IX - Return and the New OG

April 25, 2021 - 9:30 A.M(A/N: In Japan, it's already near 7:30 in the evening)

Nagae Private Jet

3rd POV

Several hours have passed since Riku left Japan on his way to Portugal in preparation for Future World Fes in Stockholm.

Right now, Riku is talking to someone and the person that Riku is talking was angry....very angry.

???: WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL ME THAT YOU WERE LEAVING JAPAN!? I WAS ABOUT TO INTRODUCE MY BAND MEMBERS TO YOU TODAY!!

The person in that Riku was talking to was a girl with salmon-colored hair, sky-blue eyes and wearing a black cat-eared headphones is Tamade Chiyu or known as Chu². Riku's cousin on his mother's side.

And as to why she's angry, she was about to introduce her newly recruited band members to Riku and ask for some advice today, but that didn't happen due to Riku leaving Japan without her knowing.

Riku: Well it can't be helped. I need to be in Portugal ASAP and I'll need time to familiarize myself with the new boys in the boot camp and we need to prepare the songs that we're gonna use for the tournament. I wanted to tell you before I leave, but I have my hands full. And Yuyuko-san was merciless on the exam she gave me so I have to use most of my free time to study.

Chiyu: Isn't your school exams starts at 12th of May?

Riku: Normally yes. But I talked to Yuyuko-san about my situation and she gave me a condition where I have to do an advanced exam if I want to participate in the tournament and I have to get a grade of 80 or higher but my exam will be harder than the normal exam. And let's just say...that took a lot out of me.

Chiyu:......I can't get mad at you if you put it that way. But still....you could've told me. I'm your cousin. I could've helped you.

Riku: I know, and I'm sorry. I'll make it up to you when the tournament is over. But enough of that, how's finding members for your band faring you?

Chiyu: Well....I manage to find a keyboardist and a drummer. For bass, she needed some time to think. And for guitar...

Riku: You haven't found one haven't you?

The girl just nodded in defeat and explained why.

Chiyu: Yeah. Finding a guitarist that fits my- no....our bands style is very difficult.

Riku: True. With the style that your band is going with, finding a guitarist that suit your style is scarce...however...I may be able to recommend someone to you.

Chiyu: Iku, It's okay, I have to-

Riku: Chu². I know that you prefer to do things like this on your own, but try to rely on me once in a while. Remember, there are times where you can't do things on your own, one day you'll be needing the help you can get, and you're in a band now and you're their leader and let your band mates help you every once in a while, don't take all the pressure to yourself. Are we clear on that?

Chiyu: Alright...I'll accept your help....so? Who are you recommending me?

Riku: Her name is Asahi Rokka. And coincidentally, she's also looking for a band to join.

Chiyu: I know that you can see people with potential but....is she the real deal?

Riku: I think it's better to show you rather than telling.

As Riku said that, he took out his phone and sent something to his cousin. Chiyu took out her phone and looked at what he sent her.

Chiyu: What's this?

Riku: I took the liberty of recording her while she was practicing her guitar. She asked me to delete this at first because it was too embarrassing to her, but when I told her that someone might scout her if someone sees the video to join a band, she agreed. I didn't expect that I get to use this earlier. Take a look and see if she fits your style.

Chiyu followed what he said and watched the video. And after a few minutes, the video ended and she was silent, Riku seeing her just staying quiet trying to call her.

Riku: Oi....Chu²....are you okay? Oi~

Chiyu: She....she...SHE'S THE ONE!!!!

Riku: Eh?

Chiyu: THANK YOU FOR SHOWING ME THIS IKU! I GOTTA FIND HER RIGHT NOW!!!

Riku: I'm going to stop you right there for a moment!

Just before she stood up from her chair and leave, Riku stopped her in her tracks.

Riku: Before you leave and try on inviting her, there is something that I need to remind you about her.

Chiyu: And that is?

Riku: Despite the skills that she had with the guitar, she can be a bit...jumpy. So expect her to run if you try to invite her all of a sudden.

