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In one instant, things can change completely. And one Hitori Gotou experienced one such extreme instance, death. News would report this as the case of a poorly maintained Portable gas stove resulting in the tragedy of one death. But life had different plans for her.
...
Cid POV
Things have been very quiet and peaceful, which is bad for me, fewer chances to get money from Criminals, and even less to show off my Shadowbroker side. Whatever, even if there's barely anything to do as Shadow, there's plenty to do as Cid, the Mob of all Mobs person one would ever meet. It's getting close to the School's Curfew time, so i will probably have to cut- hm? What's the ruckus there? So many academy students are gathering there instead of finishing whatever they are doing to return to the dorms.
I was surprised when one student in particular, a girl I have been mooching off answers in the recent tests no less, and a very proper and by the rules kind of person, had carefully snuck in that building. My Mob senses are telling me there's S grade Mob event flag in there, so I also makey way there. To a rather surprising memory calling sight, the exterior of this building was just like any other in the Capital, aside the Mistsugoshi Mall that is. A typicall Band Cafe, the ones where indie bands would try to start their careers no less.
"It's been just a week! Yet I am always wanting them to play every single night!"
"This time they claim the song was made by Mr. Mango!"
"Thank the gods they make these in the weekends!"
While the Curfew is at play even at the days off, the staff is more lenient to the students, mostly when the next day is also an off day, so from what I heard by focusing my brain and enhanced hearing for clues, there's a new and popular band, and one of the stars is a Mr. Mango, huh? Where did i hear something similar? Well whatever, not like some previous life five seconds internet joke will be of importance. For now, let's see if this band is even worth those precious Zeni i had to spend to enter here.
'Four people group, very typical, and who's that weirdo?' my gaze focused on the one member in my right, a Guitarist, it was impossible to know much about him or her, because they were using a fucking Box, leaving only a minor part of their legs and feet, and the arms, exposed, both also covered by loose clothing that even my expertly trained self cannot get a proper guess on the gender or body physique. Dear Honor student, who's not aware of me next to her, suddenly does that classic "Kyaaa!" Thing.
"KYAAA! MANGO-SAN!"
'WHAT?'
That weirdo IS the popular Mango? You fucking kidding me. He is peak Doofus mob idiot who you laugh once then forget they even exist material, what a joke.
(Author: Reminder this is one of our Protagonists)
The crowd quiets down, the Vocalist was a red haired girl, no pre-song talks, nothing, they just start it. With an Instruments only opening, the Guitar being at the front amd center of that symphony, and DAMN, what the hell? The power behind those guitar chords is unbelievable, clearly this Mango-san is very talented. Listening in, it's... Very beyond what this world's culture and technology should both be accomodating with.
'I see, there's Mana infused in their struments, specifically to make the necessary shifts in how they sound like, and that Guitarist must be VERY skilled, that control is superb, i cannot even hear or spot any difference between this and a real Guitar.'
My curiosity had peaked already, then the vocals.
"I recently realized that i want to play Guitar"
'what?"
"Shows with Girls playing the guitar are a pretty good advertisement, no?"
'A damn Story by music kind of song? Really?'
"But i can play the Piano, so why would i need a Guitar?"
As the song went, it was one of those kinds of songs that had become Popular before i had been born the previous Life, when acquiring the Vocaloid voice packs and then editing them to make songs made a wave of story based songs, the Lyrics merely being a narrative adjusted for the medium. The chords, on a deeper analysis, were carefully made so that even the scuffs were on purpose, to give charm to the song.
'Mango-san.... You MUST be like me, huh?'
A person super dedicated to their craft, to the point they became masters of it, yet without much in ways to display it. Perhaps Mango-san is an introvert of the highest order, hence his attire. But this makes me even more curious, so much, that i want to know who's under that box, no matter the cost. But this place is FILLED with fellow students, the moment i do something as Cid, i would burn myself to a level where my Mob status would just disappear, and be replaced with one where the whole school would likely turn into bullying me. I could just beat them all, but it's better to NOT kill my Mob status if possible, so count yourself luck-
Yet this madlad wouldn't let me hold back my curiosity, at a peak point of the song, a gap of silence, Mango-san suddenly picks his guitar by the neck, two handed, above their head, and then a full swing downwards, causing a very cosmetical explosion. This was a masterfully crafted move, embedded into the song, the explosion was just some mana released at the right timing, by Mango himself, the explosion was made to be very flashy, but with nothing in terms of power, the shockwave was just enough to lift some pre-placed dust at the point of impact. And as quick it had obstructed peoples sight, it settled, to Mango-san using a DIFFERENT Guitar.
