I Just Wanted a Quiet Life... So Why Am I an Uma Musume Trainer?!

Chapter 502 501 Before the Real Work Begins…

Rudolf's Perspective

"Now then, Brother," I began, leaning against the desk. "The Derby is behind us, and June has arrived. I trust you haven't forgotten our plan to establish a formal team? I've been waiting for this moment with bated breath."

Hachiman sighed, looking up from his notes. "Look, just because we're forming a 'team' doesn't mean the daily routine changes, you know? We're just shifting from a group of individuals to a collective entity. Is it really something to get this worked up about?"

"What are you saying, Hachiman?!" C.B. chimed in, leaning over his shoulder. "A team brings name recognition! It boosts our popularity and makes other girls look up to us! Plus~ depending on our results, it wouldn't be strange for the school to start asking us to take on more members!"

"Ugh… honestly, I'd prefer not to increase our numbers while you three are still active in the Twinkle Series," Hachiman grumbled.

"That will depend entirely on our performance," I said with a small smile. "So, Brother, have you prepared the application documents?"

"Yeah, I've already filled them out. All I have to do is hand them to Ms. Tazuna and get the President's seal of approval—"

"Then there's no time like the present!" I interrupted, standing tall. "Brother, let's head to the office immediately."

"Hey! Hold on a second!"

Rice Shower hovered nearby, looking at the papers with a mix of awe and anxiety. "U-Um… Dearest Brother? Rice's name is in the slot for 'Team Leader'… are you sure it should be me?"

"It has to be you, Rice," Hachiman said with absolute conviction. "Among the three of you, there isn't a single person with a shred of common sense besides you."

Hmph… Brother, that sounds suspiciously like you're implying C.B. and I are lacking in the sanity department.

— The Administration Office —

"Yes, I see. I have officially received the documents," Tazuna-san said, offering her usual professional smile.

"Great!" C.B. chirped, leaning over the counter. "So, Tazuna-san, can you take those to the President right now? Like, immediately? Let's just get the boring paperwork out of the way! Pretty please?"

"Ah… well…" Tazuna looked slightly overwhelmed.

"I'm sorry, please ignore her," Hachiman said, pulling C.B. back by her collar. "C.B., Ms. Tazuna has a job to do. Don't be a nuisance."

"But I want to start our official team activities as soon as possible~!" C.B. pouted.

"Absolutely not. And remember, Rice's word is law," Hachiman reminded her. "The hierarchy goes: Me at the top as Trainer, then Rice as Leader, then you and Rudolf. You will follow Rice's instructions—and her orders. Understood?"

"Wh-whaat?!" Rice squeaked, her face turning beet red. "D-Dearest Brother! Rice can't give orders to those two!"

"You'll be fine, Rice. You've got this," Hachiman said, patting her head. "There isn't an older sister in the world who wouldn't listen to her youngest sibling, right? They're kind sisters, after all."

...I suspect he's talking about us.

"In any case, we'll leave it in your hands, Ms. Tazuna," Hachiman said. "There's no rush."

"Understood," she replied.

— The Schoolyard —

"Well, the papers are in," Hachiman said as we walked back. "Now we just wait for the permit to come back with the seal. I suppose I should start looking for potential candidates in the meantime. Now, who should I look for…?"

"Ooh! Hachiman, let's make placards and go advertising!" C.B. suggested.

"No. That would just lead to a massive headache," Hachiman shut her down instantly. "Geez."

"But Brother, do you have anyone in mind?" I asked.

"I'm going to find them now. I plan to scout a few girls after I've had a chance to watch them run."

"Does that mean you won't be at training as much, Dearest Brother?" Rice asked, looking a little lonely.

"We'll see how it goes," he replied vaguely.

— The Club Room —

"..."

We returned to the club room shortly after. We had intended to prepare for training, but we found guests waiting for us. Normally, I would have reprimanded them for entering without permission, but Brother didn't seem to mind, so I held my tongue. As for the guests…

"S-Sorry, Hikigaya… I know it's bad form to just walk in, but Ramonu wouldn't take no for an answer."