Chiyu scratched her head in annoyance as she heard that. She asked her cousin on what's the best way to get Rokka to join her band.

Chiyu: So....how can I get her to join my band?

Riku: Just take it slow, no need to rush. And let her feel that she's being welcomed to the band. And don't put her in a lot of pressure, pretty sure she'll break immediately if you do that.

Chiyu: I'll bear that in mind....thank you.....Iku.

Riku: Happy to help and I can't wait to see what your band can do once I get back.

Chiyu: You don't need to. Cause I got these.

As she said that, she pulls out 5 tickets with a smirk on her face and Riku knows what those were.

Riku: Wait...is that what I think it is?

Chiyu: Exactly. I manage to get VIP tickets and 5 of them for a good deal a while ago. You expect me to watch you perform on TV? I don't think so! And I also plan to bring my band with me on this one so they can experience on what it's like to be in the Future World Fes personally.

Riku: To think that you planned ahead of time. Well let's end this call; someone is calling for you right about now.

Chiyu: Eh? Calling for me? What do you-

???: Chu²-sama! You've got a package!!

Chiyu: Coming!

Chiyu left Riku without ending the call while Riku chuckled and ended the call himself.

Riku: Good grief, forgetful as ever.

After having a call with his cousin, he continues the leftover work that he had as the plane goes to their destination. Few hours have passed, Riku saw his phone vibrating, and when he looked at the phone he got a message from Johan.

Riku: From Johan? Wonder what he sent to me...

The moment he opened the message, his eyes widened a bit.

Riku: This is.....the details of the Future World Fes that Johan mentioned a few weeks ago.

Future World Fes Stockholm

Location: Stockholm, Sweden

Venue: Hovet Arena

Format: Vote Tally(Group Stage), Double Elimination Bracket(Playoffs)

Start Date: May 12, 2021

End Date: May 21, 2021

Prize pool: $4,150,000

Pro Circuit Points: 3,530 PBC Points

Participants:

• 4 Bands each from Western Europe.

• 3 Bands each from Eastern Europe and Southeast Asia.

• 2 Bands each from North America and South America.

Group Stage (May 12-15):

• Two groups of seven bands each.

• Respective groups will perform to assigned Live Houses provided by the event organizers.

• Bands will perform 2 songs.

• The top 4 bands of each group will go to the upper bracket.

• The 5th and 6th place band will go to the lower bracket.

• The remaining bands are eliminated.

Group Stage Voting:

• Voters can vote their top 4 bands a day.

• Voters cannot vote for the same band more than once per day(Example: You cannot put all 4 votes on Team Spirit in one go).

• Votes will be tallied by the end of every day in the duration of the group stage.

Playoffs (May 17-20):

• Double Elimination bracket

• Bands will perform a best of 3 songs.

• Bands who gets the most votes on 2 out of 3 songs goes to the next round.

• Top 2 bands in the Upper Bracket and Lower Bracket goes to the Grand Finals.

Grand Finals (May 21):

• 4 Bands will perform 5 songs.

• Band with the most votes within 1 hour after all bands performed wins.

Prize and Points Distribution:

• 1st Place: $1,200,000 - 680 PBC Points

• 2nd Place: $750,000 - 610 PBC Points

• 3rd Place: $550,000 - 530 PBC Points

• 4th Place: $350,000 - 460 PBC Points

• 5th-6th Place: $250,000 - 385 PBC Points

• 7th-8th Place: $200,000 - 240 PBC Points

• 9th-12th Place: $100,000

Riku: So this is the new format.....instead of the usual one on one in the finals, we'll be having the first ever 4 band finals.....this will be more interesting. Hmmmmm...looks like the groups have been determined.

Group A

OG - WEU

Tundra - WEU

BOOM RIVALRY - SEA

T1 - SEA

BetBoom - EEU

Evil Geniuses - NA

Beastcoast - SA

Group B

Team Liquid - WEU

Gaimin Gladiators - WEU

Fnatic - SEA

Team Spirit - EEU

Mind Games - EEU

TSM - NA

Thunder Awaken - SA

The first thing on Riku's mind when he saw the groupings was.....

