Volume 3

This is the third volume of the manga series, *Bocchi the Rock!* was released in the Japanese version on February 25, 2021. This volume contains 13 chapters.

## Description

If it's a gloomy character, let's do the rock!!! A gloomy guitarist character, Hitori Gotoh has started full-scale music activities with all the members of Kessoku Band, aiming to appear in the music festival "Mikakunin Riot" for teens only! Each member will also level up and aim for the Grand Prix! A new standard of the music manga that has fallen into the world of Reiwa! The long-awaited volume 3 is finally on sale!

## Plot

### One-shot

One day, Hiroi came to the live house (mainly to borrow the shower) and asked about Seika's picture in the school uniform. Seika told her that she wears casual wear in high school and has no idea where her middle school pictures went, much to Hiroi's surprise, adding with PA-san saying she did not have any either because of her quitting high school at the first year. When asked by Hiroi, PA-san said that she cannot wake up early and failed a bunch of subjects. Hiroi was asked back by them, reminded of her gloomy self, and avoided the question by asking them to dress in school uniforms which Hiroi sneaked out from Seika's closet.

Hiroi comments on how they look: Seika looks like a Yankee with a hidden otaku heart, and PA-san looks like a pure schoolgirl but with her piercing has a troublemaker side. Hiroi even tried to flirt with Seika and praised PA-san, that's before Nijika and Kita finally came and were surprised at how they are doing. Hiroi proceeds to praise Nijika for her flawless non-makeup look which frustrates PA-san who has been spending so much on skincare (and she is not happy either that she only surpassed Bocchi in Hiroi's eyes). Meanwhile, Seika pinched Kita because Kita said that it was a punishment game earlier.

### Chapter 26

The band discussed more details on Mikakunin Riot and how to deal with them, and Nijika felt happy seeing Bocchi in high spirits on this, even if asked about how she felt about performing in a live bigger than others (which she still doubt on it anyway). Nijika plans for them to do more lives, including street performances to introduce themself more as it also included public voting.

The band also made some research about girl bands around their age and discovers a few (from Ryo's unreliable blog source however), until someone mentioned SIDEROS which pulled their attention due to the fact they also performed at FOLT where Hiroi's band is based. They mentioned how the band vocalist managed to perform a solo performance just a year after a debut and how they are pretty popular around their scene. Nijika proposed for them to make another original song and a mini album, alongside a music video, and determined that the one they will submit as a demo review will be the best they will make. Bocchi who saw Ryo in deep thought asked her, only for Ryo to ask Bocchi to write good songs so that she will gain a lot of royalties to live in high-rise apartments.

While the band is planning to make a promotional video, PA-san mentioned Seika recorded their concert during the cultural festival, only for Seika to admit most of it focused on Bocchi. Nijika still think it will be good material for their promotion anyway, so she edited it so all the band members got their proper highlights. The band members pestered Nijika with their requests during the editing of the video, much to Nijika's annoyance. A moment later, the editing was done and the video is uploaded, but they are demotivated by how amateurish they performed back then, putting them back into practice.

The scene switch to FOLT, where the band SIDEROS just finished with their one-man live. A member talked about the Kessoku Band video which was just uploaded and Yoyoko takes a look at it, only for her to act like she is looking down on them. The other members thought she just felt annoyed by someone recently.

Meanwhile, back in STARRY, Ryo who noticed the number of views had risen asked Bocchi to replay the video continuously so they can get revenue from that.

### Chapter 27

It is winter holiday and Bocchi and Kita are strolling around, talking about how time flies by and how to spend their Christmas, before Nijika's message reached them about Kessoku Band will perform in SICK HACK solo live as guest performers, alongside SIDEROS on Christmas Eve. Meanwhile, in FOLT, Yoyoko is having an argument with Hiroi for putting her band alongside Kessoku Band, which for her was an unknown band. Hiroi defended her decision that it will benefit Yoyoko's social life on top of that she needed a band to fill in the space during the live opening. Hiroi's decision bothered Yoyoko and adds to her suspicion, as lately Hiroi keep talking about that band and spend lesser time with SIDEROS. The matter bothered her so much that she mistakes her guitar for a broom and rice cracker with CD discs.

