Takamatsu Tomori abruptly blurted out a sentence like that; anyone who didn't know better would think she was a lesbian.
Even Sakiko Togawa, who was always calm and self-possessed, couldn't quite hold it together. Although she wanted to rely on the band's success to climb up and complete her magnificent revenge against her aunt...
But she did not want to sell her body like her old dad for this sake, and moreover, sell it to a woman.
Shiina Taki, however, understood that Takamatsu Tomori didn't mean it that way. Although it looked like she was issuing an application for mutual fingering to someone she met for the first time, in reality, she was purely just spouting god-tier nonsense.
"Wait! Don't misunderstand!" Taki hurriedly spoke up, attempting to salvage this precarious situation.
Although deep down she didn't want Takamatsu Tomori to join the band, she also didn't want to be implicated herself because of such a baffling reason. It would be troublesome if Sakiko Togawa thought she and Tomori were the same kind of people.
"She just talks like that! She often says things others can't understand! 'Lifetime band' or whatever, she definitely doesn't mean that; it's just that her way of expression is relatively special! Yes, special!"
Listening to Taki's explanation, Sakiko made a judgment in her heart.
This was a special existence whose way of thinking and expression differed from ordinary people, but this might precisely become some kind of advantage. In the band world that pursued uniqueness and eye-catching qualities, being too normal might conversely be mediocre.
"I understand." Sakiko nodded. "Student Takamatsu's expression is very special. 'A band for a lifetime'—it sounds like a goal with a lot of weight."
She interpreted this sentence as an expectation for long-term commitment to the band and lightly skipped over it.
As for promises? In Sakiko's values, promises were nothing more than tools that could be utilized flexibly in the process of achieving goals; they were stepping stones to obtain benefits. Agreeing right now to appease the other party was not impermissible.
If the band's development did not meet expectations in the future, or if Takamatsu Tomori could not meet the requirements, "a lifetime" would naturally have a different definition, or simply be voided.
"Then, Student Takamatsu, since you agree to join, as the vocalist, can you let me hear your voice? Sing a few lines a cappella of something you're familiar with, or just anything at all." Sakiko entered the main topic; this was the purpose of her trip. Voice and plasticity determined whether this special existence had the value to be kept.
Takamatsu Tomori seemed not to be surprised by Sakiko accepting the "lifetime band" statement, nor did she mind Taki's flustered explanation. Hearing that she had to sing, she tilted her head, as if she were compiling lyrics on the spot.
"Inspiration Guri, Guri Guri, Scrape Inspiration Mushroom, Inspiration Mushroom, Inspiration Guri, Guri Guri, Scrape Inspiration Mushroom, Inspiration Mushroom, Inspiration Mushroom..."
The lyrics were fragmented, the imagery grotesque, like babbling in a dream, completely devoid of logic. The tune also fluctuated high and low, carrying a kind of primitive casualness, yet strangely maintaining some kind of unspeakable rhythm.
Shiina Taki listened from the side with her scalp tingling, thinking that Sakiko Togawa must definitely be cursing her in her heart right now for coming here to cause trouble, right?
Forget it, forget it, this is fine too. If she rejects Tomori, my mission counts as completed anyway. Kanzaki Saku can't say anything about me; it's Takamatsu Tomori herself who is too bizarre!
Taki had already prepared herself psychologically for Sakiko to politely bid farewell or coldly express that it was unsuitable.
However, Sakiko listened very attentively. That weird lyrics, the drifting melody. Indeed, it was far removed from normal singing.
But the foundation of the voice was very good. Clear, penetrating, and carrying a kind of natural, unpolluted purity; this would be the finishing touch in songs of certain styles. As for those eerie lyrics...
Sakiko's mind turned rapidly. Although the lyrics were unintelligible, being able to improvise on the spot meant that perhaps with some good study, she could become a genius at writing lyrics herself.
After a moment of assessment, Sakiko already had a decision in her heart.
Takamatsu Tomori's singing—if that could count as singing—stopped. She resumed that expressionless look again, looking at Sakiko, seemingly waiting for her approval.
"Very good." Sakiko clapped her hands.
"Eh?!" Taki couldn't hold it back and let out a sound of astonishment.
Sakiko glanced at her and continued to say to Tomori: "Your timbre is very good and has distinct characteristics. Although the current singing method is unconventional, the plasticity is very strong. Regarding the lyrics, you also displayed a certain level."
"I think you have the potential to become the band's vocalist." Sakiko finally settled the matter. "Welcome to join. Next, we need to arrange the first joint practice as soon as possible to determine the band's direction forward. Student Shiina,"
She looked toward Taki, who hadn't recovered from the shock yet. "Our band can be considered preliminarily established."
"Es... Established?" Taki was still a bit dazed. It's established just like that? That kind of performance by Takamatsu Tomori actually passed? Just how strange are Sakiko Togawa's standards, or is her eye really that unique?
Takamatsu Tomori, meanwhile, nodded, seeming completely unsurprised by this result.
"Then, that's it for today. I will notify you separately about the specific time and location for the joint practice. Keep in touch."
She acted crisply and efficiently; after achieving her goal, she stayed no longer. After nodding to the two in greeting, she turned and left the open space behind the old school building, leaving Taki and Tomori alone.
Only when Sakiko's back had completely disappeared did Taki let out a long breath, feeling like she had fought a hard battle. She looked at Takamatsu Tomori, who had started squatting down to study stones again nearby, her mood complex.
"Hey, Takamatsu." Taki couldn't help but speak up. "What on earth were you thinking just now? 'Lifetime band' or whatever."
Tomori raised her head and glanced at Taki. "In order to capture Kanzaki Saku."
"Hah?" Taki was stunned.
But Takamatsu Tomori seemed to have no intention of explaining further, or rather, this was her entire reason.
Taki opened her mouth but ultimately said nothing. Forget it, communicating with this guy is too exhausting.
Anyway, my mission is completed, and the band has been formed by a strange combination of circumstances. Next is to fulfill the deal with Kanzaki Saku and help him scout for clients within the band circle.
Thinking of Kanzaki Saku, Taki's mood became subtle again. That man, what exactly does he want to achieve through the band? Purely for clients seems a bit like making a mountain out of a molehill.
Taki shook her head, deciding not to think about it anymore. Right now, she had more important things, such as: how could she go to Sagiri's house to "study" again?
Rikki: "...And that's how it happened. She actually really agreed! She even said Takamatsu Tomori's characteristics are what they need! My god, what will this band turn into in the future? Just thinking about it makes me suffocate!"
Rikki: "Brother Kanzaki, tell me the truth, did you know long ago that it would be like this? Are you in cahoots with that Sakiko Togawa?"
"What on earth is Brother-in-law looking at? Smiling so wickedly." Yuigahama asked from the side, prying.
"Nothing," Kanzaki Saku put away his phone, looking toward the gradually setting sun ahead with a rather good mood. "I just feel that the campus life ahead might become more and more interesting."
____
New Story: Stardew Valley: What Do You Mean They All Became My Servants
🔥We're handing out that '25% bonus' that makes your wallet smile. 😄
✅ Read 40 chapters ahead on all series.
✅ Get exclusive content and updates.
Help us hit our targets:
🎯 100 Powerstones = +1 free chapter for all
🚀 180 MEMBERS = +5 bonus chapters (all stories)!
👻 P - Walnutchan