Chapter 116
“I’m not very good at singing,” Kazuma Hatori replied.
He might be able to learn lyrics on the spot, but when it comes to singing, he felt that his level was simply not good enough to be included in the albums of popular singers.
"Is that so?" Araki Junko chuckled. "Sing a couple of lines for me to hear?"
Unable to refuse, Kazuma Hatake sang two lines of lyrics he knew best.
I learned it on the spot when I went to sing karaoke with Gojo and the others last time.
"His voice is alright. With some intensive training, he'll be usable, albeit barely. Let Wu help out during this time."
Araki Junko laughed and even offered a few words of encouragement to Hatori Kazuma.
“I’ve heard Mr. Tomoya say that you can’t go down the path of the entertainment industry. I think that makes sense. After all, if you go to be an actor or an idol, the entertainment industry… well, many things are not as glamorous as they seem on the surface.”
"So, this time I'm only inviting you as special guests to appear on my album, just this once."
"The key point is that as long as this song becomes popular, you lyricists will have an income that allows you to earn money for the rest of your lives without having to do anything."
This was the highest form of repayment that Arashi could offer after much deliberation.
He was able to include a new duo in his new album and use his years of accumulated popularity to help promote the song, but he didn't receive any compensation as the song's creator or participant, nor did he make any demands on them.
This is clearly an attempt to promote the new songs of Kazuma Hatake and Satoru Gojo, and they've risked their entire reputation.
If Kazuma Hatake and Satoru Gojo sing poorly, she will also be criticized, and her career will decline.
However, if the song becomes a hit, the lyricists, Kazuma Hato and Satoru Gojo, will enjoy the copyright to the song and will be able to benefit from it continuously.
Even if they don't want to stay in that dangerous world anymore and want to switch careers to become singers, this song has already built a solid foundation for them.
This was a decision Arasena Junko made after several days of careful consideration and listening to the initial version of the composition sent by Yano Kana.
It doesn't matter if it damages their reputation, at least this sales volume will give them a considerable share.
It doesn't matter if they can't write lyrics; as long as they write a rough draft, she can help polish it later.
"That's it. I've done so much to save your life, I can't just end with a simple thank you, can I?"
Araki Junko didn't mention any of the risks on her side, but simply smiled and said this to Hagoromo Kazuma.
After thinking for a moment, Kazuma Hatake did not reply to her directly. Instead, he waited for Satoru Gojo to come out of the tent and for his phone to regain signal before seriously seeking his opinion and giving Junko Arase a positive answer again.
Junko Arasena felt a little relieved that she hadn't been rejected.
"I'll ask Mr. Tomoya to send the demo tape over. You guys need to do your best and finish writing the lyrics for me in the next few days."
Before hanging up the phone, she smiled and gave a few words of advice to Yuqu Kazuma.
"Remember to practice hard and ask your partner for advice."
Kazuma Hagoromo: "...Hmm."
I guess I've experienced the singer's workflow in a game...
After Tomoya Tsuji helped by driving over to deliver the demo tapes, Satoru Gojo found a tape recorder from somewhere and brought it to the classroom to play for everyone.
It was time for school to end, and Xia Youjie and Jia Rushao, who had no assignments, stayed behind as well.
They were also very curious about how to fill in the lyrics.
Perhaps everyone has their own talent in techniques, but when it comes to writing lyrics for music, let alone Kazuma Hatori and Satoru Gojo, no one else in the classroom has ever done it.
After the tape slowly spins, playing the four-minute-plus melody from beginning to end, it will stop completely.
The sheet music placed in front of Gojo Satoru and Hatori Kazuma still had a blank line for the lyrics.
"How am I supposed to fill this out..."
Shoko Ieiri propped her head up, unable to offer even the slightest opinion.
"I didn't even realize when it was time to start singing."
Kazuma Hatori held the pen, but couldn't utter a single word.
"...I don't have any either."
This is really too much for him.
He could barely read sheet music, thanks to his music lessons in the real world.
The song is really good, especially the middle section where the melody gradually rises and quickly becomes exciting as the drums, guitar and piano overlap. It's really catchy and suits his taste in music.
However, this does not mean that he can learn to fill in a suitable passage without a teacher.
"I read online that you can first find a few rhyming words, then use them to form some phrases that can express the central idea, and finally select the appropriate phrases and expand them into a few sentences."
Xia Youjie flipped through the information on his phone and provided theoretical references.
"Isn't this a bit too formulaic?"
Gojo Satoru flipped the cassette tape over, put it back into the tape recorder, and started playing it again from the beginning.
Both Side A and Side B use the same demo track.
He had never done anything like writing lyrics before, but at least he had to get familiar with the melody first.
"How about we consult with that Miss Arase?" Ieiri Shoko suggested, raising her hand.
