Raison d'être [Part 1]
~Epsi bandhouse~
~Phone call~
Reiji: Yes, this is Karasuma. Ah, Duck River`s secretary? It has been a while
Sekkun: Indeed it has been a while. Is now a good time to speak?
Reiji: Yes..?
Sekkun: Next week, there will be a party held at the company. We would like for all of Epsilon phi to be present, does that sound doable from your end?
Reiji: Is that so, what kind of party is that?
Sekkun: To tell that truth, not even I have been fully informed. I intend to invite the other band as well, and the president has requested of me to have you all present as well
Reiji: The president?
Sekkun: Yes. Possibly for a lovely surprise of sorts
Reiji: I understand, we will consider it
-Phone call ends-
Reiji: -that was what was discussed on the call. You all have your schedules free on that day right?
Tadaomi: I`m good, though I wonder what sort of party it will be. I look forward to it
Kanata: Here here~ I`m also o-kay~! You`re going too right bro?
Haruka: Shut it.
Kanata: Oh bro~ Are you in a sour mood again-
Haruka: I keep telling you to piss off and stop talking to me!
Haruka: Hurry up and finish what you were saying
Reiji: While what will be discussed has not been revealed, as far as I understand, it would be best to be present. You are okay with that right, Shu?
Shu: Why would they hold a party now of all times..? How annoying~
Reiji: Our presence is a request from the president himself so it would be good to at least show up
Shu: Hm? It's not like I care anyways~ And anyways, recently I haven't seen papa at all, is he in a good mood perhaps~? Goodness, adults are always so full of themselves
Reiji: The press will also be present at the party, it may be good to partake in a few questions. Recently we`ve been focusing mainly on livestream performances and haven’t really done any stand out activities.
Tadaomi: That reminds me.. Argonavis has also been doing street performances, it seem that they cut ties with Duck Rivers
Shu: That seems so, how pitiful~
Tadaomi: How did they feel.. Maybe as expected, quite sad?.. Or maybe, they felt frustrated?
Haruka: Who knows. They’ve been thrown around alot with the company so it must have been difficult
Kanata: What? I don’t give a crap anyways. More importantly, does that mean that Gyro and Furai will have continued support or.. I don’t get it. Why does the company keep giving benefits to those shitty bands.
Shu: Yeah
Kanata: Ah- Shu-kun sorry! Its not like a wanted to badmouth your papa
Shu: I don’t mind, It seems like he has something in plan anyways~ But I don’t really want to know either~
Tadaomi: Since LRFes got suspended, there haven’t been many chances to meet the other bands.. Its been all so boring
Reiji: If we participate in this upcoming party, we may be able to get insight into the current workings of Duck River and its surroundings. Regardless of that everyone, make sure to leave your schedules open
Haruka: How annoying..
Shu: I wonder whats in store~ I’ll keep my expectations up for now
~FuRai bandhouse~
Fuuta: Aoi! Seconds!
Aoi: Hold on Fuuta! You haven’t finished everything on your plate yet. On Curry day, you need to finish everything on your plate first remember!
Yamato: Aoi, I ate everything so, seconds. It doesn’t need to be curry, you can just give me white rice
Misaki: Ain’t that just white rice on more white rice! Where’s the side dish gone?
Kohei: Can’t you guys eat a little quieter? I want to make an announcement but if it's like that, nothing will be heard right?
Fuuta: Ko-nii, what happened
Misaki: I’m always down for a fun story
Yamato: The crop season is already past but has a new form of rice been announced?
Aoi: Oh come on everyone pipe down! Okay Ko-nii, go on!
Kohei: Actually, we’ve been invited to a party hosted by Duck River next week. Some sort of announcement is going to be made, so FuRai must be present is what they said
Fuuta: A party means a festival of some sort right? Sounds fun!
Misaki: That Duck River has been giving us little jobs here and there, and overall has been lookin’ out for us after all. And to add to that now a party invite?
Kohei: Yeah, they said that we must be present but I wanted to discuss it with everyone first
Aoi: I think it's good, and it's nice to greet those at the company too
Misaki: Since its a pretty established company’s party, surely nothing bad’s gonna happen right? I’m down
Yamato: Me too, as long as I can eat alot of white rice, I’ll go along
Fuuta: Me too me too, as long as it sounds fun
Kohei: I got it, then I’ll reply that we’ll be attending
Aoi: At that party, will the other bands be joining as well?
