Returning Flames (Sero)

Even in the mental plane that they were, Azrael could still sense the chakra of those in the other room. They were using a lot of chakra, and it seemed that they were still fighting each other at this point which was good. Sensing nothing that would be a danger to his master, he would not end the technique that allowed them to walk his master's mental plane and watched as the Bijuu cowered as the pressure erupted from Sero and the blood on the ground began to move around him. It was awe striking for Azrael to see his master command such fear from the beast known as Kukuo, a creature of legendary power and feared by so many, yet it cowered here from his master's mere presence. As his master spoke of Azrael the short man would stand tall or at least try to stand tall. though considering the fact that he was only five feet, and some inches wasn't very tall. Looking at the beast as if trying to size it up as his master spoke of why they were there.

After Sero had finished, Azrael would begin to step closer to the cage that held the beast. Not getting too close but wishing to see it better, and so he would move to be about five meters away from the trapped bijuu. Tilting his head as he stared at the creature, the white of Azrael's eyes would turn black as his red pupils began to glow as his Akayurei activated. "This One serves Master Sero, You will do well to remember that, for you too are his to command. This One will open your mind and reveal all of your secrets, there is nothing you can hide from us." His words would just be to draw the beast's attention to look at him and with any luck look into his eyes. All it would take was for the beast to look into his eyes to be trapped within Azrael's Illusions and force to tell them what they fear as well as forcing it to answer any other question his master might have for it.

Unfortunately for Azrael however, If the beast did look into his eyes, the mighty Bijuu would prove to powerful, as Azrael attempted to probe the beast's mind he would feel a strange pressure within his own mind. The more he would try to push the worse it would grow until Azrael could not take it and collapsed to one knee, "This One is sorry Master, We have failed you."

With no weapon and the swordsman being so bold to test his own resilience to the blizzard that had conjured up to put a brief stop between the two was now met with the heat from the flames that once more gave light to the darkness. It had seemed the time was over for the training, wasting his time to even agree to such a practice only reminded him of when he clashed with the owner of this building. A simple outcome was before him he could only lock eyes with the male as the flame grew enough to be felt upon his skin in his mind he could only think of one thing and that was for him to keep on fighting. Regardless of the fact that he didn’t stick to his weapon it was only one way to keep this battle going he had no choice but to continue to battle it was indeed a spar. Holding back now only meant he never wanted to win with the aching pull from the back of his mind. It was clear the intentions of trying harder even if the outcome couldn’t be avoided; he only had a chance and a moment while his opponent waited. Most likely wanting him to re-arm and prepare for the results of this battle this was more than a battle of wits or contest to Blitz this was learning survival before taking any of this head on it had seemed for only a brief moment he was shrouded in darkness. On the outside his body moved on its own, clasping both palms together in rapid succession as he placed his right foot forward in the path of the male and himself. It only took a moment to realize that he had fallen in the mental battle before the physical as he watched from the inside out he could only see the movements of his body. In a mere second after placing his foot from underneath him ripping through the floor of the building large spikes of ice erected from underneath like a secret set of teeth hidden underneath the floor. Each spike large enough to destroy a small village of homes or pierce through a human being leaving them in agony and pain as the frostburn and numbness would kick in. From within he could hear the voice of the other spring out into action as if he was talking to his opponent but also him from the outside.

“Quit playing with him! Absolute Zero Series: Icy Plains!”

Burittsu seemed to have grown tired of this game of chat and cat and mouse. It seemed being chased on defense this whole battle with nothing to show for it but a display of defense and an intense heat. Gazing towards the swordsman as the army of ice made their way to him it seemed he was keen on being defeated on his feet then to simply allow this man to come to blows with him. Blitz himself couldn’t possibly continue on with the skills he’s been using earlier, Burittsu himself felt but it only made sense to try one more combination in hopes of everything working out. But even the half of this shinobi understood when the battle was to come to an end he simply hated the way Blitz was alright with being dealt a loss by one that was also in his squad. Maybe in a way the two had something going for them but it was clear as day that the man had no skills to fight this one off yet at least but with more time he was surely hoping this body would grow into a more combat experienced body instead of one as weak as this.

