Rock In Soul ch1
p1
Well then, please listen...
p2-3
Devoted to music and a desire for approval,
the youth of these high school girls begins!
p4
I can hear everyone's voices!
I can feel their gazes!
p5
Nailed it.
p6
It's perfect!
This is gonna go viral for sure!
Nanka High School First Year - Baiki HarunaTriedPlayingAirGuitar #HighSchoolGirl
p7
Onee-chan~ Yuu-chan's here to pick you up~
Okay~!
Things I want to do. Future dreams. Friends.
High school girls have no time for all that! The important thing is giving it your all!
And that means chasing the hot trends!
I only want to do what's fun and stand out more than anyone else.
I love being complimented and hate effort!
p8
Sorry for the wait~
And my hobbies are social media and uploading videos! I of course love watching them too!
Haru... What's with all the commotion this morning?
Hehe~ I was filming a short!
You sure love doing that.
Wanna shoot one with me next time, Yuu-chan?
No way.
p9
You're an attention seeking monster.
You too, Tamaki-chan~?
Eh~....
Who even does air guitar in this day and age...?
If you're gonna do that, you should practice doing actual guitar and singing.
You could join a club or something. Just put some effort into it.
Besides, Haru, you're always getting influenced by stuff and only imitate it on the surface...
p10
Hrm~
That's cos yesterday's "Muwa" livestream was so cool.
Ah~!
I saw that too!
The cosplay is cute too!
Her voice is nice too!
Muwa, the mysterious singer who provides her own accompaniment while singing popular and Western songs! She's really popular with middle and high schoolers~!
That's right! The way she keeps her face hidden fills her with mystery~! So... I decided to try (air) guitar too!
That's not gonna work.
p11
Oh yeah, I wonder if this morning's video is doing numbers~
That's my desk...
...Well, my "I tried eating a mysterious nut" video is getting views... so let's forget the air guitar.
Then how about this, Haruna-chan?
Morishita-san from the mysterious discoveries club?
One of the seven mysteries of Nanka High School...
I heard from a senpai that there's rumors of a ghost in the music room.
Long ago, a student who was enrolled here died in an unforeseen accident...
This girl, who wanted to become a pro, became bound to that place and still haunts it to this day...
p12
Nothing scary!
Haru's bad with scary stuff.
Th-There's also one about the sound of crying coming from the staff toilets after school...
That might actually do numbers.
Hmm...
Okay, it's time for class. Take your seats.
The first lesson is Eri-chan's modern Japanese class, huh!
Baiki-san! Call me Kurato-sensei!
Rather than old-fashioned stuff like seven mysteries, I should look up the latest triends on Tik Tak...
Okay! This is it!
p13
Lunch break.
Hup
Yo
Fwaah....
What now?
I'm trying out dancing!
I doubt you're gonna stick with it.
I'm serious this time! Everyone who dances to this song gets big numbers!
Hey now.
p14
Ah~ Eri-chan-sensei-chan.
I don't even care anymore. Sorry, but could you get the projector from the music room storage?
My hands are tied and you're on day duty today, right, Baiki-san?
Eh...? The music room...
The seven mysteries of Nanka High School...!
If you don't want to, I can give you extra lessons instead...
I'll go~! Authority-abusing-sensei-chan!
Music Room
p15
The storage should be the room at the back...
Any ghosts in there?
Music Storage
Oh geez~....
Please tell me if you're there~....
Uuh... Scary...
p16
Let's just find this thing so I can get back to class.
p17
Hmm... Where is it...?
KYAAAAAAAAAH
p18
What's this...?
An instrument case... I guess?
p19
Woah...
p20
Wah~! It's a guitar!
Tada~! Nobody will get mad if I only touch if for a little bit!
It's a bit worn down, but it's cute!
p21
Hmm... Smells a bit moldy, though.
But!
It has a hole just like on the guitar Muwa-chan plays!
This is surely FATE!
p22
Wha-...
Oh crap...!
p23
Ah.
Phew... Now then, let's get looking!
Nothing happened!
Baiki-san?
p24
Y-You got it all wrong! This was just an accident, or rather...!
...?
Geez... You were taking forever so I came to pick it up myself. It's in the box by that shelf over there.
Ah... Ah... I see. Sorry, Eri-chan!
Okay, I'll go get it! You wait right here, Eri-chan! Okay?
Man, I wasn't sure where it was! Ah! This, right!? That's one less thing to worry about! Wahaha!
p25
I'm home~
Welcome back, Onee-chan!
I told my friends at school about your trending video.
Mei~ Thank you! Good job, little sis!
Haruna, don't just play around all the time. Study properly too.
Okay~
After I'm done eating.
Fufu
p26
By the way...
Haruna, it's almost the holidays. Aren't you in a club yet?
Hmm~ Not yet~
I'd do one if I were as athletic as Tamaki-chan.
You're in the drama club, right, Mei?
Yeah! It looks like there's an authentic drama club at Kousen High School, so I'm gonna ask for a referral.
Victory
p27
That's amazing, Mei~
...?
Was that some kind of sound coming from above?
?
Never mind. Thanks for the food!
Hmm~ A club, huh...
I feel like I should do be doing something as...
p28
well...
p29
Phew...
Eh? Eh? Eh? Why? Why?
That thing was definitely in the music room, right?? And this is my bedroom, right??
Hey, you.
It's because I didn't apologise to Sensei properly! I'm having delusions too...
Hey.
Eh?
p30-31
Where is this place?
p32
I-...
Intruder!
Waaaah!!
p33
What!? What happened!?
What's wrong, Haruna!?
Dad!
p34
Geez, don't scare me like that. There's nobody there.
Try not to watch too many videos.
Eh...?
p35
This is a cute cosmetic.
He can't see you...?
Wait, is that floating?
Well, I am already dead, after all.
!?
Eh... Oh...?
What are you saying...? Are you trying to say you're some kind of ghost!?
p36
Probably.
Probably...?
Eh...
I don't remember exactly,
but that guitar is mine
and I'm probably haunting it because it's important.
I see... It doesn't seem like you're kidding...
Is this your house? Erm...
