Chapter 21: A Trainer’s Choice!!

Scritch, scritch, scritch…

"…Alright, just need her confirmation and signature," I muttered, setting down my pen.

"It's been a long road, deciding on your Uma Musume," Aki said, her eyes bright with enthusiasm. "But now you can finally start as a full-fledged trainer!"

"It's not set in stone yet," I replied, leaning back. "She's gotta still want me as her trainer and not have picked someone else. I kept her waiting ten days—can't complain if she's moved on."

"But you're Hachiman!" Aki said, practically bouncing. "With all those Uma Musume scouting you, it'd be tough for her to give up that easily."

"I hope you're right…" I trailed off.

Truth is, I had no idea. I might've blown it already. Ten days is a long time to make someone wait on my indecision. She could've done a million things in that time—picked another trainer, joined a team, or just lost interest.

Knock, knock, knock.

"Hm? Who's that? A student?" I asked, glancing at the door.

"It's class time, though. No one should be here…" Aki said, then called out, "Come in!"

"Pardon the intrusion!!" Akikawa burst through the door, her voice booming as always.

"Ch-Chairman!?" Aki stammered, nearly dropping her clipboard.

"Great work on your daily duties!! No need to stop!! I'm here for Trainer Hikitani!!" Akikawa declared, pointing at me like I was the star of some dramatic reveal.

"For me?" I said, raising an eyebrow.

"Question!! Have you chosen your Uma Musume?" she asked, hands on her hips.

"I decided yesterday. It's class time, so I can't scout her now. I'll head over after school."

"Relief… Hearing that lifts a weight off my shoulders," Akikawa said, her posture softening. "Takanotsume was worried, so I came to check. Seems it was unnecessary."

"No, thanks for the concern," I said, scratching the back of my neck.

"No need!! It's only natural as chairman!! Though, I'm a bit conflicted," she admitted, her tone shifting to something almost serious.

"Conflicted? How so…?" Aki asked, tilting her head.

"Explanation. I once asked Takanotsume, 'If Trainer Hikitani can't decide, why not assign him multiple Uma Musume?' She snapped, 'What are you trying to do to a rookie trainer!?' Scolded me good…"

Aki and I exchanged a glance. Dodged a bullet there. I could've been saddled with a whole herd of unfamiliar Uma Musume without a clue.

"But!!" Akikawa continued, her voice rising again. "I wasn't lying. I want you, and eventually Trainer Kiryuin, to handle multiple Uma Musume and form teams like Tojo-san, Okino-san, or the veteran trainers!!"

"Chairman…" Aki murmured, her eyes sparkling with admiration.

"Excuse me!!" Akikawa said, striding out with the same energy she brought in.

Her purpose was clear, but man, I'm glad I made a choice. Well, it's not confirmed yet, but still. The thought of managing a whole team of unknown Uma Musume sent a shiver down my spine.

"Teams, huh… Kinda cool," Aki said, her voice wistful as she stared at the door.

"You want one someday?" I asked, folding my arms.

"Of course! Getting approved for a team means your skills are recognized. It's like a badge of honor for a trainer!" she said, practically glowing.

"Didn't your family have a bunch of trainers? Some must've formed teams," I pointed out.

"Sure, but not many. They say only trainers with real talent get to form teams," she replied, shrugging.

"Is that so…" I said, letting the thought hang.

Whatever. Teams are way too far off for me. For now, I'll focus on tackling one thing at a time—starting with this scouting.

"So, when I first got here—" I started, chatting with some senior trainers in the lounge.

"Oh, yeah, I've done that too!" one cut in, laughing.

"I see…" I nodded, half-listening.

♪~♪~

The bell signaled the end of classes, cutting through the chatter. "Alright, we're heading to the clubroom," a senior said, standing up. "But, Hikitani, I've been wondering… Have you decided?"

"…Yeah," I replied, keeping my tone even.

"Really!?" she exclaimed, her face lighting up. "Thank goodness! Some of us trainers were worried. A week without picking, we wondered what you'd do. But you're good now!"

"I haven't confirmed yet," I said, standing and grabbing my bag. "I'm about to go talk to her. It's been over a week, so I don't know if she'll accept."

"You'll be fine!" she said, giving me a thumbs-up. "With all those Uma Musume after you, she's definitely waiting."

"She's right, Hikitani-kun. Good luck!" another added, clapping me on the shoulder.

"Thanks," I said, managing a small nod.

With the seniors' encouragement ringing in my ears, it was time to scout her. No more stalling.

Track Field

She should be training here, as usual. From this distance, I couldn't quite make her out. I stepped closer, scanning the field.

"…There she is," I said, spotting her silhouette against the track.

The Uma Musume I wanted as my trainee was mid-training, her form cutting through the air with focus. No more delays—I had to seal the deal. Keeping her waiting any longer wasn't fair.

"Sorry to interrupt your training," I called out, approaching her. "I've made my decision. These past ten days, I've thought hard and kept you waiting, and I'm sorry for that. But I've got my answer. I want you as my trainee. I know I made you wait, and I feel bad about it. So, what's your answer? Will you accept?"