Homecoming [Village Entry]

"Alright, Travin." Jupiter stated calmly, having heard the man's name from Sakaiza's lips. Although Jupiter could not see, he could feel the fingers touching his eyes, and the liquid that had seeped into his eyeballs. His eyes felt itchy, and his eyelids twitched, but he laid flat on his back with his eyes closed waiting for the miracle worker to finish working his magic. Just as Travin had explained, he soon saw a faint green glow. His eyeballs throbbed, and his nose bones cracked as his nose came back in place inch by inch. When he felt fully invigorated, he opened his dark blue eyes wide and sat up, rubbing his sore face. He pinched his nose to check its position, and took a hard sniff, smelling the scent of antiseptics and exotic potions. "Thank you, Travin. You have carried out the work of our Lord. May the Lord protect and watch over you, for as long as you live." 

 He placed his hands together, and closed his eyes to pray once again. He muttered under his breath a short prayer and then touched his chest, forehead, left shoulder and right shoulder in that order. "A fireplace sounds nice. I may have some whiskey, it's been a long journey.." He commented before he turned his attention to Sakaiza, listening to him intently as he explained the Tome of Recruitment. Without hesitation, he got up on his feet and grabbed a scalpel from the counter to slice across the Jashin's insignia on his palm, slashing the wound open to deface the sigil. 

"Lord of the North Wind, I give you my hand to wield the ice,
I give you my feet to tread the snow.
I give you my eyes to see through the blizzard,
I give you my tongue to speak the words of winter.

Above all, I give you my heart, so that through me, you may bring cold justice to the world.
I give you my mind and body so that you may guard and guide me,
so that it is your will that lives and moves and breathes in me.

May I embody the strength of Boreas and the mercy of Yuki-onna,
May I serve Hyogagakure and the Hyogakage with unwavering resolve and frozen faith
Upon the lives of my brothers and sisters deceased,
I vow to serve and protect the ice and snow, 
May the light from my spirit illuminate the path of the Wretched."

Jupiter extended his arm, and marked the Tome of Recruitment with his blood, signing his name in clear, bold letters. Once he finished, he would turn to Sakaiza and give him a thumbs up, his crystal white teeth shining with a radiance of excitement. "Snow-men!"

Travin finished his meticulous work fixing Jupiter and making sure that everything worked properly once more. Truth be told it was more taxing than he had let on during the process, taking a deep breath upon completion and accepting Jupiter’s thanks. Who also agreed that a good rest by a fireplace and some whiskey sounded like a nice evening to finish off the day. Turning his attention to his friend Kai Travin would listen intently as the man spoke. Telling both him and Jupiter that he had grown to trust the two of them, and that he was wanting them both at his side in the coming days by joining their ranks within Hyogagakure. It was the reason that Travin had come this way and was the reason that he was waiting to see the Hyogakage, however, he did not know until now that he was waiting on his friend to arrive as the new kage of the village.

Travin waited for Jupiter to finish with his oath and prayer combination. It was something that Travin was not used to and would probably take a while for him to get used to, but the man seemed like a good guy from what Travin could tell so far, and if Kai trusted him then it was all he needed to know. Once Jupiter was finished Travin would take his turn stepping up to the book and with his index finger a small sharp bone would protrude out and poke his other index finger drawing the blood he needed to write his name. “I am not as good with words as Jupiter, but I am your sword to strike at our enemies and your shield to defend you from their attacks from this day forth. If you have a need for me just ask, and I will be there to carry out your orders.” With the words spoken Travin would write his name within the book presented to him, and take a step back to stand once more beside Jupiter.

WC-338 TWC- 2,681

When Sakaiza finished proposing his offer to Jupiter and Travin, Jupiter turned and looked upon the Wretched accordingly. It had been the first time in days where his friend gazed at where he actually stood when responding to him, and the sight of that was thanks to Travin's work. This observation was comforting, as Kai felt he could trust both men's competency and chemistry completely. And expectedly, Jupiter would jump to the cause and draw blood from his own palm. Upon it, which Kai had never noticed, was an insignia which the man had seen in various unholy places in the Land of Hot Springs. From what he understood it to be, it was a symbol representing Jashin, a deity which governed all things wicked. Sakaiza, behind the veil of his mask, would raise an eyebrow in curiosity as a symbol of Jashin seemed like a potential paradox of all things his friend embodied and preached. However, actively slashing the marking was a clear act of defiance towards this deity. And though he wanted to inquire more about it, now was hardly the time. Thus he would save this question for the next time they gathered in a casual setting.

Sakaiza himself, still bearing the book in hand, would now open its cover revealing a multitude of pages of thick paper. Their composition was durable and absorbent, so they were practical for absorbing the blood of its authors. He'd then place the book upon the table which Jupiter previously lied upon, opened upon two empty pages: one for each man. Jupiter would characteristically offer his homage to the Lord of North Wind, Boreas, essentially describing that his body and all things which came from it would serve as an instrument for the God's will. And in the same breath, he offered his piety to Yuki-onna, the Goddess which many feared and revered equally. Jupiter's oath, this creed, was moving. He epitomized all things which a true shinobi should be, and even more, what a leader should be. And so as he placed his hand upon his own page, the tome emitted a miraculous jade glow from it, accepting him into the village. The glow was undying and as vibrant as the greenery of the lush forests in the Land of Fire. And it was a testament to the things Sakaiza already theorized about Jupiter's immense value.

