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Chapter 19: Struggles and Anxiety
🕑 Added 2025-02-03 12:42:31 +0000 UTCKessoku Band was about to perform on stage for the first time.
The outcome of this performance would undoubtedly have a profound impact on Gotoh Hitori and the band as a whole.
In the simulation, they had spent over three months preparing for this moment—from clearing their first rehearsal to designing their stage outfits and finally stepping onto the stage.
If they failed, it would mean that three months of tireless effort would all be in vain.
(In the anime, it indeed took several months from passing the first rehearsal to designing the costumes and performing on stage.)
More importantly, the unity they had worked so hard to build might suffer a serious blow.
The Choices
[1. Do nothing and go with the flow.]
[2. You have gathered a small fanbase from your street performances. Perhaps you could invite them to help boost the atmosphere at the concert.]
[3. Prepare for the worst—practice their setlist in case something goes wrong.]
[4. Simulate the performance yourself.]
There was no doubt that the choice before him would determine the direction of the simulation.
Minami Shouji began to ponder.
He first considered the second option.
In this simulation, he had deliberately avoided interfering with Kessoku Band's rehearsals while also using street performances to improve his own guitar skills. As a result, he had unintentionally accumulated a number of street fans.
Should he invite them to warm up the atmosphere, as the option suggested?
After a brief moment of thought, he shook his head.
For a newly formed rock band—one where only Yamada Ryo had prior stage experience—too much fan attention would only add to their mental burden. This could make them overly conscious of their audience, preventing them from performing at their best and causing the quality of their music to decline.
Option two was clearly not a good choice.
What about option one?
Minami Shouji turned his gaze to the first option.
To do nothing, to let things happen as they may—this approach seemed far too passive.
His thoughts bounced between options one and three before he finally settled on three.
Preparing for the Worst
If something were to go wrong during the performance, he would be ready to step in.
This was undoubtedly the safest choice.
The simulation continued—
[You have closely observed Kessoku Band's tireless efforts, and their dedication is impossible to ignore. To prevent any unforeseen accidents, you decide to practice their setlist.]
[You practice diligently, sometimes even listening in on their rehearsals while wearing headphones to play along in sync.]
[Thanks to your exceptional learning ability, you master the three songs they plan to perform. Having spent so much time observing them, you gradually come to understand each member's playing style and habits. This gives you the confidence that, no matter what happens, you'll be able to coordinate and stabilize the situation.]
[Days pass, and at last, Kessoku Band's first live performance arrives.]
A Stormy Stage
That day, a typhoon hit. The rain poured heavily, adding to the tense atmosphere.
In such an oppressive mood, you keenly noticed that the band members seemed unusually downcast. It wasn't just nerves—there was also concern that the storm might reduce the number of attendees at Stardust Music Hall.
Time moved forward despite the unease, and before long, it was time to go on stage.
You watched as the four girls stepped onto the stage, silently praying that their performance would go smoothly.
But—
Whether it was the weight of the storm's atmosphere or their nerves in front of the audience, Kessoku Band was struggling.
The bass lacked presence. The drumbeat was off. And worst of all, Kita Ikuyo's voice cracked at the climax of the song. Only Gotoh Hitori managed to maintain a stable performance.
The atmosphere was incredibly awkward.
The words on the simulator screen were simple and rough, but to Minami Shouji, the scene before him felt all too real—
He saw Yamada Ryo, usually calm and composed, with stiff, clumsy finger movements.
Kita Ikuyo, embarrassed by her vocal mistake, forced a smile despite her obvious disappointment.
Behind them, Ijichi Nijika frantically tried to hold everything together.
In the audience, despite the heavy rain, early arrivals were already grumbling in frustration.
Minami Shouji took in everything.
[Kessoku Band's debut performance was nothing short of disastrous. But you had anticipated this possibility, and your preparations paid off.]
[Using humor, you quickly dissolved the awkward tension and then picked up your guitar.]
[Your guitar skills were undeniable—even Gotoh Hitori was surprised by your progress. But what shocked the band members even more was that you seemed to understand their playing styles perfectly.]
[Your arrival was like a conductor stepping in to bring order to a chaotic orchestra.]
[At that moment, Yamada Ryo, Kita Ikuyo, and even the struggling Ijichi Nijika regained their rhythm.]
[The improved performance captivated the audience, making them forget their earlier complaints. When the lighting technician cast a dreamy glow over the stage, the crowd erupted into applause.]
[On stage, the girls hugged each other in joy. Ijichi Nijika beamed with a wide smile.]
[Despite the struggles, Kessoku Band's first performance was a success—just as you had hoped.]
A Celebration with a Hidden Truth
[After the performance, Ijichi Seika, the owner of Stardust Music Hall, hosted a celebratory dinner. Around the table, laughter filled the air. The adults clinked their glasses, while the underaged members sipped on soda.]
[Ijichi Nijika and Kita Ikuyo excitedly discussed the details of their performance, while Yamada Ryo remained her usual quiet self.]
[Gotoh Hitori, with flushed cheeks, held your hand tightly and shyly asked what you wanted to eat.]
[The night was filled with warmth and celebration, and you naturally assumed that everything was fine.]
[But perhaps because you were caught up in the joyful atmosphere, you failed to notice the uncertainty hidden beneath their smiles—the silent burden of their struggles and anxieties.]
"Huh?"
Minami Shouji, who had been immersed in the simulated emotions of celebration, suddenly felt uneasy when he read that line.
Why?
Everything had gone smoothly, hadn't it?
Kessoku Band's first performance, though rocky at first, had ended in success.
They had gained recognition from the audience.
By all logic, there shouldn't have been any problems.
Minami Shouji frowned.
Was there some detail he had overlooked?
