Fuji's POV

Two weeks after the Hankyu Hai, I'm deep in training for the Takamatsunomiya Kinen, feeling more fulfilled every day. But lately, there's been a bit of a problem… Around this time each year, newly licensed trainers come to Central Tressen to observe. It's a tradition, but this year, there are way more women among them—and their eyes are all on Hachiman.

With his personality, he probably senses the stares but brushes them off, focusing only on us until training's done. Sometimes he doesn't even notice. And honestly, with his track record, it's no surprise he's the trainer everyone's watching. Still, hearing the newbies gush over him… it's kind of annoying.

Fuji: "…" staring

Hachiman: "…What's up?"

Fuji: "Nothing, really."

Hachiman: "Then mind not staring at my face?"

Fuji: "…" staring

Hachiman: "…Ignoring me, huh?"

Sorry, Hachiman—it's not you I'm looking at. It's the group of rookie trainers behind you. As expected, a bunch of women are watching us, whispering among themselves.

Hachiman: "Hey, what's with you?"

Fuji: "Hachiman, you know about the new trainers watching us—well, mostly you—lately, right?"

Hachiman: "There's people doing that?"

Fuji: "Hearing that makes me feel better already. So… anyone assigned as your assistant yet?"

Hachiman: "Apparently, the chairman and Tazuna are keeping it that way—no assistants. They're worried I'd crush a rookie's confidence."

Fuji: "Huh… that's a good call."

Hachiman: "Is it? I've never been an assistant or had one, so I wouldn't know what to teach or learn. Except from my teacher, I guess."

Right—Hachiman's mentor was Thaliard. He learned the ropes in a totally unconventional way, picking up skills and knowledge no ordinary trainer would.

Fuji: "It's the right move not assigning anyone to you. Your skills and knowledge need someone you personally pick—someone who can handle it. It's like a one-on-one legacy, right?"

Hachiman: "I don't think it's that dramatic."

Fuji: "Didn't you say Man o' War, Secretariat, and you each only had one disciple? Sounds like a one-on-one tradition to me."

Hachiman: "…Fair point."

Clubroom

Air Groove: "Hachiman, things are getting noisy around you lately. You holding up?"

Hachiman: "I'm fine. Fuji mentioned the rookie trainers staring from a distance?"

Air Groove: "Yeah."

CB: "You're probably cool with it, Hachiman, but don't go being too nice to them. Girls get carried away when you're sweet!"

Rice: "B-But if they're his juniors, shouldn't he be kind to them?"

CB: "No way, Rice! Tons of trainers are dying to get close to Hachiman! Some even asked me to play matchmaker!"

Hachiman: "Wait, what? First I'm hearing of this."

CB: "That's why we've gotta protect you!"

Rice: "Y-Yeah… Rice will protect you too, big brother!"

Hachiman: "Rice, don't let CB corrupt you."

Rice: "B-But I really do want to protect you…"

Hachiman: "Thanks, Rice. Just being you is enough. Don't push yourself, okay?" pat pat

Rice: "R-Really? Ehehe!" ears twitching, tail wagging

CB: "Hey, what about me?!"

Hachiman: "Yeah, yeah, thanks." pat pat

CB: "Hehe!" ears twitching, tail wagging

…So unfair, both of them.

Air Groove: "Those girls today—how many times have they shown up? They've been watching our training three times a week since they started."

Hachiman: "That often? I haven't paid much attention. Same group each time?"

CB: "Yup, at least two of them are regulars. I've caught them watching from afar—they're not really studying the training. A few others were taking notes, though."

Hachiman: "Huh… Whatever. Anyway—"

Fuji: "Hachiman, don't look their way, okay? You only need to focus on me—er, us! No need to care about other women!"

Air Groove: "Well, that's bold."

Fuji: "Huh? W-What do you mean?"

CB: "I mean, you just said 'focus on me'…"

Fuji: "…!!" face explodes red

Rice: "Wow, that's amazing…" ///

Hachiman: "Whoa, slip of the tongue, right? Don't gang up on her. You okay, Fuji?"

Fuji: "Y-Yeah…" trembling, face burning

Hachiman: "(She's that embarrassed? Red as a tomato and shaking…) Cool off a bit, alright? Take it easy." pat pat

Fuji: "…" nods shakily

Ugh! Why did I say that?! I didn't mean it like that! Okay, maybe I kind of did, but saying it out loud?! My face feels like it's on fire!!!

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