That day, Ichizou Ninosuke went to pay a visit to the singer who he was going to be a manager of this time and he arrived at the main building of the major recording company BUNNY ONION.

The meet up and meeting both completed without a hitch and at that time when he was going to return to his company, a person who was passing through the entrance caught his eye.

“Eh……”

His first impression was so strong that he let out a sound without thinking.

(Black & Black & pitch black……!)

The black was to the extent that this was the only way to express it. Black long hair and black clothes from top to toe. And what sealed the deal was the sunglasses on his face. That single handedly amplified his suspicious appearance.

Because it seemed like he ended up staring at the person, that person’s gaze – or more accurately, the sunglasses—turned to his direction.

“Excuse me……!”

Ichizou bowed frantically and apologized not knowing if he could be heard from where he was standing. After that, the other party’s lips formed a pleasant smile, the impact of his appearance was strong but he did not seem to be a bad person.

(I wonder if he’s a singer who transferred here from somewhere else? Ah, from overseas?)

He could not imagine that person as a newbie because of the aura he was giving off. He could not have been a staff member, right?

The identity of the man clad in black filled his head then a voice called him from behind.

“He-ey, Ichizou!”

The person who called Ichizou was a friend from his school days and an active recording engineer by the name of Hatayama.

Hatayama drunk his coffee while getting next to Ichizou.

“Yo, What’cha looking at? There’s a beauty or something?”

“No, it’s not that……”

Hatayama looked at where Ichizou’s line was directed at and then said “Ah-“ with an expression that he understood what was going on.

“That guy? Well, so you saw that person.”

“Is he a new artist?”

“Surely he can’t be seen by ordinary people.”

While speaking and laughing dryly, he whispered to Ichizou softly.

“About that, I don’t really know. It’s just some stuff being said around here but it seems like he suddenly showed up and said that he wanted to listen to music. Moreover,”

–I’m a musician from another world. I came to this world so I can deliver my music here as well.

–If I am acknowledged in this world then there is something I want to do.

“Just like that, he said something super crazy-. What do you think?”

Compared to the astonishing thing that Hatayama was saying, he was looking at Ichizou with a relatively serious face. Despite feeling confused by that expression, Ichizou replied with a smile.

“What I think………that’s surely a joke. Stuff like coming from another world.”

“Yeah, it’s just that……I guess.”

“What about the music?”

Hatayama looked back at the entrance. At some point in time, that man in black had gone. Even though he had that kind of impact, he disappeared without a trace.

“It’s nothing, I suppose that person was just weird.”

After ensuring that the man was gone, Hatayama stopped speaking in hushed whispers.

“His songs were amazingly good. It’s kinda like he used some novel sounds that you have never heard before.

“Eh…… “

Sounds that were never heard before—If a person could really show such a kind of sound, then that person was probably certain of his ability.

He had a slight urge to hear it.

At the moment Ichizou thought that, Hatayama was grinning right in front of him.

“Interested? You’re interested, right? Right?”

“Eh……yeah, more or less.”

Ichizou also liked music. That was why while having that interest in this business, he could continue to work until now. He could not create any music but he experienced helping others deliver their music.

Hatayama stared at Ichizou still with a broad grin.

“More or less~?”

“Extremely & Extremely.”

Ichizou said as such, resigned to his fate and the other party snapped his fingers delightfully exclaiming a “Yes!”

“So then, if you help me investigate that guy, I’ll secretly let you listen to his stuff, ok?”

“Ha…….? But that, I can’t listen to the things from people out of my company! I have the keep things confidential too……”

“I’m making this proposal precisely because you won’t break confidentiality.”

“……I feel like I’m being praised here.”

Reluctantly accepting the words even if it meant being deceived, the other party took out a single CD.

“Then, you can give your reply after listening to this.”

“Eh…….Hey!”

 

Ichizou’s friend pressed the CD against his chest and his hand left the item even before Ichizou’s own hands could touch it. Naturally the CD seemed like it was going to fall and Ichizou frantically grabbed it. In conclusion, he took the item with his own hands.

“There are no lyrics but it’s really cool. You would definitely want to know more.”

“Is it alright to have that much expectations?”

“Definitely.”

With a wide smile, Hatayama got into the elevator. At that moment, Ichizou realised that he forgot to ask something extremely important and shouted at Hatayama in a flustered manner.

“Ah, wait & wait! I didn’t hear what that person’s name is?!”

“Ah? Ahh, right right.”

Laughing, Hatayama stuck his foot out at the elevator door to stop it from closing and said to Ichizou.

“He introduced himself as Revo. R, E, V, O, Revo. Ok, please take care of the matter-”

Speaking in a good mood, the door of the elevator Hatayama was in closed.

