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Chapter 1 – Introductions to Ink Master
“This season on ‘Ink Master’, we begin and end our competition with Japanese artists with their masters. Like America, Japanese artists inherit their skills and trade form experienced masters in the field. This season 10 pairs, 20 artists will compete for the cash prize of $100,000, feature in ‘Ink Magazine’ and the title of ‘Ink Master’.”
Artist Introductions:
Team 1 is Izuku ‘Deku’. Midoriya a tattoo artist of 6 years with master tattoo artist Toshinori ‘All-Might’ Yagi, a tattoo artist with over 40 years of experience.
“Hello my name is Izuku Midoriya, better known as Deku, I am 24 years old and I am a tattoo artist from the greater Tokyo area, ‘ Deku laughed nervously scratching where his recent sidecut was, while the rest of his hair was up in a ponytail. He had two lip piercings on the left side of his lip, both his arms with covered in tattoos long with a neck tattoo, but still despite all tattoos he still had a baby face.
‘I’ve always loved art, especially when other people feel better about themselves when I give them a tattoo that exceeds their expectations. The styles I love the most are Neo traditional, Japanese and anything having to do with American comic book heroes or manga, haha!” the camera shifted to Deku walking into the lounge room where other couches and seats were. However being the first artist team, he was alone until his master came in.
The man was tall and muscular with tattoos everywhere on his body, even his neck and throat were covered in mostly Japanese traditional tattoos.
“We are here, young Midoirya!” he shouted causing Deku to grin in excitement, before cutting to All-Mights cutaway.
“Hello, my name is Toshinori Yagi, otherwise known as All-Might and I have been tattooing a little over 40 years now,’ The camera cut to All-Might using a long stencil with needles in his own studio back in Tokyo before poking Deku’s back with the sharp stencil for his unfinished back peace. The greenette didn't flinch instead he just looked completed used to it.
“I specialize in traditional Japanese, American traditional and Neo-Traditional tattoos, my master has also passed down the art of Tebori tattoo, which I have taught Deku as well. Being Japanese I love the traditional arts and despite the stigma of tattoos its part of Japanese culture and it’s a part of tattoo culture I want to keep alive.”
The camera cut away form the pair showing a blonde with an undercut and spiky blonde hair enter with a blonde with neat hair whose face was covered by a mask.
“Team 2 is Bakugou Katsuki an artist with nearly 6 years of experience and with his master artist Tsunagu ‘Best Jeanist’ Hakamada with nearly 15 years of experience.”
“The name is Katsuki Bakugou, better known as ‘Ground Zero”-
“You can’t use your tattoo artist name-“ A camera person interrupted from behind the scenes. Bakugou instantly looked enraged.
“Why the f@#k not?” He was bleeped again which only annoyed him even more.
“American viewers might think your naming yourself after a terrorist sight in New York City-“
“God, why are American so f$%king sensitive-“ the program cut off for a second before going back to Bakugou with the tiles that stated ‘STAND BY’.
‘Anyways, I have been tattooing for 6 years, my specialties in realism and black and grey tattoos, and I don’t think I might be Ink Master, I know I will be the f*&king Ink Master!” Bakugou smirked into the camera showing off his right arm sleeve and back tattoo, all of which were covered in muscle.
As the pair entered the lounge room he instantly rolled his eyes when he saw Deku, choosing to sit as far from him and All-Might as possible. Deku felt hurt but he tried not show it.
“My name is Best Jeaniest and I have been tattooing for almost 15 years. I will tattoo just about anything, but my real passion is in black and grey work,” The blonde man explained showing his black and tattoos on his left arm, however the rest of his body was absent of any other modifications.
The next pair was a tall man with spiky black hair and a slightly shorter man with half white and red hair that was tied up in a ‘man bun’. Both were covered in tattoos, however everyone could tell that with a regular suit and tie they would look anyone on the street. However, the taller of two really caught everyone’s attention, his face, and had burns and looking at the skin closely both Deku and Bakugou could tell the tattoos were covering burns on his arm as well.
“What the f!@k is with this guy? He looks like f^&king a human burn unit!” Bakugou exclaimed in cut away.
Both the Todoroki’s sat near Deku and All-Might. Deku got up to hug Shouto to which the latter gladly hugged back.
