Of Swords and Seals (Raphael)

As he moved into the Administration Building he would look to the secretary outside of his office. She would stand and politely incline her head. “Good morning sir, welcome back.” She would say, getting a nod from Valen as he stopped. “Indeed, listen, I need to speak with a ‘Raphael Uzumaki’. Can you send for him? I’ll be in my office getting started on some work.” He would request, prompting a nod from the woman as she sat down and began immediately rather than waste time with affirmatives and such. Valen loved that about the woman. He moved into his office, finding his desk as he had left it, although clean and dust free. Rather than move to it however he would move to the window that overlooked the cityscape. The Metropolis of Kirigakure was a huge, bustling city and the Administration Building had been added to and improved upon as time had gone. His own office was one below the Princesses office. Although that room to his knowledge stayed closed for the most part.

Most of the work in the village when it came to running it was done out of this office here and idly he looked up to the ceiling as if considering. Soon, he would speak to Arisu about taking that office. For now he needed to speak to someone who was experienced with seals. Besides, he had needed to speak to the man for a while regardless in regards to a certain sword. Idly the man’s red eyes turned to look to the wrapped up weapon on his wall. It was one of two weapons still within the office. Hiramekarei, idly, he moved over and lifted the weapon down and set it upon the clear space on his desk. Then he would turn back to the window. Amane, his secretary, would tell Raphael to go on in when he arrived.

[1]

Raphael would waste little time in making his way to the administration building, it was fortuitous that he received the summons when he had. There was something that he wanted to discuss with the higher ups, so he was more than happy to answer the summons of the Jounin Commander. Raphael would be wearing the full body armor uniform that was required of the Kirigakure Jounin while on duty, black pants and long sleeve shirt, black boots as well as fingerless gloves that also bore the Kirigakure symbol upon the back side of them. He had on his silk cloak that covered most of his body, his Kirigakure flak jacket just barely visible underneath. His village Hitai-ate tied firmly to his forehead with a red cloth, the only part of his entire uniform that was worn by his choice as well as held a bit of his personality. He did not really care for the attire however when you are going to meet your bosses you should dress appropriately, or at least that was his thought on the matter. His two trench knives resting on his belt, though he had no intention of using them, they were alway with him as if they were a security blanket or something.

Arriving at his destination, Raphael would be directed to go on into the commander's office. Being who he was however, Raphael would knock on the door before he opened it as a way to announce his presence to the other man. Four short rapid taps upon the wood of the door, before turning the doorknob to open it. "Raphael Uzumaki, reporting as requested Commander." Raphael stated in a serious manner that anyone that knew him would say was out of character for him, but there was a difference in a day to day and the meeting with a boss. Normally the later only occured on serious matters, and considering the fact that he was summoned to the man's office Raphael could only conclude that this was a serious matter.

Raphael would arrive and report in as he had been requested and Valen would nod in acknowledgement and greeting. Then stand and move to the other side of the desk, speaking as he did so. “Good day Raphael, I’ve called you here for a few reasons. But I’ll need to give you some context for the more important of them from my perspective.” He would begin, leaning on the desk facing Raphael at that point. “Recently I traveled to the Land of Lightning and claimed it for Kirigakure. This increased our borders immensely. Not only that but afterwards I moved south to an island in our nation and took care of some personal business there. On the way back however I came across a situation that was little less than dire.” He would continue pausing to ensure he still had the Uzumaki’s attention.

“Moving by O’uzu on my return trip I saw an attack occurring on a village on the shore of it. I disembarked from my boat and went to assist and came across the beast attacking the village. I subdued it, although it seemed tired and weakened at the time. But still, I recognized it as the Nibi.” He continued, his brows furrowing as he recollected the tale. “A local shaman sealed the creature into me for safety. However she told me that the seal was extremely weak and would need to be improved upon severely if it were to have any hope of keeping the beast at bay. Not only that, but I’m unable to channel chakra without a significant amount of the beasts chakra leaking through. My hope, is that as the Uzumaki Clan leader, you’ll be able to improve upon the seal.” He would say as he channeled chakra to reveal the seal on his stomach.

When he did the chakra that leaked from the seal was thick and heavy. It felt oppressive as the energy of one of the tailed beasts saturated the area in its ‘malevolence’. The sensation could probably be felt across the village and the man that hoped to one day take over as the leader of the village gritted his teeth in annoyance at the sensation. “If you could do something about this..I’d be grateful.” He would say, his gritted teeth turning into a frown.

