Prodigal Return (open)

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The promise of the coming fall seemed to be in the air as the morning gleam of the sun started to rise over the carved mountain of the Hokage. The silent, solemn faces of past shinobi not only looked over the village which had been their charge for the time which they held the title and power, but they also oversaw the road leading to the giant main gates. It was these stony eyes that first beheld the lone traveler heading towards the only home he remembered. Tired and travel worn, the figure slowly trekked towards the gates. His eyes however, held life and the rims brimmed with tears as the realization of homecoming was imminent. Here was the village hidden in the leaves, one of the great villages and one that had welcomed him with open arms. He had left it reluctantly and it had been three long years since the sight of the sleepy village appeared in his vision. Often he had dreamt about it and though there had been many wonders to see, few would be so welcomed as the one he now beheld.

The young man had spent those three years in an unofficial status. His ability to learn and his willingness for it had prompted a journey which would not only bring him new knowledge and revelation of the medical practices but also of his own shadowy past. He clasped a scroll close to his chest as this thought flowed through his mind. He had lost so much but what he had been able to gain was as valuable to him as life. This was because it was a piece of his life which had been hidden from him. He would have been able to live a full life without the need of this knowledge but he would not have been complete. Now the young medic was able to return home. He could have done so at any time but felt that if he did so before fully maturing he would just have wasted it.
The sun continued to rise and it was finally over the Hokage monument. The lone figure was close enough to the gate that the guard was more than likely already awaiting him. Being a Shinobi from this village had taught him that the Hidden Leaf had many wards and early warning systems before the gates were even visible. Even now probably many eyes had already kept an eye on a traveler. This is why he had chosen to take the direct route and be assumed as just another traveler since few, other than the head medical officer and a select others, knew of his unofficial business.

He approached the guard house and the guard on duty politely asked for his paper and to state name and business. The young man let down his travel hood and a tuff of salt a pepper unruly hair was visible. His tanned face also revealed two big doe eyes. The young man spoke respectfully and professionally as he uttered his name with pride since he had hidden it for those three years.

“I am Kinoshi, Kana. Shinobi of the Leaf”