Riku: Well shit. Group B is more troublesome than Group A. I can tell that this will be a dogfight for them. On the other hand...we might be able to make it to the upper bracket with no problems for Group A as long as we play our cards right.

As Riku was taking a look at the new format and groupings, his childhood friend Youmu showed up and informs him that they're about to arrive.

Youmu: Riku-dono, the pilot has informed me that we're about to arrive in Lisbon in a few minutes.

Riku: Very well. Better get ready, make sure that everything is in order before we land. And Youmu.....I want you to drop the "dono" on our names.

Youmu: E-EHHHHH!? B-But why!? Did i do something wrong to draw your ire!?

Riku: *chuckles* It's not that Youmu. Tell me, how many years have we've been friends?

Youmu: We've been friends as long as I can remember.

Riku: Exactly. And remember we're not in the Sengoku era anymore. Try saying my name without that.

Youmu: R-Riku-kun....

Riku: It ain't that hard right? I'm sure you'll get used to it. Well.....we better start getting ready, make sure everything is in order before we land.

Youmu: Understood.....Riku-kun.

Youmu left Riku as he begins preparing.

30 Minutes Later

Lisbon, Portugal - Humberto Delgado Airport Private Runway

Riku POV

Few minutes passed when the jet landed at the airport. Me and Youmu got off the jet along with our belongings and Youmu begins to ask me.

Youmu: Riku-kun, why are we waiting here in the runway? Aren't we suppose to go inside?

Riku: True. But I told him to pick us up here and don't worry, I've talked to the owner of the airport and its fine for us to wait here.

Youmu tilted her head as to who is picking us up, and as she was about to ask, we saw a black BMW SUV approaching us and the moment the SUV stopped and the car door opened, we see who came to pick us and I'm all too familiar on who it was.

???: Riku. Welcome back to Portugal.

Riku: Good to be back, Johan.

After the greeting, I gave Johan a big hug on my return. Johan saw Youmu and asked me on who she is.

Johan: Who's the young lady with you Riku? I thought that Ayabe will be coming with you?

Riku: Well, Ayabe is still had his hands full back in Japan. And I like to introduce you to Youmu. My childhood best friend and my current aide.

Youmu: Pleasure to meet you Johan-san. My name is Konpaku Youmu. Riku-kun's childhood best friend and his aide while Ayabe-san is busy.

I guess Youmu already got used to saying our names without the "dono", now that's progress.

Johan: Nice to meet you too. I'm Johan. Co-owner of OG and former leader of OG's band. Well, let's not dawdle here and let's get going, it's starting to get hot here. Juan and the others are excited to have you here again.

After Johan said that, me and Youmu helped Johan putting our luggage and my keytar and keyboards in the back of the car to pick up the pace and made our way to the Sunflower Mansion.

Youmu POV

15 minutes have passed since we left the airport. Me and Riku-do- I mean Riku-kun are at the back while Johan-san was driving us to the boot camp. Riku-kun is now asleep while his head was on my shoulder, I blushed at first and Johan-san saw this from the mirror and asked in worry.

Johan: He didn't get any rest while you were making your way here?

Youmu: He barely got any rest. There were some leftover work that he had to finish by today, He only got a few minutes of rest before we landed. How long till we get to the camp?

Johan: At our current pace, we'll be able to make it in about an hour and a half.

The car was quiet for a few seconds and Johan-san was the first to speak.

Johan: How was Riku doing in Japan? How was he at home?

Youmu: He's still busy even if he's still in Japan. As the next head of the Nagae Family, he'll be busy no matter what but...even all that....I can see that he's much happier.

Johan: I see...I heard from his grandfather that Riku is attending to school right? How's his school life?

Youmu: I think you need to ask that to Riku-kun personally.