The fire itself made him feel enraged from deep within as earlier the male simply walked into it with no regards for his safety but also reminded him that his potential had reached the roof for now, unable to grow stronger until he learned how to unlock these secrets from the outside or within. Placing one had out once more forming no hand seals Burittsu cultivated himself only one sword of ice this time around unlike the other from earlier. He could only risk the physical battle due to the fact the body of this shinobi wasn’t up to par, not even the speed in which the other took was able to be matched without using chakra. Grunting it seemed he’d rather tap out any resources then losing on his back the male began to move in unison with the ice following it to the enemy with only the ice blade in his hands he attempted to clash blades with the opponent. Ice meeting against fire but it was all inevitable all he could do was try harder than the latter. Having himself dive into the action was the best way for the body and mind to adapt to such situations but all he could do was prepare for the backlash of being defeated. Blitz only could look from the inside watching his body move and engage in the assault silently and waiting for his time to return to the light once more. With only the frustration of his loss to weigh on his mind this was a setback he didn’t want to happen at all he knew the outcome of this battle but he only wondered why now did he fully pull him back when it was just simple training. From within he could only think to himself about this other side of him.

“Do you just love fighting more than me? Or are you against losing?!

Spoiler:

Sero would watch in silence a moment. These men were dealing with their quest for power in each their own way. However for now he was locked within his mind as he observed only Azrael and his methods. For a moment the two would seem to struggle but ultimately it would be the human that gave out before the Bijuu. However that was to be expected. After all despite the mans potent abilities he had just awoken from his sleep and hardly had much time to grow before he fell. His cold blue eyes rested upon his subordinate as they collapsed and apologized for their failure. He did not seem to mind however as he turned his attention back to the Bijuu known as Kukuo as they began to laugh mockingly. As if more certain of themselves now as they pressed their hooves to the cage. Speaking to Sero now.

"You see?! No one can help you! It is only a matter of time before I break free and every time you use me it grows ever closer! You will fail abomination!"

Sero would look up into the cage at the glee filled eyes only to lift his right hand. As if a cord had been pulled the cage was yanked up into the darkness with the echo of laughter following it mockingly. Until the two stood in the blood soaked plains of Sero's mind. He would look up after the Bijuu quietly. It was a threat if it could not be controlled. However he would not give in and would not fail. Blitz had asked him to kill him if his inner demons broke free and did wicked things. Similar to his own situation. However Sero would not fail so miserably. Instead he would simply bide his time and observe his enemy. Still he would turn his attention to the other man. Azrael was powerful for a human but he had his current limitations. Still Sero would speak up. Addressing him in a calm tone. One lacking any sense of rage or humility.

"This result was to be expected at this point. However if we falter in defeat...it is only to learn where to improve when we survive. Take my hand and release us from this place. Let us see how the other two are fairing and focus on improving your abilities until we are ready to try once more." With that a pale hand reached out to help Azrael up. He would not punish him for failing the impossible for most...he would simply turn him into the impossible to face it later again.

As the swordsman of fire moved toward his opponent Blitz would begin to form seals. Valen of course did not recognize the jutsu about to be used. He simply did not know enough about Ice Release to recognize them. Still, the handseals began quickly after he walked into the blizzard and the swordsman decided to change the fire that had ignited his blade to something more potent. He would need something wide ranging to handle a large scale Ice Release jutsu and frankly that had been Blitz had been using with the sole exception of the ice swords. So it was safe to assume he was preparing one again. The heat surrounding his blade ratcheted up a notch, becoming hotter, and increasing the length of the blade by a meter or so. This was the original augmentation technique he had made with his fire release ‘Hi no Hana: Wreathed in Fire’ It was more potent than the regular chakra flow, but less potent than the Blade of Perdition he had showcased just a bit before.

