
She has speed, too. However, it's not at an overwhelming level. But to make up for that, she has endurance. This is completely a style suited for a Stayer. Anyone could see that, not just me.
That said, it doesn't mean she can't run other distances. She looked good at Medium distance, and she can handle a Mile to some extent. However, unless there are exceptional circumstances, there probably won't be many opportunities for her to run a Mile.
"Well, Short distance was a no-go, as expected. But the longer the distance, the better your running becomes... We might struggle a bit at the beginning. After all, the Junior Class races cap at 2000 meters. We'll have to figure something out..."
"How was it, Big Brother?"
"Yeah. I thought you were a natural-born Stayer, and I was right. We'll likely face some hardships early on. So, until we enter the Classic Class, we're going to have to do training that utilizes your speed."
"I seee..."
"How about you, Rice? Did you feel anything? Though, since we were testing different distances today, you might not have felt much."
"Ummm... I don't know if this is correct, but I thought that Rice isn't suited for races that require speed from the start. Like Short distance..."
"Hoh... You realized that yourself?"
"Only while I was running... though."
"No, it's good that you understand that yourself. You'll likely only run distances from Mile to Long in future races, so keep that in mind. Also..."
Grrrrrrroooowl...
...The stomach bug sang. Rice's stomach bug.
"Awawawawa!? I-I-I-I'm so sorry, Big Brother!!"
"There's nothing to apologize for. Let's see... It's already lunchtime. Let's wrap up training and go get some food. The academy cafeteria isn't open today, so... Alright, let's head into town."
Having finished training, Rice and I promised to head to town after getting changed, and we left the track behind.
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