#fleuret oshiro

[taito-division]

ARB Birthday Special: Azusa Furukawa

~~ June 11th ~~

"Think lightly of yourself and deeply of the world."

Login Lines:

"...Hmm? Oh, I'm terribly sorry. My apologies, but when I'm meditating, I tend to forget the world around me. Is there something I can help you with? ...Hmm, what's this? A... present?"

"...For my birthday? ...Oh. Oh! That's... correct. Today is June 11th, the day of my birth. ...I... thank you. Thank you for both the present and for reminding me. I truly appreciate it."

Voice Lines:

"I was unaware that today was my birthday, but apparently, the good people of Taitō didn't. Many people have personally come to the dojo to wish me a 'happy birthday'. I've frequently told them that that is not necessary, not the least because I'm not good with interaction. *Sighs* I really wish I wasn't so shy sometimes..."

"My students threw me a little surprise party in the dojo for my birthday. It was really surprising, but also very sweet! I'm... I'm really glad that despite the dojo not doing well, they still have stuck by me through thick and thin. It's truly appreciative. I'm extremely grateful for every last one of them. Thank you all."

"My father was well enough to sit up and walk around today. He told me that today wasn't the day for him to be lying in bed. I told him to take it easy, but he wouldn't listen and insisted on being allowed to move about. 'Today is the day of my daughter's birth!' he said. 'I'll not let my body deter me from being allowed to celebrate it!' *Sighs* He's so stubborn..."

"Fleuret-san. It is good to see you. ...Thank you for the birthday wish, my friend. It is truly appreciative. ...The dojo is... persevering. I've managed to pay a little bit of its debt off. And before you ask, no I cannot accept any money from you. I'm sorry, but as I stated before, this burden is mine, but thank you, nonetheless. ...Thank you, Fleuret-san. I appreciate it, really."

"So, what did you bequeath me on this day? ...Oh. A... painting? Is... that Tomoe Gozen? ...Oh my. Thank you so much, Fleuret-san. I will be sure to hang this in my bedroom. ...Thank you, my friend. I really appreciate it."

"Hello, Eldrid-san. I'm glad to see you. ...Thank you for the birthday wishes. They mean a lot. ...My father is fine. He felt good enough to walk around, despite my advice that he shouldn't. ...Haha. True enough. So, what did you happen to give me on today? ...Ah, some wind chimes. ...Yes, the ones hanging outside were getting old and falling apart. Thank you, Eldrid-san for this. It is very much appreciative."

Fleuret Lines:

"A most joyous happy birthday to you, Azusa-san. I hope it is going well for you. ...It is fine. But how are you doing? And more important, how is the dojo? You know that I can loan you some money. It is no trouble. *Sighs* ...Very well, my friend. But please, if you are struggling, do not hesitate to ask for help. ...You are welcome, Azusa-san."

"Now then, here is my gift to you. ...It is Tomoe Gozen, the famous female Samurai, or at least my depiction of her. ...Thank you very much, Azusa-san. I spent a while making sure it was good enough to show, but I am glad you like it. ...You are welcome, my friend. Again, happy birthday."

Eldrid Lines:

"What up, Azusa? Happy birthday to you. ...No problem. Glad to see you're doing well. Speaking of which, how's your old man? ...Well, he's stubborn like that, a trait I can admire, believe it or not. ...Ha, whatever! Anyway, here. I noticed your old wind chimes were going bad, so I decided to get you some new ones. I hope you like them. ...No problem, Azusa. Happy birthday again!"

[katsushika-division]

Akihisa sighed as he sat on his living room couch, a glass of cold whiskey in his hands. He was glad this day was almost over with. Soon, Touya would be too exhausted to be awake, Rintaro would go take a smoke and the balcony, and Akari would probably get started making breakfast for everyone to eat in the morning. Taking another sip of the alcoholic beverage, he sighed, strangely in a good mood. That was quickly ruined by the knocking of the front door, however.