“Revo……”

What meaning was that name supposed to have.

★

Ichizou returned to his car, stuck his earphones into his notebook and inserted the CD Hatayama passed to him into it.

The notebook’s music player started and at the moment he pressed the playback button, what flowed out was a melody that he had never heard before.

It was a new kind of melody but it was surprisingly stable to listen to. After that, it seemed to change again, it was a bit dark but it was a strong ballad.

(This……is good.)

It was a song that let him experience feel the lonliness of being by oneself but afterwards the loneliness was overcome.

After he finished listening, as expected, there was a message from Hatayama.

[So, what are you going to do?]

The message had nothing but that single sentence.

After listening to that song, in Ichizou’s heart, that question seemed like a foolish one.

[You’ll be angry even if nothing turns up.]

Ichizou also replied with just that and after sitting for a short while, he received a web address from a PC through the message from Hatayama. It was a short message again but this time, he noticed that there was a file attached to it.

[These are the lyrics. You may understand something from here. I don’t understand anything at all so I want you to find out what you can from the lyrics.]

Ichizou replied with a message that said [Alright.] and while humming the melody which he only heard once, he turned his car key.

★

That night, after Ichizou’s much younger sisters and brother fell asleep, he tried to search up information regarding Revo in his home but what came out were nouns like Revolution and Revolver. He tried to search it up as a person’s name but no such person turned up.

“Ngh—–There’s nothing at all. I wonder if a person who produces music can erase all traces of himself like that…….”

Even if that person produced works under another name, reports about it are sure to leak out from somewhere. Even if it was not leaked by some outsider, someone from the same business should have sniffed something out. For a company as big as BUNNY ONION, information should have turned up quickly but Hatayama said that he did not know that man’s true identity. It may be a mistake trying to investigate such a person using the internet.

Letting out a sigh, he closed the search engine.

Also, there was one more thing that Ichizou did not understand.

One part of the lyrics sent over by Hatayama. It illustrated the form of a man who was battling alone but in some places, some words which Ichizou could not understand were being used.

“What is this word?”

–XXX

He thought it was merely a word with a meaning he could not understand but from the context, he was quite certain that it was a name.

–Another world.

Those words crossed his mind.

“ Un-nn, that’s shouldn’t be….the case, right? No, but……”

He was surprised that he actually doubted that he was right. However the novelty of that song and numerous words that appeared that he could not understand despite looking it up.

And above all, the unusual aura that surrounded that man.

“It couldn’t be……”

★

Several days after that, Ichizou got busy with work as well so the investigation about Revo just stayed as such. Even the task stuck in his mind but he was not going to get anything even if he investigated so it could not be helped.

He was temporarily transferred to BUNNY ONION because the singer he was managing had to do recordings so when he was on break, Hatayama called him out and the two of them stepped out of the studio.

“Did you get anything from your end?”

Ichizou asked Hatayama and the latter shook his head with a bored expression.

“No good. No results at all. I don’t even understand what instrument he used for that song.”

“Eh, that so?”

“Ahh, it feels like it’s from a synthesizer but it kinda feels different from that……But I might be wrong. In addition”

After Hatayama showed a troubled expression, it turned to an uneasy one.

“There are also other people who looked up about that man but it seems like they can’t get anything at all. I asked other companies and writers and it seemed like no one could even get a bit of information.”

“Eh……A person really erased all his traces like that?”

“No, it’s impossible, right? So what kind of person is he really? He’s causing quite a commotion within the company…no, the entire business.”

The two looked at each other wordlessly. It was almost as though this was the aftermath of telling a ghost story. After the unpleasant silence, Hatayama, to clear the atmosphere, purposely spoke in a strong voice.

“Therefore, I’m thinking of asking that person directly.”

Listening till now, Ichizou was thinking that Hatayama was going to give up on knowing that man’s real identity. However, he had a sense of curiosity was much more than Ichizou had predicted.

“Di, directly?! To that person?!”

“Because we don’t know anything at all right? The only solution left is to hear it straight from the man himself. Though I’m not sure if he will answer. Anyway, Ichizou.”

Pon, and Ichizou’s shoulder was hit. He felt uncomfortable and was about to back up but Hatayama had a tight grip on his shoulder. As expected, he was grinning but something about that grin seemed stiff.

“Let’s ask together, shall we?”

“N, no no no no! I’m an outsider & outsider!”

“You’re an outsider, that’s why Revo might speak to you!”

“It doesn’t work that way!”

Right after Ichizou yelled.

“Do you need something from me?”

They turned their heads to where the voice came from and the two adult men jumped in unison.