Kohei: Nope, from what I’ve heard at least. But all I’ve been told is that FuRai must be present on orders from the president. I don’t know the reason
Yamato: I see. But why is the company being so kind to us. It may be out of pocket, but there are other bands more popular than us out there
Misaki: Yeah, there's alot of bands better than us too
Kohei: To be honest, I was wondering about that too..
Fuuta: Well well, its good to be friendly with kind people, I’m looking forward to it!
~At party~
Reiji: Shu, what do you want to drink? Food as well, if there is anything you fancy I will bring it over
Shu: Hmm.. what to drink..
Shu: Oh? Isn’t that those FuRai onii-sans ?
Kanata: Geh.. seriously? I kinda really don’t wanna see their faces..
Fuuta: Ah! Y’all are also here!
Reiji: Everyone, it has been a while
Tadaomi: Kaminoshima-san, you seem well. Sakutaro-san as well..
Fuuta: Yup! Since its a party, I made Sakutaro all sparkly and-
Kohei: Fuuta. Stand back. You guys were also called here it seems.
Haruka: To do what isn’t clear though
Yamato: *Face stuffed with food* Nijou, band meetups have been a while. There’s alot of white rice so I don’t think its a bad party
Misaki: *Face stuffed with food* plus the foods good! If y’all don’t hurry it up, the meats gonna be all gone!
Fuuta: *Face stuffed with food* Really?! Aoi, I cleared my plate nicely so can I get seconds?!
Aoi: Oh come on.. Don’t talk with your mouth full! Do you have no class..
Shu: Aha~ Whenever I see you you’re always stressed out with taking care of others~ Is it possible, that you’re better at that than music?
Aoi: Well..
Sekkun: I apologize for interrupting everyone’s nice talk. This is a greeting from today’s party’s host, Duck River’s president Ujigawa. Please turn your attention to the stage.
Kohei: Seems like somethings about to start, you guys, stay quiet okay?
Ujigawa Gen: Everyone, we would like to extend our gratitude to everyone for attending despite being so busy. Today, we are here to give Duck River’s habitual thanks alongside an important announcement, hence we have decided to use this event. It may be a humble party however we do hope you all are enjoying yourselves.
-Crowd claps-
Fuuta: Did humble mean big and sparkly?
Aoi: Shh-!
Ujigawa Gen: More concise information will be released at the later press release however, soon, a new band will be debuting from our company. They performed spectacularly during the LRFes, a band many of you may already be aware of; Fujin Rizing.
-Spotlight turn on-
Fuuta: Uwa-! So bright!
Misaki: Waa I can’t see a thing!
Aoi: What is this, a spotlight?!
Yamato: Oi. Didn’t he just say debut?
Kohei: We’re going to.. debut?
Ujigawa Gen: Fujin Rizing, come up onto the stage
Sekkun: Everyone, please this way
Kohei: Ah, okay
Fuuta: *Making eating noises*
Aoi: Come on, Fuuta! Everyone else as well, leave your plates at the table!
Ujigawa Gen: They are today’s party’s main characters, Fujin Rizing! An applause.
-clap-
Ujigawa Gen: Within the sea of bands, they have the most potential shown.I myself have fallen in love with them. Duck River will now be supporting them.
Fuuta: Eh? Me? Uhm.. I’m FuRai’s vocal, Kaminoshima Fuuta. I don’t get the hard parts but this just means that we’ll be able to excited everyone even more now right? Ah, if thats the case then we’ll do our best, its a pleasure to be working with you! Eheheh~ when I’m holding a mic it makes me feel like singing, hey, is it okay to perform one song? Yokatai Ikubai-
Kohei: C’mon give me the mic! Our apologies, we are also a bit surprised as well. We will do our best to answer everyone's expectations. From now forth, we look forward to working with you. C’mon you guys, say your respects.
FuFai: We look forward to working with you!
Ujigawa Gen: That is all for today’s announcements. With Duck River’s backing, they will most definitely reach the top. From now forth, we look forward to your continued support. Please continue to enjoy the party.
Shu: What was.. that..
Tadaomi: Everyone looks so happy, right, Shu-kun?
