Perspective: Mejiro Ardan
"...Preparation complete. Well then, Chiyono-san, I'm off to morning practice."
"Mumu...?" Chiyono-san murmured sleepily.
The early mornings this time of year still carry a lingering chill, yet the temperature is far more pleasant than the heat of midday. I also happen to know that on this specific day of the week, Brother always visits the track early to help with maintenance. Ordinarily, such tasks fall to the janitorial and grounds staff, but I'm told Brother chooses to participate of his own volition. Truly, he is as wonderful as I imagined.
— At the Racecourse —
"...It seems he hasn't arrived yet. Very well; I shall begin the routine I prepared yesterday."
"My, good morning. You're certainly working hard so early."
"Good morning to you as well," I replied. "Thank you for your hard work this morning."
I am not entirely sure what time Brother arrives, but until then, I will focus on my training—staying within sensible limits, of course.
— Several dozen minutes later —
Pant... pant...
"Phew... There really is something special about the morning sun, isn't there? Especially when it cuts through the biting wind."
"A rare guest," a voice called out.
"—! Brother!"
"Yo, Ardan. Morning practice? You're dedicated, especially considering your constitution isn't the strongest."
"It is because of that constitution that I am here," I replied firmly. "I want to do everything within my power to the best of my ability."
"That sounds like you," Hachiman said with a small shrug.
"What brings you here, Brother?" I asked, though I already knew the answer. "Is it for work?"
"No, I'm just helping the grounds crew. I use this place all the time, so I figured I should pitch in. It's become a bit of a morning ritual."
"I see. You truly are remarkable, Brother."
"I'm not sure what's so 'remarkable' about it, but I'll take the compliment. Good luck with the rest of your practice."
"Wait... Brother. If you have a moment after the maintenance is finished, could I have a little of your time?"
"I don't mind, but... is it something serious?"
"Yes."
"...Alright. I'll wait here once I'm done. There's no need to rush your practice, okay? Stick to your own pace."
"Yes, I understand."
Everything was proceeding according to plan. I had successfully drawn him in. Now, the real gambit begins. Much like my sister, I have no intention of letting anyone but Brother be my Trainer.
— Several dozen minutes later —
"I've been waiting for you, Brother. You must be exhausted; would you care for this?"
"Are you sure? Didn't you prepare this for yourself?"
"I don't mind at all. I could finish this amount alone, but if I did, I wouldn't be able to enjoy my actual breakfast later."
"Well... I'll have one, then."
I handed him a lemon jelly. Jelly is easy on the stomach both during and after exercise, making it an effective way to replenish nutrients. Besides, it only takes an hour to prepare; it was no trouble at all.
"This is good," Hachiman noted. "But I see... focusing on nutrition during training is a bit of a blind spot for me. Maybe I'll try incorporating this."
"I'm sure Rice-san and the others would be delighted."
"I hope so... So, Ardan. What did you want to talk about?"
"...Actually, I received a phone call from my sister yesterday. Her way of speaking was quite roundabout, so it took me a moment to grasp her meaning, but I believe I understand now."
"...Ah."
"Brother, I shall be blunt. Sister has become your trainee—am I correct? Furthermore, your capacity for trainees has been increased from five to six, leaving exactly one slot remaining. How is my assessment?"
Hachiman's Inner Thoughts: (Did Ramonu give her a hint? Ardan called it 'roundabout,' but she hit the nail right on the head. I knew Ardan was smart—probably top of her class—but to deduce all that? Is that even possible?)
"...Brother?"
"Yeah... how do I put this? You're so spot on it's almost scary. To be precise, I was authorized to act as a Team Trainer in April, and we started full-scale operations in June. My limit is five members, including my current trainees."
"Rice Shower-san, Symboli Rudolf-san, Mr. C.B.-san, and Sister... those are the current members, yes?"
"That's right. And as you said, there's only one spot left. I was planning to choose that final member very carefully, but..."
"..."
"Between your sister's meddling and your own persistence... you aren't the type to take 'no' for an answer, are you?"
"No. I have absolutely no intention of backing down. I, too, wish to join your team, Brother."
"'Absolutely no intention,' huh..."
"As I said, I will not yield. Please... won't you let me into your team?"
...
...
"It seems you understood exactly what I meant."
"—! Sister?!"
"Ramonu..."
Ramonu stepped forward, her presence commanding. "I've known my sister's feelings for a long time. Even with the circumstances, I felt a twinge of guilt being the only one of us on your team. So, while I felt a bit bad for Brother, I decided to give my sister a little hint."
"I see..." Hachiman sighed. "Though for a 'hint,' Ardan's comprehension was terrifying. You sure you didn't just give her the answer key?"
"Not at all. I am not so soft-hearted that I give things away for free."
"Right. I figured as much."
"So?" Ramonu asked, her eyes narrowing playfully. "What will you do, Brother? It makes no difference to me whether you accept her or not."
"So you're saying you didn't necessarily want to be on the same team as your sister?"
"Correct. It simply weighed on my conscience that I had secured my place first. That is all."
"..."
"..."
Hachiman let out a long breath. "...Fine. You're the fifth and final member. Mejiro Ardan."
"—!"
"But we aren't an official team yet. I've submitted the paperwork, but it hasn't been processed. Once the permit is issued, I'll officially welcome you all. Is that alright?"
"Yes! Absolutely!"
"Understood," Ramonu added smoothly.
I did it! I've successfully joined Brother's team!
"...Even if it is early summer, the mornings are still a bit chilly," Ramonu mused. "Brother, lend me your arm for a moment." [Cling]
"Hey, your sister is right there."
"There's no need to worry," Ramonu replied with a smirk. "Because..."
"Brother," I interrupted softly, "would it be a nuisance if I did the same?"
"...Because she was going to do the exact same thing anyway," Ramonu finished.
Hachiman groaned, though there was no real heat in it. "...You two really are sisters. Do what you want."
"Then, I shall take you up on that kind offer..." [Cling]
Hehe. I must remember to thank Brother for accepting me—but I also owe a debt of gratitude to my sister for the guidance.
[Ardan has officially joined the team!]
------------------------
I've posted 40+ chapters in advance on Patreon.
Webnovel updates will still be daily, as usual.
It might not seem tempting right now but who knows what the future holds?
[email protected]/DaoistRoeoNQ
"And If you're enjoying it, drop a Power Stone for me!"