"You know… I never thought chakra could be used like this."
Yasaka mutters as she forms a series of hand seals before releasing a stream of fire from her mouth. She hums thoughtfully before continuing,
"I wonder why we never used something like this before."
"That's because your chakra is different from ours, my lady."
She turns to one of the Uzumaki—Terazawa Uzumaki—and raises an eyebrow.
"What do you mean by that?"
Terazawa bows slightly before explaining.
"After observing you clansmen and race, I've come to the conclusion that our chakra functions differently. Our chakra is fluid, like water, while yours is dense, like honey."
I glance at him and ask,
"Does that mean their chakra is stronger?"
"Not necessarily, Lord Vale. Thicker does not always mean more powerful. It simply means their chakra is produced differently than ours. It takes more effort and resources for their bodies to generate chakra of this density. That is the reason why only Youkai can produce chakra naturally. On the other hand, our chakra is easier to produce, which is why every person in our world possesses chakra—though only a few can control and use it as a weapon."
Yasaka nods in understanding.
"Are there any other differences?"
"Yes, there are a few more. First is chakra control. Because your chakra is so thick, your control focuses on pushing it outward efficiently. That means your jutsu naturally have almost no chakra waste. In contrast, our chakra is more eager to be released. Without fine control, we waste a lot of chakra every time we perform ninjutsu."
"That makes sense," Yasaka muses. "We train our young to release chakra freely but never teach them to regulate it because we've never needed to."
Terazawa nods.
"The second difference is passive enhancement. Your chakra is so dense that it naturally strengthens your body, durability, and longevity over time. The more chakra you have, the stronger your body becomes. For us, this isn't the case. Our chakra does not passively strengthen our bodies, but we have greater control when performing precise techniques, such as medical ninjutsu and surgeries. Of course, there are a few exceptions, but most ninjas are like that. Our Clan, the Uzumakis, are among the exceptions. Our chakra reserves are massive."
Yasaka's eyes gleam with interest.
"So, does that mean we can't perform medical ninjutsu?"
Terazawa hesitates. "I'm… not sure, Lady Yasaka. It's possible, but it would require rigorous training in chakra control. It would greatly expand your people's medical capabilities if it works. We will see if that is working or not."
"That would be wonderful. Senjutsu healing is powerful, but there are some wounds and conditions that even Senjutsu cannot properly treat."
Terazawa nods before turning to me.
"My lord, I have a request from Lord Matsuda."
"Oh? What is it?"
"He wishes to know if you'd be willing to establish a second village in the Făgăraș Mountains."
"The Făgăraș Mountains? Hmm… I don't mind. But why not use Bran Castle?"
"That location is a major tourist attraction. While we could utilize the underground base, it wouldn't be ideal for training shinobi. The Făgăraș Mountains, on the other hand, are both remote and naturally fortified, making them an ideal hidden village location. Additionally, the area is a breeding ground for demonic beasts, which would serve as valuable training opportunities for Chunin-level shinobi or those taking the Chunin Exam."
I consider it for a moment before nodding.
"Alright. Inform Luca and Skull so they can handle construction."
"Understood, my lord. I'll deliver the message immediately."
He then looks between Yasaka and me.
"Is there anything else, my lord? My lady?"
Yasaka nods.
"I'd like to send some of my people to train in your village. I want them to learn the shinobi arts from your people."
Terazawa nods. "We would be honored to teach them—as long as Lord Vale permits it."
Yasaka turns to me, her golden eyes filled with expectation.
I chuckle and nod. "Go ahead, Yasaka. Send me a list of candidates, and I'll inform Lord Matsuda."
"Thank you!"
She leaps forward and kisses me before quickly running off to inform her right-hand officer.
I shake my head with a smile before turning back to Terazawa.
"You may go. Also, please tell Lord Matsuda to meet me after lunch—I need to discuss something with him."
"As you command, my lord."
With that settled, I decide to explore Kyoto and see what's changed since my last visit.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
|Vindice – 3rd POV|
Vasco Strada smiles as he walks through the streets of Vindice.
Once again, he was sent by the Vatican to determine whether a positive relationship could be forged between the Millefiore Family and the Church.
With the vampires gone, the Vatican hopes to establish a new power bloc within Romania.
There are many churches in this country, but none are directly controlled by the Vatican—the one that knows the supernatural world.
This needs to change.
However, to expand their influence in Romania, they need permission from the new Sovereign of Romania—Lord Valerian Millefiore.
That is why Vasco Strada has returned to Vindice.
The Church is willing to admit its past failures.
They acknowledge that previous Church representatives sent to Romania are not the best. They are the people who are in for the money and power.
Now, they want a fresh start.
More importantly, they want the Millefiore Family to be an ally.
A powerful human faction, wielding a power that feels like Holy Energy—yet is not.
A group that already despises dark creatures like vampires.
They are the perfect potential allies for the Church. They are the great icon of the triumph of humanity against dark creatures.
But first, they must establish a foundation of trust.
Unfortunately, Vasco has to keep his team in line before they make another blunder.
He turns and glares at one of his subordinates.
"Dulio. If you stop at one more food stall, I swear on the Lord's name, I will punch your head so hard you'll have a concussion for a week."
Dulio—one of the strongest exorcists in the Church—looks at Vasco like a deer caught in headlights.
His mouth is stuffed with food, and he makes a sheepish expression. Quickly, he pays for his meal and rushes to Vasco's side.
"Can you stay with the group for a single minute, Dulio?"
"Hahahaha~ Sorry about that, old man! But you said I should gather information, right? Well, I did."
One of the priests groans. "And what kind of information did you get from buying food?!"
Dulio raises an eyebrow.
"A lot, actually. Food stalls are gold mines for gathering intel."
Vasco narrows his eyes.
"Go on."
Dulio grins.
"Four days ago, Lord Millefiore and his inner circle traveled to Japan to assist the Youkai in exterminating Oni rebels in their territory."
"Is that so?" Vasco strokes his chin.
"Yes. But that's not all. Apparently, Millefiore brought a new group of people with him—another group he rescued from being massacred. No one knows why he brought them, but I think they're either exceptional trackers or masters of barriers and seals."
Vasco gives him an appraising look.
"How did you obtain this information?"
"You'd be surprised what a kind smile and friendly conversation can get you."
Vasco nods.
"You can continue gathering intel later. For now, we must announce our presence to Lord Millefiore. We are here to build a relationship, not start another conflict."