taito-division

[taito-division]

Blade Maiden Character Playlist

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!

A playlist meant to remember the Samurai, who fought and died for their ideals, whatever they may be

A playlist meant to celebrate your French heritage, as well as what it means to be an honorable Knight

A playlist meant to remember the Vikings and how their main goal was to fight and die in battle to see the glorious hall that is Valhalla

[taito-division]

How the OC’s Beat The Heat at Home

Taking a shower every four hours: Kisouna Yuzairu (Sakura Clan), Tomi Chōten (Jet Set Trio), Mireya Quinlan (Private Party), Maki Umemoto (山茶花 Zombeez), Kaiji Sano (Lovesick), Joey Kurusu (Justice Shield), Keiko Yumi (Otaku Corps), Fleuret Otoshiro (Blaid Maiden)

Puts a fan in every room: Anika Kiyozaki (Pixel Syndicate), Alexis Ward (Sounds of Silence), Yano Ietsuna (ECO BooN), Kureha Koizumi (Femme Fatale), Sakura Kito (Silent Tragedy), Akihisa Mashiro (Death Row Block), Seiji Tsukimoto (Valor Guard), Asahi Tomoharu (Miraitabi), Kunio Chōten (Strange Magic), Meari Miracle (Oculus), Criss Hiromi (Otaku Corps), Evelyn Rose (Liberty Guild)

Infinite uses of the air conditioning: Queen Card (R.I.P Märchen), Reiaki Suzubayashi (R.I.P Märchen), Aranai Norikoru (Sakura Clan), Kensaku Morimoto (ECO BooN), Miho Kobayashi (CodeX), Wataru Sasaki (Justice Shield), Yuriko Kuromiya (Wicked Requiem), Reika Aichi (Silent Tragedy), Lyall Shiba (Valor Guard), Saigo Fuyugami (Miraitabi), Aoba Yamamura (Strange Magic), Reiji Enjouji (Diabolik Love), Ayame Kurokawa (Diabolik Love), Yorii Sakuma (ENIGMA)

Lots of cold drinks: Miku Shirazuki (R.I.P Märchen), Zakari Hiroya (Private Party), Asato Rikiya (ECO BooN), Shuu Edogawa (山茶花 Zombeez), Sayaka Miyuki (Femme Fatale), Ren Nakashima (Lovesick), Kyler Aaron (Justice Shield), Kanra Akemi (Wicked Requiem), Ayumu Hayami (Valor Guard), Yuuya Kanata (Miraitabi), Natsume Kurome (Strange Magic), Ruka Shiina (Howling Moon), Kaede Iwasawa (Trickstar), Nikki Yoshie (Otaku Corps), Ace Douglas (Liberty Guild), Rashaad Young (Liberty Guild), Eldrid Iwasaki (Blade Maiden), Ted Bridges (Kuma no Ie)

Banning the use of clothes: Shian Meizono (Pixel Syndicate), Karada Kessaku (Jet Set Trio), Hoàng Diệu (Sounds of Silence), Ryuko Umemoto (山茶花 Zombeez), Hisoka Tetsuma (Veiled Vanguard), Lola Takahashi (Femme Fatale), Max Soukoku (Lovesick), Touya Kisaragi (Death Row Block), Eden Yamamura (Trickstar), Aika Yumi (Oculus)

Actually living in only the few cold hours of the day: Makina Setsukura (Pixel Syndicate), Kai Quinlan (Private Party), Daiki Kamiyama (Veiled Vanguard), Sumire Shinomiya (CodeX), Kaoru Shinozaki (Wicked Requiem), Kanon Hojo (Silent Tragedy), Kei Himeno (Diabolik Love), Hisui Meguno (Howling Moon), Nadya Kuromiya (Oculus), Mina Nakayama (ENIGMA), Kotan Anchikar (Kuma no Ie), Kokomi Morozov (Kuma no Ie)

Stands Still: Shisuta Heisha (Sakurai Clan), Luis Kōkyū (Jet Set Trio), Ivelisse Martinez (Sounds of Silence), Jack Verrill (Veiled Vanguard), Ritsuko Okada (CodeX), Rintaro Himura (Death Row Block), Aoi Yamamura (Howling Moon), Nellie Yukimura (Trickstar), Elliot Shimizu (ENIGMA), Azusa Furukawa (Blade Maiden)

@akihabara-division03 @uenodivision @aoyama-division @arakawa-division @roppongi-division @toyama-division @suginami-division @obihiro-division @saitama-division @shinagawa-division @kobedivision @kanazawa-division @edogawa-division @shizuokadivision @katsushika-division @niigata-division @naradivision @kumamoto-division @hamamatsu-divison @kofu-division @aomori-division @minato-division01 @akihabaradivision @setagaya-division @okinawa-division @taito-division @hakodate-division

[taito-division]

Thank you all!

