Return to Japan
Hachiman's Side
Three days after the Irish St. Leger, we're on our way back to Japan from Ireland, where we'd stayed for a little over two weeks. We're almost there, actually. But even at our departure, I was surprised. Not only were there so many people seeing us off, but I never expected even His Majesty the King and the Queen to show up, let alone Pilsud… And what's more, even King Dancing Brave of the UK said, "Thank you for such a wonderful race," and then added, "Next time, I hope you'll show us your strength in our country too." I couldn't exactly say, I don't go abroad that often, so I just vaguely said I'd consider it positively for the time being.
Still, I never imagined my first overseas expedition would involve such a comfortable flight. Both for C.B. and for me, they even arranged for us to use a private plane for the round trip. Pilsud, I hope he isn't overdoing it? Is the money alright…? I suppose as royalty, they're probably fine in that regard… Hmm.
Speaking of which, this girl next to me… is she really my 담당ウマ娘 ( 담당우마무스메 ) who won the Irish Triple Crown? We've been flying for several hours since boarding, but she hasn't moved an inch from me. She looked a little bored at first, but after a little while (about an hour or two), she fell asleep, clinging to my arm. And that's how it's been until now… Well, it's natural, I guess. We left Ireland in the afternoon, so it's nighttime there now, but it's broad daylight in Japan. It might be good for her to sleep now… though she probably won't be able to sleep tonight.
Hachiman: "But she won't let go…"
C.B.: "Nfufu~♪"
Hachiman: "Well, we're almost there, so it's not a problem."
"Ladies and gentlemen, we are now beginning our descent in preparation for landing. Please return your seats and tray tables to their upright positions and fasten your seatbelts."
Hachiman: "Finally, the landing announcement… It's a bit late, but I might as well get some sleep until we arrive."
—Several Tens of Minutes Later—
C.B.: "…man, …chiman, Hachiman!"
Hachiman: "Huh, huh… C.B., did we land?"
C.B.: "Yeah, we landed! We're in Japan now. Did you sleep soundly too, Hachiman?"
Hachiman: "No, I just slept a little after the landing announcement. I'm not particularly sleepy, so I'm fine. What about you? Do you feel strange or anything?"
C.B.: "Nope, I'm perfectly fine! Because I was with Hachiman!"
Hachiman: "That makes no sense."
—Baggage Claim Area—
C.B.: "Wow~ So many people! Aren't there more than last time, that's weird?"
Hachiman: "It can't be helped. This is different from last time. An overseas G1 victory, winning the Derby, that's already a big deal, but this time we're returning with a Triple Crown. It's only natural for there to be a commotion. And look, unlike last time, even TV stations are here. They clearly intend to interview us without permission."
C.B.: "Hachiman, in this situation, should we do the interviews?"
Hachiman: "No, if we accept, it's best to assume we'll be held up. They'll ask countless questions endlessly, and more importantly, there's no need to respond to interviews without permission. We could just ignore them, but respond to the fans' voices."
C.B.: "But I don't want you to be talked about badly because of that, Hachiman."
Hachiman: "Why would I come into it? It's unrelated, isn't it?"
C.B.: "It is related! You're my trainer!! And… hey, isn't that Fuji?"
Hachiman: "Huh?"
I looked in the direction C.B. was pointing, and indeed, that was Fuji. She was smiling and waving at us. On closer inspection, our teammates and even the teachers were with her. This was the most welcome reception.
Hachiman: "The first place to go is definitely over there."
C.B.: "Yeah, you're right!♪"
Hachiman: "Let's grab our luggage and head straight over."
C.B.: "Okay! Sorry to everyone else, but the team is important after all! It's been so long~"
We collected our flowing luggage and exited through the gate. Despite the airport staff trying to manage it, the excitement was immense. The number of C.B.'s fans must have skyrocketed after that race. Among them, of course, were media crews, but the airport staff were excellent and kept them at bay. Thanks to that, C.B. and I were able to easily make our way to the team.
Air Groove: "Welcome back, Hachiman, and Senior C.B. too. Congratulations again on achieving the Triple Crown."
Fuji: "That was a truly magnificent race!♪"
C.B.: "Oh, it's all thanks to Hachiman~!"
Arrow: "But it's amazing how much you widened the gap against the local Uma Musume in an overseas expedition."
Bakushin-O: "Your run in the straight was truly eye-popping! I resolved to learn from it!"
Rice: "Welcome back, big brother."
Aldan: "Good work on your long journey. And with this, you've achieved three Triple Crowns, haven't you?"
Taliat: "An excellent strategy, as expected of my disciple."
Man o' War: "To win a foreign Triple Crown so quickly… a terrifyingly promising grand-disciple."
Hachiman: "You're praising me too much. Please praise C.B. I only assisted C.B., after all."
Taliat: "Even so, it's not easy to demonstrate your skill overseas. And you won a Triple Crown doing it. No one will doubt your ability anymore."
Hachiman: "I hope so."
Taliat: "But don't let your guard down. From now on, the autumn G1 series continues. The first race is Fuji's Sprinters Stakes. Make a splendid comeback and avenge your spring defeat."
Hachiman: "…Yes."
Taliat: "…Well, enough of the serious talk. Shall we return? To where you belong."
And so, we boarded the minibus that the teachers apparently arrived in, and headed back to the academy.
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