Haruna! Baiki Haruna! Call me Haru! All my friends do!
Ehe
R-Right...
p37
So... What's your name?
Ah, so you can drink stuff.
I've forgotten.
I can taste it, but it doesn't go down...
Hmm~... I need to call you something.
Maybe there's a hint about your name in here?
I think there's only my guitar inside that case.
A letter? "Happy birthday, Aki". Aki? Is this your name perhaps?
Aki...
p38
Aki, you're pressing down too much on the F chord...
Hrm, this is hard...
That's right... My name is Aki.
Great! You know your name!
Aki, huh... Haru and Aki. That has a good ring to it!
Nice to meetcha, Aki!
p39
...Aren't you scared? You were freaking out just a moment ago.
The name's Haru!
I was surprised at first, but now that I look at you, you're pretty and cool!
And interesting! I should be able to film some viral stuff for social media.
?
So-shull meedy-uh?
Yeah! You film all kinds of stuff on your smartphone and upload them.
What's a smartphone? What are you talking about, Haru?
Eh?
Eh?
p40
WOOOOAH
UWOOOOAH! AMAZING!
Are you from the future, Haru!? I can move this thing with my fingers!
I can't actually touch it, though!
...
No, wait wait wait. This is just weird... This mobile phone? Doesn't even have an antenna...
It should be like this.
You mean the type my mom used back in her day? That was like over 20 years ago.
Hrm...
...This doesn't make sense.
p41
I mean, this is...
Geez, it's already...
the year 1999, right? / the year 2024, y'know?
Seriously...? No wonder my memory's so foggy.
I must've overslept...
Uwaaah
Ahaha.
You're funny~
p42
I'll help you with anything that can help you regain your memories!
Great to have you, Aki!
Oh.
Well, first off...
You broke my guitar, didn't you!? You're gonna have to repair it in my place!
Hahahaha
Ah... You remember that part, huh?
Of course I do!
p43
Hmm. I don't know much about guitars, so I'll get the light music club advisor to look at it tomorrow.
I'll let you handle it, Haru.
I've been itching to play after so long... Mind if I possess you real quick, Haru?
Don't say such scary things.
I'll teach you guitar while I'm at it, so lend me your body.
I don't like how you phrased that!
Is what I would like to say, but there's the thing with the guitar, so just this once... But do you even know how to do that...?
p44
Don't worry. I more or less know how to do it just like with that floating cup.
Ah! There's a strap inside the case, so put it on!
The pick too.
This thing?
Try not to drop it again.
Okay, let's try it out!
p45
Ooh... You're really moving, Aki!
My fingers are moving on their own...
Hnng~
p46
My body... or rather, my soul remembers how to play!
Feels so good to play the guitar after so long!
Wait, Aki...! My fingers can't bend that far!
Don't worry! Just relax and let me handle it!
Uuh...
p47
Maybe I was a pro guitarist before I died! Yeah right.
Amazing...! This might really get as viral as Muwa-chan...!
This is no air guitar...!
p48
This is a real...
Ah.
Pft
High school girls don't have time.
I'll have to get Eri-chan to fix this too.
Ahaha.
It looks like meeting Aki will give me a lot more things to do, so I'm looking forward to it!
A premonition of something changing...?
_
Rock In Soul ch2
p1
Recruiting New Members!!
Morning.
You're up pretty early.
Kurato-sensei...
I'm a third year this year.
I figured I should do some recruiting to help the club even just a little bit.
p2
You're working really hard, Katou-san.
I remember when we first met. You were standing atop a mountain of delinquents.
Sensei... Please forget about that. You have the wrong idea.
Besides, I know how hard you've been working to preserve the club as its advisor.
The light music club is a place filled with important memories for me too.
p3
I hope we get... some new members.
A new start brings a premonition of new meetings!?
p4
Aki~ You there?
Hmm?
Hm?
I noticed when we were playing the other day,
but other than the scratch I caused, all the filth and rust has disappeared.
There used to be a lot of mold.
p5
Hm~ Maybe the guitar was rejuvenated when I awakened? I dunno for sure, though...
How strange~
I'm looking forward to school~ I used to go to Nanka High too... I think.
Is that so? I guess you're my senpai then. But your uniform's different?
That's cos it's from 25 years ago...
I feel like a granny.
Ahaha. But the building hasn't really changed. Our school's really old, after all.
Is she talking to herself?
p6
Class 1-A
Morning~
Morning.
!
Wait wait wait. What's that you've brought with you?
Ehehe. It's a guitar~!
p7
I was wondering why you went to school by yourself...
You make as little sense as ever, Haru.
Okay, take your seats.
Ah! Eri-chan! Look at this!
Don't call me Eri-chan!
Hah...
Later, okay? Class is starting so be quiet.
Okay~
Well then, Baiki-san. Start reading from page 24.
Eh!?
p8
Oh right. What was Baiki-san about to tell me?
A guitar case...?
It looks awfully familiar. It couldn't be...
I'll have to indirectly ask her about it later.
p9
Sorry for the wait, Baiki-san.
So, what did you need?
Ah! Eri-chan!
Y'see... I dropped this guitar and I'm worried I might have broken it.
Also, the string snapped so I thought maybe you could fix it, Eri-chan.
...
Eri-chan? Hello~?
p10
Baiki-san, where did you get this?
Erm~...
I can't exactly tell her it followed me home...
This sticker... Well, I'll find out either way once I open it.
Let me take a look inside.
p11
A Natural Telecaster Thinline Type...
But it's different... The one I'm thinking of isn't as clean as this... Other than the scratch I assume Baiki-san added, it looks like it's brand new.
I guess I had the wrong idea...
Alright.
I'll do some maintenance and change the strings.
Thanks, Eri-chan!
But in exchange...
p12
Good work, Katou-san. How goes recruiting new members?
Kurato-sensei~! Uuuh... It's no good...
I guess it's tricky when it's this late into the season.
This room feels familiar...
Oh? Who's that?
That was heavy.
p13
A girl from my class.
Hello!
Here~
So, about that favor I wanted to ask...
Baiki-san, would you consider joining the light music club?