Using it should allow him to cut through any ice sword his opponent made. However he wasn’t using it to trade blows with a physical weapon. No, Valen had conceptually created another technique that required Wreathed in Fire to be used. As the ice spikes began to crash up from beneath the ground, smashing into the ceiling and having their tips broken by the hardened bone that made up the palace around them, Valen would swing. The jutsu used no seals, but he swung the weapon wide in a scything arc in front of him, toward the Ice Jutsu and Blitz. The swing would appear the extinguish the flame on the weapon. Snuffing it out in an instant, it might even look as if the cold, combined with the sudden movement overpowered the heat of the weapon and snuffed it. Nothing could be further from the truth however. ‘Hi no Hana: Blooming Flower’ was a technique that extinguished the fire upon his own weapon with the swing. The heat from that fire was magnified and sent out as a wave of pure heat. The wave was three meters tall and as wide as Valen could swing. The heat wave, having a higher power than the ice jutsu, would crash into it and melt the ice as it passed. The spike having their bottom three meters suddenly melted out from under them and crashing heavily to the ground. Blitz, if he was moving with the spikes, would possibly be hit by the heat wave.

The wave had no physical manifestation of flames within it. However heat itself tended to distort the air around it, making it possible to see and recognize. Although with more difficulty than with normal fire. If the wave struck his opponent it would probably causing a searing agony across the impact point, that being the entire front of his body, as well as melt the ice sword he had made as well. The force of the wave should knock him back hard however, most probably impacting him heavily against the wall. More importantly, it should ensure he was not underneath the falling, broken spikes of ice. An important factor in his survival. Valen would simply continue moving, It was somewhat slow going, re-engulfing his blade with chakra flow again and cutting through the ice blocking the path until he reached his opponent. Unless of course his opponent reached him, in which Valen would be ready.

Should however Blitz be left a seared impact stain upon the wall Valen would bring the tip of his blunted Kaguya bone to beneath his chin and speak softly. “Yield?” He would ask, his red eyes calm, collected, and almost distant. If Blitz did then Valen would take some of the melted water and control it cover his burns on the front of the man’s body, cooling and hopefully bringing relief. They wouldn’t scar, a hospital visit would see to that. Of course if Blitz was still fighting capable he would simply stand ready to defend and counter. It all depended on the Yuki himself.

[10]

Stuff:

Azrael would listen in shame as Kukuo would mock his failure, however Sero was not so cruel, his master banish the creature within the cage from sight, the laughter of the beast echoing as it was dragged away. As Sero spoke Azrael would look up to his master, though still ashamed of his failure the short male would take his master's words to heart. He would not falter, he would grow stronger and one day soon return to show the beast who was truly in control. Taking his master's hand Azrael ended the genjutsu, returning their mental states back to their physical bodies that remained in place in the hallway. Azrael still weakened by the encounter with the Bijuu would slowly lower himself to the floor, "This One just needs a little rest master, Bijuu Kukuo was stronger than we thought. We were not prepared and now this one is nearly drained, We will watch over from here." would be all he said as his eyes glew red and the white of his eyes turned black as he activated his ghost sight, getting a good view of the two in the room and how the fight was going and from the looks of it the one Sero addressed as Valen had the upper hand, though that did not mean that the one known as blitz could not still turn it around.

Azrael's mind would be racing with the flashes of his encounter with Kukuo, it was unlikely the event would leave his mind anytime soon, and he would be forced to relive his hummiliation over and over again in his mind until he would be able to return and help his master find Kukuo's weakness so that his master can force his submission. That was now his goal and that was something he would not stop until he achieved, the mocking laughter of the beast still echoing in Azraels mind as though the two were still connected despite the fact that the connection was severed. It wasn't the actual beast of course just merely the memory of it, but it's laugh would haunt the young male.

Burittsu was new to this feeling of taking control but for once it seemed there was no fight back a simple transaction of the two mindsets was in order it seemed either one was okay with the possibility of trading places. With two shinobi in one body it indeed was something not heard of but Blitz knew better to keep it to himself until he had full mastery over this being and his mind but it seemed when pressured completely the other half of him would come to his aid. Regardless of the situation it could not be like this in the future but it seemed better to intervene when it was safe, switching out early could leave him in a blind spot due to the fact his body was already moving. In such an offense it almost seemed as if Burittsu was trying to do something against the swordsmen but Blitz watched carefully from inside watching as the spikes formed smashing into the very foundations of the building. Exhausting his chakra for a mere attempt to get closer and become a better warrior it was clear that Burittsu lived for the chance not to ever experience death again. If this was his own way of accepting the training then Blitz had nothing to say as long as he enjoyed himself and didn’t think he would be full in control from here on out the two shouldn’t have any internal struggles. He watched closely at the flame that now was diminished not by the cold but by the will of its user. This was a moment he watched closely and carefully each showing their cards but it was clear if he didn’t attempt something the two of them would find themselves ending this battle early.

