Tainaka Ritsu's bold proclamation about aiming for the Budokan eventually gained support from the others.
Yui Hirasawa, a single-threaded mind as always, looked around at the current situation at the live house. After being hyped up by Ritsu, she too started dreaming about performing at the Budokan one day.
As for the wealthy and easy-going Tsumugi Kotobuki—well, it just sounded fun to her.
With a democratic vote of 3 to 2, even Akiyama Mio and Hakumo (Hakuba) had no choice but to reluctantly board this metaphorical pirate ship.
Their spirited conversation didn't affect the mood in the café at all. In fact, an elderly lady with graying hair—probably the owner—cast a curious glance at the group, especially at Hakumo. After all, his towering height of 185 cm made him stand out among the mostly 156 cm-tall girls.
At 4:30 PM, the live performances began.
Whether it was Ritsu's beloved Afterglow or the green-themed Glitter*Green, they all delivered solid shows.
But the most unforgettable performance, undoubtedly, came from Roselia, the band symbolized by a blue rose.
Everyone, not just Yui and the others, was captivated by Roselia on stage. Even Hakumo found himself unconsciously tapping along to the rhythm.
(Author note: Been a BanG Dream fan for six years—whether it's Roselia or RAS, they're top-tier bands. Please don't just know MyGo!!)
After the performances, the group excitedly chatted as they made their way to Shimokitazawa Station.
"One day, we'll perform as amazingly as Roselia, right?"
"Yeah! Definitely!"
"Let's do our best!"
Seeing how hyped the girls were, Hakumo decided to gently splash them with a bit of reality:
"Hey, before all that, shouldn't we buy Yui a guitar first? Otherwise, we don't even have a guitarist yet."
"Ah—right!"
The mood dropped slightly into an awkward silence. Ritsu quickly changed the subject:
"Then what about you, Hakumo-kun? What part are you going to play?"
"We already have a bassist, drummer, and keyboardist. Yui will probably be the guitarist… unless you want to be one too? Then we could have a dual guitar setup, like a lead and rhythm combo!"
But Hakumo simply shook his head.
If he became the guitarist, how would Azusa-chan ever join the band later?
Besides, the three instruments he bought recently really didn't suit a light music club.
I mean… he couldn't seriously just stand on stage and start playing the suona (Chinese oboe), could he? This wasn't some rave in the wilderness.
After thinking for a moment, Hakumo finally said:
"How about I play the saxophone? Didn't a band member from RAISE A SUILEN also join mid-way? Maybe I can learn it too."
"Saxophone? That sounds awesome!"
Having settled on the instrument he'd learn, Hakumo parted ways with the light music club girls and returned to the music store to buy a saxophone.
Hakumo had always understood an important principle: Overly rigid things break easily.
If all he did was train his martial skills, it wouldn't last.
Like his favorite Tang dynasty poet Li Bai, one should strive for balance—mastery in both poetry and swordsmanship.
To succeed in martial arts, one must also know how to relax. Maybe this could be his peaceful anchor.
After all, didn't the nameless sword god in that wuxia story play the erhu when fully healthy, and go wandering while nearly dead?
Hakumo didn't want to become like him, of course. But look at Li Xunhuan—when he had nothing better to do, he'd carve beauty figurines with a small knife. Learning music wasn't that strange in comparison, right?
Besides, if he could master sonic resonance, maybe it would enhance the Sea Tiger Exploding Fist, which focused on striking acupoints with explosive force.
When Hakumo returned home with his new saxophone, he was met with a pouty stare from Kasugano Sora.
Although Sora knew Hakumo had worked at the late-night diner the previous night and went out with his clubmates for a gathering during the day, this was still the first time he hadn't come home for a whole day and night.
And if there was a first time, would there be a second time? What if… he just never came back?
The thought made her heart ache with anxiety.
Hakumo immediately sensed her feelings and pulled out a small plush toy he had won from a crane game earlier: a blue lantern-themed Kappa plush.
"This is for you~"
"Hmph."
Don't think a single plush toy is going to make me forgive you, you idiot brother!
"Ahem… Sora, you must be hungry, right? I'll go make dinner."
"I'm not hungry. I already ate."
"Ate what?"
"Anger!"
Watching her stomp her foot as she said it, Hakumo couldn't help but smile.
Sora was now comfortable enough to joke with him—proof their relationship had definitely improved.
"Then… once you're feeling better, Sora, want to come help at Grandpa Kobayashi's place with me?"
"There's still a spare room upstairs at the diner. If you're tired, you can go rest anytime."
"Then I want to go tonight!"
Since school had started, Hakumo only worked Friday and Saturday nights at the diner.
Tonight happened to be one of those nights.
"Okay. But do we eat dinner here before we go?"
"Nope! I want to eat with Grandpa Kobayashi!"
To Sora, Kobayashi wasn't just some kindly old man—he was the person who took her away from her toxic relatives and gave her a new home.
If not for him, she might have… ended her life in despair.
Other than Hakumo, Kobayashi was the person she trusted most.
Hakumo didn't hesitate. He and Sora went straight to the underground garage and rode off on his motorcycle to the late-night diner.
When they arrived, Kobayashi's face lit up at the sight of Sora.
He had a soft spot for this adorable girl—perhaps because he'd never had children of his own.
"Sora, you're here too. Have you eaten? If not, I'll whip something up for you."
"Yes, please! One fish-fragrant shredded pork rice bowl!"
"Make it yourself."
Hakumo rolled his eyes at the blatant favoritism, then marched straight into the kitchen.
Seeing this, Sora giggled. This place really did feel like home now.
Because the diner operated all night, Kobayashi made sure Sora went to rest upstairs before midnight for the sake of her health.
Once she was gone, the old man lit a cigarette.
"Looks like she's recovering well. You've done good."
"Well, she's my sister after all. Even if she was kinda forced on me by a certain someone."
Kobayashi didn't even look up, acting like he was talking about someone else.
"Those special ingredients you got yesterday—give Sora more of them. They'll help replenish what she's lacking."
"Old man, you think I'm stingy? Those ingredients that even the Nakiri head chef can't get his hands on? Sora eats those every day!"
"Tch. You really care for her, huh? And here I thought you used to find her annoying."
"Is this what you kids call tsundere?"
"You're one to talk. You still haven't accepted Aunt Kimiko's feelings even though you clearly care about her. Aren't you the tsundere?"
Kobayashi choked on his smoke, coughing.
"W-We have… complicated reasons! You wouldn't understand, kid!"
"Heh. The double standard is real."
"So what? You gonna do something about it?"
"Nah, I respect it. But you're not gonna stop me from telling Aunt Kimiko, right?"
Seeing Hakumo pick up his phone, Kobayashi's expression changed instantly.
"No! Not today! I—uh—I'm… expecting someone else to visit soon."
"Hah? There's… another auntie?!"
"What the hell are you thinking, brat?!"
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T/N:
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