Yoyoko later went incognito to STARRY alone to investigate more about Kessoku Band. Her arrival is welcomed by Fan #1 and #2, who are already there. She introduced herself as Tsukki. She tried to avoid close contact with them and pretended that she is a first-time fan who came just on an impulse to see them closer. The fans accompany her during the whole performance and told her more about the band. At the same time, she quietly evaluated the band and muttered some commentary on how they did not perform well enough to be a guest performer. Later the fans brought her to the merchandise booth and were surprised that they even sold cable ties as their signature merchandise.

The fans dragged her to meet the band face to face, in which she managed to face Bocchi, only for Bocchi to be flustered by her unfriendly eye contact. The band even signed the demo CD just for her. Ryo later recognizes her face to be somewhat familiar, which she tried to deny. At the same time, they also spotted Hiroi, as usual coming to the concert while being drunk. Nijika thanked her for inviting them to the live, only for her to tell the band that she don't even aware that she did invite them (but still will invite them anyway). Hiroi spotted Yoyoko's disguise right away. Yoyoko tried to defend herself before just giving up and admitting herself, only for the rest of the band still not to recognize her in her current outfit.

Yoyoko later changed back into her band outfit, and Hiroi asked her once more about what she thought of the band. Yoyoko tried to come up with another argument to disapprove of the band and Hiroi's decision, but Hiroi straight away cut her words. Ashamed, she left STARRY in a hurry. The band is still in shock at what had happened just now. Hiroi wished them good luck with the upcoming event.

Back in FOLT, the other SIDEROS members talked about how Yoyoko even brought the signed CD back. Yoyoko felt annoyed.

### Chapter 28

The day for the concert of SICK HACK. Kessoku Band is rehearsing their performance in FOLT. Bocchi felt too much pressure that she brought the (evolved) Ripe Mango box and hide in it, and Kita's throat became dry that she coughed. Yoyoko watching them secretly criticized silently on how the band still not doing any good.

In the backstage, they reflected on their rehearsal and felt overwhelmed by how SIDEROS and SICK HACK are doing better than them. They thought of some ideas on how to make their performance more interesting, but given the time and even their genre don't even fit, they went even more gloomy. Bocchi told about how she as guitarhero used to get requests to play for Christmas Eve, which is mostly love songs, which made her feel gloomy and cannot even stand more than 10 songs. Yoyoko glared at the band and that make them more nervous.

Later the rest of SIDEROS members greeted them, with Akubi Hasegawa leading the conversation. They introduced themself one by one and made an assurément to Kessoku Band that the concert will go alright even if it still ended up in mess (because of Hiroi). Akubi also admitted that they liked Kessoku Band songs. Yoyoko took this chance to flex on them by mentioning that she has 10000 followers (equal to Makuhari Hall), only to be defeated by Kita mentioning her getting 15,000 followers (equal to Budokan). Embarrassed, Yoyoko tried to cover up by saying they should not compete in skill. Akubi stated that it was just Yoyoko's usual behavior, she is bad at communicating. Kessoku Band admitted that they are calmer now with their interaction. Akubi talked about how she is always nervous too but feels better since Yoyoko is even nervous that she cannot sleep for days hence explaining the glaring eye.

Yoyoko, felt tired takes a rest on the couch, and at the same time gives some advice and motivation to Kessoku Band, reluctantly admitting they also are getting better. While having a word with Bocchi on how she needs to practice 6 hours a day (which Bocchi already did), other members pointed out her guitarhero channel and shows Yoyoko the number of subscribers, and the fact that it is equal to 2 Tokyo Dome shocked her more. Covering her embarrassment even more she give her final advice to the band before they started performing. Still in the backstage, Yoyoko thought once again about if she did right or not, bothered by how Kessoku Band members' internet numbers surpassed her.

