Cheng kneeled there silent, looking at the floor until Myamoto, his master of older days finished. He was glad that Myamotos heart was still full of fire and strength, just as he remembered him. Cheng dared not look Myamoto in the eyes, he deemed he was not worthy, and never will be worthy enough. Cheng began to speak slowly and silently..
"My Master, when I left you, my heart was filled with sadness. Day after day I felt the need to come back and apologize. I felt the need to ask for forgiveness for leaving you, for leaving my brothers. But I must speak from my heart, I do not feel the need to ask for forgiveness anymore."
"Before I left my heart was empty, I did not feel worthy of being among you, I felt like I let you down and needed to learn more. I was your Roju, but I did not feel like one. I could not silence the voices in me, I needed isolation, I needed a change. I left your side to become stronger both in spirit and body. I left your side to do that what you have tried to teach me over all those years, namely, to try and serve others by serving myself."
Cheng paused for a second and then continued...
"I may have left your side in body, but my spirit was always home with my family, my real family, the Dragons. After trying to better myself for all those months, I learned that true strength comes from the heart, and not from all the techniques you learn. I heard of the new struggle that you, my brothers, are facing. I come back to you now from isolation, at the change of the tide. The call of Hideyoshi has reached my ears once more, and I will protect my family, their ways and memories. If there is anything you have taught me, it is that true Dragons are born in the heart and soul of a body. I have not misplaced mine."
Cheng pulled out his sword and offered it to Myamoto while still kneeling and staring at the floor.
"My life is in your hands once more, my master. If you deem it not worthy, take it now with this blade and I shall greet my honorable death..."
