Several days later, the band gathers in a borrowed practice room above a quiet shopping arcade. Evening traffic hums below as Kana holds her guitar, the completed arrangement open on its stand.
Hanashi Nin
Let us take it from the beginning and follow the spaces this time.
The first sections settle into place. Guitar, flute, violin, and soft percussion move together, then gradually thin as the final verse approaches.
Narutomo Aka
I will keep the pulse light. If anyone leaves room, I will answer it.
Kana's lead enters the final verse. Hanashi waits through the first open pause, but Kurimoto's violin joins a fraction late, brushing against the next chord.
Kurimoto Sugito
Stop there. I was trying to support the pause, but I entered as though it needed fixing.
Hanashi Nin
Maybe the hesitation belongs in the performance. We should decide whether the others answer immediately, or let Kana's line remain alone.
“I think a pause after the final line of the verse, then a strong pickup from everyone for the final chorus.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Music, rolled -1)
Kana lets the final line ring through the practice room, then lowers her picking hand and holds the silence open. Her finger marks the pause on the arrangement.
Hanashi Nin
After the last line, we wait. Then I will come in with everyone else.
Kurimoto Sugito
That gives the ending somewhere to land. I can make the pickup broad and clear.
Narutomo Aka
I will keep the beat underneath until the silence, then bring the rhythm in strong.
They reset the final verse. This time, Kurimoto keeps his violin back, Hanashi follows Kana's phrasing, and Narutomo lets the pulse soften without disappearing.
Kana sings the final line and stops. The pause holds cleanly, filled only by the room's faint traffic hum, before guitar, flute, violin, and percussion strike the final chorus together.
Hanashi Nin
Yes. That silence makes the whole chorus arrive.
✓ Quest Accepted
Arrange the band's first full performance
“Okay. Now that we've got that, let's try the whole song through. One, two, three, ikimashou!”
SUCCESS (Legendary Music, rolled -1)
Tsumori Kana
Okay. Now that we've got that, let's try the whole song through. One, two, three, ikimashou!
The count launches the band together. Kana's guitar establishes the familiar progression, while flute, violin, and soft percussion enter around it without crowding the melody.
The earlier verses pass with an easy, practiced balance. Narutomo keeps the pulse light, and Hanashi follows each opening instead of filling it, leaving the arrangement breathing.
Kurimoto Sugito
The transition is holding. I can hear where the verse wants to turn now.
Kana's lead carries the final verse. The marked pause arrives, and everyone holds back exactly as agreed, allowing the last line to stand alone in the room.
Hanashi Nin
Now.
The final chorus arrives cleanly. Guitar, flute, violin, and percussion gather into one warm, full sound, carrying the song through its ending as traffic hums below the window.
Quest Complete
Arrange the band's first full performance
Skill Upgrade: Organization Mediocre