### Chapter 29

It is Christmas and Seika's birthday, and Kessoku Band is in STARRY for the Christmas party alongside SIDEROS. Kita and Nijika became the MCs of the party. While the rest of the bands enjoyed it, the three introverted people (Bocchi, Ryo, and Yoyoko) just sat together silently and ate to overcome the awkward atmosphere between them. Seika asked about the concert in FOLT yesterday and Nijika told the audience even made a mosh pit and give a standing ovation, making them feel awkward. It triggered Yoyoko who has been eavesdropping on their conversation and started to give a sermon on the live atmosphere. Later when she cools down, Nijika finally mentions their participation in Mikakunin Riot, which again arouses Yoyoko's thoughts. Later Hiroi (who was not invited) barged up into the party because she felt very lonely as her bandmates were busy at the moment.

Present-giving event to Seika commenced. Kita gave her a herbarium bottle and lip balm. Ryo, don't really buy her anything instantly goes outside and "gave" her snowman from outside and created some made-up story of its value. Hiroi gave her "cash and meat", which is actually just a half-completed shopping reward sticker she needs to complete, and it's already expired. Bocchi still doesn't buy her anything even after asking Seika months ago and proceeds to just present a song instead, only to end with her guitar string snapped, resulting in the abrupt end of the party. The snowman already melted at that time.

After the party. Yoyoko declared her band will enter Mikakunin Riot, but later embarrassingly give Kessoku Band the list of things they could improve before the competition. The rest of SIDEROS became grumpy as they are not consulted beforehand, and only then Yoyoko asked if they agreed on that.

The Ijichi siblings later take a stroll outside. Nijika gave her a massage machine alongside other healthcare products, which made Seika feel sad that she is already old. Nijika also declared one day she will give her the greatest present to Seika.

### Chapter 30

Ryo was absent from school lately and it worried Nijika. Even Seika already turned into a demon waiting for her return to work. Bocchi later came to the live house and when asked told her what she and Kita had done during the New Year holiday (most of them are just Kita and her friends dragging her anywhere they wanted). After being pointed by Bocchi only then Kita present in a gloomy state due to Ryo's absence, and even have wild negative thoughts about what had happened to her. They later decided to pay Ryo a visit.

They came to Ryo's big mansion only to find her camping outside the house, and her parents joining as well. She later brought them into her room and was amazed to see many instruments inside. Kita asked about her bass only to find out she already sold it. The bandmates also found out Ryo has been doing song demos and wanted to hear them out, but Ryo tried to avoid them by swinging her computer around. Only later that she admitted that those are not good enough to show and tried to make them go away as their presence is distracting.

Looking at the messy music sheets on the floor, Bocchi picked them up those sheets and started playing the guitar according to the sheet. As the rest of the band joins in they later formed a band session in her room. After that, Ryo revealed her reason for absence as she felt worried that the band will break up. Nijika tried to comfort her and smacked her down to enlighten her. Ryo felt better later on before just chasing them out away as she needs to focus back on the song.

Meanwhile, Seika started sulking as the band went to Ryo's house without telling her.

### Chapter 31

The new song, now titled Gloomy Goodbye, has been finished its production, and Nijika suggested they should shoot a music video for it as well as share it in streaming sites as well. Due to tight budget, Nijika just decided to shoot it by themself. Asked about how they could do it themself, Nijika reveals that she has called in Fan 1 and Fan 2 there, which reveals that they are studying film in an arts university, to help with their shooting.

The two fans taught them some basics on making music video in theory. They started brainstorming their ideas for the video, with Ryo suggesting very absurd suggestion like putting animals and too long titles and Kita suggests to put some romantic elements which triggers Bocchi's youth complex. Seeing all members hard to disagree with any ideas, Fan 1 kicked them out from the live house and told them just to follow her direction.

In the park, the fans requested them to act like normal like how they usually does, but Bocchi being herself means she only can hide herself, made her unattractive. Kita tried to adjust Bocchi to be more attractive only for it to be reversed in a short while. The shooting continues.

