Kiya Kara

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

Kizuna/Bonds

Survival of the Illest

Alternative Rap Battle

Hoodstar+

Next Stage

Hang out!

Glory or Dust

SUMMIT OF DIVISIONS

Division Rap Battle

Division Battle Anthem

Battle of Pride

TOMOSHIBI

Rhyme Anima Opening (Legacy Four Ver.)

[Kiya Kara:]

All distress turns into flow

Helpless situations resolve themselves

Sendai City's lure light is released now, released now, released now

Even if it's just a small light

If it still shines, please illuminate me

Shall we do this! If we run, it'll be forward

We, the trees, have assembled

I'll spit out my verse

[Ryūzō:]

Even if I crawled from shadows drenched in blood and silent screams

I still reach out to guide the lost, to mend their broken dreams

Stopped counting all the ghosts I carry, carved beneath my skin

The weight of every failure whispers, "You won't rise again."

But still I walk through smoke‑stained nights where old regrets reside

A wanderer rebuilding what I buried deep inside

Some truths stay locked in darkness, sealed away from who I was

Yet I chase the man I'm forging now, not the one the shadows chose

[Takumi:]

Both my rival and my brother. Either way, I owe you much

Every time you climb from darkness, you drag us with you with one touch!

[Ryūzō:]

I'll forever abide by the path I carve

I'll be alright with these two guarding my heart's reserve

Straight ahead, only straight ahead; no more turning back to bleed

Toward the exit of this labyrinth, toward the peace I truly need

If I can bring someone comfort, even for a fleeting day

Then maybe, the blade I once became can learn a gentler way

[Kiya Kara:]

All distress turns into flow

Helpless situations resolve themselves

Sendai City's lure light is released now, released now, released now

Even if it's just a small light

If it still shines, please illuminate me

Shall we do this! If we run, it'll be forward

We, the trees, have assembled

I'll spit out my verse

[Kotono:]

Yeah, my mind's a mess of poker cards, bad habits, wine, and fear

But slip this lab coat on and suddenly my purpose reappears

I chase the truth through textbooks, myths, and shadows in my head

One moment lecturing physics. Next, I'm raising spirits from the dead

I gamble with my future like I gamble at the track at night

But every loss just sharpens up the vow I made to set things right

My sister's pendant on my neck still pulls me through the dark I tread

If fate won't hand her back to me, I'll tear the truth from fate instead!

I stitch my hope with horror tales, with monsters lurking in the lore

I drown my doubts in sake, then wake to chase the truth once more

I teach, I heal, I bluff, a chaos queen the world ignored

[Ryūzō:]

Now we place our hands upon the door where all our fears were stored

[Kotono:]

Together we've unraveled every wound we tried so hard to hide

Exposed the cracks beneath our jokes, the storms we carried deep inside

If this city calls us broken, let them watch what we become

Cause even moonlight blooms in darkness when the night refuses to succumb!

[Kiya Kara:]

All distress turns into flow

Helpless situations resolve themselves

Sendai City's lure light is released now, released now, released now

Even if it's just a small light

If it still shines, please illuminate me

Shall we do this! If we run, it'll be forward

We, the trees, have assembled

I'll spit out my verse

[Takumi:]

I was the hands and feet of a family that swore they had my back

But one false whisper turned to chains, and I was exiled off the track

Kept asking, "Why me?" while drowning in my brother's schemes

'Til truth hit hard: I wasn't cursed, just blinded by my own dreams

Masked the hurt with laughter, flexed my strength so no one saw the scar

But even moonlit nights burn out when you don't know who you are

Shouting at the sky, just wondering what I'm fighting for

[Kotono:]

We're right behind you, cheering louder than before!

[Takumi:]

To my students who are watching, hope you're ready for the score

I don't sell you empty words, I bring the fire to your door!

With these hands that once held nothing but a shinai on the floor

I grab this mic and swing my spirit like I've never swung before!

If I finish strong and push ahead, the future won't stay grim

I owe it to the ones who raised me when life tore me limb from limb

If I admit defeat to myself, then who the hell am I to teach?

No tricks or shortcuts, go all out. That's the end of my speech!

[Ryūzō:]

With a kunai‑shaped mic, I carve a future I once feared to hold

Not living in yesterday's shadow, I'm stepping forward, brave and bold

[Kotono:]

Pour the ice shots and the laughter, but don't forget your worth, dear

Loving yourself is the one gamble where the odds are always clear

[Takumi:]

From crowded trains to gyms, I push ahead with burning drive

Every sway and stumble just proves that I'm built to thrive

[Kiya Kara:]

If you run back there is no tomorrow

Together heading towards the decisive morning

Life goes on!

All distress turns into flow

Helpless situations resolve themselves

Sendai City's lure light is released now, released now, released now

Even if it's just a small light

If it still shines, please illuminate me

Shall we do this! If we run, it'll be forward

We, the trees, have assembled

I'll spit out my verse

We three will grab the victory

So in the future too we will keep earnestly singing

If even one person locks it, the door won't open so it's time for action

There's no time for us to sit on our laurels

So we just keep holding our hand up to the moonlight

[Ryūzō:]

My past was forged in darkness, every step a silent scar. Now I wield my words like blades, carving futures from afar.

Conflict made me hollow, but teaching filled the space. Not violence, but truth, that's the legacy I chase.

Shadows cling to memory, but I rise to guide the young. Their hope becomes my weapon, sharper than steel I once swung.

If glory's built on blood, then I'll change what fate has spun. Creating who I am until the battle is won.

Spit out all your emotions

You'll find every reason

Right here to lay it out in the open

Even if our bodies are ground to dust

We'll spit in the face of the heavens

No limit to our ascension

How many reasons do you have by now

To be a chicken and drop out?