“Me and Shouto live in different areas of Japan, but every-time we are at tattoo convention we always hang out, even during canvas competitions! I can't wait to compete against him! Although, this the first time I've ever seen his older brother in person,” Deku explained, smiling in excitement.
“Team 3 is brother-brother team Shouto Todoroki and his older brother master artist Touya ‘Dabi’ Todoroki who is one the youngest masters in this competition with only 10 years of master experience.”
“My name is Shouto Todoroki, I specialize in Japanese Tebori tattoos and traditional tattoos. I don’t need t brag about experience, I will let my skills speak for themselves in this competition,” he explained looking bored into the camera. He showed his arm and leg tattoos to the camera, however he still looked bored by the task.
The view quickly changed to Dabi who was shirtless, to show all the stomach, chest, back and arm tattoos he had adorned on his some his worst burn areas.
“My name is Touya Todoroki, however everyone knows me as Dabi, I started tattooed illegally when I was 15, however I now have my own shop and get to apprentice my little brother. I'll tattoo anything, but I mainly specialize in cover up tattoos for scars, burns and even other tattoos. Because who wants a cover up from someone who doesn’t know how fucking painful it is?”
The next pair was a blue black haired guy who looked pretty normal, he wore no alternative clothing, however his left arm sleeve was visible and covered in Neo-traditional tattoos. Next to him was a man that was easily a foot taller than him with tattoos covering both of his arms.
Bakugou recognized the master tattoo artist, however the apprentice was not who he expected …
“What the F!@k? Where is sh^&*y hair? He was all hyped about the competition two weeks ago,” Bakugou questioned to his master, who looked equally surprised.
“Team four is Tamaki Amajiki an apprentice of 8 years with master Taishiro ‘Fat Gum’ Toyomitsu master artist of 30 years."
“My name is Tamaki Amajiki, I’m from Yokohama, I’ve been tattooing since I was 18 and I am here on the request of Kirishima.’ The screen displayed a photo of Amajiki with Kirishima and Fat Gum in their home shop, the redhead with the grin on his face was apparent.
‘Kirishima was in a car accident just a week ago, he broke two bones in his hand so he asked me to take his place since Fat Gum has always wanted to do this competition. So … I said yes. And I don’t plan on letting the shop or Kirishima down,” He stated shyly while the camera showed various tattoos on his body (he was too shy to show body on camera like the other competitors).
As they sat down Fat Gum shook the shy apprentices shoulders which earned a slight smile as the rest of the room waited for ht next team pair.
Both of them looked like hey hadn’t slept for weeks, hell they could easily looked related.
Todoroki leaned next to his brother whispering/asking, “Are they father and son, or related? They look the same.”
Dabi couldn't help but almost roll his eyes.
“Not this s*&t again,’ Dabi rasped in his cutaway, ‘Shouto had this conspiracy theory that All-Might and Deku were somehow related because they both are good at the tattoos styles and have similar skill sets.’
He looked at the camera, giving a ‘dead on the inside look, ‘I love my brother, but If I have to deal with this s%^t again I might to have to burn and pierce my ears shut.’
“Team five is Hitoshi Shinsou with 5 years of experience master artist Shouta ‘Eraserhead’ Aizawa, master artist of nearly 20 years of experience.”
“Hello, my name is Hitoshi Shinsou, originally from Hiroshima, now live in Tokyo I have been tattooing for five years. I like to tattoo mostly realistic, and colored tattoos. This is my first competition ever in tattooing but I know with Eraserhead I know I will be ok,’ He had unruly hair which was accompanied by a nose piercing and his arm sleeve, which was a ¾ sleeve tattoo.
The camera then cut to the man with his hair loosely tied half way up and the paw print tattoo near his right eyebrow were now more noticeable.
“My name Aizawa Shouta, but I go by Eraserhead. I specialize in realism, blackwork and 3D tattoos and have been tattooing for nearly 20 years. I mostly like to do cover ups for old tattoos, tattoos that clients hate, scars, burns you name I cover it, hence my name ‘Eraserhead’. Because someone should just be good at creating new art, they also be good at working with what they have, even if its challenge.’
The camera but to him showing off his leg tattoos and rib tattoo.
