Mori's Residence

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Upon entering the front entrance of this two story building one will immediately notice just how large and open space the place was. It is technically a single large room with some tables stacked with smaller tables that holds various bottles filled of various colored liquid. Some pots on the east side containing some plants that holds herbs of basil, mint, ginger, cinnamon, ginseng, and rosemary. There are even some plants that is a hybrid such as a mint/basil, mint/rosemary, cinnamon/ginseng, and basil/rosemary. On the west side is the same setup, with the exception of plants as there is various types of flowers. Such as dragonlilies, daisies, lavender, agapanthus, allium roseum, astilbe, tiger lily, and triteleia.

The windows surrounding the room also has pots of other plants such as chamomile, peppermint, and the exact position makes this room almost like a large greenhouse. Humidity in this room is a little heavy, but every now and then a cool mist will shower the area keeping the plants moist and healthy as the sun bathes the room in a golden hue. To the north side is three large bookshelves reaching to the top. Each filled with various glass products and each bottle seems to contain some form of liquid. There are some pottery too, though it is mainly plates, bowls, and cups lined up on the shelves. Near these shelves about five feet in front of them is a long wooden table with a polished orange shine to it. Set with the table is a matched six chairs. On this table is a pair of clear glass cups, and sitting at one of these chairs is Morikawa as he was attending what appears to be a satsuki azalea bonsai with a pair of clippers.

Garbed in just a plain white shirt and a pair of grey slacks as Mori clips off only a tiny piece from the bonsai. Guiding the growth as he was very patient and analyzing which section to cut and which to not cut. Off to the northwest corner is the opening to two sets of stairs. One going up, and the other going down. Scents is mixed with life, as each herb and flower holds a unique scent that soon blends together. Dew drips from the leaves as nectar nestles into the center. Morikawa had the front door propped open with a wedge to allow people in if they so desire, but it was also to keep a draft inside of this room. It can get a bit stuffy in here sometimes, hence some of the windows are opened as well to circulate the air.

It had taken them a bit longer to find Morikawa’s lab then Ryuko had initially anticipated. Just when she had thought she had gotten a pretty good lay of the land around the village they had gone and renovated the entire settlement turning it into a vast city. It was an awful lot of change to take in all at once and it left her feeling a bit lost both in a figurative and literal sense.

Luckily she had Lei with her and as the seemingly older of the pair she had put on a brave face for his sake, pretending as if nothing was amiss. Somewhere along the way he had taken her hand and for once Ryuko didn’t seem to mind despite generally not liking to be touched much by strangers, especially men.

She was only 15 herself. She was treating him like a kid but really he didn’t seem to much younger then her. About 12, maybe 13 years old which wasn’t an insurmountable age gap in the grand scheme of things. Well it wouldn’t be if it wasn’t for the small issue of her being well and thoroughly gay.


“Is this what’s having a little brother is like?” though Ryuko. She had plenty of older siblings but she was the youngest in her immediate family. It felt a bit strange to have someone she could view in that context, but it wasn’t an unpleasant feeling.

When they arrived at Mori’s laboratory she had to admit that it was nicer then she’d been expecting. She knew the Jounin took pretty good care of himself unlike some certain individuals who would not be name. But given that she knew he was a single male living by himself she’d expected his abode to be a bit more… slovenly.

Instead from what she could see thought the front window the main floor was as neet and tidy as the man himself. The sheer amount of plants he had on display was refreshing as well. So much for the stereotype of a man’s abode being a sty.

Seeing that the door was ajar Ryuko felt a sense of relief wash over her. It would have been terrible to have come such a long way only for nobody to be home. Since it was more of a business then a private home, she simply pushed the door open rather then knocking. Letting the bell attached to it ring announcing her presence.

“Good afternoon Mori-san.” said Ryuko as she gave him a polite curtsy . “Do you have some time? I have someone here with me today who would like to discuss enchantment with you,”

Morikawa maybe a scientist, a doctor, a sealing expert, and an illusionist. But even the colorful haired jounin knew how to take care of his home and keeping his workspace clean. Everything has their own spot and remembering where each item is located can be done in Mori's head. That is, of course, if he put the said items away himself. Still Morikawa knew a thing or two about maintaining the appearance that he projects. The florae were additions to his lab, but it was mainly to get easy access to certain plants without wasting hours rummaging through the wilderness to find them.

Hearing the sound of a bell ringing from the front door being pushed open. Morikawa would cease from clipping off a tiny limb from his bonsai. His eyes switched over to the source to find Ryuko entering with a polite greeting. Tagging along Ryuko is Yün whom Morikawa recognized. Of course Morikawa knew him by name and rank so he wasn't going to pretend they were best friends. But Morikawa does present a smile for the two visitors. Both had greeted Morikawa with such enthusiasm that it would certainly hard to deny them, but Morikawa noticed how both of them were taken aback from the amount of flora and really the atmosphere the room projects.

