Chapter 1: 1

Chapter 1: Debut Condition

Link to Original Chapter: https://ncode.syosetu.com/n8526hq/1/

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"Well, simply put, your drummer, Tohru Shibakusa, will have to resign if you want to debut."

It's afternoon in Tokyo, and we’re meeting with a major record label. The producer gave a single condition to our rock band, Strange Chameleon, if we wanted to debut. 

It's simple: They'll only allow us to debut if I resign from the band. 

In other words, I've been essentially sacked from my band.

"Nowadays, we want drummers that are more technically sound. By giving you a more skilled support drummer, the variety of songs you can play will increase drastically."

The producer keeps on talking.

"W-well, you have a point, but..."

"You mean if you somehow rapidly improve? But that's basically a big ask. Realistically, withdrawing is your only option here."

I clam up as the producer digs the proverbial knife deeper into me. I know my drumming skills better than anyone else. No matter how you splice it, I'm average at best. Of course I know there are plenty of better drummers out there. 

Relying on my friends is my only course of action now that I find myself backed into a corner in terms of my ability. I turn to Yousuke Iwamoto, our vocalist and lead guitarist, for support. 

"Y-yousuke, what do you think? There's no way you'll let this slide, r-right...?"

If the central pillar of our band, Yousuke, disagrees with what the producer says, I'll likely be given another chance with our band.

We've been buddies since high school when we formed our band. There's no way Yousuke would readily accept my sudden departure, so I put all my hope into this final gambit.

But my hopes are quickly dashed.

"Well... I want to debut and rise up in the ranks. Sacrifices are necessary, unfortunately. Tohru, I hate to say this, but I think this is where it ends for you with our band."

I'm utterly appalled. We've been bandmates for so long and we were supposed to stick up for each other through thick and thin, and now when it's convenient, I'm treated like yesterday's garbage. With his words, Yousuke plunges my heart into the darkness of the abyss. 

"To be honest, there were plenty of songs I wanted to try and play, but I couldn't because our drummer couldn't keep up. So I think it's best we part ways if I want the band to have a successful major debut."

Yousuke sugar coated his final farewell to me, but even so, I could feel tears coming out of my eyes. All of that effort was for naught.

"Hey... stop messing around... You're lying right...? I mean, we've been bandmates for 10 years... There's no way you would... toss me aside after all this...?"

"We're not messing around. This is a painful decision for all of us, but it's for the best."

"N-no way..."

I fell to my knees in shock. I guess people really do lose feeling in their legs when hit with a big shock.

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Despite the ten amazing years we spent together, my bandmates abandoned me. None of the other members are raising any objections. They must have discussed this beforehand. Perhaps sacking me was already decided ahead of time. Even if I tried to fight back, I wouldn't gain anything. 

I can't see any other path forward.

"Fine..."

I push out the feelings I've been suppressing, as I'm left with no other alternative but to accept my fate.

For the first time in my 26 year band-obsessed life, I feel so pissed off. 

"Sorry Tohru... We didn't want to leave you behind like this..."

Yousuke and the others bow their heads apologetically. On the outside, they appear to be deeply sorry, giving me all these sad words, but I'm sure they feel no such remorse on the inside. That's because they'll be able to debut to the public without me. They'll readily sell their souls for this sort of success if it means cutting off the dead weight.

I'm well aware of how the music industry operates. That was some advice another colleague I owe told me.

"I see then. It appears as if everything has been settled in regards to Strange's Chameleon's debut. I look forward to working with you."

The producer gets up, saying that. Perhaps, the other members will finally get down to business and discuss their contracts now. At this point, I'm just a mere outsider.

Without missing a beat, I make my exit from the conference room. Their expressions of glee as I leave is something I'll never forget.

The 10 years I dedicated myself to this band now means fuck all. I curse myself. My lack of skill, the choices I made, all of it. If only I could have another chance...

I walk back home, knowing my desperate wish will never come true. Before I know it, I'm lying on my bed.

The name's Tohru Shibakusa, age 26. My dream is all but shattered.

 

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Author's Note: Thank you so much for reading! If you could, it would be great if you rate this series five stars and book mark it! Thanks as always.

 

Also, the title for this chapter is named after base ball bear's 真夏の条件. It's a great song so please give it a listen!

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Translator’s Note: And I'm back with another series! Been on a hiatus for a bit, but I'm ready to be back. This seems looks like an interesting series, as it's a reincarnation story but without the isekai elements. Definitely interested to see where this goes, especially with the musical elements sprinkled in the background.

 

Also please follow me on Twitter for any updates on this series and my translation projects generally.

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