EpsilonΦ Band Story - Chapter 1, Episode 1

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Band Story

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Chapter 1: Episode 1

Directive
After the Starting Live, Shu is summoned for a meeting by his father, the president of Duck River. At the meeting, Shu is told ...

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— EpsilonΦ Sharehouse —

 Reiji:‏‏‎‏‏‎‏‏‎‏‏‎ ‎

‏‏‎Shu, are you ready? If we don’t leave soon, we’ll be late for our meeting with the President.

 Shu:‏‏‎‏‏‎‏‏‎‏‏‎ ‎

‏‏‎So noisy ... stop rushin' me.

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‏‏‎And besides, why's Papa wanna talk with us so suddenly anyways?

 Reiji:‏‏‎‏‏‎‏‏‎‏‏‎ ‎

‏‏‎It seems he would like to discuss the Starting Live.

 Shu:‏‏‎‏‏‎‏‏‎‏‏‎ ‎

‏‏‎ ... Reiji, have ya been snitchin' to 'em?

 Reiji:‏‏‎‏‏‎‏‏‎‏‏‎ ‎

‏‏‎The Starting Live is a precursor to the LRFes. It is only natural that the Fes’s organizing company, Duck River, would be aware of what goes on in it.

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‏‏‎There is no need for me to report anything. The President would be immediately notified of Epsilon’s non-participation, regardless.

 Shu:‏‏‎‏‏‎‏‏‎‏‏‎ ‎

‏‏‎Hmm ... you’ve got quite the explanation, don’tcha? Sorry for accusin’ ya, then.

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— Duck River —

 Secretary:‏‏‎‏‏‎‏‏‎‏‏‎ ‎

‏‏‎Shu-san, Reiji-san. I've been expecting you.

 Reiji:‏‏‎‏‏‎‏‏‎‏‏‎ ‎

‏‏‎ ... Where's the President?

 Secretary:‏‏‎‏‏‎‏‏‎‏‏‎ ‎

‏‏‎He is away on an overseas tour. I am here on his behalf.

 Shu:‏‏‎‏‏‎‏‏‎‏‏‎ ‎

‏‏‎I’ve tried phonin’ him a couple times but he … never picked up. He’s just as busy as ever, huh?

 Secretary:‏‏‎‏‏‎‏‏‎‏‏‎ ‎

‏‏‎Indeed. I'll get straight to the point.

 Shu:‏‏‎‏‏‎‏‏‎‏‏‎ ‎

‏‏‎ ...

 Secretary:‏‏‎‏‏‎‏‏‎‏‏‎ ‎

‏‏‎This is the President's message to you. 'Shu-san, you are to leave EpsilonΦ.'

 Shu:‏‏‎‏‏‎‏‏‎‏‏‎ ‎

‏‏‎What ... ?

 Secretary:‏‏‎‏‏‎‏‏‎‏‏‎ ‎

‏‏‎'I heard you didn’t attend the Starting Live.'

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‏‏‎'If you’re not even willing to do that, you’re better off returning to Kyoto.'

 Reiji:‏‏‎‏‏‎‏‏‎‏‏‎ ‎

‏‏‎Please, wait a moment ... what are you ... so suddenly ...

 Secretary:‏‏‎‏‏‎‏‏‎‏‏‎ ‎

‏‏‎This decision was not made frivolously. As you know, the President is a busy man. The fact that he took the time to leave a message for you is proof that he is treating this situation with utmost seriousness.

 Reiji:‏‏‎‏‏‎‏‏‎‏‏‎ ‎

‏‏‎But still, to just ... !

 Secretary:‏‏‎‏‏‎‏‏‎‏‏‎ ‎

‏‏‎A new vocalist for EpsilonΦ will be provided from within the agency. We have already scouted several qualifying candidates, so there is no need to worry about a replacement.

 Shu:‏‏‎‏‏‎‏‏‎‏‏‎ ‎

‏‏‎EpsilonΦ ... I created that band, its songs, their lyrics, everythin’ ...

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‏‏‎I don’t care if it’s what Papa ordered … there’s no way in hell I’d ever leave.

 Secretary:‏‏‎‏‏‎‏‏‎‏‏‎ ‎

‏‏‎Shu-san, are you sure you’re not misunderstanding something?

 Shu:‏‏‎‏‏‎‏‏‎‏‏‎ ‎

‏‏‎What ... ?

 Secretary:‏‏‎‏‏‎‏‏‎‏‏‎ ‎

‏‏‎I don’t mean to be rude, but the President is always complaining about your brash behavior.

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‏‏‎The President’s reason for letting you act freely is not for you to pursue fame.

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‏‏‎The LRFes is a festival that chooses a band to be publicized to the whole world by our company. We are looking for groups that are talented, appealing, and have unique musicality.

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‏‏‎EpsilonΦ has potential. Its members’ skills are top-notch—to the point where it’s hard to believe that the band is composed of middle and high school students. Additionally, it’s captured the public’s attention.

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‏‏‎But the face of EpsilonΦ does not have to be Shu-san. Especially if you’re the one dragging them down.

 Shu:‏‏‎‏‏‎‏‏‎‏‏‎ ‎

‏‏‎What ... that's ...

 Secretary:‏‏‎‏‏‎‏‏‎‏‏‎ ‎

‏‏‎Say, why don’t you put more effort into composing and producing music?

 Shu:‏‏‎‏‏‎‏‏‎‏‏‎ ‎

‏‏‎Y’all just want the “EpsilonΦ” label, right? That’s why yer goin’ on about such nonsense.

 Secretary:‏‏‎‏‏‎‏‏‎‏‏‎ ‎

‏‏‎As the President’s son, please think about this calmly.

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‏‏‎The world will soon know that you are the son of Duck River’s President.

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‏‏‎When that happens, needless doubt will be cast on the legitimacy of EpsilonΦ's success—many will wonder if the band had the company’s backing from the start ...

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‏‏‎In other words, there may come a time where your very existence becomes a hindrance to the EpsilonΦ that you created.

 Shu:‏‏‎‏‏‎‏‏‎‏‏‎ ‎

‏‏‎Are ya tryna say that I’m not good enough to prove my own worth … ?

 Secretary:‏‏‎‏‏‎‏‏‎‏‏‎ ‎

‏‏‎If you claim that’s not the case, please convince us otherwise—using music, not clever little excuses.

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‏‏‎The President has requested that all members of EpsilonΦ are to perform in a solo concert before the LRFes.

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‏‏‎The company will provide the venue—a grand stage that matches the band’s ability. Make it a success. Leave the audience speechless.

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‏‏‎If you can do that, the president will recognize your abilities.

 Shu:‏‏‎‏‏‎‏‏‎‏‏‎ ‎

‏‏‎How shameless. Ya tell me to leave the band, and now ya want us all to do a solo performance? This was all part of yer plan from the beginnin’, wasn’t it?

 Secretary:‏‏‎‏‏‎‏‏‎‏‏‎ ‎

‏‏‎If that’s how you want to look at it, suit yourself. Just know that you won’t be getting a second chance.

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‏‏‎That is all I have to say.