[Creative Award 2024 Entry] Marshall 4 Season #18

[Title]
Bees and Butterflies / Shien

M4S Recap

*

July 28, 2024 17:25

A man in sunglasses, wearing a patterned shirt with colors reminiscent of a Wind God and Thunder God folding screen—a mix of yellow and gold—waited solemnly for his moment on the stage right side of the backstage area.

Karma Hosen.

He is Japan's strongest battle MC.

Meanwhile, Noob was waiting on the stage left side of the backstage area, just as the event staff had instructed.

Even from about 20 meters away, he was struck by the aura radiating from that man, causing him to flinch involuntarily.

With nothing left in his stomach to throw up, only nauseating gastric juices were churning violently inside him.

"Well then, 'Yaba Sugiru Skill' is finally entering its second half. There is very little time left now."

The host announced.

"Now, for the second half, let's start the first semifinal match of the MC battle! Are you ready?!"

The audience erupted in cheers.

"Let's call him out! When you think of represent Nagoya, you think of this man—the current strongest battle MC in Japan, Karma Hosen!"

The audience went wild, everyone raising their hands and shouting.

CO2 gas hissed as it was sprayed, turning the path from the backstage to the main stage completely white.

From that foggy walkway, his hair, perfectly slicked back, appeared, and his silhouette was projected onto the large monitor.

The man's face was expressionless.
It was as if he were saying, 'Winning is a given.'

"Now, his opponent is..."

It was finally time.
Noob, unable to think about anything anymore, felt like a condemned man heading to the guillotine.

“At just 16 years old, this is his first MC battle. By a strange twist of fate, it’s a battle between two from the same hometown. From Nagoya, here comes the assassin, ‘MC Noob’!”

Although the crowd was cheering appropriately, they were clearly unimpressed, and the cheers from Shizuku and Yuri, who were being genuine, only made him feel more miserable.

“Now, after the mic check, we will decide who goes first and who goes second.”

The microphone handed to him felt heavy.
His hands were shaking, and he found it difficult to even hold it with one hand.

　　　　　　　　　　　*

“You can go first or second, whichever you like. You can choose the beat, too.”

Hosen, unable to watch, said this to Noob, but Noob, not understanding what he meant, just flinched in a panic.

The microphone cord had gotten tangled, and he was in no state to handle anything else.

“…Are you okay? Take your time, it’s fine to calm down first.”

The MC hosting the event also sympathized with Noob’s agitation. Some in the audience were even giggling at the sight.

“Th-then, I’ll go second…”

Hearing Noob’s actual voice finally, some people shouted, “Good luck!” but it was immediately followed by laughter.

He was being completely mocked.

“Now, let’s have you choose the beat.”
“First, from DJ Kenta Close…”

──Duku-duku Duku-duku

After the scratch, the beat that flowed from the speakers was SEEDA’s “Futeishokusha.” A classic battle tune. The audience cheered, “Whoo!”

“Now, next, DJ PEKO, please give us a beat.”

──Duku-duku Duku-duku

The beat DJ PEKO chose was SOUL SCREAM’s “Hachi to Chou” (Bees and Butterflies).
This was also a classic tune.

This song was one of Noob’s favorites, and it was even on his Apple Music playlist. And the audience was even more hyped than before. As expected of a classic.

“W-well, then, with this...”

Noob naturally chose the beat for "Bees and Butterflies".

“OK, the beat is decided. Let's get right into it. Yaba Sugiru Skill MC Battle Semifinal Match 1, starting with the first attacker, Hosen Karma. Three rounds of 4 bars. DJ PEKO, bring da beats!”

──Duku-duku duku-duku

　　　　　　　　　*

Bees and Butterflies (Battle ver.)
Lyrics and Composition: SOUL SCREAM
First Attacker: Hosen Karma
Second Attacker: Noob

(First Attacker: Hosen Karma)
Honestly, I feel sorry for you
That's only natural, you're up against me, but

As long as I'm standing here, as long as I'm holding the mic
No matter who it is, I'll bury them, that's my style

Yo, how's it going? No need to ask
You look like you're already dead, no need to imagine what comes next

I'll show you, I'll kick your ass
And while I'm at it, a campfire, my condolences

──It's Hosen Karma.