Standing right before their line of sight was a man dressed in pitch black, smiling at them while the two were reflected in his sunglasses.

““Revo……san……?!””

“Were you two talking about me? I wonder if I’m now a famous celebrity?”

Speaking in a carefree manner, Revo smiled. Far from being a celebrity which the entire business was having a commotion about, this person himself did not really give off that kind of feeling.

Hatayama nervously stood in front of Revo and faced him directly.

“Ye, yes we were. We were discussing, about your true identity.”

(Eh–?! Now?! We’re going to ask here and now?!)

Ichizou was shouting within his heart but of course, those words could not be delivered to Hatayama. He focused his gaze on Revo and that question left his mouth,

“Revo-san……are you really from another world?”

“Yeah, I am.”

He answered it in such a light and airy manner. It was likely that even if one asked him “Did you travel here by train today?” he would reply in the exact same tone.

Somehow—for some unknown reason, for a short moment, he himself believed such crazy words. Hatayama could only put on a shocked expression and did not ask for a further explanation.

The conversation was going to end just like that. With that thought, Ichizou also looked at Revo and raised his hand slightly.

“Um, I also have a question, is that alright with you…….?”

“What is it?”

Revo replied Ichizou in a friendly manner. Then Ichizou quickly took out his name card from his suit. Although they met once at the entrance, this was still a person who he exchanged words with for the first time. If he did not introduce himself, he will be treated as a strange person.

“I’m Ichizou Ninosuke, the manager of one of the singers here and I work at the talent production agency called One & One + One.”

“Thank you very much, I appreciate it. Oh right, I haven’t made my name card in this world yet.”

While receiving the name card, Revo muttered to himself in a leisurely manner just as one would expect. Fearfully, Ichizou spoke to him.

Ichizou was also exceedingly curious about that song, more than what would be reasonable for him.

“So um…….I happened to be around when he was listening to your CD……and I listened to the song inside it. I thought it was a great song. So, no matter what, I had to see the lyrics so I secretly requested it from him. Of course, I didn’t ask for anything else.”

He really did listen to it but, against better judgement, he covered for Hatayama. He was being imposed on but Hatayama, who imposed on him in the first place, did tell him about this.

“So, I have question about the lyrics……”

“Questions?”

The calm smile that Revo had until now vanished for the first time. He stared at Ichizou with what one could call a strange expression.

“Some of the words in the lyrics, which country did they come from? I tried to look it up but could not seem to find anything…….did you create them yourself?”

The man who supposedly came from another world. If that was true, even if there were words he did not understand, he could accept it.

Revo placed his hand under his chin and nodded several times.

“Ah ha, I see. Indeed. The lyrics would completely bring a person to the direction of its world. But if you listen to it in this world, it would not be a story that conforms to this world and would be difficult to enter.”

Revo mumbled to himself. Then with one more nod, he looked at Ichizou.

“Yep, thank you, Ichizou-kun! That was extremely helpful!”

After just saying that, he turned to his right and dashed off.

“Eh, um? Wa, wait a minute……!”

Ichizou yelled at Revo to stop but even to the bystanders, he seemed focused on something and it would be impossible to stop him. In the end, Ichizou and Hatayama could only see the black figure off just like that.

“Just now, he didn’t answer….right? What does that mean?”

“Ye, yeah. But……. if he really came from another world……”

“You actually believe that?”

Even Hatayama’s expression as he smiled and talked did not look like the face of someone who completely did not buy the story.

There was something in that existence that convinced him that it was true.

“……But if we can’t find any evidence that it’s true then we also can’t find any evidence that it’s false.”

“No, nope, nope. That kind of thing……”

The two stared at each other, flabbergasted. Before long, their break time had passed. Other staff members were looking for them and for the time being, that conversation ended.

The question directed at Revo was supposed to reduce the queries they had about him but why was it that it seems like the mystery only deepened.

★

Several days elapsed after meeting with Revo but from then on, even though Ichizou went to BUNNY ONION, he did not meet him again. He did not encounter Hatayama after that either.

On a day during the short period of time when Ichizou did not head for BUNNY ONION, he got a sudden phone call from Hatayama. Fortunately, on the way home, he could stop his car on the road shoulder and took out his phone. He usually did not answer his phone when he was driving but as he was anticipating that something might have been understood, he pressed the answer button.

“Hello?”

[Oi, Ichizou! Revo-san remade that song of his, this is amazing!]

Hatayama’s excited and loud voice flew out of the phone’s speakers. The voice which was at a volume that it would be alright to call it yelling hurt Ichizou’s ears a bit and he repeated those words blankly.

“Eh………? Re, remade?”

Ichizou’s brain could not grasp the sudden conversation.