“Good to day to you as well Ryuko and Yun. Enchanting is certainly within my abilities. I just need to know what exactly that you’re after, and please do be aware that enchanting can be rather… costly.” Mori’s smoky voice spoke to the two visitors as he sets down the sears. Then Morikawa remembered something as his eyes had briefly shifted over to Ryuko. “Actually that reminds me. I’ve been meaning to ask if you can make me something Ryuko. Hold that thought.” Taking out from his pocket is a small book bound by a leather strap with a pen attached to the strap. He was quick to write and only paused briefly to think about something. With a finishing touch Morikawa carefully removed the page from the book as he stands up to his feet and approaches Ryuko.

“Do you think its possible for you to make me something like this? I can cover the materials and throw in an extra resource if you want. I’m not sure what your interest was, but i assumed it was 15 percent.” He asked while handing Ryuko the page. Probably the first thing she notices that Morikawa writes small and accurate.

Request Page:

“Now if you want me to increase the interest rate up to 20 percent i can do that too.” Then turning his attention back to Yun as Morikawa remembered him mentioning fuuinjutsu cloth. “The fuuinjutsu cloth has many uses, but it is normally used to bind someone or something in place. Cloth Binding Seal is one of them, but i assume you’re planning to make some form of armor with it?” The jounin was only trying to get a grasp on what Yun was planning to do with the cloth since, like Mori said, commonly used to bind with seals.

At hearing that enchantment would be costly Ryuko winced ever so slightly. She’d had a feeling it’d be like that. Unlike crafting armor which was usually pretty straightforward the materials to bespell something tended to be on the exotic side. The more powerful the sorcery the rarer the material it would take to cast it. Hopefully Nariko would allow her access to the village funds when the time came to make the new Raikage raiment.

She felt kind of bad brining Lei this way when in all likely hood he’d have no choice but to leave empty handed. Well at least she’d still be able to make the armor for him, and it could always be enchanted later once he had more money. If nothing else it’d allowed her to take a break from her work and enjoy a change in atmosphere. With all the plants in the room the lab was pleasantly humid, and had a nice smell to it. Maybe she’d add some to her workshop later.

She raised her eyebrow when Mori said he had a request for her. Her crafting was sure in high demand these days. Between furnishing her team, the gear for Lei and now this when was she ever going to find the time to make her own armor? Glancing over the paper she’d been handed she smirked confidently.

“Tis would be a simple task to make, the only problem is the fact I’m about to leave on a diplomatic mission to another country and the design is too complex to complete while on the road. If you don’t mind waiting I can furnish this once I get back in about a month or so.” she said apologetically.

“As for the interest, keep it. I don’t make armor for such petty things as money.” she declared, feeling a bit insulted at the idea she needed to be paid to help a friend out like this. “You’re the best doctor this village has, as well as our premier seal specialist. If this coat will go on to help preserve your life that’s more then enough reason for me to make it.” she insisted.

As a fellow doctor she needed him around to help show her the way and she certaintly couldn’t complete the new Raikage gear without him, or her own shield for the matter. He was going to be crucial when the time came to defeat the white dragon witch. More importantly she doubted she’d be able to save Nozomi without him.

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Morikawa respectively listened to Ryuko’s words as she stated that she’ll be on leave for a diplomatic mission. To which Morikawa would dip his head in acknowledgement. “Of course. Take as much time as you need with it. It’ll probably be a while before i can go back on the field anyways.” Granted Morikawa hopes that next time they face that sage they would be better equipped. Assault or not Morikawa would have logically called it off regardless. For one thing Morikawa can care less what the other villages think of that outcome and certainly will take the blame for it.

The next piece of Ryuko’s response made him want to disagree on being the best doctor in Kumo, but then again Morikawa doesn’t really know of any doctors who could perform nearly impossible surgeries before using Ijutsu. Given the right tools and environment of course. “It’s only how i trained myself to be. Though i suppose i should see about seeing to my clan’s techniques… Can’t say i left my family on good terms to be honest.” The memories of his family was bitter after the death of his younger sister. Half of it was him grieving while the other half was the Mikiri’s grief. “Still I did not mean to insult you Ryuko. I figured you would require some form of profit from your hard work. Tell you what though…” Morikawa thought about it as Yun had taken his leave through the window it seems. Didn’t even answer his question either.

