Chapter 225

Ichiji Hoshika, resting her chin on her hand, waved her hand, signaling him to get lost.

"Is the store manager ready to give me a reward?"

"..."

Turning towards the recording studio, Sakurakoji Talent began to contemplate building a network of connections in his mind.

As his network of connections expands, many things that were previously inconvenient to do can now be done and planned.

For example, the technical issues that trouble Ichiji Nijika and the others can be addressed by him building a good relationship with Toyama Kasumi and the others, and then he can ask them for help.

Of course, since the identities on both sides are not synchronized, he doesn't intend to do that; he's just giving an example.

However, Anwa Subaru for help is no problem. The problem is that their lead singer, drummer, and Bass might not be much better than ours.

They might be stronger on average, but their teaching level is questionable, far inferior to the gifted geniuses on the Bang Dream! side.

It's worth noting that even Pink Milk Dragon, whose guitar skills are highly controversial, has an incredible learning ability. After just a few days of practice, she can go from struggling to memorize chords to being able to play.

To help them improve their strength... he still has to rely on himself?

"Tsk, looks like I can't slack off anymore," he sighed inwardly.

However, all these efforts were worthwhile in order to get Ichiji Hoshika's first kiss!

He gave himself a pep talk and pushed open the door to their usual recording studio.

"Ah, it's Mr. Talent." Gotou Hitori was the first to spot him.

"Mr. Talent, you've arrived!"

"Welcome, Mr. Talent, Mr. Talent, Mr. Talent!"

"Wow, Talent."

Add a white cat that only waves, and you're all set.

"Good morning, everyone!" After waving to them, he stated his purpose, "The manager mentioned you're worried about your technical skills. Do you need my help?"

"Sister?" Ichiji Nijika murmured, then realized what she meant and said happily, "Ah, great! If we can get Mr. Talent's help, we'll be at ease!"

"Please!" Kita Ikuyo bowed deeply, then clutched her mouth in pain, "I bit my tongue! Ouch..."

"Are you sure you can?" Yamada Ryo looked down at him, holding the Bass, with an air of superiority. "With your skills, are you capable of guiding my Bass?"

Sakurakoji Talent twitched her lips, feeling an urge to urge her to repay the money.

But there's no time now; Yukino Shita Yukino will be here in a little while.

"You'll find out soon enough whether it works or not. I'll start with Nijika. Okay, enough talk, I need to get back to the kitchen soon."

Chapter 279 How many hats should she wear?

"Well then, let's start with Nijika." He walked towards the Drum Kit.

"Huh? Me?!" Ichiji Nijika was a little flustered, but still followed with small steps.

Sakurakoji Talent moved a small stool over from the side and began to explain, "You've already heard enough of that, so I won't let you play it again. Let's go straight to class."

"Your biggest problems right now are that you're not yet proficient in accent shifting and compound strokes, and your drumstick striking speed and endurance also need improvement. If possible, you should also refine your sense of rhythm..."

"But these are all areas that require you to practice regularly. It's best to maintain at least 6 hours of practice per day. Remember to use a metronome and have noise-canceling earplugs on hand."

"In addition, you can practice the extreme techniques of deathcore (extreme metal). If you can do a double bass drum hit on a 32nd note, that's pretty much it. Also, techniques like pressing and double bass variations..."

"Huh? Wait, wait!" Ichiji Nijika's eyes were swirling with confusion, her face filled with panic. "I... I know I have many shortcomings, but that kind of advanced playing technique is something I can't replicate right now!"

"And I get a bit sleepy after 6 hours a day..."

She tapped her finger, looking a little embarrassed.

Judging from her daily routine and tasks, she not only has to go to school, but also take care of Yamada Ryo at school, running around for him—this has almost become an instinct.

Their school was stricter than Seika's, didn't value the band much, and didn't allow students to take leave easily.

I also have to take care of Ichiji Hoshika and Starry, do some housework like cooking and cleaning, and work part-time... I just can't squeeze out that much time!

"That's why you need to start practicing now. Begin by mastering eighth notes, gradually progress to sixteenth notes, and finally reach a speed of 32. If necessary, you can also reduce your sleep..." He coughed lightly, knowing the difficulty of achieving this in a short time.