[Yes! The lyrics’ meaning became easier to understand. This way, the song resounds with my heart even more than before! That guy may be suspicious but he’s amazing!]

Ichizou was surprised that Hatayama would be singing high praises about Revo. It may have been to the point that it did not matter what doubts he had about Revo’s true identity.

“You had enough about finding out the truth about him?”

[Ah-About that, I flipped my way of thinking?]

“Fl, flipped your thinking? What do you mean?”

Ichizou was confused once more by the words he did not expect.

[Yeah. Since nothing will come out just from that, why not use it to our advantage. We could package the idea of a mysterious musician and sell it!]

“Eeh……Is that alright?”

[All of Revo’s mysteries are only known by those close to him……interest would surge if it’s like that, right? Well, no one knows who’s close to him either. Revo-san did not say anything else other than coming from another world. To be honest, everyone started thinking about it.]

Hatayama said those things while laughing in good humour.

[Anyway, I don’t care about that guy’s real identity anymore because his songs are good. Once we decided on an artist to do the singing and finish the recording, I’ll let you hear it.]

“The singer hasn’t been decided yet?”

[Revo-san would be doing the choosing. For now, I just thought of reporting these things to you. Ah, I think there’s going to be an announcement about Revo-san soon, remember to check it out~]

With just that being said, Ichizou did not even have to chance to stop Hatayama before the other party hung up the one-sided phone call.

–Mysterious musician.

“Is that a good thing……”

In other words, the music was so good that it did not matter who that man really was. That was something the company acknowledged. He was acknowledged just from his compositions alone and he even got to choose which artist will sing his song.

“Who is that man, really……”

While staring at the display of his smart phone which had become completely black, Ichizou absent mindedly mumbled to himself.

★

About a month had passed since Ichizou got that call from Hatayama and what he talked about had become a reality.

Such a phrase appeared on BUNNY ONION’s website.

[The debut of Revo, a mysterious musician whose identity remains unknown despite investigations.]

That statement fanned the flames of curiosity of the world and at one go, Revo garnered a lot of attention. Stories about him coming from another world also circulated around the internet for fun.

BUNNY ONION also announced that he would providing the music for a female artist and that became a much discussed topic. Soon enough, the song was released.However, that song was not the like what Ichizou heard at the beginning.

While in his car after his work ended, while reading various reports on his smart phone, Ichizou tilted his head.

“In the end, what happened to the that song? Did it not get released after all……?”

The song that replaced the previous one was something that Ichizou had not heard before.

“I wonder when I would be able to listen to that song……?”

While thinking back and muttering those few words to himself, the smart phone he was holding on vibrated and the screen displayed the called.

“Eh, Hatayama?!”

He panicked because of the timing of the call and while almost dropping the smart phone, Ichizou answered the call.

“Hatayama, hey—“

What happened to that song—Ichizou seemed to try to ask that but Hatayama’s covered it up before he could even finish talking.

[Yo, Ichizou. Can you meet me now?]

“Eh? Now? What for?”

[Yeah, something super important. The kind where you have to come over even if you have something on?]

“Eh, what, that’s scary?!”

[You’ll know when you get here. I’ll be waiting for you at the Star Ducks near BUNNY ONION.]

Hatayama only said that and in a one sided fashion, hung up the phone. He had always been the pushy kind of man but today he felt very aggressive.

Feeling that the situation became a bit terrifying, Ichizou drove his car off.

(It likely has something to do with Revo-san…….but what’s going on? Does he want to just hand the song over to me?)

 

 

“Oh-, Ichizou, over here!”

Once Ichizou hurriedly made his way to the coffee shop by the name of Starducks, Hatayama waved his harm. Seated over there was Hatayama and Revo, dressed in complete black as per usual.

“Eh…….Revo……san?”

“Hey. Ichizou-kun, it’s been a while. Sorry for calling you out.”

Ichizou who was gaping in surprise was brought back to his senses by Revo’s voice.

“Ah, it’s nothing. This doesn’t really bother me …….but why did you call me…….?”

Nevermind Hatayama, there was no reason for Revo to call Ichizou. Standing on the spot while not understanding what was happening, Ichizou was told by Hatayama to just sit down and the latter went to order coffee for him.

With just Revo and himself left behind, Ichizou was getting rather tense. Revo started talking to him in his usual calm tone.

“I called you out so I could give my thanks.”

“Thanks…..? I didn’t do anything…….”

“No, you did.”

Revo spoke firmly as Ichizou tilted his head.

“Thanks to your observation, I was able to make a better piece. I thought that I should take a chance to express my gratitude properly. I thank you for that time.”

“Observation……?”