On the outside Burittsu saw everything as well but it was his response to such a deadly range attack that needed to be thought of; he also watched as the crumbling ice began to descend down upon him. Quickly pacing backwards from the falling chunks but as also an attempt to back away from what he saw in the air the warmth and ripples of the space between them was enough to tell that this attack was not enough to keep the swordsmen at bay. With the heat of the attack strong enough to melt down jutsu his ice blade felt the results as well melting between his fingers with no option dropping the weapon behind to be turned into water then soon vapor. This ability that was thrown at him ended up paying off when he was forced into the corner making him think but also willing to put himself at risk to test his skills and that of Blitz. Simply watching the strength of this jutsu move across the air he ran away turning his back to the male forming a quick series of hand signs hidden from view. Before turning around revealing to his opponent his hands holding down one seal and thus charging back at his enemy in an attempt to fight back. At least before being pushed back completely he attempted his own ground against his opponent.

“Absolute Zero Series: Flash Freeze.”

Blowing out a cold swirling mist from within him allowing his chakra to condense his breath into that of a subzero temperature a large mist of ice spiraled around Burittsu protecting him from the oncoming attack. Reaching out to about sixty meters ahead he continued to push forward in time meeting the attack head on the floors around him was covered in shrouds of ice as his eyes remained locked upon his enemy this was his only rebuttal against such a fierce attack. Allowing both to clash was indeed all he could pull out for a counter such deadly range attacks were being used it only excited him even more with a grin upon his face knowing the outcome was getting closer but all he had left in him was the fight. After interlocking for a couple moments before the ice and the heat conjured up a tiny explosion pushing back Burittsu knocking him back a couple meters but forcing him to release the jutsu. He could only catch his breath for a mere moment before taking a stance again such a move exhausted him but it was the only way he saw himself being able to stand. From within Blitz seemed to have seen enough as he closed his eyes and began to embed his will once more attempting to switch places with the other before the fight at least came to a close.

“Switching places with me every time I start to lose doesn’t help me any better. Now return and relax.”

Burittsu seemed to chuckle a little bit, maybe loud enough to be heard through the halls of the building but it was alright with him as he did not have an ounce of regret doing what he did to ensure the two of them remained standing. Closing his eyes briefly the two once more completed the transaction passing one another for a quick moment it always seemed as if they each were looking in the mirror. Identical in every aspect from the outside but from the inside their own goals for the future one wanted to be a shinobi the other wanting to know what it truly meant to be alive for something. Blitz continued to gaze at Burittsu as so did the other with no words or even a gesture. It felt like time stood still for these two but soon the silence broke as Blitz began to smile and laugh at himself. Burittsu remained quiet before walking away, chuckling to himself as he turned away from the boy slowly walking back into the darkness where he resided.

“Take this seriously.. Your body is a mess. We won't win most of these fights or any fights to come. Stay sharp Blitz.”

With the words ringing throughout his head and body his eyes opened once more to the battlefield that was left behind by the other the ice marks spread across the ground. The chaos around him made the smile upon his face grow wider. He could say this type of conflict did excite him the most but now with no weapon and his chakra beginning to feel the dent from his abilities. It only made him laugh harder to himself in the middle of all this. He was indeed enjoying his time being alive to see such amazing things. It seemed he appreciated the people who helped him come this far, fixing his posture he began to breathe deeply before looking off around the area in an attempt to find his sword he came in earlier with. Battling fatigue and the swordsmen was only making him think how he felt at the moment, feeling his heartbeat race in anticipation for more battle. With the words befalling his ears once more of yielding he made sure the only way he would lose this would be to be knocked out completely immobile unable to do anything. Chuckling a little bit once more he glanced at his opponent before once more glancing around the room taking it all in.

“I thought I said the people on the outside wouldn’t dare let us have that opportunity.. Finish me.”

