Iruma-san wants to win the Akutagawa Prize

She no longer knew what to do.

Can't go back?

Once such an idea is born, it will never disappear.

【What's with Chihaya-san talking about going to England? 】

Perhaps because of a momentary impulse, Nagasaki Motoyo chose to contact Chihaya Aine immediately.

[Literally, I'm going to study in the UK next month.]

Chihaya Aine's reply came quickly.

"Come to think of it, I really hate Nagasaki-san, so could you please stop talking to me?"

[Otherwise, although I'm very reluctant, I can only block you. ]

Iruma-san is in so much pain because of your deception that he even gave up playing guitar and became a mess. Ijichi-san and I are helpless.

"Iruma-san has finally managed to cheer up, so you suddenly show up, Nagasaki-san. Isn't that a bit too cunning?"

On the other end, the angry Chihaya Aine actually did not do what she said. She immediately blocked Nagasaki Suyo and then looked at the screen with an angry look.

"When everything gets better and I return from England, we can all form a band and perform together. Actually, my guitar skills need some practice. The three years I spent in England were perfect, and I went from being a guitar novice to being able to catch up with Iruma-san and Ijichi-san."

At the very end.

In fact, Chihaya Aine, Ijichi Nijika, and Iruma Hibiki made such a promise.

11 Seniors and juniors, predecessors and currents

[Greetings, I was the first to see Iruma-san's new work tonight. It's truly amazing, it's like music from another world—that description is absolutely correct.]

"Also, I can faintly hear you've made a decision, Iruma-san. I'm feeling a little more resolute. Are you planning on picking up guitar practice again for my band? I'm so happy!"

When seeing the news about Toyokawa Shoko, Iruma Hibiki was actually not surprised at all, and he——

Shiina-san, I think it's best not to hesitate if you find a suitable band. As for me, I'm also ready to start over.

I actually just contacted Shiina Tatsuki a few minutes ago.

Although Shiina Riki is a guy who completely lacks the spirit of seniors and juniors, he is indeed an unqualified senior. Apart from the initial teaching, he did not provide any help to Shiina Riki afterwards.

but--

However, Hibiki Iruma still hopes that Riki Shiina will not miss this opportunity to join the band. In addition, at this moment, Hibiki Iruma has almost moved on from the past.

It's a bit strange to say.

Sometimes the difficulties in life are actually very subtle.

Often I feel relieved suddenly because of a small thing.

Just like that day, Toyokawa Shoko's powerful lunge not only left him with a large bump on the back of his head that has not yet subsided, but also caused the loss of the work that was full of memories for Iruma Hibiki and was almost a cry from his heart.

Since then, until today.

Hibiki Iruma decided to choose to be brave.

Not only for yourself, but also for future generations and important people.

In fact, as a junior, he has received very thoughtful care before, right?

If it weren't for Yamabuki Saya and Togawa Kasumi, he would never have been so decisive and courageous in embarking on the path of music.

Now he has become a senior, while Shiina Riki and Kaname Rakuna are considered juniors.

It's time to pass on this kindness.

[Huh? What weird things are you saying? Are you out of your mind?]

……

A few minutes later, when Iruma Hibiki was typing a reply to Toyokawa Shoko, Shiina Riki's message floated right above his screen.

Please allow him to take back his words.

Shiina Riki is a nasty junior who doesn't need his care at all.

【But speaking of which, you...】

Shiina Riki put down his headphones.

The sound inside was slightly harsh.

At least it was a bit harsh for Shiina Riki.

In her opinion, Hibiki Iruma is a genius, a very powerful genius, even a genius that surpasses her...sister.

How could such a song be created by someone who had only just started learning music? What else could this be but genius?

Especially today, after hearing Iruma Hibiki's guitar, Shiina Riki became even more certain.

I wasn't serious about giving up guitar.

She asked Iruma Hibiki.

Mixed feelings.

If Iruma Hibiki answered yes at this moment, or showed the same look as before as if it was a matter of course that she wanted to give up, Shiina Riki felt that he would definitely be angry.

because--

A guy with a talent that made her jealous, but completely disregarding it and not using it, was even more... excessive than her sister who had actually degraded her to the point of leaving her bruised and battered...

Shiina Riki doesn't want to wear headphones anymore.

With a wave of her hand, she swept all the bottles of energy drinks on the table into the trash can beside her.

Just this one action completely filled up the small wastebasket.

