The next day
School SEKAI
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Shiho
Oh, since this is our first day, I'd like to start by explaining what we'll actually be doing.
Shiho
As you all probably know already, our next show is roughly one month from now and we'll be practicing in preparation for that...
Shiho
For the next two weeks, Miku and the others will be working with us one-on-one to raise our skill levels for the instruments we each play. Then, for the following two weeks until our show, we'll be working on playing as a band.
Shiho
Also, with regards to how we'll be spending each day, we'll gather each morning to report on how we're all doing and break off into pairs for each instrument...
Saki
So we've got to keep the chatting to a minimum and focus on practicing as much as possible!
Honami
So, until the end of these first two weeks, we'll only be working on playing our respective instruments...
Saki
This is so exciting! It's like the story in a manga I borrowed from Tsukasa a while back!
Shiho
Because if we don't find a way to get through to that crowd with our next performance, they probably won't give us another chance.
Saki
I mean, Leo/need isn't really about sad songs like the one we're working on right now. I believe we're a band that should be playing fun and exciting music!
Shiho
As important as practicing is, we can't forget that we're trying to reach others through our music.
Miku
We'll still be teaching you one-on-one, but we thought that we could swap places each day.
Saki
Huh? Swap places each day...?
Does that mean you're all gonna teach us how to play our instruments?!
Does that mean you're all gonna teach us how to play our instruments?!
Luka
Yes. Being exposed to various styles should allow you to see things from different perspectives, no?
Saki
But we're already asking so much of you guys. This is turning into one of those buffets where you get to eat as much expensive beef and crab as you like!
Shiho
But are you sure about this...?
We really are asking a lot of you guys. What you're suggesting sounds like a ton of work.
We really are asking a lot of you guys. What you're suggesting sounds like a ton of work.
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Shiho
I guess I'll just have to wait...
For now, I'll keep practicing and checking off all the things that I need to do.
For now, I'll keep practicing and checking off all the things that I need to do.
Shiho
I have to get this perfect and play in a way that really moves everybody in that crowd...
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Shiho
(No, I'm not getting this part right. The way I'm playing doesn't match this song's feel.)
Shiho
(I won't be able to get through to that crowd if I keep getting stuck in places like this...)
Shiho
(I have to find a better sound... A sound that actually goes with this song. Not just for this part. I should take another look at the other parts and...)
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Shiho
(Wait, this is that part from earlier...
No matter how many times I play it, I can't seem to get it to sound right.)
No matter how many times I play it, I can't seem to get it to sound right.)
Shiho
(Based on this song's feel, it needs to sound more somber. As it stands, I'm plucking too hard, but my bass is gonna lose its presence if I pluck any softer...)
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Shiho
Thanks to you, KAITO, I was able to figure out how to play the part that was giving me so much trouble. I really appreciate it.
Shiho
(And yet, KAITO doesn't seem tired at all... He probably suggested taking a break for my sake.)
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Rin
But Shih and KAITO look like they're doing just fine! I feel pretty lucky too since you don't get to see bass-only sessions all that often...
Ichika
That sounds like...somebody playing the bass?
So, the people in this classroom are...
So, the people in this classroom are...
Rin
*Sigh*
Now that you've seen everything, you two know this means we're in cahoots now, right?
Now that you've seen everything, you two know this means we're in cahoots now, right?
Miku
I don't remember there being a rule that forbade us from seeing what everyone else is doing...
Miku
Also, Rin, aren't you supposed to be working with Saki? You're not skimping out on your duties, are you...?
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Ichika
She's already an incredible musician and trying this hard. That means I need to keep doing everything I can.
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MEIKO
You're still going too fast, Honami.
Try focusing more on the snare drum this time and less on the bass drum.
Try focusing more on the snare drum this time and less on the bass drum.
Luka
You're doing a little too much here and there, Saki. I know this song means quite a lot to you, which in and of itself isn't necessarily a bad thing, but playing the keyboard is very different rhythmically from playing the piano.
Luka
You don't need to think about this when you're playing piano solo, but... Try to focus on playing in time with everyone else.
Len
You seem to fall out of rhythm when you're about to tremolo pick, Ichika. I'm guessing that you're feeling a bit rushed during those parts, but try playing them one note at a time instead.
A few days later
Scramble Crossing
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Saki
That's because we haven't gone out together like this in so long! It's been all practice and no play with us lately!
Shiho
Yeah, I guess so...
But we should get what we need and head back ASAP. The others are probably still practicing.
But we should get what we need and head back ASAP. The others are probably still practicing.
Saki
Right...!
While we're out buying stuff, Ichi and Hona might be making huge improvements!
While we're out buying stuff, Ichi and Hona might be making huge improvements!
Saki
Alright, let's buy what we need and head straight back! We just have to get strings for Ichi and...
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Saku
Yes, that's true, but you didn't seem like the type to go out and about at night is all. Just like the show the other day...
Saku
Oh, that reminds me. Didn't you say then that you're going to let your music do the talking for you during your next performance...?
Saku
I felt that I should go and watch your band since you were willing to say such a thing. Incidentally, I asked the staff at that live house and...
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Saki
I wasn't expecting to hear that Saku's band would also be playing that day... It kinda startled me.
Next Chapter: Driving Out Fear