This is the Student Council.
May we enter?
Yes, come on in.
Thank you for coming.
You see, I called you here because I have a favor to ask.
I need to have that event be a success this year, no matter what.
That's what I figured this was about.
"That event"?
Rock 'n' Roll!
The season of the burning hot beat has come once again!
The Prodigy Violinist Girl Winner of the Concours
This is Sugisaki-san, who splendidly won the regional music concours.
Episode 16: Kaimei Rock Festival
Soon, she will be studying abroad in Germany...
Wow, look at her go.
Hey, Mom! I wanna learn the violin, too!
No. You just want to be on TV, right?
I was just thinking attacking on this front might be a good approach.
Oh, he's home.
Yo...
Welcome home. Club work again?
Yeah. Today's request was really hard.
Hey, could you get me Sugisaki-san's autograph?
Sugisaki Ayano-san, the violinist.
She goes to the same high school as you, right, Brother?
Huh? A violinist?
Crap! The movie today is "Transforminator 5"!
Where's the remote?
Whoa! Super cool!
D'oh.
Not interested at all, is he?
I'm telling you...!
Oh, sorry about that.
Was it loud? What were you saying?
About how humanity's future is transforming!
And how our hero is the former governor of the state of Mecha!
Listen to me!
What's all the strumming for?
Not bad, am I?
I've dabbled a bit now for quite a while.
Quit it already, would you?
A guitarist all of a sudden?
What's next, doing musical stand-up?
Hell no!
I'm in a band, get it?!
I was invited to be in a band.
You, in a band?
What's the point of that?
The Festival, duh!
Wait, don't tell me you didn't know?
Our school's most honored event!
And its name is the
Kaimei Rock Festival!
What?
I shall explain!
The Kaimei Rock Festival is a unique school event held at our Kaimei Academy!
Switch! I was wondering if you would appear this episode and...
It's a live event in the form of a contest between bands formed by interested students!
And the members of the winning band are lionized as heroes and adored by the entire school!
H-Hey, listen to me.
I'm the main character, you know.
For your information,
this event was supposedly started because of the extremely particular interests of the former principal.
At that time a young man, our current principal, Mr. Karamatsu Genzaburo,
was passed down the imported "Electric Guitar"
from the previous generation's High-Collar Boy returning from London!
Wait, wait... That's obviously bunk! What era was this again?
The end. Exposition over.
There you go.
Anyway, I can hardly believe you're a student here and don't know about it.
Well, last year they couldn't get enough bands to participate and it was canceled.
But this year they're planning on having a variety of bands take part.
So then, you're going to...
I'm in...
...play the guitar...
I'm playin'...
Seriously?
Who in their right mind would ask you to be in their band?
Wanna know?
You see...
I don't even...
And so, you all are...
I'm Yumi, on bass!
I'm Yosshi, on drums.
And I'm Sacchin, on keyboard.
Can't say they don't have impact!
But I can't believe you're here!
One half of that idiotic couple...
From Episode 1
Doin' well, Ma-kun?
Don't get your hopes up.
His love and mine is "Never"!
As if!
Hey, we're dangerous!
We're crazy Yabas!
Yeah, we could win this thing!
But Yabasawa's singing style isn't exactly rock, it's...
As expected from Miss Nice Vocal No. 1!
Thank you...
My burning hot shouts will set everyone's hearts ablaze!
But her voice is more suited to being in a choir!
Victory will go to us, "Yabasawa Books"!
Yabas!
But man, what's with you starting something fun on your own like that?
Why not?
Anyway, I'm in a girls' band, and it ain't like you can play anything.
Well, fine.
I'll go check you out with Switch at the festival, so go for it out there.
Oh, about that... I hear Switch was invited to join a band as well.
W-What? And he can't play anything either, right?
Switch!
He's some kind of freaky drum master!
Huh? Yoyo-yo~!
Yo-yo, my butt!
Your computer there's gone pretty dang happy on us.
These are finger drums.
Each key is assigned a different sampled drum sound that's played when I hit it.
That's pretty rad!
You're gonna perform like this?
And who with, anyway?
Mr. Usui!
It's the anime guy!
Your unparalleled high-tech sound just floored us all!
With this, doing the live performance shouldn't be a problem.
Thank you, Budokan!
Budokan, my butt!
But I think I get it.
You're good with computers, Switch, so you're going to perform like this?
Um...
That was my intention, but actually I've become interested in real drums.
Lately I've been practicing in secret.
Godly!
But I'm all excited knowing that I've got all these fellow musicians near me!
Actually, it's the same for me, my little stray cat.