Being a temporary member for now is fine, right, Katou-san?
p14
Y-Yes! Please!
I'm begging you! Please join! We need your help!
Sure! Alright!
Just like that!?
It sounds kinda fun!
p15
Once again, I'm Katou Kon, president of the light music club!
I'm a third year, but don't feel the need to be formal with me!
I'll go too... You two already know, but I'm Kurato Eri, advisor for the light music club.
Well, it's mostly for form's sake, but let me know if there's anything I can do.
Okay, okay! I'm Baiki Haruna, a first year!
If it's motivation, I've got plenty of it!
So... where are the other members?
p16
...
...Well, I'm sure we'll get more if we work hard!
Katou-san's the only one here right now.
We do technically have a few ghost members, though...
Ehehe
p17
Well... we can figure that out later. Since you're here, how about playing something? I'll change the strings right away.
Wah!
Actually, I can't play at all, so...
Don't worry, Haru.
Eh?
Leave it to me.
p18
Should be perfect now. We've got several effectors too, so use them as you like.
Don't worry. I'll use this vacuum tube for the amp.
Don't worry! I'll use this vakyoom toob? For the amp!
I'll match you with the drums then.
I'm not very good, though.
p19
Haru... Listen carefully.
The sound about to come from the amp is this guitar's true sound.
This is "our"...
p20-21
music.
p22
Wah...! Hey! The fingers I played with yesterday are...! Wait...!
Ow! My fingers!
Wow...
...!
p25
This... might be fun...
I'm not athletic like Tamaki-chan,
and I'm not smart like Mei,
but even so, there may be some things only I can do...!
Besides...
playing without any practice
is awesome!
p27
A-...
Amazing!
You're amazing, Haru-chan! I thought you were gonna suck with how absent-minded you looked!
Well, y'know~ Dehehe... Feels good~
That's a cruel conversation these two are having...
Hey!
Let me play some more!
You're pretty amazing yourself, Kon-senpai! I thought you'd be playing the piano or something, but you went BAM BAM BAM on those drums!
It was so cool!
p28
Eri~ What're you doing? Let's go home~
Shh!
Ah...
p29
But isn't that girl famous for being a weirdo?
She's always by herself and has some strange rumors about her.
That's what's great about her! She's different from everyone else! She seems like a strong woman!
Aha
Yeah, yeah.
Geez~
p30
It's a pretty guitar, but that scratch really does stand out.
Ehehe... I dropped it hard and really banged it.
Apologise!
Dehehe...
From the looks of it, this guitar is maple... It's surely a good one, so take good care of it.
Ah! I know!
p31
Yep! It's much cuter now!
Hey! You little! Don't stick lame stickers on it!
Why not~? It's cute.
?
It's just like you, Haru-chan.
I'm counting on you from now on!
Yeah!
Lame...
p32
Phew~
It really sounded just like it... I was surprised.
Looks like the light music club's gonna get busy from now on,
Akatsuki-senpai...
The time that was once frozen has started moving again.
_
Rock In Soul ch3-1
p1
Hah~
p2
How's that?
AHYAHYAH
"How's that"!? You didn't do a single thing I taught you yesterday!
p3
Could you not exorcise me!?
p4
You're laughing too much, Yuu-chan!
Ah, that was funny.
I thought it was good. I figured you'd get tired of it right away, so I'm kinda happy.
Ehehe
I'm not good with athletics like you are, Tamaki-chan...
but I think I've found something I like.
But you're just doing that for the likes, aren't you~?
This chick doesn't let up.
Of course!
p5
Hm?
Ah... Sorry! Forgot I had noon practice today!
Track Team
It's amazing how you became the team's ace right after joining as a first year, Tamaki-chan.
Tamaki was in high demand from all kinds of clubs back in middle school.
It's kinda sad that her days off don't align with ours that often.
p6
Sunday
Onee-chan, you'd better get going~
Okay~!
But are you sure you want me to come along?
p7
Your little sis!? I wanna meet her!
It's fine! Kon-chan said she really wanted to see you after I showed her a photo of you, Mei.
You seem to be enjoying yourself, Onee-chan!
Eh?
You've been a lot more cheerful lately compared to before.
Ehehe... You think so~!?
That wasn't a compliment...
p8
Although you have been talking to yourself more often...
Ha~ru-cha~n!
Ah! Kon-chan! Heya~!
That's my little sis Mei, and this is my light music club senpai Katou Kon-chan!
Nice to meet you. I'm Baiki Me-
p9
WOW, SO CUTE~!!!
Your name's Mei-chan, huh!? How old are you? You a second year in middle school~!?
Oh man~! Oh geez! So cute~! Wanna become my little sis!?
You can call me "Onee-chan" if you want<3
N-No, that's fine, Ko-... Katou-senpai!
You can't do that, Kon-chan. Mei is my little sis!
Onee-chan...!
p10
So, what are we here for today? Band practice?
Fufufu... The reason we've gathered today...
is for this!
The first annual Light Music Club Let's Get Along Part!
Ooh~
p11
First off, Pres!
Y-Yes!?
What do you think the light music club needs right now!?
...In order to do band activities, the first thing we need is to find the remaining members.
I can do the drums, but we'll probably need a bassist.
But finding someone who can play bass won't be that easy, I'm guessing...
How about we decide who'll be the temporary vocalist first!?
Are you listening?
Haha...
Say ah~<3
p12
I see. So that's why we came to a karaoke box. How nice~ I wanna sing too.
No. Don't talk over me.
Tch~
But my main goal for today is to become closer with Kon-chan, so let's have fun!
Sure!
Well then, allow me to start...
Reception
One, please...
Please sign here.
p13
Wanna do a duet with me next, Mei-chan?
N-No thanks.
Ehehe
Well, it wasn't bad, but it's pretty average.
You're just singing what's popular. There's no soul.
Geez~ All you do is complan! What the heck is soul anyway?
You can use that Muwa person's singing you often watch as an example, Haru.
p14
Hmm~... I don't really get what you're saying, Aki.
Is this one of those "smartphones" you've been playing around with?
