"All right. Sorry for the trouble."
Kakashi, who had already made quite a name for himself in the shinobi world, was as obedient as a newly graduated boy in front of Jiraiya. He removed his Konoha forehead protector and stood up straight.
"Counter-Seal Technique Jutsu, release!"
Jiraiya brought his chakra-infused fingers together and jabbed them against Kakashi's brow.
"Ugh!"
Kakashi felt his head swell, followed by a dizzying sensation, but he could indeed feel something inside him gradually dissipating.
"Done."
"I've got the information you brought. Here's what we'll do next: don't bother looking for Tsunade. I'll find her and ask if she's willing to come back... tsk, don't get your hopes up."
Jiraiya clapped his hands and stood up. Seeing that Kakashi was fine now, he waved a hand.
"Then I'll head back to Konoha and meet Naruto."
"This is as far as I'll go with you. See you!"
At the border between the Land of Wind and the Land of Fire, Maki waved enthusiastically to Naruto and the others.
"It was great meeting you, Maki! Come find us if you ever visit Konoha!"
Naruto responded just as enthusiastically, then glanced toward Konoha and sighed. "Kakashi-sensei didn't make it here in time after all."
"That's a shame. You don't often get to experience the Land of Wind's local customs."
Mei Terumi smiled.
"Maybe his mission was urgent. Kakashi-sensei always seems so busy, after all."
Hinata was as understanding as ever.
Sasuke said nothing, only glancing at Naruto occasionally, seemingly preoccupied.
"Oh well, let's head back to Konoha."
Once they were a little farther from the border, Naruto placed a hand on Hinata and vanished.
"Sasuke, do you still need my help researching that technique from before?"
"No. I already have an idea. I'll finish it in three months at