"She said that as long as you listen to the melody, you just need to fill in the lyrics that you feel best fit your heart... At most, she said that other languages are also fine, and English songs are more popular lately."
Gojo Satoru stuck out his tongue, revealing a slightly helpless expression.
"Ultra-idealism".
This action is kind of cute. Kazuma Hatori pretended to be staring at the sheet music, but actually he secretly glanced at it several times.
Gojo Satoru noticed that he was being watched, but pretended not to.
"Well, there's nothing we can do about it."
Shoko Ieiri shook her head. "I'm going to have dinner. Anyone want to come with me?"
"Yes, I'll go too."
Xia Youjie also stood up, leaving the space to Yuqu Kazuma and Gojo Satoru.
Before he left, he could still hear Shoko Ieiri chatting with him.
"I heard you got an incredibly powerful cursed spirit a few days ago? You even registered it with Teacher Moth."
"Haha...more or less. It's a large dragon spirit with extremely high hardness. I named it [Rainbow Dragon]. Without [Kuchi-moon] who can force the use of the Simple Domain, it wouldn't be easy to subdue it."
"Oh my, does that mean we can fly while riding it?"
"Hmm... it's not impossible if you really want to sit..."
"This looks nice, I'd like to sit down and see..."
—The sounds of their conversation gradually faded away, leaving only Kazuma Hagoromo and Satoru Gojo in the large classroom.
The setting sun slanted in through the wide-open window, stretching the shadow of the pen in his hand into a long line, like a sharp blade piercing his heart and cutting the musical notes on the paper.
The tape was still spinning, and Kazuma Hatori listened intently, feeling as if it were lingering, searching, and finally converging, transforming into a cathartic outpouring and catharsis before a melodious ending.
"Should I just write down the words based on my most instinctive thoughts when I hear the melody...?"
Gojo Satoru muttered to himself.
The melody stopped again, and the classroom returned to a silence so profound that you could hear your own breath. Countless elusive words swirled in his mind, while more emotions sank beneath the deep, dark surface, like bubbles constantly chasing the sky, only to burst again and again.
He held the pen, and his mind suddenly calmed down.
Then, Gojo Satoru wrote the first line of lyrics on the paper, following the pauses in the melody.
【I walk alone…in this world】
(I walk alone in this world)
Even he himself didn't understand why he wrote such a sentence.
He clearly has Kazuma Hatori who likes him, Natsuyu Suguru and Ieiri Shoko who are close to him, and Yoga-sensei who is also very kind to him...
But at this moment, it seemed as if a jumble of thoughts was pushing him forward, like some kind of instinct etched into his life.
So the pen moved slowly, writing more beneath the musical score.
Something feels absurd.
(Something went wrong)
【Like a part of me is gone】
(I feel like I've lost a part of myself.)
【And I'm lost, can't move on】
(Also lost their way)
Gojo Satoru paused, then gradually increased his pressure, but couldn't write anymore.
This doesn't sound like a sentence he would write.
That's not like him at all.
Gojo Satoru puffed out his cheeks, turned his head, and let his gaze fall on Hato Kazuma's profile.
He frowned, his fingertips unconsciously stroking the pen slowly, looking still troubled about how to fill in the lyrics on the paper.
The cold yet raging tide of anger that had surged deep within Gojo Satoru's heart suddenly subsided.
He even felt a little like laughing.
Then, Gojo Satoru smiled and gently poked his own black mulberry tree with the end of his pen, signaling him to look over.
The piece of paper with a few lines of poetry written on it was placed in front of Kazuma Hatake.
"Why don't you try continuing the story?"
Gojo Satoru crossed his forearms and rested them on his chin, smiling as he looked at Hagoromo Kazuma.
"I haven't even thought of the first sentence yet..."
Kazuma Hatori's gaze fell on the paper, and he froze.
These words, more than lyrics, seem to express someone's true feelings.
It was a kind of silent, immense sorrow being poured out to him.
Kazuma Hatori suddenly remembered the image of Satoru with bloodstains on his hair that he had seen in his hallucination.
If the save file from the first playthrough is not corrupted, and the player's death is a true death...
Will Wu be very sad, or will he accept this reality quickly?
At the time, Kazuma Hatori didn't dare to think about it further, but now, his hand holding the pen trembled slightly.
He even felt that... these words were like the words that Wu wanted to say to him in his hallucination.
If it were him, how would he answer?
Kazuma Hatake pursed his lips, his dark eyes blinking slowly, trying to prevent the sudden pang of sadness in his heart from actually bringing tears to his eyes.
【Sometimes, I look to the sky】
(Sometimes, I also look at the sky.)
