Hachiman's POV
It's Derby Week. With June just around the corner, the URA has finally made its move. They're holding a press conference.
I'm hoping we don't have a repeat of the last disaster, but considering they reached out to me the same way as before... well, I've already laid all my cards on the table. I assume they're planning to do the same. I can't say for sure, though. Regardless, I'm currently at URA headquarters to attend the briefing. Beyond the general racing politics, I have a report of my own to deliver.
"Ah, Trainer Hikigaya. I appreciate you coming on such short notice," Speed Symboli greeted me. "And thank you for the information you provided the other day."
"Don't mention it. Just call it a 'give and take,'" I replied. "I've received plenty in return, though I feel like I'm coming out a bit too far ahead in this deal."
"It's too early for thanks; nothing is set in stone yet. Come, this way. The press pool is already waiting in the briefing room. I'm prepared—how about you?"
"I'm fine."
"Reliable as always," she said, looking me over. "You're less than half my age, yet you possess a remarkable composure. Or perhaps 'dispassionate' or 'philosophical' is more accurate. And yet, beneath it all, you harbor a quiet intensity."
"You say that, but my heart might be thumping out of my chest for all you know."
She let out a short, dry laugh. "I find it hard to believe that a man who stood before a roaring crowd and spoke his mind so boldly would be rattled by a room full of cameras."
Easy for you to say. Back then, I was fueled by sheer, unadulterated spite. I was acting on pure emotion. I can't exactly flip that switch whenever I want, you know?
Hachiman's POV: End
"The URA press conference is starting!"
"Finally… I wonder what the verdict is."
"We couldn't see a single race in person all through May. I really hope they reopen the gates for June."
"If they extend the ban through June, people are going to lose it."
Moderator: "The time has come. We will now begin the press conference with the Vice President of the URA. Please welcome Speed Symboli."
The door opened. Speed Symboli walked with a measured, regal stride toward the podium. But the room stirred as a second figure followed her—a man who hadn't been officially announced.
It was Hachiman Hikigaya.
"Good day. I am Speed Symboli," she began, her voice commanding the room. "First, let me address the question on all your minds: why is he here? You likely assume it's regarding the suspension of live spectators—the very issue that sparked this controversy. While that is partially true, he is here for a matter entirely separate from the main agenda. As such, I ask that you hold his announcement for the end. First, I will announce the URA's formal decision."
Moderator: "U-understood… Everyone, please be seated. To clarify, the URA is here to discuss the status of live race viewing following the suspension in May. Is that correct?"
"It is," Speed Symboli replied. "I will state our conclusion clearly. After extensive deliberation, the URA has decided that live race viewing will resume starting from the third week of June. This means that the first and second weeks of June will remain closed to the public, following the same protocols as May."
The URA had chosen an extension. While this was good news for fans in Hokkaido—coinciding perfectly with the start of the Summer Series at Hakodate Racecourse—it was a bitter pill for those on the mainland.
[Social Media / Public Reaction]
Hakodate Fan 1: "Yes! Hakodate is safe! We can watch the races!"
Hakodate Fan 2: "I was worried those idiots at Kyoto Racecourse ruined it for everyone, but we're in the clear!"
Hakodate Fan 3: "Alright! Tonight we drink! It's a celebration!"
Tokyo Fan 1: "What?! Are you kidding me? Another extension? This is a joke…"
Tokyo Fan 2: "I expected this, honestly. At least it's only half the month."
Tokyo Fan 3: "We get to see the Takarazuka Kinen in person. Let's just be grateful for the mercy we're getting."
Moderator: "May we ask the reasoning behind this specific decision?"
"Certainly," Speed Symboli said. "There are many factors, but they fall into three primary categories. First is a formal petition we received. It called for the continued suspension of live spectators to protect the athletes. This petition was signed by approximately 100,000 people. When that many individuals express such profound concern over recent events, we cannot simply ignore their voices."
She paused, her gaze sharpening.
"The second reason is the continued defamation of Trainer Hikigaya and Rice Shower. As I feared, both the Trainer and his trainee received a deluge of mail following the last conference. While some letters expressed genuine remorse, many others contained verbal abuse and vitriol—specifically targeting Trainer Hikigaya. It is a source of profound regret. To be blunt, I find it pathetic that some cannot offer an apology unless forced to do so."
She leaned closer to the microphone.
"The third and final reason is due to the personal request of Trainer Hikigaya and Rice Shower."
Moderator: "A… personal request?"
"The URA's initial plan was to extend the ban through the entirety of June," Speed Symboli revealed. "However, Trainer Hikigaya and his trainee, Rice Shower, specifically requested that the ban be shortened to only two weeks. In other words, the reason you are allowed back at the tracks for the latter half of the month is entirely due to their intervention. I consider this an act of ultimate clemency."
Moderator: "I see… So, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that those who harassed them are now deeply in their debt?"
"You may interpret it that way," Speed Symboli said coldly. "Those who hurled insults at the man who closed the gates of Kyoto Racecourse have now been saved by that very same man. Furthermore, the petition I mentioned earlier actually demanded a total ban for all of June. Trainer Hikigaya negotiated with the representatives of that petition and secured the compromise you see today. If there is a word for this other than 'mercy,' I would love to hear it."
(Hachiman's inner monologue: Well, that 'representative' was actually Rice's father. He was conflicted, but he eventually gave in. He really helped us out.)
"If anyone still finds cause to complain about this arrangement," Speed Symboli concluded, "then they are a fool of the highest order. I would like to believe no such people exist, but given recent history, I won't hold my breath."
The faces of those watching the broadcast were a mosaic of emotions: relief, joy, frustration, shame, and silent contemplation.
Next time: Hachiman's Report!
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