Wednesday 2 September 2000
The next day, Zaboru, Sanika, and the entire Zaraki band gathered together. At this point, the band had four main members: the usual Kingo and Masayoshi, along with a new addition, a bassist named Bradley Kiyotake. Bradley was half Japanese and half American, and also a close friend of Masayoshi. Zaboru had personally approved his skills, as his bass playing was solid and his voice was strong enough to support as a second male vocalist. Zaboru particularly liked that combination, and Bradley had officially joined the band just last month.
Now, the group of five, along with Sanika, planned to visit Sanika's friend at the Mizuno household. However, in the end, only Zaboru and Sanika would actually go. The other three members headed directly to the studio to prepare everything in advance, ensuring that once Zaboru arrived later, things would already be set and ready.
Kingo grinned. "Boss, I'll prepare the studio while you visit her."
Zaboru chuckled and nodded. "Yeah, I'll leave it to you, Kingo."
There was a brief moment of understanding between them before the group split up. Kingo, Masayoshi, and Bradley headed straight toward the studio, already discussing preparations and equipment setup as they walked away.
Meanwhile, Zaboru went with Sanika. The two of them headed toward his car, moving at a relaxed pace.
It wasn't anything flashy or luxurious.
Just a simple Honda Civic—one he had owned for years.
Despite everything he had achieved, Zaboru never felt the need to replace it with something more extravagant. For him, it was more than enough.
The engine started smoothly, and soon, the two of them were on their way to the Mizuno household.
Not long after, Zaboru arrived at the Mizuno household. The car came to a smooth stop in front of the modest home, and Sanika smiled softly as she looked at it.
"Here it is, Nii-san."
Zaboru nodded, turning off the engine before stepping out. He briefly observed the house. It wasn't large or luxurious, but it felt warm—lived-in, cared for despite its simplicity.
Together, they walked toward the front door. Sanika reached out and rang the bell, the soft chime echoing inside the house.
A few quiet seconds passed.
Then, the door slowly opened.
Kana Mizuno stood there.
For a moment, she completely froze.
Her eyes widened the instant she recognized who was standing in front of her. Hearing about it yesterday was one thing… but seeing Zaboru in person made everything feel unreal.
"Hello, Kana-chan! Sorry to bother you… and this is my brother, Zaboru."
Zaboru gave a calm, polite smile and raised his hand slightly.
"Miss Mizuno."
Kana's thoughts stopped.
"S… Sani-chan… a-and M-Mr. Renkonan…"
Her voice trembled, her body stiff from shock.
"P-please… come in…"
She stepped aside quickly, almost clumsily, still trying to process the situation. Her heart was beating fast, and even as she welcomed them inside, it still didn't feel real.
It felt like a dream she hadn't woken up from yet.
Zaboru smiled as he and Sanika stepped inside. The house was small and simple, yet it felt warm and comfortable. There wasn't much furniture or decoration, but everything was clean and neatly arranged, showing the care Kana had put into maintaining it despite their situation.
Inside, the family was already gathered. Kana's father, Kazu Mizuno, stood near the table, while her younger brother, Kei Mizuno, watched quietly with curious eyes. Nearby, Kana's mother, Kawau Mizuno, sat in her wheelchair, her presence calm but clearly weakened.
For a moment, the room fell silent.
The entire family looked at Zaboru in awe, almost unable to believe that someone like him was standing inside their home. Only Kawau remained composed, her gentle gaze observing him with quiet understanding.
Zaboru greeted them politely before taking a seat with the family, his demeanor calm and respectful, without any sense of superiority.
After a brief exchange, he excused himself for a moment, then returned carrying a package.
"Here… just a small gift from me. Some gyoza."
He handed it over casually, as if it was nothing special, but the quantity was more than enough for the whole family.
Kazu smiled warmly, clearly grateful. "Thank you very much… we really appreciate this."
He looked at the food for a moment before adding, almost shyly, "We might save it for tomorrow."
Zaboru simply smiled, nodding without any concern.
"I don't mind at all."
His tone was light, but genuine, making the atmosphere in the room soften just a little.
Then Zaboru looked at Kana with a calm expression before speaking. "Kana-san… may I call you that?" Kana nodded quickly, still a bit nervous. "Y-yes, Mr. Renkonan…" Zaboru let out a small chuckle and shook his head slightly. "Zaboru is fine."
He leaned forward a little, his tone becoming more direct but still gentle as he continued. "I've seen your guitar skills on your YouTube channel, and honestly… I'm impressed. Your singing ability, your tone, your control—and your guitar playing as well. You have a solid foundation." Kana listened quietly, her hands slightly tense on her lap as she tried to stay composed despite the pressure building inside her.
"But skill alone isn't everything," Zaboru went on. "What matters is how you use it—how you perform under pressure, and how well you can adapt when playing with others. Playing alone is one thing; you control everything—your timing, your rhythm, your pace. But in a band, everything changes. You need to listen, to adjust, and to move together with others. And sometimes… you need to keep going even when things don't go perfectly." A faint smile appeared on his face, calm but slightly sharper, as he observed her reaction.