Kanata: Really..? This isn’t really what I thought it’d be..
Haruka: Hah. Were we called over just to be shown this? What a load of bull.
Kanata: Oh hey wait up!
–walks off–
Tadaomi: Are you two leaving? I still want to check up on everyone else’s..
Reiji: No. We’ll end up being swarmed by the press and we’re in no form to provide comments. It's best to retreat now, Shu this way.
–walks off–
~Epsi bandhouse~
Kanata: Ah~ I feel like I’m uselessly tired out..feeling super pissed off though. Like seriously, why were we even called over in the first place?
Haruka: Like hell we’d know. What we’ve learned is that today’s party was mainly for those guys.
Kanata: Huh? For those ridiculous gang?
Haruka: You saw it all too remember. FuRai was chosen by Duck River, it's like we weren’t even in their view.
Kanata: Hah, so what you’re saying is that we’re inferior to them? Why?
Haruka: Like hell I’d know. I don’t even think they know either. Hopefully they won’t be put through too much though..
Kanata: Why do we have to protect them- Ah. I get it! You wanna play along with friends right~?
Haruka: What did you say.
Kanata: Then how about you go and play like a moron with them then?
Haruka: You fuck-
Reiji: Shut it and calm down you two, your noises can be heard from outside.
Tadaomi: Hey, do you think Shu-kun is okay? Ever since we came back he’s been locked in his room..
Reiji: I don’t know. It would be fine if his mood was soured only a bit.
Kanata: But like- If Shu loses interest, ain’t that the end for us too?
Haruka: What?
Tadaomi: Does that imply.. The disbandment of Epsilon Phi?
Kanata: Yup. But it doesn’t really matter if we split ways right? It's not like anyone here put any emotional ties to this band after all
Haruka: Hah. The one with the ‘I don’t care about this band’ feeling the most is you after all
Kanata: Oh shut it, its not like you have any other place to go regardless
Reiji: Stop it.
Shu: Whats with you all, with the glum faces and even gloomier talks
Reiji: Are you okay, Shu?
Shu: Not like anything bad happened~? More importantly, Reiji, work.
Shu: Thoroughly look into that FuRai group, I want to crush them.
Reiji: … understood
Kanata: Ahaha~ Sounds like fun, I’m in~! What’re you gonna do, I’ll help out~
Shu: Of course~ Despite being a band they’re all so close and friendly, so making them fight like you brothers isn’t a bad idea either~
Haruka: Cut it out already, are you seriously going to do the same thing as last time? Haven’t you had enough-
Shu: Last time you say? Did something happen~?
Shu: We’re just here to tell them that the protagonists of this story are us, and not them.
Tadaomi: Then does that mean that this time they’re going to be your toys?
Shu: There isn’t much to play with those toys~
Shu: Those pieces of garbage, I’ll rip apart into shreds and pieces and throw them into the incinerator. Making sure to not leave a single uncharred remain. Ahaha~
~FuRai band practice~
Kohei: Okay, lets take a quick break.
Fuuta: Okay~ Fwah, its the most fun when you’re singing after all
Yamato: Yup, and I think the new song is coming along well, its fun
Aoi: Agreed! Ah, Ko-nii, until what time did we have the studio reserved?
Kohei: Duck Rivers is taking care of it so they said until whenever we feel like enough. Going for too long isn’t good either after all
Misaki: Then that means we won’t have to worry about the studio stuff anymore yeah? Since Duck River is gonna handle it
Yamato: Seems so, plus they said that we’re free to use to studio in the company as well
Misaki: And any costs relating to the band they’ll cover is… is it possible that they’re some super ‘white company’?!
Fuuta: What do you mean by white company? The building being all white..?I don’t remember it being that color though..?
Yamato: Speaking of white; rice. If its a company like white rice, I’d be willing to join too
Aoi: A white company means a company that's easy to work in..!
Misaki: Well at least to us now its a good company
Aoi: They did nicely explain the plan too after all. Full support until debuting is really reassuring!
Kohei: It was a big hit with backers at the party so I suppose it's also a plan in the production.
Fuuta: It was surprising but everyone looked happy after all
Yamato: Yeah but there’s one part I don’t get
Kohei: Which one?
Yamato: It's specified in the contract, the ‘obey every order given by the company’ one.