Eh? No. It's a digital index for choosing songs.
I was wondering why I didn't see "that".
That chunky thing.
Aaaah
p15
They even have a pitch guide... Amazing.
Ooh~ You get score on it too! This "digital index" sure is convenient! Let's score you next!
Fufun! Very well! I'm pretty confident, y'know!
p16
Haru-chan and Mei-chan are both so good at singing!
I'm up next, huh? I'm pretty nervous...
Do your best.
I'm looking forward to hearing Kon-chan sing~
Hey, let's score ourselves starting from the next one!
Sure, sounds good!
p17
BOGEEEEEH
BOEEEEEEEH
!?
p18
O-Onee-chan.
Katou-senpai is pretty unique, huh...?
Yeah... Let's not score ourselves after all... Ahaha.
p19
K-Kon-chan, do you play any other instruments...?
Eh? Well, I am the president, after all! I can kinda play the guitar and keyboard!
I think drums suit you the best, Kon-chan!
*There are very few drummers who sing as well.
_
Rock In Soul ch3-2
p1
Ah~ That was fun!
See ya.
See ya tomorrow~
Good work today!
Thanks to you too, Mei.
It's fine! I had fun too! Make sure to invite me again, okay?
Ah, that's right. There's somewhere I wanna stop by on the way home!
Fwaah~
p2
Ooh~ A music store. Been a while since I've experienced this vibe.
I opened a hole in this pick so I could bring you along with me, Aki, so I figured I'd buy a new one for playing.
p3
Well, this way I can haunt you without you having to carry the guitar around. I felt bad about you being stuck at home.
That's true.
But it's my first time in a music store, so I'm kinda nervous...
I thought all guitars were the same, with the only difference being if they were acoustic or electric,
but now that I look at them, they all seem completely different...
Among electric guitars, there are strat-types known for their solid bodies and telecaster types.
There's also Les Paul types with arched tops and transformable guitars with hollow bodies. There's all kinds of types and they're all different in their own way.
p4
My guitar that you're using right now is a telecaster type...
Um! It's fine! I probably wouldn't get it even if I was listening!
I'll get treated like a weirdo if I go along with Aki's otaku mode...
Tch~
For today, I'm gonna buy a pick...
A cute one would be nice~
Okay...!
p5
Thank you very much.
Oh? You brought a practice book, huh?
I could simply teach you, y'know.Guitar for Beginners
Nah...
Since I have the chance, I'd like to try learning to study on my own!
Haru...
p6
I'm so glad you finally get me~!
Mei~ We're going home~!
Store clerks
Amazing... Is this really her first time touching a guitar...?
That's a talent you only see once every 100 years!
She was pretty good with karaoke too...
Wouldn't it be faster to just have your little sis join the band?
Please play this one too!
N-No, I'm good!
No can do. Mei has her own dreams.
...Hm?
p7
Okay! All set!
Why'd we rush home? I wanted to look around the store a little longer.
I got a notifcation that Muwa-chan's holding a guerilla livestream!
I figured I might as well practice chords while matching to her stream!
Hmph.
It wouldn't be hard if you could play them that easily.
p8
Ah~
Ah~
Good Mu~wa~ Thanks for coming to my guerilla on such short notice!
Baby I don't
S-Sorry! My phone was ringing.
I'll turn it off so it doesn't interrupt things.
Hey, Haru... That ringtone just now.
Well then, from the top~
p9
I'm looking for U
trying to reach...
...
H-Hey...
Muraoka Tamaki
Dialling...
The number you are trying to dial cannot be currently reached. Their phone may be turned off...
Could it be...?
_
Rock In Soul ch4-1
p1
Okay, that's all for now~ Otsu-muwa~
Phew...
Ah, that's right. My phone.
Missed Call - Haru
...Haru?
A curious call history...?
p2
Grabbing a guitar makes you feel like a "king"!?
p3
Morning~
...What's up, Haru? You've had this troubled face all morning.
....
Hey~?
Are you listening?
I'm feeling an intense gaze...
p4
I wanna ask if yesterday's call was important, but I've got a bad feeling about it...
Hmm...
Tamaki. This is from Haru.
Thanks, Yuu-chan.
Passing along notes, huh? How old-fashioned can you get...
p5
Muwa-chan?
p6
Wh-What's wrong, Muraoka-san?
Haha. It's nothing...
That bad feeling was spot on...
Hah~... And it had to be the biggest pain that found me out...
p7
No helping it now...
Come to the library during the next break
Please, Haru!
p8
Don't tell anyone about this, I'm begging you!
Okay, but why?
I was surprised when I found out, but...
I was happy that my beloved Muwa-chan was not only this close to me, but she was also my friend!
Haru! Not so loud...!
p9
...Erm, you know that I
have a pretty crude personality, right?
Not to mention my boyish appearance...
Haha
That's so not like me! Everyone would probablylaugh...
That's not true!
p10
You're pretty and cool and popular with everyone...
That's what I love about you, Tamaki-chan!
Haru...
Besides, I know that you actually love shoujo manga and romance flicks!
Awawa
Hey...! How did you...
Your little brother told Mei.
Lil Bro
My big sis is all~
Heh~
That punk...
p11
Regardless of if you have girly hobbies or you're a popular streamer, Tamaki-chan is Tamaki-chan!
I see... Thanks, Haru.
But could you keep this a secret between us anyway? I don't wanna stand out.
Sure! Of course! But I've got a favor to ask in return.
A favor?
p12
Just the two of us again today...
Guess we should go hand out more flyers...
Hmmm....
...? What's wrong, Haru-chan?
Borrowed a soft case from the clubroom
I tried inviting my friend, but she turned me down...
But I don't want to give up...
p13
Oh...? What's she like?
That's a shame.
...I can't tell you the details, but
she's someone I really love and respect...
Does she hate me now?
C-Calm down! What did she say when she turned you down?
p14
She said she was busy with club activities right now.
Eh? Well, I guess it would be difficult if she's already in a club.
Even so~!
How about changing your approach? Maybe you could try bringing her along to watch us practice?
She could have a trial period or just be a temp member. For now, we should get her interested.
p15
...That's it!
