Early the next morning, Naruto started shouting in the courtyard.
"Get up, get up! Today's the last day!"
As he went from room to room pounding on doors, the bang, bang, bang filled the entire house.
"Can't you keep it down?!" Sakura shouted through her door.
Everyone inside got up at a leisurely pace and took their time getting ready.
Sakura came in with a bowl of medicine. She watched Hayashi drink every last drop before taking the bowl away.
"No running around today."
"I know, I know."
"Got everything?"
"Got it all, got it all."
Hayashi took the longest to get ready.
He picked up the tachi leaning against the headboard, wiped its sheath with his sleeve, and propped it neatly beside his wheelchair.
"Why are you bringing your sword today?" Kakashi raised an eyebrow.
"Well." Hayashi smiled. "Just in case."
Even after everyone stepped outside, the old woman was still waving from the doorway.
"Be careful out there-"
"Off we go-"
Naruto's voice drifted back from the front.
The group left the village and headed toward the bridge.
Naruto bounced along at the head of the group, half a rice ball still clenched between his teeth.
Sakura and Sasuke followed him, while Tazuna walked cheerfully in the middle. Kakashi brought up the rear, pushing the wheelchair.
Every few steps, Sakura glanced back to check on the wheelchair.
"Once today's over, we can go back to Konoha tomorrow, right?!" Naruto called back.
"We can leave once the mission's finished," Sakura said.
"When we get back, I'm eating at Ichiraku Ramen!" Naruto pumped his fist. "My treat!"
"Who asked you to pay?" Sasuke folded his arms.
"Then I'll go brag to Iruka-sensei!"
"Give it a rest."
"Oh, right!" Sakura remembered something. "I need to bring Ino a local souvenir."
"Can