I'm really up against that Hosen Karma.

Even though it was a verbal attack directed at him, Noob couldn't help but listen intently.

The efficient word choice, the careful approach to the beat, and the unwavering competitive spirit that this is a battleground and he will definitely kill whoever his opponent is.

That's not all.
He took on the risk of going first all at once,
“This is how you battle,”
“This is how you should ride this beat,”
in a sense, he was showing him amodel.

For Noob, who was feeling tremendous pressure and a sense of being away from home on stage, the murderous intent released by the man in sunglasses was even a kind of love.

──If it's this person, maybe I can give everything I have.

It might be the height of presumption, but the overwhelming curiosity within Noob had surpassed the emotion of fear that had dominated the young man's heart until then.

Everyone doesn't know.

The exhilaration when someone small and weak, someone who had never been taken seriously by anyone, lands an uppercut from below on someone stronger and bigger than themselves and knocks them out with one punch.

I'll bet on this.

If we go by the theory in hip-hop that "your complex becomes your greatest weapon," there is probably no one in this venue who can outdo Noob.

Noob found his own strength in that.

The DJ scratches, and the beat transitions to Noob's turn.

(Second attacker: Noob)
Yo, that firepower isn't enough, it won't kill me
|Dandelion blooming in the shade| I'll take the city's heartbeat

You and I are the same kind of scoundrel in this city
Just happened to stand here using similar sounds and words

Just because of that, don't act all high and mighty like a senior
Don't mess with me, Hosen Karma, don't talk about people's strength so lightly

My strength and the value of my life
I know better than you do

*

A brilliant counterattack that surely no one expected.

The audience is surprised and erupts in excitement.

Shizuku and Yuri in the audience, and even Noob's mother Miyoko, are cheering with fist pumps.

However, the opponent is still Hosen Karma.

He looks at the state of the match with complete composure, as if he wouldn't be fazed by a lucky punch from a beginner.

(First attacker: Hosen Karma, 2nd verse)
Dance like a butterfly, swaying
Sting like a bee, drop dead

This is rap I'm doing for the sake of honor
I don't even know if it pays, but I'm rolling with it

Because battles are trending, guys like this pop up
Then I'll pluck them one by one

I'll seize the victory that was prepared as a matter of course
In other words, remember well that I am the harvester

*

(Second attacker: Noob, 2nd verse)
I'm not grown enough to be harvested yet
If you're going to pluck something, go for Misen's stir-fried greens

As a Nagoya native, I understand this city's bebop
A cool-core aesthetic deeper than miso stew

The track is 'Bee and Butterfly', if it's Lachic, it's next to PARCO
Crossing paths in life, songs, sounds, you, and me

It's not just about a competitive spirit that's on the verge of crashing, Give da Mic
Take you, it's not just a classic match of tearing each other down

*

(First attacker: Hosen Karma, 3rd verse)
Ugh, lame, stinky, mind your own business
I don't care about your competitive spirit or whatever

Where are you looking? Are your pupils dilated?
I'm right here, HIPHOP isn't about the method, it's about the way of being

You're 10 years too early to talk about this city
You're 100 years too early to talk about classics

Just hurry up and do what you're supposed to do
I'll do my own thing, so leave me alone

＊

(Second attacker: Noob 3rd bar)
An answer that's no different from any other old fogey around here
Hey, are you really the real Karma?

What I want to see isn't some fake
What I want to hear is your 'maxims or complaints' You know?

Well, whatever, it should be free, both people and music
I agree with you on that, I'll do as I please without being told

Skillful, 'too dangerous' illmatic, emotional summer
A single-minded, intense summer painting HIPHOP that TikTok can't capture

I did it properly!

＊

The sound of the audience shouting "Waaaaah!" and the host's signal of "Finished!!"