Huh?! I'll pulverize ya!
Yay!
Yeah, so like, I'm real sorry I can't play anything...
Bossun...
Yeah, like, sorry for living and stuff.
You must be tired, huh?
How 'bout I bake you a cake?
At least I can do that...
Bossun!
I'm sorry.
Here, I'll teach you the guitar.
Let's play together, okay?
'kay?
Here, you hold it like this.
Like this?
Right.
Is he really the main character?
10 minutes later.
And this is an F chord?
You're amazing!
I've heard of being a natural, but seriously!
This little fellow here'll be playing in no time!
Really?
I can really play!
See?
Yeah! Soundin' good!
Well, playing the guitar is difficult because of the chords.
Playing a bass would be a little bit simpler.
You've got a good sense of rhythm, so that'll work!
Hand-me-down from
Really?
All right!
Then I'll take this!
You think I could actually make it in time for the Rock Festival?
Think I'll be scouted?
Like hell, you will!
Don't get ahead of yourself, idiot!
Don't underestimate the bass!
You damn witch...
That's a lot of carrot and stick.
Beginning Electric Bass
And what wind has blown him this time?
Who knows?
Seems like it's a hand-me-down from someone he knows.
Brother! We're having hamburger steak today!
You want cheese on yours or not?
Yeah...
He didn't even turn around when he heard "hamburger"?
He's serious about it!
3 days later.
Huh?
Me, play bass?
A scout actually came!
You've been practicing like a demon the past 3 days, right?
I happened to overhear in the hall, and was impressed.
For a beginner, it was really amazing.
Y-You think?
I want to make a band for the festival, but I wasn't able to find a bassist.
So, please!
Well, uh...
He really is a complete beginner, you know.
Well, I mean, that's really nice to hear and all, but actually being invited to a band?
That's a little, uh...
You're the only one!
I know you can do it!
By the way, these are the bands that are currently participating.
Wow, there's plenty!
Let's see here...
Dante's band is gonna be there, too.
I bet he's totally Visual Kei.
Student Council Band?!
Oh, right.
They're all sooo pretty, I bet they're gonna make the audience swoon or whatever.
But I ain't gonna lose!
Yeah. Neither am I.
Leave it to me, baby!
Victory will be ours!
Seriously? Then...
Yeah, I'll be counting on you, uh...
SEIJI!
OH YA! MY NAME IS BOSSUN!
The boys swore to each other they would make their big break by the time they were 18...
What story is that?
Right then.
If that's set, then starting today we're all rivals.
You can say that again.
Now that I think about it,
this might be the first time the three of us have directly competed.
Yabasawa Books!
Name Undecided Band #1!
Name undecided?
Name Undecided Band #2!
Which one of...
...us will...
...be the winner of the Kaimei Rock Festival?
You're on!
This is me. I won't lose.
That's not a band!
We are Japan's...
...Student Council Band!
Seems like everyone's excited about this year's Rock Festival.
Well, we've got a lot of eccentric second-years as the highlights of this year's festival.
At this point, there are 12 bands participating.
That's a huge rise compared to last year.
Since so many people are participating, shall I reserve the Tokyo Dome?
I'll have to pass on that, Mimorin.
We all entered ourselves, but it looks like there was no reason to after all.
What should we do about the Student Council Band?
Should we continue like this?
I'm sure you think it's a giant pain, Agata.
I knew you'd understand, Michiru.
A giant pain, indeed.
Figures.
This is an order from your President: We're quitting.
Any questions?
But is it really that simple?
You said something like,
"The Student Council has to set an example for the rest of the student body!"
Now, everyone, it is time to practice!
Today we will put together a new song!
And see? We've got people who're all into it...
So we have to do it no matter what?
I really wanna quit, though.
Understood. If that is the President's order...
But, a man never goes back on his word!
And the Rock Festival is our school's...
...honorable tradition?
Yes!
It started when our current principal, Mr. Karamatsu Genzaburo, then a young man,
was passed on an "Electric Guitar" brought over by early European traders
from the previous generation returning from being a Portuguese missionary....
What era was that?
You're very devoted, Tsubaki-kun.
That's how it is!
I want to stand by the principal who cares so much about putting on this grand show,
he'd even fabricate such an obvious lie!
Hey, look.
"I'm baaaaack! Usui here from the Sket-dan."
"We here at the Sket-dan..."
"...have each joined a band..."
"...and will be..."
"...participating in the festival."
Oh, my...
That's what it says.
What did you say?
But why "each"?
Does that mean they all joined separate bands?