The audacity to make such a move and execute it so flawlessly was too much, I WOULDN'T LEAVE without finding out who this master guitarist was. So here is Mob move 44, the mob got knocked and stuffed somewhere out of sight, and the shadowbroker disguised as said Mob. Thankfully, this place had well placed Bouncers that were paying good attention, so like any Mob, i went to the toilets by the side of this establishment, and after a believable amount of time for a piss, i left.
After that one song, was another, a more traditional for this world's standards, but still fully utilizing those fancy instruments to their best capacity, a novelty idea, but i was more interested in one thing only.
...
"Huh? S-s-s-Shadow!"
Suddenly, me as Shadow had appeared, these guys reaction was perfect.
"Let's unveil what's in your shadows, shall we?"
Perfect, let's do it, swiftly, my right hand approach Mango's box, faster than anyone here should be able of reacting to, only for him to make it hard, evading with impeccable precision. Fine, you want to make this hard, then let's do so.
FWOSH
Extending my slime into a blade, just long enough to hit cut that box, i had seen enough to know how thick it was, and so, i cut a gap big enough to see that person's face, game o-
BAM
And like a Balloon popping, Mango-san, box and all, popped like a Balloon, disappearing from the stage and room altogether.
"SHADOW KILLED MR. MANGO!"
Fucking shit. Like i appeared, i also made a sudden disappearance, this was a disaster, but not all was wasted, i got enough clues about who Mango-san is...
'Pink hair and a woman.... And from the looks, she is about Academy student age or just a year past that at most...'
Back to being Cid, I returned to my shabby dorm apartment, certain my search wouldn't be troublesome.
Bocchi POV
"Ugh, and just when the band was getting famous... Maybe i really am unfit for being in a Band."
Dying once had already been a nasty surprise, finding out I reincarnated with all my memories intact was a second hit in the combo, and as if to hit me with a three combo beatdown, I had been reborn as Hitori Kiryu, in a Fantasy world with a technology level just barely scrapping into the Renaissance, and some strange, abnormally modern things peppered here and there. Some of those were clearly from someone who got here like me, getting Isekai'd, how else would you explain a whole modern Japanese style Mall in such a world?
Still, my first life was cut so short, Kesoku band had just started to grow, I was getting my School tests in order, and even began to get more confident in composing some of the Band's songs! And some idiot HAD to use such a shoddy portable stove in a festival! So my aim so far has been to once again get a band and grow it into a cultural Icon! Even though I had to struggle from day 1 for every single tuing to get it....
"And that Shadow bastard HAD to ruin that one show, how hard does he think i worked to get that damn explosion trick to work? Maybe it's the world's way of telling me i won't succeed as a Rock star...."
The school uniform is so cliche, and very much reminiscent of Japan's designs, with bits and details that fit the current society, but that's it. No time to mop over the disastrous show of the weekend. Uuugh... Clear sunny day, will probably be hot.... Hm?
"Who's the idiot in the roof?"
The result of all the pains and troubles to find solutions to make a Rock band possible resulted with me being quite versed in Mana control, using it to enhance my body and senses, and best of all, now not even an Atomic Bomb may endy potential Rockstar career so abruptly! Focusing on sight, seeing even from the dorm window to the roof of the second tallesr building, the admnistrative offices one, a little over 200m of distance, i see a student... Is he gazing at me?
"A-a-a-a Stalker?"
Last i need is some creep stalking me!
"Hitori, you ok?"
"Ah, yes, wait just a moment."
"I know, your hair accessory, huh?"
"Y-yes, sorry."
My dorm mate just waves her hand, as if this is common, it's more of a silly excuse than anything, i know better than leave small stuff around to be lost. One last glance at the window, and he's gone, but a fellow student stalking me.... Screw you Shadow! I know this must be you harassing me!
(Cid: ACHOOO! Is someone badmouthing me?)
School period was as usual, but that stalker also became free once it was over, and he was clearly following me, the distance was enough that only someone with monstrous patience or senses as good as mine when enhanced would see the pattern, suddenly i hear my name.
"Hitori!"
"Ms. Claire..."
Claire Kagenoh, one of the handful of beauties of the school, and a talented Dark Knight in the making, all that was equally matched at her insane obsession with her younger Brother, who she says has more potential than her, he just doesn't seem motivated to nurture it like she does....