"Thank you my brother." Sakaiza would say in a warm tone. "This is among the brightest our book has glowed. It mirrors what I've seen in you over our trials and tribulations in the last year. Because of the faith I have in you, I entrust you as my right hand. My Archbishop, should you accept." Whether Jupiter accepted the role, or preferred something else, Kai would approve. He had known, worked with, and fought alongside the man for over a year at this point. The two debating philosophy, dispelled threats, and overcame the depths of Hell itself. Truly, their bond was deep and Sakaiza saw him as family. His celebratory exclamation made Sakaiza laugh aloud briefly, something only few had heard before. And in turn, he'd mirror the sentiment. "Snow-men!"

Then he would turn his attention to Travin, who admitted that linguistics were not his strong suit. But that was mattered not to Kai. What was paramount was Travin's undying loyalty and lack of hesitation, the same characteristics he exuded across countless missions the men completed together in their brief time they had known each other. In that time the Wretched learned of Travin's efficiency, refined work ethic, and diligence. He signed the book as quickly as he spoke, which the book revealed a lesser shade of green, but potent nonetheless. Sakaiza would nod, understanding the book saw immense potential in this man as well, just as he had. "Travin, you've proven yourself time and again. Your abilities are undeniable, and your ambition is admirable. Trust that you stand behind me, not as my shadow. You will never be my instrument or tool, but you too shall be my brother. Nevertheless we are all weapons of Hyogagakure. And because your proficiencies amount to those of multiple men, from this day forward you will be recognized as G-3 class. You are our Phalanx. May the bane of your bones bring glory to the Snow."

Should neither men have anything further to address, Sakaiza would close the book which now adopted both men as Hyogagakure shinobi. He'd retrieve it from the table, tuck it under his arms, and offer both men a fist bump from his free hand. Finally, he'd adjourn their business today. "Now, we've got much work to do to get Hyogagakure in shape. When you get the chance, please see Old Man Andre to get your uniforms. They are a suit of armor, which we refer to as our Shells, along with a mask we known as, Reikonmen. After that, feel free to catch up with me in the Royal Palace. I am sure I have many things to catch up on."

Unless either men protested his departure, Sakaiza would exit from the guard tower and enter through the frozen gates of Hyogagakure. It was good to finally be back home.

- Exit-

WC = 869. TWC = 3,104

WC Claims:
- 1297 towards Chakra Suppression, rest learned here
- 1125 towards Castle of Dark Illusions from A -> S
- 683 towards Whispers of Twilight (683/2062)

Recruiting:
- Jupiter Yamanaka as Deputy Kage 
- Travin Kaguya as G-3, Genin

"Archbishop?!" Jupiter echoed, his eyes widening with surprise as he looked at Kai. His gaze briefly dropped to his hand, where fresh crimson blood stained the defaced white insignia beneath a fresh new scar clotting on his palm. He then turned to the window, watching each snow flake silently fall into its place beyond the glass. Had he been given such an offer just a year ago, it would have been an unfathomable thought to take up such a responsibility, and it would have been a vehement 'no' from the reformed Jashinist. However, within the time that had passed, Jupiter had walked through many trials and tribulations, and had learned a great amount about himself, and the world around him. "It must be me. I get it. It would be my honor, Hyogakage-sama. I vow to protect our village from all forms of spiritual evil. Let the blood of the cultists taint not the purity of our snow. I will keep them at bay, with all of my strength, for as long as I live. This, I promise you on the souls of the dead shinobi whose many whispers still echo in the Wind."


Jupiter listened to Travin's words as he took his own vows, giving him a warm smile. When he was done, Jupiter wiped his bloody hand with a piece of white cloth, and pulled out a small flask from his robe. He tilted it over, pouring dark liquor on the wound to speed up it's healing. As he poured, he spoke to his comrade once again. His face was solemn, and his tone nonchalant, dead serious, "You overestimate me. I cannot take credits for my words, as they come directly from the Lord." He pointed up to the roof as he placed the blood stained white cloth on the sink and soaked it with water. He washed his hands and made his way towards the door, standing next to Kai before giving him a fist bump. "An Archbishop must have a church. I shall go and find a plot of land on which to build it. I hope the rent in Hyogagakure is not too expensive. Thankfully I had not put down all my ryo to build a church in that forsaken land."


He looked back at Travin when he approached the doorway, "You have the Lord's favor, Travin, and my gratitude. If ever you find yourself in need, come visit me in the Church. Farewell, and God bless you."

---

TWC: 2105

Claims: 

Accepting the role of the Deputy Kage / Archbishop of Hyogagakure

Exit;

WC Claims to be made later

Sakaiza wrote:WC Claims:
- 1297 towards Chakra Suppression, rest learned here
- 1125 towards Castle of Dark Illusions from A -> S
- 683 towards Whispers of Twilight (683/2062)

Recruiting:
- Jupiter Yamanaka as Deputy Kage 
- Travin Kaguya as G-3, Genin

Approved

Travin Kaguya wrote:Exit claiming rank of G-3
2.5k WC for Armament: Serum
500 WC for Chakra Flare

Approved

Jupiter wrote:[color=#00ccff]

---

TWC: 2105

Claims: 

Accepting the role of the Deputy Kage / Archbishop of Hyogagakure

Exit;

WC Claims to be made later

Approved!

forgot to claim 30 stats to chakra new total 85

Travin Kaguya wrote:forgot to claim 30 stats to chakra new total 85

Approved