【Seeking you in the sky so wide】
(Searching for your figure in that depth)
【I'll find you in the clouds above】
(I will find you in the clouds)
【And piece together that shattered golden core】
(I will piece together that shattered, golden heart)
【I've pieced together that shattered golden core】
(I pieced together that shattered, golden heart.)
………
That was his answer.
This is his answer to the illusion, to the present moment, to everything known and unknown, and to the future that has not yet happened.
In this way, the tone of the first verse and the chorus/climax is complete.
They could add a few more lines, and then in the second and third verses, slightly modify the verses in the first verse, or change the first two lines of the chorus, and it would be finished.
As for the name... Gojo Satoru wrote "FIND" without hesitation.
Gojo Satoru didn't particularly like the verses he wrote himself, but he was especially fond of Hatori Kazuma's chorus.
He happily hummed along to the melody for a few lines, then handed the sheet music, now finally filled with lyrics, to Araki Junko.
Upon receiving the lyrics, Junko Arasena even called to praise them repeatedly for their talent, saying she would even release an extra single for the song.
In subsequent albums and singles, the lyricists for this song are listed as Kazuma Hato and Satoru Gojo, and they also retain the copyright to the song.
After that, all they need to do is choose a weekend when they don't have classes, go to Arashi Junko's recording studio to sing the song, and everything will be taken care of.
They might record a few more music video shots, but Junko Arashi said they could just sit there and sing; music videos don't necessarily have to be accompanied by fancy scenes and dances.
Some singers even record themselves dancing haphazardly on a rooftop, and that counts as a music video.
Junko Arasena even bet that he himself couldn't jump out the exact same way a second time.
In order to achieve the goal of [perfectly recording this song], Gojo Satoru began to give special training to Hatori Kazuma, whose singing skills were average, at night.
Kazuma Hatori thought it would be enough for him to just play the guitar on the side, but the pretty Satoru firmly disagreed.
Such a perfect collaboration song, and there's probably only one of its kind, how can we let him sing it all by himself!
Even if it's a duet, you have to include Kazuma Hatori!
Kazuma Hagoromo, who has to practice singing in the game every day: ………
This game is almost turning into a singing simulator.
—A takeaway cooking simulator.
With only one month left until Gojo Satoru's birthday on December 7th, he needs to hurry up and learn how to make delicious Mont Blanc from Master Kawamura.
And this has to take into account the time he spends on missions, patrols, classes, and fishing trips with Wu.
Master Kawamura's shop has also opened, and it is indeed the same address as in the first time, with the decoration exactly the same as in his memory.
Including the sign at the entrance, [As you wish].
In order to find time to teach Kazuma Hagoromo how to make Mont Blanc, Master Kawamura, who was busy making desserts in the shop every day, simply set a rule: [God's Desserts] are limited in quantity and only made according to his mood; if he is not in a good mood, he will not make them.
Kazuma Hagoromo was somewhat taken aback by this.
That can't be right, is that how the rule for the first playthrough came about?
Or is the game's auto-completion setting designed to make it resemble the first playthrough?
Regardless of the answer, at least Kazuma Hatori can finally try making the chocolate Mont Blanc from last week's playthrough again.
The recipe he modified without permission is a mess and isn't even in the game's cooking menu. The final product depends entirely on his own skill.
Master Kawamura specifically purchased multiple batches of raw materials, prepared for a significant amount of waste.
Kazuma Hatake hadn't made it in a long time, and after failing twice, he finally managed to bake one without a burnt taste.
Master Kawamura took a bite and gave a sharp critique.
"It's too bland. The cream wasn't whipped properly, and the chocolate flavor didn't blend well with the chestnut puree, making the texture feel jarring."
Kazuma Hatake: "...Thank you for your help."
He also tried the chocolate Mont Blanc, and it tasted exactly the same as the one from the first playthrough...
Is it true? Wu actually supported him so much back then?
On the other hand, he was introduced to sweets by Gojo Satoru, so he was not particular about them and naturally couldn't taste such subtle differences.
"Really? Your friend really praised your Mont Blanc so highly back then?"
Master Kawamura was also somewhat shocked after hearing Kazuma Hato's recollections.
The person who came up with the recipe for this "divine dessert" actually has such high praise for this Mont Blanc chocolate...
Master Kawamura had Kazuma Hatori make it twice more to confirm that the chocolate Mont Blanc was up to the kid's usual standard, and then sent him home.
He would try to help Kazuma Hatori improve the recipe and make a Mont Blanc that, from his perspective as an expert, would at least meet the passing grade in terms of taste.
"Your friend's birthday is December 7th, right? I remember. Come over two days early."
Master Kawamura, who had already started going to work as he pleased, waved his hand and went into seclusion to ponder his next move.
He looked like he was really putting him in a difficult position.
Kazuma Hatake: "..."