Kana swallowed quietly, feeling the weight of his words, while Zaboru leaned back slightly. "But that's also what makes it interesting," he added, a quiet confidence in his voice. "So, how about it?" he asked again, this time softer but more focused. "Would you like to test your abilities and see if you're good enough to join my new band?"
Kana was clearly surprised. This was an incredibly rare opportunity—something she had never imagined would come so suddenly. Yet instead of answering right away, her eyes slowly shifted toward her mother as hesitation filled her thoughts. Part of her wanted to accept immediately, but another part held back, thinking about her family, her responsibilities, and everything she might have to leave behind. For a brief moment, she was on the verge of rejecting Zaboru's offer.
But then her mother spoke. "She will take it, Zaboru-san." Kana froze. "M-Mom!?" Her mother's voice was gentle yet firm, carrying a quiet certainty that left no room for doubt. Soon after, her father smiled and stepped in as well. "Yes… she will take it." He looked directly at Kana, his expression warm but serious. "Kana… don't worry about us. We all know how talented you are. This is your chance to make your dream come true." His words were steady, filled with both trust and encouragement, while beside him Kei nodded eagerly and added, "Go for it, Nee-san!"
The support from her family came all at once, surrounding Kana and gently pushing her forward, and in that moment, the hesitation in her heart began to fade.
Kana's eyes began to tear up slightly, emotions quietly building within her. But instead of breaking down, she took a small breath and steadied herself, her resolve becoming clear.
"Yes… I want to try it."
Her voice was soft, but there was a firm determination behind it.
Zaboru chuckled lightly, clearly satisfied with her answer. "Great. Let's go."
Kana gave a small nod, her heart still beating fast, but now mixed with a sense of anticipation.
Zaboru excused himself politely to the family, and soon after, he, Kana, and Sanika left the house together. Before stepping out completely, Kana glanced back at her family one more time, quietly holding onto their encouragement.
Not long after, they arrived at the Zaraki band's new studio.
The environment was completely different from what Kana was used to. The space was larger, filled with professional instruments, sound equipment, and an atmosphere that immediately felt serious.
For a brief moment, she stood still, taking everything in.
Then she moved.
Kana quickly began warming up, adjusting her breathing, testing her vocal range, and lightly strumming her guitar. At first, her movements were slightly tense, but gradually, she began to find her rhythm.
Zaboru watched her quietly for a moment before speaking.
"You're really good at singing 'Zankoku na Tenshi,' right?"
A faint smile appeared on his face.
"Let's play it."
Kana looked surprised. "E-eh… play it now? But… I haven't even rehearsed it…"
Zaboru chuckled lightly, his tone calm and reassuring. "Don't worry. We'll follow your lead. Just go with it." His confidence was steady, almost contagious, making it hard to refuse.
Kingo, Masayoshi, and Bradley all nodded in agreement, already preparing their instruments without hesitation. Their movements were natural, as if they were used to jumping into a performance at any moment, showing just how experienced they were.
At the same time, the studio staff began setting things up quickly. Cameras were adjusted, sound levels checked, and recording equipment prepared. It was clear that this wasn't just a simple test—Zaboru intended to capture everything, treating it almost like a real performance rather than a trial.
He even planned to upload this to YouTube later.
Kana noticed that, and her heart skipped for a moment as the realization sank in. This wasn't just a casual test anymore—it was something real, something that could be seen by others.
She took a slow breath, trying to calm herself, then another, letting the tension settle. Gradually, she steadied herself, forcing her thoughts into place.
Kana tightened her grip slightly, then closed her eyes for a brief second before opening them again—this time filled with resolve. The hesitation that had been there before began to fade.
Then she began to sing.
Her voice came out strong, clear, and controlled, carrying a presence that filled the room. As she continued, her confidence naturally grew, just like it always did whenever she stepped into music.
No matter the pressure, she never backed down when it came to singing, and that part of her remained unchanged.
Zaboru noticed it immediately—the shift in her expression, the way her presence sharpened as she performed.
And he smiled faintly.
"Zankoku na tenshi no you ni
Shounen yo shinwa ni nare.."
As Kana's voice carried through the studio, the others began to join in, carefully matching her tempo and supporting her performance. The transition was smooth, almost natural, as if they had rehearsed together before, even though this was their first time playing as a group.
Her voice remained steady and powerful, blending perfectly with the instruments. The band adapted to her rhythm, covering her seamlessly, allowing her vocals to stand at the center while enhancing the overall sound.
Zaboru watched closely, a grin slowly forming on his face. She wasn't just good—she had presence. Her voice had weight, and more importantly, she didn't falter even under pressure. As the performance continued toward the end of the song, her confidence only grew stronger, filling the entire room.
