[Himishi Jou]

It was a bright morning here in the mountainous region of Tsuchi no Kuni with the sun beaming and barely any clouds in sight. A light breeze drifted through the air, giving off a gentle, cool feeling as well as slightly causing whatever plant life was around to shift back and forth, dancing in the breeze.

"Rentaro-sensei, come on we're almost there." A white haired boy claimed with a bit of eagerness in his tone. The boy was walking down a rocky path, each step growing ever so slightly faster than the last. On his back was a backpack, big enough to contain a good amount of clothing and other items needed for daily things...along with maybe a souvenir or two. His eyes are red and a bit sharp with a small smile formed on his face. His attire is light brown and black, but most importantly is the black headband around his forehead with a shiny forehead protector holding the symbol of one of the five great villages. "I still can't believe it's been a year, yeah?" the boy said as he looked over to the eye patch wearing Jounin assuming he was there with him. "I wonder how much has changed....How the others are doing." He pondered...mostly referring to the friends he had made prior to leaving...and his cousin, Haruka.

He never did tell them where he went...but that is because he didn't want to. This journey was not only to assist Rentaro on his mission, but he also wanted train with him. On top of a few ninjutsu and taijutsu-related things, he also wanted Rentaro's help in getting better with his doujutsu. Both the Sharingan and Tomokenzangan may be vastly different doujutsu, but they still had enough similarities for this to work out.

But there was also another reason besides training. He wanted to also clear his mind...rethink his life, something he felt that he could only really do outside of the village.

Now, the boy was no longer timid and lacking in confidence, the look on his face alone proving that. He had also gotten taller and a bit more muscle on him.

He had finally grew a spine...but there was more that needed to be done.

"Look!" he exclaimed as it started to come into view....the outskirts of the village. With that, the boy grinned and started to run like a proper shinobi to get closer, showing off his speed just a little. Once he reached the gates, the boy came to a sliding but perfect stop, kicking up a bit of dust and pebbles in the process. "Iwakagure...We're back...." His grin grew wider before raising a fist up into the air. "I'm finally home!" He exclaimed, maybe confusing any potential gate guards who there.

After a year, Himishi Jou has come home...and he has greatly matured.

Takeuchi Rentaro