Even though that was said, Ichizou still did not get the point. He thought about whether he made an amazing observation and he started pouring cold sweat in his heart. Revo might have noticed this so he elaborated further.

“Ah, that time when you asked which country the words you did not understand came from.”

“Eh……ah, oh, that. Eh, can that be counted as an observation?”

“Of course. It was a sharp observation. It’s great that you listened to it.”

“Is, is that so……?

Though he got such an explanation, Ichizou did not think it was to the extent that it was important so as expected, he was confused.

Then Hatayama came back with the coffee.

While looking at the faces of the other two, Revo placed his elbows on the table and clasped his hands together. After a moment of silence as though he was thinking of something, he spoke in a relaxed manner.

“……I was thinking if there was something lacking in my compositions. I just did not know what that something was. I first brought out that song so that as many types of people could listen to it as possible.”

Listening to Revo’s words, Hatayama made an expression that he agreed.

“Ah-that’s why during that time you didn’t say anything even when you knew that I let this guy listen to that song.”

“That’s how it is.”

“What, you planned this? I’m done—“

While saying as such, Hatayama laughed. That would mean that at some point of time, the lie that Ichizou came up with to cover up for Hatayama was exposed. As expected, he was not skilled at lying.After laughing at Hatayama’s reaction, Revo continued.

“As the two of you have investigated, I do not have any history in this world. The only things present are the music composed by me and the mystery about me. With those in hand, I plan to challenge this world. If I was to given an analogy……it would be like challenging the last boss with a cypress stick?”

“Haa…I don’t know if I understood what you just said or not.”

“However.”

Revo’s sunglasses looked at Ichizou. Within those sunglasses was Ichizou’s shocked and confused face.

“Thanks to you, the cypress stick became a steel sword.”

It really seems that he was planning to establish a place in this world through just his music. Was such a thing possible?

(Can he do it, this person……)

Ichizou looked at Revo and Hatayama leaned back into his chair and stretched in an exaggerated manner.

“Eh-, but it was so hard to record, huh? This guy was asking for some pretty unreasonable things. Even though the song had not finished, I thought I was going to be finished.”

Hatayama may have a devil-may-care attitude but he was serious when it comes to music and his skills as an engineer were good. For him to say such a thing that there were difficulties, then there must have been a lot of hard labour put into Revo’s song.

Even so, Hatayama laughed as though he was not worked to the bone.

“It was so rough but it was still fun. It feels like opening a door to a new song. Well, the sound that we heard in the previous song has disappeared though. Basically, can Revo-san tell us the real identity of the sound and yourself?”

“Didn’t I tell you already, I come from another world. That sound is something from that world.”

“Groan- that again. Well, whatever.”

Ichizou glanced at both Hatayama and Revo. He noticed that Hatayama’s eyes no longer held any doubts about Revo.

(Areh? He’s not concerned about Revo’s real identity anymore….)

Through the course of his work, not just Revo’s wit, he also understood his personality. The two of them probably built up a relationship of trust. The conversation reached an end and Revo got up from his seat.

“So then, I shall excuse myself. Have a good day ahead. I’m grateful that you went out of your way to come here, Ichizou-kun.”

After seeing the black back of the man who said that off, Ichizou directed his gaze at Hatayama.

“Is it really okay to not find out who Revo-san is?”

“But, when I listened to that song, I felt that such a thing doesn’t matter, you know?”

Ichizou’s eyes widened as Hatayama let out a bright smile.

“It’s that good, huh.”

“Yeah! Do you want to listen to a new one?”

“Yup, please le—Ah, never mind.”

Since Hatayama gave his utmost praise, he wanted to try listening to it. However, it seems like the artist chosen by that person has not sung it yet.

“I guess I’ll pass for now. I’ll wait for it when it gets released.”

“That’s so like you.”

If the song was as good as Hatayama said, there would always be a time when he could listen to it.

Smiling while putting the coffee to his mouth, Ichizou was interested in something and tossed the question at Hatayama.

“Why was Starducks chosen?”

“Ah, something like the world where Revo-san comes from also has a similar store so he wondered what it would be like and wanted to take a look.”

“Fu—hm……”

Ichizou placed his hand against his chin when he heard such a casual reply.

“Somehow, if so, it’s really possible to think that he came from another world……”

“If you think that, it would make understanding that person a quicker process.”

“That might be the case.”

Hatayama seemed to have already found a clear solution to his question and after saying that, he calmly sipped his coffee.

★

Ever since providing music for the first artist, Revo released various kinds of music. Every one of them received high ratings and he gradually established his position as a musician.

However, the song that Ichizou heard in the beginning was still sealed away.