“Considering that you’ll be keeping those materials i can see about enchanting something you wanted to make for yourself. It’ll be from my pocket of course and it’ll be dependent on you what sort of enchantment you’d like.” It may not be interest, but Morikawa recognizes a favor when he sees one. Currently he is seeking a favor with Ryuko in exchange he’ll owe her something. The only thing Morikawa can think of is enchanting something, and a worthy investment is always a good one especially when Ryuko seem to favor close quarters.

“Excellent, I promise tis will be worth the wait.” said Ryuko jubilantly at being told to take her time with the project. Rolling up the document she had been given she carefully placed it in her satchel while waiting for Lei to say his piece so that they could get on with the next order of business.

But instead of speaking her surrogate little brother apparently was apparently fed up for some unknown reason as he quickly opened the window then jumped out of it taking his leave in a manner she could only describe as extremely rude. It wasn’t an emergancy so if he had to leave he could at least go out the door like a normal person.

“Kid’s these days, no patience.” exclaimed Ryuko with a long sigh. “Still perhaps tis for the best. I wish to discuss a matter most serious. Something sensitive I’d rather keep out of the prying ears of children.” said Ryuko somewhat ironically since she was a teenager little better then a child herself in some eyes. She waited a minute to be absolutely sure Lei was going before speaking any more of the matter.

“I have another request in mind. I’ve grown stronger but it will take more then mere human strength to beat the white witch, especially now that she has a Jinchuuriki at her side. If we are to defeat her we will require our own Jinchurriki. As such I intend to become it. As a priestess there is few better suited then me to take on that role, and how could I ask them to bear such a massive burden?” She said speaking rhetorically not expecting an answer.

“When the time comes, I’ll be counting on you to do the final sealing Mori-san.” she said having explained her future intentions to him. To beat a monster she was willing to become one. If that’s what it took to save Nozomi then it was a sacrifice she would be more then happy to make.

Mori will chuckled on hearing Ryuko lightly ranting about Yun. Considering that she may be older than him, but to Mori she is still a kid. But then things quickly changed as Ryuko was making sure Yun was actually gone. She spoke of how she is stronger now, but it'll more to defeat Honiko. There was a saying in order to defeat a monster, you got to become like one. Still what Ryuko was suggesting surprised Mori. “Well i certainly didn't expect you to volunteer. Truthfully Nariko will ultimately decide who becomes a jinchuriki if she deems it is necessary. Knowing her she's probably going to explore every alternative route…”

Morikawa took a moment to take his glasses off to wipe the moisture from the lens. “But i'll be sure to keep you as the number 1 priority when the time comes. Until then, i'll see about making an enchantment suited to your needs. What tools do you mainly use? Batons?” Morikawa was making sure if that was Ryuko's preference of a weapon or it was something she could easily get ahold of. If she was more of a baton user, then Mori has an idea of an enchantment he could try.

“True. There is no guaranteeing that we shall even locate such a beast,let alone secure it but if the opportunity should arise I wish to be first in line for consideration when it comes time to decide what to do with it. If nothing else having a short list of viable candidates would make ts easier for Nariko to decide, should we gain hold of one.” Explained Ryuko.

“Did you have another candidate in mind? Not to brag but I daresay it would be difficult to find a better option.” said Ryuko with a straight face. Physically speaking she was already one of the fittest shinobi in the entire village. As Nariko’s attendant she was no mere paper pusher but someone capable enough to be the Raikage’s tag partner.

As a noble she was already more then wealthy enough that she could have retired to live a life of decadent luxury if that sort of thing was what she sought. She clearly wasn’t doing this for the money since her salary was modest at best. She was the type that couldn’t be bought by any amount of money.

If she became a jinchuriki they wouldn’t have to train her up from scratch or wait for her to age before putting her to use. She already had top level security clearance as well which meant they wouldn’t have to do another background check either.

“Well as a Bukijutsu user I can use pretty much any tool that I get my hands on, but you’re be right to assume I favor the baton. It’s form is ideal for both offense and defense and unlike blade it’s easier to use for non lethal enforcement.” said Ryuko as she took one of her batons out and twirled it around a bit, demonstrating a couple of simple moves.

“There would be little point enchanting the ones I have now however, If I went all out while using them they would quickly break. I need to see Shi-chan about making me something a bit more… durable” Ryuko sighed, feeling a bit frustrated that she had pretty much outgrown her own weapons equipment and was having a hard time replacing them.

Blunt force against most armor is generally recommended especially if one has something like a hammer. Most armor focuses on protection against lacerations and puncture wounds. So a baton is Ryuko's preferred choice of weaponry as she has confirmed. Though her question about other candidates Morikawa can actually think of a few. “There is Nariko herself if she ever opted to be a host of such a thing.” Oh the irony.

