Sendai Division Kiya Kara are a rap group consisting of university professors, Kotono Ohara, Takumi Wakaba, and Ryūzō Mizutori, the Division Leader.
Their team color is tree green, the color of most trees both in their city and Japan. Not only can the color go well with a variety of other colors, but it is also one of the three main colors humans see in.
The group's symbol is an evergreen tree, which symbolizes a variety of things but mainly endurance and resilience. Their city, Sendai, is nicknamed 'City of Trees', due to the large number of zelkova trees that line the streets. Their group name, Kiya Kara, essentially means, 'From the Trees.'
All three teachers have a tree somewhere on their character. Ryūzō has a tree charm on his shirt pocket, Kotono has a tree pendant around her neck on the outside of her shirt, and Takumi has a tattoo of an evergreen tree on his upper left arm.
The group's hand sign is the 'number three' sign from ASL, which is just a person's index, middle fingers and thumb sticking out, whilst the ring finger and pinky are pointing down, touching your palm.
Despite being professors at Sendai University, one of the best private universities in Japan, all three have had their share of hurt and pain in their past. After escaping from it, they chose to become teachers in hopes that they can move on with their lives. Though they all do not hail from Sendai, they will still protect this city with their lives, as it enable them all to get a fresh, clean start.
Though they mainly work in Sendai, they also travel to other divisions for work, making them knowledgeable on the landscapes and people there.
Masterlist:
Ryūzō Mizutori🌑
Character Profile
Family Profile
Moodboard
Timeline
Character Playlist
Takumi Wakaba ⏱️
Character Profile
Family Profile
Moodboard
Timeline
Character Playlist
Kotono Ohara 👩⚕️
Character Profile
Family Profile
Moodboard
Timeline
Character Playlist
Extras 🌲
Character Inspirations
Before & After
Team Dynamics
Character Colors
Voiceclaims
Profile Cards
Picrews
Pride Month Headcanons
Isekai Outfits
Extra Wardrobe
Workplaces
Workplace Aesthetics
House Aesthetics
Albums (Songs & Drama Tracks) 🌲
First Album
1st Drama Track: Know That You Know Nothing — Part 1, Part 2
One more run, throttle twist, I'm fuckin' lawless!
Honest, you hate me simply cause I don't beg for solace
You ain't felt loss til your home turns toxic!
I'm the ghost of a family that never got honest
Fuck with me or my city? (Ha!) Bitch, you musta lost it!
Oh, I'm the start of a revolution!
No peace without scars, I know!
You could ride with the solution
We light this engine up and let it go!
Oh, I got fire in my soul!
Yozakura, yeah we can make it our own
Startin on low? No, I don't believe in 'go slow'
I'm holding up the weight of a world I never chose, ho!
[Keiko (Caitlyn):]
Sketching through the streets, I'm on my own path
No bloodbath, just wisdom in the aftermath
Make them learn, page by page
I'll flip the script, rewrite the stage
Let you twist the truth with your shame?
No, I'll ink the blame
Study team, traded for armies
But you're the one who scarred me
Fake love, it can't be forgiven!
One solution, I don't care what you think
Only one goal in mind: erase your future in a blink!
No rewinds now, no mercy; it won't be allowed!
Your past is inked in scars, and I'll read it for the entire world aloud!
I’ll school your shame, expose it out loud
Every chapter of deceit gets torn from the crowd!
I will get my justice, I'll tear you apart
Pry the rot from your soul, line by line, chart by chart
No regret, no doubt, it's all making sense
When I'm done, you'll exist only as past tense!
[Mireya (Mel):]
Don't need your gossip or game
Try to silence Gypsy, but you'll remember the name
You thought you held the pen, tried to lock up my fate
I snatched the book back, now I'm the one who dictates!
They told me to hide the scars, bury my shame deep inside
But I lit them like torches, now they glow with my pride
Mama tried to script me, chains tight on the cage
I ripped the paper wide open, now I dance on the stage (Ugh!)
Gypsy Queen, this is mujer magic
Vibrational high, my rhythm's cinematic
I'll hear you out, but don't dare to mistake my stance
I built this empire with the love of family and friends!
Breaking generational curses, I shattered the mold
I owe it to my kin, to the young and the bold!
Exiled from the start, but I pulled the strings tight
Now I puppeteer the system, make it bend to my light
[Takumi (Heimerdinger):]
Well now, this is quite the conundrum I'm involved in
But don't you worry; this red-spirited coach will solve it!
Coach Wakumi's my name!
The teacher from hell who drills until you're cut
Now my precious students, get up and show your stuff!
Grit and pressure, they beat talent
You tryin' to vacate my class? Now, that's an infraction!
Yeah, my methods are dangerous, but it's better than inaction
The future's in your hands, my youth. Just get up and grab it!
I built this body!
Memories and past, no they are not pretty
They tried to exile me, but I'm still in the fight
And if they dare to bring me down
I'll break down the gates with my burning might!
I was nobility! Wasn't all that fun, you see
Now my speeches come to life; it's like a prophecy!
I admire all who tried to rap up on this jolly good beat
But just because you can quit, doesn’t mean you should retreat!
