So this is the trainers' dorm, huh? Tokyo's got facilities like this, no surprise. Other Tressen Academies had info on the school itself, but nothing about workplaces like this.
"Excuse me," I say at the front desk. "I'm starting as a trainer here today. Name's Hikigaya."
"We've been expecting you, Trainer Hikigaya!" a cheerful voice responds. "A warm welcome! I'm Tazuna Hayakawa, secretary to the academy's director. Pleasure to meet you!"
"Likewise," I reply.
"Let me show you to your room," Tazuna says. "The dorm's split by gender, but we all live under one roof. Be careful not to wander into the women's section, okay?"
"Got it," I sigh.
Even among trainers, I can only picture older folks. Sure, younger people are aiming for this job lately, but they're still rare. Wonder how it is here?
"Here we are," Tazuna announces. "Your room, Trainer Hikigaya. It's got the bare essentials for now, but feel free to make it your own."
"Understood," I nod.
"Do you have plans for tomorrow?" she asks. "If not, I've got a great event to recommend."
"I'm heading to the mock race for unassigned Uma Musume," I say. "Hoping to pick one to train."
"Oh, you know about the mock race!" Tazuna beams. "That makes things quick. Tomorrow's a big day in many ways—definitely unmissable for you! Tons of trainers will be scouting for their ideal Uma Musume, so don't fall behind, Trainer Hikigaya!"
"Thanks," I say.
No surprise the mock race is a big deal among trainers. Tazuna's hype confirms it's a key event.
"First, I need to lock in an Uma Musume," I mutter. "Nothing starts without one. Solo effort's pointless without a partner."
I head to the cafeteria, munching and scribbling notes. This training menu might be too intense. Maybe save it for summer camp? For daily use, I should tone it down…
"Um, is this seat taken?" a voice asks.
I keep eating and writing, lost in thought.
"Uh, excuse me…" The voice taps my shoulder.
"Huh? Oh, sorry, what's up?" I blink.
"Can I sit here?" she asks.
"Yeah, go ahead," I say.
"Thanks!" she says, settling in.
I go back to my notes, scribbling away.
"Wow… impressive," she murmurs.
"Hm?" I glance up.
"Oh, sorry for peeking!" she says. "I'm a new trainer here this year. Name's Aoi Kiryuin. Nice to meet you!"
Kiryuin… a big name in the training world. Figures I'd meet someone from that family at Central.
"I'm Hachiman Hikigaya. Nice to meet you too," I say.
"Trainer Hikigaya, got it," Aoi says. "How'd you come up with that menu? Self-taught?"
"Nah, learned from my mentor," I reply. "This one's too tough, though—probably for summer camp."
"That's amazing," Aoi says. "I make menus too, but I've never thought like this. Your approach is so flexible."
"It's not that big a deal…" I trail off.
First time anyone's said that. My mentor always tore into my menus—too unique, unbalanced, or outright wild.
"Pretty interesting menu," another voice chimes in.
I look up. Aoi lights up. "Hana-senpai!"
The woman Aoi calls Hana-senpai rocks a grey pantsuit, black dress shirt, long hair in a ponytail, white-rimmed glasses, and red earrings—a sharp, intellectual vibe.
"Hey, Aoi," she says. "And you are?"
"Starting as a trainer here today," I say. "Hikigaya."
"Hikigaya-kun, huh? I'm Hana Tojo, a trainer and faculty member here," she says.
A trainer and faculty? Impressive.
"Sorry for looking at your menu without asking," Hana says, "but it's intriguing. I've made plenty of menus, but this is a first."
"Good first or bad first?" I ask.
"You think I'd bother talking just to rag on you?" she smirks. "Good first. I'd love to borrow that brain of yours."
"That's huge, Trainer Hikigaya!" Aoi exclaims. "Getting praise from Hana-senpai!"
"Really?" I ask.
"Hana-senpai's known for brutal training and dance menus," Aoi says. "Praise from her is massive!"
"Don't overhype me, Aoi," Hana says. "Hikigaya, if you need advice, come find me. I won't barge into your dorm room, but I'm game in public spaces."
"Uh, thanks," I mumble.
With that, Trainer Tojo leaves. Having a consultant's not bad at all.