‘I not only have high expectation for myself, but I have even higher expectation of Hitoshi because I know he is talented and has the skill. And I expect nothing less than the best frrom him and to see him at the finale.”
Soon a blonde man with long blonde hair, thick rimmed glasses and a Black Sabbath band shirt that easily showed off his Japanese and portrait arms sleeves. Along side with him was a short girl with her chest and stomach tattoos being the most prominent, however Hitoshi looked at the pair in confusion turning to his master.
“Where is Denki?” he whispered/asked Eraserhead who just shrugged his shoulders.
Team six is Jirou Kyoka with master artist Yamada ‘Present Mic’ Hizashi, a artist of nearly 20 years with the same master tattoo artist as Eraserhead. Originally more experienced artist Kaminari ‘Chargebolt’ Denki was supposed to appear, however he had to pull due to medical issues.”
“Kaminari has had epilepsy since he was a child and unfortunately a really bad episode made it too hard for him physically. So he personally requested his fellow apprentice Jirou to replace him,” Present Mic explained looking slightly sad. He and Jirou were in the confessional together, she looked just as upset as he did before cutting to her own confessional.
“My name is Jirou Kyoka, I have been tattooing for only 4 years in Shinjuku, Tokyo and I am here for “Chargebolt,’ the camera cut to her showing off her ribcage and stomach tattoos.
‘Denki is amazing at what he does, and when he asked me to take his place I couldn’t refuse him, because he was the one who convinced Present Mic to take me in as an apprentice. I just hope I can up my game and give a performance that would the whole shop will be proud,” The video showed pictures of Kaminari and Jirou together at one the most recent tattoo conventions before cutting away to her sitting next to Hitoshi whom instantly recognized the girl from hanging out with Kaminari so often.
“It sucks that Denki isn’t here, but if he asked Jirou to come here then I know she must be good. But didn’t get me wrong I'm still going to win,” Hiroshi stated smirking slightly.
The man behind her instantly ran up to Eraserhead, to which the man hesitantly stood up.
“Shouta!” he cried out hugging the silent man, who started turning slightly red. But he still hugged back.
“Hizashi, I literally saw you 20 minutes ago,” he scoffed sitting down, not minding the close contact or that Present Mic was holding his hand tightly. Some in the room gave questioning looks, but others could care less.
“My name Hizashi Yamada, but I go by Present Mic. I will tattoo just about anything, but my favorites are differently new school, American traditional or anything that is challenge to be honest. Yeah!” he shouted giving a rock on symbol to show off both his arm sleeves before sticking his tongue out to show off his tongue piercing.
The next pair was a girl with pink hair and her equally colorful tattoo complemented her overall look, with her was a tall woman with black hair. Her clothes were revealing which made her rib, arms sleeve and leg tattoos much easier to see.
“Team Seven is Ashido Mina with master Artist ‘Nemuri’ Midnight ‘Kayama’, being the only female-female team in this competition artist of 20 years Midnight has expectations fro herself and her apprentice.”
“Hi! Hi! My name is Mina Ashido, I have been tattooing for 4 years and I will tattoo anything challenging, as long as the client loves my work every tattoo is worth it!” In cut way she showed all her various colored tattoos, all of which had creepy cute type of themes with aliens, space and floral art.
The camera quickly changed to Midnight whom used some of her own cover photos from Tattoo Magazines to show off other tattoos.
“My name is Midnight, by day I am tattoo model, but at night I am a master artist that will tattoo anything that will make the client feel happy! As long as they love what they see that’s all that amtters, because what type of artist would I be if I can people’s visions come true?” She asked the camera, not looking slightly embarrassed at her photos being shown for millions to see.
The next pair was a blue pale haired lanky guy, only his neck and throat tattoos were viable, the rest of tattoo were covered by his long black coat and his hand were in his pockets only added the mystery of the figure. However one person in the room knew who he was instantly.
“Oh, f@#k!’ Dabi cursed seeing the man in the room. In the cut away he had his hand in his face.
“Why the f#$k is he here? Great now I have 18 other artists to beat and Yakuza asshole that I once tattooed with” he groaned, his voice was slightly muffled by his hands that covering his face.
Shigaraki instantly recognized Dabi but he didn’t give the man any attention other then a side glance. He just sat down next to Bakugou with his master artist casually sitting in a near by chair.