[Tasuku (Ekko):]
Three cards, six chances, it's like we Mafia
I stay dealin'
Sliding with a glare, my opp's a joker bluff
Fukuoka bred, family cast me off
Dealt a bad hand, but no, that's not stoppin' us
This city will chew you up alive, and it won't spit you back
Downtrodden, but we don't quit, and that's a fact!
No lie, I've been fired just for showing up
Pain in my eye, like I drank poison from a coffee cup
MIHANASA 4L!
Try to take us? You'll fail!
The prize we seeking is choice, not some dumb fairy tale!
I know gamblers and cheaters, but I am not gon' tell
If you ain't come from this city, then you do not know Hell!
We been hidden in the alleys like shadows and them
Even if I lose, I'll just get up and try again
Katame's glare reminds you, your fate was never drawn
Word up, Icarus; I love you, even if you are gone
[Eiji (Jayce):]
Storming through the markets with a passion in the algorithm
Who can harness data into power but a mogul risen?
Holding up the code, I'll be locking down the net
Until I'm channeling a multitude of futures with my intellect!
You best bet I don't need to be regal
I'm giving PROFILE to the streets of my people
Cause I imagined a city no pain or poverty plagues
I'm on the brink of a breakthrough, so time to open the gates!
The network is infinite in reach and memory!
Fortunes in discovery, rewriting our entire legacy
Yeah, I saw the future, but I never knew how'd much it cost
Look at what life's done to you, look at how much I've lost!
The empire that I built was a promise to prove
That progress without compassion is something to lose!
A cure for my daughter, it wasn't part of the plan
But I'll keep pushing forward until you're holding my hand!
[Masa (Viktor):]
A lifespan is more than numbers on a page
When the Father turns the wheel, the flock obeys
I tore down the sinner's fragile guidelines
My people, you have a choice: repent or be consigned
I'll leave my mark upon this earth until they break my hand
You see confession day as a reason to celebrate
Until that mercy is set aflame
So I will not wait for permission to build a world without shame!
False prophets can get in line!
I'm the Father of your sacrifice
Your shepherd guide
Turn your bleeding into bread and wine
So kneel tonight with the faithful in my paradise, with better lives!
Put scripture heavy in your lap, afraid I'll turn it into profit?
With access to the pulpit, I will rise as your prophet
Bring the apple to its branch when the core's already rotten
You must repent your past for a future without a coffin!
[Nadya (Viktor):]
I walk the line where the shadows hide
No pity for the blind who refuse to open their eyes
Cautionary tales? I rewrite them entirely out of spite!
Loneliness is the venom of a gifted mind at night
Infinite knowledge, yes, I stand on science
Went through hell and haven't made it back, but I'm no victim!
The thesis is: never show weakness, strike with bliss
You're already too late by the time you hear the serpent's hiss
I’ve got my own ideals!
You fools will never understand a fraction of what I unveil
But I put it into practice, my revenge is real
Not much left they can steal
The serpent has already healed!
I've done the most, but I'm not entirely sure of it
Injected pain in my veins, and endured every bit!
Always making progress, my venom reassuring
Best believe in the end, I will be the one to cause your death!
[Tomi (Silco):]
Power, real power…
Only comes to those born rich enough to devour!
I was cast into the spotlight, but never defeated
Bathed in gold, reborn, and I shed my weakness
Let me tell you little peons a secret:
Respect is bought, and envy's the price to keep it
Defend your throne with the jewels that seized it
Change is demanded, lest history be repeated!
They humiliate my name when I'm not even there
Despise me in public, but I'm always in their prayers
Every day, you all ponder, 'How can we get his attention?'
But I pay no heed to any of you, cause you're not worthy of mention!
Aoyama's a sea, and I stack fortunes for buoyancy
You fools actually think you can try to foil me?
The only thing you show is your own disloyalty
But I'm not bothered. (Why?) Cause I'm royalty!
[Kenshiro (Vander):]
First, let me say, you're the greatest things I've ever conceived
You've made me happier than I thought I ever could be!
They tried to bury us deep, but I carved through the stone
Now our roots break the surface, this hearth is our home
I'll guard you through storms, through the silence and snow
These hands will always catch you steady, I won't ever let go
Both your talent and smiles are reminiscent of your mother
The greatest gift I'll ever guard is you two, together!
Now, both my girls have got to pay pain's fee!
I really tried to change, the world wouldn't let me!
I swore I'd never again go astray
But the beast inside me has awoken, and it won't go away!
Stuck between the love of my daughters! (Dad?)
And the Dragon's bloodlust that wants to slaughter! (Dad!)
Please, just forget about me!
I'm sorry, but people can't change!!
[Taria (Jinx):]
What's another lock picked?
What's the risk when freedom's clenched in my fist?
Hell yeah, I'll resist!
I'm tearing through chains with a smirk on my face and a twist!
Let the sirens wail on down!
Watch a jester flip your sacred crown, I'll take it now
You made your vow, I'll make you bow
And laugh while the whole damn world breaks down!
Light the flare and watch me climb the sky
I signed the night with sparks flying high.