Johan: Alright, I won't pry. You try to get some rest too, it will take us a while to get there.

Youmu: I appreciate that, thank you.

As I said my thanks, I began to fall asleep beside Riku-kun.

1 and a half hour later

Sunflower Mansion - OG Boot Camp

Riku POV

An hour and a half passed by and I felt the car stopped. I woke up from my nap and when I opened my eyes, I see Youmu sleeping beside me with her head on my shoulder. I lightly poked her cheek to wake her up.

Riku: Youmu. Wake up. We're already here.

Youmu: *yawn* Just give me a moment....

Youmu moved away a bit from me to stretch her arms and both of us got out of the car. And as I stepped out of the car, I see the Sunflower Mansion.

Youmu: So this is the place?

Riku: Yup. Me and the boys spent a lot to buy this mansion...at least half a million on the building itself and at least 2 million on renovations.

Youmu: That's quite a lot.

Riku: It is. Not only this serves as a training camp for us, this also serves as a gathering place for several bands here in Europe so we can hang out. Aside from being rivals in the competitive scene, we're also friends.

Johan: I'm glad that you still remember it.

Johan said that as he came out of the mansions entrance.

Johan: Well, most of your things are already inside. Come get the rest and come inside. It's hot out here.

True. It's high noon and I can see Johan sweating a bit. Me and Youmu grabbed the remaining things in the back while I told the OG staff that were with Johan to carry my keyboards to the practice room and went inside.

Me and Youmu are following Johan to where our room is for this boot camp and I see some things haven't changed.

Riku: Guess this place hasn't changed since I left.

Johan: Well not entirely. We've added extra guest rooms and hey, we manage to finally have a football field like I said 2 years ago.

I looked at the window and saw the football field that Johan mentioned and I saw 5 familiar people playing in the pitch.

Riku: Wait....is that Nigma?

Johan: Yup. They came here a few days ago to loosen up a bit. So they can focus later on returning to div 1 in the next tour.

Riku: Did they plan to go here cause of the news of my return?

Johan: No actually. This was pure coincidence and they have no idea that you're coming today.

Riku: Then what about the boys? I haven't seen them here.

Johan: They're out getting some groceries, they'll be back soon. Well, here we are. The room in front of us is Riku's and the one next to it is Youmu's. Once you finished everything, meet me at the balcony.

Riku: Thanks, we'll be there as soon as we finish unpacking.

Johan: Good. Now if you excuse me, I have some tomatoes to attend.

Johan left as he said that and Youmu asked me on what he meant by that.

Youmu: What did he mean by tomatoes to attend?

Riku: Well we have a vegetable and fruit garden here since 2 years ago and now he's retired, he's kinda invested on it. Now let's not delay any longer, let's finish things here and meet up with the others.

Few minutes later

After me and Youmu finished unpacking our stuff in our rooms that Johan provided us, we made our way to the balcony near the football field. I saw Kuro and Amer(Miracle-) looking at me and began to wave at me and I wave back in return. As I saw them return playing, my phone vibrated and I took out my phone and my eyes narrowed down as I saw who was calling.

Calling: Yukari

Riku: Youmu, I'll be taking this call. If Johan asks me where I am, tell him that I'm talking to someone important.

Youmu: Eh? M-may I ask why?

Riku: Yukari-san called.

Youmu's eyes widened when she heard that Yukari-san was calling, she kept her composure and said.

Youmu: Understood.

After Youmu said that, I went back inside and find a place where it's private and answered the call.

Riku: Why did you call me all of a sudden Yukari-san?

Yukari: Well for starters, I've got some info that you might need to know.

Judging by Yukari-san's tone, I'm starting to think that this is super serious.

Riku: Okay I'll bite. What did you find out?

Yukari: Reimu called me a little while ago. It seems like that Oko is making some moves.

The moment Yukari-san said that, my eyes went wide and I asked her with a bit of anger in my voice.

Riku: Wait! How!? I thought grandfather and the other Celestial Families got rid of him! Even Gan'an-san himself disowned him from the Shinomiya on the spot!

