To Seal or Not to Seal? - The Suna Seal Application Thread

Age : 37 Posts : 1136

The mighty Sunagakure baked under a pitiless Sun. Suna was always hot to be fair but today the insidious Golden orb stared down with all the contempt it could muster on the sweltering humans below. The sand was burning to the touch, the buildings shrouded in a heat induced haze and the streets of this normally bustling metropolis devoid of life be it human or animal. It was too hot to work, to fight or even to steal not that there was much of the latter going on at the best of times given the city’s less then tolerant stance regarding even the most casual crime. For the most part the citizens of Suna relaxed in shady cafes whiles its normally hyperactive tourists commuted slowly for once between the many cool swimming pools and the refreshingly air conditioned casinos that line Suna’s strip. Even the Nin seem struck down by this malign, heat wave and where busy doing what all good Nin do when no one expected much of them, they slept. Suna’s elite had already left for the milder climbs of Palm Beach and were even at this moment enjoying its pristine beaches and the umbrella topped cocktails that were so popular. It seemed everyone was taking it easy for once, with perhaps just a few exceptions …

Tayuza wiped his brow for what seemed like the 100th time that day as he look on in consternation at how many scrolls he still had to deliver. Of all the days for Kazekage to summon what appeared to behalf of Konoha to the palace it had to be his day on courier duty. He had never like courier duty much but in hindsight those boring days idling ones time away between journeys back and forth from the palace seemed carefree and fun compared to this newfound horror. Dozens of messages needed to be delivered all over the city by 12:30pm sharp and despite being barely half way through he was already soaked through with sweat. He had a sneaky suspicion it would get harder and the itch that was forming near his crotch, correction where his crotch probably used to be, was getting worse every step. He could of course stop and take it easy for a while, maybe swim in one of the fountains for a bit or stop for an ice cold drink. The very idea would have made him salivate if he had any saliva to do so, bloody infernal Sun. However life Tayuza noted was largely filled with bad and very bad choices and stopping even for a moment would most likely be the latter. The list of people he would never cross in the city was surprisingly short but Mr White, TSOKR special agent and head of the kazekage’s communication arm was most certainly one of them. There are any number of incredibly foolish things a Nin could do in Suna but there are few worse then attracting that old man’s friendly gaze and having him ask you into his office with a kind smile and offer to join him for tea. Even the worse beatings are painful but usually short living, even imprisonment relatively benign compared to the horrors that awaited in that cheerful office with its smiling puppy wallpaper and frilly drapes. Some Nin extracted the truth by means of torture, others by cruel blackmail, both, at least from the perspective of the torment soul were imminently preferable to Mr White choice of weapon, an offer to read his rather unique style of poetry. To call him simply bad was akin to calling a master painter okay if prone to being sloppy at times. It was said that his last public ovation quite literally brought the house down, walls and all, much to the relief of those unfortunate enough to be in ear shot. Tayuza could still remember the last time he been unfortunate enough to hear him recite verse and by Kami’s beard he wasn’t going to go through it again. Mr White ‘Ode to a Tortoise’ was so agonisingly bad that it was relief when he finally managed to knock himself out after bashing his head on the wall for the fourth time. Worse still rumours abound that he just completed his latest seminal work ‘The Dance of the Tea Towel’. Tayuza would be damned, quite literally, if he was to hear a rendition of it so he ran and kept of running till his chakra was all but spent and his task all but complete. Shaking with exhaustion the tired Nin looked at his watch and realised that surprisingly enough the thought of ‘The Dance of the Tea Towel’ had spurned him to beat his personal best. It turned out he had 5 minutes to go, time enough to find out what all this sweating was in aid of. He knew he probably shouldn’t but the last letter, like the others, wasn’t sealed and his curiosity got the better of him. Finding a shade corner and bucket to sit on he unwound the last of the mountain of identical parchments and started to read in earnest:

From the Office of the Kazekage

Dear Guest

You are kindly requested to attend the Kazekage’s Palace at 3pm sharp this afternoon for a sealing application session. It has come to the Kazekage’s attention that a number of Nin could benefit from certain seals and your name was mentioned in this light. The sealing will take place in the main hall. Please state the seals you would like on arrival and wait you turn to be seen to in a calm orderly fashion. I would like to remind Nin to act appropriately and would additionally like them to look out for rebels among the crowd. The latest reports of the Ministry of Internal Harmony suggest they may use this as an opportunity to get close to the Kage. To ensure no problem arises and that the sealing is not disturbed there will be a number of TSOKR agents in attendance. I would therefore ask if you could keep a look out and would like to warn you against taking any action that may mistakenly be construed as hostile to avoid unintended accidents.