You try and strike, but don't you get close,
Take me on and you'll join the forgotten ghosts!
Troublemaker that always will come back!
I'm too sharp to unpack!
I been there and done that!
Some call me "Misfit," some call me "The Solution,"
Don't get in my way, 'less you want retribution!
In collaboration with @uenodivision, @roppongi-division, @sendaidivision, @fukuokadivision1, @ginza-division, @aoyama-division, @yamagata-division, and @ota-division. Thank you all!
"Ha! I quite like this 'Heimerdinger' fellow! He seems like a good egg! ...A little too short and scrawny, though. ...And brainy if his lyrics were anything to go by."
"...You can actually stand there and say that? You're a teacher, aren't you?"
"Yes, but I teach physical education, which is all about working the body, not the mind!"
"That's not... you know what, never mind. Forget I said anything."
Top Row: Ryūzō's English Classroom, Takumi's Track, Kotono's Physics Classroom
Middle Row: School Lockers/Entrance of School, Exterior of School, Cafeteria
Bottom Row: Teacher Staff Room, School Roof, Conference Room
🌑 Ryūzō's Tidbits 🌑
Ryūzō's classroom is silent before every lecture; he insists on a full minute of quiet reflection before speaking, claiming it "sharpens the mind." Students jokingly refer to it as "The Mizutori Minute."
He keeps a drawer filled with confiscated items: cheat sheets, love notes, and one rubber shuriken. He never throws them away, stating that they're "evidence of character."
At the end of each term, Ryūzō always crafts a short message for the highest-achieving student. The note is consistently concise, penned by hand, and tucked away in a sleek black envelope.
⏱️ Takumi's Tidbits ⏱️
The walls of Takumi's office are adorned with inspirational posters. Some are professionally made, while the majority are creatively crafted by students. One particular poster, embellished with glitter glue, boldly proclaims, "SPIRIT NEVER SLEEPS!" He framed it.
Every Wednesday, he conducts morning exercise sessions for the entire faculty staff. Only two teachers ever show up, but Takumi treats it like a stadium event.
He keeps a logbook of every student's progress, complete with awkward and bizarre nicknames like "Lightning Legs" and "Captain Collapse." During end-of-term speeches, he takes the time to read these aloud, leading to embarrassment and red faces from those he is referring to.
👩⚕️ Kotono's Tidbits 👩⚕️
Kotono has a hidden collection of horror magazines tucked away in her desk drawer, with a few penned under her pseudonym. If a student happens to discover one, she simply gives a playful wink and remarks, "You weren't supposed to see that."
Her nurse's office has blackout curtains, a wine-scented diffuser, and a mini fridge filled with pudding cups. Students say it feels "like a vampire's spa."
Her lab coat has a stitched patch near the collar: her sister's tree pendant symbol. She touches it before every lecture, even if she's hungover.
Kiya Kara Drama Track 1 - Know That You Know Nothing
Pt. 2
— Training Grounds, Sendai Academy —
[Takumi Wakaba stood proudly at the heart of the Academy's open training area, his shinai perched on his shoulder as he watched his students with a bright smile. The morning sun beat down upon them, beads of sweat trickling down their faces as they pushed through their exercises. For anyone observing, the scene might have appeared harsh; bodies pushing their limits, heavy breaths resonating across the grounds. But to Takumi, this was the power of Spirit in full force.]
Takumi: *Hands on hips, nodding in approval* That's it! Feel it! The burning spirit flowing through your veins!
[Several students groaned in response, their movements sluggish as they fought to keep pace with the training regimen.]
Student #1: *Panting* Wakaba-sensei, please, this is getting cruel…
Student #2: *Coughing* I think I saw my ancestors just now...
Takumi: *Boisterous laugh* Nonsense! They're cheering you on from the afterlife!
Student #3: *Groaning* Wakaba-sensei, what kind of P.E. class is this?!
Takumi: *Grinning* A trial by fire! The flames of perseverance will forge your very souls into unbreakable warriors!
[His students exchanged exhausted, yet utterly defeated glances. Some considered arguing, but decided against it. Better to conserve their energy than to risk the wrath of their fiery instructor.]
Takumi: Now, keep going! Ten more laps around the field!
[Collective groans filled the air, but none dared challenge his order. Takumi wiped an emotional tear from his eye, moved by their endurance.]
Takumi: *Sniffs* That's right… show me that fighting spirit!
[Finally, after another grueling stretch of drills, Takumi straightened his posture and clapped his hands together.]
Takumi: *Grinning* That’s all for today. You lot did marginally decent, but tomorrow I expect perfection!
[His students sighed in relief, their bodies aching as they stumbled toward the lockers.]
Student #4: *Weakly* ...We survived… somehow…
Takumi: *Thumbs up* Survival is the first step to strength!
Student #5: *Groaning* If this a step to strength, I'm fine being weak...
Student #6: I'm going to die before the semester is over... I just know it...
[With a boisterous laugh, the P.E. teacher slung his shinai over his back and made his way toward the teacher’s lounge, eager to reconvene with his fellow professors.]
