"Please, go ahead." Ken Sakaguchi opened his notebook, fountain pen poised above the page.
"I want to establish a subsidiary under my brand... a music label," Seiji said directly.
A music label?
That's… quite a leap, isn't it, Fujiwara-sensei?
Sakaguchi hesitated for a moment, then quickly composed himself. "What will the company be called?"
"Genesis Music," Seiji said, leaning back on the sofa. "In English, 'Genesis Music.' In Japanese, 創世紀ミュージック."
Sakaguchi noted it down swiftly. "And the brand's positioning and slogan?"
"'Be yourself, let your music shine.'" Seiji paused to think, then added, "It's not meant to be a real business venture... just something to make playing around with music easier."
Sakaguchi's expression flickered briefly.
If that's the case, there wasn't much to discuss.
If he wasn't after profits, then there were no real limits.
"Understood," Sakaguchi nodded. "How much initial capital should I list?"
"Twenty million yen for now," Seiji replied casually. "If it ever needs more, I'll handle it personally."
Sakaguchi's pen froze for a second.
Twenty million…
For a newly registered indie label, that was a hefty starting capital.
"Got it. I'll start the paperwork right away," he said, making his notes. "It should take about two days following the usual process. If you'd like to expedite... "
"No need." Seiji waved his hand. "Standard process is fine."
Then he reached into his briefcase, pulled out a small black USB drive, and set it on the table.
"Also, this contains a batch of music works. I'll need you to handle the copyright registration paperwork."
Sakaguchi took the USB, asking instinctively, "And the copyright ownership status is…?"
"All original works. Full rights belong to me." Seiji's tone was calm.
Sakaguchi froze.
Fujiwara-sensei… writes his own songs too?
Probably just a hobby, he thought.
He pocketed the USB and bowed. "Understood. I'll get this processed right away. How soon do you need it done?"
"Three days enough?" Seiji asked.
"That's plenty." Sakaguchi adjusted his glasses. "I'll make it a priority."
"Appreciate it." Seiji stood. "Once the documents are ready, just give me a call."
"Yes, Fujiwara-sensei."
As Seiji left, Sakaguchi looked down at the USB in his hand, curiosity flickering in his eyes.
Music works…
How many could there be?
Ten? Twenty?
He shook his head and tucked it into his briefcase.
He'd find out soon enough.
Three days later ... Tokyo, Kuroiwa Law Firm Branch Office
It was 11 p.m.
The entire building was dark... except for Sakaguchi's office.
He sat at his desk, staring blankly at his computer screen.
On it was the list he had just finished compiling over three sleepless nights.
Total songs: 142.
Categories:
Rock: 35
Pop: 48
Folk: 22
Electronic: 18
Anime: 19
Every single song had a full set of lyrics, composition notes, arrangement guides... even performer type recommendations written out in meticulous detail.
Sakaguchi rubbed his aching eyes and removed his glasses.
He'd lost count of how many times he'd done that in the past three days.
From the moment he opened that USB, it had consumed all his time.
When he first saw the file count, he thought Seiji had made a mistake. How could one man have so many songs?
But as he opened file after file, reality crashed over him again and again...
Each track had a completed demo.
Each track came with detailed production notes.
And the shocking part was...
They were all good.
Even as a layman, he could tell these were top-tier songs.
Not just "pretty good."
Masterpieces.
Songs that stuck in your head after one listen.
Sakaguchi took a sharp breath, put his glasses back on, and clicked on one labeled "Lemon."
The piano intro began... melancholy, pure.
Then came a male voice:
"If this were only a dream..."
"Even now, I still see you in my dreams..."
Just two lines in, and Sakaguchi's throat tightened.
That raw, aching sadness…
He closed his eyes and let the melody wash over him.
Three minutes later, the song ended.
When he opened his eyes again, they were wet.
"This…" he whispered, speechless.
Taking a deep breath, he clicked on another... "Uchiage Hanabi."
The light electronic beats, the crisp guitar riff... instantly, he could picture a summer night under fireworks.