As Ichizou was accompanying a singer to the recording studio, he heard talk about Revo providing new songs for other artists, and he hung his head.

(It would be great if it was what I heard that time……!)

While still looking downards, he stepped out to buy things during his break time, then he spotted a familiar figure. Faster than he could think, Ichizou ran after that figure and grabbed his shoulder.

“Hatayama!”

“Gyaa! Tha, that scared me……What, it’s just you, Ichizou……”

Hatayama’s shoulders jolted in surprise and he turned his head. His face seemed slightly fatigued.

“Ah, sorry!”

“It’s fine……What’s up?”

After apologizing for causing a fright by suddenly grabbing his shoulder, Ichizou went to the main topic.

“That song by Revo-san from way before……I was wondering when it was planned to be released. I heard that he was going to provide songs for another person but definitely a young lady would not be suitable for that song-…….”

After talking to that extent, Ichizou realised that he made a foolish complaint and frantically tried to explain himself.

“Ah! Don’t get the wrong idea. I’m always happy to listen to a new song and I like every single one of them but I can’t help but worry about what happened to that song……”

Hatayama awkwardly averted his eyes from Ichizou whose shoulders were slumped. Somehow, that alone was enough to reveal the answer.

“Um-Revo-san’s ability is starting to become well-known by the masses so from now on, he’s going to collaborate with more and more artists, So…….I don’t get that kind of feeling.”

“Meaning……?”

“It will get released someday?”

Hatayama said this, also tilting his head. Seems like that was the reason for the release not being confirmed.

“Like I expected, I see….”

“So – , if you care so much, do you want to hear it?”

“Nghhh….It’s fine.”

“As though to force back Hatayama’s good intentions, Ichizou, while troubled, stopped the other party’s hand that was rising upward.”

“Why are you so stubborn when it comes to this……”

“Somehow……”

Somehow he felt that Revo did not wish for anyone to listen to the form that had no purpose. He might as well look forward to listening to that song which was closest to his ideal.

Hatayama said a simple “Oh I see” and let out a sigh. Speaking of which, his face seemed more fatigued than it had ever been.

“What’s wrong? You look tired.”

“Ah—just a bit. I mean, the top is noisy…”

As Hatayama did not look like he wanted to be asked about it, Ichizou did not press further.

Leaving the situation as it was, Ichizou bid farewell to Hatayama, recalled that he was in the midst of heading out to buy something and frantically headed for the elevator.

Coincidentally, the person who walked out of the elevator that stopped on that floor was a black shadow. It was immediately obvious who it was.

“Revo-san! Hello.”

“Oh, long time no see. Are you here for a recording as well.”

“Ah, yes. The singer whom I’m in charge of.”

“I see. Best of luck.”

Revo said and headed for the studio while waving his hand lightly.

Ichizou hesitated for a moment and then called out.

“Ah, um, Revo-san. Can I have a bit of your time, I have something I want to ask.”

“Hm?”

“That song……Has it been put on hold?”

Upon hearing Ichizou’s question, Revo looked straight at him and smiled.

“You’ve taken a liking to it?”

“So straightforward…….It was the absolute best & absolute best! I won’t ever be able to forget it.”

“I’m pleased to hear that. But—“

While saying that, Revo turned his face away from Ichizou in a profound way.

“The human who sings this song does not exist.”

There was yet to be such a person or have he already tried searching, whichever it was, he did not understand and even if he asked, he would not get an answer.

“Are you saying that the song is special?”

Ichizou questioned and Revo nodded after a while.

“That’s right. You helped with it.”

–A special song.

He might have heard something that was excessively worrying. Even if he wanted to listen to it as soon as possible, if the human who sings this did not exist yet, he could only wait. Probably nothing could be done.

Ichizou was getting troubled by himself and Revo let slip a soft laughter. Then he patted Ichizou on the shoulder.

“Someday, if the person meant to sing this song sings it, then at that time, it would be the greatest song. I’ll let you hear it then.”

In the midst of hearing those words, the frustration within Ichizou vanished. The other person’s expression could not be read because of the sunglasses. However, he could feel that Revo wanted others to hear that song.

Surely he wanted to make a song that was better than what Ichizou thought. That was his conviction.

“A…Alright! I will wait till that day arrives.”

While laughing at himself for being so simple, Ichizou looked at Revo and nodded firmly. Seeing that Ichizou was smiling, Revo also smiled and turned around so that his back faced Ichizou.

Ichizou headed for the elevator but naturally it had moved to other floors already. He pressed the button and waited. Then he heard the sound of hurried footsteps drawing near. Turning his head, he noticed Hatayama’s anxious expression. When Hatayama saw Revo, he went towards him.