— Teacher's Lounge, Sendai Academy —
[Takumi pushed open the door to find Kotono lounging at the table, absently stirring a cup of coffee with one finger. She looked tired, as always, but still managed to shoot him an amused glance as he stepped inside.]
Kotono: *Smirks* How many did you lose today?
Takumi: *Scoffs* Lose? Please! My students are thriving! Their bodies may be weak, but their spirits are strong!
Kotono: *Yawns* Sounds exhausting.
[Takumi grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge, taking a long gulp before settling into a chair across from her.]
Takumi: *Wipes mouth* You really should stop drinking that stuff.
Kotono: *Raises an eyebrow* What? *Looks down at her cup* Tea? Why?
Takumi: *Serious* You're addicted.
Kotono: *Deadpan* Coming from the guy who drinks five protein shakes a day?
Takumi: *Pointing at himself* Muscle maintenance is different!
[Kotono rolled her eyes but smirked nonetheless. Their conversation drifted comfortably, switching between small talk and complaints about work, until Takumi finally glanced around.]
Takumi: *Leans back, crossing arms* I just realized, where's Ryu-san? I figured he'd be done with classes by now.
Kotono: *Shrugs* You just missed him. He left about 45 minutes ago. Asked the Chairman could he take the rest of the day.
Takumi: *Surprised, raising an eyebrow* Ryu-san said that? Are we talking about the same Ryu-san that seems to love giving out endless work to his students, and making them cry?
Kotono: *Frowns* Are you really in any position to be talking about 'making students cry?'
Takumi: *Grins* Fair point.
Kotono: ...But yeah, he said he had things to take care of. He looked really out of him last I saw him.
Takumi: Frowns Huh. That's not like him.
Kotono: *Nods* He's been acting weird since this morning. Less 'brooding house cat,' more 'paranoid street dog.'
Takumi: *Raises an eyebrow* You think something happened?
Kotono: *Sets down her tea* Possibly. What say we find out?
— Mizutori Residence, Sendai City —
[After the school day had ended, the two teachers resolved to see what was up with their fellow colleague. Truthfully, Takumi didn't know why he was going out of his way. He could have easily refused. After all, the less Ryūzō was around, the more he had Kotono all to himself. But even so, he couldn't deny that without his rival there, things just seemed... dull.]
[So, after taking Kotono up on her offer, Takumi now drove through the quiet streets of Sendai, the early evening casting long shadows over the city. Kotono sat beside him, gazing out the window, noting how different her surroundings felt. She and Ryūzō lived a ways away from each other, though not far away that he couldn't be bothered to pick her up every morning or stop by and get her house in order. It's funny; though he often visited her place, she couldn't recall ever actually setting foot in his home.]
[After about a 20-30 minute drive, the duo finally arrived at the residence of their colleague. Parking the car, the two got out and took a look at the house, in question.]
Kotono: *Idly* Strange.
Takumi: *Glances at her* What is?
Kotono: This is actually my first time visiting Ryūzō's home.
Takumi: Same here. The guy's not exactly a people-person. He doesn't entertain much.
[This was actually true. Despite knowing him for a number of years, Kotono knew next to nothing about her fellow colleague. Unlike Takumi, who was an open book and had no problem talking about himself, Ryūzō wasn't exactly the type to go out of his way to converse with people. And when he did, he always seem... guarded. As if he was careful about not revealing too much info about himself. Even now, she didn't know much about him aside from the fact that he was skilled at housework, and had been teaching for an odd number of years.]
Takumi: *Grins* Still this is quite a surprise.
Kotono: *Raises an eyebrow* What is?
Takumi: *Still grinning* The fact that you've visited his house up until now. *Whistles* And here I thought you two were closer than that!
Kotono: *Flatly* Shut up.
[With a laugh, the physical education teacher walked up to his rival's house, Kotono following behind him. Ringing the doorbell, the duo patiently waited for Ryūzō to come. However, after several seconds, the door showed no signs of opening.]
Takumi: *Looks at Kotono* You sure this is the right place?
Kotono: *Shrugs* How would I know? Did you forget that this is my first time visiting?
[Ringing the doorbell again, the duo again patiently waited. But still, the house showed no signs of life.]
Takumi: *Frowns* Maybe he's not home.
Kotono: *Looks at Ryūzō's driveway* His car is here. Where else would he be?
Takumi: *Crosses his arms* Something's off...
[As the two teachers stood outside the front entrance, they heard a sound from behind them. A growl which made them both stiffen. Turning around, the duo's eyes grew wide as they found themselves face-to-face with a group of dogs, all growling and bearing their fangs at them.]
Kotono: Oh crap.
Takumi: *Chuckles nervously, holding his hands up* H-hey there, doggies... dogs. Who might you all be?
[His response was met with more growls.]
Takumi: *Chuckles again, his hands still up* R-right. We're just l-looking for a friend of ours. He, uh, lives here. You all... haven't seen him, have you?
[Once more, growls were the dogs only response, as they all kneeled down, prepared to attack before someone called out to them.]
???: Oi, kneel.
[At the voice's command, all the things obeyed and ceased their hostilities, sitting on their rear ends, though still locking eyes with the two teachers. Looking up, the duo looked as Ryūzō walked up on his porch, his hands in his pocket, and a familiar scowl on his face, as he stared at his fellow educators.]
