Several other squads were also tasked with escorting wounded shinobi back to the village. The goal was to get them proper medical care. Those too severely injured to travel would have to wait for Tsunade to return or for reinforcements from Konoha.
Those who could walk did so, while others were loaded onto carts. The long procession made its way from the camp toward Konoha.
To guard against potential ambushes, Xin, Minato, and Nawaki took turns scouting the area, even if it was just for show.
"I wonder how long the war with the Sand Village is going to drag on," Nawaki mused.
"It won't end anytime soon," Xin replied, patting Nawaki on the shoulder. "But that's not our concern right now. Our job is to get these injured shinobi back to the village safely, complete the mission, and then take some time to recover ourselves."
"I've had enough of this constant rain and gloomy weather in the Land of Rain. Just seeing clouds makes my head hurt."
"Tell me about it," Nawaki agreed, nodding enthusiastically.
The harsh weather of the Land of Rain was unbearable for most, especially for shinobi from Konoha. The peaceful, sunny climate of the Land of Fire was much more preferable.
Because of the injured, their pace was slow, but once they crossed into the Land of Fire, they were able to speed up considerably. Fortunately, they didn't encounter any attacks from the Sand shinobi, much to everyone's relief.
Xin wasn't too worried. If any enemies showed up, his companion Ophis would alert him immediately.
Once they were back in familiar territory, Ophis emerged from hiding and lazily draped himself over Xin's shoulder, basking in the sunlight. Even a Powerful Dragon like Ophis found the constant rain of the Land of Rain unbearable.
After seven days of travel, they finally arrived back in Konoha. As soon as they got there, Xin tossed the mission scroll to Minato.
"Why is it always me?" Minato protested.
"Because you're the diplomat of our team," Nawaki said with a smirk.
Minato's eyes gleamed with mischief as he grabbed Nawaki's hand. "Then you're coming with me. Otherwise, you're staying here with me."
"Let go!"
"No way!"
"I said let go, or I'll jab you in the ribs!"
"Then I'll twist your arm."
"Bring it on."
"..."
Xin rolled his eyes at their antics and walked off, leaving them to their bickering. He was too eager to get home, change into clean clothes, take a long bath, and enjoy a good meal. The ordeal was finally over. Aside from special missions, he wouldn't have to return to the Land of Rain anytime soon, which was a relief. He was sick of that hellhole.
In the end, Nawaki caved in, knowing better than to poke at Minato's sore spot. He didn't want to find out just how far Minato was willing to go to defend himself.
....
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