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

Ginjiro Yoshida, the manager of folt in Shinjuku, borrowed a keyboard for her and placed it in an inconspicuous spot, slightly behind the drum kit.

This was Xiangzi's request, since her goal was simply to demonstrate her abilities to Qingshan, not to gain the attention of the audience.

Even that kind of attention felt like a burden to her.

"Is this alright? Uh... Toyokawa-neechan?"

"That's fine, thank you very much, Manager Yoshida."

"From a business owner's perspective, it feels a bit wasteful to leave such a pretty girl like Toyokawa in a corner."

"That would be best, after all, I am a minor and don't want to cause trouble for Hiroi-nee and Mr. Hack."

"That's right."

Yoshida Ginjiro nodded and didn't try to persuade him further.

While it's becoming increasingly common for independent bands to use underage musicians, situations like Toyokawa Shoko's impromptu participation still carry some legal risks.

"Then, I'll go on stage."

I wish you all the best.

Toyokawa Shoko nodded, took out a black mask from her body, put it on, and then quietly went on stage. She gestured to Shima and stood behind the keyboard.

"Next up is Mr. Hack's signature piece, 'Yellow,' but it's a little different from the previous version," Hiroi noticed Shima's urgency and began introducing the second piece. "Unlike the previous version, it incorporates keyboard elements. Mr. Hack even invited a keyboardist who wishes to remain anonymous to help out. Since he doesn't want to reveal his name, we'll skip the introduction and just enjoy the performance."

"So, now, let's go!"

The familiar music began, but the keyboard synthesizer added more variation to the piece. The soft piano music neutralized the vocals, and the last trace of turbidity in Aoyama's clear and magnetic male voice was concealed. It blended with Hiroi's lead vocals and Eliza's harmonies, even creating a magical sense of being both near and far.

Most of the audience was immersed in the auditory enjoyment, but only Deng and Lixi's gaze lingered on the keyboardist standing in the darkest corner of the stage.

"Lixi, isn't that Xiaoxiang?"

"Although she was wearing a mask and her face was obscured by the lights, her clothes were the same as when we first met her... Damn it, did this girl really do that just to join a professional band?"

"...That's good too. I also want to see Xiao Xiang standing on that kind of stage."

"But in a band like Sickhack, she would never get any attention... Her talents can only be fully realized in a band that starts from scratch and where the band members all progress to a professional level."

When Lixi said this, he was gritting his teeth, whether it was because he was unwilling to accept it or because he felt that Xiangzi's choice was not worth it.

"Hey, Chihaya, don't you have any thoughts on that guy's performance?"

She then looked at Ai-yin.

"Me, me?" Chihaya Aine tilted her head, looking thoughtful. "Well, the version of 'Yellow' with the keyboard sounds is indeed very nice, but I've heard the original version of 'Yellow.' In comparison, while Ms. Shimizu and Ms. Hiroi's voices in the original version weren't as pleasant to the ear as they are now, their emotional impact was clearly stronger."

"However, I can't say for sure whether this is due to Toyokawa's technical limitations, or whether the song simply doesn't need that many piano notes..."

Make way for me: 085 Go form a band you can control!

The dressing room behind the Shinjuku Folt after the performance.

Toyokawa Shoko took off her mask and looked at Aoyama Mukai with a serious expression.

"Mr. Hack, what do you think of my performance just now?"

"not bad."

Aoyama spoke the truth.

While Toyokawa Shoko's keyboard skills are not yet at a professional level, her understanding of music is outstanding. She is able to insert the sound of the electronic keyboard at appropriate points without sheet music, and largely avoids any abruptness. The overall performance is quite remarkable.

"So, do you think I'm qualified to be a member of Sickhack?"

Toyokawa Shoko then asked.

“Well…” Aoyama thought for a moment before speaking frankly, “Ms. Toyokawa, you are very talented, but it is precisely because of this talent that you are not suitable to join someone else’s already established band. My suggestion is that you should find band members and form your own band. That is where you can truly shine.”

"..."

Toyokawa Shoko gritted her teeth and fell silent.

She certainly understood that Aoyama was right, but the reason she wanted to join Sickhack was not to fully utilize her talents, but to gain Aoyama's approval.