It was another trainer, looking quite frazzled, standing next to Mejiro Ramonu.

Ramonu remained silent, her presence commanding the room.

"No, it's fine," Hachiman said with a wave of his hand. "So, what brings you here? Another joint training session? Or do you need help with a menu?"

"No, it's not that. Actually, Hikigaya, I'm here because I have a favor to ask."

"A favor?" C.B. asked, tilting her head.

Hachiman went quiet for a moment. "...Rice, Rudolf, head to the track. If I'm not there by the time you're ready, start your warm-ups. C.B., can you stay behind?"

"Huh? Why just C.B.-san?" Rice asked.

"You two have big races coming up. I don't want to waste your time. Rice, you have the Takarazuka Kinen at the end of the month—I want to be especially careful with your conditioning."

"Oh, right…" C.B. nodded. "Rice, Rudolf, go on ahead. I'll keep an eye on things here."

"Very well. We'll leave it to you," I said, though I couldn't help but be curious as I led Rice out.

Hachiman's Perspective

"So," I said, turning back to the other trainer. "What's this favor?"

He suddenly bowed, his hands coming together in a plea. "Please! Hikigaya, I'm begging you—could you take over as Ramonu's trainer?!"

"...Huh?" C.B. and I blurted out in unison.

Ramonu remained perfectly poised, saying nothing.

"...Look, mind if I ask why?" I asked, rubbing the back of my neck. "I can't exactly say yes without knowing the circumstances."

"Right. The truth is, I've decided to resign at the end of this month. Don't worry—it's not because I'm sick of the job or anything. It's personal family matters. I've managed to find other trainers to take on my other students, but Ramonu… she refused to listen to anyone else. She insisted it had to be you. And honestly? I feel like you're the only person I can truly trust with her."

"..."

"I see…" C.B. hummed, looking at the legendary mare. "What about you, Ramonu? You're being awfully quiet. Got anything to say?"

Ramonu looked at me, her eyes deep and inscrutable. "I would be delighted if Mr. Hikigaya would take me in. But if it's impossible, then so be it. However, I have no intention of becoming the student of any other trainer. I will simply wait until he says yes."

"W-Wow…" C.B. laughed nervously. "That's some heavy devotion. You sound like a devoted wife."

"I am not his wife," Ramonu corrected smoothly. "I am his sister."

"Wait, whose sister?"

"Mr. Hikigaya's, of course."

"Since when am I your brother?" I snapped. Then, I sighed. "Look, to get straight to the point: if you're offering, I'll take the responsibility. I actually just submitted the paperwork for a formal team. I was planning on scouting for members once it was approved, but given the circumstances, I'll take care of Ramonu."

"Really?!" The trainer looked like he'd just been granted a stay of execution. "That's a huge relief… I was terrified you'd say no. A team, huh? Yeah, that makes sense for you."

"I'll file the transfer paperwork as soon as the team permit clears," I said. "In the meantime, what about Ramonu? Do you want me to start looking over her now?"

"If you could. I've already handed off the other girls, so it would be a huge help."

"Understood."

Ramonu stepped forward, a faint, elegant smile on her lips. "Then I look forward to working with you. How should I address you?"

"...Honestly, I'm tired of this specific song and dance. Call me whatever you want."

"Heh… then how about 'Darling'?"

"Stop. Don't take C.B.'s jokes seriously."

"Oh? I thought you said anything was fine?"

"I was wrong. Please keep it within the realm of common sense."

"I understand… Big Brother."

"So we're stuck with that one, then…" I muttered.

I didn't expect the first member of the team to be decided before the team even officially existed. But I couldn't exactly say no given the situation. Still, I've gone and picked up one hell of a heavy-hitter…

Mejiro Ramonu: Officially Joining the Roster!!

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