After being elected as the governor of Tokyo, he will debut as a band!

After hearing Hiroi's words, Aoki couldn't help but feel this way.

It seems that any phenomenon that is inexplicable and related to physical movement can be explained by the term "muscle memory".

Aoki Muto has not forgotten all his drumming skills over the years, but he has not honed his skills as tirelessly as musicians who aim to perform on stage.

He only uses the drum set as a tool to cultivate his mind and clear his thoughts, playing it occasionally in his spare time. This level of practice is certainly not enough to form "muscle memory".

What Hiroi calls "muscle memory" is actually a natural physical reaction brought about by his superb sense of pitch.

However, this does not mean that Kikuri Hiroi's statement is completely wrong.

After all, in the world of music, talent is far more important than hard work.

Aoki is one of those people with exceptional musical talent. Even though he has focused his main energy on campaigning, social activities, and handling political affairs in recent years, his skills in the drum kit are still at the level of a professional musician.

"Face reality, Hiroi. I'm very busy with work right now, and I don't have as much time to practice the drums as you think... I don't like rock music as much as you think I do right now either," Aoki paused slightly, but a few seconds later he said with certainty, "I don't like rock music as much as you think I do right now."

Contrary to Aoyama's expectations, Hiroi Kikuri did not show any disappointment or even dejection. On the contrary, she let out a relaxed burp and then gave a mischievous smile.

"...Senior Yizhen, you've been corrupted by those politicians too. You can say things you don't even believe yourself without batting an eye. You're not sincere at all."

"...Why do you say that?"

Qingshan frowned and asked in return.

He couldn't understand why Hiroi Kikuri still acted as if she had everything under control.

But Hiroi Kikuri didn't seem to intend to answer him; she just laughed.

“Let me explain to you, senior,” Ijichi Seika suddenly leaned closer, meeting Aoyama’s gaze with her slightly bright eyes, “If you really wanted to cut ties with that rock-loving boy from back then, you shouldn’t have let Suzumiya pick us up.”

Make way for me: 007 Then let someone else bother you.

What? The problem was with A-Bai?

Aoyama cast an inquiring glance at Suzumiya Hyakubi, who looked completely innocent.

"Ah Bai, did you say anything unnecessary?"

"Eh? Young Master, no, you know I'm always very tight-lipped."

While Hyakubi Suzumiya's abilities in this area weren't exactly outstanding, they were at least adequate. Otherwise, Aoyama would have excluded him from his inner circle long ago, let alone put him in charge of the "Hundredfold Repayment" company.

This company may not seem particularly remarkable now, but it was a crucial tool in the implementation of Aoyama's series of governance plans after he was elected Governor of Tokyo. The position of president is not one that just anyone can fill.

“Abai didn’t say much about you in front of us, but,” Ichiji Hoshika began.

He explained, "Perhaps to share his joy with us, or perhaps he simply couldn't resist the urge to show off how outstanding his most beloved 'young master' is now, he played a recording for us on the car stereo while driving. Oh, and I even asked him to email me that recording."

Ichi Hoshika took out her phone and turned on the audio, and then a dense and bouncy drum rhythm was played.

The drumbeats were like galloping horses across a stormy field; even through the low-quality speaker of a mobile phone, one could feel the intense emotions and soaring vitality within them.

More professional musicians can also hear the performer's excellent skills and his love for the art.

This is just an ordinary recording. Apart from the few people in this room, no one else would associate this recording with the current Governor of Tokyo.

Therefore, Hyakubi Suzumiya's act of recording, playing, and disseminating this audio will not have any impact on Aoyama's public image.

This audio clip is only meaningful to those familiar with Aoyama Munechika.

For Hiroi Kikuri and Iji Tomoka now, this audio recording is also a powerful weapon for them to fight back against Aoyama's "insincere" excuses.

"Oh... Ah Bai, how should I put it?"

"I'm sorry, young master, I just wanted to tell Kikuri and Hoshika that you are even more amazing than before."

Now that things have come to this, Aoyama didn't know what to say.

Criticizing Suzumiya Hyakubei?

The recording of this drum solo was made with the consent of Aoyama. Many people have heard this recording in Suzumiya's car, at home, or in the office of the president of "Hyper Payback" company, but everyone just assumed it was the work of a professional drummer.

Only Ichi Seika and Hiroi Kikuri, two kindred spirits who also deeply love rock music and have gone through thousands of practice sessions and hundreds of live performances with Aoyama Muko, were able to recognize Aoyama Muko's subtle personal style when they first heard this solo.

"I'm sorry... Young Master, but I feel uncomfortable if I don't listen to your performance for a day. Whether it was the performance by you, Kiku, and Hoshika twelve years ago, or the solo piece you played in the cell five years ago when Old Man Xingying asked the prison guards to prepare it, it is the music I can never forget."

