Hachiman's POV
As May nears its end, the world is buzzing again—or rather, it's trembling with a restless unease. The reason, predictably, is the return of spectators to the races. Initially, the ban on live audiences was set to lift after May. However, the URA hasn't posted a single update to their website, released any videos, or held a press conference regarding a June restart.
It's only natural for the public to be confused. If the ban continues, I don't think people will stay quiet much longer. I can't help but wonder what Speed Symboli is thinking.
Still, regardless of the public's anxiety, we're sticking to our routine. I can't keep all my focus on Rice Shower forever; I have CB and Rudolf to think about, too. Given the weight of the situation, it can't be helped, but as our training session wound down…
"Hey, Rudolf. Do you have any inkling of what Speed Symboli is planning next?"
"Don't ask the impossible, Brother," Rudolf replied. "My grandmother and I aren't exactly on 'frequent contact' terms. She's a busy woman. I only speak with my mother once a month as it is."
"Monthly check-ins even with your own mother, huh? So, in short, you're as in the dark as I am."
"Precisely. Though, I agree it looks suspicious. For the URA to remain this silent at this stage… I doubt it's because they simply haven't been asked. I, too, am curious about Grandmother's intentions."
"If I had to guess," I said, "there's a chance they'll keep the gates closed until the Takarazuka Kinen is over."
Rudolf's eyes widened slightly. "Surely not… You think they'd ban spectators for the rest of the Spring G1 season?"
"I don't know for sure. But this lack of movement suggests a rift within the URA. They're likely torn between ending the ban in May or pushing it through June. If they cancel live viewing for the whole Spring season, we're looking at a blackout until the Summer Series starts in September, when the action moves to Hokkaido and Kyushu. For the fans in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Hanshin, it would be a devastating blow. You're talking about robbing them of their hobby for nearly five months."
If someone traveled to every racecourse every month, the expenses would be astronomical. I doubt anyone is that reckless, but the fans living on the mainland won't take it lying down if June is canceled too.
"And you think they are weighing that backlash right now?" Rudolf asked.
"Just a hunch. But we're halfway through May, and the Oaks is this weekend. If they don't make an announcement soon, the uncertainty is going to turn into panic. It's the same for you Uma Musume, right? It's a problem if you don't know who you're running against until the last second. The fans feel the same way."
"But Brother, the next big race is the Grand Prix—one of only two held each year. Would they really hold that behind closed doors?"
"Normally, it'd be unthinkable. But we aren't living in 'normal' times. When the status quo breaks, anything can happen. Don't you think?"
Rudolf remained silent.
"They call it a turning point," I continued. "And I think that's exactly where we are. Besides, you girls don't run just to entertain the crowd, do you? Your races aren't just 'entertainment'—they're a life-and-death struggle between rivals. Why should we care about inviting people who only show up to pour cold water on a serious fight?"
"So… you're saying you wouldn't mind if the ban was extended?"
"Pretty much. Why should we cater to people who only come to complain? To say such things to an Uma Musume, for whom running is destiny… it's a profanity against all of you. Personally, I don't care if they reopen in June or stay closed forever. But if something like what happened to Rice happens again, then I don't think the public deserves to watch at all."
Rudolf looked at me, a small, wry smile touching her lips. "…You're quite the radical, aren't you?"
"Of course I am. My first trainee was treated like a villain. It's personal. I have zero patience for idiots who don't even try to understand what being an Uma Musume means."
"Good grief. You truly are a reliable Trainer."
"I've gotta ask… why did you want to talk at a ryotei of all places?"
We were sitting in a high-end traditional restaurant. The room was private, expensive, and… off.
"And why do I feel like I'm being watched? Do you really trust me that little?"
Rudolf sighed. "…I should have known I couldn't hide it from you. I tried to be discreet, but it seems it was for naught."
"Masking your presence is pointless," I said. "It just makes the atmosphere feel 'off.' You shouldn't try to kill your presence; you should disguise it. For example… like the person behind the sliding door behind you."
"So, I've been found out. You have quite the sharp eye."
The door slid open, and Sweet Luna, the head of the Symboli family, stepped into the room.
"I assume this wasn't just eavesdropping," I said, keeping my voice level. "But you have interesting hobbies. Using your own daughter to observe me?"
"I apologize if I've offended you," Sweet Luna replied smoothly. "However, I knew very little of the man you are. While it goes both ways, I took the liberty of evaluating your character."
"And? What's the verdict?"
"There is no need to ask. It is clear you cherish our kind deeply. Perhaps even more than you do fellow humans."
"I'm self-aware enough to admit that. I find Uma Musume much more likable than people like myself. Honestly, I'd like to be reborn as one in my next life."
Rudolf chuckled. "You, an Uma Musume… I can't even imagine it."
"Drop it. Neither can I."
Sweet Luna let out a soft laugh. "Fufu… My apologies. I believe I understand you now. Should you ever have need, the Symboli family will provide whatever assistance we can. I cannot promise the world, but consider it a gesture of gratitude for training my daughter."
"That's an offer with plenty of change to spare," I replied. "In that case, I actually have something I'd like to ask for right now. Is that alright?"
"If it is within my power, I am listening."
"I'd like your cooperation on something."
What exactly is Hachiman's request?
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