“Team Eight is Shigaraki and master artist of nearly 40 years All for One, both of whom have confirmed to have tattooed yakuza circles.”
“My name is Shigaraki, and I-“
“What is your legal name?” the camera person asked.
“None of your concern,” he bluntly stated rolling his eyes. The crew sighed, they couldn’t expect anything less from a Yakuza artist.
“Anyways, I specialize in Japanese tattoos and I have been tattooing for 8 years. Yeah, I have connections to the Yakuza, but last I checked its not a crime to tattoo clients who are in the Yakuza. Well, at least now it isn’t illegal.”
The cutaway showed Shigaraki taking off his coat which showed his back and arms that were in a mix of traditional Japanese and American traditional tattoos. But his face, hands and part of neck wear clearly scared.
“Greetings ladies and gentlemen, I am only to be called All for One. I spent a good number of years tattooing Yakuza members and their associates. Needless to say I am quite strong in Japanese style art.”
The entire room couldn't help but stare at the duo. No one even tried talking to them. All-Might urged Deku to not look in their direction. Bakugou however didn’t look impressed.
“Ha! This just keeps getting f*&king better! First, I have to deal with Deku, then Kirishima and Chargebolt are no show, then burnt chicken nugget and his brother Zuko show up, now I have to deal with the prune face Yakuza f$%k too? God, why does everyone specialize in that age old practice?! F!@k!!” Bakugou ranted in his confessional rubbing his forehead in stress at the thought of the competition.
“AND QUIT F#$KING CENSORING ME! F$%K! ITS NOT LIKE PEOPLE DON'T KNOW WHAT I'M F$%KING SAYING!”
The next pair to enter was a short brown haired girl with only one arm sleeve tattoo, and wore fairly normal looking clothing that were casual. Along side with her was a larger figure that had only a ¾ quarter arm sleeve and neck tattoo. Both looked ecstatic to be there, but someone else was equally ecstatic.
“Uraraka! It's so good to see you again!” Deku yelled coming over to hug the woman to which she gladly accepted. He was happy to see so many familiar faces in the competition.
"Team nine is Ochaco Uraraka with 6 years of experience and master artist ‘13’, who has been tattooing for nearly 27 years."
“My name is Ochaco Uraraka, or you can me Uravity! I love any tattoos that are watercolored styles, new school, neo-traditional or just colorful in general! I have been tattooing for about 6 years, but I already am in the work of opening up my own business with 13’s shop. I can't to see what this competition brings!’
The cut away video showed the details of her arm sleeve with the space themes and water color textures.
‘’Ink Master’ needs a female winner eventually! And I will do the best I can to do that and make my family proud!” She shouted punched her fist into the air.
The next camera view was showing two arms sleeves and a neck tattoo, all of which were bio-mechanical themed tattoos.
"Hello, I go by '13', I am originally Kyoto and I have tattooing for almost 27 years and I love tattooing semi realistic tattoos, and I especially love anything that involves mechanics, or the fine line detail tattoos!' They stated smiling shyly as they showed close ups of their bio-mechanical tattoos on their back and arms.
'I can't wait for the challenges ahead and I am confident Uravity will make it to the finals! If a master doesn't have confidence in their apprentice then why are they teaching someone else in the first place?"
As she and Deku were talking the last pair finally showed up, both of them had arm sleeves and neck tattoo, however the blonde guy had a few face tattoos while the other guy had spiky black hair and a bridge piercing that complicated his thick black eyeliner.
Immediately Jirou got her feet high-fiving the gothic guy to which he gladly accepted.
“And last but certainly not the least is apprentice artist Fumikage Tokoyami with Keigo ‘Hawks’ Takami, who has the least amount of experience as master artist with only 7 years of experience.”
My name is Fumikage Tokoyami, I have been tattooing for almost 5 years and I love working with anything that involves and black and grey work, realism or polka trash. My creativity has no limits. A artist who limits themselves is a doomed artist,” he stated with no hesitation. He showed his back piece with dark figure like shadow that travelled to his neck and stomach.
