Hachiman's POV
After the grave visit, we hung out normally and returned to the hotel when the time felt right. The others weren't back yet, probably still out. I might've put CB and the others in an awkward spot—taking them to a grave isn't exactly a fun outing. They didn't ask about Grandma afterward. Not that I was hiding it or that it's hard to talk about, but it's natural it got a bit heavy.
Knock knock knock
Hachiman: "Hm? Come in."
Ardan: "Excuse me."
Hachiman: "What's up, Ardan?"
Ardan: "It's a bit hard to ask, but… I'd like to hear about your grandmother."
Hachiman: "Grandma? Sure, but I don't know much. Last saw her before I even started elementary school."
Ardan: "That's fine. I'm just curious about her."
Hachiman: "Alright, if you say so…"
Ardan asked about Grandma, so I told her what I knew—her racing record and the bits I remember from when I was a kid.
Hachiman: "About 30 years after retiring, she was chosen as a URA Honored Uma Musume… basically a Hall of Famer. Third ever selected."
Ardan: "An Honored Uma Musume… A rare honor for those who greatly advanced central racing. Even the Mejiro family has no one with that title."
Hachiman: "Could happen someday. But it needs over half the votes in the selection, so it's not guaranteed."
Ardan: "…What an incredible grandmother."
Hachiman: "Yeah… Really. If I'd known her better, maybe we could've talked more. Can't help it, though. I'm a bit jealous of you guys—your families are still around."
Ardan: "…"
Hachiman: "Sorry, got a bit heavy. Everyone back yet? We talked for a while."
I sent a group message, and the others were already back. Since dinner was later, we decided to hold a meeting, so I gathered everyone. I could've gone to them, but a guy visiting the girls' rooms felt off.
Hachiman: "Alright, everyone's here. Let's start. It's just about Fuji's race tomorrow. Fuji, you've probably checked, but Tayasu Tsuyoshi's in the lineup. The rest are either conditionals or higher-class challengers. Luckily, it's in Kyoto this year, so it's good practice. I'd be happy with a priority entry for the Chrysanthemum Sho. I know you want to keep your undefeated streak, but focus on finishing safe."
Fuji: "Got it. But I'll aim for first. I'm an Uma Musume, after all."
Hachiman: "…Heh, knew you'd say that. Go for first. Anything less, and you won't get that entry from URA or me."
Fuji: "Haha, that lights a fire! Alright, I'll take first tomorrow!"
Hachiman: "Good. Next, everyone—how do we handle racecourse entry tomorrow?"
Could be like today, I guess. Morning entry might backfire, though.
Fuji: "Usual time's fine, right?"
Air Groove: "Yes, no need to change it."
Bakushin-O: "I agree! Same as the Derby works!!"
Guess it's the afternoon then.
CB: "But Hachiman, you only talked to her for a bit, right? Don't you want more time with your grandma?"
Ardan: "Yes! It was just a few minutes. Don't you want to talk longer?"
Maurice: "Yeah, Trainer-san. You didn't need to worry about us."
Rice: "? Um, what do you mean?"
Air Groove: "Can you explain?"
CB/Ardan/Maurice: glance
Hachiman: "Go ahead, I'm not hiding it."
So, CB and Ardan told everyone about today's grave visit. Then…
Fuji: "That happened… Hachiman-san, could you take me there tomorrow too?"
Air Groove: "I'd like to go as well. I'm your first Uma Musume, yet I haven't paid my respects."
Bakushin-O: "I didn't know—sorry! Let's visit the grave tomorrow morning!"
They all want to go… But I'm glad they want to for my grandma, not just Kurifuji.
Arrow: "If that's the plan, I'm in. I want to thank Trainer for choosing me."
Rice: "O-Onii-sama… I'll go too! I want to pay respects."
Everyone else chimed in, so tomorrow morning, we're visiting Grandma's grave again.
Rice: "Ugh… Onii-sama, you okay? Not too hard?" teary
Maurice: "I-If it's tough, tell us, okay? Don't push yourself." teary
Hachiman: "I'm fine, really! It's not that painful!"
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