I'd like to thank everyone who took time out to wish Azusa a very happy birthday on today and yesterday. I apologize for getting to these gifts so late, but issues in real life kept me from answering them right away so I decided to do it all today. I apologize for the wait, and I thank you all for your patience. I hope you'll show Eldrid the same love on her birthday coming up at the beginning of next month. Hopefully, I'll get to her gifts a lot quicker than Azusa's. Until then!

-

Azusa stands in the soft glow of her dojo, the quiet clink of her sword charm necklace breaking the silence. She bows deeply, her eyes reflecting the calm dignity she's known for.

"Today, as the sun sets on another year, I find myself surrounded not by the echoes of clashing swords, but by the warmth of countless well-wishes. It's a different kind of battle, one fought with kindness and generosity, and I am honored to be at the heart of it."

She straightens up, her gaze steady and serene.

"I've always believed that the art of kendo is not just about the sword—it's about balance, within and without. Your messages, your gifts, they've added to that balance, bringing joy to my day. For someone who dedicates her life to teaching discipline and focus, it's a rare gift to be reminded of the softer, gentler battles we fight."

A small, genuine smile graces her lips.

"So, from the depths of my warrior's heart, thank you. Each word, each token, has been a strike of fortune, a blow of good will. As the clock ticks towards midnight, I carry your kindness with me, a treasure more valuable than any victory in the dojo."

She gives a final, graceful bow.

"May your paths be true, your spirits strong, and your hearts brave. Until our next encounter, be it in battle or in celebration, I bid you peace."

Azusa turns, her silhouette framed by the doorway, the charm necklace catching the last light of day as she walks out, leaving a trail of quiet gratitude in her wake.

[taito-division]

Night befell the city of Taito as Azusa Furukawa’s birthday came to a close.

Azusa picked up yet another package that was left just outside her dojo and brought it inside.

Attached to the large present was an open faced card, scribbled across it in red penmanship that was hardly even the least bit legible.

“Happy Birthday,

We haven’t conversed in a little while, but I do think I should get you at least something for your special day. Hope you can enjoy this with… whatever it is that you do. Thanks a bunch.”

— Shian Meizono of Akihabara Division”

Inside was ceramic incense burner, equipped with different scented incense.

Azusa smiled as she lit the incense, letting the smell overtake the entire dojo. Truthfully, when she was younger, she always hated the smell of incense. She found that the smell was too powerful and overpowering for her nostrils, making her sneeze. Unfortunately, her father always seemed to have their dojo smelling like it, stating that it helped combat the smell of sweat and funk that came from the students', some of which did not know the meaning of personal hygiene.

Azusa didn't know when she eventually got used to the smell. One day after she and her father had finished meditating, he had informed her that she had gotten used to the smell as it had been well over a month since she had complained about it. This news shocked her as she realized that he was right. In fact, the smell... it actually seemed pleasant to her. Plus, it made meditating and obtaining her focus much, much easier.

So to have a reminder of those times was not unwelcome. Smiling, she let the spicy, yet aromantic and sweet smell of the wooden fragrance overtake the entire room. Sitting down in the middle of the dojo, she inhaled before beginning her meditation process, emptying her mind and letting her spirit wander. This was truly a marvelous gift.

[taito-division]

Night had long since set on the Division of Taito, and Azusa Furukawa was inside her family home, preparing to head to bed after a long festive day. Suddenly, she heard a sharp knock at the front door. Curious as to who could be visiting her at this hour, Azusa stood from her spot and headed to the door, careful not to wake her father, who had fallen asleep. Softly opening the door, Azusa was treated to the sight of nothing at her doorstep until she looked down and spotted 2 boxes on the ground addressed to her. Leaning down, Azusa reached down and picked the boxes up, bringing them inside. Grabbing the smaller box first, Azusa began to open it.

