[center][h1][color=bc8dbf]Valery Shimmamoto[/color][/h1][/center]

After about a 10-minute detour, Valery was back on the main road and heading into town. By now the sun had turned in for the night and the moon had revealed itself. This provided Valery with a sense of relief, watching the sunset and the moon rise has always provided Val with a sense of security. Even amongst the hurricane of emotions, it seem to provide him with a moment of clarity to reflect as he used the moonlight to guide him to town.

Old Man Shigetsu made his thoughts pretty clear, even though he could see where he was coming from it was difficult to fully
comprehend. The geezer had much more to lose as he had to take into consideration the dojo members well being. In the end, his hands were tied. Valery sucked his teeth before shaking his head trying not to become annoyed again.

[color=bc8dbf]“Now is not the time to get pissed, stay focused on the plan”[/color]

The first order of business was learning about the bastard in question, Val not only didn’t have a location but a name nor face to boot.

[color=bc8dbf]“Ughh”[/color] he groaned as he rubbed his temples vigorously. He should probably start there before picking a random place to sail to. He thought who might even have any info at all and before not it clicked in his mind.

[color=bc8dbf]“Shun!”[/color] He exclaimed, pounding his fist into his hand. That guy pretty much grew up in the dojo. He would have some information worth his while for sure! With haste, Valery picked up his pace as he began jogging toward town with excitement. He for sure would have some sort of description of the person of interest.

[hr]

"Ahhhhh" Shun exclaimed in relief patting his visibility protrudingbelly as he exited the establishment. An ear-to-ear grin was plastered on his face. "A shame that Val missed out, nothing beats some barbecue after a strenuous day of training."  Oceansong village looked illustrious as always after sun fall, a rather cozy port town with a warm and inviting vibe to it. Lanterns and large flora decorated the streets coupled with vendors and restaurants galore. People of all ages populated the streets with smiles all around which provided a comforting feeling. 

Shun made his way down the main street towards the docks, in search of his favorite dessert spot. A small ice cream cart near a beautiful ocean view of the North Blue. It was relatively close to Hatchy's BBQ restaurant which made it the perfect dessert for this occasion. 

[color=bc8dbf]"I Knew I would find you here!"[/color] A familiar voice sounded off in which Shun turned only to see none other than Val. "I see that Sensei let you off the hook" Shun replied as he waited for Valery to catch up to him. [color=bc8dbf]"Yeah Yeah Yeah"[/color] Valery shook off his comment, [color=bc8dbf]"Got a moment?"[/color]

Shun noticed the sense of urgency within Val's voice, not to mention that he also had his actual sword with him. Either something serious happened or Valery was about to do something stupid. Shun let out a sigh, "Sure, we can talk over some ice cream."

The two perched over a ledge, watching the vessels aligned along the docks of the harbor. Shun had taken a bite out of his salted caramel cone as he turned to Valery who had been eating a simple vanilla cone. "So whatcha need to talk about?"

Valery had been staring deeply into his dessert before taking a deep breath. [color=bc8dbf]"Old man Suigetsu gave me a bit of insight into the person I'm looking for. He made sure to leave out a description or name though deliberately, I guess upcoming marine hotshot. I was hoping you might have some useful information on this guy."[/color] Valery took a bite out of ice cream as he awaited his friend's reply.

"Are you sure you want to pick a fight with the Marines? I mean there is no coming back from it, you'll be viewed as a criminal. No different from a pirate." Shun questioned his friend. "I understand that you are eager for vengeance but is that really what is best right now?" 

Valery held the cone firmly and sighed, [color=bc8dbf]"It's not smart I get that but I'd rather actively do something instead of waiting idly by. Old man Suigetsu said they are communicating with the Marines in order to retrieve the clan's sword but by the time that happens we'll be the old man's age."[/color] Valery took a bite out of the side of the cone. [color=bc8dbf]"They're not going to give back the sword so easily, it wasn't like my father was an angel after all in the eyes of the world government. Neither am I completely clean either Shun."[/color] Valery said taking another large bite out of his cone. [color=bc8dbf]"He offered me an out by telling me to come here and lay low, which is probably why old man Suigetsu is trying to scare me off from taking matters into my own hands."[/color] Valery gazed off into the ocean with deep intent, [color=bc8dbf]"I'm planning on setting sail tonight whether you give me what I'm looking for or not, so do you know anything at all?"[/color] Valery took another bite out of the cone, only leaving one last bite of the cone.

Shun sighed, "It sounds like your mind is already made up, there's no point in convincing you otherwise." the boy shook his head. "I heard some of the senior students speaking amongst each other about a Marine named Maxwell Rackham. He's risen up the ranks quickly, when it comes to skill with a sword he is in a completely whole other league. He also seems to be pretty popular with the ladies, developing something of a small cult following. He's got long black hair and sharp facial features as well. Shun said with burning envy, "The last thing I heard was that he was somewhere within the north blue so you might be able to see him if you're lucky..or not should I rather say" Shun said dusting his hands off.

Valery closed his eyes and took a deep breath, [color=bc8dbf]"Maxwell Rackham, I won't forget that name. Thanks, Shun I really appreciate it."[/color] he said relieved, as he finished the last bite of his ice cream cone before facing Shun and sticking his hand out. [color=bc8dbf]"It seems like this is where our paths will split though Shun, thanks for everything while I was here. I guess I can say I learned since I first came."[/color] Valery smiled, Shun grasped his friend's hand and returned the smile. "Oh really? Doesn't seem much like it, in fact, you're leaving with even more reckless abandon." 

Valery chuckled, [color=bc8dbf]"Take care of everybody in my stead alright? Also, give Suigtesu some trouble here and there every once in a while."[/color] 

"Not a chance in hell" 

With that last exchange, Valery was off to the docks. From perched up top near the ice cream cart he noticed a ship preparing to set sail. It was time to catch a ride to wherever they were heading, exchanging some muscle for travel seemed like a fair trade.