Yukari: True that happened but.....from what Reimu found out, Oko found himself some backing and if my guess is correct, he's planning an attack on your family and anyone that is related to the Nagae as well to the other Celestial Families...including the Tsurumaki.

Hearing Yukari-san said that he'll target not just my family but my friends as well...I nearly crushed my phone by the anger boiling inside me. I asked Yukari-san on who is backing him up.

Riku: Any idea on who's backing him up? As far as I could remember, Oko has zero backing there in Japan. With his accounts frozen and disowned by the Shinomiya, he can't do anything.

Yukari: Reimu and Marisa have no leads yet on who is backing him up. But i can surely tell that someone outside from Japan is giving him assistance.

This is serious. Not only that Oko plans to retaliate against those who screwed him over, he got someone backing him up. And from another country no less. It could lead to a political conflict between Japan and the country backing him.

Riku: Any idea on who's backing him? Any guesses?

Yukari: Judging from what Reimu sent me, I can guess that he got some backing from several syndicates.

Riku: So he's gone that far.....does my grandfather know of this?

Yukari: I did inform him of this a while ago. He immediately ordered some of his men to keep an eye on your friends to make sure they're safe.

Riku: That's a relief. Thank you for telling him this in advance Yukari-san.

Yukari: ufufufufu~ anything for my favorite nephew. Now let's end this talk for now. I've got a meeting to attend. I'll message you if Reimu manage to find some more info.

Riku: Very well.

Yukari: By the way, will you be attending the gathering this year?

Riku:.....I'll see if I can go after this is over.

Yukari: I'll take that as a yes. The emperor and his children are eager to see you again.

Riku: Is that so.....then can you give him my regards and thanks for telling me this Yukari-san. Say hello to Chen for me, tell her I'll give her something when I get back.

Yukari: I'll make sure she gets it. Goodbye boy.

*Call End*

After Yukari-san ended the call, I just stared outside the window and let out a heavy sigh and trying to understand all the information that I got from her. A part of me wants to go home and resolve the issue, but a part of me wants to stay here and focus on the tournament and I clapped my hands as a wakeup call.

Riku: *sigh* no point in worrying now. I gotta focus on the tournament. They're counting on me, Johan trusted me to lead this band to win and I promised Rinko that I'll win. I'll deal with this once I get back.

After the call, I went back to the balcony and I already see the boys of Nigma resting after their game of football. I see Youmu was giving them drinks while Johan was talking to Kuro. Johan saw me and called me to their table.

Johan: Riku! Where were you? You just missed out where Amer did a hat trick on Kuro.

Riku: Sorry. I was answering an important call, It was regarding something back in Japan.

Johan: I see. Come, take a seat. Kuro wants to talk to you.

Riku: Sure, why not.

I took a seat on the vacant chair available and me, Kuro and Johan began to talk.

30 minutes later

Half an hour has passed and we heard the main door opened and we see the new members of OG holding several bags of groceries.

???: We're back! We've got everything on the list! Artem(Yuragi), you take Bozhidar(bzm) and Ammar(ATF) and take these to the kitchen. Me and Tommy(Taiga) will go to and talk to the boss.

As the man said that the 3 boys that were called went to the kitchen to sort out the groceries that they bought, after they left, 2 of them were walking to our direction and when they were at a close distance and greeted me on my return.

???: Good to see you back Riku, I can see you've changed a bit after you retired.

Riku: Good to see you too Misha.

The man in front of me is the new captain of OG Mikhail Agatov, better known as Misha and he is the bands keyboardist. Unfortunately, he won't be participating in the Future World Fes because of him being Russian and all and got his VISA restricted and as a result of me as a stand-in for him. That can be said to the bands new Coach, Evgenii Makarov or we call him Chu and plays keyboard or drums...although his stage name is nearly the same as Chiyu's.

Taiga: Good to see you again Riku. Since when did you get here?