“The name is Keigo Takami but you can just call me ‘Hawks’. I may not have as much experience as these other masters, but my amount of skills, expertise and experience make up for all of that. I can work with just about everything, but if I had to choose I would choose realism and anything involving mythology figures like greek mythology, I will do it no matter the style.”
In the final cut away he showed his knuckle tattoos before his arms and back were shown as well, all of which were wings on his back along with semi-realistic photos of numerous greek and roman gods and goddess statues.
Once everyone was seated and settled three figures entered the room.
“Hello, everyone and welcome to another season of ‘Ink Master’!’ The middle judge with white hair and a prominent scar covering his right eye stated in cherry tone. He was wearing a casual formal type pf attire, but the tattoos on his neck, wrist and hands were visible.
‘This time it will all take place in Japan instead of America! I am the Nezu, I have been tattooing for nearly 35 years and have been able to establish nearly 13 different tattoo shops here in Japan, Australia and even America!’
Everyone in the room clapped before he proceeded with introducing the other judges.
‘With me is Enji Tokodorki, or as he is better know as in the tattoo world ‘Endeavor’. He is considered the best Tebori artist in the world and has dominated traditional tattoos in conventions all over the world.’ The spiky red-haired man with an impressive amount of traditional Japanese tattoos stepped forward nodding his head. But what really stood more than his tattoos was the scar covering his left eye, it was hard not to miss.
Everyone clapped again, but Todoroki just glared daggers at the man while Dabi already looked worried.
“I know my father is a judge on ‘Ink Master’, but I also know my brothers Shouto and Natsuo still very much hold a grudge against him despite how me, my mom and my sister feel about the accident that caused this whole s%&t show in the first place.’
The camera cut to Shouto still glaring at ‘Endeavor’ to which the man did his best to not look hurt by the look.
‘I’m worried that my father being here will effect how well Shouto performs, and if it does then Shouto might not make it to the finals,” Dabi explained, looking just as stressed and anxious as he did in the competition room.
“Our other judge is one of the most renounced realism and portrait tattoo specialist in Japan and is one the top female tattoo artists in Asia with over 10 shops in her name, Rumi ‘Miruko’ Usagiyama!”
The grinning woman with white hair stepped out flexing her arms playfully to show off her black and grey tattoos, and not to mention her muscles.
Once everyone clapped until the judges motioned for the room to go back to being quiet. The room was quiet for a moment until Endeavor cleared his throat
“For the first weeks challenge you will be judged as pairs, master and apprentice. And there will be no flash challenge.” The entire room looked shocked, some took it well but obviously others were horrified at the thought of going home easily.
“No flash challenge? So if we screw up then its over-“ Deku was silenced as he felt All-Might put a hand on his shoulder. The tall blonde man just smiled at him with sincerity.
“Don’t worry young Midoriya! You are one of my star apprentices, even if we don’t win today I know for sure we have another day to prove ourselves!” he stated with confidence in his voice.
Bakugou just rolled his eyes at the conversation.
“God, it's not even ten minutes in the competition and Deku is already freaking out? Oi, Deku get your head out of your ass! Even an extra like you is better than half of these so called ‘artists’!” Bakugou ranted in his cut-way clearly annoyed.
‘I swear if Deku is kicked out this early I might as well leave! He and All-Might are my only real competition at this point, if they are gone being titled ‘Ink Master’ would be next to worthless!”
The camera pointed to Aizawa who looked completely calm and undisturbed about the thought of an elimination challenge.
“Good, they will take out the weak artists so the strong artists will be around next week. Whatever the challenge is I know me and Hiroshi will be fine,” Eraserhead explained looking just as calm as his lounge room self did.
Once the room settled down the other judge Endeavor cleared his throat. Everyone went silently instantly.
“For this week’s challenge we are not only testing tattoo basics we are also testing how well you all perform graduation.” Everyone listened intensely, but everyone still looked tense expect for Hawks who just raised an eyebrow.
“Gradation?’ he asked the camera person in his cutaway, ‘Its one of the biggest and more basic concepts in art. In tattoos you need to be able to transition from one element to the next so the whole piece, whether that be color, texture, space, volume or hue of the color. If a tattoo artist can’t do this, then they are screwed.”
He looked bored and unapologetic, but he didn’t care.
Endeavor cleared his throat before continuing on.
“This week’s challenge is …”