"Just Claire, ok?"
"Y-yes, Claire..."
She grabs my hands, for some reason, she's been quite sticky with me, ever since having seen me training, want or not, I'm still the official Heir of my household, so I HAVE to keep myself in just enough shape with the sword until my younger sister grows and proves she can be the head of the house instead of me, i have a Band to raise into Global fame, you know?
"Good, you free today?"
"Uhhhh.... It depends...."
No, i can't help you with more training, all i can thank you for was making me so desperate to leave your sparring sessions i learned 165 ways to flee just for that. One of them i even had to use that night, move 11, the popping balloon decoy substitution.
"Relax, today won't be training!"
Hooray.
"How about we go shopping? I heard Mitsugoshi has a new hot thing."
"Oh, uh.... That's.... Tortilla?"
Her face was of surprise, oh crap.
"So you already tasted them? Come on! Let's go! I will even pay!"
I can only reluctantly give up. In general, it was just like I would experience in any shopping trip of my previous life, the new Taco Bull food franchise was just like that one American one, Taco Bell, but i accepted the free food, not that i would need it, my piggy bank is fatter than ever, i miss both Ryo and Hiroi, but their absence has made wonders to my financial health! The things available there were many, but all cattered more to what most people in general would have an interest in, the small store area with Music related stuff was all for Classic Music, albeit they seemed very focused on Pianos for whatever reason.
In a Ice cream store in the commercial street, the business was also owned by Mitsugochi, the stalking that went from school to the entire trip was getting to me, enough to male Claire notice something wrong.
"Is something troubling you? Bathroom issues?"
"Uh, no. And why would that be your first pick?"
"My brother, always seem to miss important stuff due to such."
Sucks to be him, though that is prime way to excuse oneself to go do some shit in secret.
"I see, but no, it's.... I feel someone's been following me for a while..."
Her gaze sharpens in an instant, with the subtetly of a totally drunk Hiroi, she stands up and aggressively scans the surroundings, she does eventually find the perp, and rushes to catch whoever that person is.
It was her Brother.
"Cid! What in hell? Stalking a lady?"
Claire's actions have brought an awful lot of attention to us, those gazes....
CRASH
"Hitori!"
"Ms. Hitori!"
"Hey! Don't you dare flee!"
....
....
I found myself in my dorm, my dorm mate told me Claire had carried me back here after i lost consciousness at the ice cream store.... Ugh, i want my old Tatami bedroom so i can roll in shaaaaame!
"You ok? Hitori?"
"I am totally fine! Don't worry! Shirley, it was just the crowd!"
"Ah, yes, crowds focused on you... Then you better stay aqay from the Kagenohs, both of them seem very skilled at catching people's attention!"
"Duly noted...."
I better just prepare things for the next show.
Two months later....
I can't.... I can't anymore.... Does this world hates me to such personal level? To what degree is this ok? What sadistic eldritch outer god i angered for this to be how things are going?
"WHY IS THAT ASSHOLE SHADOW STALKING MY SHOWS?"
For two months straight, without fail, that pest has been always crashing the band shows, last one had no one because of how much of a pattern it had become!
What did I do to him for this persistence? Can't he see he is obstructing business? Is he one of those types I heard that existed, mostly in the non-Asian countries, that would do anything and everything to make their enemy unable to make a living whatsoever? Is he that kind of petty guy?
The stress has been so much that I have begun drinking more alcohol than Hiroi would ever drink, or so it feels to me, thank god Mana control can make detoxifying it from the body possible, avoiding the worst of hangovers. But the intake should worry even a pure blood Russian in my past life.
"Hnnnnn.... Enough is enough.... Stand up Bocchi! That bastard can't kill your dream!"
That's it, this week's show will be a special one. Just you wait Shallow! You will feel my fury!
...
Or that's what i decided on a spur of the moment, stress and alcohol induced moment no less, but what do i have to Lose? I will teach that bastard ruining innocent people's businesses a lesson! Yeah! Let's make him see the Blood, Tears and all social anxiety one Hitori Gotou, now Hitori Kiryuu, has gone through to male her dream a possibility!
HITORI FUCK YEAH!
....
Cid/Shadow POV
While it sucks to those bandmates, Mr. Mango-san, aka Hitori Kiryuu, should just surrendered what secret techniques she was holding, even after all my Mob-fu training and even amping my Shadow training didn't get me an answer about her tricks, so all i could do was try getting her to tell me.
