After this class ended.
After a short break, the classic freshman orientation ceremony began.
Inside the school's auditorium.
First, the principal spoke, followed by the dean of students, the teacher representative, the student council president, the freshman representative, and a host of others...
A series of lengthy and tedious speeches were underway.
The process was incredibly boring, and both students and teachers were getting drowsy.
For example, Hirasawa Yui was already dozing off.
Tsuchigumo Hotaru was a little worried she might fall to the ground.
He, however, wasn't too bored, not because he found the speeches interesting, of course.
Tsuchigumo Hotaru was simply immersed in his own inner world.
People with rich imaginations don't easily get bored.
Wouldn't you agree, Bocchi-chan?
Tsuchigumo Hotaru then glanced sideways at Takamatsu Tomori, who was standing on his other side.
Evidently, Tomori was also a child immersed in her own world.
After a slight smile, Tsuchigumo Hotaru became serious. "Alright, time to get down to business."
Now that he had musical notes, it would be a shame not to exchange them for something in the system store.
Without hesitation, Tsuchigumo Hotaru first exchanged for Lv1 Piano Skill.
His plan was to first join the End Band and become their keyboardist.
Although the Light Music Club's relaxed and joyful atmosphere was appealing, and joining only required a membership application, posing no difficulty.
The club even had five girls with distinct personalities, and Kotobuki Tsumugi would provide an endless supply of high-end delicacies and refreshments.
Just imagining the scene was enough to make one's heart flutter.
But Tsuchigumo Hotaru hoped to pursue a professional path.
He was a man with a system, after all.
Let's set a small goal first: the Budokan!
For the Light Music Club, a professional path was still a bit too early.
This wasn't to say that the Light Music Club girls' skills weren't good enough.
It's just that at this stage, their studies were their priority, and music was secondary.
Also, the Light Music Club's lineup was already complete.
If his sudden intrusion accidentally pushed someone out, he would feel guilty.
At this moment, Tsuchigumo Hotaru, with his Lv1 Piano Skill, could feel as if his body had suddenly gained something.
But the feeling was indescribable.
Ultimately, it could only be summed up as 'awesome'.
Tsuchigumo Hotaru subconsciously gently rubbed his fingers a few times; his long, distinct fingers seemed eager to try.
As his gaze shifted, he couldn't help but notice the piano placed in the corner of the auditorium stage.
Immediately, a thought of rushing up and playing it came to mind.
Unfortunately, he couldn't... He had to hold back, Tsuchigumo Hotaru shook his head.
He didn't want to become a school celebrity on the first day of school by disrupting the opening ceremony.
... ...
Time came to after school.
Hirasawa Yui, alone, had originally wanted to find Tsuchigumo Hotaru, who was as idle as she was, to go home together.
But she found Tsuchigumo Hotaru's seat already empty.
Shimokitazawa, Setagaya Ward, Tokyo.
It wasn't far from Sakuragaoka Shuka Academy, about a fifteen-minute walk.
It was also Tsuchigumo Hotaru's destination for this trip.
Shimokitazawa is famous for its unique cultural and artistic atmosphere, deeply loved by young people.
There are a wide variety of shops here: bookstores, fashion stores, second-hand clothing stores, instrument stores...
In terms of food, there are cafes, bars, long-established Japanese izakayas, and public diners.
Therefore, there were quite a few opportunities for nearby students to work part-time.
Tsuchigumo Hotaru certainly wasn't here to look for a job; working part-time was out of the question.
Besides the foregoing, the most important thing was that Shimokitazawa is also one of Tokyo's famous live house areas, with many live houses and instrument stores.
Tsuchigumo Hotaru's goal was to find companions.
Don't misunderstand, not Ijichi Nijika or Yamada Ryo.
What he needed first right now was his own electronic keyboard.
Strolling around casually, Tsuchigumo Hotaru finally arrived at the entrance of an instrument store that looked appealing.
The store sign read "10GIA," which he remembered was a store opened by Kotobuki Tsumugi's family company.
The store's decor looked quite elegant, and there seemed to be many instruments of various sizes.
He decided to buy an electronic keyboard here.
But once inside the store, Tsuchigumo Hotaru felt dazzled.
There were all sorts of guitars, basses, drum kits, electronic keyboards, synthesizers with brand names he didn't know...
They looked cool and high-end.
After a brief appreciation, Tsuchigumo Hotaru focused his attention on the electronic keyboard section.
After observing for a while.
Tsuchigumo Hotaru couldn't help but furrow his brows slightly, feeling a bit conflicted.
To be honest, he hadn't had much contact with musical instruments.
For a moment, he really didn't know how to choose an electronic keyboard that suited him.
A bit difficult...
Just as Tsuchigumo Hotaru was feeling a bit troubled.
A gentle voice sounded in his ear.
"Hello, sir, is there anything I can help you with?"
Toyokawa Sakiko had seen Tsuchigumo Hotaru standing there for a while.
She guessed he must be troubled, and since he was wearing the same school uniform, he must be a classmate.
Although he didn't look like someone who would buy expensive instruments, Toyokawa Sakiko still decided to go over and help him.
Tsuchigumo Hotaru turned his head slightly, and what met his eyes was a side ponytail made of sky-blue long hair, delicate cheeks, and light golden eyes.
Was she a store clerk?
If he hadn't clearly seen her wearing a work uniform, he would have thought he'd encountered some rich young lady.
Tsuchigumo Hotaru felt a slight sigh of emotion internally; high-end stores were indeed different, even the store clerks had the aura of a young lady.