Win, steal, make a get away

Let out everything built up inside

A fearsome fight against those on high

Hypnosis Mic

The spark that binds rhyme and rhyme

Is focused and refined by our minds

[Takumi:]

Stand firm or give up? I choose to climb! Every rep and lesson, I improve all the time.

Strength's not just muscle, it's the fuel you ignite! That's why I push my students, so they'll stand and fight!

Now over before, that's the creed I trust! Don't quit or back down. Rise over the dust!

Spirit in my veins, passion with every thrust. It'll be a long time before my fire ever rusts!

Spit out all your emotions

You'll find every reason

Right here to lay it out in the open

Even if our bodies are ground to dust

We'll spit in the face of the heavens

No limit to our ascension

How many reasons do you have by now

To be a chicken and drop out?

Win, steal, make a get away

Let out everything built up inside

A fearsome fight against those on high

Hypnosis Mic

The spark that binds rhyme and rhyme

Is focused and refined by our minds

[Kotono:]

Everyday, it feels like my mind's a merry-go-round. One second, I'm fine. Next, I'm underground.

Sister, are you listening? I still chase your fading trail. But until I find you, I'll drink and laugh at every fail.

What a circus! I teach, complain, then repeat. Yet somehow, these kids still drag me to my seat.

Too short to be serious, and strange to figure out. We're all dying everyday, might as well give it a shout!

Spit out all your emotions

You'll find every reason

Right here to lay it out in the open

Even if our bodies are ground to dust

We'll spit in the face of the heavens

No limit to our ascension

How many reasons do you have by now

To be a chicken and drop out?

Win, steal, make a get away

Let out everything built up inside

A fearsome fight against those on high

Hypnosis Mic

The spark that binds rhyme and rhyme

Is focused and refined by our minds

Spit out all your emotions

Your resolve is already broken

How do you live with yourselves

Acting like you’re above everyone else?

We’ll spit in the face of the heavens

No limit to our ascension

However weak and fragile they may be now

They won’t stand down

A catastrophe, a rewritten story

Mightier than the pen and the sword: Hypnosis Mic

The spark that binds rhyme and rhyme

This is a "fragment of memory" deep within their hearts

Why does the past cling to me like a shadow that refuses to fade…?

The smell of iron still lingers in my mind, even after all these years.

Back then, silence was my only companion,

and death was the only language I knew.

I remember the moment my childhood ended:

My father's voice telling me to steady my hand.

My sister's laughter fading behind me,

as I stepped deeper into the dark.

...

When the clan fell, when their screams tore through the night…

I ran.

Not because I was a coward,

but because I couldn't bear to watch the people I loved disappear in front of me.

I thought wandering would wash the blood from my hands.

I thought taking new lives would numb the pain of losing theirs.

But every job, every shadowed alley, every silent kill…

Only carved their faces deeper into my memory.

...

Now I stand in front of a classroom, chalk in hand,

Trying to teach peace with the same hands that once delivered death.

My students smile at me, trust me, rely on me…

And that trust terrifies me more than any blade ever did.

Because I still don’t know if I deserve it.

Will there ever come a day when I can sleep

...without my demons calling my name?

---

This is a "fragment of memory" deep within their hearts

Why does it still hurt… even after all these years…?

I remember running through the fields behind our home.

Handa chasing me, Ishii laughing behind us.

Back then, it felt like we were unbreakable.

Three brothers, one future, one family.

...

But somewhere along the way… something cracked.

Maybe it was when the townsfolk praised me too much.

Maybe it was when Handa started looking at me like I’d stolen something from him.

Maybe it was when Ishii stopped smiling the same way he used to.

I tried to talk to them.

I tried to keep us together.

But every word I said just pushed us further apart.

And then… that day came.

...

Handa dead.

Ishii pointing at me with tears in his eyes.

Father's voice shaking as he told me to leave

Not because he believed I was guilty,

But because he didn't know what else to do.

...

I walked away from Osaka with nothing but questions.

Questions that still burn hotter than any workout,

Hotter than any spirit I shout about in front of my students.

I tell them to be better today than yesterday…

But I still don’t know where I went wrong.

When did my brothers stop seeing me as family…

and start seeing me as a threat?

---

This is a "fragment of memory" deep within their hearts

Why does everything feel like a joke I'm pretending to laugh at…?

I remember the night Oshima was born.

She was so small, so fragile,

like a little bird that needed someone to guard her from the wind.

I promised I'd be that someone.

I promised I'd keep her safe.

Maybe that's why I studied so hard.

Why I pushed myself until my body gave out,

until the world blurred and the only thing keeping me upright

was a lab coat I convinced myself could turn me into someone stronger.

...

But then… that night happened.

The sound of breaking glass.

My mother's scream.

My father's voice cut short.

And Oshima...

gone, like she'd been swallowed by the dark.

I searched for her in every shadow.

In every hospital corridor.

In every whispered rumor Chuohku fed me.

I let them experiment on me because I thought

maybe if I became something inhuman,

I could find her in the places humans can’t reach.

But all I found were lies.

Lies and empty promises and the echo of my own footsteps

as I walked away from the ruins of another life I couldn't save.

...

Now I teach.

I write horror stories.

I drink more than I should.

I laugh at things that aren't funny.

I pretend I’m fine because if I stop pretending,

I'm afraid I'll fall apart completely.

...

And every night, when the wine settles and the world goes quiet,

I hold her pendant and wonder…

If I keep searching the way I am now will I ever find her

— Sendai Academy

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."

— 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?]

Takumi: *Sympathetic* Oh man, Ryu. I'm sorry to hear that, pal.

Kotono: *Tense* What did they take?

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...