Inside the first box was a copy of The Book Five Rings by the famous samurai Miyamoto Musashi.

Inside the second box was a naginata colored prominently in purple and gold with a tomoe symbol on the weapon. Alongside the weapon was a note that Azusa picked up and began to read.

Azusa-san,

Happy Birthday. I hope you’re finding it quite enjoyable. The blade is a little gift from me, fitting for someone known as Onna-Musha. Perhaps one day we can spar together.

– Yuriko K.

Azusa's mouth fell open for the umpth time today as she stared at the beautiful weapon before her. This was the second of the pair of weapons she had received today, but it was far from unwelcome. Truthfully, she was glad to have more weaponry. After Chuohku took over control of the country of Japan and passed the H-Law, all forms of bladed weaponry and firearms were both banned and outlawed. Although Azusa still had her family's ancestral blades, she knew better than to wave them around in public, less she cause Chuohku to come knocking on her doorstep.

Looking at the long blade weapon once more, the dojo instructor placed her left index finger on the blade. Wincing in pain, she looked as a thin line of blade appeared on her finger, which revealed just how sharp the blade was. She'd have liked nothing more to partake of this weapon, but it was getting late and the last thing she wanted was to disturb her father. Placing the naginata back in the box, she took both it and the book she had been gifted back to her room, making sure she stepped quietly.

Upon arriving, she gently and tenderly placed the box with the naginata inside along her room's far wall, making a mental note to use it in the morning. For now, Azusa decided she would make use of Yuriko's other gift, the book written by one of the greatest swordsmen in the history of the world. Taking one last look at the naginata's box, she smiled.

"Yuriko-san," Azusa said to herself. "I hope someday in the future we can cross blades against one another."

[taito-division]

The warm breeze has glided through the city of Taito as if greeting the early of summer —And in case no one does get the sign, today was now the day to cheer for the special occasion of Blade Maiden’s very own Onna-Musha!

Also, among the celebration gifts sent to Furukawa dojo, it appeared that the little presents from a certain division in Kansai had finally arrived!

First gift was a neat but elegant-looking mizuhiki ponytail holder

And the second were a number of chilled plastic bags filled with goldfish?!

—No, no, no, fortunately, they weren’t the real fish by the way. Looks like they were some kind of Japanese desserts made from kuzuko served with some icy packs to keep themselves cool against the hot air of June.

“Happy Birthday, Furukawa-san.

The summer is now approaching, isn’t it? Here my division has prepared some gifts to celebrate with you as well. And because the weather is going to be a lot warmer than usual, so it would be a nice idea to tie our hair up and stay away from heat with some cool mizuyokan, maybe?

Anyway, My teammates and I wish both you and your family a great year ahead filled with joy and wonderful memories (P.S. Especially for your father, we hope he get well soon!).

Sincerely,

Nara Division”

Azusa's mouth fell open as she looked the ponytail holder. It was an ordinary thing that you'd probably find on a store shelf anywhere in Japan, but... this particularly one clouded Azusa's eyes. Why? Because... it resembled the one that she used to always wear when she was young. The one her mother had bequeath to her.

When she was younger, her hair wasn't as long as it is today. It was straight and went down only to the top part of her neck. It made her look rather boyish, to be honest. She always used to envy her mother's long, dark hair. During one conversation, her mother was brushing her short hair. As she did, Azusa took notice of her mother's long hair that flowed freely down her back, making her envious.

"Why can't I have pretty hair like you, mommy?" Azusa asked.

"You are still young, my daughter," Her mother answered. "Give it time, and your hair too will grow out."

"But how long do I have too wait?" Azusa whined. "I want too look pretty like you!"

"My daughter, you are already pretty. From the moment I held you in my arms, you were the most beautiful person under the Heavens." Her mother stated, smiling at her.

"Really?" Azusa asked

"Really."

With that, her mother finished brushing her hair and then pulled out the ponytail holder that was keeping her own hair together. She placed it in her daughter's hands, making the daughter look at her, surprised.

"When your hair begins to grow, then you can use this to hold it up. Then you'll look even more beautiful, okay?"

"...Okay. Thank you mommy!"

...

As the memory ended, Azusa realized that her face was wet. Was... was she... crying? Yes, yes she was. Crying because the memories of her mother, who was no longer present, made her heart hurt. It was plain to see; she missed her mother. She missed her smile, her warmth, her words, her long-flowing hair, everything.

