Son Goten stood at the edge of the cliff.
He carried the unconscious Kimimaro over his left shoulder and Tayuya, trussed up like a dumpling, over his right.
The sight was particularly conspicuous on the desolate battlefield.
Kakashi landed on a rock in front of Goten. Just as he was about to speak, he froze on the spot.
He stared at the two pieces of "cargo" on Goten's shoulders, the corner of his eye twitching wildly.
"Goten, what are you doing?" Kakashi's voice carried a profound sense of helplessness.
"Yo, Kakashi-sensei, you're too slow. I've already finished up." Goten greeted him with a grin.
He gave Tayuya a little bounce on his right shoulder while he was at it.
The jolt drew a muffled groan from Tayuya. Her long red hair hid her face, burning with mortification and anger.
Kakashi's gaze swept over the two captives before settling on the scratched forehead protector in Goten's hand.
"Where's Sasuke?" Kakashi's tone turned serious.
"That poser? I kicked him into the river, and he got washed away," Goten answered nonchalantly.
"Washed away?" Kakashi raised his voice. "You didn't bring him back?"
"He was too weak. Keeping him around wouldn't be any fun." Goten curled his lip and tossed the forehead protector to Kakashi. "He said he wanted to go to Orochimaru for extra lessons, so I sent him on his way."
Kakashi caught the forehead protector. Looking at the deep gouge across it, his heart grew heavier.
"Goten, do you know that the goal of this mission was to bring Sasuke back?"
"I know, but I care more about my prospective little wife," Goten said in complete earnest. "That guy made Sakura cry. I wouldn't have felt right without giving him a kick."
Kakashi sighed. Only Son Goten could offer a reason