Kuma no ie

Kuma no ie is Hakodate Division's representative rap group consisting of Olympic athlete, Kokomi Morozov, the retired veteran, Ted Bridges, and the chief/spokesperson for the Ainu people and the leader of the division team, Kotan Anchikar.

The group's color is snow white, the color of freshly fallen snow as it hits the ground.

The group's symbol is the bear, an animal that is sacred to Kotan and his people, and one that Kokomi and Ted revere and respect. Bears have many different meanings, but they all symbolize strength and wisdom, as well as a desire to protect those close to them.

Each group has a bear somewhere on their person. Kokomi wears a bear charm on the outside of her snow coat, Ted has two tattoos of a bear: one on his right arm and another covering his back, and Kotan has a design of a bear on the back of his kimono.

The group's hand sign from Rhyme Anima is just their off-hand extending forward with all five fingers spread out. It's meant to represent the paws of an animal, akin to that of a human hand.

All three are bonded together by their love of lifestyles and the cold, frigid air of Hakodate. They don't care much for outsiders or people who try to disrupt their way of life but can be friendly to those who prove themselves. Whatever you do, do not disrespect or talk badly about bears around them.

Masterlist:

Yup, I decided to jump on this bandwagon, as well. Honestly, I'm a bit shocked that it's taken me so long to make a playlist for Blade Maiden and Liberty Guild considering both divisions are several years old.

...Oh well! Better late than never. Anyway, I hope you enjoy the tracks I chose for each OC. Keep in mind I chose them based on the character's personality, backstory and whether they'd actually listen to them. I like to think I did fairly well on each. Anyway, enjoy!

Hisoka Tetsumasu

"Hisoka, huh? The man's got a knack for horses, and that's something I can appreciate. My boy's got a soft spot for animals, and anyone who treats them right is alright in my book. As for the trouble with Chuohku, I know what it's like to be a pawn in someone else's game. It's a tough spot to be in, and I've got no hard feelings towards the guy for his past. We've all got skeletons in our closet. What matters is what we do now, and if Hisoka's doing right by those horses, then he’s doing right by me."

Daiki Kamiyama

"This kid's got a wild imagination. Comparing me to some superhero. Well, I’m not sure about leading any rebellions or passing on powers, but I do do what I can to protect my own. And that includes the land and the creatures on it. If that makes me a 'Supreme Commander' in his eyes, then so be it."

"As for his family's dealings with the Ainu land, I keep out of politics and business squabbles. My focus is on living a life true to my values, and if Daiki’s anything like that, then he's alright by me."

Jack Verrill

"...Let me state now for the record: I don't take kindly to folks who are deceitful, and when you've been in combat like I have, you learn to tell when people are being truthful or not. It's a little skill I picked up after years of fighting. I don't use it very often, but it is useful to have."

"Like I state, I don't take kindly to deceitful individuals, but there's a difference between hiding something for a good reason and lying for the wrong ones. If this butler's got reasons for keeping his cards close to his chest, that's his business. As long as he's not causing any harm to me, my family, or the peaceful life I’ve carved out here, we won’t have a problem."

"And as for being called an American, well, I'm Canadian, but I get the mix-up. Borders don't mean much when you're out in the wild or facing down a bear. It's about who you are and what you stand for, not where you’re from."

Veiled Vanguard

Hisoka Tetsumasu

"Hisoka-san has a reputation that precedes him. As a horse breeder, his connection to these majestic creatures is something I can't help but admire. In case you don't know, horses hold a special place in Ainu culture, and anyone who dedicates their life to the care of animals is someone I respect highly. It's unfortunate that, like many, he's been roped into Chuohku's schemes; I know all too well the weight of being forced into roles we never asked for..."

Daiki Kamiyama

"Daiki-kun is a young man who seems to be searching for his own path, separate from the shadow of his family's wealth and influence. The dispute over the land was a very trying time for us. For those who don't know, we, the Ainu people, hold our land very, very sacred, and the prospect of a hotel disrupting the tranquility of our environment was deeply concerning. It was a relief when Daiki-kun's brother, Ronan-san, understood our stance and helped resolve the matter."

"I harbor no ill will towards Daiki-kun himself. He was not involved in the decisions that threatened our land, and it would be unjust to hold him accountable for the actions of his family. In fact, I see in him a kindred spirit. He is someone who values independence and self-determination. It's my hope that he can find the same peace in carving his own way as we do in living according to our traditions."