“Ah, Revo-san is here! Eh, Ichizou, you’re still around?”

“Eh no, I was about to step out.”

“Did something happen?”

Revo looked unsure when he saw how panicked Hatayama looked. Ichizou looked around and when he confirmed that there was no one else around other than Ichizou, he said with serious expression.

“Well, there’s a disagreement over that again…….Anyway, If Revo-san isn’t around, nothing can…….”

“I understand. Ah, right.”

After nodding his head at Hatayama, turning his head at Ichizou who had looked back, he asked with a voice that had no tension.

“Ichizou-kun, do you want to provide support?”

“This guy, give support?”

“I don’t know though.”

Ichizou had an uncomfortable premonition when he heard the conversation between Revo and Hatayama and he shook both his head and hands horizontally,

“Eh?! Me? No, I don’t even know what’s going on and I’m also someone from outside this company……!”

“Alright & alright already.”

“That’s my catchphrase! It’s definitely not a good timing! I have to step out for a bit to buy…….!”

“Ask someone else to do that for you.”

Right when he was in the midst of talking, Ichizou’s arms got grabbed by both Revo and Hatayama and he ended up being dragged to some other studio.

Behind Ichizou who was resisting getting brought along, the elevator which reached made a dinging sound in a lonely manner.

 

After asking other staff members to help him out over the phone, Ichizou questioned Revo and Hatayama.

“So, what’s going on?”

“U—m, I only made a rejection, How troubling.”

Revo said cheerfully, not really troubled and Hatayama lowered his voice.

“This is only between us……”

“And it’s not going overboard for you to talk to me about it?!”

“Alright & alright.”

This time is was Hatayama mimicking Ichizou’s manner of speaking and he explained the situation.

It was about plans being raised to Revo about producing for an artist. That artist was a singer who was popular even in BUNNY ONION but lately his sales and popularity seemed to have dropped because of a scandal. Therefore, there was talk about letting Revo produce for him.

“However, that song was the one that you liked.”

“Eh……”

To Ichizou, honestly, he thought that he really wanted to listen to that song with lyrics and being sung by a skilled person as soon as possible. After thinking that, he unintentionally let slip those words.

“Is, is it not good?”

“Not at all.”

That reply came swiftly. He was speaking in a calm tone, but he said what he felt very plainly.

“Because if the artist and I do not have the same goal and direction, I won’t be able to make a good song.”

Hearing Revo’s words, Ichizou was embarrassed at himself for having such selfish thoughts. At the same time , if Revo was that committed then that made the song even more worth looking forward to.

“So, Revo-san made a refusal. The guys on top don’t seem to be giving up. They have been persistently talking about it lately. –That’s it, I’m coming in-“

After Hatayama knocked, he opened the door of the recording studio. The air was already thick with tension. Revo greeted an elderly man and the two started talking.

(That person is definitely the director of BUNNY ONION…….! If even such a person is here, this isn’t just some mere incident. I can’t do this……!)

Ichizou used his eyes to express his protests at Hatayama but Hatayama rejected those complaints by looking away. In the midst of his face becoming more ashen, he could hear the conversation between Revo and the big wig.

“If you continue to refuse, we will have to reconsider continuing the contract you have with us.”

(Eh……)

There was no way that they would really end Revo’s contract if they continue this track. However, they were putting pressure on Revo. Even though those words were said, Revo’s expression did not change.

(But my heart cannot remain calm……..)

Before, he said he had nothing but music and mystery. It did not matter if him coming from another world was a truth or a lie, those words were definite. Now, even with just music and mystery, he had garnered acknowledgement from others.

Even if Revo was not here, he could continue to make music. However he already had companions who had a relationship of trust with him. If the contract was cancelled, Revo would have to build up everything from scratch again. He would be fired against his will.

–That’s unforgivable.

When he thought that, Ichizou opened his mouth.

“That song……is the result of Revo-san not accepting any compromise.”

“What are you saying?”

“Ah um, this guy………”

“Is the person who greatly influenced my composition.”

Before Hatayama, who looked anxious, could cover things up, Revo clearly announced that fact. When Revo said it in such a way, Ichizou was overjoyed and subconsciously, a smile appeared on his face but he backed down at once.

“He earnestly faced the bit of discordance I was feeling and allowed me to modify that song. He is really someone who treats music with passion. I feel that as much as he’s involved, his song will definitely become a good piece.”

The man’s eyes widened and fell silent as he heard about Ichizou’s influence. Ichizou also suddenly came back to his senses when he saw the man’s reaction.

(Ah……To have an outsider say that about me, I really butted in too much………!)