Trying once more around this chaotic battlefield he finally saw what he was looking for, his blade still sheathed, washed around and warmed up by the intense heat from earlier; he would not be surprised if the blade itself went through the elements. With a hard push of his lungs he began to focus in and started to run around the falling shards of ice that rested around the room jumping over obstacles before making contact with his weapon. Feeling the warmth on the scabbard before placing his hand on the hilt feeling the cold from the latest attack the blade survived such elements being shifted inside the room. Placing the sheathed weapon upon his belt as he himself turned around to unsheath it gazing at his opponent. He figured he might as well say something with the ounce of energy he had left before it was all over taking a breath between selected words he was feeling the effects of such training as he did before with the demon.

“Let the training end with your actual blade.. Pain is temporary in this world we live in.. Cmon swordsmen.. You’ve been gone this long, don't tell me you don’t thirst for actual blood.. Get over here and finish the job.”

Spoiler:

Sero would nod to Azrael as the man slumped down to the ground. Mentally exhausted for a battle he was not prepared for yet. Perhaps he had asked too much too soon. It was the first time he had overestimated Azraels abilities yet the responsibility fell on him. He was their commander after all. Still a great deal of liquid had begun to spill into the hallway from what hadn't been incinerated. His cold blue gaze shifted to take it in before shifting to the doorway leading into the vault. The fluctuating temperatures between the two were certainly impressive. He would turn to begin the short walk to the doorway to peer within despite any danger there. Speaking as he did.

"These two certainly are taking their spar seriously. Rest while you can as no doubt some medical attention will be required."

He would state before he turned and stood in the doorway entirely. Watching the most recent exchange as it seemed half the room was super heated and half was frosted over. The explosion at the center was loud in such a small chamber. Forcing Sero to regenerate his ear drums from it. Likely the two of them dealt with the same. Hopefully though not so much they could not hear him. Even if they were in the heat of battle.

His eyes would cast over the room and the light damage within. Mostly to the floor from one of the jutsu. The fact that it had pierced the floors was impressive. He would need to repair that. However from what he could tell one of them was on the verge of exhaustion. Valen had clearly been in the advantage but despite his doubts Blitz had held his own in a mostly Ninjutsu fight for him by the looks of it. So he had mastered some potent jutsu. Yet....Perhaps it did not need to be over yet. From what he could tell Blitz was still relying on his ice. As if it were his sole element. It was...irritating. He hadn't learned from their last encounter? Sero had given him specific instructions but now.....Instead before Valen could rush him Sero would take the opportunity to provide something more than just a light spar. Something he had considered common sense. If Blitz had chakra left this didn't have to be over yet. Valen didn't have access to his sword which meant his katon techniques were not at their maximum efficiency.

"Remember the basics of your training Blitz. Valen is utilizing fire techniques. Each element has its own weakness. Katon is strong to Fuuton, Fuuton is strong to Raiton, Raiton is strong to doton, Doton is strong to suiton and Suiton is strong to Katon. You have more than your advanced element at your disposal. If you have chakra left, switch to suiton techniques for an advantage."

Even as he spoke his hand would reach out to touch the wall. Feeding his own chakra into the slightly damaged bone. Already the building seemed to respond to his chakra as the bone would seem to share in his regenerative abilities. Attuning to him as before the fight was even over he would begin to repair his vault. It was impressive that they had done this much damage but he would undo it with a little time. However his attention remained solely on the two combatants. Blitz looked weak but not out of it. Taunting Valen seemed like a silly way to get burned though. Still at least he had improved his abilities since Cage. That much had become clear despite Valen having such a clear advantage in raw physical ability.

As Valen moved toward his opponent the man was corralled into the corner of the room. When he turned around toward Valen however he held a seal. He breathed out and a mist began to form around him. Valen stopped them, watching carefully. He was not stupid, even before when he had walked into Blitz’s jutsu he had waited for a moment first. Blitz of course had seen that that jutsu had not worked. Not only that but he had seen the jutsu he had used right after had not worked either and that meant that this one should be stronger. He had to be cautious, only a fool rushed in when they did not know the danger present. Once that was taken account of, hesitation became the fools choice then. Valen? He was no ones fool. Not when it came to surviving.