From this perspective, today's performance was actually a failure.

“Mr. Hack, I have no interest in leading a band. I just want to join Sickhack as a keyboardist. If you think my abilities are still a bit short of what Sickhack really needs for a keyboardist, then I can perform for free without pay. I am also willing to share the cost of compensating Ms. Hiroi for the equipment she damaged during her performance.”

"...There's no need to go to such lengths."

Aoyama gave a perfunctory reply, but his mind was racing.

Something unusual is bound to happen. If Toyokawa Shoko were still the eldest daughter of the Toyokawa family, it would be reasonable for her not to care about performance fees and to be willing to share the compensation. But now she has long since said goodbye to her wealthy life, and money is very important to her. Under these circumstances, why would she be willing to give up money to join Sickhack?

No one does business at a loss. Temporary sacrifices are always made in pursuit of long-term returns.

What long-term benefits can joining Sickhack bring her?

Fame? Although it may be a bit impolite to say this, Toyokawa Shoko's instrumental skills are still far behind those of the four members of Sickhack. Even if the band's prospects are not bad, people will only focus on the original four members. Toyokawa Shoko's status is probably similar to that of the backup dancers at a star's concert. The fame that Sickhack has gained can hardly be attributed to her.

Or perhaps she just wanted to learn something by following the four of them? But what could a keyboardist like her possibly learn from a bassist, guitarist, drummer, and violinist? Stage performance skills or how band members interact?

...Let's forget about that. Sick Hack's performance style is a complete mess, but there's a subtle balance to it all. Hiroi Kikuri is like a wild horse, but Shima's drumming brings her back on track. Eliza can both go crazy with Hiroi and stabilize the situation when he goes too far. Aoyama is even more outrageous; he not only lets Hiroi go crazy but even wants her to go even crazier, like letting her run wild.

He puts an internal combustion engine on a wild horse, and at the same time, he can dominate the entire scene. When the whole band is going crazy and the performance is about to collapse, he can put the brakes on the performance, or let Hiroi explode directly, and end the performance with a brilliant explosion.

In short, Sickhack's stage performance techniques are so unique that other bands can't learn them; trying to imitate them will only ruin their own careers. The same applies to the way the band members interact; trying to copy that will only lead to their downfall!

Since all three answers above can be denied, what valuable thing is there in Sickhack that Toyokawa Shoko would want?

………………

Well, there really is.

Since Yashio Ru was the only one who could see through her disguise, it's impossible to assume that others wouldn't have the same ability.

Adults might find it hard to accept the idea of ​​"a guru becoming an entertainer" based on so-called "common sense," but minors, who don't have such preconceived notions, might be more willing to believe that some bizarre things are the truth.

She may not be certain that she is the Governor of Tokyo, but only infers that she is quite powerful from snippets of conversation between Kikuri Hiroi, members of the band Strap Band, and members of the Butterfly Group.

Furthermore, even if his identity were guessed, it wouldn't be a big deal for Aoyama.

One of the cabinet ministers in the Ming Dynasty was even suspected of being the author of "The Little Prince's Uncle" (a fictional character in the novel). Whether from the perspective of the conservatism of the era or the vulgarity of his part-time job, it was far more serious than the Tokyo governor playing rock music. But without solid evidence, no matter how plausible the speculation is, it is still just speculation.

"...I understand what you mean."

Aoyama nodded, but even so, he still did not intend to let Toyokawa Shoko join Sickhack.

"However, I still don't think sickhack is right for you."

"..."

Sure enough?

Toyokawa Shoko clenched her fist.

“I understand, Mr. Hack, and Miss Hiroi, Miss Iwashita, and Miss Shimizu. Please forgive my poor performance.”

Since things have come to this, we can only withdraw for now.

Persistence is neither in line with her style nor does it respect her self-esteem.

"Then I'll retreat first."

"Please wait a moment, Miss Toyokawa."

Aoyama called out to Toyokawa Shoko, stopping her from leaving.

He has a new idea.

"In any case, I admire someone as hardworking as Ms. Toyokawa... so I have another suggestion, I wonder if you would like to hear it?"

"Please tell me."

Seeing that things were taking a turn for the better, hope reappeared in Xiangzi's eyes.

