Daraku had fulfilled his purpose in Kirigakure and had managed to get some training in as well, so it was about time to return home to the place he knew so well. Something about Kirigakure, despite the beautiful views and wonderful waters, kept Daraku on edge. It was in the air, in the mist surrounding him. Left him with an unsettling sinking feeling. But aside from that, he was feeling homesick and he still had a clan to lead, as always. So, he left the inn early in the morning and walked quickly toward the gate, half out of excitement to return home and half out of paranoid fear of some unseeable force. Someone intercepted him at the gate, pressing a hand on his chest and keeping their eyes intent on his. "Stop right there. You're not getting away so easily." Daraku rolled his eyes, now leaving his previous fear and adopting an irritated glare.

"What are you talking about, fuck-tard? Get the hell out of my face, I need to go back to my village." The man stared back at Daraku, likely out of surprise from the colorful language. "We know of your criminal record. And we can't very well let you leave...you're getting arrested." Daraku rolled his eyes and broke out into a sprint. He was faster than most ninja, so he wasn't afraid of getting caught. His motivation was the mere act of leaving, and he wasn't about to let himself get arrested when he wasn't even a criminal anymore. The jounin would have to find out that he was a Sannin of Sunagakure the hard way, if they wanted to pursue him.

Daraku's steps were fast paced but accurate as he dodged puddles and sinkholes in the swamps, and eventually ended up on a dirt trail leading to the bridge. He reached the stone structure and crossed it confidently, the sounds of those pursuing him no longer within earshot. If they were even following him still, they were far enough back to lose him.

Word Count: 347/600

The Ishido's pace slowed and he looked down at his foot with an angry glare. What the fuck was happening to him? He felt as if he was injured, possibly a fracture or something, but his leg looked completely fine. The pain intensified until he could hardly walk, so he limped to the nearest tree in the swamp and leaned against it, careful not to make the slightest sound. He pressed a hand against his leg and let his chakra flow freely, slowly healing whatever damage there was. "Some sort of covert medical technique from a range...they tried to paralyze me. So they must still be nearby..." His voice faded into a whisper as he activated his kekkei genkai. He was entirely invisible and safe from the hostile eyes of his pursuers. A group of Kirigakure jounin appeared, and a stoic woman searched for him while the others waited. "He was just here. He stopped, he was hurt! Where did he go...?!" Daraku maintained his invisibility and looked on at them, waiting for them to leave. They whispered unintelligibly among themselves until they doubled back and made their way in return to Kirigakure. Daraku let out a sigh and sprinted until he reached the border, making his way back home. He needed a fucking break.

The rest of the trip was a breeze; the air was stale and the sands were unusually cold for the middle of the day. He didn't pay much attention to the climate, though, and was instead more glad to be in Kaze no Kuni at all. He reached the village gates and greeted the guards, entering the village without hassle.

Word Count: 625/600