Suzumiya Hyakubi's eyes, beneath her disheveled eyebrows, revealed a longing for the past.

Being imprisoned?

Ichiji was somewhat concerned about a certain word in Abai's words.

However, she could tell that neither Aoyama Mukai nor Suzumiya Hyakubi intended to explain, so she didn't press the matter further.

Is it related to that violent incident from back then?

she thought to herself.

At that time, the trio's live performance was interrupted by the violent intrusion of several yakuza members. Aoyama Muku (who was then called Aoyama Yoshima) immediately asked the organizer of the performance, Yoshida Ginjiro, to send Hiroi and her away. She was not very clear about what happened after that.

Since then, Aoyama has not seen her again. The police and the court have not made the matter public because it involves juvenile delinquency and yakuza organizations. Therefore, neither she nor Hiroi Kikuri know much about the details of the incident, only that a very serious violent incident occurred.

However, despite having many questions in her mind, Ichiji Hoshika knew when to remain silent.

Hiroi Kikuri, however, seemed oblivious to this, and was simply moved by Suzumiya Hyakubi's love for music.

"Waaah, Yoshishin-nii, can you hear that? Your drumming performance still has such devoted supporters! And I believe that there are definitely more than just Ah-Bai-nii like this. As long as you perform publicly again, there will definitely be more and more supporters like this," Hiroi Kikuri wiped away her tears, stood on tiptoe and put her arm around Aoyama Muto's shoulder, "Rock music can penetrate the barriers between people's hearts. The music that can move Ah-Bai-nii will definitely move others as well. Maybe in the future, Yoshishin-nii, your fans will be more than your supporters as the Governor of Tokyo."

"...Hiroi, don't you know that making empty promises is a tactic politicians excel at? Your words won't sway me."

Although Aoyama was slightly shaken, he outwardly remained calm and composed.

"You're really not being frank," Kikuri Hiroi sighed, turning her gaze to Hoshika Iji. "What should we do, Senpai? Why don't you sacrifice your body?"

"Idiot! What nonsense are you talking about!" Ijichi Seika blushed slightly and casually picked up the paper bag that Aoyama had taken off and hit Hiroi on the head.

"Ouch, that hurts!"

"Anyway, let's stop here for today. We never intended to convince you, Yoshima, all at once."

Ijichi Hoshika picked up her phone and waved it; the screen still showed the playback interface for Aoki Kaname's drum solo audio.

"But this matter won't end here. Since the two of us can't persuade you, we'll have to ask someone else to bother you."

"You mean?" Hiroi Kikuri immediately understood what Iji Tomoka meant, and her eyes lit up.

“I will take this audio back to Hongxia. She will definitely admire someone who can play the drums like this.”

Ijichi Hoshika's lips curled up slightly, and a hint of cunning appeared in her eyes.

……

The next day, the Shigure Party held an internal meeting, and Aoyama, as the newly promoted leader, attended as usual.

He still appeared completely at ease, but those who were close to him and had a keen eye would notice the bloodshot in his eyes.

"Aoyama, did you not rest well yesterday? You were just elected Governor of Tokyo, so you need to be extra careful about your every move and not disappoint the people who support you."

The speaker was Ogikubo, a veteran of the Shigure Party, who was considered Aoyama's mentor on his political path, and could even be regarded as a godfather figure.

Aoki was able to be elected Governor of Tokyo at the age of 30, thanks in large amounts of political resources obtained from Ogikubo.

Make way for me: 008, you're following me? Looks like I'll have to find you something to do.

Ogikubo's words made Aoki turn his attention slightly, glancing subtly at Utsunomiya Takuya, who was following closely behind him three steps away.

Did this guy go and tattle on me to the party whip? Looks like we need to find a way to give him a warning.

How about submitting a proposal to the parliament to cut public sector salaries? Hmm... that might be a bit too radical. How about reducing funding for state-run art museums in the capital? Those highbrow art pieces are the favorites of the elite, but the general public isn't that interested.

While thinking about his plan against Utsunomiya Takuya, Aoki bowed slightly to Ogikubo.

"Thank you for reminding me, Secretary-General. I was so excited about my election yesterday that I didn't sleep well... But please rest assured, I will get back to normal right away."

"You're a big shot in the country now. Even in private, countless eyes are watching you closely. So whether you're handling official business or personal matters, you must remember not to leave any loose ends... Although at your current position, even if you do leave loose ends, there are plenty of people to cover for you, but you'll still have to pay a price."

After Ogikubo finished speaking, he remained silent for a short while, and his personal secretary seized those few seconds to hand Aoki a document.

Regarding the Southwest Four Regions (World)

A proposal to ban nighttime drone aerial photography outside of Tagaya Ward, Ota Ward, Meguro Ward, and Shinagawa Ward.

The author is a member of the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly named Haruhisa Yukinoshita. (For ease of sewing, Chiba in this book is under the jurisdiction of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.)