Kohei: Ah..
Misaki: Yeah that one, but ain’t it common in the adult world? Since its pretty impossible for us to debut with our own power so yeah
Aoi: Thats true, and they seem to take us very kindly. If we have any opinions, maybe its best that we talk to them
Yamato: Hopefully so
Fuuta: It’ll be fine! In our future, there’s only good things after all! Come on you guys, we’re rested enough so lets continue practicing!
Kohei: True, lets resume the practice and song making. We’ll need to get better so we can proudly show ourselves anywhere.
~office~
Ujigawa Gen: My apologies for calling you here when you’re so busy. It’s been a while since the party but how have you been?
Kohei: Good, our thanks
Fuuta: That reminds me, the delivery at the sharehouse the other day, that was super good! Thanks!
Ujigawa Gen: Ahaha, then thats good. Anyways, I had instructed you to make a new song yes?
Kohei: Yes. We made a few and have all the demo tracks here
Ujigawa Gen: Good. Then lets have a listen. You, set up the player.
Sekkun: Understood.
–played–
Sekkun: In total, these are all the songs they have provided.
Fuuta: Hey hey~ They’re all good right? I like all of them!
Yamato: They’re all good originals, the pull of the guitar inside brings out-
Misaki: No no, my drums aren’t losing out either y’know?
Kohei: How was it? Each song possesses a taste of us that no other band is able to show.
Ujigawa Gen: Remake it.
Fuuta: Eh? Remake, as in which one?
Ujigawa Gen: All of it. None of them are close to a level that can be used
Kohei: That can’t be..
Misaki: Oi, you’re kidding me right..
Yamato: Why?
Aoi: Um.. since these are all demos after all, the arrangement can be changed as many times as you want
Kohei: That's right, so how about possibly examining them a bit more?
Ujigawa Gen: …hah
Sekkun: Do any of you know, how long the president has been in this industry?
Aoi: …ah
Sekkun: You are against a professional here. Whether a song can be used is our decision.
Fuuta: ..wait
Ujigawa Gen: It seems like you all, are still not fully aware of your given position at this time. Maybe we will need to explain this better. Wakakusa Aoi, you stay. The others will be leaving.
Aoi: Eh? Me?
Misaki: Hold up, our leader isn’t Aoi y’know?
Yamato: Yeah, FuRai’s leader is Kohei-san
Fuuta: Yup, since Ko-nii is the most mature out of all of us after all.
Kohei: It may be out of line but its just as stated, I am the representative. If its any sort of explanation I will partake in it instead.
Ujigawa Gen: No. Wakakusa-kun is staying back.
Fuuta: Why?
Ujigawa Gen: In addition to the trombone he can also play the piano, he possesses the most musical knowledge. Out of everyone here, is there anyone else who understands it better than him?
Misaki: Well when ya put it that way…
Kohei: Then how about we all stay instead? Only having Aoi would be-
Ujigawa Gen: If you have that much free time, It’d rather be spent on practicing. At this level, you all are nowhere near my vision, in both song curation and playing ability.
Aoi: We understand.. I’ll be fine and I’ll relay everything to you guys later so you all can leave first
Fuuta: O-ok..
Sekkun: The exit is this way, I will guide you.
~Outside office~
Sekkun: Everyone, good work. The driver has been informed of your destination and soon Wakakusa-san will be sent on his way too.
Kohei: Okay, thank you for today. Then excuse us.
-car leaving noises-
Shu: Hey. You.
Sekkun: Oh, Shu-san? What a coincidence, did you have business nearby?
Shu: Papa. He’s inside right, let me meet him.
Sekkun: Unfortunately, he is currently still in a meeting.
Shu: The people you just saw off were the FuRai people right. Now, there should be time. Let me in the president’s office.
Sekkun: Not possible. The president is currently still in discussion with Wakakusa Aoi-san and it may take quite a while. So please do return.
Shu: ..ha? What do you mean?
Sekkun: Unfortunately I am unable to answer that, it was his order. If you’ll excuse me, I have something to attend to now.
Shu: Huh, wait!
Shu: Papa leaving only one of them back and having a conversation.? Why? Wakakusa- that Wakakusa Aoi was who he mentioned. Constantly babysitting others, yet papa.. favors him? Why didn’t he go home with those other idiots?! Is the thought of papa favoring you getting to your head? Or is he trying to take papa with flattery..