A day at Tressen Academy, and I'm waking up to a crisp morning. Yesterday, I chatted with Kiryuin—she's a同期, who knew?—Tojo-senpai, and some male trainers who were surprisingly helpful. Today's the mock race, but it's still hours away. What should I do?
Menu planning's an option, but exploring the campus isn't bad either. I haven't met the director yet, so a greeting's in order. Exploring and meeting the boss make the most sense. I'd love to check out the town, but that can wait.
I've seen the track, but the campus itself is new. A map would be quickest. With Uma Musume in classes, I'll steer clear of classroom halls to avoid trouble.
"Morning, Trainer Hikigaya!" a familiar voice calls.
"Oh, Hayakawa-san, morning," I reply, startled.
"What brings you here?" Tazuna asks.
"Just trying to get the lay of the land," I say. "I'm new, so I was checking the campus map to see what's where."
"I see! Perfect timing, then," she says. "I'm heading to the director's office. Want to come along and introduce yourself?"
It's what I planned at the dorm, and I missed the chance yesterday. No time like the present.
"Sure, please," I say.
"Great, follow me!" Tazuna beams.
We arrive at the director's office.
"This is it," Tazuna says. "Director, it's Tazuna."
"Approved! Come in!" a voice booms.
"Excuse us," Tazuna says.
"Excuse me," I echo.
"Question!" the director says. "Tazuna, who's this? The new trainer you mentioned?"
"Yes, this is Hachiman Hikigaya, assigned as a trainer. He arrived yesterday," Tazuna confirms.
"I'm Hachiman Hikigaya," I say. "Sorry for not greeting you yesterday."
"No need!" she declares. "You had your reasons, I'm sure. Showing up today's enough! I'm Yayoi Akikawa, director of this academy!"
Talk about a unique way of speaking…
"Nice to meet you," I say.
"Welcome!" she exclaims.
"Director," Tazuna adds, "Trainer Hikigaya just arrived yesterday. May I show him around the campus?"
Huh?
"Approved!" Yayoi says. "It'll help him learn faster. Tazuna, it's all yours!"
And just like that, Tazuna's giving me a campus tour.
"Where should we start?" Tazuna asks. "Any places you're curious about?"
"I saw the track yesterday, so I'd like to check out indoor training spots," I say.
"Got it, let's go," she says.
We hit the training room first.
"This is for strength training," Tazuna explains. "It's mostly for Uma Musume recovering from injuries, but others use it too, so you'll likely come here often."
"Got it," I nod.
Next, the pool facility.
"This is our pool—50-meter long-course with a diving board," Tazuna says. "Perfect for endurance training. I trust you, Trainer Hikigaya, but…"
"What's up?" I ask.
"Don't stare too much at the Uma Musume, even as a trainer, okay?" she says.
"There's been trainers like that before?" I ask.
"Unfortunately," she sighs.
"I'll be careful," I say.
Then, the library.
"As you can see, this is the library," Tazuna says. "It's got race books, of course, but also tons of other topics. Perfect for studying."
"Hmm," I murmur.
"And please keep your voice down in here," she adds.
"Common sense for a library," I reply.
Next, the infirmary.
"This is the infirmary," Tazuna says. "We can treat minor injuries here with first aid. If an Uma Musume gets hurt, come here right away."
"Who handles treatment?" I ask. "Is there a nurse?"
"There is, but ideally, the trainer does it," she says. "You know your Uma Musume best."
"Makes sense, unless they're not cool with a guy touching them," I say.
Finally, the cafeteria.
"This is mainly for Uma Musume lunches," Tazuna says. "Trainers rarely eat here. Most bring their own food."
"Where do trainers eat, then?" I ask.
"Usually in the trainer's room," she says.
"Guess that's where I'll be," I say.
We end at the track.
"You saw this yesterday, but this is the training course," Tazuna says. "We've got hill, woodchip, turf, and dirt tracks."
"Even from a distance, you can tell it's top-tier," I say.
"Absolutely! It's our academy's pride!" Tazuna beams.
"The mock race is after school here, right?" I ask.
"Yes, it's a big day," she says. "Especially for you, Trainer Hikigaya."
Gotta keep my eyes peeled for those Uma Musume runs, then.