Yahagi Side
The academy's on winter break, and my team's taking a break from training for the year-end. Some have January debuts, but I've learned rest is crucial, so now's the time. I'm heading back to my hometown this year—first time in over five years, as Komachi pointed out. So, I'm going. My companions? Air Groove, Fuji, and CB.
You get it, right? The group grew, damn it! Altan didn't come because of Mejiro family obligations—big names have their duties. The others are either going home or staying, but these three had no plans, so they're tagging along.
Yahagi: "Never thought I'd be heading to Chiba with this crowd… I pictured going solo. How'd it come to this?"
Fuji: "It's fine! It'll be a surprise for your family. Shocking them in person could be fun, right?"
Yahagi: "I'll leave that to you. CB, you sure you don't need to visit your family? It's been a while, hasn't it?"
CB: "Nah, my family's pretty hands-off. When I joined Tracen Academy, they were like, 'Go for it!' Last visit was… three, four years ago?"
Yahagi: "…Guess that's fine."
Air Groove: "Yahagi, have you told your family we're coming?"
Yahagi: "Yeah, I did—well, Komachi did. Changed my phone and forgot the home number, so she handled it."
Air Groove: "You… Make sure to get your parents' numbers this time."
Yahagi: "Planned on it. Man, it's been since college graduation—four years? Time flies. You guys have been away from home even longer."
CB: "Yeah, but I don't really feel lonely."
Fuji: "My family's always traveling for theater, so I'm used to it. Plus, I had the pony girls around."
Air Groove: "Pretty much."
Yahagi: "High schoolers are tough, huh…"
What was my high school like…?
Chiba
Air Groove: "So, this is Chiba…"
The view from the car hasn't changed much.
Yahagi: "We're almost at my place. Wanna stop anywhere? Need to buy something?"
Air Groove: "We've got gifts covered, and you said ingredients are ready. What's there to get?"
Fuji: "Haha, true. But stopping might turn up something fun."
Yahagi: "If we find something, I'll buy it. Thanks to you guys, my wallet's feeling pretty warm."
CB: "How much you got?"
Yahagi: "I don't blow cash on gambling, booze, or smokes. After food, utilities, and rent, I've got plenty. Fuji's undefeated Triple Crown brought in a bonus, plus the Classic Grade Best Uma Musume and Horse of the Year awards. I got the Best Trainer Award two years running, too. Honestly? My savings are insane."
Air Groove: "So spending now wouldn't hurt at all?"
Yahagi: "Nope. We can stop somewhere. Gotta withdraw cash anyway."
CB: "Sweet, let's peek at your bank account♪"
Yahagi: "Don't pull that criminal crap!"
I'll mess up her hair later!
Department Store
Yahagi: "Alright, let's go."
CB: "What should I get?♪"
Yahagi: "Christmas is over, so no toys. Not that a department store would have them."
Fuji: "Yahagi-san, I know you expected it, but… aren't we drawing a lot of attention?"
Yahagi: "Obviously. This year's undefeated Triple Crown winner and Horse of the Year is right here. Plus, last year's winner is with her."
Air Groove: "And the 'Heavenly Eye' trainer who raised them. It's only natural."
Stop it, that's embarrassing! I'm fine, but Fuji's got it worse—'The Radiant Triple Crown Uma Musume'!? Only she could handle that title!
Yahagi: "C'mon, let's shop quick. 'Yahagi, can I get Kabuki-age?' Sure, go for it."
CB: "Yes!♪"
Yahagi: "CB's got her pick already—Kabuki-age, of all things."
CB: "I love Kabuki stuff!"
Yahagi: "You just like the vibe."
Fuji: "Hmm, maybe we should grab more ingredients? Just in case."
Air Groove: "Good idea. Let's choose wisely."
Alright, they're off to shop. I'll wait here. Driving's got me stiff, so this is perfect.
CB: "Yahagi! Edo-age, too?"
Yahagi: "…You really love that stuff."
Yahagi's savings… insanely huge.
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