While Youhu and Karin enjoyed a peaceful moment, Kakashi and Itachi were bearing the burden of their mission.
With their skills, Kakashi and Itachi could certainly escape after attacking Kusagakure and running into the Kusagakure Elite Force, but they couldn't avoid getting hurt and coughing up blood.
They fled from the outskirts of Kusagakure all the way to the border of Grass Country. Only after shaking off their relentless pursuers did the two reach within the Land of Fire and meet up with Youhu and the others.
By then, night had fallen.
After lighting a campfire, Youhu took a Meat Zongzi out of his Storage Scroll and warmed it over the flames. The aroma of rendered fat soon filled the air.
"Youhu, are you here on vacation?"
After smelling the food, Kakashi, who was eating a Military Rations Pill, felt a little bitter.
He'd spent half the day being hunted, and after reuniting with the others, all he could eat was a cold Military Rations Pill. Meanwhile, Youhu was eating rice balls stuffed with meat. It made Kakashi lose all hope in life.
"Vacation?"
Youhu paused. Then, as if remembering something, he took out a few more zongzi and said with an innocent expression:
"Captain Kakashi, I thought you liked Military Rations Pills. They restore Chakra, after all, so they're perfect for a Cold-blooded Killer like you."
"You should've said you wanted some sooner. I've always felt sorry for you, Captain Kakashi."
"And Jiraiya, too..."
"I'm a Cold-blooded Killer...?"
Kakashi rolled his Dead Fish Eyes. Too lazy to complain about his new nickname, he took a rice ball and savored it. The Meat Filling inside was tender and delicious, and eating it left him feeling completely satisfied.
The leaves on the outside were a little unpleasant, though. They tasted almost