Ryūzō: *Scowling* What are you two doing here?
Kotono: *Looks at him, relieved* Ryūzō!
Takumi: *Looks at him and then at the dogs* What's with the canines?
Ryūzō: *Looks down at his dogs* They're mine. I just came from taking them all on their evening walk.
Kotono: *Shocked* You... own all these dogs?
Ryūzō: I do, but 'own' isn't the right word. They're more like my... partners. They've been with me since I was young.
[Petting some of the dogs on their heads, a small smile on his face, it was hard to believe that the man standing in front of Kotono was the same one known for being a no-nonsense teacher with a penchant for dishing out punishments and bad grades left and right. She had to admit, he looked rather charming when he smiled. Those were rare, but when they happened, they were good.]
[However, the English teacher's smile soon faded as he looked back up at his colleagues.]
Ryūzō: *Scowling* But neither of you have answered my question. What are you doing here?
Takumi: Well, I noticed you weren't at your desk when I was done with my afternoon class, and Kotono told me you'd left already.
Kotono: We came to check up on you.
Ryūzō: *Raises an eyebrow* Check up on me? For what?
Takumi: *Frowns* We were worried about you.
Kotono: *Nods* When you said you were leaving for the day, we were worried since that's not like you.
Takumi: Yeah, what's up? It's not like you to leave before the day is over with.
Ryūzō: Ah, I see. Well...
[As he began, Ryūzō contemplated telling the two about his troubles. He certainly wouldn't have told them if he didn't trust them to a certain degree. Due to his previous work, it was hard for the English prof. to trust anyone, as his work always told him to keep people at arm's length, whether they were friends or not. ...Still, the fact that they came to check up on him did tug at his heartstrings a bit.]
Ryūzō: *Sighs, before moving to unlock the door* Come in. We'll talk more once we get inside.
[Walking inside, followed by his dogs, the English professor looked back only once at his colleagues before they followed behind, interested to see just what their workmate's home looked like.]
— Mizutori Residence, Living Room —
[Sitting down in Ryūzō's living room, both Takumi and Kotono took this top to survey their friend's residence from their spots on one of his sofas. The man in question was busying laying out food for each one of his dogs, all of whom happily dug in, though were still keeping a close eye on their master's visitors. After being put to sleep yesterday, each of them were a bit hesitant to trust anyone they didn't know. Fortunately for the professors, neither of them noticed.]
Takumi: *Still looking around* Gotta say, I'm a bit disappointed.
Kotono: *Looks at him with a raised eyebrow* Why?
Takumi: *Shrugs* I don't know. I guess I was just expecting more.
Kotono: Expecting more of what? Ryūzō's house?
Takumi: *Nods* Yeah, I just figured a guy as secretive and stoic as him would have something a bit more impressive is all.
Ryūzō: My apologies that my residence isn't up to your standards, Takumi-san.
[Turning around, the professors looked as their colleague had appeared out of a room from the back, his familiar scowl on his face. He had changed out of his workout clothes and was now wearing a business casual outfit minus a tie, which wasn't really all that different from what he usually wore at work.
Takumi: *Grins, chuckling* Hey, can you blame me? With how secretive you are, I'd have thought you were living in a mansion or a secret base. Or at least a room filled to the brim with weapons or government secrets or something!
Ryūzō: *Frowning* Just what do you take me for exactly?
[Shaking his head, the English professor walked into his kitchen, before looking at his fellow workers.]
Ryūzō: Before we get started, would either of you like something to drink?
Kotono: *Looks at him* I'll take tea, if you have some.
Ryūzō: *Nods, before looking at Takumi* Takumi?
Takumi: I'll take a beer!
Ryūzō: *Frowns* I don't purchase or partake in alcohol. You know that.
Takumi: *Rolls his eyes* Oh right, I forgot. You're a teetotaler.
Kotono: *Frowns at Takumi* Stop being rude. You're a guest in someone else's house.
Takumi: *Holds hands up* Fine, fine! *Looks back at Ryūzō* Do you, at least, have any soda?
Ryūzō: I do, but it's not name-brand.
Takumi: *Groans* Never mind then. I'll just have some water, if you have that.
[Frowning at his colleague, the English teacher, nonetheless, walked into the kitchen, preparing his colleagues' beverages.]
Kotono: *Still frowning at Takumi* Remind me never to invite you over to my house.
[The physics teacher sighed as the muscled man just gave a hearty chuckle, figuring it was a joke, which made her shake her head at his simple-mindedness. A few minutes later, Ryūzō returned, carrying three glasses, two of which were filled with a hot beverage, while the third was a glass of ice-cold water. Despite the heat emitting from two of them, it seemed not to bother the English teacher one bit.]
Kotono: *Takes the cup headed to her* Thank you, Ryu-san.
Takumi: *Looks at the cup of water, before shrugging and taking a gulp* Not bad.
Ryūzō: *Rolls his eyes before sitting down with his own glass* Glad it meets your approval.
[Taking a sip of their drinks, the three teachers sat in a comfortable silence for a minute, before Takumi broke it.]
