Touma felt a little helpless.
What exactly was he even here for?
While he did want to find a piano-related job, he had absolutely no intention of getting involved with an agency at this stage.
Forget it.
He’s still only at the amateur level anyway, so he’d just play as he normally would.
He chose a relatively difficult piano piece, “Flight of the Bumblebee,” and began to play.
(https://youtu.be/M93qXQWaBdE?si=Dw7e-yucXwbrnoAx) His fingers flew across the keys as the scales and notes burst forth like a swarm of startled bees taking flight.
The rapid vibrations blended into an almost continuous buzzing hum.
The piece itself might not be among the most difficult in the piano repertoire, but it was certainly enough to leave an unforgettable first impression on an ordinary listener.
Beside him, Misumi Hatsune’s mouth hung open.
“So amazing…” Sumita Mana’s brown eyes sparkled with admiration as well.
The manager, however, reacted much more calmly.
She was somewhat surprised, but nothing more.
At this level, his playing would only be considered slightly above average within the industry.
As Touma continued playing with full concentration, the system’s voice suddenly sounded in his mind.
[Piano Level Lv1 → Piano Level Lv2] [Piano Level Lv2] Hm?
A breakthrough in the middle of a performance?!
So reaching Piano Level Lv2 meant his skills had officially entered the professional level?
His hands paused for an instant before continuing.
Yet during that brief hesitation, he suddenly realized his understanding of “Flight of the Bumblebee” had reached an entirely new level.
His speed, endurance, and even his grasp of countless technical details had all improved dramatically.
Problems he’d struggled with before suddenly became crystal clear.
Enjoying the fresh sensation of breaking through, Touma deliberately finished the piece at the same amateur level he’d started with.
He used to laugh at protagonists in novels who always had breakthroughs in the middle of a fight.
Now he’d actually experienced it himself.
Accumulated progress really could become qualitative change.
“Not bad, but…” the manager began to comment.
Touma shook his head.
“Hold on.
There’s one more.” Without waiting for her response, he pressed the first key.
After hearing only the opening notes, the manager’s expression gradually turned serious as she listened intently.
What piece is this?
A few moments later, her eyes widened in shock.
Chopin’s “Winter Wind” Etude?
(Music: https://youtu.be/gZjdAWgjLx8?si=ZZfrh9mObUhV4gOL) That piece is anything but easy.
And this level of proficiency…
Is he even the same person who played just now?!
This was completely beyond the amateur level.
It was unquestionably professional.
Had she completely misjudged him?
Neither Misumi Hatsune nor Sumita Mana understood the technical aspects, but their excellent musical ears told them one thing.
This performance was far, far better than the previous one.
When the piece ended, Touma lowered his hands, fairly satisfied.
He had never played this piece particularly well before.
Yet after reaching the professional level, it had suddenly become much more natural.
There were still a few minor flaws, but nothing significant.
As he stood up and turned around, he found the manager’s face right in front of his.
“Would you be interested in joining our agency?” Her gaze was utterly sincere.
What she valued wasn’t just his current skill, but his potential.
From those two performances alone, she had caught the scent of true genius.
To be honest, Touma had no intention of signing with an agency for the time being.
It simply wouldn’t give him enough freedom.
After all, he still had the system.
The group returned to the dressing room.
Touma laid out his conditions.
“I generally only have time between seven and nine in the evening, and even then it isn’t always guaranteed.
If you can accept that, then we can talk.” The manager immediately looked troubled.
“That…” Seeing this, Sumita Mana quickly suggested, “How about letting me talk with Mr.
Asai first?” After thinking for a moment, the manager nodded in agreement.
Once again, only the three of them remained in the dressing room.
“You really saved us back there, Asai-kun.” Sumita Mana clasped her hands together gratefully.
“If Ms.
Saori had found out about those things, the agency definitely would’ve restricted my freedom.” “It’s nothing.” Touma truly didn’t mind.
If anything, he was in a pretty good mood after his piano skills had improved so much.
“Um…
are you really looking for a piano-related job, Asai-kun?” Sumita Mana asked curiously.
“More or less.
If it’s between seven and ten in the evening…” Touma replied.
Hearing that, a certain blue-haired girl immediately flashed through Misumi Hatsune’s mind.
Come to think of it, Sakiko’s piano is amazing too.
I wonder who’s better, her or Asai-kun.
“Oh!
Speaking of that, I actually have a job that’s perfect for you.
It’s related to piano.” Sumita Mana smiled as she raised one finger.
The two of them discussed it in detail.
In short: Sumita Mana had a friend who wanted to learn piano and was looking for a private piano tutor.
The pay started at 20,000 yen per hour, and she could recommend him for the position.
Touma naturally had plenty of questions.
For example, would he need a piano certificate?
The pay was simply too good to be true.
Sumita Mana assured him that none of that was necessary.
After all, he was someone she had personally recommended.
Touma was sincerely grateful that she was willing to offer him such a valuable connection.
Before anything was finalized, however, he would still need to undergo an evaluation of his teaching ability.
The time and place were also arranged.
Two weeks later, at an apartment in Osaka’s Nishi Ward.
Touma decided to give it a try.
If he got the job, all the better.
At least he wouldn’t have to keep going to music stores every day just to test his piano skills.
After chatting a while longer, Touma left the dressing room and prepared to leave the live house.
Just then, Misumi Hatsune chased after him.
“Asai-kun, I still feel really bad about everything.
If you have time, could I treat you to a meal?” Since she was being so sincere, Touma saw no reason to refuse.
“Sure.
Two weeks from now.
You’re the idol, so your schedule’s probably tighter.
You can decide the time.” “Okay.
Thank you so much!” Misumi Hatsune finally breathed a sigh of relief.
After saying goodbye, Touma returned to his apartment.
At 10:30 that night, he once again entered Sakiko’s life.
“You’re awake?” Sakiko asked.
“Yeah.
Slept like a baby.” Seeing six or seven new lines of sheet music on the computer screen, Touma spoke.
“I thought it was strange yesterday.
Can you compose music while you’re asleep too?” The question had been bothering Sakiko ever since it first occurred to her.