Talent scouting

As the week went on, Rika became more cautiously optimistic as public discussion about Ookuma's reference to what she did with Masaru began to wane. The Olympics were set to premier in a few short days.

"Hopefully the Olympics drown out Ookuma's drivel," Rika thought as she gazed at the stage.

"Thinking of searching for a band?" Matcha asked.

"Know anyone?"

"Wouldn't be surprised if some of the salon's old customers were in rock bands considering the crazy cuts they got. Though sadly, I wouldn't know any of em."

"Well, wanna to a little reconnaissance on the competition? Hear Helga's place finally opened back up."

"Shouldn't you take Mimi with you then?"

"Nah, I need a reason for Helga to keep coming to our place," Rika grinned.

                                                                     ...

As Rika and Matcha entered in casual wear, they were greeted by an oddly cheerful Helga.

"Welcome to my new and improved place," Helga said in a cutesy voice as she posed.

She was clad in a diner dress and wore white roller skates with pink laces. Pink glitter also adorned her white hair and eyelashes. As Rika began to burst out laughing, Helga's happy persona began to crack.

"Why, what has you so happy dear customer?" Helga forcefully smiled.

"When did you become a diner girl?" Rika laughed as Helga escorted her and Matcha to a secluded table.

Once there, the mask came off.

"You bitch! I only did this cause I ended up inheritin Sundae's old place too. Now my ice cream menu has expanded and I just decided to do a little promotion. Of all the days," Helga groaned.

"Well give us some of that ice cream then. Also happen to know any bands or musicians?"

"Musicians? You tryin to get live music at your place? Well all the ones that come to play here are off limits."

                                                                           ...

"Not bad, tastes pretty similar to how it was before," Rika stated as she ate the ice cream.

"Sundae had drilled the recipes into her staff. When I told them what happened, they ended up comforting me. I decided to absorb them under my brand so they wouldn't get picked up by someone else. I was quite close with Sundae, so I doubt she'd be upset with me continuing her legacy," Helga shrugged.

"I knew you two were friends, but still shocked she met her end like that. You sure that truly was Sundae?"

"Pretty sure."

"But you weren't able to tell that Sundae I brought with me for the mission wasn't the real deal."

"I was her friend, not her lover dammit. I don't notice those little differences like that guy did in Six Chances at love."

"Six chances at love? Well that's a blast from the past. The anniversary alt timeline special they released was crazy too. Hmm, come to think of it, I remember reading that one of the characters was based off a rockstar. Wonder if I could reach out to her."

"Pretty sure the one you're thinking of was based off a movie character instead."

"Oh. Have you been having any trouble lately?"

"I did when you two arrived."

"Well that's good. Let me know if you ever have trouble."

                                                                        ...

As Rika and Matcha walked, they ran into Itsuki staring at a clothing shop.

She had changed into her casual attire of a nice floral dress and white dress shoes.

"Buying clothes on your break?" Rika asked.

"Er- no, I was just-"

"Punk clothing? You're going for the punk look?"

"NO! I just liked the jacket and well, fall will be arriving in a month so I'd need a jacket," Itsuki blushed.

"No wonder you changed into casual attire, well we got time so let's all have a quick shopping spree," Rika grinned as she dragged Matcha and Itsuki into the shop.

When they entered, they were greeted by a gloomy man with spiky bleached blonde hair. He wore gothic attire and makeup and had his ears littered in piercings.

"Welcome, we've got acoustic guitars in the back if that's what your looking for," he sighed as he pointed to the instrument section in the back.

"So this place has instruments too? Heck, now that I take a closer look, this feels more like a music shop. Even sells records too," Rika mused.

She then picked out some clothes for Itsuki and dragged her towards the single changing room.

"Try em on while I chat with the shopkeeper," Rika grinned as she closed the curtain.

Itsuki sighed as she began changing.

"So do you know any musicians that'll play at restaurants, like a big fancy, but affordable restaurant?" Rika asked the salesclerk.

"Fancy? *Sigh* I know a few jazz folks," he replied.

"Jazz sounds nice. Any other types of musicians like rock or country?"

"I mean, I know some rock-metal, but for a fancy place-"

"I don't mind."

"Huh?"

"I guess I should introduce myself. I'm Rika Komachi, a head chef and owner of Ryokoma. I'm currently scouting for performers to play on our newly built stage."

The man's whole attitude shifted as he suddenly became very engaged in the conversation.

"Well, I actually play a bit myself with some friends," he sheepishly stated.

"Really? Could you... give me a sample?"

"COULD I!?"

The man immediately whipped out his electric guitar and plugged it into the wall socket. Rika listened intently as the man played.

"ONII! THE HELL ARE YOU MAKING SO MUCH NOISE FOR!?" a girl with purple spiky long hair and large breasts clad in a bunny-suit growled as she came out from the back.

"Maju!? I'm getting scouted dammit!" the man glared as he stopped.

"SCOUT!? Then come over to my shop over. I'll prove to you I'm better than him," the girl proclaimed as she went over to one of the walls and activated a hidden door leading to the magic shop next door.

"It's easier to just come through the secret way then just going around from the outside," the girl giggled.

"A magic shop? Are you a magician?" Rika asked.

"Best in town. You said fancy place right? Well I'm way more suited for that than Onii and his metal heads."

"I was the one asked to play!" the man growled as the two began to argue.

"I was pretty impressed with your performance. I think I could convince everyone to do rock nights. Do you have contact info for that jazz band? Oh, and could I see a magic demonstration from your sister? I'm not solely seeking musical performers," Rika said.

The two immediately beamed with happiness and stopped their arguing.

"Of course! Oh, better introduce myself. Onrai Mitsugaya, main guitarist and singer for the metal rock band GajiGaji," the man stated.

"Maju Mitsugaya, better known as Mahoro Maho, cute magician extraordinaire," the girl stated as she struck a cute pose.

As Rika waltzed over to the magic shop, Itsuki emerged from the changing booth. She was clad in dark blue punk boots, fishing net leggings, a short black leather dress, a dark purple bra top, and the jacket she had set her eyes on earlier. She ran her hand through her blue hair which had grown to a buzz cut as Matcha reviewed her look.

"Really look like a punk, especially with the buzz cut," Matcha stated.

"I'm going to grow it out. But, what about the outfit?"

"Looks good. Bet you'll rock it even better when you hair grows out."

"Guess I'll buy it. Where'd Rika go?"

"Recruiting. Sounds like she got some what she wanted."

                                                                              ...

The three returned to the restaurant as Rika beamed ear to ear.

"Ugh, that customer really wore me out," Masaru sighed.

"Customer?" Matcha asked.

"A middle school girl. She was polite, but VERY demanding and picky. Even asked me to display how I carry food trays and cook at the food station. She must be a reviewer. I hope I impressed her."

"Good reviews would be nice. Especially since I got some talent booked for stage performances," Rika grinned.