And Noob's final words, released after deviating from the beat of the 4th bar, all mixed together as the battle ended.

Noob, projected on the giant monitor, is smiling with a healthy complexion and a look of relief.

In contrast, Hosen Karma stands like a Nio statue, slowly raising his right hand and staring at the scenery even further beyond the audience seats.

It's refreshingly brazen.

"Now then, let's move on to the judgment!"

The host shifts the lingering mood of the venue to the next phase.

"Who thinks the first attacker, Hosen Karma, won!?"

WAAAAAAH!!!

The audience erupts, and everyone raises their hands.

"Who thinks the second attacker, Noob, won!?"

WAAAAAAH!!

Although the evaluation from the audience favored Hosen Karma, the artists and rappers in the staff booth were cheering for Noob.

Chobi cheers for both, while KJ has a pained expression, saying "Hmm..."

"Hmm... a close fight. It feels like the first attacker, Hosen Karma, is winning slightly, but..." the host concludes.

"How about an extension? 3 sets of 4 bars is too short."

That was Hosen Karma.
It seems he himself isn't fully satisfied with how this turned out.

The entire venue erupts in excitement, as if to say, "We've been waiting for this!"

"Understood! Now, we'd like to move on to an extra round, but how is everyone feeling?!"

WAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!

It seems the audience and the staff are in unanimous agreement that they want an extra round.

“Now, please select a beat for the extra round.”
The host says, prompting DJ Kenta-Close to play a track.

──Duku-duku, duku-duku

The smoky tone of brass instruments and the mellow melody of an upright bass. This track is from the double-name masterpiece "Shien" by MC Kan and MAKI the MAGIC.

Noob can't help but shout, "This is the one!" like a child begging for a toy.

The entire venue bursts into laughter at the sight.

"Hahaha! Fair enough, fair enough! ...Well, I'm sure DJ PEKO has a great track prepared too!"

"Alright, let's get back to it. DJ PEKO! Take it away!"

──Duku-duku, duku-duku

And here, "Shien" plays once again.

While it might normally be forbidden,
the sentiment that "this track is fine as it is" had become the shared understanding of the entire venue.

　　　　　　　　　　　*

"OK! Since this is the only choice! For the first and second turn..."

"I want to go second!"

Hosen Karma raises his hand without a moment's hesitation. His whole body is standing straight like a TV tower, with the real TV tower in the eastern sky looming in the background.

The venue, the stage, the staff, and the internet were all left saying "lol" at this turn of events.

"Understood, let's get right into it! Semifinal Match 1, Extra Round! The beat is 'Shien'. Whether you cry or laugh, this is the end! 8 bars, one-shot battle! DJ Kenta-Close, bring the beats!"

This extended beat is not the previous 4 bars, but double that at 8 bars.

There's no choice but to give it everything without holding back.

Noob, going first, takes a deep breath.

*

Shien (Battle ver.)
Lyrics and Composition: MC Han x MAKI the MAGIC
First: Noob
Second: Hosen Karma

*

(First: Noob Last Verse)
Talking about the streets while dropping nasty punchlines
Local city 052, Japan's central thick pipeline
Solid unity, violence for money, sweet temptations
A field trip to the underworld in this heaven on earth, Nishiki-cho
You might see me as just a small fry from the outside
But this luxury is built on precise calculations
Good and evil, I spit it all, living with full awareness
Faster tempo, tapping my mom's shoulders instead of a sampler
Penniless, wrinkled shirt, stained cap
Spinning records, living with a cat, |Autumn Winter Spring Summer|
Reaching out without limits, I won't bow to authority
There's only one choice, hit it with everything you've got
Burning it into your eyes more than major media strategies
Scales falling from your eyes, sleeping treasure, it's addictive
My mic handling that even toys with |Destiny|
A shock that makes your pupils dilate, a megaphone that sparks a revolution

*

A perfect strike.

Even though 80% of it was sampling MC Han's original lyrics, the skill and flow projected his true self and the dark image of the song better than anything else could.