Alright, Kon-chan! I'll try asking her once more!
Sure! Take care now!
As the president, I need to do what I can to.
... by handing out flyers.
_
Rock In Soul ch4-2
p1
That being said, what exactly are you gonna do?
You plan on going straight to her and inviting her to light music club again?
I don't know! I don't know, but...
p2
For now, I'll wait until Tamaki-chan's done with her club activities...
Phew~
What's up, Haru? Off club today?
Ah! Tamaki-chan! Erm...
Erm...
Um...
p3
The stuff from earlier, huh?
...My club will be finished soon, so wait by the gate.
Tamaki-chan!
Don't go getting your hopes up.
I'm just saying we should walk home together since we have the chance, that's all!
Yeah, thanks! I'll be waiting!
Thanks for waiting.
p4
Y'know, I was really happy to see you get hooked on guitar, Haru.
Whenever you show interest in something, you almost always quit it right away, but you're actually sticking with it this time.
The fact it was music, the thing I'm into, that made you do that makes me kinda happy.
p5
Then!
But I can't join your band.
Like I told you earlier, I'm too busy with the track team anyway.
Figured as much...
Besides, I like how things are going for me right now.
Haha
p6
You're always saying how you enjoy Muwa's streams, right, Haru?
Yeah!
To me, Muwa is my ideal.
She's the ideal me who's different from the real me that I get to perform as.
Someone who only exists in streams and videos.
That's why I don't want to change Muwa's current environment.
p7
...Okay, I got it!
To be honest, I haven't given up yet, but I can accept it having heard your feelings, Tamaki-chan!
Are you stubborn or just honest...?
Is the light music club still looking for people?
Yeah... We need to get new members fast.
Do you know anyone who can play bass, Tamaki-chan?
p8
Hmm... I don't think I can help you with that.
But in exchange...
I could teach you how to sing on days when I don't have practice or finish up early.
Tamaki-chan...!
p9
Nice one, Haru.
This is your chance for that approach the pres mentioned.
In that case, if your days off line up, you should come to the club room to hang out!
I wanna introduce you to Kon-chan too, so just practice is fine, right?
I guess I can take a peek on my next day off.
Ah! And make sure to keep coming to my streams too!
Of course!
p10
It made me happy how you always had fun talking about Muwa.
It was embarrassing, but it made me really happy.
The fact I'm able to work hard with both club and my streams is thanks to your support, Haru.
T-Tamaki-chan!
p11
Haru, you need to stop that habit of hugging people right away. You're gonna cause a misunderstanding someday!
What do you mean~?
Hey there, Katou-senpai. Nice to meetcha. I'm Muraoka Tamaki.
Kon-chan! This is my friend I told you about.
She can't join or do concerts, but she's okay with joining practice!
p12
Haru-chan, are you perhaps gifted...?
This is bad... My position as president is gonna...
Okay, let's do a song while I'm here!
Wah~! I wanna do it!
Fufu. How reliable.
p13
We currently have two band members plus one provisional member!
We've still got a long way to go, but we've made just a little bit of progress...! I think?
Things are looking up...?
_
Rock In Soul ch5-1
p1
During break, it doesn't seem like she's asleep...?
Hey, over there...
Ah... Sudou-san, was it? I'm no good with that girl.
You're the public morals officer, right?
Hah...
mumble...
mumble...
U-Um, Sudou-san...
p2
M-My uniform is my own... policy...
Eh...? I haven't even said anything yet...
The armored warrior behind me told me what you wanted to... say.
Kousen High Scool 1st Year - Sudoi Reiko
p3
Eep...
Shiyugurei-san... was it...?
U-Um...
GYAAAAAAAAH
She did it again...
p4
Hah~... I messed up. Another day with no new friends...
I thought that if I changed up my uniform, even a gloomer like me could attract some friends...
Nice one, Rei-chan. You're still a loner even in high school.
p5
At this rate, joining a band will be a dream within a dream...
I want... some... friends...
Guess that's impossible, huh...
p6
Kh...
Kh...
Ng...
Crap... I dozed off.
I'm probably gonna miss my usual train.
p7
I-I'm heading off.
Uuh... Yep, called it.
And I was trying not to be late so I wouldn't attract the teacher's attention too...
Well, I guess one offense should be fine...
Hey, Aki~ This is heavy~
p8
Why don't you just buy a soft case that's easier to carry around?
Easier said than done~ I need my allowance for magazines and cosmetics.
p9
Hey, Haru~
What's... with that girl...
Her name's Haru, I guess...?
A ghost...? It doesn't seem like... she's possessed, but...
p10
Sudou-san sure is scary, huh? Talking to ghosts and all...
Sudou-san... This school doesn't have a light music club...
She's all I got...
The only person who could understand me...!
p11
If it's this person, I'm sure we can be friends...
If it's this person...
The next train is approaching.
Please stand behind the yellow line...
If it's...
Kousen High School, huh...
p12
Later, on a Sunday.
Hah... To think I'd get to meet(?) Haru-chan on a day off... I wanna talk to her...
Is that girl... a friend from school?
They seem close...
And they're doing k-karaoke too.
Karaoke with friends is so dazzling... It's dazzling, Haru-chan...
p13
How many in your party?
Ah... erm... One...
Uehehe...
What the...?
The black-haired girl is Haru-chan's little sister Mei-chan.
I've been keeping a close eye on her these past few days, after all...
Seems like they still don't have enough band members... Ah... Haru-chan's singing.
p14
You could say we're already bandmates...
p15
Uhe... Uehehe...
_
Rock In Soul ch5-2
p1
Yet another day, after school.
I'll definitely call out to her today...!
Monitoring social media...
It seems that girl the other day was a senpai in the light music club.
Hey, Haru~ Sorry for the wait~
!?
p2
Wha...!? Another new girl...
What is this? Geez!
She doesn't have an instrument, so she's probably not a bandmate...
This is bad... Why do people keep gathering around Haru-chan...? At this rate...
So like~
...we need to gather new members quickly...
Do you know anyone who can play bass, Tamaki-chan?
p3
Th-This is bad.