Knowing full well nobody else would be bothered to get up and get it, he sat his glass down, stood up from the couch and walked to the door. Opening the door, he looked as it was a simple deliveryman who, with all smiles, stated he had a package for 'Akihisa Mashiro', which made the man in question raise his eyebrows. Signing off on it, he took the package inside.

Opening it, the former assassin looked at what was inside, his eyebrows raised. It was a CD of opera music. He had always appreciated opera, even when he was a child. It was something his mother, one of only two women in his entire life that he could he say 'I love you' too, adored. Looking at some of the names listed on the cover, some of them he knew, while others were foreign to him.

He contemplated putting it on, knowing that Rintaro would probably start bitching since he couldn't appreciate the brilliance that was opera. Shrugging, not really caring what that hothead thought, he walked over to the living room radio, popped the CD in, pressed 'Play' and sat back down as the sweet sound of opera began to fill the room and the house.

He sighed as he leaned to pick up his glass of whiskey, enjoying this moment. As he took a sip, he suddenly realized something: who was it that sent him this CD? Looking back at the package, he picked it up and turned it over to see if anything else was inside. Sure enough, there was: a letter addressed to him.

'To Mashiro-san,

A très Joyeux Noël to you, good sir. I've heard that you are who thoroughly enjoys the sound of opera music. Therefore, I decided to gift to you this impressive CD d’opéra. I hope that you enjoy it. Again, A très Joyeux Noël to you and a Bonne Année.

Sincerely,

Fleuret Oshiro.'

The sound of opera music was heard throughout the house as Akihisa took another sip of drink. Just as he thought Rintaro entered the room.

“What the hell are you playing, Old Man?”

“It’s called opera Rintaro.”

“I don't give a fuck what It’s called only old people listen to this.”

“Just sit down and listen to it, Rintaro, perhaps you'll grow to like it.”

Grunting Rintaro popped down on the couch in front of Akihisa. The two sat not speaking, the only noise being the opera music. It was calm and peaceful for once. While he was never going to admit it, Rintaro, for once in his life, felt almost calm. The burning he constantly felt was more of a soft burn than the raging inferno it usually was. Then, hearing a chuckle, Rintaro turned to Akihisa, who had a smirk on his face.

“See? Told you you’d enjoy it?”

“Shut the fuck up, Old Man.”

[saitama-division]

Special Thanks!

We can’t have done this without all the talented and amazing people within our own Divisions so let’s give a proper thanks to everyone who’s helped put in the effort to make this possible! Starting with our…

Staff

Kureha Koizumi — Camerawoman

Joey Kurusu — Videographer

Reiaki Suzubayashi — Makeup Artist

Ramuda Amemura, Kaiji Sano, Honoka Ajisai — Outfit/Costume Designers

Musical Performances brought to you by…

“Vox”

“86”

Yorii Sakuma

Fleuret Oshiro

And finally, Security..

Saji Buranka

Vito Koi

Kyler Aaron

We thank you for your hard work and services!

@kanazawa-division @minato-division03 @kobedivision @taito-division @minatodivision @setagaya-division @megurodivision @gion-division

[toshima-division]

Lillian's Thoughts on Taitō Division

Azusa Furukawa

"Azusa Furukawa, also known as 'Onna-Musha'. Subject is the daughter of Issei Furukawa, a former swordsman and dojo instructor who has fallen ill due to his wife's disappearance. Subject has since taken over control of the dojo, and has began teaching her father's students, whilst also taking care of him, greatly monitoring his health and well-being. Observation shows that her dojo is not doing well due to the fact that Chuohku has forbade her from accepting any new students. The reason for this is unknown, though it may be Otome-sama's way of keeping the 'No Weapons' law in effect. That, unfortunately, has not stopped Subject Azusa, who carries around a wooden kendo stick to compensate.

"Subject, much like her father, is stern and disciplined, whilst also maintaining a composed and grateful air about her. She is well-liked, not only by her students, but also by many of the residents of Taitō City. Subject has a well-hidden hatred for Chuohku, whom she believes is behind the disappearance of her mother. As such, she has rallied Taitō City behind her as she makes her way through the D.R.B., in hopes of getting revenge against us. She is considered dangerous, and as such, action may have to be taken against her."