Yours Sincerely,

Mr White
TSOKR Overseer
Office of Communications

The news didn’t come as a surprise, Tayuza had heard another sealing session was due though this time he was glad he was not expected to attend it. Nice as the palace and the seals were the words ‘ensure no problem arise’, ‘TSOKR’ and ‘Accidents’ suggested that tired as he was perhaps he got off lightly this afternoon. He posted the last message under the owners door and turned away, not able to stop himself muttering ‘poor Guest’ before heading off to enjoy a shower and a cold beer before seeking refuge from the heat in the Icha Icha Book Store.

___________________________________________________________

At the People’s palace one of the side halls had been cleared for the afternoons event. The usual chairs and furniture had been largely removed leaving what appeared to be a dentist chair and a table though given that both were covered in a large white sheet it was hard to tell in the centre. Likewise it missing was the Kage himself doubtless he was busy elsewhere and unlikely to arrive until just before. That said the room wasn’t entirely devoid of life, as though to replace the lack of furnishing a half dozen TSOKR operatives lined the halls intervals scanning the almost empty room for unseen threats. The hall itself was a sumptuous room lined with marble with an ornate mosaic floor and as such often played host to a number of state parties, though perhaps more importantly given the heat it was refreshingly cool and a calm relief from the sweltering atmosphere outside. It was nearing 3 pm and the first Nin were due to arrive for the seal application session any time now ….

OOC: Please will all Suna members who are interested in getting seals post in this thread. They should state the seals they want clearly and post IC accordingly. I have described the room, though I have been careful to keep it relatively vague so feel free to elaborate on it. All interest Nin have one week to post in the thread if they wish to get the requested seal

Age : 30 Posts : 1256

The sound of a letter sliding under a door was the only sound in the small, empty room. The noise echoed around until it died off and Kakougan woke up from his sleep in the corner next to a window. With a large yawn he stood up crack his neck before seeing what the letter was all about. Not many letters were every sent to Kakougan so he assumed that it was either from Lord Kazekage or one of his genin. Opening the letter, Kakougan found himself to be correct, it was a letter from the Kazekage. After reading it Kakougan folded it up and put it in his pocket before opening his door and walking out into the hallway. ' Sealing... One of the things my knowledge doesn't cover. I have one of the most greatest medical minds in the world, but it stops me from studying other things, such as seals. I guess I'll just think of what I want before I get there, I'm sure I know at least a few seals.' Kakougan thought as he walked down the stairs and out of his apartment building. Walking through the streets of Suna was not an easy task, especially today for some reason. ' Ugh... are the streets more crowded today or is it just me...' Kakougan sighed to himself as he continued to push himself through the crowd. Him being taller then most of the civilians allowed him to see over the crowd so he never lost his path, but in order to go through the path he almost had to battle.

By the time Kakougan got to the palace it was 2:30 when he was trying to arrive no later then 1:00. " So much for being early." He said under his breath, entering the palace and escaping from the crowds in the street. As soon as he entered the room Kakougan felt that everyones eyes were on him. Looking around, he found that he was correct. The TSOKR members that were stationed along the walls seemed to be watching him along with the few other ninja that made their gawking more obvious. After freezing for a few moments at the door, Kakougan took one step and then stopped again. The sound of his metal boots and weight on the marble floor made a large echoing clank. Kakougan was going to shushin to a seat in order to prevent himself from making anymore noise but decided against it due to what the letter said. ' It may be misconstrued as something violent... mine as well play it safe.' He thought as he stepped across the floor slowly and took a seat.

Instead of stating what seals he wanted at that moment, Kakougan just sat and tried not to make eye contact with the TSOKR. ' Pff... those little panzies. Prancing around in their suits looking to give people a hard time. I hate suits...' Kakougan thought as he began to think about what seals he wanted. ' Chakra absorption seal... that'll do.' He decided on due to the fact that it was one of the few seals he was familiar with. ' I guess all I can do now is wait.' Kakougan thought with a sigh as he put his hands behind his head and started to relax. Before he could start napping, the chair he was sitting on made a loud creak that echoed around the hall and drew attention back to him.

'Dammit...'