[2]

Raphael would see Hiramekarei upon the man's desk as he stood up and walked around it, listening to the commanders words as he spoke. He was rather impressed with the fact that the man had managed to subdue a beast like Nibi, but he supposed that was why the man was the Jounin Commander. A brief smile flickering across his face as the man mentioned hope of him improving the seal, it was always a good sign when someone sought you out for something. It meant a couple of things, mainly however it meant that there was a deal to be made, a trade of sorts, given that he was indeed able to perform the task the commander was asking of him. As the man revealed the seal upon his stomach, Raphael would lean down and took a moment to inspect the seal. The chakra that seemed to leak from it caused a pit in Raphael's stomach to form, this was indeed a powerful beast. Luckily for the commander he called the right man for the job, stand back up straight Raphael would smile to Valen. "Yes, sir. I do believe I can help." Raphael would say in the same formal tone, though with a hint of his normal cheerful attitude. "I suppect that the shaman was not equipped to seal such a beast, you are in fact lucky the process did not kill you. You are however correct, I can place a stronger seal upon it for you and there will be less chance of the beast breaking free and killing everyone. The Uzumaki clan have many sealing arts that have been passed down through the generations, some even say it's in our blood. Myself, I like learning. There are many things in this world to learn, both here and in the world in general." Raphael would say as if he was dropping a hint that there was something he was hoping the man might assist him with as well, though he was much better at a direct approach and after a moment would just come out and say it. "I was actually going to be coming to see either yourself or one of the princesses whenever I received your message, there was something I would like to ask as well. I would like to request permission to travel to our ally village Konoha where I hear there are Taijutsu specialist that I would like to test myself against, possibly even learn from and expand my skill. I would also like to take some of my students that exceed in taijutsu with me as well as a learning experience for them." His eyes briefly flicking to Hiramekarei which sat on the desk behind the other man, "it was also brought to my attention that I could speak with you about access to the Village Scroll of techniques, I was hoping to request access to a technique that I have seen some of the other Jounin use. I believe they called it Water Mirror." He was more or less testing the water with the commander, to see if he was willing to barter for the improved seal. The man could always issue it as an order and then dismiss him, but it would be up to the commander.

At the confirmation that the man could and would be willing to help Valen would pull the chakra back, causing the oppressive feeling to dissipate. Of course then came the requests that Raphael himself wanted and Valen would listen. So he wanted leave to visit Konoha, and access to the water mirror jutsu. He considered that for a few minutes in light with the fact that Valen was also going to be gifting the man Hiramekarei in this meeting before chuckling. He had just been told a weakened bijuu seal was within the village and confirmed that he could fix it. However his first priority was to try to inquire as to his ability to travel and gain access to the secret techniques of the village.

The audacity of the man.

Their relationship was not transactional. He was the man’s boss and could give the order if he wanted. However he had no intention of doing so. For multiple reasons and not the least of which was the weak seal. Besides, Valen liked audacity. Those who had no willingness to reach for more never obtained it. That was something he learned after his freedom, and no look where he was? “Fix the seal, then I’ll sit back down and make a copy of the technique for you as well as give you another you might find quite useful. As well as the sword on the desk behind me. As to travel rights to Konoha our current alliance allows for that and I’ve no reason to bar you from going. So feel free, bring who you wish up to three but they have to be willing to go. I also request you include another and take him on as a student. Fair warning, it’s a rehabilitative process. I’ll give you more details once I sit down as I presume you’d rather me stand to fix this.” He would say, pointing down at his seal with a raised brow.

[3]

Raphael couldn't help but chuckle at Valen's reply to what he had said, it seemed that the commander already planned a payment for this service, and it was much more than he was asking for. Raphael would not argue or try to ask more information about the man that the commander wanted him to take on as a student either, he would simply approach the other man forming a string of four hand seals before pushing his fingers into Valen's abdomen allowing his chakra ink to flow into the other man. While anyone with Fuuinjutsu could easily perform such a task, there was a unique benefit for the commander that only the Uzumaki could provide and that was a seal that was stronger than others.

Once the seal was finished, Raphael would remove his hand from Valen to reveal the new whirlpool like seal of ink where the other once was. Raphael would take a step back and give the other man a moment to inspect the seal should he choose to do so before speaking. "I hope that you will find this seal to be satisfactory, it will have no trouble keeping the beast within under control." Raphael stated in almost a smug tone as though he was so sure of his work that it could not fail or go wrong.

"What can you tell me about this new student I will be taking on?" Raphael would ask only once Valen had seated himself back at the desk, himself moving forward closer to the desk and the blade that was the apple of his eye. Wishing to test it out, only restraining himself from grabbing it out of a need for formality with the commander, though once given permission he would quickly take up the blade as well as the copy of techniques that the man was giving him as payment.

---

Placed Riptide seal on Valen

Seal:

Due to the passive +1 to Fuuinjutsu the Uzumaki have, Valen's Bijuu seal is counted as S instead of A giving him a point Value of 500 on the seal.

Raphael for his part would move immediately to place the seal Valen had requested. Moving forward and placing his fingers upon Valen’s abdomen and channeling chakra. This of course was the most dangerous part so far as Valen was concerned. For Raphael could theoretically do anything to him at that point and Valen would have little recourse except to die. Still, it was a risk he had to take for the sake of surviving to see his goals met. Somewhat to Valen’s surprise, Raphael did not take advantage of the situation and he felt the seal take hold. Felt the beasts chakra become something more separate and locked away.