"I know this process won't be easy, and although it will be tough Hands and legs will ache every day, I believe in you, Nijika!"

"If you're very tired, let me give you a massage. I'll try my best not to hurt your muscles."

"Since Mr. Talent has said so..." Ichiji Nijika's face gradually turned red, and she agreed in a moment of impulse.

I fantasize about him massaging and stretching my muscles after each day's practice, our skin touching intimately... Pfft!!!

A plume of steam rose from her head, and she looked unwell.

Sakurakoji Talent, with his arms crossed, stared at the Drum Kit, lost in thought.

Like sports, the only way to improve with any musical instrument is through constant practice. It requires either a deep understanding of musical notes or relentless, repetitive practice.

Although Ichiji Nijika started learning Drum Kit after her mother passed away when she was 9 years old, her talent was not as exaggerated as that of the girl next door, so she could only rely on a lot of practice.

Even Piano prodigy like Touma Kazusa, when she's not slacking off, practices Piano for at least 10 hours a day.

While not everyone needs to be like her, especially in pop-rock, reaching a level where you can make a living from playing instruments is still very demanding.

Hmm, Drum Kit, such a powerful instrument, will Nijika turn into a muscular girl in the Nijika? -- I can't think about it!

If that's the case, wouldn't every Girl Band's drummer be...?

"Ahem, anyway, today I'll teach you some unique and personalized techniques to soften your rigid playing style. You'll have to practice hard afterwards."

He moved the stool closer to her, pressing himself against her body, and held her soft hands with Hands, indirectly controlling the drumsticks.

The two were in close physical contact, able to feel each other's muscle tissue over a large area.

"Hao de!" Her voice was sharp and distorted, and the original peach blossoms seemed to be turning crimson.

This kind of practice doesn't seem so bad~

"Then, let's start with whip techniques. The trick is..."

After teaching Ichiji Nijika, he took the opportunity during practice to "teach" Yamada Ryo a lesson, and then gave some pointers to Kita Ikuyo, whose mouth was constantly tied in knots and whose eyes were sparkling.

Although he wasn't actually very skilled at singing, he could only offer her some advice on music theory to help her better pinpoint the notes and explain the daily vocal exercises of some singers he knew.

The rest is up to her to practice on her own. He can listen in later to see if there are any problems—although he may not sing very well, it's still acceptable to listen to.

Come to think of it, among the people he knows, there doesn't seem to be anyone who has truly achieved a high level of skill in singing.

Hoshino Ai relies mainly on her charm; her skills are actually quite average. Kogisora Yukina is alright among amateurs, but not particularly strong among professionals. The same goes for Toyama Kasumi and the others...

Oh! And there's our five-time champion, Sumiida Mana!

"How could I forget about her?" Sakurakoji Talent tapped his hand. "But knowing won't help; that's part of Ogura Asahi's network of connections."

"Hey, Yukino Shita- san, are you interested in...?"

No, thank you.

"Hey~ I haven't said what it is yet!"

"Given the filthy and improper thinking in your mind, it certainly can't be anything serious."

"That's too much, well, it's about the same."

After teaching for a while, he returned to the kitchen to Yukino Shita Yukino, who had already arrived.

"Your skills have improved remarkably quickly! No wonder you're a modern, high-quality woman who regularly does housework!"

"I feel like you have some kind of prejudice against women these days, but I really am one of the most outstanding people in the world."

Yukino Shita Yukino glanced at her glossy Black Stockings, her calm tone revealing her undisguised arrogance.

"Since you've specifically brought it up, I'll just listen. What exactly are these shallow and improper ideas you're talking about?"

"It's nothing, I just wanted to ask if you were planning to skip class. I'm going to take you somewhere nice."

"What a filthy and comforting idea..." Yukino Shita Yukino silently pressed her temples.

"First of all, Sakurakoji- san, can you stop assuming everyone is like you? In this world, there are only a minority of 'good students' who skip class every day like you."

"Secondly, if you're inviting someone on a date, you should at least choose a time when they're free; that's basic etiquette."