"Bursting brightly into bloom..."
"I was watching the fireworks..."
"That summer still hasn't ended..."
Without realizing it, Sakaguchi was swaying to the rhythm.
This song… would explode in popularity.
Absolutely.
He kept listening... ten more, twenty more.
"Zenzenzense." Passionate and uplifting.
"Pretender." Raw, conflicted emotion.
"Yoru ni Kakeru." A surge of rhythm and freedom.
"Kaibutsu." Power and intensity.
Every song was a hit.
Every song stirred something deep inside him.
Leaning back in his chair, Sakaguchi stared at the endless list on the screen, mind numb.
142 songs.
All this... written by one man?
Then he remembered what Seiji had said three days ago:
All original. All rights belong to me.
At the time, Sakaguchi had simply written it down out of habit.
But now…
"No way," he muttered. "He must've bought these rights from somewhere…"
After all, no single person could produce 142 world-class tracks at once.
Even the most elite composers might only write ten great songs in a year.
And Fujiwara-sensei… created 142?
When did he even have the time... or energy... to do that?
Sakaguchi rubbed his temples, glancing at the clock. Nearly midnight.
He saved the files, shut off the computer.
He'd ask in person tomorrow. He needed to make sure there weren't any… hidden issues... like hush payments to ghostwriters.
The next afternoon, Kuroiwa Law Firm meeting room.
Seiji arrived right on time.
Sakaguchi was already waiting inside.
"Attorney Sakaguchi, you've worked hard," Seiji greeted him with a smile.
"Fujiwara-sensei." Sakaguchi stood, expression complicated. "The documents are complete and reviewed."
He handed over a thick folder.
Seiji flipped through it briefly, nodding. "Good."
"Sensei…" Sakaguchi hesitated. "May I ask you something?"
"Go ahead."
Sakaguchi drew a slow breath. "Are all of these songs… really your own compositions?"
Silence hung for a few seconds.
Then Seiji smiled. "What's this? You don't believe me?"
"It's not that," Sakaguchi said carefully. "But creating 142 high-quality songs, across completely different genres… Forgive my bluntness, but the amount of effort that would take... it's astronomical. Many musicians can't achieve that in a lifetime."
He paused. "I listened to all of them. Every song is a masterpiece... each with its own emotion, its own sound. The diversity and consistency are unreal."
"So you think I got them from somewhere else?" Seiji asked mildly.
Sakaguchi stayed silent... that was answer enough.
Seiji chuckled, shaking his head. "You're overthinking it, Sakaguchi."
He flipped to the page for 'Lemon.'
"You heard this one, right?"
"Yes," Sakaguchi said instantly. "It hit me the hardest."
"Then let me tell you about it." Seiji leaned back, speaking in a calm, measured tone. "This song was born from a single thought. The intro uses only piano... no other instruments. Do you know why?"
Sakaguchi shook his head.
"To create a sense of pure, lonely sadness," Seiji said. "Then the vocals enter... low range, steady rhythm. It's meant to sound like remembering... memories of you."
He closed his eyes, tracing the rhythm with his fingers. "And then, the chorus... 'Even the sadness of that day... even the pain of that day...' That's where it breaks open. The drums hit, the strings swell, the voice soars. It's the explosion of all that grief."
He opened his eyes again. "And the 'lemon'? Do you know why I chose that?"
Sakaguchi shook his head again.
"Because lemons are sour," Seiji said with a soft smile. "Memories are, too. Bittersweet, sharp, unforgettable. Painful... but vivid. Like the people we wish we could forget but never can."
Sakaguchi's breath hitched.
That level of insight… that command of detail...
Only a true creator could speak like that.
"And for Uchiage Hanabi," Seiji continued, turning the page, "it's about the regrets of youth. The electronic sounds at the start? That's to mimic fireworks ascending before they burst. If you listen closely, there's a rising note... then a pop."
