Rudolf's Perspective
"It seems the press conference had the intended effect," I remarked, glancing over the morning reports. "Both within the academy and out in the streets, Rice Shower is all anyone can talk about."
Air Groove crossed her arms, her expression thoughtful. "But President, was this overseas expedition something Trainer Hikigaya had planned from the start?"
"That is a difficult question to answer," I admitted. "My brother told me the odds were fifty-fifty."
"Fifty-fifty?" Brian chimed in, leaning against the wall with her usual stoic intensity.
"Whether we could go abroad depended entirely on us," I explained. "Historically, the Japanese racing world has been eager to challenge America, but we've always been hesitant regarding Europe. My grandmother, Speed Symboli, was the first to truly bridge that gap by venturing to the European circuit. Though she didn't clinch a victory, she opened a path that had previously ended at the American coastline. Hachiman reached out to those old connections. He asked for the same hospitality and facilities my grandmother used during her time there."
Air Groove's brow furrowed. "That fool… the sheer audacity to ask such a thing of your own relatives."
"Don't be so hard on him," I said with a small smile. "We were the ones who were rude to him first. He was simply returning the favor with due diligence. Besides, my grandmother was delighted. It's been a long time since she's heard good news regarding a European campaign. She was quite spirited about it."
By the time the summer training camp concludes, Hachiman and Rice Shower are scheduled to depart for France. In their absence, C.B. and I will have our training overseen by the legendary Secretariat and Man o' War. It's going to be a lonely month without them…
"I was surprised myself when I first heard of the expedition," I mused. "My brother has a habit of effortlessly exceeding my expectations. Life is never dull with him around."
— The Clubroom —
"Hello. I hope we haven't kept you waiting?" I asked as we entered.
C.B. looked up, swaying slightly in her seat. "Nn-nn. Not at all."
"Onii-sama hasn't arrived yet," Rice added softly, "so we're just waiting for him too."
"I see. Then let's make ourselves comfortable."
...
"By the way," C.B. started, "while Rice and Hachiman are in France, are we staying behind in Japan? Hachiman hasn't really told me the specifics yet."
Rice blinked, looking a bit startled. "Oh… I only heard about the expedition itself, too."
"Then let's get the full story when he arrives," I suggested.
— A few minutes later —
The door clicked open.
"Sorry I'm late," Hachiman said, exhaling as he stepped inside. "Looks like... everyone's here."
"Yep! We were waiting for you, Hachiman ♪" C.B. chirped.
"Right. Before we get into training... as I announced at the conference, Rice and I are heading to France. I'm going to walk you through the timeline today, so we'll keep the physical stuff short. Consider this a meeting-slash-training session."
"We were just talking about that!" Rice said, her eyes brightening. "We were wondering what would happen during the trip."
"Then let's get into it."
Hachiman handed out some documents he had clearly spent time preparing and began his explanation. He had mentioned it during the press conference, but the core points were:
Now through July: Recovery and performance enhancement.
August to September: Intensive summer camp followed by local adjustment in France.
October: The main event—the race itself.
From September onwards, C.B. and I will be under the tutelage of Hachiman's mentors. He expects to return to Japan around mid-October.
"I'd love to rush back sooner since C.B. has her debut coming up," Hachiman said, scratching his head, "but I can't force a reckless schedule on Rice. Fortunately, the debut is set for the first week of November, so we'll make it back just in time."
"Just so you know," C.B. teased, "my motivation drops by 90% when you're not around. Keep that in mind."
"What kind of stat is that? Now I have to come back or I'm in trouble," Hachiman muttered. "But what if something happens and I can't?"
"In that case..." C.B. hummed, "I'll think of something then. But one thing's for sure: when you do get back, you're going to owe me big time."
"Hmm... I think I'll get in on that proposal as well," I added.
Hachiman looked at us, then turned to Rice. "Maybe I'm safer if I just stay in France forever... What do you think, Rice?"
"Fueh? Um... I think... I'd still like to come home," Rice whispered.
"Right. Then I'll work my hardest for Rice's sake."
Brother, wouldn't 'for everyone's sake' have been the more appropriate sentiment there?
"Oh, that reminds me!" C.B. exclaimed. "Rudolf told me we get gourmet food during the summer camp. Is that true, Hachiman?"
"It's not 'wrong,' exactly," Hachiman replied. "I originally planned it as a reward for surviving the hellish menu of the first month. So this time... yeah, let's call it a 'good luck on the expedition' feast."
"A wise decision," I agreed. "It serves as an excellent motivator. Besides, the intensity ramps up in August, so it's the perfect time to get everyone focused."
"Alright! I'm gonna give it my all for my debut, so you'd better start thinking of a deluxe menu for me, Hachiman! ♪" C.B. cheered, suddenly lunging forward to give him a hug.
"I was planning to anyway, so don't worry," Hachiman said, trying to maintain his balance. "But don't hike up your expectations too high, okay? The disappointment will be worse if it's just average."
"I-It'll be fine!" Rice insisted. "Everything Onii-sama cooks is delicious!"
"Rice-chan, please stop raising the bar. Your 'Onii-sama' doesn't handle pressure that well."
"What are you saying?" I interjected. "A man who pulled off those stunts at the Kyoto Racecourse isn't going to buckle under the pressure of a kitchen."
"I was running on pure adrenaline back then," Hachiman grumbled. "And it's not like I could just stand by and watch that happen."
C.B. grinned. "So, cooking is easy for you then, right?"
"Okay, C.B. For you, it's nothing but tofu dishes. Rice gets the gourmet spread, and Rudolf gets a standard set meal."
"I'm fine with tofu as long as it tastes good! ♪" C.B. chirped, surprisingly unfazed.
"Wait, why are you being a good girl all of a sudden? I'm joking. Cooking three different menus is a pain—everyone's eating the same thing."
"I've got you on record now, Brother," I said firmly.
Hachiman looked at me, a bit exasperated. "...Is it just me, or are you being a little mean today?"
Well, even I have those days. I can be quite difficult to handle when the mood strikes me, you know.
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