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Chapter 236: Random Daughter Summon Card — Use?
🕑 Added 2025-03-31 06:00:08 +0000 UTCWith the introduction from Kikuri Hiroi, everyone got to know Yoyoko Ohtsuki, and they all moved into the lounge.
But even sitting in the lounge, Yoyoko Ohtsuki still had that "I just can't understand this" expression, glaring unhappily at the four members of Kessoku Band.
Are these four girls really taking their band seriously?
They have someone like Minami Shouji as a guitarist, and they still choose not to let him on stage?
If they had Minami's level of skill, this band could easily rise to a whole new level.
Arms crossed and clearly irritated, Yoyoko grumbled to herself:
"They can't even see how amazing Minami-san is! Kessoku Band isn't all that impressive, huh? Onee-chan, you haven't come to see our band's live show in over a month, just to watch this group? I'm seriously gonna get mad! Minami-san's playing is incredible—why would they bench him?!"
Still ranting, Minami cast a side glance at Kikuri Hiroi.
"Uh—" Feeling the sharpness of Minami's gaze like needles, Hiroi's playful smirk froze instantly.
That was the face Minami made when he was ready to deny her food for the night.
"Minami-kun, don't mind her. She's just like that. But even though she says things harshly, she's actually pretty nice deep down."
She leaned in close and whispered, "Really."
"Pretty nice?" Minami glanced at Yoyoko Ohtsuki.
Just from looking at her, he could tell her type — a classic tsundere, the kind who talks tough but is soft-hearted inside. A dying breed these days.
Thinking that, Minami called out:
"Ohtsuki-san."
"Ah—Minami-san, what's up?"
The Yoyoko Ohtsuki who had just been chewing out the girls was now all smiles and gentle.
"I recall you're the lead guitarist and vocalist of SIDEROS, correct? May I ask why you've come here today?"
"Why? Well, I came to listen to Kessoku Band's performance, since they might be our competition in the upcoming 'Teen Generation Music Festival.'"
Then, her tone turned disdainful:
"But to my disappointment, their performance level was only so-so. Truly disappointing."
Her words were cutting.
As a pro in the music scene, being criticized by her would sting — not just for Kessoku Band but for any band.
Especially since, apart from Ryo Yamada, the others — Hitori Gotoh, Nijika Ijichi, and Ikuyo Kita — weren't known for their resilience.
Hearing such harsh words could easily shake their confidence.
Minami was about to speak up to defend them — but before he could...
"Um... Ohtsuki-san, can you tell us what exactly you think is wrong with our performance?"
"Huh?"
Minami was surprised. The one who spoke wasn't Ryo, whom he thought had the thickest skin, but Nijika Ijichi, the kind and sensitive girl he'd been worried about most.
She was looking straight at Yoyoko.
Minami was shocked. Nijika always took on the blame for everything, putting the team before herself. Standing up like this to confront Yoyoko — that wasn't like her at all.
But then, even more surprising things happened.
"I think so too. If there's anything wrong, please point it out to us," Ikuyo Kita said seriously.
"M-Me too," added Hitori Gotoh, shyly raising her hand.
None of them looked discouraged or upset.
Even Ryo, though silent, seemed unbothered by Yoyoko's harsh critique.
Minami was stunned. This wasn't the Kessoku Band he remembered from the start — back then, they were much more fragile, easily swayed by criticism.
Now they were different.
While Minami was still processing, Kikuri sidled up and grinned, whispering:
"Minami-kun, you're too close to them, so you haven't noticed — they've grown."
She plopped down beside him, propping her head on her hand.
"Back then, Hitori-chan would never have spoken up in this kind of situation. And Ryo — she never cared about others' opinions, but she'd have been the first to lash out. Now, they're both composed."
She continued, "Thanks to you, they've become more confident. Being too close, you've missed it. 'The closer you are, the less you see,' you know."
"..."
Minami stared at Kikuri, impressed.
"Eh? Have I finally captivated you with my charm, Minami-kun?" Kikuri giggled.
"No." Minami shook his head, deadpan.
"I just can't believe someone like you can say something so cool."
"Eh? Minami-kun, what kind of image do you have of me?!"
"A lazy, freeloading, scummy musician who borrows money from kids?"