Takumi: *Sets his glass down on the living room table* So, what's the big secret? What's got you acting weird today?
[Looking at his colleague, Ryūzō sighed, knowing this question was coming. He again debated whether to tell him and Kotono the truth, but figured that it wasn't anything big to hide, so he may as well reveal it.]
Ryūzō: *Exhales sharply, setting his glass down* Someone... I think someone may have broken into my house yesterday.
[Hearing his words, both Takumi and Kotono's eyes grew large. Sendai was one of the safest cities in all of Japan; possibly, even the entire world. The most that people had to worry about was people breaking and entering, but even then that wasn't likely to happen. What made this news even more of a shock was the fact that the person who broke in, may have knowingly, or unknowingly, broke into the house of a member of one of Japan's most prestigious educational systems.]
[A lot of questions were racing through the teachers' minds: did the person know this home belonged to Ryūzō? If so, was it one of his students or peers? If not, was it just unfortunate circumstance that they chose his house out of everyone else's in the city?]
Ryūzō: That's the thing: I don't think they took anything. I checked my entire house, but nothing was missing or out of place.
Takumi: *Confused* Then... how do you know someone broke into your place?
[At his question, Ryūzō sighed before standing up and walking behind the sofa he was sitting on. He then reached down to pick something up before walking back around. To Takumi and Kotono's surprise, a large metal briefcase was in one of Ryūzō's hands, while the other held a white envelope.]
Ryūzō: *Holds up the briefcase for them to see* This was placed on top of my living room table. *Holds up the envelope* ...Along with this.
Kotono: *Looking at the envelope* A letter?
[Nodding, the English prof handed it to the school nurse who looked at it, with Takumi looking at it beside her.]
Takumi: Whose it from? A mystery pen pal? *Smirks at Ryūzō* A secret lover, perhaps?
Ryūzō: *Ignores Takumi* Not quite. It's from Chuohku.
[At this, both Takumi and Kotono's eyes grew large once more, and they both looked shockingly at Ryūzō, who stared back at them, a neutral look on his face.]
Kotono: *Shocked* C-Chuohku?
Ryūzō: *Nods* Yes.
Takumi: *Also shocked* What in the world are they sending you a letter for?
[Instead of answering, Ryūzō took the briefcase he was still holding and placed it on the table. Flipping the hatchets keeping it shut, he unlocked and opened it, revealing the contents to his coworkers. While Takumi looked confused, yet also curious, Kotono's face was a variety of emotions, all ranging from shock, to fear, and everything else in-between.]
Takumi: *Still confused* What are those? Microphones?
Ryūzō: Not just microphones. They're...
Kotono: ...HypMics. *Still in shock* Hypnosis Microphones.
[Both male teachers looked at their female counterpart, noting the look on her face. Ryūzō, in particular, could see a bit of trauma hidden in her face, which was a sign that she may have knew more about these than anyone else in the room.]
Takumi: Hypnosis Microphones? *Looks in realization* You mean those mics that they used during that rap tournament?
Ryūzō: *Nods* Yes, the Division Rap Battle.
Takumi: *In awe* Woah. *Then looks back at Ryūzō* But... this still doesn't make any sense. Why would Chuohku send mics to you?
Ryūzō: *Frowns* Because...
Kotono: *Interrupts* Isn't it obvious? *Suddenly upset* They want Ryūzō to join the Division Rap Battle.
Takumi: What?! *Looks at Ryūzō* Is that true?
Ryūzō: *Sighs, nodding* Unfortunately. *Points to the letter still in Kotono's hand* The letter will explain more.
[Realizing she was still holding onto the envelope, the school nurse opened it and pulled out the letter from inside, which read:]
Kotono: *Reading off the letter* To the esteemed professor known as Ryūzō Mizutori, as you are no doubt aware, the Division Rap Battle will be commencing in just a few short weeks, with divisions from all over Japan entering to determine which division is #1. Among these competitors, Sendai will be proudly represented. I am pleased to announce that you, along with two other individuals, have been selected to represent our city in this prestigious tournament.
Takumi: *Shocked* What?!
Kotono: *Continues reading* Enclosed with this envelope is a briefcase that holds three Hypnosis Microphones, essential instruments for your journey through the tournament. You have one week to recruit two additional individuals from the city of Sendai who will join you in representing your division. Once you have your teammates, you must proceed to the nearest Chuohku building and provide them with the MC names you plan to use, along with your chosen team name. If you fail to meet this deadline, it will be considered a serious breach of conduct, and you will face consequences.
Kotono: After you have found two teammates, it's strongly recommended that you all take the time to get to know one another and figure out how to operate your Hypnosis Microphones. Without this understanding, your progress will be limited. I eagerly anticipate an outstanding performance from your team. Do not disappoint me. Sincerely, Otome Tohoten, Prime Minister of Japan.
[Seeing the Prime Minister's name at the bottom of the page brought back memories of the former Chuohku's scientist time with the organization, as well as her intrepid exit. She didn't regret her actions, or the way she left. But what did surprise her is the fact that they chose to send this invite to her colleague rather than herself.]