Normally, a member of parliament does not need to inform the local chief executive when proposing a motion in parliament. However, since we are all colleagues of the Shigure Party, it is standard practice to communicate and consult amicably before the meeting when it comes to some important issues. Even the most rigid media reporters (yes, I'm talking about NHK) cannot find fault with this.

However, the management of drones at night doesn't seem to be a very important issue. Even if it is passed in the parliament, it will be directly handed over to the local police station for implementation. The Metropolitan Police Department is responsible for the supervision, and it has nothing to do with the Governor of Tokyo.

There must be a demon in the abnormal situation.

Aoyama immediately became alert and realized that the proposal was related to his whereabouts the previous night.

However, the "100x Payback" company is not located in the Southwest 4 Ward, and the Izumo Hotel is located in the heart of Tokyo.

He turned to the first page of the proposal and saw that the first paragraph mentioned that "in recent years, nighttime drone shows in Yokohama have been booming," and the four southwestern wards of Tokyo are right next to Yokohama.

At this point, Aoyama understood completely.

Yesterday, several drones took off from Yokohama, traversed the southwestern four wards, and headed to the port area where they were located at the time.

Because Ogikubo knew his whereabouts in advance, he instructed his subordinates to discover the suspicious drone and drive it away.

However, those drones probably didn't actually capture her, otherwise it would have been in the newspapers long ago—"The new governor of Tokyo meets with the lead singer of a popular band at night. Is this kind of person really trustworthy?" Ogikubo's attitude wouldn't be so mild and calm.

Representative Haruhisa Yukinoshita's proposal was likely a precautionary measure, since Yokohama is not under the jurisdiction of Tokyo Metropolitan Government, making it inconvenient for Aoyama to conduct an investigation through official channels. Therefore, this kind of limited-scale injunction is the only option.

Aoyama and Ogikubo's meeting was brief. After parting ways, Aoyama hesitated for only a few seconds before handing the proposal to Utsunomiya Takuya.

Few people knew his whereabouts last night, and Utsunomiya was the prime suspect. However, precisely because of this, it was unlikely that he was the one who tipped off Yokohama.

But there's no doubt that he was the one who reported it to Ogikubo; Ogikubo's secretary didn't even try to hide it from him when she handed Aoyama the proposal.

“Utsunomiya, investigate this Yukinoshita councilor and see if he has any other proposals besides this one. Get two-thirds of our people to support his next proposal, not all of them.”

After getting into his private car, Aoyama gave Utsunomiya the following instructions.

"Yes, Governor."

Haruhisa Yukinoshita is undoubtedly one of Ogikubo's men, while Aoki Muto, although closely related to Ogikubo and even seemingly inseparable to outsiders, does not belong to Ogikubo's faction.

As the "first Kanrei" of modern Japan, he could only become the leader of a faction.

Therefore, Ogikubo still needs to repay this favor.

Haruhisa Yukinoshita's other proposals did not represent his own interests, but rather the interests of the entire Ogikubo faction.

Therefore, supporting Yukinoshita is equivalent to repaying Ogikubo.

The power granted by the people has been used for the exchange of interests between different groups. This is the current state of affairs in Japan!

Aoyama Xiangzhen really dislikes doing this kind of thing, but he has no choice but to do it because he is caught up in the situation.

Ah, I really want to play the drums, I really want to have a soul-to-soul exchange with crazy music fans using the hardest rock music.

But no.

Even when meeting with Hiroi and Ijichi privately, he was worried about being photographed by his competitors, so participating in a popular band's official performance as a drummer was even more of a pipe dream.

Aoyama's slightly furrowed brows made the air in the car heavy. Utsunomiya hesitated several times before finally losing his composure.

"Governor, is something troubling you?"

"..."

Aoyama remained silent, staring at Utsunomiya for a long time.

Having just taken office, I am indeed in the eye of the storm, and it is inevitable that I will be under the intense scrutiny of certain forces. If I make some big moves and cause them a lot of trouble, will I be able to divert their attention from my life?

Moreover, it might even expose their weaknesses, creating an opportunity for a counterattack.

After a moment's thought, Aoyama formed a plan in his mind.

“Utsunomiya, do you remember the budget cut proposal put forward by the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly before the previous governor left office?”

"Of course I remember... but those were work targets set by the Metropolitan Council for your predecessor, they won't hold you accountable..."

“I understand… However, Fujii-senpai was unable to achieve the budget targets set by the council during his tenure, so the council will definitely submit them again this year. In that case, why don’t we start working on it in advance and take the initiative?”

"What..." Upon hearing this, Utsunomiya Takuya was immediately shocked. "Excuse my bluntness, Governor! Your statement is very foolish... very risky. It's fine to say it in the car, but if you express such a view in a public place, it may bring about serious consequences that are difficult to reverse."

Make way for me: 009 Cutting budgets will definitely be done indirectly.