"A person who lacks even this basic tact, no matter how outstanding their own qualities, will not be liked by others. I hope you remember this."

"Finally, I don't like your matter-of-fact tone. Our relationship isn't that close, much less at the point where we can go on dates."

"... Why do I have to endure so many insults from you every time I just say one thing?" Sakurakoji Talent stared at her with an indescribable look in his eyes, expressing his dissatisfaction.

"Isn't it because I'm eloquent?"

"So you call being sarcastic and narcissistic eloquence? That's quite an eye-opener." He sighed and continued, "And how did you conclude that I wanted to go on a date with you?"

"Isn't that right?" She tilted her head cutely, blinking her long, slender, crystal-clear eyelashes. "When a boy invites a girl out, isn't that a date?"

"Your idea... isn't entirely wrong, but I assure you, I absolutely do not have the kind of thoughts or intentions you're imagining."

"Hmph~ Who knows? Maybe you, with your filthy mind, just want to lure me to a secluded place and then do this or that to me." She hugged herself weakly, as if she had just been ravaged.

"Even so, you won't lose out, so what's there to worry about?" He took out the baked cakes and put them in the warmer, completely used to her words.

She let out a soft hum, offering no rebuttal.

"In short, I assure you, it's a fantastic place, and you'll definitely regret it if you don't go."

"The number of things I've regretted is very small, and I don't think that place you mentioned has that much power." She made one crème brûlée after another. "But I'm very curious, why are you so eager to recommend that place to me?"

"Because I want to do you another favor and get you to cover for me a few more times."

"I knew it..." Yukino Shita Yukino covered her forehead in anguish, feeling sorry for his undisguised and damned thought.

"But you've miscalculated this time. There are very few places in this world that can surprise me and make me willing to cover your shift."

"Furthermore, since you're asking me for a favor, why not schedule it for the weekend instead of making me skip class? That's unreasonable and against regulations."

That's because he's busy on weekends too, and he's not even sure if he can squeeze out the time.

Sakurakoji Talent, unconcerned, shrugged. "What does it matter? You have Perfect Attendance anyway, so skipping a few classes isn't a big deal. Besides, trying skipping classes can broaden your horizons!"

"Ha~" Yukino Shita Yukino simply looked at him warmly, delivering a death sentence. "You're hopeless."

"Heh, you can only be this stubborn now." Just imagining her reaction when she arrives at the cat cafe made him want to laugh. For her, it would be like paradise, wouldn't it?

I'll edit the store's security camera footage, save the embarrassing moments she made when she was alone, and then send it to her as a threat. "Miss Yukinoshita, you wouldn't want everyone to see you like this, would you?"

Huh? So the real purpose of cat cafes is to serve as a collection of embarrassing past events?

A direction I hadn't considered, but it doesn't seem entirely without feasibility?

"By the way, now that you're coming here every day, what about the departments?" He suddenly thought of this question.

Even if there isn't necessarily a single commission there every ten days or half a month, it's still nominally operating.

"I've left it to Hikitani classmate. He'll let me know if anyone goes to handle the request; he doesn't want to come here every day anyway."

"I see—what if he skips work and goes home?"

"Hehe, don't worry," Yukino Shita Yukino gave a slightly cruel smile. "I've taken some precautions. If I find out, he knows what will happen."

"That man has quite a bit of insight and ability when it comes to assessing risks and avoiding disasters."

"I see..." Let's feel a little sorry for him, leaving the clubroom empty.

After a busy night—no, a whole day—as the Starry closed their doors, the hardworking Sakurakoji returned to his loyal Ten no Yashiro.

"What? Nanami, you're still here?"

After taking off his coat and hanging it on the hanger, he looked at Aoyama Nanami, who was lounging on the sofa, and asked in surprise.

"Young... Young Master?!" Aoyama Nanami was startled and quickly stood up straight, his face flushed as he was caught red-handed slacking off.

"What's wrong? It's so late, aren't you going back to your room?" He didn't scold her, but asked about the reason for this unusual behavior.

Normally at this time, if he didn't ask, she would have already gone back to her room to practice or prepare for the next day.