Finally! Kenshin has come back to Sunagakure!

Working attentively at his post, Han, Sunagakure's beloved and loyal gate guard would had been hard at work. Recently with Guren's unveiling of the Sunagakure Recreational and Academic Campus, people all over Wind Country had been coming to see it for itself. With its announcement, Guren extended invitations to Wind Country's inhabitants to tour the facilities that had become a new staple of Sunagakure culture. And the one they were most particularly interested in? The Casino. What better way to spend your money than by trying to make more in the process? As a result of this invitation, there was an uptick in visitors to the village. And for Han, that meant he had even more people to screen and allow entry to the village. When he could, Guren would accompany Han and make the shifts go by smoother, but time didn't always allow for that. And unfortunately, today was one of those days.

No matter though, Han was more than capable. And his years of service and experience made this job nothing more than a piece of cake. However at the rear of the line, Han couldn't help but notice a massive...horned creature who stood patiently waiting. "What in the hell..." he thought to himself as he continuously chipped away at the line's numbers. No matter how focused he was, he couldn't help but occasionally divert his eyes to the slowly approaching man. And when this giant's turn was next, Han would call out to him.

"Alright, you there with the...er, horns. You're up next. I'll need to see some identification and I need to hear what your business is with Sunagakure." 

Han was straightforward in his tone. Not offering an inch of intimidation or fear. No matter what this fellow's appearance was, he should be treated like any other potential missing ninja looking for a haven in the illustrious walls of Sunagakure.

WC = 312

Upon hearing the name, "Stark", Han's back straightened and his eyes widened.

"Who are you..." he'd mutter as he squished his face into a bunch. Eyes narrowed, he'd think to himself momentarily, before linking his chakra and mind together to telepathically reach out to the Sunagakure Communications Corps. "Patch me through to Lord Third." As he awaited for the telepathic link to form, he'd maintain eye contact with the horned man. Nearly instant, Guren's voice would reach the mind of the loyal gate guard.

"Han. What's the situation?"

"Lord Third. There is a man at the gates...and he knows...Stark, a persona of Lord First...presumably friendly"

Guren, in the confines of the Spire, would stop what he was doing and stand from his desk. Unsure of what this could mean, he'd look to act quickly. He'd form a series of seals and maneuver his right hand's index and middle finger to his forehead, and within an instant he would be at the exterior of the village gates standing 5 meters adjacent to Han. Outside of his post, Guren would quickly glance at Han and the two would nod in unison. The Chinoike appreciated Han's prompt message, and Han did for Guren's own punctual response. His eyes would then cut towards the horned man, who stood just outside of Han's booth, also 5 meters from Guren.

"How do you know Stark? He was a good friend of mine." Guren would call out, keeping it short and simple as he looked over the man's unhuman appearance. Though he trusted Han's judgement on the man, it was always better to remain cautious and vigilant. Deception was so common nowadays that it had been hard trust anyone. 

WC = 282. TWC = 594

Upon Guren's arrival, Han would take the backseat allowing Guren to take the lead of this encounter. Nevertheless as a proper shinobi of Sunagakure, he remained on guard the entire time. And with Guren posing his introductory question to this newcomer, he was met with an immediate acknowledgement of his title. This man seemed to be well tempered and composed, exactly what Guren would expect from someone who had been in the company of the First. Guren was the same, and so he already had somewhat of an unspoken respect for this man. The two would lock eyes, unwavering and focused, almost as if they had been reading each other's energy.

"Indeed. And who might you be?" Guren would respond in the brief pause this new man offered between his speech. He'd go on to elaborate that he was an agent of Kenshin. Of course. The First's had lived so long that there was no doubt many characters of his past that would make themselves present upon hearing of his death. But this one seemed to have been keeping tabs on the Ragdoll, and he too had been burdened with the loss of Kenshin. His mannerisms were not of this world. Like a beast, he'd deeply inhale and exhale smoke from his nostrils. From appearance and behavior alone, he seemed like...a dragon. Just where the hell did Kenshin even meet someone like this?

Nevetheless Guren respected his presence, and remained unbothered by his behavior. Never breaking his eyes from those of the stranger save for when he had closed his own. Guren remained silent, waiting for the man to continue. And when he would, he'd essentially his entire will of life was to protect the investments of Kenshin. Almost as if he were some sort of tool that the Ragdoll had created. Upon hearing this, Guren's expression relaxed a bit forming a half smile. 

"It seems as if Kenshin's past is more detailed than I thought. I am unsure of what you learned of his passing, but I will give you the justice of telling you what happened. It was self inflicted. Our reports indicated he committed suicide, though his motives...unknown. And while I have respect for you and for your dedication to my late mentor, I still don't even know your name. Nevertheless, as he would have, I will welcome you to Sunagakure's forces...after a proper introduction, that is."

Guren as welcoming as he seemed, was still quite cautious. His passive chakra sensory would offer a glimpse at the potency of this man's power. Thus this could be a good addition to Sunagakure's ranks, or if his intentions were impure, than a danger. And so the kazekage had full intentions on screening this man's identity and potentially his background before granting him authorization into the village. The more information he provided on himself, the more Guren would ease up on his caution. But to know of Kenshin's persona, speculate on his passing even though Sunagakure had kept that intel under wraps, and to come to Sunagakure on his own accord...at least meant that he was loyal to Lord First. And for that, Guren could reason with this stranger. While Guren waited for a response he remained calm, cool, and collected. Still in deadlock with this...ogre's own gaze.

WC = 545. TWC = 1139

Guren, as confused as he was, remained from displaying this upon his face. What a unique character. Nameless? Sure. But wanting to be titled after Kenshin? This guy was truly devout to the Ragdoll. Almost obsessed. Still though Guren was impressed with his knowledge of Kenshin's actions, even being aware of the battle between the former Mizukage and the former Kazekage. But Guren wouldn't judge him, for he only knew a small fraction of the two's history together. He would remain silent until...Kenshin...concluded his speech. 

"Very well then. That will take some getting used to, as you would imagine, but I'll honor your request. I am Guren Chinoike, Third Kazekage of New Sunagakure. In exchange for you becoming a Sunagakure shinobi, we will provide you with housing, attire, and a headband. Choose to wear it if you like, but I would prefer if all of our shinobi did. In any case I am unsure what status you will be granted as I am unaware of your abilities. For now we can consider you a Jounin, and upon further evaluation we'll revise that. When you get settled in here, please go to the Spire, the tallest building in the village, to pick up your new belongings along with a key to your apartment. Housing can be found with the Sunagakure Recreational and Academic Campus. There are signs leading to it from the Spire. For now, I need to go and return to my office. I'll be in touch...Kenshin."

With that, Guren would teleport back to the confines of his office. And Han would grant entry to the horned man, offering no words but merely a nod of acknowledgement. Anyone who served Kenshin and was somewhat trusted by Guren couldn't be too bad.

-Exit-

WC = 291. TWC = 1430
25% Max Stat Discount
97 Words towards Ketsuryugan (Stage 1, 15001500); rest trained here and here
1333 Words towards Ketsuryugan (Stage 2, 1333/3000); waiting to submit claims until app approved