Oh, my... Perhaps they are fighting?
President...
Well, whatever.
It looks like there's no turning back.
Oh, yeah!
I'm gonna make short work of your crappy bands
along with the Student Council Band, baby!
Be my guest and try!
Can everyone in the balcony hear me?
That's something an idol would say!
If we got time to blab at each other, we should be practicing!
Prince!
Enough!
Your strumming and drumming is so loud!
My head's gonna explode!
And you're way too plucking loud!
It is your two yells of anger which are the loudest of all!
Indeed, it was the height of folly to try practicing in the same room!
Tappity tap-tap shut the hell up!
You guys are worthless.
When I'm with you, I can't pursue my rock.
What's this?
You're some stuck-up rocker all of a sudden?
My emotion can't berate into my cool groove.
You mean "break"!
I'm escaping.
I can't keep a good beat while I'm on this field.
Sure, whatever! Get outta here!
It'll finally quiet down!
I will escape from all that which binds me down...
Enough already!
...and ride forth on my stolen bike...
Hurry and get lost!
You'll get caught, you know!
Later, and good luck.
Prince...
Oh, that's it!
I'll also do this Rock Festival...
Wait for me! Roman will be coming with you!
Music Room No. 1
Okay, I'm going to go report to the other members.
You stay here and practice.
That's right.
Oh, and here.
This is the band I want to do.
I marked the songs we're thinking of doing.
Anyway, thanks!
Pi-llows?
Pillo-ws?
How do you pronounce this?
Seriously, really... I finally found our bass.
Anyway, I'm heading to your part-time job on my bike now.
Can we talk a bit?
It's definitely tricky for a beginner.
No matter how much talent is flowing out of me, can I really cut this?
But, this really is kind of refreshing.
Okay!
Once again, from the top!
Something just doesn't sound right...
Tuning...
Tuning!
I'm sorry...
You must have been concentrating so much you didn't hear me.
Oh, um...
What did you just say?
Chewing gum?
No, no...
I just think you're a little out of tune.
Your G string sounds off.
Can I see it for a second?
Okay. Now, you try playing it.
S-Sure...
It's right on!
I see, so the pitch of the strings was off!
Thank you!
You're going to be in the Rock Festival?
Everyone really seems to be into it this year.
Yeah!
You seem to know a lot about music...
That's a violin, right?
Yes...
Violin? Didn't I see that somewhere...
Ah, I see...
So you're Sugisaki Ayano-san.
Sorry about me using the room like this.
How do you know about me?
You were on TV the other day, remember?
My little sister was all excited about how I had a violin prodigy here at my school.
I wouldn't say that, but thanks.
Actually, I'm not a prodigy at all.
There's a whole ton of people just as good as I am.
Oh, come on...
What about you? You're so good after only playing bass for three days!
I think you've got way more talent.
Is that so? You think?
You didn't deny it...
By the way, Sugisaki-san... I heard you're going to study in Germany?
That's amazing... When are you going?
Yeah...
But I'm still worried...
Why?
I love music, and if I could do it my entire life, that'd be great...
But I get the feeling that's being unrealistic for me.
I can only see it as some kind of dream.
The people who can make that dream come true are born under a much more special star...
Maybe it's not something a normal person like me who gets by with hard work can achieve.
I say that, but maybe I'm just a little scared.
You're actually pretty unsure of yourself...
It's a world I don't know much about, but I know what it's like to be afraid.
People go down different paths...
You see, as long as you don't act yourself, the chances are zero.
The only one who can stop your dreams from coming true is yourself!
Yeah, that's right.
I'll try thinking more on the bright side.
But anyway, you'd better practice that bass.
Now, let's continue.
Rock might not be my specialty, but I can judge your rhythm and sound.
Try playing a little.
S-Sure...
Seriously?
Seriously.
I'm a strict teacher, so you'd better be prepared!
Right, get set.
Yes, that's the way.
Don't lag behind the tempo there.
Tan, tan, tan, tan... Yes, very good.
Yeah, you really taught me right.
Thanks.
It was nothing.
Wasn't I just getting in your way?
Absolutely not!
I feel like I've improved a ton just today!
Really? That's great.
Until later...
Sure!
You'll be practicing here again tomorrow, right?
Yeah!
I'll come back then.
To make sure that you practiced back at home!
Right on, Sensei!
Until tomorrow.
I wonder what Sugisaki-san's violin playing sounds like?
Yabas?! What's going on?
What, you're still here, too?
Just wait, Yabasawa-san!
Yabasawa-san!
Oh, no...
Next Episode: Sketch Book
Himeko?