[Hachiman's Perspective]
Two months have flown by since the start of the year. It's now March—the dawn of the Classic Season. From the second week on, the "Trial Races" for the main routes begin, including the Tulip Sho and the Yayoi Sho. It's that time of year when a swarm of horse girls start making a name for themselves, all vying for a spot on the big stage.
Naturally, CB is right in the thick of it. After her first graded stakes victory in last month's Kyodo Tsushin Hai, she's registered for the Satsuki Sho and is currently in the middle of her "late-charge" training for the Classic. Rice has the Nikkei Sho coming up at the end of the month, too; she's been conditioning hard, aiming for back-to-back wins just like her Tenno Sho run. Both CB and Rice are looking solid so far.
But I still have one lingering concern: our current situation. Right now, I'm looking after their training individually rather than as a formal team. I'm a little uneasy about how that's going to shake out when the new school year starts in April. The fact that nobody is talking about it makes the silence feel even more ominous.
Hachiman: "Well, there's no point overthinking things I can't control. Better to focus on what's right in front of me."
Rudolf: "This is the first time I've seen you work at such close range, but your efficiency is truly remarkable, Brother."
Hachiman: "Anyone can do this much once they get used to it."
Rudolf: "I believe you're aware that most people spend a lifetime trying to master that 'habit,' aren't you?"
Hachiman: "Fair point."
Rice Shower: "Um, Big Brother... can Rice help with anything? I'll do anything you need!"
Hachiman: "No, I'm good. Just waiting is help enough. I'm making a lot, but don't set your expectations too high, okay?"
Mr. CB: "Oh, my expectations are very high!~♪"
Hachiman: "Yeah, yeah."
Currently, I'm standing in the kitchen of the Tracen Academy cafeteria, mid-prep. As you might know, I make lunch for Rice two or three times a week. Through some weird twist of fate, I've ended up cooking for Rudolf and CB as well. Well, they're technically under my care, so I can't exactly give them the cold shoulder. It's fine.
The only problem is that while I'm cooking, I can feel six "beams of light" burning into my back. I really wish they wouldn't stare so intently. Especially since today's menu is something they're definitely going to snap up...
—A Few Dozen Minutes Later—
Hachiman: "Alright, thanks for waiting. Three Karaage set meals."
Mr. CB: "Ooooh! I've been waiting for this! It looks amazing!♪"
Rudolf: "Ah, the aroma alone is enough to stir the appetite."
Rice Shower: "But... why do the colors look a little different?"
Hachiman: "Good eye, Rice. There are fifteen pieces of fried chicken here, and every five pieces are prepared differently. The first set is soy sauce, the second is salt-based, and the last is a standard glaze—but try those with the ponzu sauce. The acidity and the savory depth make a surprisingly good combo. I double-fried them, so the inside should be juicy while the breading stays extra crispy."
Rudolf: "Hoh... Karaage with ponzu? I haven't heard of that combination before. Interesting."
Rice Shower: "The others look so good too... Big Brother, let's eat!"
Hachiman: "Right. You three go grab a seat. I'll plate my own and join you in a sec."
—A Few Minutes Later—
Mr. CB: "Alright, hands together everyone... and, one, two—Itadakimasu!"
Hachiman/Rudolf/Rice: "Itadakimasu!"
Rice Shower: (Munch!) Crunch!
Rudolf: "!" Crunch!
Mr. CB: "!?" Crunch!
Hachiman: (Bite.) Crunch!
Whoa... I noticed it during the taste test, but the crunch is incredible. And the juice just keeps flowing.
Rice Shower: "Mmm! Mmmmmm!!" (She starts waving her hands around in pure delight.)
Rudolf: "Mmm-hmmm~♪" (Chew, chew.)
Mr. CB: "Thif is fo good! Delicious!!"
Rice Shower: "Big Brother, this chicken is so, so yummy!"
Rudolf: "The Karaage with ponzu... this is... it's almost addictive."
Mr. CB: "This one is salty and sweet, so it must be the soy sauce! It's so crispy and good!!"
Hachiman: "Seems so... I can tell just by looking at you guys. Don't hold back. I made extra today."
Mr. CB: "Alright! Seconds for me!!"
Rice Shower: "R-Rice too!"
Rudolf: "Heh... naturally, I'll be having more as well."
You guys don't have to bolt it down like that. It's not like anyone is going to come along and steal it... wait, never mind. Someone like that definitely exists.
Narita Brian: "Hey, Trainer. Give me some of that."
Oguri Cap: "Tr... Trainer... could I perhaps have some Karaage as well?"
Special Week: "Me too, please!"
Hachiman: "I knew you guys would show up... fine. Just wait a bit, I'll go get it ready."
Mr. CB: "Hachiman! Make sure you save our portions!"
Hachiman: "I know, I know."
—A Few Dozen Minutes Later—
Rice Shower: "Phew... Rice can't eat another bite..."
Rudolf: "Me neither... I'm completely stuffed."
Mr. CB: "Total satisfaction~♪"
Hachiman: "Hey now, you're done already? I still have some left... Guess I'll just save it for my dinner—"
Narita Brian: "If you're just going to use it as a side dish for your drinks, give it to me instead."
Hachiman: "Don't be so entitled."
Oguri Cap: "But Trainer, why is this? Whenever I eat your cooking, I feel full so quickly. Perhaps it is because the flavor reminds me of home?"
Special Week: "I can still keep going!!"
Hachiman: "Ugh... hm?"
Air Groove: "Finally finished, have you? Now then, what should I have today? Perhaps something light."
Hachiman: "...Hey, Air Groove."
Air Groove: "Hm? What is it? Do you need something?"
Hachiman: "I've got some Karaage left over. Want some?"
Air Groove: "...Excuse me?"
Hachiman: "I said, I fried some chicken. You want it?"
...Why is she looking at me with such suspicion? I'm not plotting anything, and I don't intend to.
Air Groove: "...I will not tolerate a meal of only fried chicken. If the nutritional balance is lacking, I shall have to decline the offer."
Hachiman: "If you're just looking for a light meal, how about a small portion of white rice, miso soup, pickles, six pieces of Karaage, and a salad? How's that?"
Air Groove: "...I shall graciously accept your kindness, then."
Better to have it eaten this way than let it go to waste.
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