Shu: Wakakusa.. Aoi..
~FuRai band practice~
Fuuta: Ah.. no.. that one didn’t feel right either..
Yamato: I also felt that it felt incomplete, its lacking the usual FuRai-ness
Kohei: Yup, we’ve hit a small slump. Lets take a quick break for now
Misaki: Since we were told to remake all our new songs, no wonder the excited is waning
Aoi: You’re right..
Fuuta: Hey hey~ that previous one needed a little more -bam-! - whoop-! No? It needs more excitement so the people listening will also be more pumped up right?
Misaki: Thats true but then Aoi- no, Duck River is gonna be like ‘its a different direction than wanted’
Kohei: Yeah, lets examine each one in depth. Aoi, can you tell us any other stuff the company has told you?
Aoi: Hmm… I’ve told you basically everything though..
Kohei: Even the smallest things can help, we need a hint. If we rack our brains together we can make something. Even after that, you’ve been individually called to the office right? Right now, you’re our messenger to and from Duck River.
Aoi: I got it.. I’ll try to recall something..
Misaki: But like.. Why is Aoi like our middle man for communication with Duck River though?
Fuuta: Aoi’s been working pretty hard lately too. With practice and university, plus to add on, getting called over by the company. Sounds tiring..
Aoi: I’m fine, plus with everyone helping out, the housework has been much less than before too
Yamato: But the order to create new songs and what details they want are slowly getting more detailed, it feels like we’re slowly being controlled.
Misaki: Totally get it! If it keeps on going, soon the next order will be something like ‘quit skaa’ or something like that! And something dumb like ‘Sax and trombone are banned’ !
Aoi: Ah-
Kohei: Oi. Aoi. Don’t tell me they really suggested something like that?
Aoi: Its not immediate but.. From now on forth, those kinds of music are a bit..
Yamato: So its true?
Misaki: Whoa whoa, to tell us to not do Skaa anymore.. What’d that mean? Are their brains wired wrong or-!
Kohei: Misaki, enough. There must be a reason for that-
Fuuta: THATS NOT FURAI ANYMORE
Aoi: Fuuta..
Fuuta: If its not Skaa.. if Sakutaro isn’t with FuRai then it isn’t FuRai anymore! We did Skaa so we could make everyone happy, if we aren’t doing it then what's the point of doing a band-!
Kohei: Its alright Fuuta , calm down! It isn’t immediate like what Aoi said, so don’t worry!
Fuuta: No! I definitely don’t want that!
Misaki: Ah~ Fuuta sorry for overreacting like that as well. It ain’t immediate and surely nothing that bad is gonna happen, it’ll be fine I swear-
Fuuta: Even if its not now, it’ll happen someday right? When that happens, I won’t be able to sing happily anymore, I won’t be able to take it anymore.
Aoi: Fuuta, I’m sorry. Its because I said such weird stuff, I’m really sorry.
Misaki: Nah, It ain’t Aoi’s fault. The one at fault is Duck River, whats the point in making us debut then? Was it not because you thought our music was good?
Aoi: I thought that way too.. But it felt weird, the more I was there, the more I thought why we were even chosen in the first place. But I couldn’t say anything-!
Kohei: So that was the reason you lacked excitement, I’m sorry for not realizing it sooner.
Aoi: No.. I’m also at fault for not speaking about it
Misaki: Gosh.. whats with this then? I really don’t understand them at this point
Kohei: Yeah, even I think the company’s choices are getting weird.
Aoi: But with the contract, they won’t listen to us. And if worst comes to worst, they could terminate our contract. Its our one and only chance too!
Misaki: This is so much bull! Man, what are we supposed to do then?
Kohei: Whats wrong Yamato? Your hand is raised like you wanna ask something?
Yamato: If there’s something weird you think is going on, can’t you just ask?
Aoi: Eh?
Yamato: Written in the contract is that we need to obey the rules of the company but it didn’t say we couldn’t ask questions about it.
Misaki: I get it..
Kohei: Thats true, we just need to ask them what exactly they want to do, and we’ll also state our opinion
Yamato: Yeah, in order to create a future where Fuuta doesn’t have to worry, we need to do what we need to do.