When the song finally ended, there was a brief moment of silence before Zaboru clapped, followed immediately by the others.
"Hahaha, that was great, Kana-san."
Kana blushed slightly, nodding as she tried to catch her breath. "T-thank you, Zaboru-san…"
Meanwhile, Sanika looked genuinely happy, her eyes shining with excitement. "Kana-chan, you were so cool!"
After that, they continued playing a couple more songs, testing different styles and pacing. With each performance, Kana became more comfortable, gradually syncing better with the band.
Not long after, Zaboru called for a break. He then brought Kana into a separate room, where the atmosphere shifted slightly as they prepared to discuss something more serious—the contract.
Zaboru smiled calmly before explaining, his tone steady and clear. "If you join my band, Zaraki, you should know that we don't perform very often in public. Most of our appearances are limited to ZAGE events or when we are recording new video clips. It's not a traditional band in that sense."
He leaned slightly forward, making sure she understood every detail.
"But of course, you will be paid. All band members receive a monthly salary, and your main focus will be improving your skills and performing when needed. I will pay you around 70,000 yen per week."
He paused briefly before continuing.
"On top of that, you will also receive a percentage from any songs you are involved in. So the more you contribute, the more you earn."
His gaze softened slightly.
"And as a bonus… I will take care of all your mother's medical expenses. You won't need to worry about her treatment anymore. She will receive the best care available."
He let those words settle before asking calmly,
"So… what do you think, Kana Mizuno?"
Kana remained flabbergasted, her thoughts still trying to catch up with everything she had just heard. She took a small breath before speaking, her voice slightly unsteady. "U..m… how much..? 70,000 yen per week?"
Zaboru smiled and nodded calmly. "Yes. But that doesn't mean you can relax. You won't be allowed to fall behind—you'll need to keep improving yourself consistently." His tone wasn't harsh, but it carried clear expectations.
Kana lowered her gaze for a moment, still processing, then looked up again, another part of the offer hitting her even harder. "C..cover my mom's medical expenses..?"
Zaboru didn't hesitate. He simply nodded again, his expression unchanged. "Yes. I will take care of it."
For a brief moment, Kana froze completely. The weight of those words settled deep within her, and all the worries she had been carrying for so long suddenly felt like they were being lifted.
"I… I agree," she said, her voice trembling slightly but filled with determination. "I want to join!"
Zaboru smiled, satisfied, before calmly finalizing the contract. Everything was handled smoothly and professionally, leaving no room for uncertainty.
After that, he introduced her properly to the rest of the band members. Kingo, Masayoshi, and Bradley welcomed her without hesitation, their attitudes relaxed but supportive, making it easier for Kana to settle in.
Not long after, they began practicing together. This time, Kana felt different—more grounded, more certain of her place. Zaboru also handed her an advance of her first salary, something she hadn't expected at all.
Kana held it carefully, her eyes widening slightly. The reality of her new life was beginning to sink in, and a quiet sense of joy spread through her as she realized that everything was truly changing.
Later that afternoon, Kana returned home, her heart still filled with everything that had happened. The moment she stepped inside, her family immediately noticed the change in her expression.
"Kana…?" her father called, sensing something different.
Kana took a small breath, then spoke, her voice still slightly emotional but steady. She explained everything—from Zaboru's offer, the band, the salary, and most importantly… the promise to cover her mother's medical expenses.
At first, the room fell completely silent.
Kazu stared at her, unable to react immediately, while Kei's eyes widened in disbelief. Even Kawau, who had remained calm through most things, looked genuinely surprised.
"…Is that true?" her father finally asked, his voice quieter than usual.
Kana nodded firmly.
The reality slowly settled in.
Then, almost at the same time, relief spread across the room.
Kazu let out a long breath, his shoulders dropping as if a heavy burden had been lifted from him. Kei broke into a wide smile, unable to hide his excitement, while Kawau's eyes softened, a gentle expression forming as she looked at her daughter.
"I'm… really proud of you, Kana," Kazu said, his voice filled with emotion he rarely showed.
Kei nodded repeatedly. "That's amazing, Nee-san!"
Kawau simply smiled, her gaze warm and full of quiet gratitude.
Not long after, things began to move quickly.
An ambulance and medical staff arrived at the house, their presence calm but efficient. Kana stood to the side, watching as professionals carefully checked her mother's condition and prepared everything for transport.
Kazu assisted where he could, while Kei stayed close, observing quietly.
Kawau was gently moved, treated with care and respect as she was prepared to be taken to a proper hospital—one far better than anything they could have afforded before.
Kana watched the entire scene, her emotions quietly building again.
This time, it wasn't worry , it was relief, .It was change.
As the ambulance doors closed and her mother was taken away for proper treatment, Kana finally understood that her life had truly shifted onto a new path.
This wasn't just an opportunity.
It was a turning point.
And now… the Zaraki band had its new female vocalist.
To be continue
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