Jack Verrill

"Jack-san, as Daiki-kun's personal butler, has a role that I can't help but respect. The position of a butler is one of loyalty and service, qualities that are admirable and align with the values we hold dear in Ainu culture. While I may not know him personally, anyone who dedicates themselves to the well-being of another, especially in such a close-knit capacity, deserves recognition."

Veiled Vanguard

Hisoka Tetsumasu

"Oh, he's that horse breeder guy Kotan and Ted told me about! I've heard a bit about him since I arrived in Hakodate. It's quite impressive, taking care of such beautiful creatures. I've always admired horses from afar, their grace and strength, but I've never really interacted with them up close. Maybe I should; it could be fun!"

Daiki Kamiyama

"I know him! He's that superhero wannabe that's been running around Japan lately, right? I haven't had the chance to meet him yet, but from what I've heard, he sounds like quite the character. His superhero persona is… well, it's unique, I'll say that! I can't say I've met anyone else who takes the superhero thing so seriously. But hey, if it makes him happy and he's not hurting anyone, then more power to him. Life's too short to not do what you love, right?"

Jack Verrill

"He's Daiki-kun's butler, right? I've seen him around, always sticking close to Daiki-kun like a shadow. It's kind of endearing, actually, how dedicated he is. I know Ted-san thinks there’s more to him and finds him a bit suspicious, but... well, Ted's got good instincts, but I like to make my own judgments about people. It's nice to hear that I left a good impression during the Olympics. It's funny how things you do can stick in people's memories."

Veiled Vanguard

— Kotan Anchikar

Kotan lives in the largest house in his tribe's village. After his father died, he inherited all the perks of being the chief, including his father's household, which he lived in since he was born. He, at first, wanted to move into a much smaller house, not the least because he wanted to live like his fellow tribespeople, but because there's so much room in his current house that he doesn't know what to do with all of it.

Top/Middle Row: Exterior, Bathroom, Kotan's Bedroom

Bottom Row: Sisters' and Grandmother's Room, Living Room/Kitchen, Kitchen Utensils

— Ted Bridges & Kokomi Morozov

Ted lives in a large chalet in the mountains of Hakodate, where he lives with his son and fellow teammate, Kokomi, who rents a room from him. After he left Okinawa after his wife passed, he decided to flee somewhere to Japan that resembled his native home of Canada, which is known for its cold. To that end, he chose Hakodate in Hokkaido and built himself a chalet for him and his son. Although he comes off as a recluse, thanks to his hard work in maintaining the woods of his city (as well as his famous homemade brew), he is counted as one of Hakodate's most prized residents.

Top Row: Ted's Bedroom, Aiden's Bedroom, Master Bathroom

Middle Row: Kokomi's Bedroom, Exterior, Road Leading to Chalet

Decided to do orientations for the Hakodate team! Hope you enjoy them!

Kotan doesn't exactly have a job; it's more like a role for him. He functions as the current chief of his tribe and the spokesperson for the Ainu people of Japan. Basically, he communes with the government about the wants and needs of his people and works so that they can get the best deal possible. He doesn't get paid money, as much of his funds go back to his tribe, who are farmers and hunters, selling or trading their stock for necessities. He frequently worries whether he is doing a good job or not...

Ted, at first, didn't have a job when his wife was still around, functioning more as a stay-at-home dad. Now, after moving him and his son to Hakodate in the mountains, he works as a lumberjack/woodsman, cutting down trees and making sure the forest is well-cared for. The trees he cuts down are sold to various shipping companies. It's hard work, but Ted enjoys it, and is more than capable of doing it by himself.

Ted also ferments and creates his own special blend of beer, which is a hit among the people of Hakodate and the surrounding areas. He will sometimes trade his beer in exchange for other things that he or his family may need. He, for some reason, refuses to reveal the secret of how to create it.

Kokomi is a famous snowboarder and skier, having been doing both since she was only seven, and participating in the Winter Olympics when she was just 15 years old. At first, she enjoyed it, but as her father put more and more pressure on it, she gradually began to despise anything to do with the snow. Not wanting that, she decided to put her time in the Olympics on hold and left both Russia and her father behind to come to Japan to get her mind and heart in order.