"I value your understanding of music more than your skills as a musician. So, if you can demonstrate this ability to me, even if I still can't get you into Sick Hack, I can still provide you with other forms of musical assistance."

"Do you mean you want me to compose a piece of music?"

Xiangzi confirmed.

Composing music is also one of her strengths.

If Aoyama's request was only this, then in her view, it was no different from directly acknowledging her talent.

But things are certainly not that simple.

"No, music is only complete when it is performed on stage. So, my suggestion is that you form a band or find an existing band that you can fully control, and then have that band perform your music."

"I will judge whether your ability deserves my recognition based on the insurance coverage of this song and the overall quality of the band."

Make way for me: 086 Light, let me help you form a band!

"Lamp, let me help you form a band."

This was the first thing Toyokawa Shoko said when she saw Takamatsu Akari again.

"Varied--"

Shiina Tatsuki was extremely surprised to see this.

She still remembers the resolute decision made by Toyokawa Shoko a year ago when she left their five-member band, "Ku Lai Xi Ku".

Would someone like Xiangzi take the initiative to speak softly?

Could there be some kind of conspiracy?

But Gao Songdeng didn't think that far ahead; hearing Xiangzi say that, she was filled with joy.

Especially after seeing Sickhack perform, she is now more eager to form a band than at any other time this year.

That's why she wouldn't overthink things like Li Xi did, or even worry that Xiangzi might be plotting something again.

"Xiao Xiang, you're finally coming back? If so, I can try to win you back..."

"Don't get me wrong, Lamp. I have no intention of rebuilding Crychic. I just think your current state is too outrageous, so I want to help you form a new band."

Shoko Toyokawa shattered the beautiful illusion of the lamp without hesitation, but also pointed out another path that the lamp could accept.

"Like a band manager?"

The lamp thought for a moment, then tilted its head and asked.

"Pretty much. I'll help you plan rehearsals, arrange commercial activities, and secure more performance opportunities. I'll also connect you with composers... However, I won't rehearse with you, perform with you, or appear on camera with you. Furthermore, if the band doesn't meet my requirements, I won't hesitate to collaborate with another band. After saying all that... Light, do you understand?"

"Is Xiao Xiang satisfied? But my singing has already disappointed Xiao Xiang once, hasn't it? This time, do you need me to use an instrument?"

Gao Songdeng said with some hesitation.

“Light, there’s nothing wrong with your singing… If there’s anyone I know in high school whose singing I can’t find fault with, it’s you (desuwa).

Xiangzi said firmly.

"Then, then I will try my best to make Xiao Xiang satisfied!"

Although Lixi felt that the second half of Xiangzi's explanation of his purpose seemed to foreshadow some kind of risk, since Deng was happy, she didn't intend to say anything more.

Shoko Toyokawa has a history of quitting the band at the drop of a hat, so we should be more careful. We can't keep making the same mistake over and over again!

"So how do we choose the band members? Should we call Su Shi and Xiao Mu back?"

Li Xi raised a crucial question.

Motoyo Nagasaki and Mutsumi Wakaba were also members of Crychic back then. Although they were not as important to Riki as Akari Takamatsu, she still hoped to reunite all the members of Crychic through the opportunity of Shoko's "return".

"No... Xiao Mu is not suitable to join a band like this."

Toyokawa Shoko decisively rejected one of the candidates proposed by Riki.

In Xiangzi's plan, the new band will be a tool for her to show off her skills. What she is looking for is a genius lead singer, an expressive band, and an impressive performance. Moreover, in order to prove the band's popularity, the new band must have at least one successful live performance in a large venue.

While Wakaba Mutsumi's guitar skills are undoubtedly quite good, her other reputations are too great. If she were to join the new band, the band would likely gain attention not because of their excellent performances, but because one of the band members is theatrical celebrity Wakaba and actress Minami Mori.

Such attention does nothing to help Toyokawa Shoko's goals, and may even be detrimental.

However, if Xiangzi really becomes a tool of Aoyama Xiang, then as a member of Aoyama Xiang's campaign team...

As one of the promotional tools, the other band that Xiangzi wants to form needs a member like Ruoye Mu, who brings his own fan base.

Moreover, becoming a member of this band would also be beneficial for Wakaba Mutsumi.