But she is still going strong huh? The participants are near Nil, but more have come since Iris Crimson Order has made presence in hopes of either a chance at catching Shadow (As if those weaklings stand a chance), or just getting a PR win of claiming he got scared of interfering with the band's actions due to them (Again, good luck with that, suckers).
Suddenly, wearing what only Shadow Garden should have, came the one and only, Mango-san.
"Eh? Mango-san is alive?!?"
"Isn't he just a double? I saw Shadow strike him and make the poor guy pop like a Balloon."
The noise was strong even as the Vocalist stepped up, and surprisingly, she talked first before they started their first song.
"Ano... First of all, Mango-san is alive and well, and second, Mango-san has a statement for a certain someone."
Gazes zeroe'd on Mango-san, now wearing only a Bucket with the slime armor, clearly stylized to not look like Shadow Garden's, that did nothing to keep her long straight pink hair, the few students present didn't recognize her, a skill i really wanted of her was how she could be such an ok student with superb Background meshing capabilities! Even fellow students didn't realize she was a colleague!
Her statement wasn't vocal, but a very aggressive guitar sound, the combative manner itched my combat senses, so she is challengin me, Shadow? Fine, let's take it. In no time, Crimson knights jump at shadow, who had suddenly appeared, i just blocked and sent them flying back, opening a way to the stage.
"So you are challenging me? Fine, i will play your game."
She throws something at me, i catch, a Guitar, heh, so that's the challenge? Alright, I should give her a chance.
"This is a duel, isn't it? What're the stakes?"
Pulling a card, she throws at me.
[Stop bothering me and our Business]
"Fine by me, but if i win, you coming with me."
She struck the guitar chords, that should be a yes or the like. Setting a fair distance between us, then the Bassist sets a list for us to see, and another so the audience can also see what we would be dueling as musicians.
First in the List...
...
Fifteen minutes Later....
One third of the list was done, and I may have made a Mistake. Hitori was an absolute Master in the Guitar, and one fully used to using it for extreme lengths of time, while i have plenty of practice with the Piano, there's some differences in how and what muscles are used, Pianos are also usually done sitting, but from how she was, she must have rarely if ever done a guitar practice sitting, she is fully used to the constant weight of her instrument, and going through full music concert lengths, this demands a change in plans. Fifth song complete, we pause for a bit.
"I have to admit, you're better than me at THIS."
I point to the guitars.
"So how about you show if you're better at what i am good?"
Then i point to the Piano in the back, Hitori plays her guitar, same tune when she first agreed. So we change the list, five Piano songs, three hers, two mine.
...
...
Is this Lass for real...?
WHO THE FUCK MASTERS TWO OR MORE INSTRUMENTS OF ENTIRE DIFFERENT CLASSES?
It was fine she pulling a funny one and doing Sans Battle music Piano version, or No game no Life Piano cover for her songs, but why is she doing flawlessly a Beethoven's full symphony course? My fingers were burning already with having to match her insane tempo and precision, everyone was in awe at both of us, but she was clearly starting to gain the edge! This is bad...
Then... Salvation...
CRASH
"SHADOW! FOR THE LONG ASS LIST OF CRIMES, YOU ARE UNDER ARREST!"
Princess Iris has arrived, crashing our duel and just unceremoniously trying to strike me down. It is a stain on my name, but I stand no chance against Hitori in a Music duel.
"Guess our Duel will have to wait its conclusion, dear Mango-san. See ya!"
"SHADOW!"
Iris, like a pitbull clamping at my heels, tried in vain to chase me.
CLANG!
BONK!
....
To all present, they were left speechless, as they saw Mango-san effortlessly hit Shadow with her Bucket helmet, Bonk Iris with her guitar, then hide her face with the dented bucket in a timeframe so short people thought she had teleported or paused time, leaving Iris to the Crimson order, she just dragged Shadow to whatever place she intended to deliver her own justice, the Knights present were all stiff in fear and did nothing to stop Mango-san of doing so, Shadow's capture was considered a failure because aftewards, no signs of him or Mr. Bucket Mango, as she became know as after the incident, were found around the area or the capital itself.
Kiryuukai band disbanded, and reorganized as Bocchi Band, with Mango-san no longer present, but an Equally skilled, and silent, Guitarist, a Midgar academy student by the name Hitori Kiryuu, quickly took over the position once held by the one person to actually strike Shadow down as someone with as much if not more talent for the guitar. Though many fans oftenly found themselves unable to find her once their songs finished, but pre-signed merchandise was always available, selling out in seconds.
....