Age : 35 Posts : 1113

The daybreak had been a particularly beautiful one in Sunagakure that day. The sun had risen a golden-orange colour, casting a warm yet imperial presence on the world below. It was not often that citizens of Sunagakure - or indeed any village - were privvy to such a sight. Today was an exception however, and the slender form of one kunoichi in particular lay basking in the still gentle heat and light of the early dawn, utterly carefree. She had had her eyes closed for the past half hour, barely awake, before the sun's warmth touched her skin and her eyelids flitted open. Blinking once, twice, she sat bolt upright, propping her body up with an outstretched arm. For the next twenty minutes, the vista below would become a golden paradise of rolling dunes, silhoutted palms and the emerging skyline of the sand village. Though there was seemingly no one about with whom she could share this experience, the woman seemed wholly unperturbed. In truth, she did have a morsel of company. Tucked inside the breast of her yellow-black jacket lay the quietly sleeping form of Rinji. The small, cream-furred cat with black boots, ears and nose was silently slumbering, save the odd purr. Smiling at her beloved companion, the kunoichi's gaze returned to the semi-illuminated landscape, soaking up the heartwarming sights that so few bothered to seek out in this country.

Many hours later, the sleeping form of the early-rising kunoichi began to stir. Her half-hearted brushing at an irritation on her face only culminated in waking her further, a result the perpetrator had fully intended. "Kasumi-san. It's gone midday." Rinji spoke softly to the woman's ear. When the kunoichi seemed not to respond, he pawed at her nose and spoke more loudly and directly into her ears. "Kasumi-san. Get up! He insisted, before giving a small yelp as his mistress' hand reached over, seized the scruff of fur at the back of his neck and carried him away as far as her arm would reach from her lying position. Yawning, Kasumi Satake got slowly but steadily to her feet, stretching and brushing herself down as she did so. With pursed lips, she glared at Rinji for waking her, before her steely expression broke into a smile and a chuckle. "Come on then, furball." She teased, lifting the breast of her jacket so that the small cat could climb in and travel with her. Rolling his eyes as obviously as he could, Rinji walked slowly and proudly over to the woman before leaping up and into her arms. Tucking her companion in, Kasumi sighed and made a start. There was much to be caught up on.

It was a matter of minutes before the kunoichi reached her home, but the moment she did, a new development was made apparent. One of the Kazekage's couriers had just posted a letter through her door, and could now been seen hurrying to presumably his next drop-off. Shrugging at his unusual haste, Kasumi dropped from the rooftop and walked briskly to her front door. Once inside, Rinji pushed his way out of his jacket-based basket and landed silently on the floor, immediately padding away to find something to eat. The kunoichi however, was intrigued by the letter, which bore the official seal of the Kazekage. Using a kunai, she slit open the letter and withdrew the parchment from inside. After a quick scan of the content, she decided to read it again, more thoroughly. An invitation to a sealing? Curious. She thought to herself as she placed the letter onto her desktop. Kasumi had never attended such an event before, but was happy to have been acknowledged. A quick glance at the time told her there wasn't much of it to waste. "Rinji!" She called, the little cat taking plenty of time to saunter back into the room, his nose wet with water. "Problem?" He muttered nonchalantly, lazily dabbing his nose with an ash-black paw. "Not exactly. An unexpected turn of events, really. I'm to attend the Kazekage's palace at three o'clock. You're welcome to join me, if you wish. Or you could stay here. Choice is yours, but be quick. I have to leave in a couple of minutes." She explained, waiting patiently for a response. "Very well." Rinji replied after a full minute of mulling the decision over. Kasumi knew he had made up his mind the moment she had asked, but just wanted to appear unbothered by it all. "I'll keep you company if I must." He said, hopping back into the inside of her jacket. Kasumi smiled and shook her head. "You know, after all these years, you could drop the act." She suggested, a playful smile on her lips. Rinji blinked and turned his head away, yawning in apparent boredom. Clearly, she wasn't going to get an answer or a change of heart.

The last of her duties completed around the village, it was finally time for Kasumi and Rinji to make their way to the palace. The kunoichi had visited before, but it would be Rinji's first time. He had seen the outside of course, like so many of the inhabitants of Sunagakure - and how could they not; it was such a grand building. Even the usually disinterested, cream-and-black cat snuggled into her jacket stared for some time as they passed the fountains lining the entrance. Last time, Kasumi had been attending a formal event and had worn her best kimono. Today, however, seemed to call for more practical attire, and she had chosen to wear her standard shinobi outfit. She had, of course, cleaned it up a little before heading over to the palace - it would not do to be unpresentable before the Kazekage. And furthermore, if she hoped to be permitted the number of seals she had in mind, she would need Lord Ichushiro to be feeling benevolent and a scruffy appearance would never have done.