Her bedroom was actually in a rather bad state. The dim space was filled with various manuscripts with musical scores written on them. The arrangement books were already torn to pieces, and there was a strange smell in the air.

But despite this——

The actual result of her efforts was that the gap between her and her sister widened.

Therefore, she anxiously waited for Iruma Hibiki's reply.

[Because of Wildcat and Shiina-san, I'm going to practice guitar again. ]

【ha? 】

【What do you mean by because of the wild cat and me? 】

Shiina Riki's rebuttal was so fierce that he almost jumped in front of the computer screen.

"Because I was wondering if my efforts could inspire some of my unlovable juniors. Actually, Shiina-san, you want to join a band and start activities more than anyone else. I'm a little worried about your previous rejection."

(2) 90-10 ...

Shiina Riki stood there in a daze as he looked at the message sent by Iruma Hibiki.

Shiina-san's drumming is amazing, and like a very important friend of mine, she has a sense of dedication, so I think it might be best if she chose to join a band without hesitation. 】

[Ah! Of course, if all the members are bad, then forget it.]

[You guessed it right, the members are all bad guys. ]

After Shiina Riki replied, Iruma Hibiki was silent for a long time.

【real? 】

Then he sent a cautious confirmation.

【fake. 】

In the dim room, Shiina Riki sighed.

"Iruma-senpai..."

She silently repeated the name as if it was her due, and a hint of determination flashed in her eyes again.

She wants to join a band and become someone who surpasses her sister.

and--

Actually——

I will join.

She had previously agreed to let Shoko Toyokawa join Crychic.

Because the reason she refused in the beginning was actually...

Thank you, though.

After hesitating for an hour, Shiina Tatsuki finally chose to thank Iruma Hibiki slightly and frankly after studying the arrangement all day and night.

"Everyone in the band has come this far by taking care of each other!"

She still remembered what Togawa Kasumi had said to her at the beginning when they were handing over their work in Ring. Of course, Togawa Kasumi had said a lot more on her own afterwards, about how the livehouse that everyone had tried so hard to protect was finally closed, and how they had saved the past of the shopping street together in the rain...

And now, she could also slightly feel the charm of the band coming from this place called Ikebukuro.

only--

The smile and tenderness on Shiina Riki's face disappeared in a flash, and she immediately turned into that tough, hardworking and cold person again. She quickly recovered from her distracted state and continued to devote herself wholeheartedly to learning arranging music.

[Sorry, Toyokawa-san, actually, when it comes to the band... I...]

On the other side, Toyokawa Shoko looked at Iruma Hibiki's words with nervousness and sweat on her palms.

The gleam in her eyes just now turned into a nervous stare at this moment, but for a long time, Iruma Hibiki didn't say anything.

It was not until she realized what was happening that Toyokawa Shoko frowned and became slightly angry at Iruma Hibiki who disappeared in the middle of the conversation.

But Iruma Hibiki didn't know that at this moment, he opened the chat history of Ijichi Hongka, and looked at the recent chat with Ijichi Hongka. He was silent for a long, long time...

12

"Iruma-san, I have something I want to talk to you about."

It was probably one Saturday after the end of Golden Week. After the band's lifeless rehearsal, Iruma Hibiki was stopped by Chihaya Ling on his way back.

"Huh? What's the matter?"

Forcefully, Iruma Hibiki raised his head and looked at Chihaya Aine in front of him.

The fatigue that spread all over his body made him feel deeply uncomfortable.

"Come to think of it, I'm the captain of the End Band, right?"

"Ah."

Iruma Hibiki responded softly to Chihaya Aine's words.

No denial.

Indeed, to be honest, after that incident, the band was still able to continue running, all thanks to the captain Chihaya Aine.

Even at this moment, she is still the most reliable one.

"So I wondered if it would be better to suspend activities or disband the band."

"Eh?!"

It was not until Chihaya Aine made this statement that Iruma Hibiki looked up with a look of shock.

"why?"

Then he asked Chihaya Aine.

"As for why... I feel like the band's affairs have become a burden on you, Iruma-san, and Ijichi-san lately. And as for me... in the beginning, I was a little... irresponsible in choosing to join."

"So today I was thinking, maybe it would be better for everyone to deal with the current situation first? Iruma-san and Ijichi-san have actually been making me worried lately."

"Chihaya-san, do you think this is okay?"

Iruma Hibiki did not respond to Chihaya Aine, but instead asked back.

Not considerate at all.

But there weren't many emotional fluctuations.