Still the jounin would hum to himself as he could think of a few things he could use. Or rather enchantments that would benefit her the most. “Well then should you have another set of weapons being made let me know. I'll give a list of enchantments and what they do on a later date. For i might construct an enchantment specifically for your choice of weaponry.” Perhaps Mori is going out of his way to give Ryuko something strong that could maybe turn the tides into their favor. Plus an investment like this is a worthy one.

“All i ask is which weapon do you prefer the most? Or do you prefer to use your body more than a tool?” It'll give the jounin an idea of what to make, but he's already brainstorming on what sort of enchantments that could help Ryuko. Technically any enchantment would be a benefit no matter if it is minor, moderate, or even major. Perhaps he was pushing too far, but Mori needed to know details so he can construct the enchantment. One that could benefit Ryuko the most.

“Hmm I hadn’t considered that possibility. Normally I would agree that Nariko would make a good candidate but tis generally a bad idea to put all of our eggs in one basket. Strategically speaking as the Raikage she is comparable to a queen in chess, the most powerful piece on the board but also one that must be used with careful consideration.” lectured Ryuko.

“If you sealed a bijuu in her, her relative value would stay the same. Put it in a pawn however and you could promote them adding a second queen to your side. We’ll need them considering the enemy has several potential queens as well between Shiroi, Nozomi and Bayushi and those are just the ones we know about.” said Ryuko giving the white witch a new codename.

Shiroi was bad enough on her own, but if the other two mastered their potential and couldn’t be turned against the sage they would be a massive problem to deal with. “Speaking of which did you finish decoding the message she gave you?” Ryuko asked, having been unable to make heads or tails of the mysterious cypher on her own. She was a smart cookie but that still only went so far.

“To answer your question well I prefer the baton ultimately my body Is my real weapon. As a Bukijutsu user Tis a common misconception that if one where to somehow disarm me I would be left helpless. A misconception I am not ashamed to admit I have taken advantage of numerous times in the in past.”

If Morikawa was eligible to give someone rewards for the right thinking he would've give Ryuko a gold star with her response. He dips his head in agreement upon Ryuko comparing Nariko as a Queen in a board of chess. “That is correct, and in which case you'll have the opportunity to be Kumo's blade. A strong one at that. Though i would deny that you're a pawn, because from what i've seen you're more of a Rook.”

With Ryuko asking about the inscription Honiko had left them a message. Most of it was honestly gibberish as it was bluntly telling people to bring their loved ones to death and bring the bodies to Honiko. “That i did manage to discover. The end draws near. If you seek salvation for your loved ones slay them and bring their remains to the three wolves mountain in three years time. Then and only then shall have life anew.” Morikawa tells Ryuko, though the three wolves mountain is something that Morikawa has not heard of. At least not yet, and if Ryuko has heard of it she might give some direction of where to start looking. It certainly wasn't in the Land of Lightning, and the only mountain regions Morikawa can think of is the Land of Iron and Land of Earth.

How Ryuko deals with the situation of being disarmed is up to her. The jounin would nod his head as she spoke of batons being her primary weapon. “I see… well i shall see what i can come up with and get in touch with you about that.” Morikawa pondered on what Nariko would have Ryuko sent out on a diplomatic mission. Granted he’s caught wind of interest in the Land of Frost, but Morikawa brushed it off as a mere rumor. “Seems like the Raikage is on the move... “ Mumbling more to himself before the colorful Mikiri spoke more towards Ryuko this time. “I do hope you have safe travels on this mission of yours. I’ll try to hold down the fort for you guys.”

The opportunity to be a blade? Was that what she wanted to be? If she took a bijuu within herself would they see her as nothing more then a tool of destruction to aim against their enemies? That didn’t sit right with Ryuko. As a priestess of Hakkin she sought to avoid needless conflict and to avoid as much damage to her people when battle became unavoidable. “Nay, I will not become a blade but a shield.” She declared. “A rook eh? I like that, castling was always my favorite move.” she mused after Mori had likened her to a different kind of chess piece then she had initially cast herself as. A major piece that suited her nature well.

“Three wolfs mountain? That’s a major landmark in the land of Iron, the same place where the last kage conference was held. Tis an Odd choice for her her to have a meeting. I doubt the samurai stronghold their would be pleased by her brand of shenanigans” mused Ryuko, tapping a finger against her chin in thought. Would it be worth the trouble of notifying the samurai ahead of time and then trying to lay a trap for Shiroi? The problem was if they where working with her saying anything now would be incredibly foolish. For now the best move was to simply leave things be.

“Thank you Mori-san. With any luck I’ll be able to report back soon with the news that the mission was a roaring success.” Giving him a polite bow she turned and left thought the front door, making sure she took the papers with his armor request with her as she went. Little did she now the mission would go on to achive not much of anything at all, but that was a story for another time.

[exit]