She'd give anything to have her back...

[taito-division]

Bright and early, Taito city retained its usual charm. The cities spirit shining more throughout. However, A special day for a certain kendo instructor had also arrived…

Wouldn’t it be fun for 3 surprise guests to appear?

This early in the morning…?

With a firm knock on the other end, Azusa Furukawa opened the dojo’s door. Both surprised and intrigued for her supposed visitors on the front steps.

“Ah, You must be Furukawa. We have a matter to discuss, If you don’t mind.” Yuno explained, Bowing his head politely. Though, His excitedness was terrible to hide.

“We decided to give you something, A token of…Celebrating your birthday~…” Mai chimed in.

“Apologies if this is too much, I hope we didn’t come too early. Even I’m still bleary eyed now” Eko put in, Handing her a normal sized box and stifling a yawn.

“Happy Birthday, Furukawa…” All of them said in unison, Waving as they left the dojo and out into the early morning air.

Inside…Were a set of bo staffs.

[Happy birthday from Fukuokanodivision~]

"Oh," Azusa said as she observed each staff with interest. Though she had spent the majority of her life training with the sword, her father did teach her how to use other weaponry from time to time, the bo staff included. She wasn't a master at using it, of course. If you'd asked her to teach a class, she probably could only teach the bare minimum. Still, she could defend herself with one if the need ever came up.

"Thank you," Azusa said, bowing to the Fukuoka team. Truthfully, she hadn't been aware that Fukuoka had another team, but their presence wasn't unwelcome. Thanking them once more, she bid them farewell and then looked at each staff that was given to her.

"No time like the present," she thought as she picked up one of the staff and began practicing it, the dojo filled with noises of her yells and the wind being slashed to and fro from the staff.

[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!"

[taito-division]

Happy Birthday Azusa! __June 11th__

Happy birthday to Japan's resident kendo instructor and one of the few people left to wield a blade in the H-Era! Please help by wishing her many more!

Feel free to wish Azusa a happy birthday, or ask her anything!

[taito-division]

Echoes of Bushido

All Songs Performed By:

Azusa "Onna-Musha" Furukawa

1. Warabe Uta

2. Song of Four Seasons

3. Tavern Night

4. Full Bloom Cherry Blossoms

5. Arigatou

Performed By:

Azusa "Onna-Musha" Furukawa

Fleuret "Crusader" Oshiro

6. Do You Get It?

Performed By:

Azusa "Onna-Musha" Furukawa

Fleuret "Crusader" Oshiro

Eldrid "Valkyrie" Iwasaki

7. SENSHI

Performed By:

Azusa "Onna-Musha" Furukawa

Fleuret "Crusader" Oshiro

Eldrid "Valkyrie" Iwasaki

8. SANITY

Performed By:

Azusa "Onna-Musha" Furukawa

Fleuret "Crusader" Oshiro

Eldrid "Valkyrie" Iwasaki

[taito-division]

Day in the Life: Blade Maiden

Azusa works as a dojo instructor in her family's ancestral dojo, teaching her students kendo, 'the way of the sword'. Due to Chuohku passing the H-law, which prohibits the use of weaponry, her family was instructed to take down their family's sign from their dojo, which prohibits them from taking in any new students. As such, her family is in danger of losing their dojo. But still, Azusa perseveres.

Fleuret works as museum curator in the Tokyo National Museum. Her job mainly involves making sure the museum is up to date, and all of the exhibits are in good condition. She also gives up to two daily tours of the museum a day to guests and tourists, showing them all of the displays that the museum has to offer. She enjoys doing it as it helps her to connect with her ancestral roots.

Eldrid is an MMA fighter, and the current reigning and defending MMA Heavyweight Champion of the world. From a young age, she's always learned how to fight and brawl. It was after she beat up some drunks in a bar that her coach spotted her talent and took her in, training her to be an MMA fighter, a job she thoroughly enjoys. She's been champion for years now, and it doesn't seem like she'll be forfeiting her title anytime soon.