This is really bad!
At this rate,
Awawawa...
they'll have all the members they need!
And I had finally found you...! My destined one...!
p4
Haru-chan... No, Haru!
I wanted to have a fun session with you...!
Tomorrow for sure...!
I'll definitely talk to her!
p5
And yet another day.
I've thought it over and come up with a plan...
By myself today~
First, I lie in wait on Haru's path...
and then show her that I'm the bassist she's looking for!
p6
I'm glad things worked out with Tamaki.
Yeah~
In that case...!
Kh...
I'll jump them at the next alley...!
p6
Eh...?
They're gone...
Huh...?
A dead end...?
p7
What do you want with us?
Ah... Eh...!?
H-Haru...chan...
p8
You've been following me since the other day, haven't you? What do you want?
Urk...
Since it's come to this, I'll have to steel myself...!
U-Um...
Th-There's a girl... with long hair... behind you...
It'll be fine....!
Haru won't be creeped out...! I don't wanna be avoided anymore...!
p9
You can see Aki!?
I'm so happy~! There really is someone else~!
Ah... Eh?
Y'see, Aki told me there was this girl who was following me!
She said "I think that girl can see me".
Ah...
Ah...
p10
Ahaha
I was like "surely not", though~
Wh-What's wrong!?
Awawa...
I'm... sorry....
Everyone... always... avoids me, so...
I was happy...
p11
That's a bass, right?
A Stingray, huh? Good taste.
Ah... yes!
Ah... Um!
Would you like to join our band!?
p12
We're looking for someone who can play bass right now!
And since you can see Aki, this was surely meant to be!
...
...I love you.
Ah... erm... i-it's nothing...!
Baiki Haruna! First year student in Nanka High School's light music club! How... about it?
...
...
p13
First year at Kousen High School... Sudou Reiko!
Um...
Please go out with me!
p14
Ah, I mean... please be friends with me...!
Of course~!
Wah...!
Just Haru is fine! Good to have you, Reiko-chan!
p15
This is Aki! It seems she's been asleep until recently, so her memories are...
Huh?
Are you okay?
Handkerchief
Ah... yeah... Uwehehe...
Is this girl gonna be okay~?
She doesn't seem very reliable.
Th-Then please listen to me play...!
Will she be joining the band!?
_
Rock In Soul ch6-1
p1
So, you've found a bassist and want to borrow the clubroom, is it?
Yeah! Reiko-chan said she'd play for us!
You came back just when I was about to go home,
and with a student from another school, no less...
Is it no good, Eri-chan?
p2
Kurato-sensei! I'm asking this of you too!
Hmm...
Alright... I'll pretend I didn't see anything, so go home after playing once, okay?
In a way that the other teachers won't find you.
...So, where is this girl?
p3
It's always ringing loudly on the inside...
p4
I-I don't have much of a presence, so... Haha...
But I'm amazed, Haru-chan! You found a bassist just like that!
Where did you find her?
Erm~ In a backalley...? Reiko-chan was chasing this gho-...
Haru... chan...!
Y-You can't. They'll look at us weird if you say that...
p5
I'll be hated again.
Hmm...
I don't think that'd happen.
Hm! Alright! It'll be our little secret then!
Haru-chan...
p6
...
Yeah, we just kinda ran into each other!
Alright. I'll ask for the details another time.
Okay... Erm, Sudou-san. Take it away.
Ah... Sure...
p7
I Fought the law
p8
Ah! I think I've heard this one!
Howeh~
You two are amazing.
D...A. D... G. It's not that difficult, so you try playing along, Haru.
p9
Eh...!? A? ....A what? I don't get it!
It's okay. Just use the power chord.
Like... this?
First, calm down and look for the D note.
Hah...
p10
I've always dreamt of playing a session with Haru. I'm so happy...!
Uuh... I need to show her how cool I can be...!
Aku~! What am I supposed to do next!?
Looks like Reiko's in high spirits too. I'll take it from here!
p13
Sudou-san's a little fast, but she's very powerful.
If Katou-san can control her rhythm better, they might make a great pair.
Baiki-san has times where she's good and times when she's bad. Why is that...?
p14
By the way, what are you guys gonna do about practice from now on?
Phew~ I made it somehow.
Hmm...
S-Straight up transferring here...
...is probably a no-go, huh...
Don't worry about it, Reiko-chan! I'm the one who invited you!
Um~... I have a suggestion.
p15
If it's cool with you two,
how about we practice at my place?
...
If I recall, Katou-san's house is...
p16
I'll tell you the details tomorrow, so could we meet up after school?
Okay~!
Th-That's fine.
Well, this is a part of club activities too.
I'll bring out my car tomorrow.
As your guardian, I need to have an understanding of Katou-san's house too.
Hah
p17
Eri-chan's house! Yay~!
We'll be in your care, Kurato-sensei.
You're so pretty and good at looking after others, Eri-chan, so why don't you have a boyfriend?
N-... Never... mind.
W-Well then, I'll see you all tomorrow! Dismissed!
_
Rock In Soul ch6-2
p1
The next day.
It feels like an off-campus class! I'm excited~!
I-I'm happy.
Okay, let's go.
p2
So... about your house, Katou-san.
Right... My house is a dojo.
It's an old school that's been going since the Meiji era, but there's a lot of land...
The age where we had a lot of students has long since passed,
so it's not being used right now.
Amazing~...
p3
That explains why you were so strong.
See chapter 2.
Uh... Yeah...
I did that without thinking.
But... I don't want to succeed the dojo and learn martial arts...
I wanted to play music.
p4
I've loved the piano my mom played ever since I was little.
Even when it was time to sleep, I'd feel more at ease listening to piano than being read picture books.
But Dad made me take part in training.
He kept saying that, as his only child, he wanted me to succeed the dojo.
p5
He said no music too...
A-Are we nearly there?
Your house...
Yes.
We're already driving alongside it.
p6
Fweh~ It's so big~
So this is Kon-chan's house...
p7
Wait here a moment.
Okay~
Amazing.
...About what she said just now.
Her father must be against her... being in a band, huh?