And... Miss Clerk, are you a succubus?
She actually made his usually calm heart beat a little faster, but that was all.
Although amazed by the clerk's appearance, Tsuchigumo Hotaru quickly regained his composure.
Now, his eyes were only on the electronic keyboard, and besides, it was normal for girls in music anime to be pretty.
He had to learn to adapt.
Thinking this, Tsuchigumo Hotaru found it very reasonable.
Beside him, Toyokawa Sakiko blinked, waiting for Tsuchigumo Hotaru's answer.
"Is there an electronic keyboard suitable for beginners?"
Tsuchigumo Hotaru turned his head to look at her, showing a polite and friendly smile.
"For beginners? May I ask if you have any experience learning piano, or are you learning the electronic keyboard directly?"
Toyokawa Sakiko thought for a moment, then asked.
Tsuchigumo Hotaru thought about it; when he exchanged for rewards, he exchanged for Lv1 Piano.
Generally speaking, people who have studied piano.
When they start playing the electronic keyboard, it's often relatively easier.
After all, there are many similarities between the two.
Of course, if there was an electronic keyboard option next time, he would definitely directly exchange for the electronic keyboard skill.
"I suppose I've learned a little piano."
"I see..."
Toyokawa Sakiko mused for a moment, then walked to the shelf opposite and pointed to a certain keyboard.
"If you've studied piano, I would highly recommend this Yamaha electronic keyboard, the PSR-F52."
Toyokawa Sakiko introduced, also thinking this model might fit Tsuchigumo Hotaru's budget.
"This electronic keyboard is highly praised among beginner keyboardists and sells for 70,000 yen."
Tsuchigumo Hotaru approached the electronic keyboard, wanting to try it out.
But his gaze was attracted by another electronic keyboard with a blue body nearby.
So Tsuchigumo Hotaru asked, "What about this one?"
Toyokawa Sakiko replied, "This model is the PSR-E383. Its performance has been upgraded, and it's also lighter and more portable."
"However, because it's a custom blue color, the price is higher, at 150,000 yen."
"To be honest, I don't really recommend it."
She shook her head gently; most electronic keyboards have black bodies, and this PSR-E383 is largely overpriced due to its rare color.
In her eyes, it wasn't worth it.
If it were her in the past, she naturally wouldn't care.
"However, you can try playing it," Toyokawa Sakiko smiled softly.
Try playing it, since it was his first time, Tsuchigumo Hotaru was quite looking forward to it.
As he placed his fingers on the keyboard.
Although there was no specific song in his mind, his fingers seemed to have muscle memory, instinctively sliding across the keys.
His movements weren't particularly fast; after all, it was just a simple trial, and Tsuchigumo Hotaru deliberately controlled himself.
Gentle piano notes slowly began to sound, ♪, ♩, ♫, ♬...
Toyokawa Sakiko listened patiently, while carefully watching Tsuchigumo Hotaru's hand movements, a slight surprise in her heart.
Although there were some areas where he seemed a bit unaccustomed, his fundamentals were very solid.
To have such a level after only simply studying was already very good.
The sound stopped abruptly.
Tsuchigumo Hotaru felt the touch was good.
"I'll take this one."
He said softly, having made his decision.
No other reason, he just liked blue.
"Eh?!"
Toyokawa Sakiko was stunned; that was too decisive, wasn't he? No bargaining?
She had thought Tsuchigumo Hotaru would choose the first one after trying them out.
There were quite a few customers who did this; many just wanted to satisfy their urge to play.
"No... wouldn't you like to reconsider?"
As soon as the words left her mouth, Toyokawa Sakiko felt a faint regret.
What was she saying?!
Her salary here was actually tied to the sales performance of the products.
The more Tsuchigumo Hotaru spent, the more commission she would get.
But considering he was also a student, Toyokawa Sakiko felt a little reluctant for him to waste money.
Tsuchigumo Hotaru sensed Toyokawa Sakiko's kindness and chuckled softly, "Mm, this is the one. Thank you for your help."
"If there's a chance next time, I'll trouble you again."
"Mm... okay."
Toyokawa Sakiko didn't try to persuade him further.
It seemed the other party wasn't short on money.
Printing the receipt, scanning the code, checking out, putting on his shoulder bag.
Tsuchigumo Hotaru walked out of the instrument store, satisfied.
[Purchased the electronic keyboard recommended by Toyokawa Sakiko, gained 300 musical notes.]
Tsuchigumo Hotaru couldn't help but stop and look back at the store.
He could gain musical notes this way? Could he also encounter instrument-playing girls who met the system's standards like this? Then he should probably come here to shop often in the future.
He'd made a profit.
However, since she worked at an instrument store, it seemed quite normal.
Toyokawa Sakiko, what a nice name.
He seemed to have seen it somewhere before.
Never mind, time to go home first.
Tsuchigumo Hotaru resumed his steps; he was eager to go home and play.
Next door, a girl with short blue hair, covering half of her eye, and a tear mole under her eye, also walked out of the bookstore.
Yamada Ryo was carrying a stack of books that covered her head.
Tsuchigumo Hotaru was carrying the electronic keyboard.
Both of them were currently immersed in the joy that consumption brought.
Out of a rocker's intuition, Yamada Ryo happened to glance at Tsuchigumo Hotaru, and the instrument bag in his hand.
A rectangular bag, that should be an electronic keyboard.
Not a bass... then it's fine.
The two of them just passed each other by.