He stopped, watching as the mist froze the wall and ground around Blitz. The original blizzard had not done that. Narrowing his eyes, Valen would decide not to risk that freezing him too. He had been an ice statue once before and he did not intend to re-enact the experience. So before the mist reached him he began to move back at his best speed. It only reached out to 30m away from Blitz but he saw it freezing the wall directly behind the ice user too. Meaning it probably went for a similar distance behind him if there wasn’t an obstruction. So, 60m of freezing cold, that was potent. It was…the first actually impressive thing Blitz had used the entire time. It forced Valen away and kept him from coming closer without risking himself. Mind you, Valen was confident he could burn out the blizzard with strong enough fire, probably.

Blitz of course would again insist on him trying his hardest and the Jounin’s crimson eyes would lock onto his and blink. “You want me to use my real sword? You’re a fool. I don’t draw that unless I intend to kill. I’m not trying to kill you, Blitz. I never have been. Even if that wasn’t the case, you simply aren’t ready. In your current state, you’re incapable of making me need to use my sword.” He would say, his tone almost entirely without emotion. He wouldn’t move to engage, or work another jutsu for the moment. He was perfectly willing to stay out of Blitz’s range and let him waste chakra. With him outside of the technique it wasn’t possible for Blitz to hit him with it. Valen was faster than Blitz and he could keep away from the jutsu’s effective range indefinitely if he wished.

[11]

Still mentally exhausted from his meeting with Kukuo, Azrael sat slumped on the floor, luckily far enough away from the room that the explosion didn't hurt his ear, though still enough to cause a ringing in his ears. He wasn't paying much attention to what was going on in the room, far too caught up in his inner thoughts of his failure. He was far too weak to help his Master, something he had sworn to do, he was at war within himself as to what to do next. How could he become stronger, how could he achieve his goal of helping his Master achieve his when he was so pathetically weak. His mind raced with options, but none of them seemed to answer the question he had asked himself. He was at a loss, and he didn't know how to get himself back on the path that he needed to be on.

The sound of the fighting stopping would draw Azrael's attention away from his inner thoughts, though the large amount of chakra he was sensing would suggest that they were still at it causing him to be curious. Slowly standing, bracing himself against the wall as he did so, Azrael would move over closer to Sero. Staying behind Sero so that he would be protected from anything that might come out of the room towards them, Azrael would crouch low to the ground. Putting his knees up to his chest with his arms around them, Azrael would watch the two in amazement. "They are both powerful," Azrael would whisper though it would be likely only Sero would hear him say this.

Such words held on tight to his heart and tugged at his spirit even though he felt the sting of rejection. The pain in his chest tightened just a little as his eyes narrowed down at the man locking onto him. Silence was the only response he could justify gazing down at the sword he won from the contest; it made him question why he was in the village in the first place if it wasn’t to understand how to live. Glancing around the room it had seemed everyone came to spectate from the demon to the red eye hearing the words from both parties it only gave him a different perspective of the situation soon the rumble in his chest soon died down as his anger subsited. Placing himself in a group of people like this was an interesting trade off far better than the death he would have received on that island. Sheathing his sword his irritation started to rise as he could only lock eyes with the male for a mere moment longer before laughing it off a little bit to himself. Time passed and the one that left him back got to see the world most likely and become stronger while he stayed and battled his own way regardless the gap was there it was seen by all. Holding up the headband from around his neck to show off once more the emblem but the battle scars that have accumulated upon the metal it was the only symbol he knew and had and countless of times it seemed she was saving him. From near or far the headband around his neck gave him the courage to do what she did for him. He was presented with a challenge and he accepted it within his heart his facial expression faded off into a calm blank slate. Keeping the headband up for all to see in the room he could only presume this pressure was what the three others in the room experienced; such training from both the demon and swordsmen brought him to this point. Yet he knew deep in his heart the woman who probably aided in such a thing. If he ever had a time to spend with such power he would excel but for now it was them who passed on the pressure. Bowing his head slightly to the swordsmen he continued to feel the weight and burden of his newest defeat, another moment wasted due to his weakness.

“Thank you for the training.”