Fleuret Oshiro

"Fleuret Oshiro, also known as 'Crusader'. Subject is the head curator for the Tokyo National Museum in Taitō, and as such, possesses a wide range of knowledge regarding many of the pieces that are displayed throughout the museum. She is a good friend of Subject Azusa, the two having met and known one another since high school. As such, she accepted Azusa's offer of joining her team in the D.R.B. when the invitation was sent to Subject Azusa.

"Subject counts the legendary figure, King Arthur, as one of her ancestors. As such, both she and her family place honor on a very high scale, and try to live their lives as just and honorable as they can. Personal opinion states that subject needs to learn that the concept of 'honor' varies between people, and that in this day and age, that concept is all but buried. Besides that, subject is also well-known for her relationship with Subject Rio Busujima of Yokohama. Time will tell if this relationship may help or hinder Chuohku."

Eldrid Iwasaki

"Eldrid Iwasaki, also known as 'Valkyrie'. Subject is famous, not only throughout her city of Taitō, but also throughout Japan as being the current and longest-reigning MMA champion. Despite being the third member, subject is wholly considered to be the face of the Taitō Division team. Subject is a good friend of Subject Azusa, whom she claims helped 'save her from herself'. And despite their frequent quarrels and arguments, she and Subject Fleuret still get along well with each other.

"Much like Subject Fleuret, subject places a concept, pride, on a very high pedestal. This may stem from the fact that her life up until now has been difficult, what with her mother's passing when she was young, her father's abusive behavior toward her and her siblings, as well as her younger brother's attack by a friend of hers. Subject cares deeply for her friends and family, and will risk her life to defend both. She is considered very dangerous when angered, and thus caution should be used when dealing with her."

Blade Maiden

"Taitō Division, Blade Maiden, are, without a doubt, a very powerful and popular team in the D.R.B. Though they have had only one battle thus far, they still are considered to be the favorites among the populace for winning. All three women seem to have very strong ancestral ties, stemming from famous warrior groups, such as: Samurai of Japan, knights of France, and Vikings of Norway and Sweden. All three strive to their best not to bring disgrace to any of their ancestors, which makes them dangerous in their own right.

"Confrontation with the group seems likely. If it is initiated, dealing with Subject Azusa first may be the best course of action due to her rap ability. If not her, then Subject Eldrid should be the next opponent, as she functions as the group's support and attack. Subject Fleuret should be dealt with last, due to the nature of her ability protecting her from an, otherwise, fatal attack.

"Report and analysis on Taitō Division, Blade Maiden, is completed. Moving on to next available assignment."

[megurodivision]

Saji's Thoughts on Taitō Division

Azusa Furukawa

"I think I know her. She's the woman who's in charge of one of the few remaining dojos here in Japan, right? I've honestly never been a big fan of weaponry. My hands and feet are all I need to defend myself. And truthfully, its kind of surprising to see someone still wielding a sword in this day and age, especially since Chuohku banned the use of weaponry. I know there's Katsumi-chan over in Nerima, but hers is more for sport, isn't it? But anyway, I hear she's trying her hardest to keep her dojo open despite Chuohku working hard to take it away. I wish her the best of luck."

Fleuret Oshiro

"I remember her. Our class took a trip to the Tokyo National Museum, and she was the one who was giving us a tour. Truthfully, I was surprised. I'd heard that the curator was a French woman, but I didn't think it was true. Still, she was very knowledgeable about a lot of the stuff there. It was a good experience."

Eldrid Iwasaki

"It's kinda hard not to know who this woman is. Even if you aren't a fan of MMA, you have to have heard of Eldrid "The Valkyrie" Iwasaki, at least once in your life. I'm still a bit surprised that I actually managed to get to do a collab with her! Her rapping is just the same as her skills in the ring: deadly!