The one who asked me was a man with short black hair and a face of asian descent is Tommy Le a.k.a. Taiga and he's the band's drummer. He was originally from Team Liquid, but JeRax recruited him to join OG and Lasse(MATUMBAMAN) returned to Liquid for his last season to fill in Taiga's spot.

Riku: You too Tommy and I just got here an hour ago. And congrats on taking 1st place in the regional rankings.

Taiga: Thanks. It was hard.....but worth it. We learned from our losses and got better. And we can't wait to play together with you.

Riku: I could say the same. For now let's not talk about music, let's just enjoy and relax for today. We've got 2 weeks of training after this so be ready.

MIsha and Taiga nod their heads in agreement and they went to kitchen to help the other 3 on the groceries. I then looked at Misha and Taiga enjoying their time with the young guys.

Riku: Guess I got worried for nothing.

Miracle-: Riku! Come here, let's have a chat!!

Miracle- called me and I went to where he is and had a long chat.

Timeskip

10:30 P.M.

Several hours passed since me and Youmu arrived here in boot camp and everything is going well. I got to know more on Ammar, Bozhidar and Artem, had a talk with them and much more. After that we had a welcoming party for me and had fun. Everyone shared some stories and when it was my turn, everyone laughed when they heard that I'm attending an all-girls high school, I tried to explain as to why I'm going there, but they just kept laughing. Everyone had a good time tonight, forgetting about music and just enjoyed every single moment.

I'm in my room right now with several papers on the table and as I was skimming through the papers, I heard a knock on my door.

*knock* *knock*

Riku: You can enter. The door's not locked.

The door opened and it was Misha who showed up.

Riku: Come, take a seat.

Misha took a seat on the vacant chair and asked me why am I still awake.

Misha: Shouldn't you be sleeping right now? Practice begins tomorrow.

Misha reminded me that band practice starts tomorrow as a result, the others are now asleep except for me and Misha.

Riku: Why are you still awake though?

Misha: Well, I was checking all rooms to make sure that everyone gets a good rest. I may not be going with you guys a few weeks later, but I gotta do my part as the leader of this band. But anyway, what you got there?

Riku: Here. Those are the songs that I'm planning to use for this tournament.

When Misha took the papers and got a good look on them, he was shocked and asked me.....

Misha: Hold on.....these are all Japanese songs....don't tell me-

Riku: I saw what you guys did in Amsterdam.

Misha: So you found out about it.....

What Misha meant by that was that OG tried to perform a Japanese song in the lower bracket final of the Future World Fes in Amsterdam against PSG.LGD with zero experience on singing Japanese. In the end they lost against LGD and got 3rd place. And Team Spirit ended up winning the whole thing.

Riku: And I gotta say, you guys got balls on doing it. But make sure that the risks you take should reap some benefits.

Misha: Well at least we got something out of it.

Riku: True, I saw some clips on the regionals, and you guys improved a lot....so...what do you think of the songs?

Misha: They're good. Thankfully you put translations on these, but....some of them hit deep and some are dark.

Misha put the papers back in the table in an arranged manner and I answered him with confidence.

Riku: That's exactly why I chose them. It also sends a message to those who are listening and some of the songs might relate to some of them, who knows.

Misha: Then how will we do this practice?

Riku: Hmmmmmm.......I think it's better to do 1-on-1 sessions with them for the first 5 days you included to know what I can do to get you guys improve your skills.

Misha: Reasonable, hopefully you could teach Ammar and Bozhidar a thing or two.

Riku: I'll see what I can do to those two. And thanks for reminding me the time, I think it's time for me to call it a day.

Misha stood up from the chair as I said that.

Misha: Very well, get some rest. We're going to have a big day tomorrow. Good night Riku.

Riku: Good night to you too Misha.

Misha left and closed the door and I cleaned up the mess on the table and I lied down on the bed after that.

Riku: Well....like Misha said.....the real deal starts tomorrow. Better get some sleep.....I wonder how the girls are doing back in Japan.....hopefully they can pass those exams....