When Raphael stood back, commenting on his work, Valen would tentatively channel chakra. A swirl of blue fire channeled with it, surprising the dark haired man at the fact. He considered that fact and nodded, acknowledging the change in his chakra. The beast has been seemingly made of that fire. It made sense that Valen would gain the ability to utilize it to some degree. He would have to test that out later. For now he turned to Raphael and nodded his head in thanks. “You’ve done me a service, and that shall never go unrewarded.” He would say, stepping back behind his desk and taking a seat. “The sword is yours, it’s name is Hiramekarei.” He would say as he reached into the desk and pulled out a scroll. “This contains two techniques. The Water Mirror Technique that you requested. As well as another, called ‘Water Heaven’s Convergence.’ I believe you’ll find it quite useful.” He would say as he placed the scroll by the hilt of the large blade sitting across his desk.

“Take them, while I get the file of the man you’ll be taking on as a student.” He would say as he opened his desk once more and began rummaging through the files he had tucked away for immediate perusal. He pulled out Blitz’ and opened it, scanning it to make sure nothing ‘extra’ was within it. Then he would set the file on the desk, facing Raphael so he could take it and look at it. “His name is Blitz. He’s been a problem child for a while now. He tends to fight anyone and everyone he can and he doesn’t always ask permission first. At heart he wants to progress, and he’s loyal enough. He proved that by earning ‘Samehada’ by showing he could be trusted with massive sums of Ryo. He was ordered to take the Ryo and a note containing my missive to the Land of Sea and see them bought under our rule. Which he did and returned as soon as possibly could. I promoted him to Chuunin for it, as he has the raw power to earn the rank. Turn the page however and you’ll see he recently entered into the home of a higher ranked shinobi with no warning and challenged him to combat. Then proceeded to ruin a portion of the man’s home as he was beaten.” He would say, steepling his hands in front of him.

“It goes without saying that I can’t have such actions being representative of the shinobi of our nation. I’ve tried to pound some sense into him a time or two but it seems he just uses it to try to push himself harder. A good thing overall, but I, quite frankly, lack the time currently to try to guide into some form of common sense. I’m coordinating the absorption of the three nations Blitz and two others bought for us. As well as the take over of Kumogakure and its territories. I’ll take care of punishing him for what he’s done which will include the stripping of his rank back to genin and the sword he just gained. However once that is done I’d like you to take over his training personally. My hope is that a more active, observational touch to my own will keep me from having to ‘put the dog down’ as it were.” He would say, frowning at the last. He did not want to kill Blitz. Felt a kinship to him in fact, but he kept acting as he did then eventually Valen would have no choice. “I’d request you postpone your departure until I’ve punished Blitz, take the time to pack and say any goodbyes and ask anyone else you might wish to join you to come along. Remember you’re responsible for their safety and actions as the highest ranking representative. Mind you I’m perfectly happy to cut as much slack as necessary in Blitz’ case. Do what you feel is necessary in regards to reining him in.” He would finish, nodding his head toward the Jounin. “With that you’re dismissed Raphael, thank you again for your help and if you have time before you leave I hope to have a meeting of the ‘Swordsman’ to go over what I expect from everyone in the unit. No worries if you can’t make it, I can send a missive explaining things when I’ve gotten everything ironed out.” He would say, finally nodding toward the door at the last.

It was a polite dismissal, a thankful one even, but it was still a dismissal. Valen had too much work to do as it was and with the risk of a bijuu escaping now thwarted he needed to get to it. Wordlessly he reached down by the desk and pulled out a large stack of papers and began to skim quickly, taking in the details efficiently. His attention now on the massive amount of work he had to do.

[4]

[Exit]

As Valen would move behind the desk and remove the scroll, Raphael would grab Hiramekarei. He could feel his chakra drain as gripped one of the handles and hoisted the blade up off the desk, it was as if the blade was feeding off of his chakra for a moment and then the feeling would subside. He couldn't tell why, but holding the blade made him feel stronger. Hearing that the commander was also giving him Water Heaven's convergence, Raphael couldn't help but grin. He had heard of the technique before, it was viewed highly among some of the strongest of the Suiton techniques, and the commander was correct, Raphael did find it useful.

For now, he would place the scroll into one of his pouches as he listened to Valen explain his new pupil, he would have time to read over the scroll and learn the techniques later. Taking the file as Valen handed it over and looking over the information therein. The name would instantly catch his attention, he had met Blitz on a mission, even sparred with him once. He did indeed have skill, but Valen was also right in the fact that he did lack discipline. It would be interesting to see how Blitz would react to this news, but Raphael would do as instructed.

Placing the file back on the desk at his dismissal, "thank you, Commander. I will put both Hiramekarei and these techniques to good use, I will wait for you to deal with Blitz before I go, though I don't know if I will be here for the meeting. I will look after Blitz and ensure that he does not bring any disrepect of his position as a shinobi of the hidden mist." Raphael would state with a bow before taking his leave of the office, he had a great respect for the commander, though he couldn't shake the feeling like this might be the last time he saw the man.

Heading straight to the training grounds, Raphael would test out Hiramekarei as well as the 2 new techniques he had been granted by the commander before heading back to the Uzumaki district for some rest.

Exit

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Claiming Hiramekarei (charged up with 150 chakra)

Auto-Learning Water Mirror (B-Rank)

Trained Water Heavens Convergence A-Rank (250/250)