Hachiman's POV

Phew… "That was delicious," Hiratsuka-sensei said. "The Uma Musume here are lucky, eating this well every day."

"You don't hold back when it comes to food, Sensei," I said.

"I went easy, and you know it," she teased.

"Fair enough…" I muttered.

Symboli Rudolf approached. "Hachiman-kun, and you must be the mentor he mentioned."

"You can tell?" Sensei said.

Rudolf nodded. "Your presence speaks volumes. I sense… an overwhelming strength, as if every Uma Musume in this academy, myself included, couldn't match you."

"Impressive," Sensei said. "As expected of the Symboli family's daughter. Your parents raised you well. That insight is remarkable."

"You flatter me," Rudolf said.

"She's Symboli Rudolf, right?" Sensei asked me.

"Yup," I said. "She's the student council president."

"I see," Sensei said. "Rudolf, a question."

"Yes?" Rudolf said.

"A trainer is essential for an Uma Musume to race, as you know," Sensei said. "Without one, you can't grow stronger. Skill aside, which would you choose: a friendly but third-rate trainer, or a skilled one who can't build trust with their Uma Musume?"

Ouch. That stings, like she's talking about me. Sensei knows about the incident—bet this question's deliberate. Is Air Groove watching from somewhere in this cafeteria?

Rudolf pondered. "I'd choose the former. Naturally, you'd want a skilled trainer. But compatibility matters. A lack of trust, as you said, is fatal—for both Uma Musume and trainer. It could lead to something catastrophic. Skills can be honed later; there's always room to grow. An Uma Musume and trainer should be one heart, one stride, working together. That's the ideal, I believe."

"…" Sensei said.

"…" I said.

"What do you think?" Rudolf asked.

"Brilliant," Sensei said. "Few students think like that. You're wise beyond your years."

"Just a young girl's ramblings," Rudolf said.

"No, it's profound," Sensei said. "My disciple could learn a thing or two."

"…Sorry," I muttered.

"Kidding," she said. "But it's not untrue."

"…"

"That was enlightening," Sensei said. "Thank you. We'll take our leave, Hachiman."

"Yes, ma'am," I said.

Sensei's words meant clearing our trays. Hers too. Great, back-and-forth it is…

Trainer's Office

"So, this is your workspace," Sensei said.

"Yup," I said. "Don't come here much, but I do research here."

"Very you," she said.

"Coffee?" I offered. "You didn't have any after lunch."

"I'll take some," she said. "No sugar, a splash of milk, one teaspoon of cinnamon, right?" "Heh, you know me well."

"Coming right up," I said.

Minutes Later

"Here," I said, handing her the cup.

"Thanks," she said. "You're still a sweets fiend, huh?"

"Doesn't change overnight," I said.

"Clearly," she said.

"…"

"Not asking why I'm here?" she said. "You're curious, aren't you?"

"Better to wait for all the players," I said.

"Sharp as ever," she said. "We'll talk when the time comes. For now, this chat's enough."

"Not catching up with Professor?" I asked.

"We talk, but it always circles back to you," she said. "You're his favorite. Oh, have you seen this photo?"

I glanced at her phone and groaned. It was me, in glasses and casual clothes, out and about. Ugh… they got that too?

"What's this?" I asked.

"A hot topic on Umasta a while back," she said. "I've never seen you in glasses. Show me."

"…Fine," I said.

I pulled my rarely used glasses from their case and put them on. Sensei's reaction?

"Well, well," she said. "They do make your eyes—your weak point—look good."

"Can you not call them my weak point?" I said. "It's true, but it stings hearing it to my face."

"You're practically a heartthrob," she teased. "The kind to draw marriage-hungry women or guys' girls."

"Didn't need to hear that," I said.

"Let's take a photo," she said. "We'll send it to Master. He'll book a flight to Japan on the spot, whenever that may be."

"Sending a photo's fine, but not a selfie—" "What are you saying? Of course it's a selfie." "Seriously?"

"Naturally," she said.

"I'm not responsible for what Professor says," I said. "And don't shove your phone at me when you're in a bind."

"Who knows?" she grinned.

Why does she get mischievous now? I'm the one who'll deal with the fallout.

Afterword

Hiratsuka-sensei's playful side steals the show, but her pointed question to Rudolf cuts deep, reflecting Hachiman's rift with Air Groove. Rudolf's wisdom on trust highlights the "Empress" and "Tengan" Trainer's strained bond as the Osaka Hai looms. Sensei's teasing over Hachiman's Umasta fame and selfie antics brings levity, but the Yahari crossover keeps the stakes high. Will trust be rebuilt?

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