On a later day, they uploaded the music video in OH!TUBE. The members watched the final products together. Nijika asked why Bocchi doesn't appear in non-performance scenes, and Fan 1 told her she don't look good in any of it that she need to be excluded

### Chapter 32

The band reviews the music video engagements after some while. The views has reached 5 digit numbers, and Ryo cringed at some comments that told their own love story in it. Kita, however felt her voice sounds off in the video, and tried to as PA-san as the sound engineer of the song only to be told she enjoyed editing it, adding to her insecurity. She later invited Bocchi together for a karaoke outing, much to her shock and reluctance.

In the karaoke room, Bocchi still feel very anxious and even more insecure of doing karaoke together with Kita, even trying to block the staff from entering the room. Kita asked Bocchi to sing also, only for Bocchi to reveal about her singing not being good (by her view). Bocchi felt distanced by Kita's response and forced herself to sing a manly song, and Kita feeling that Bocchi being unnatural try to correct her singing way. Later on Kita keeps being the one singing.

Bocchi went out to the toilet, and curious of the lively sound of the next room, she goes in the room and saw Yoyoko doing a weird move alone in the room. Bocchi walks away from the room and came back to her room in a scared expression, surprising Kita. Yoyoko barged in their room and tried to explain (and cover up) her reason of doing solo karaoke next room. Kita invited Yoyoko to join them together in the room, and Yoyoko brought foods she ordered.

The singing session continues, with Yoyoko singing her band songs and Kita also sings later on, where she keeps getting the high score but still feels off with it. Realizing Kita is going all out in her singing, Yoyoko asked that if she really wanted to have fun there. After listening to Kita's explanation, Yoyoko gives some advices about her singing, but when tried to tell Kita as not being the vocalist Kessoku Band needs, Bocchi defends Kita, making Yoyoko feel bad with her word.

After the session, they walked together to the station and Yoyoko advises Kita to sing whatever she thinks of the songs she sings. Kita felt more motivated by Yoyoko's words. On their way back, Kita goes on the same way Bocchi takes, and when asked by Bocchi, she told her that she want to have a stay over in Bocchi's house for the weekend in the name of finding inspiration for their songs, much to Bocchi's nightmare.

## Allusions of cover page

* Chapter 27 - "Bad Paradox" by BLUE ENCOUNT
* Chapter 28 - "Gunjou Biyori" by Tokyo Incidents
* Chapter 30 - "Sentimental Sister" by yonige
* Chapter 31 - "Sentakuki to Kimi to Radio" by Macaroni Empitsu
* Chapter 32 - "Kawaii Dake" by Kyuso Nekokami
* Chapter 33 - "Kienai" by Akaiko-en
* Chapter 34 - "Moto Kareshi Toshite" by My Hair is Bad
* Chapter 35 - "Flash!!!" by King Gnu
* Chapter 36 - "A-E-U-I" by THE ORAL CIGARETTES
* Chapter 38 - "Ryoukiteki na Kiss o Watashi ni Shite" by Gesu no Kiwami Otome.

## Characters

List of characters in order of appearance:

* Kikuri Hiroi
* Seika Ijichi
* PA-san
* Ikuyo Kita
* Nijika Ijichi
* Hitori Gotoh
* Ryo Yamada
* Yoyoko Ohtsuki
* Akubi Hasegawa
* Fuko Honjo
* Kessoku Band Fan 1
* Kessoku Band Fan 2

## Gallery

### Chapter covers

Chapter 26 coverChapter 27 coverChapter 28 coverChapter 29 coverChapter 30 coverChapter 31 coverChapter 32 coverChapter 33 coverChapter 34 coverChapter 35 coverChapter 36 coverChapter 37 coverChapter 38 cover
### Miscellaneous

Clean coverCharacter illustration ft. Ryo Yamada
## Trivia

* In chapter 38, Hiyori Minagi and Koharu Minagi from the *Slow Loop* characters appears as a minor.
	+ As did in the twenty-sixth chapter of the fourth volume of the *Slow Loop* manga, Kessoku Band appears briefly in the cultural festival of Minami Kanagawa High School.
* The volume cover has Kita holding water bottles which label is similar to the real life Ilohas mineral water, a mineral water brand by Coca-Cola Japan.
	+ Ilohas has collaborated with the series after the anime airs.