Fuuta: Really? Is it okay for me to be with Sakutaro from now on too?
Aoi: Yup, Fuuta
Misaki: Yeah! Thats why we’re gonna work hard! With that being said, should we immediately walk into Duck River!
Kohei: We should contact that secretary of his, we’ll get a reservation so gimme a bit’
Fuuta: Ko-nii, hurry hurry!
-phone dialing noises-
Kohei: Yes.. yes.. I see.. Understood, then I will relay that
Misaki: How’d it go? What days’ good?
Kohei: The discussion will happen later on but first, Aoi needs to come to the office alone again
Yamato: Aoi got called along again
Kohei: The president has something to discuss with him, once thats over he’ll discuss it with everyone together
Fuuta: What does he want to discuss..?
Kohei: Not sure. But for this time it can’t be helped. Aoi, apologies but could you go over there again.
Aoi: o-okay, got it
~Office~
Shu: Its rare for papa to call me over like this~ Did the wind blow the wrong way today~? Will you let me hear a fun story~?
Ujigawa Gen: Wait for a bit
Shu: I’m busy so I opened some time up for you, make it quick won’t you~
-Door knock-
Shu: Who? Reiji? I told him to wait outside, I give no permission to enter.
Ujigawa Gen: I don`t mind, enter
Aoi: Pardon my intrusion, its Wakakusa.
Shu: Huh what. Well isn’t it the babysitter, what do you need?
Aoi: Ujigawa-kun.. um- I-
Shu: Y’know, just when I’m with my papa, you decide to slither your way in, what great manners you have~
Aoi: Ah, but I was also called to the president’s office today..
Shu: Hah?
Ujigawa Gen: I called him. Both you, Shu, and Wakakusa-kun.
Aoi: Us both? Why?
Ujigawa Gen: Because there was something I needed to tell you two. Well, Wakakusa-kun, sit there.
Shu: I don’t want to sit with someone unrelated*, hurry up and be frank so I can get this talk over with, its unpleasant.
Ujigawa Gen: Don’t throw a tantrum, Shu. Goodness, I wonder which one really has bad manners.
Aoi: Uhm, sorry if you’d prefer to reschedule this appointment then I’ll just be making my leave..
Ujigawa Gen: No, you don’t need to leave. As per Shu’s request, I will speak frankly. Its in regards to this company’s successor.
Shu: Aha~ Why this topic? This has nothing to do with him then.
Ujigawa Gen: Duck River’s successor has been decided to be Wakakusa Aoi-kun.
Shu: ..Hah?
Aoi: ..what are you saying..
Ujigawa Gen: Wakakusa-kun, I apologize for the sudden spring of an announcement, I will explain it to you later, so you don’t have to worry about anything.
Aoi: ..wait hold on a moment.. Why would I..?
Shu: Aha. Ahahaha..! Papa, did you get so lost in work that you’ve lost your mind?! Even if this was a joke, it isn’t funny at all.
Ujigawa Gen: Have I ever once made a joke about the company’s successor?
Shu: ..hah? How would I know?
Ujigawa Gen: This is my decision. No one will object
Shu: What are you saying? I won’t forgive that. Duck River’s… Papa’s successor is me right?!
Ujigawa Gen: How many time am I going to need to say this? The successor isn’t you, its Wakakusa.
Shu: Then what about me? What’s going to happen to me?!
Ujigawa Gen: Don’t you remember how I had previously said I would cut your finances? I have no intention of supporting from now on. By now, you are no longer someone with any form of relation to Duck River. Whether you want to continue with you band, or go back to Kyoto, do as you wish.
Shu: Are you.. getting rid of me? Are you.. seriously saying that?
Ujigawa Gen: You are no longer of any use to me. I don’t want to see your face ever again
Aoi: Uhm.. no matter what thats too harsh..!
Shu: Oh shut up you!
Shu: …why? Why isn’t it me instead of him?! Why is it this random person out of nowhere, becoming papa’s successor?!
Ujigawa Gen: Shu.. how dare you say such words to your own older brother..
Shu: … what did you.. Just say..?
Ujigawa Gen: Both of you are my sons.. with different mothers, you’re half brothers.
====
* - I couldn’t really understand what Shu was saying here, any help would be thanked.
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