Even if he is, if it's something that Kon-chan wants to do, I'm sure he'll understand!
p8
...You're right.
Go ahead.
This is the place.
Dad said I was free to use it as I please.
p9
Wow! Cute!
We can really use this place!?
Yeah. It's more or less soundproof apparently.
Sound absorbent material, perhaps?
There's electricity too, so it's fine to use it as long as it doesn't get too late.
We need to bring our own equipment, though.
Howev-
However!
p10
That's on the condition that I approve of your performance.
Dad!
Ooh...
Are you their advisor?
Eep...! Y-Yes!
p11
My daughter is always telling me about you and Haru-san, Sensei.
Thank you for looking over her.
I'm no demon...
I'm not asking you to perform on the spot.
I will give you a deadline.
I will make my decision when the time comes.
Until then, I don't mind how you use this place.
p12
The deadline is in two weeks.
Just you try and get my approval.
...
Understood.
Sensei!
Allow me to arrange the venue!
p13
...Well then, excuse me.
I-I'm sorry. Because of me...
Maybe I should transfer...
No, Sudou-san. This is a problem we have to deal with for the sake of the light music club.
Besides, I have an idea.
p14
A freshman reception concert!
Freshman
reception concert...?
Hah...
Yes... This is something Katou-san asked me about before.
She wanted to do a performance during lunch break to recruit new members.
That's why the preparations are already underway.
p15
Then...
Yes.
Two weeks from now, during lunch break...
you'll be holding your first live concert!
Our first live concert...
p16
Yeah! A live concert! Let's do it!
B-But I...
Don't worry!
We need Katou-san's parents to attend anyway,
so I'll put in an application to let you in as an affiliate while I'm at it.
p17
On the flipside, we've only got two weeks,
so you'd better get it together!
Okaaay...
Okay~!
Okay!
Well then, we need to decide on a band name first!
In fact, I thought of a few yesterday!
Folder
Band names!
Happy Beauty Party
Colorful Pastel Pretty Pripri
...We should probably go with something safer.
Haru-chan...! It needs more of a dark and metal vibe...
Eh~ It's fine, ain't it?
More safe...
More in your face...
Shouldn't practice come first?
_
Rock In Soul ch7-1
p1
H-Heavy...!
Haru-chan, use this!
A trolley!
Is this everything?
Phew~
Ah! Eri-chan! This too~!
A sofa!
p2
When did you...
We're only borrowing this room temporarily...
Also magazines and make-up tools and...
Ah... Same here. It's a bit old, but we'll need a desk, right?
Ah... I should've brought something too...
Pretty neat, right?
It's cute~
Huh~? Who's guitar is this?
That's mine. You can use it as a spare if you'd like.
I'm not using it right now, so I wouldn't know what to do with it.
p3
Well, this should do for now.
Is this where the legend begins...!?
p4
You guys...
You don't have time to be lazing around.
*Put the stuff away in the closet for now
Putting the band name aside for later, we first need a song...
Over here!
We should go with a trendy song!
Like Bao Akatsukana YAKISOBA Hirushika or something!
p5
Hmm... Considering my dad's pretty old-fashioned in both his listening and thinking, we should probably go with something more standard.
G-German Metal!
No... Slash Metal!
Ah, but if we're doing a band, Hardcore Punk might be better.
R-Reiko-chan, calm down!
We can't understand a thing you're saying!
p6
Okay, listen up!
I have a proposal regarding choosing a song.
In normal circumstances, you should just play what you each want,
but given we don't have much time, we should limit ourselves to songs a 3 piece band can play.
3 piece?
Guitar, bass and drums.
It's be especially hard for Baiki-san since she'll need to learn to sing and play guitar at the same time.
Uuh...
N-
No problem!
Singing aside, I can pull off guitar somehow!
Don't just rely on us, okay?
Right!?
p7
Well, we should take that into consideration when choosing our song.
So, what is your proposal, Eri-chan?
Live Song - My Grandfather's Clock
Do you all know this one?
p8
My Grandfather's Clock
...Wait.
It's that song, right...?
Eri-chan...
Isn't that pretty lame?
No...
p9
Erm, y'see, this song...
H-Haru-chan?
Huh...?
Baiki-san...?
What's up?
p10
Th-The vibe surrounding Haru-chan is different...
No... That's probably Aki-san.
_
Rock In Soul ch7-2
p1
Eh...?
p2
What's this, Aki? You trying to play like me?
Uuh...
What a cutie.
...Oh shut up.
I give up!
p3
Woah!
Hah...
p4
Awawawa...
H-Haru-chan, are you okay...?
Y-Yeah! Sorry, I was just spooked a little.
Baiki-san...
p5
I was repelled... Did Haru instinctively reject my possession all of a sudden?
I guess that's what happens if you don't have a certain level of mutual consent...
And then there's that memory just now...
Who was that...?
p6
Sorry, Haru. My memories got a little confused and I jumped in without thinking.
Is she upset...?
Don't worry, I'm fine! It just surprised me a little.
Baiki-san... What was that just now?
p7
Ah... Erm, well.
What do I do, Aki!? Eri-chan's really suspicious!
C-...!
C-Come to think of it, you m-mentioned that song was in a practice book...
right... Haru-chan?
p8
Reiko-chan...?
Hey, Haru! Reiko's covering for you so play along!
Hah
Th-That's right! It happened to be in a book I bought, so I've been practising it!
p9
Ahaha...
I see! That's perfect then!
I've got some band arranged sheet music with me, so shall we try adding bass to that?
p10
I agree! My Grandfather's Clock will surely appeal to both my father and the freshmen.
I-I agree too... I'm scared of performing... in front of a crowd, but... um...
That thing I saw just now was probably Aki's memories.
...
Maybe there's some kind of clue there...?
p11
Yeah...!
And also, if Aki knows English lyrics on top of being able to play...
I can leave everything to her!
Agreed! Let's go with My Grandfather's Clock!
...
Then it's decided.
p12
I didn't have any confidence so I worried what would happen if we went with a complicated track.
M-My image training... is perfect...!
I'll perform on stage with Haru-chan...!