"Ugh! Minami-kun, that hurts! I'm dying! Quick, rub my chest!"
"I'm calling the police."
Frowning, Minami pulled out his phone.
"Wait! Don't call the police! I was just joking!"
A wail echoed as Kikuri hurriedly rushed over to stop Minami Shouji from dialing 110.
"..." Minami.
With a speechless expression, Minami put his phone away and chose not to fuss over Kikuri's antics.
After all, what she said earlier made sense.
Maybe it was because he'd been too close to Kessoku Band all this time that he failed to notice their growth.
As he observed the girls now casually chatting with Yoyoko Ohtsuki, Minami couldn't help but sigh inwardly.
He never imagined they had grown this much without him realizing.
Though they were still rough around the edges, they could now face and address their problems without relying on his help.
And just that alone… meant Kessoku Band's future wouldn't stop at a mere "Teen Generation Music Festival."
Without Minami's intervention, the girls had handled Yoyoko's bluntness themselves.
In fact, Nijika Ijichi and the others even received valuable advice from her — things only someone in the industry would notice: rhythm inconsistencies on drums, Ryo Yamada's bass playing being too domineering, and Ikuyo Kita's uncertain strumming on lead guitar.
Yoyoko pointed them all out bluntly.
Her wording was harsh, her tone condescending, arms folded with a look of superiority.
Yet none of the Kessoku Band girls seemed to mind.
In fact, Ryo might have already picked up on Yoyoko's tsundere nature.
During dinner—
"Yoyoko-senpai, you really like fried shrimp tempura, right? Here, have some more."
Expressionless as always, Ryo offered her some.
"Don't be ridiculous! I don't like it at all!"
Despite looking reluctant, Yoyoko dumped her tempura into Ryo's bowl.
"I see, then I'll eat it for you," Ryo replied flatly and quickly devoured the shrimp in a couple of bites.
Later—
"Yoyoko-senpai, maybe you don't like tempura, but the teppanyaki steak Minami made is amazing. You should try it."
"Hmph! I'm dieting! I can't eat hamburger steak!"
"Oh, then I'll take care of it for you."
A few minutes later—
"Yoyoko-senpai, you seem to love rolled omelets. You've taken quite a few."
"Ugh... Th-this is for Kikuri-neesan! I don't like it!"
A bit later still—
"Yoyoko-senpai..."
"Ryo! Stop it already! Can't you see she's about to cry?!"
"..."
All in all, it was a lighthearted and enjoyable dinner for Ryo.
"The food was amazing. I hope I can hear Minami-san's playing next time too!"
Yoyoko gave a deep bow to Minami.
"It was nothing."
Minami smiled.
It really was a small thing. He'd simply treated her to a meal and, in return, gained insider information.
For example: this "Teen Generation Music Festival" starts with a demo review by the organizers, combined with online voting as the first selection round.
Also, 100 bands had signed up, and only 30 would pass the initial selection to enter the next round.
A single meal for all that?
Totally worth it.
As Minami watched, Yoyoko subtly looked around.
After confirming Ryo wasn't nearby, she hesitated, then pulled out a few tickets from her shoulder bag and handed them to Minami.
"These are tickets to our band's show at Shinjuku FOLT. If you don't mind—"
"You're inviting Minami to your live show? Yoyoko-senpai, do you like him?"
Like a ghost, Ryo appeared behind Yoyoko's shoulder.
"I—"
Yoyoko froze.
Her instincts told her to just admit it.
But Ryo's annoying smug face made her want to do the exact opposite.
…Even so.
Looking at Minami, and feeling Ryo's gaze on her back...
Conflicted.
Conflicted!
Conflicted!
"G-Got nothing to say! I'm leaving!"
Like a startled kitten, Yoyoko squeaked and ran off in a panic.
"..." Minami.
He looked at the tickets in his hand, then at Yoyoko's retreating figure.
As expected — tsunderes are soft everywhere except for their mouths.
"You really shouldn't tease her like that next time."
He poked Ryo's cheek.
"K."
Ryo agreed without hesitation.
But… whether she truly listened…
That was debatable.
Still, Minami didn't mind.
Since Kessoku Band could now stand on their own without his help—
Maybe he could start focusing on something else.
For example—
"Use [Random Daughter Summon Card]..."
He eyed the simulator with interest.