Rising his head as he released the headband letting it dangle around his neck he still felt the sickness of the rejection or maybe the frustration of the loss he needed to grow stronger to be able to compete on the level of the three in front of him. Lacking in tactics, swordsmanship, and most likely much more compared to the three only forced him to wonder why he was saved to compete with such monsters. Grinding his teeth a little the frustration only made him chuckle but these were the obstacles that seemed to stand before him first he lived now he trained to survive. Gazing around the room for a mere moment as he glanced in the distance of the owner placing his hand upon the building indeed he probably was frustrated with the destruction of his own building. Blitz once more bowed his head slightly in apologies as of that time in specific it wasn’t him in control of the matter raising his head once more he remained where he stood motionless. Wondering what he could have done better if these three were favored, why was he given the chance to walk the same path gazing at the swordsman once more this was the newest goal besides him getting a rematch with the demon. Such a thought slightly lightened his mood when started to realize they were only helping the way knew how the thought of him growing strong enough to battle the three of them only made him wonder if it was possible in this lifetime. Now that idea only created a new idea that formed in the mind of Blitz causing him to begin to walk forward with a grin upon his face heading up to the swordsman but stopping only a few meters away he was anxious this was easy to tell as a smile grew on his face.

“Pleasure to have you back among us.. Now that I barely have your attention I’ll be sure to have grown stronger and wiser like you all.. Tell me do you think with enough training I can wield one of the Legendary Seven?”

He was interested in a response for once for something he never talked about with anyone besides himself; the village was vast but it felt at times he only communicated with one soul. Even the man was probably growing tired of always seeing him but it mattered not that he did his time and was eager to put more time in anytime he was available with the little one by his side he even began to wonder. How long has the group been active his focus remained on the male in front of him all he had left was only questions since the taste of failure salted his taste for battle he only wanted to grow stronger for the purpose to be seen as worthy for such a group.

“You frustrate me.. I appreciate the pressure.. If you can call it that.”

Sero would watch as Azrael would move in front of him. His eyes shifting down to the man. Foolishness. The man was not designed for physical combat. He would hardly make for a better shield than Sero could muster. Still he would say nothing. The man was clearly troubled by what had transpired and if being a shield meant something to him, than tearing that down as well would do little good. At least not for now. Besides he doubted the other two would allow anything to reach him. Neither those flames or the cold. He cared for neither and would not let them touch him. Still his hand on the wall would finish forcing the bones to repair themselves before he released it. The vault was a little damp but altogether whole once more with bits of it frozen now.

Still his attention would shift to Blitz as he seemed to surrender. They had thrown their techniques back and forth and it was like Valen was hardly trying. His affinity to fire to high for Blitz to overcome as he was now. That sword wasn't even being used and the difference was simply too vast to conquer. At least for now. However he had forced Valen to stop moving forward finally. Making him use caution meant Blitz had progressed himself. The capability to use A tier techniques was proof of that. Still now that the chakra focus on the ice had faded it had begun to rapidly melt. Sero would lift his hands as the liquid in the room not under anyone's control would shift and funnel into lines. Separating out the soot before flowing all together from dozens of little trickling branches into one like a thread coming together to form a rope. All of it flowing into Sero's robe where he would consume the water. His cold blue eyes settling on Blitz.

"It is good to know when you are beaten. After all the victor can take one step forward as they have gained victory. However the loser can as well. They have gained perspective and reason to go stronger. I wield no sword myself and know little of the swordsmen. However I do believe that despite your lack of faith in yourself you hold potential."

His attention would turn to Valen before he stared in silence a moment. Finally with all the water consumed he would turn. The bout and the experiment were both done. Valen had his things and his warm up and Azrael had found him again. There was much to do but for now he would simply turn and begin to walk back further into the darkness of the castle. There was a great deal of work to do with these two awakened. Including a report about it to Sayuri. He would wonder what the future holds.

exit.

11 posts x 20 exp = 220

And just like that it would simply be over. Apparently Valen’s willingness to watch and wait frustrated the Yuki into calling the spar quits. At least that’s what it would seem to the fire swordsman. He was thanked for training and then seemed to deprecate himself by using words such as ‘Now that I barely have your attention.’ Valen did not really understand Blitz mindset. The Ice wielder seemed to simply love to fight no matter what. Valen however found himself only wanting ‘good’ fights. Fighting for the sake of fighting was boring the fire wielder. But a fight that pushed one to the edge. That forced one to bring out everything they could and then forced them further? That was what Valen wanted.