Because he rapped faster than in the first song 'Bee and Butterfly,' there was a lot of information, but he had a face that said 'this is all my true feelings,' and he was staring down the absolute champion, Hosen Karma.

*

(Second: Hosen Karma Last Verse)
No, no, this isn't karaoke
Don't go stealing someone else's lyrics in this extra round
Talking about skill and all that, you're just a kid after all
Learn to tell the difference between what's yours and what's someone else's
Is the strength you talk about just a borrowed knock-off?
Don't you dare say something ridiculous like you're competing with me with that
'Music by us, for us, of us'
That's how you do sampling
I had started to think you were a guy with some backbone
But to think this is the end, that's a real disappointment
Well, failure and embarrassment are part of the first experience
I guess it's too harsh to make you take my 'thing' raw right away
If you want me again, come and take it whenever you like
I'm always 2000 bars ahead, even higher than the podium
I've remembered your name, 16-year-old, cherry boy Noob-chan
Come back when you've started over, I'll teach you the meaning of strength again

*

An overwhelming landslide victory.

Being beaten to a pulp so thoroughly that it actually feels refreshing.
Noob couldn't help but look up at the sky and shout, 'It's over!'

'U-um, shall we judge? Is that okay?'
The moderator is also somewhat bewildered by this outcome.

The outcome of the battle was clear to everyone.

'No, this is my loss. I completely lost.'

Hosen Karma's answer was a critical hit, leaving him speechless.

The root cause, as Hosen pointed out, was a tactical error in the last verse that deviated significantly from the scope of lyrical sampling.

Turning from a perfect strike into a bitter, painful mistake.

Noob had lost his cool at the situation of having pushed the legendary Karma Hosen all the way to an extra round.

The 16-year-old youth was left with a major lesson to reflect on as the curtain closed on this match.

By the way, the champion of the "Yaba Sugiru Skill" MC Battle was Karma Hosen, with Chinza Dope-man as the runner-up and Mamama in third place.

In the second semi-final match, Chinza Dope-man activated his super-concentration zone, known as "Dopeness Time," to toy with and defeat Mamama's systematic style.

The final match went into multiple extra rounds, and Karma Hosen's strength on his home turf in Nagoya ultimately made the difference, leading him to a brilliant victory.

Thus, all matches and the entire event reached a successful finale.

　　　　　　　　　　　*

“Oh, Noob! Great work!”
“Hey, you! What was with that wimpy vibe at the start? You really betrayed my expectations, in a good way!”

Shizuku and Yuri didn't quite understand why the battle had ended so abruptly, but they were incredibly hyped by Noob's hard-fought performance.

“You were amazing! That was seriously so cool!”
It seemed Yuki, Miho, and Gottsun had been watching from the audience seats as well.

　　　　　　　　　　　
“Nobu-kun. Great work today.”
Miyoko was the only person in this world who called him that.

“Honestly, I didn't understand everything that was going on, but I wonder how long it's been since Mom saw you working so hard like that... You really did a great job.”

“Everyone, thank you so much for your hard work too. Thank you for teaching me so many things while I was near you, Shizuku-chan and Yuri-chan. I had a wonderful time, let's have another girls' talk again.”

“Not at all, thank you,” everyone replied politely, showing their appreciation for Miyoko.

“Marshall-chan was a good girl, too. Such a truly cute cat. Please take good care of my boy.”

Combined with Miyoko's gentle tone and courteous demeanor, the evening breeze blowing softly at dusk healed the young people's bodies more tenderly than ever.

“I’m kinda hungry.”
Yuri’s stomach growled, signaling the 7:00 PM chime perfectly.

“Kato-san is coming to pick me up, so I’ll head home in the car with Marshall and Mom.”
Noob answered with a lonely look, but as if he had no other choice.

“It’s fine once in a while, isn't it? Why don't you go grab something to eat with everyone? Marshall-chan and I will ride home in Kato-san’s car.”

“But the bath time is…”

“It doesn't matter just for today. I’ll explain it well to Kato-san and the facility manager for you.”
Miyoko said with a bright smile.