If all else fails, I'll just have to bite the bullet and cook it for pretty little Wu—after all, he's an amateur, so it's understandable if he dislikes it.
………
As for Kazuma Hatake's promotion assessment, after partnering with Satoru Gojo or Natsuyuki to perfectly solve several level-one missions and receive excellent assessment comments, he was successfully promoted to a junior level-one mage.
He only needs to complete a few more level one missions on his own to become a level one sorcerer.
This month has been exceptionally busy for him. Even when Ayako Sakura called him again, he didn't have much time to say a few words to her.
"The list you gave me before has been taken care of by His Holiness the Pope."
After Ayako Sakami said those words, upon closer reflection, she suddenly felt something was amiss.
...How did it become her reporting to Kazuma Hatori?
"Um."
Kazuma Hatori stood in a corner of the playground and responded faintly.
All that's missing is the phrase "Well done."
Ayako's subtle feelings intensified.
"...Shouldn't you thank the Pope?"
"Thank you for your hard work."
Gojo Satoru was still waiting for him to go back and practice singing. Hato Kazuma, too lazy to argue with Sakami Ayako, readily agreed.
His tone was so calm that it was almost completely flat, which not only failed to make Ayako Sakura's subtle feelings disappear, but actually made them stronger, leaving her feeling suffocated.
Meanwhile, the melody of the song could be faintly heard on the other end of the call.
"……What are you doing?"
Not wanting to continue the previous topic, Ayako Sakami immediately asked.
"Preparing to release an album."
This isn't really a secret; she'll find out eventually anyway.
Kazuma Hato replied calmly, and gestured to Satoru Gojo, who was waving at him, that he would be there soon.
"I'm not going to talk to you anymore. I need to continue practicing my singing. We can talk when I'm free."
beep--
This time, it was Kazuma Hatori who hung up the phone early, leaving Ayako Sakami speechless and staring blankly at the lit-up phone screen.
Releasing an album? This guy went undercover at that so-called [Tokyo Jujutsu High School], right?
Why are you suddenly releasing an album?
Wait a minute, I forgot to tell him the task the Pope gave me!
Remembering this, Ayako Sakura called back, only to find that the other party had simply turned off their phone.
“…”
On the other side, Gojo Satoru asked Hatori Kazuma, who had just returned from a phone call, about it.
Who called?
Kazuma Hatake answered according to the information on the fake identity document.
"The aunt from afar who adopted me."
He had considered whether to tell Gojo Satoru the truth about his identity, but it was pointless.
Because all he knows is that his identity in this cycle is the "Holy Son of the Panxing Sect," if the other party asks about his past, he will still have no clue.
As for the task of [preventing Tengen's assimilation], Kazuma Hatori pretended to be curious and asked Gojo Satoru who Tengen was, but the answer he received was quite vague.
"I heard she's an incredibly powerful barrier master who can't die, and she's been living under the high school ever since. But more details seem to be a secret, so I don't know much about her either."
Gojo Satoru stroked his chin and hesitated, "Jay should know more, right? The barrier of the high school is under the jurisdiction of Lord Tengen. When he first entered the school, the barrier would frantically alarm because the cursed spirit's cursed power reaction was different from his own."
"So, he was taken to register the spell power of his commonly used spell spirits, and they probably asked him some questions about Lord Tengen as well."
Kazuma Hagoromo nodded.
"I see."
Xia Youjie trusted him quite a lot, so there was no harm in asking him; however, the other party was currently on a business trip to Hokkaido and they would have to wait for him to return.
In the following days, Gojo Satoru continued to put Hagoromo Kazuma, whose singing skills were average, under intensive training, and finally managed to complete the recording and music video before the song's release.
"It's great! The effect is excellent!"
Araki Junko and Yano Kana stayed outside the recording studio, clapping for them along with the staff.
Although Gojo Satoru really liked the chorus and climax written by Hato Kazuma, he only sang the verses that were both confusing and about moving forward with determination.
To this end, he specially trained Kazuma Hatori on how to sing high notes—especially the last two lines, which are close to a desperate cry in pain and in a storm.
"It's sure to be a huge hit!"
Arasena Junko was pleased and spoke to Hatori Kazuma, who was struggling to wipe away his sweat, and Gojo Satoru, who was unusually relaxed.
"Actually, I'm going to hold a concert the month after the album is released."
Satoru Gojo and Kazuma Hato nodded—they had heard Junko Arasena explain this before, and it was also a way for singers to maintain their popularity.
This will not only help with album sales, but also boost sales on the Oricon charts.
To retain the top spot would be an even greater honor.
"Although I don't know how the album will turn out...would you like to perform the last song as special guests?"
Araki Junko winked at them, her words tinged with a smile—as if she knew how special that day was for them.
"It's on December 7th."
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