"The verses... guitar and bass... set the summer night mood. Slow tempo, like walking together, waiting. Then the chorus adds strings and synths... because the fireworks bloom. That fleeting beauty needs color."
He smiled. "Youth is like fireworks. Brilliant, but short-lived."
He lowered the file, meeting Sakaguchi's gaze. "That answer your question?"
Sakaguchi's hands trembled slightly on the table.
His voice was hoarse. "I… I owe you an apology for doubting you."
He stood and bowed deeply.
"I was ignorant. I didn't realize you weren't just a genius writer... but also a musical prodigy."
Seiji laughed lightly. "No harm done. Caution's a good trait in your line of work."
"Fujiwara-sensei, if I may…" Sakaguchi's eyes burned with new determination.
"Oh?"
He took a deep breath. "I want to resign from Kuroiwa Law Firm... and become your personal attorney."
Seiji blinked. "Personal attorney?"
"Yes." Sakaguchi nodded firmly. "I've worked here for thirteen years. The pay's good, the career path's fine... but something's always felt missing."
He straightened. "Until I met you."
"Your vision… your talent... it opened my eyes to something greater. I want to be part of it."
He bowed once more. "Please give me this chance."
Seiji looked at him in mild surprise.
He knew Sakaguchi's background... Kyoto University Law graduate, fifteen years at Kuroiwa, senior partner candidate, making over twenty million yen a year.
And he wanted to throw that away… to join him.
Seiji smiled.
"Are you sure, Attorney Sakaguchi? Becoming my personal lawyer means stepping into my inner circle. Once you do, there's no going back."
That role meant absolute loyalty... sink or swim together.
"That's exactly what I want." Sakaguchi met his gaze steadily.
After a moment, Seiji extended his hand.
"Then welcome aboard, Attorney Sakaguchi."
Sakaguchi gripped it firmly, a genuine smile spreading across his face.
"Yes, Boss."
That night ... Kyoto.
The Kuroiwa Law Firm headquarters stood in a fusion-style building blending modern and traditional architecture.
At the top floor sat President Yoshitaka Kuroiwa's office.
Sakaguchi took the express train from Tokyo straight there.
He paused before the door, took a deep breath, and knocked.
"Come in," a calm voice replied.
He entered.
The office was spacious, tastefully old-fashioned. Yoshitaka Kuroiwa sat behind his solid wood desk, reviewing documents.
"Sakaguchi?" Kuroiwa looked up in surprise. "At this hour? What's the matter?"
Sakaguchi approached the desk and bowed deeply.
"President, I'd like to resign."
Kuroiwa froze, pen in midair.
He set the papers down, studying Sakaguchi closely.
"Why? Is it salary? Or did another firm headhunt you?"
"No." Sakaguchi shook his head, his tone respectful but firm. "I want to become Seiji-sensei's personal lawyer."
Kuroiwa's eyes widened.
"Fujiwara-sensei!?"
"Yes."
For a long moment, Kuroiwa was silent.
Then he chuckled. "Well, Sakaguchi… looks like you've struck gold."
Sakaguchi smiled humbly. "I just got lucky that he noticed me."
"Fujiwara-sensei is quite something... young, brilliant, ambitious," Kuroiwa said meaningfully. "I hear the whole Tohto Medical situation made some serious waves."
Sakaguchi smiled faintly, offering no comment.
Kuroiwa nodded. "Then go. I'll accept your resignation."
"You're… not angry?" Sakaguchi asked in surprise.
"Why would I be?" Kuroiwa grinned. "Just don't forget us when the chance for collaboration comes up."
Sakaguchi bowed deeply. "I'll never forget what Kuroiwa Law Firm has done for me. If you ever need me, I'll be there."
And with that, his resignation was complete.
That same day ... Tokyo, Shimokitazawa High School.
Ryo Yamada walked along the stone path toward the classroom building, bass and backpack slung over her shoulder.
Students passing by turned to stare.
"Wait… is that Yamada?"
"She's been gone forever."
"Yeah, and she looks… different, doesn't she?"