Kotono: *Thinks to herself* Is it possible they haven't discovered where I escaped after leaving? ...Or did they somehow find me, and instead of confronting me directly, chose to go after one of my colleagues?
[As Kotono thought about these chain of events, she was knocked out of her stupor by Takumi's voice.]
Takumi: *Doesn't know what to think* ...Oh man. *Looks at up at Ryūzō* Ryu, buddy, I'm really sorry.
Ryūzō: *Nods* Hmm.
[For a while, the three sat in silence once more. However, unlike the previous time, the silence was uncomfortable, as none of the teachers knew exactly what to say.]
Takumi: *Crossing his arms* So... are you going to do it?
Ryūzō: *Sighs* Unfortunately. I don't really have a choice in the matter. If I don't follow suit, then that's more than enough reason for them to arrest me.
Ryūzō: *Looks down on the ground, thinking to himself* And here I thought running away from past and erasing my old identity would be the end of my troubles. ...Ha, how foolish I was.
Ryūzō: *Looks back up his colleagues* My first order of business is to locate some potential teammates for my team. According to the D.R.B. rules, a team needs a total of three members, which means I'll have to find two others in the city.
Kotono: *Interrupts, a firm tone in her voice* You mean one other.
[Both men in the room looked at their female colleague, and were surprised to see a serious look in her eyes.]
Ryūzō: *Confused* Kotono-san? What do you mean? I haven't even talked to...
Kotono: *Interrupts* I'm joining you.
[To say both Ryūzō and Takumi were shocked would be an understatement. The lazy physics teacher who tried to avoid doing as much work possible was now taking initiative? And it was to join a rap tournament of all things?]
Ryūzō: *Immediately and seriously* No, absolutely not. I refuse to allow you or any...
Kotono: *Interrupts, glaring at him* I'm not asking, Ryu-san.
[For the first in a long time, the English teacher felt a bit of fear whilst staring at his female colleague. He had seen Kotono upset before, but those were very rare. Usually, she was a very laid-back and didn't seem to let anything bother her. But now? Now was the first time she had ever shown herself to be serious, even with her lab coat on.]
Takumi: *Laughs lightly, a bit nervous* Are you sure you wanna throw yourself into this mess, Kotono-san?
Kotono: *Looks at him, stubborn* I have my own reasons. *Then looks at Ryūzō, seriously* And besides, I refuse to let Ryūzō do this alone.
Ryūzō: *Looks at Kotono, in wonder* Kotono-san...
[Looking between the two, the physical education teacher sighed, before breaking into an enormous grin.]
Takumi: *Claps his hands together* Whelp, if you two are joining, then I guess I am too.
Ryūzō: *Looks at him, shocked* What?
Takumi: *Still grinning* Hey, are you really surprised? I can't very well let my two colleagues go into this thing all by themselves, can I?
Ryūzō: *Frowns at him* Takumi, you...
Kotono: *Interrupts* Ryūzō... *Shakes her head 'no'* Just let it happen. You won't be able to change his or my mind. We're joining, whether you like it or not.
[Looking between the two, the language studies teacher sighed, realizing it was pointless to argue.]
Ryūzō: *Mutters* ...What can I do? *Puts his hands up* Alright, I suppose we are all in this together.
[Still grinning, Takumi clapped a hand against Ryūzō's shoulder, making the English grimace and frown.]
Takumi: *Loud* Then, we're a team!
Kotono: *Smiles* Yes, indeed.
[Sighing once more, Ryūzō shook his head, suddenly exhausted all of a sudden. ...Still, he found it hard to not find his teammates' enthusiasm not contagious, though he sure as heck wasn't going to say or show that out loud.]
Half an hour later...
[Noting that it was getting late and that they all still had work to do regarding their teaching jobs, Ryūzō decided to call the visit to an end as he walked his colleagues to the front door.]
Ryūzō: *Standing in his doorway* We'll have to coordinate our schedules to find a time when we can all get together and practice with our HypMics.
Takumi: *Puts his hand on his chin, thinking* Hmm, I don't think I have any classes or anything important to do on Fridays or the weekend, so I should be free then.
Kotono: *Nods* Same. Thankfully, I'm done with grading any assignments or tests, so I should be free too.
Ryūzō: *Nods* Good. We'll reconvene then. Also, during your free time, see if you can study up on any rapping tips. *Looks between them* I doubt any of us anticipated we would be joining a rapping tournament, so I doubt any of us have proficient skills in rapping.
Takumi: *Grins* No problem! I'm sure we can find plenty of videos on the topic on the Internet.
Ryūzō: Good. I'll start looking some up tonight then.
Kotono: Same here. Also, one last thing...
[With a serious look on her face, the school nurse leaned in close to her colleagues and spoke low.]
Kotono: *Seriously* ...Let's keep the information that we're joining the D.R.B. to ourselves for now. The last thing any of our students or peers need to know is that we're now an official rap team.
Ryūzō: *Nods* Agreed.
Kotono: *Looks seriously at Takumi* That goes double for you, Takumi.
Takumi: *Frowns* Why am I getting singled out?