[taito-division]

After many showstopping performances and breathtaking fashion showcases from our wonderful contestants, the time has finally come to announce our winners for the first annual Mr. and Mrs. Hypmic Pageant! We’ve gathered all the votes each and every one of you have sent in and tallied them all together for each contestant, it was a very close race but we are honored to announce that the first annual Mr. and Mrs. Hypmic Pageant Winners of 2024 are…

The "Power Couple", Tomi Chōten of @aoyama-division and his partner, Miho Kobayashi of @shinagawa-division !!

Congratulations on becoming this year's Mr. and Mrs. Hypmic, you two! You shall have the honor of sitting atop the prestigious Tokyo Dome as our 'King' and 'Queen' while you look down on the rest of the contestants and guests dance the night away to commemorate the ending of this fabulous event!

Let’s also give congratulations to the rest of contestants who worked hard and gave it their all during this pageant! It’s been one hell of a ride but we couldn’t be more pleased with the turnout and as we concluded this event, we want to thank each and every one of you for participating and we hope you look forward to next year's pageant!

Now, if nothing else, let the 2024 Mr. and Mrs HypMic Dance Extravaganza begin!!

[taito-division]

Final Scores!

Tomi Chōten & Miho Kobayashi (The "Power Couple") - 112 Points

Lyall Shiba & Kaoru Shinozaki (Blue Blaze) - 107 Points

Touya Kisaragi & Kaiji Sano (Angelic Facade) - 106 Points

Ren Nakashima & Kureha Koizumi (The Dark Canvas) - 65 Points

Ace Douglas & Evelyn Rose (America's Sweethearts) - 56 Points

Karada Kessaku & Lola Takahashi (The Deities) - 55 Points

Kito Sakura & Yano Ietsuna (Master & Servant) - 40 Points

Luis Kōkyū & Aoba Yamamura (Inferno Pair) - 39 Points

Congratulations to The "Power Couple", Tomi Chōten & Miho Kobayashi!

[taito-division]

Round 5 Poll Results!

Tomi Chōten of Aoyama & Miho Kobayashi of Shinagawa - 84 Points

Lyall Shiba of Niigata & Kaoru Shinozaki of Edogawa - 74 Points

Touya Kisaragi of Katsushika & Kaiji Sano of Kobe - 65 Points

Ren Nakashima of Kobe & Kureha Koizumi of Saitama - 38 Points

Ace Douglas & Evelyn Rose of Okinawa - 24 Points

Karada Kessaku of Aoyama & Lola Takahashi of Saitama - 20 Points

Sakura Kito of Shizuoka & Yano Ietsuna of Toyama - 20 Points

Luis Kōkyū of Aoyama & Aoba Yamamura of Kumamoto - 20 Points

[taito-division]

Round 5 Poll

[taito-division]

Final Round — Fashion Show

Theme: “Prom Night”

Contestants: Sakura Kito & Yano Ietsuna

Divisions: Shizuoka & Toyama

“What even is prom anyway?” 

“From what I know it's some big thing you dress up for in America. So judging from that I assume the Americans had something to do with it.”

“So it's their fault we're dressed up like this?”

“Pretty much. *scowls* I’m not too used to dressing like this. It's only because of Reika that I am even able to walk in these goddamn heels. Even this dress is awkward to wear.”

“Well ….Ithinkyoulookpretty.”

“What?”

“I..think you look pretty dressed like that”

“......You’re lucky I find you cute.”

“WHAT?!”

[taito-division]

Final Round — Fashion Show

Theme: “Prom Night”

Contestants: Lyall Shiba & Kaoru Shinozaki

Divisions: Niigata & Edogawa

“Prom? That's not even a thing in Japan. Even if it was I would not have gone to mine considering I was like 11 when I graduated High School.”

“I still quite can't believe you graduated that young Kaoru.”

“Perks of being a genius Lyall. Anyway, I think your sister might have too much fun dressing me up. I swear the minute she learned about this part of the pageant her eyes lit up like lightbulbs.”

“Yeah, that's Lyra alright sorry about that she's a bit of a fashionista.” 

“It's fine. She picked out this gorgeous gown. I’m just curious why she kept giving me white dresses. I figured she would have given me either blue or maybe purple but no white dresses are what she kept picking. Weird right?” 

“....Dammit Lyra.”

“You say something, Lyall?”

“Ah just that you like quite beautiful Kaoru. Like a goddess that steps down from Mt Olympus.” 

“....”

“Kaoru?”

“AAAAAAHHHHHHH!”