"Honestly, after seeing her tear people up, I've thought about trying my hand at MMA. But I always just brush it off as wishful thinking. I like fighting underground. There are a lot less rules than there are MMA. Besides, I don't fight for fame or accolades. But still, she has my respect for doing what she does. I'd like to challenge her, but I don't think I'd even be competition to her. ...But I have to wonder who would win between her and Vito..."

Blade Maiden

"'Blade Maiden'. A fitting name for all three of these women. From what I hear, they all hail from proud ancestry backgrounds. I kinda envy them. At least they know something about their families. I can't even put a picture to any of my parents' faces. ...But besides that, I'm really looking forward to seeing more of them in the D.R.B."

[miyazaki-division]

Kyokos thoughts on Taito division

Azusa Furukawa

“A kendo teacher? Grandpa used to practice kendo when he was young! Grandma would always tell me about the time they first met…when she watched him accidentally whack her best friend with a wooden sword one day”

Kyoko giggles

“She seems like a nice lady, quite elegant in fact! She reminds me of Sachi~!”

Fleuret Oshiro

“I haven’t been to the museum in Taitō before! I know I’m gonna have to pay a visit if she’s there!” Kyokos eyes light up “She seems really friendly!”

Eldrid Iwasaki

“She punches people for a living?” The statement leads to a certain tailor and violinist giving her a funny look

“That’s all fighting is to me…especially when it’s MMA fighting” Kyoko shrugs “Though she looks really really strong! It’s kinda scary”

Blade Maiden

“Man I really do need to stop by and say hello! Taito seems like such a nice place, from what pictures I’ve seen it’s actually quite beautiful in my opinion!”

[suginami-division]

Shuu’s Thoughts on Taito Division

Azusa Furukawa

“Wow-wow a kendo instructor! And she has the same eye thingy as Ich-chan! What was it called? Het… Het… Heta-whatever! She looks super cool though. It’s like she’s the main character of an old samurai anime or something. I wonder if she acts super cold and serious? Hehehe, that would totally fit her image!”

Fleuret Oshiro

“Oshiro? Ah, I think I had some notes about her back when I had that job on Rio Mason B-Busujima… Urgh, I’m getting the jitters just thinking about his forest territory. I mean hopefully he isn’t trapping his girlfriend in some random trap in the middle of the dark, creepy woods… Eek, I’m gonna have nightmares about that job again just talking about this girl!”

Eldrid Iwasaki

“She looks super cool… Like a girl that Ryuko would draw for his work. Big, muscle girls who don’t take shit from anyone! She fits that exact character archetype, hehe. What’s the chance that she can take on Ryuko? It would really be fun to see that happen. I’d definitely sit on the sidelines and watch, while eating some popcorn. A showdown like that has to be entertaining to watch! It’ll be front row seats to an epic showdown!”

Blade Maiden

“It’s weird how I’ve never come across anyone in this division, but I guess that might be because it’s a pretty small town to begin with… Ah, but that’s probably saving that team on the stress that is all the bad news I bring! Maybe I should try and go there not for work, but for fun! I mean a lot of my targets visit there for dates, it would be fun to go there on break and meet this team! They seem super nice anyways!”

"Plus, interviewing Fleu-chan will satiate my curiosity about that Rio guy..."

[edogawa-division]

Yuriko’s Thoughts on Taitō Division

Azusa Furukawa

"I haven't personally met Azusa-San but I applaud her for continuing her family's dojo even with Chuohku's attempt to shut it down. I wonder if she's down for a spar? I may prefer a pair of knives over the katana but my Father was a master of one and he showed me a few tricks."

Fleuret Oshiro

"I have visited her museum several times. We often talk in French, which Fleuret-san seems often excited about when I visit. I remember she was interested in my time visiting the Louvre in Paris. Though our views on honor are something we vehemently disagree on."

Eldrid Iwasaki

"Eldrid-san is really strong. I went to a match of hers and was impressed with her form. I wanna ask her if she minds teaching Kanra a few moves because Kanra suits Eldrid's fighting style more than mine."

Blade Maiden

"Blade Maiden is an interesting team. I can't wait to go against them in D.R.B. I will admit though I wish to spar with them outside a rap battle either by fist or blade."