We'll show our stuff in front of students I don't know...
In front of... a huge crowd... of students... I don't know...
Hey~
Am I gonna be okay?
p13
Katou-san, can you come get the music sheets tomorrow morning?
Sure~
We can finally do some real band activities...
I'm so happy...!
I'll do my best too!
p14
Eeeh~!?
You can't!?
Uwaaaahn
I sang without thinking today, but I really only play the guitar.
Also, I'm pretty vague on the lyrics after midway.
But you did them so well...
No way~...
p15
Well, either way, you know we can't keep doing things this way too, right, Haru?
If it's singing, you've got that chick, right?
You'd probably get way more practice done than having me teach you.
Ah! I see!
Tamaki-chan!
p16
Onee-chan's live concert... Her big moment!
As her little sis, I've gootta see this...!
...Everyone can hear her monologue
Hey, Haru. Your little sis is planning on skipping school~
Hmm...!
Mei~! Don't skip school!
She found me out!?
Okay~
Ahn~ I don't wanna practice~!
Where'd all your motivation from today go?
_
Rock In Soul ch8-1
p1
Okay, who can solve this next...
?
M-My grand...Modern Literature
p2
Watanabe-san.
Unya~
Watanabe-san!
Hey, Yuu. She's talking to you.
...Hah!
Nihihi.
Guess there's no helping it. Okay, you then, Muraoka-san.
Hah~
Geh! Why me!?
Those guys sure are peaceful, huh.
p3
A classic song crosses all eras.
p4
Are you paying attention to class, Muraoka-san?
...
Hrmm... English is hard...
Everyone's doing their part in preparation for the lunch break live performance.
Haru's memorising the lyrics and practising guitar.
There shouldn't be a problem if Tamaki handles the singing.
p5
I have been reading this site for over
one hour.
Kon's pretty diligent compared to everyone else.
I wonder if she made those flyers too.
That just leaves Reiko, but I can't exactly fly over to another school to check on her.
p6
Well, she's probably fine.
Okay, here's the results for the test a few days ago.
A lot of this will be on the midterms, so be sure to review them~
Math
p7
Hah...
How did you do on the test, Sudou-san?
Wh-Who's she again...?
I think... she's the class rep...
Well... okay... I guess...
You've had good grades ever since middle school, right, Sudou-san?
p8
Now I remember... We went to the same middle school...
...
Awkward...
Well, I won't lose.
Huh...?
Okay, let's begin the lesson.
...Erm...
W-Won't people look at you weird... if you start talking to me...?
p9
At any rate!
Those kinds of grades are pathetic. I want a fair fight with you come of the end-of-term exams.
You used to be so diligent. What happened to you...?
_
Rock In Soul ch8-2
p2
And was always his treasure
and pride But it stopped short
Never to go
again when
p3
Haru, you got a moment?
It's great you're working so hard to memorise the lyrics,
but I don't think that's what's important.
The goal this time is to convey the charm of the light music club, right?
If you focus too much on memorising the lyrics, your voice won't come out and you won't be able to keep up with the guitar chords too.
p4
Tamaki-chan~...
Don't worry. First, let's get your body used to the sound and rhythm.
That's right. We're at the stage where we can match up to what you've learned so far, so let's do our best!
Yeah~
By the way, Reiko-chan, I can lend you my uniform on the day, but will you be okay with your own school?
p5
Waaahn
I'll... be off... school.
Nobody... will notice if I'm even there or not... so it shouldn't... be a problem...
p6
My parents are busy with work too... and rarely come home... so it'll be fine...!
Is that so...?
Ah, but they get annoying when it comes to test results, so I always... text those to them.
I need to tell them... that my grades have been dropping a little too...
p7
Alright! How about we all study for the test once the live show's over then?
Our exam ranges may be different, but I can at least teach you what I know.
A-A study session...!
I'll do it...! I wanna do it!
Right, Haru-chan!?
I don't wannaaaa~
p8
I-I'll just be watching the house then.
She escaped.
Even though it's a different time, doing things together is still a student's duty, huh?
Friends, huh...
I don't have any memories, but I wonder if I had any.
No way, no way!!
p9
Getting back to the live show,
could we add a little something to the start instead of immediately starting with this opening part?
Erm, I want a solo part!
Sure! Sounds good! It's a staple of arrangements.
But I'm surprised. I thought you hated practising.
p10
I wanna stand out, after all!
I'm counting on Eri-chan and Tamaki-chan to shoot a video and upload it to social media!
Eh...?
Wait, this is the first I've heard of this...
V-V-V-Video...!? You will... censor out... my eyes... right?
p11
Then you'd better work even harder on those vocal exercises.
Yeah! I have practice too, so I'll have you coach me when you're free, Tamaki-chan!
Someday I'll be famous and collab with the Muwa-chan I admire so much... What if I end up getting interviewed on TV?
Fufu Fufu
Good work.
I hope this live show goes well and we get some new members.
We'll want more members if we wanna do all kinds of things, right?
p12
...
Nah. I do want some in the future,
but right now, I'm fine with these members.
That of course includes Tamaki-chan, Eri-chan
and one other!
?
p13
Heh~ New members, huh?
Do people recruit new band members through that social media thing these days?
Do they? I don't really know. Maybe they do?
Back in my day, we apparently used the local strength of a recruitment corner in magazines.
Let's form a band!
Member Recruitment (MemRec!) Corner!
That corner had fiery guys from across the country.
You sure remember some weird things, Aki.
...Also, when you say "apparently", does that mean you never used it yourself?
p14
...
I don't think I had many friends...
The only image I have is of my always being alone.
p15
Then that might make me your first friend!
I'm kinda happy about that!
p16
D-Don't be stupid! Get practising already!
What's this? You're blushing? That's rare~!
p17
My grandfather's clock~
Was too large for the shelf~....
...Come to think of it.
There!
p18
My grandfather's
clock...
p19
From Ange-san to Akitsuki-senpai...
and from me to Baiki-san and the others.
Well, I just kinda eavesdropped on it, though.
She's looking more and more like Senpai... What in the world could be happening...?
Passing on the feelings of music.