Once inside, the white halls belied the opulence within, but it was not long the pair were going to spend in this winding labyrith. Turning smartly to her right, Kasumi could see the door she was to enter at the end of this hallway. As she approached, a long creak issued from inside the room and she faltered in her step, surprised by the noise amidst the silence of the rest of the palace. Continuing regardless, she stepped into the room and witnessed the grandeur she had been expecting. True, the room had been cleared of most of its furnishings, but marble walls and columns, complete with an elaborate mosaic floor told her she was where she needed to be. Rinji took a quick peek at the room too, his curious, furry face peering out from inside Kasumi's jacket. Upon seeing the TSOKR representatives lining the walls of the room however, he quickly receded. Giving her companion a quick nuzzle with her finger to comfort him in this strange setting, she turned to see a row of chairs against the wall and headed for one herself.

Sat in one such chair, his form causing the seat to buckle slightly under his weight, was an... unusual figure. More or less humanoid in shape, the man was much taller, broader and more muscular than the average shinobi. His skin was mottled and pale, which combined with his facial features, gave the man a wholly reptilian appearance. The two of them had crossed paths before, though never had the time for formal pleasantries. She was unsure of the appropriateness of such interactions at this time, with Ichushiro bound to arrive at any moment, and the time ticking ever closer to 3 o'clock. Rinji gave a barely audible whimper when he saw who Kasumi had sat beside, but a quiet stroke from his mistress calmed him down. Giving the man next to her a brief smile, Kasumi's attention fell upon her choice of seals. She had four in mind, though that was a lot to ask of her Kazekage. As such, she began to wonder which, if necessary to leave some out, she valued most.

Spoiler:

Posts : 162

Renjiro was silently asleep at 11.32am when a letter came fluttering through the open window in Renjiros room and settled on Renjiros face. This disturbed his sleep and as he woke up the letter dropped into his lap but Renjiros own gaze was to see a messenger hawk fly off into the distance. Renjiro then looked down into his lap and saw the letter with the seal of the Kazekage on the join of the envelope. "An official letter from the Kazekages office. Awesome" he opened the letter and read what was inside and he raised an eyebrow "Seals ... Ohhhh fuinjutsu seals. He wants to put seals on everyone/everything to help us all. Well I know some fuinjutsus but not of any high level skill so I guess that this could benefit me immensely". He would sit there for 30 minutes thinking hard about the ideas he had for his own custom fuinjutsus and then sat up and got changed into his typical clothing, a thick judo gi top and his hakamas.

As he was about to leave his apartment he grabbed a couple of cereal bars which Renjiro made yesterday which contained fried whole wheat grains infused with handpicked herbs and spices around Suna, handpicked by Renjiro himself, and being held together by a dark golden brown syrup. As he left his apartment he locked up the door and walked out jumping up the building and running across the rooftop towards the Suna administrative building. From his apartment to the SAB was approximately an hour’s ninja run which included jumping from building top to building top for a large section of that time.

He arrived at the SAB at 12.45pm and realised he was over two hours early and decided to take a walk into the market district of the village, which wasn't too far from the SAB, and spent his remaining 2 hours of free time there looking at all the stalls and their wares. When he noticed the time on one of the stall holders stall, 2.50pm, he ran off at speed towards the building and stopped at it within 5 minutes. "Dammit 5 minutes to find the right office". He jogged into the building and past the TSOKR on the entrance and the reception. He continued jogging and came to a grand old wooded door with 6 TSOKR officers guarding it. Renjiro skid to a halt as he came close to the door and raised his letter and envelope with the Kazekage official seal on the join. "I’m Renjiro Senju, here for this thing. This is my evidence. Can I proceed?” The TSOKR stepped aside and nodded "Cheers guys and gals" Renjiro walked in pushing the giant door open to reveal a stunning place filled with marble and gold. He looked around and saw a few TSOKR scattered around the place whilst three others was there at which he assumed one was the Kazekage himself. "Well this is some sort of party you have going here TSOKR. Nice indeed".
___________________

WC:504

Spoiler: