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The Garage

NagiGood work todaaay... Huh? Is it just you, Natsume-senpai?

NatsumeYeah. What are the other three even doing?

NagiWell... They'll get here eventually.

Nagi、Natsume...

Natsume(It's just Nagi and me in the garage...)

Natsume(If there's ever a time to show this off, it's now...!)

Natsume...

Natsume...

Nagi...

NatsumeSeriously? How have you not noticed?

NagiHuh...? What's with you all of a sudden?

NatsumeThere's something you're supposed to say. Come on.

NagiUh... Nice weather we're having?

NatsumeNo!

NagiOh, did you get your bangs cut?

NatsumeThat's not it either! It's the effector! The effector! You seriously couldn't tell from the sound!? Look!

NagiHmm... Maybe it does sound a little different from usual...

NatsumeNot "maybe"—it does sound different! Look down! It's a new one!

NagiOh. Now that you mention it.

NatsumeI can't believe this... You're a guitarist, aren't you? How can you not tell the difference?

NagiMaybe you're just a little too particular, Natsume-senpai...

NagiDidn't you buy a new one before, too?

NatsumeHmph. You put your paycheck straight into gear. That's what being in a band is all about.

NagiHow do you even have that kind of money...? What kind of job do you have?

NatsumeSpecialized work...

NatsumeAnd you should pay more attention to your pedals. Don't you care about shaping your sound?

NagiHmm... I think what I've got now is fine.

NagiIt's not like I need a whole bunch of pedals to play. Besides, the amp can do some of that too.

NatsumeYou sure are cheeky...

NatsumeAll right... Listen up. A guitarist's sound is their calling card.

NatsumeTechnique matters, of course, but the way you shape your sound says something about you too. Right now, though, you couldn't sound less distinctive.

NagiHuh...? But aren't you our lead guitarist, Natsume-senpai? I mean, we've never really decided that, but...

NagiThen isn't it fine if I don't stand out—

NatsumeNo, it isn't!

Nagi!?

NatsumeDo you think the only difference between lead and rhythm guitar is whether you stand out or not?

NatsumeIf you do, you've got it completely wrong!

NatsumeSure, there are differences in where they sit in the mix. But rhythm guitar isn't a part you can just phone in.

NatsumeAnyone with a good ear notices those things. In other words, they'll know if you're cutting corners!

NatsumeAnd anyway, we don't divide up our guitar parts like that in the first place!

Nagi*Sigh*...

NatsumeSo take a page out of my book and put real work into shaping your sound! This affects the whole band!

NagiUh... Yeah, okay. Your attention to detail is seriously something else, Natsume-senpai.

NatsumeExactly. You'd do well to apply yourself more.

NagiI've only been playing for about two years. I'm still a beginner, so I might not be ready for that level yet.

NagiMan, I've got a long way to go before I can catch up to you.

NatsumeHmph! Now that's the right attitude!

NatsumeWhenever you're ready, I'll teach you! Just make sure you work hard!

NagiOkaaay.