Ichizou was quickly losing blood from his face and when a hand slapped his shoulder, Ichizou jumped in surprise. Looking beside him, he saw that Hatayama was holding his shoulder. He also stepped in front of the director and spoke while looking at Revo.

“I still want to be part of this person’s music. There are mountains of songs that are on the way to being recorded, we would be in real shit if it got produced by someone else.”

Upon hearing Hatayama’s words, the other staff members also hounded the director.

“He may do really absurd things but the songs that are born from him are the real deal.”

“If this person runs away, our company would definitely be at a loss! Other companies would take him and they will stand to gain!”

Being told that by the staff members, as expected, the man’s face turned a horrible colour.

“Of, of course I won’t let him go that easily…..”

Unable to endure the pressure conferred to him by those gazes, for a moment, he fell into deep silence and let out a huge sigh. Then, looking at Revo, he spoke with reluctance al over his face.

“……I understand, However, provide him with another song. Is that alright?”

“Sure. I will make a song that suits his image better.”

At that time, the director gave another sigh and stepped out of the studio.

For a moment, there was pin drop silence in the studio but without warning, a sigh spilled out from someone, other than Revo, everyone felt that their energy was sapped.

“Haa….so exhausting.”

“But, somehow……”

(Why am I dragged into this mess……?)

While letting his mind wander, Ichizou truly thought that. Nevertheless, he had intruded.

(I wonder if this is alright…….)

Feeling timid, Ichizou looked at Revo and the latter was smiling at him. When Ichizou saw the smile on his lips, curiously, he could think that he had not made a mistake.

Hatayama who was sloppily seated down suddenly stood up from his chair and approached Revo.

“You, don’t just accept things like that on your own, Revo-san! The ones who will be in trouble is us!”

“Well, just decline……”

“That’s well, I guess you’re right….”

Hatayama lost his energy again when he heard Revo’s response. Recording should not have started up again but all the members were exhausted. In the middle of that, there was someone who raised his hand up.

“Alrighty, let’s do our recording for today with energy as well-!”

Even though Revo said such a thing, the reply he got were dejected voices saying “Yeah—“. Without much thought, Ichizou pressed Revo, who was completely relaxed, for answers.

“Eh, Revo-san, why are you so relaxed about that?! What are you going to do if everyone wasn’t around to back you up?!”

A composed smile appeared on Revo’s face. Then he looked over at all the staff members in the studio.

“The music is not just my own so I thought the others will stop him.”

Watching as the staff members raised their heads, Revo spoke gently.

“This was what I meant by everyone having the same direction. That’s why I have gained freedom in this world and I can come up with good music.”

The vigor returned to the faces of the staff members who were like corpses a moment ago when they heard Revo’s words. They seemed embarrassed.

“……They’re no match for you.”

Ichizou, in place of the members present, could not help but smile.

 

The people in the studio regained their motivation and everyone started moving to do the recording. Ichizou also had to return to the studio where his singer was as soon as possible. As soon as the preparations started, Hatayama chased Ichizou away as he was going to get in the way. Ichizou headed for the door of the studio and Revo opened the door for him.

“Thank you, Ichizou-kun. You helped me out again.”

“Ah, it’s nothing……to go as far as to say I helped.”

Ichizou frantically waved his hands. Looking at that, Revo muttered quietly.

“Looking at how things are going, seems like I have to quickly get that song sung.”

“I look forward to it then.”

Saying that while giving a forced smile, Ichizou stepped out of the studio but just as one foot left the exit, he turned his head to look at Revo.

“Ah, now that I think about it. Revo-san.”

Ichizou looked at Revo’s face and thought for a short moment.

He had no intention to help but if it was now, he might be able to get an answer—with that expectation, he tried to ask.

“……I heard that you said that if you got acknowledged in this world, there is something you want to do……What is it that you want to do?”

Ichizou waited for the reply with a bit of excitement and a smile formed on Revo’s smile as though he was plotting something.

“Actually, I’m searching for a young person who I definitely want to produce music for.”

“Eh……!”

Ichizou’s eyes widened and Revo placed his index finger on his own lips to indicate that he said something to be kept a secret. Ichizou lowered the volume of his voice.

“There is someone who want to produce music for?!”

“Of course, that’s why I rejected that proposal earlier.”

When Revo said that, Hatayama called Revo.

“Ah, sorry, I’ve kept you.”

“It’s ok, I don’t mind—That song you wanted to hear as well, perhaps one day I might get him to sing it. Until then, I’ll ask you to be his manager.”

Revo said with a laugh. Hearing that laugh coming from a person who might have pulled a prank somewhere, Ichizou replied with a smile even though he was feeling somewhat uneasy.

“I look forward to that day.”

Saying that to Revo, Ichizou closed the door to the studio.