Kokomi now works as an instructor. After renting a room in Ted's chalet, she knew she had to work to stay with him. After teaching some of the children in his tribe how to ski, Kotan recommended that she become an instructor. Thinking it was a good idea, she now teaches both kids and adults how to ski and snowboard three times a week.

Final Round — Fashion Show

Theme: "Wedding Fantasy"

Contestant: Kotan Anchikar

Division: Hakodate

— Kotan

— Ted

— Kokomi

"So, this is sorta like what you wear, right Kotan?"

"Sort of. The kimonos I wear are a lot more comfortable than this."

"So... why not wear that then?"

"The kimonos I always wear are more... informal. What you, I and Ted-san have on are more for formal occasions."

"I see... speaking of which..."

"..."

"Yes, it seems our friend is upset that he has to be here in Chuohku, not only once, but twice now."

"...It does make you wonder though, why is Chuohku doing all this, hosting two parties a week apart from each other?"

"I'd like to know the reason to that, myself. If the guards posted around each of the doorways is any hint, I get the feeling that the invitations we were sent were less optional, and more mandatory."

"So these other people here... they were forced to be here like us?"

"Most likely. One cannot, unfortunately, just say 'no' to Chuohku."

"Wow."

"..."

"Poor Ted... what should we do?"

"Let's leave him be for now... we'll see if he's feeling better once the fireworks start."

"All right."

"..."

"...I must admit, I find myself out of my element here."

"You've never been to a party, Kotan?"

"I've attended festivals, yes. But nothing so grand as this. ...For example, I believe this is my first time wearing a suit like this."

"It looks rather good on you! I'm sure Ted here is in agreement. Right, Ted?"

"..."

"...Ted?"

"..."

"...Is something wrong with him?"

"I think our friend is uncomfortable being here as I am."

"Why?"

"Well, less you forget, Kokomi-san, this party is hosted by Chuohku."

"...Ah, you mean the government?"

"Yes. ...And Ted-san has... less-than-amicable feelings about them."

*Growls*

"T-Ted?!"

Shu Kawakami shivered from the cold as she made her way up the mountain, in search of Ted Bridges, to whom she was assigned to give a gift to.

“He’s gotta live somewhere up here, at least, that’s what Ririko told me..”

Shu eventually stumbled upon a chalet, sighing in relief. She knocks on the door.

“Does Ted Bridges live here? I’d like to see him, if he’s available. You see, I’m his.. “Secret Santa”? I think that’s what you call it? But, never mind, If he’s not available, I’ll just leave these gifts out here!”

Shu yelled out before setting her two gifts down by the entrance of the chalet.

The first gift was..A bottle of sake!

There was a note attached to the sake, which read,

“This sake was brewed in Nakano. To be honest, I didn’t really know what your alcohol preferences were, so this was the best I could think of. You don’t have to drink it if you don’t want to.”

The second gift was.. A teddy bear?

There was another note attached to the stuffed bear’s ribbon, which simply read,

“For your son.”

Both notes were signed off with the same signature,

“Shu Kawakami, from the Nakano Division.”

And with that, Shu left the chalet, making the long journey back down the mountain.

( From @nakanodivision, Merry Christmas! 🎄)

Opening the door as Shu was setting down the gifts, the young girl felt as if she was staring at a large man-like bear hybrid. The man stared down at the young girl, looming over her while the young Nakano girl just there in fear. She looked down at the gifts she was going to leave sitting down on his doorstep and instead, shaking held them in her hands for the man to take whilst praying he didn't hurt her.

Ted took the gifts, but before he could say or do anything, the girl quickly ran away, leaving the large woodsman staring at her as she ran. Shrugging, he walked back inside his chalet and popped open the sake the girl had brought him. Pouring some in a glass, he gulped it in one drink, letting the beverage warm him up. It was quite good.

Round 4 — Singing/Rapping Competition

Contestant: Kotan Anchikar

Division: Hakodate

*Sighs* "I really don't like how poorly I'm doing in this competition. I didn't even receive one point last round." *Sighs* "Well, even though I know I probably won't win, I hope that I can at least score enough points to not be in last place. And hopefully this round can help with that. I had to think really hard what song I wanted to sing. So I decided to take one of my father's old songs. He said that he serenaded my mom with this one when I was young. So, hopefully it goes over well."

'Baby, I Love You So'

Performed By:

Kotan "Kamuy" Anchikar