Kotono: *Frowns* Because out of the three of us here, you're the one most likely to blab about it. Once you get started on something, it's hard to make you stop.
Ryūzō: *Nods in agreement* Definitely.
Takumi: *Frowns more* Come on, guys! Give me some credit here! I know how to keep a secret!
[Though both Ryūzō and Kotono were skeptical, they opted out of saying anything, not wanting to antagonize their fellow teacher and teammate.]
Ryūzō: *Sighs* Alright then, so we'll meet back here on Friday in the afternoon.
Kotono: *Nods* Right. See you then.
Takumi: See you later, Rival!
[Bidding his teammates farewell, Ryūzō watched as they both got into Takumi's car and drove off. Closing the front door, he walked towards his bedroom and sat down on his bed, sighing. He didn't know why he felt exhausted all of a sudden. Dealing with numerous students and countless headaches was nothing compared to this. Looking to his side dresser, he looked as it was an old picture of him and his family when they were young and together. A small, remorseful smile appeared on his face.]
Ryūzō: *Sighs* Well, looks like things are going to get interesting from now on...
A Tale of Christmas Miracles Day 2: A HypMic Holiday Shuffle Concert Track 2
31.) Santa’s Coming For Us
Kotono Ohara “Shiki”
Jinwoo Min “F4NXY CH!LD”
32. The Hope of Christmas
Ayumu Hayami “Ex-Aid”
Ageha Shinozaki “A.D.A”
33.) Horror Christmas (+ensemble)
Reiaki Suzubayashi “Black Cat”
Kirumi Mayeda “Echo”
34.) Dark Christmas
Aruto Shinozaki “A.R.K”
Meari Miracle “86”
35.) This Christmas
Hoàng Diệu “MC Lotus”
Rinko Kurosaki “X-TASY”
36.) Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)
Karada Kessaku “Nike”
Tasuku Kawanoe “Katame”
Yuno Kamora “Kiiro”
37.) Dear Santa
Kanon Hojo “Mz. Hyde”
Fleuret Oshiro “Crusader”
A.L.I.C.E
38.) Red Christmas
Sakura Kito “Renegade”
Alexis Ward “Agent X”
39.) Santa, Can’t You Hear Me
Evelyn Rose “SPIRIT”
Miku Shirazuki “Hex 13”
"We are nearing the final act for Day Two of our Christmas Concert, 'A Tale of Christmas Miracles'… Before our final number, I would like to thank each and every one of you for spending the holidays with us in yesterday and tonight's festivities!
"I would like to thank Zephyrine Willburn, our Casting Director and Music Producer, to Lily Spade and Renata Knight for some of your suggestions in yesterday and today's performances (as well as the album cover)! And an extra thank you to the performers who came near and far to partake in this Christmas concert! With that, please! A warm welcome for our final performance of the night!"
40.) The First Noel
Lyall Shiba “Corvus”
Kureha Koizumi “Eclipse”
Chinami Chinen “Oracle”
Ryūzō Mizutori “Kage”
Ishihara Daisuke “Godsman”
"Thank you kindly, ladies and gentlemen. Your Queen wishes you a Merry Christmas. May the remainder of the year treat you well!"
"Sheesh, Ryu, who'd you have to sleep with to get featured so much on the Collab for this year?"
"..."
"Wait... did you sleep with someone to get featured so much on this Collab?!"
"...Takumi, do not think that just because we are friends and colleagues, I won't hesitate to hurt you."
"Is that a challenge, old pal?! I'm ready when you are!"
"Knock it off, you two. And what are you even complaining about, Takumi? We were all featured on a song together sometime ago, and now on this 'Battle of Pride' song."
"I'm not complaining, I'm just curious why Ryu here is getting all the attention lately."
"I don't know, but I did not, as you say, sleep with anyone to be featured so much."
"I don't know... seems a little suspicious, don't you think, Kotono?"
"...Well, now that you mention Takumi, it is kinda odd, Ryūzō. I mean, first you were the leader of a team in the tournament, then you were featured numerous times in those anime and video game songs, and now you have a solo song."
"Okay, and those were all at the whim of the people in charge of this event. I had nothing to do with it."
The professors at Sendai Academy have decided to take a break from teaching and grading papers to join their fellow divisions in putting out this awesome song! Let it never be said that they don't know how to be good partners, or know how to rap!
"...Takumi, remember that discussion we had about 'inside voices'?"
"Aw, come on, Ryu, old buddy! We, the Kiya Kara, had a song featuring all three of us together! You can't deny that that wasn't awesome!"
"...I'd just like to know why I was chosen to play the part of the villainous rogue ninja, whatever his name was."
"'Orochimaru', my good buddy! And he's not the main-main villain, at least not anymore."
"Of course you would know about that show."
"Hey, 'Naruto' is actually a pretty good anime!"
"Ignore him, Takumi. He's just sore cause he had to sing multiple times throughout this Collab."
"That is not what I'm upset about at all. ...Still, I wish I had been told beforehand about some of these people they had me sing about. I'm not a video game expert or an anime guru like you are, Takumi."
"Well, there's a never bad time to learn, old pal! If you want, I've got some anime and video games I can loan..."