“That’s right, you haven't eaten anything today!”
“It’s important to eat properly, too.”
“It wouldn't be fun if we didn't eat together once in a while.”
“I want to go to Misen. I want to eat Taiwan ramen and stir-fried greens.”
“Ah, what a long day…”
“Do I smell like sweat? Am I okay?”

Everyone wore the same look of having accomplished something.

As for Marshall, she was sleeping soundly in Miyoko’s arms, breathing softly.

“Then… just for today. Thank you, everyone!”
Noob’s expression finally softened, released from the long battle.

　　　　　　　　　　*

Good work.
The person who appeared there was none other than Hosen Karma.
He had taken off his sunglasses, and his slicked-back hair, usually held in place by styling gel, was washed out and messy.

Although a sharp tension ran through the air for a moment, he looked like a completely different person from the one just a moment ago, and he too was relaxed, freed from the long battle.

"H-Hosen-san! Great work!"
For some reason, Shizuku was the first to bow.

"Noob-kun... was it?"
"Y-yes."
"Thanks for today, seriously."

"N-no, thank you! I mean... I'm really sorry for making such a fool of myself in the final verse!"

"Nah, nah. I didn't expect you to belt out Kan-san's verse like that, but it was actually fun for the first time in a while."

"I'm sorry!"

"No, you don't have to apologize. Besides, I think it's amazing that you could do that much in your first battle."

"Thank you! Um... Hosen-san!"

"Hm? What is it?"

"We want to take a group photo, would you mind being in it too!?"
Noob gathered his courage to say that.

"I don't mind at all, but since we're doing this, is it okay if I call the others too?"

"Eh! Is that okay!? Then I want to be next to that handsome guy!"
For some reason, Yuri was the first to start making arrangements.

"That's totally fine, but wait a second while I go call everyone."
Saying that, Hosen headed toward the backstage area where the staff were taking a break.

*

A few minutes later, Hosen Karma returned with a large group in tow, saying, "Sorry to keep you waiting."

"Wait, eh! Seriously... eh! Eh! Eeh!"
Gottsun, usually quiet, was visibly flustered by the absurdity of the lineup.

Hosen Karma, Chinza Dopeness, Mamama, Rekko (the handsome MC Yuri supports), Kaede (the handsome MC Yuri supports), B-BOY Junior, B-BOY Hong10, DJ Katou, and Buddha's Chobi and KJ.

Everyone was hanging out in a lively manner, holding beer, kebabs, Yabaton's miso-katsu skewers, trophies, prosthetic legs, swirl lollipops, and so on.

"Chobi! You, your T-shirt is covered in miso!"
"So what?"
"Meow! (Are you ever going to grow up!)"
"Hey! Junior! Don't carry the prosthetic your hands! Put it on!"
"Jeez, Hong's so nitpicky."

"Okay! Is everyone ready? I'm taking it!"
"Hey! Stay still!"
"Say cheese!"

*
*
*

July 29, 2024 12:06 AM

"Hey, are you asleep yet?"
It was a LINE message from Shizuku.

Noob had just decided to sleep like a log.
"I'm asleep."

"I really had fun today. Shizuku, thank you for everything."
"Same here! Good night, Noob."
"Good night zzZ"

　　　　　　　　　　*

On this planet called Earth, the events of today are surely trivial to the point of being invisible.

This moment in July 2024, the mundane activities happening on this island nation of Japan, the loneliness after a festival, the memories of a summer spent by young people—all of it is surely nothing more than a tiny grain of sand in the universe.

But at the same time, the fact that the infinitely small is also the infinitely large is the logic of all things and the romance of life itself.
Those irreplaceable lights of life continue to shine infinitely within this vast galaxy, maintaining the balance of everything.
Everything, as it should be, is que sera, sera.

However, there is just one thing.
In this vast jigsaw puzzle called the universe,
there is still a missing piece.

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　*

Next time, Marshall 4 Season #19
Final Episode "THE BEST IS YET TO COME"

Stay tuned.

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