Mind you it was possible Blitz had never been strong enough to see a difference. If you’re the weakest link in the chain then you’re always pushed into those kinds of fights by default. The Ice user was starting to get some more potent jutsu in his arsenal though. If he kept it up he would soon begin to see the difference Valen thought. With the blue haired genin having surrendered Valen turned to move toward the door. When he arrived he reached for his sword and took it up. As he belted it Blitz asked Valen if he thought he might earned one of the great swords of the mist.

Valen turned back to him, facing him directly as he considered. Then he made a decision and quietly drew Hai no Ha from its sheath. He held the blade up, looking at it and admiring the finish of it. The red and purple wave pattern in the pitch black metal of the blade itself. The eightsided flower shape of the guard. The black silk around the hilt, comfortable in his grip. “I obtained this sword, and it’s the equal of any of the mist blades you might want to name..If I can get my hands on a weapon like this. Why couldn’t you?” He would ask, eyebrow raised as if asking for any reason why. With that he would resheathe the weapon before turning and leaving. Nodding his farewell to Azrael as he went. Sero had left, retreating deeper into his home and Valen needed to report into one of the Princesses now, maybe get some lunch on the way though. He was starving, which shouldn’t surprise anyone, all things considered.

Exit

[12]

With the fighting subsided and neither of the men appeared to be injured, feeling the presence of his master receding would give him pause. Almost unsure whether he should follow his master or not, in truth he had been gone for so long, that he was rather curious to see how much the village had changed since he was entombed. With his chakra sensory still active, Azrael would turn to take his leave from the manor. His master had welcomed the Yurei into his new home, yet now was not time for him to rest. There was far too much to see and experience for him to sleep now, he would return later but for now the night that blanketed the village called to him. His curiosity wouldn't let him sleep now even if he had wanted too, his excitement of being reunited with his master as well as seeing how the village had changed was far too much to allow sleep. Standing at the entrance to the manor he took one last look back before stepping out and heading to explore the village, he could find his master again, easier now that he has a good lock on his chakra signature. He wouldn't wander too far, a simple stroll through the village and perhaps even the Deadwood before he returned to rest. There was a happiness within Azrael that had not been there when he first awoken, but now he felt as though the emptiness was gone and he felt at least nearly complete once more.

{Exit Thread}
8 posts

Watching the party slowly depart he stood in the room isolated for a mere moment to himself as he gazed around knowing this all would be repaired eased his mind but the fact he had barely started to scratch the surface. The life of a shinobi was different but he was learning more and more as it seemed he barely was left standing against the flames of the swordsmen and even though help did come it was only brief. Sighing to himself he only began to wonder if there was a way for him to gain such a sword in his future; the training would be worth it but he only had himself and the others. Perhaps the village contained more mysteries then he was led to believe or have seen over his time the shinobi of the village indeed had their own twisted sense of mindset but it all went to one foundation. “Justice” doing the right things for the right cause but sometimes he wondered if the outside world considered his ways of thinking to be justice he didn’t even think the others would appreciate it. The way he was treated in this world it wouldn’t matter if some agreed or disagreed he would make sure the threat was immobilized and disposed of when the time came for such actions. Blitz could only chuckle to himself as he watched the remaining ice in the building starting to melt down into puddles with the words of the others it seemed he had something to go for at least to show off in his next meeting with the princess. Something to show his growth in his new home but for now it seemed the training was worth it as he now added another member to the team one who did not make most contact with him but hopefully an ally when needed. Turning his back on the room he could only leave it with memories of the fight playing in his mind on how he could have been a better swordsmen and shinobi during those situations. Making plays where he was the weakest but he continued to try all he had was trust in himself and it seemed to keep him standing walking out of the room into the hallway. He soon found himself out into the open forest once more the day seemed to be coming to an end , soon stretching to touch his toes he quickly began to jog out of range of the building heading back into the village to do a last minute patrol then head back home for some rest.

“Mmmm…”

~End!~