Rock4four: The 4/4 rockers

4.5 Final preparations 2

Arriving at the Great Buddha, we found Yuji praying.

"Didn't think he was the type", whispered Natalie.

"Everybody prays, when they need good luck" said Chi chan.

Yuji heard her. "That's right" he said "but I want it to be blessed. This summer, the bars, the parties, the DJs, you too..."

"We'd better get going, while the weather's dry" I suggested.

"Pray first. Please!" said Yuji.

We prayed, and then walked towards the beach. "Can we go and look at the rainy season flowers, at Hase Dera temple?" asked Chi chan.

Yuji suggested that the girls go to the temple, and then follow us to the beach. "We need to get cracking on the Rock bar" he stressed, to me.

When Yuji and I arrived at the beach, there were lots of workmen there, constructing bars, and platforms. The Rock bar looked about ready. "Why do you need me?" I asked.

"I want you to talk to some of the other bar owners. Some of them are wary, of being involved in Rock4four again, what with the Tommy Tokugawa busines and everything. I need you to go on a charm offensive. Tell them about your articles."

So, after spending the best part of three hours, talking to other bar owners, I managed to convince most of them that continuing to be associated with Rock4four was sensible commercially, and wouldn't damage their integrity. I went back to the Brighton Rock bar, to tell Yuji, but he wasn't there. He was at the water's edge, teaching Natalie and Chi chan surfing techniques. They were hanging on his every word. I sometimes thank the lord he's not looking for a girlfriend, because I wouldn't stand a chance against him.

"Nice to see I'm not the only one working hard" I whined. And where's Fox? Not up yet?"

"Ooh! Get her!" laughed Nat.

"He's at home, rehearsing his mixes" replied Yuji. "The tunes this summer will rip the roof off the place.... if the beach had a roof! Ha ha! He'll be down tomorrow and Thursday, to do sound checks, before the first party, on Friday night"

Yuji then picked up his board, and stomped into the water. "I'll show you how it's done" he shouted over his shoulder.

We sat there watching for about twenty minutes. He couldn't get anything going, although admittedly the surf was being temperamental. Finally, after a big wave caught him off guard, and threw him face first into the foam, he came stomping back ashore, noted our grins, walked straight past us, nonchalantly, and headed for the Rock bar. "That's the last time I'll get wiped out this summer" he growled.