Actually, I was just at Starry.
When Nijika mentioned not having a bassist, several backup plans popped into Tsuchigumo Hotaru's mind.
For example, perhaps he could ask Akiyama Mio, whom he had met not long ago, to be a temporary bassist.
Oh, right, it seems Hiratsuka Shizuka also plays bass.
But it might be hard to reach either of them on short notice, and they might not even agree.
Also, Tsuchigumo Hotaru had heard that recently there was a professional-level bassist who was active in over thirty bands, serving as a temporary bassist.
How terrifying!
But that one is reliable.
Tsuchigumo Hotaru couldn't help but think.
In any case, how could Nijika's first performance end without a hitch!
"Eh?"
Nijika was slightly stunned, then said with a hint of difficulty,
"But it's already lucky to have found Hitori."
Could she really find another bassist?
Gotou Hitori's expression showed a bit of pride upon hearing that.
Tsuchigumo Hotaru shook his head and smiled, "We can go find the bassist Nijika originally wanted to find."
The so-called backup plans earlier were just Tsuchigumo Hotaru's wild thoughts, and the author padding the word count.
End Band cannot be without Yamada Ryo!
"Even if she's not playing music anymore, performing once shouldn't be a problem."
"Besides, someone who used to play music will be very tempted when they hear about a chance to perform, don't you think, Gotou?"
Gotou Hitori didn't expect to be called out suddenly, "Ah, yes!"
Nijika lowered her head, hesitating.
She was also tempted.
To be honest, after Ryo told her she wasn't playing music anymore.
Nijika had thought Ryo was just joking.
After all, Ryo used to love music so much.
But when she saw Ryo again, Ryo wasn't even carrying her bass, which used to be inseparable from her.
And she already had a new hobby.
So, Nijika had to temporarily put aside the idea of inviting Ryo to join the band.
After all, she didn't want Ryo to experience the failure and pain of forming a band a second time.
That's why she hadn't told Ryo about this performance.
However, Yamada Ryo had always been her ideal choice for a bassist.
Nijika looked up, her gaze firm this time.
If Ryo performed once, perhaps it could truly reignite her musical soul?
"Thank you, Tsuchigumo-jun."
Tsuchigumo Hotaru said it was no problem.
"I'll ask first."
Nijika, of course, wasn't directly asking Ryo if she could be a temporary bassist.
Instead, she wanted to ask if she was home.
Nijika planned to visit her in person.
And to be honest, it was already quite necessary to look for Ryo.
If she were alone, it wouldn't matter at all.
But now she was with Tsuchigumo Hotaru and Hitori, so it was better to ask Ryo first.
Soon, Ijichi Nijika broke into a happy smile.
"Ryo said yes!"
Gotou Hitori's expression turned dejected, "We have to go to someone else's house too! Waaah (╥﹏╥)o"
...
Yamada Ryo's house was not far from Starry.
The three walked there.
Along the way, Nijika told them that Yamada Ryo had formed a band in middle school.
As the band developed and its fame grew, they had the opportunity to perform at larger live houses.
However, Yamada Ryo and the band members had a disagreement over their philosophy.
Ryo's bandmates believed the band should cater to the market, playing superficial, somewhat vulgar, and mainstream music.
Ryo, on the other hand, insisted on creating music with her own individuality.
Their opinions differed, or rather, it was Yamada Ryo's unilateral difference of opinion.
Ultimately, Yamada Ryo chose to leave.
"That's how it was."
Nijika sighed.
At that time, Nijika was still thinking about how to comfort Ryo.
And didn't this mean she had an opportunity to invite Ryo to join her band?
But Ryo said she had already come to terms with it and had a new hobby.
This surprised Ijichi Nijika.
So that's it, Tsuchigumo Hotaru nodded.
He thought there was nothing wrong with either catering to the market or maintaining individuality.
Just like when he wrote light novels, sometimes he had to cater to the market.
After all, he had to make a living...!
Of course, if one had the ability to maintain individuality while also capturing the market, that would be ideal.
Gotou Hitori, on the other hand, hadn't realized that forming a band had so many difficulties.
Does that mean she might also be kicked out of the band by Tsuchigumo Hotaru one day?
Gotou Hitori thought pessimistically.
"So what's this new hobby?"
Tsuchigumo Hotaru asked curiously.
Gotou Hitori also looked at Nijika curiously.
Something that could make a musician give up music entirely.
"It's light novels."
Ijichi Nijika said with a hint of helplessness.
That stuff has really harmed Ryo...
"Light novels?"
Tsuchigumo Hotaru was slightly surprised.
Then he sneered inwardly.
Good! He would see what kind of masterpiece some fellow author had written.
To make Yamada Ryo so engrossed in light novels that she had fallen into such a state.
Damn it!
Then, Tsuchigumo Hotaru said to Nijika.
"Nijika, actually, I also really like reading light novels, and I've done a lot of research on them. Perhaps I can try to persuade Yamada-san."
Ijichi Nijika was overjoyed, "Really? That's wonderful!"
Gotou Hitori muttered to herself, she also read light novels.
After all, a woman like her, who stayed at home and had no friends, after practicing guitar for six hours a day.
Could only immerse herself in the online world and things like light novels, manga, and anime.
...
They arrived.
In front of Yamada Ryo's house gate.
A detached villa, vast in area, magnificent and splendid.
Ijichi Nijika was accustomed to it.
Tsuchigumo Hotaru was also mentally prepared.
Gotou Hitori was greatly astonished.
"This... this, this, this, this..."
Such a huge villa, Nijika's friend must be incredibly rich.
If her family were also this wealthy, would she not have to worry about her future?
She could just stay at home all day, eating and waiting to die.
Gotou Hitori shed tears of envy.
"Hitori, there's no need to be so dramatic! Actually, Ryo's family runs a hospital. So... you know." Nijika smiled.
"Don't worry, once you become a Rock Queen, you can also live in a house even bigger and more luxurious than this."
Tsuchigumo Hotaru encouraged her.
Really?
She, a Rock Queen!
She could live in a house even bigger and more luxurious than this in the future!
"Ehehe... hehehe..."
Looking at Gotou Hitori's silly smile, Nijika felt it might be a bit unrealistic.
Then Nijika, familiar with the process, entered the password on the keypad lock at the main gate.
The large iron gate opened automatically.
The three stepped inside.