I mean really, who was going to think twice about an Inuzuka hanging out in the woods? No one, that's who. It meant that it was safe for him to be hanging around without the fanfare or attention gathering nature of a bunch of attendant or ANBU. He could just walk around an wait for Satoshi and Tre to arrive, Kashizudoto had gone ahead a day or so prior to the main group; the information he'd returned was perfectly in line with the expected: empty forests and wildlife between Konoha and Iwa. Perfect, simply so.  If anything had changed in the hours since Kashi had gone through, it would be handled at that moment. Otherwise, they should be at the gates of Iwagakure no Sato in roughly a day's time. Maybe a but more, depending on Tre. Kenta was a speed God, but Satoshi was plenty fast himself. They could easily make the trip in a few hours, but there was no way Tre could move like that. Slowing down wasn't a bad thing, either; it was less aggressive to move at more... normal speeds, versus racing in like a pair of bulldozing rhinoceros.

Not that he was against that, but he was trying here. He was willing to work on his preconceived notions of the Land of Earth and it's people, so he was going to go in peaceable and as calm as he could handle; what with war looming between Kirigakure and Kumogakure. That war could be tricky for them, the alliance with Kirigakure had been his doing originally, and on a personal level he very much preferred to maintain positive relations with them versus coming to aide Kumo. Which was bad, as they where aligned with both countries. It was going to look bad, internationally speaking, to act in either direction;  but hell, he'd sent Rippa to act as commander of Konoha's protection forces in Kiri, so he, and by extension the Land of Fire, where committed now. With Michizuka running the show at home while he went off and made politics with another 'ally'. Timing be damned on this part, from what he understood Iwagakure was supporting Kirigakure, so he wasn't worried about stuff going squirrely on that end.

Now he just needed Satoshi to show up, and Tre to check in so they could head out. This was going to be an interesting trip.

WC: 409

Fire red hair moved in the wind as Satoshi was heading toward the meeting spot. To be bringing Iwagakure an ally in these times made him swell with pride, especially considering their past. His relationship with Kenta was one that he was still adjusting to, as he was so used to being the teacher or leader of any relationship. Not since Kazu had he remembered what it was like to be a student. A smile was on his face as he approached his destination. His speed had been increasing ever since he had started training the the Hokage. Now that his position was public and official, he noticed people treat him with utmost respect. Being the student of the Hokage was having it's perks, even if he did not expect them, he must admit that it was nice.

He landed beside Kenta with strength as he looked to his mentor and friend. A slight bow of respect was followed by Satoshi speaking. "I am here as planned. I must admit, I'm more excited than anticipated." He didn't figure that he would able to hide the emotion, so he felt honesty was the best policy here. The jounin awaited the response of the Hokage before adding anything else. If there was anything he knew, it was that Kenta could calm his nerves with his usual personality.

Word Count: 228

The day finally arrived; another letter consisting of a time and place that came in the dead of night. As Tre looked upon the letter, he could not help but feel a tinge of excitement; it was finally time for him to leave. The young male had long ago packed a scroll filled with the necessary items for his trip; several changes of clothes, more currency should he need it, as well as a series of maps and camping supplies in the event that they were not able to locate adequate shelter for the night. The young man had no idea how long it would take them to reach the village of Iwagakure no Sato, but he did not want to take any chances.

When the young man was sure that he had everything he needed, he grabbed up his sword, and made his way out the door. He would make his way to the rendezvous point fairly quickly, not wanting to hold up the proceedings. In the distance, he could see the Hokage and someone else -- the Iwagakure ninja that was being escorted as well -- standing and waiting. With a bit more pep in his step, the male moved closer until he was standing with the duo. Turning to his Hokage first, and then the Iwa ninja, he would offer them both a bow of respect in turn.

"Natake, Tre. I am ready when you are, Lord Hokage."

"Eh, I haven't been to Iwagakure in years really, so I'm a bit excited myself. Last time I was barely a Genin really, fresh out of that accelerated program they gave me at the academy." His tone was light, and there was a sense of energy there that was different from his usual boredom or bullshiting. It was entirely due to the fact that he was rather fond of the other male, in that way that would lead to a solid friendship when given enough time. Or really any, they'd gotten along swimmingly since moment one, it was why he was willing to do this entire trip at all. His personal issues with Iwagakure in general made him loath to even remember the place existed most of the time, but Satoshi, well, Satoshi was a rare man. Not many could walk right up and just mesh with the antisocial Inuzuka as well as he had.

He didn't have much to add really, there was that air of comfort between them that didn't need to be covered or broken by words and platitudes. In a way he was a bit sad that the last of the group had arrived; on a professional level he was impressed by the punctuality, but the rest of him had been happily enjoying time with the other elder. Either way, now that Tre had arrived, they'd be set to leave. No reason to linger, really. "Well, he's here now. Kashi is already in Iwagakure and actively doing things, so we might as well get on. I've sent my dogs out to patrol a perimeter around us, they're both more than fast enough to race around us without slowing us down. Simple enough set up for the travel, and I'm not expecting any sort of problems. Therefore, I'm not going to set us into a formation of any sort; it would be wasted given our various skill, as Tre is the only one with any sort of serious melee combat skills. Most of mine are wide or long range, and if we need to resort to my swords we're already basically dead. Satoshi is much the same boat I'm in, lots of long and wide range attacking. So long as we don't get separated, we should be fine. Do either of you want to add anything? Questions? Comments?"

WC: 405

405 + 409 = 814

"Eh, I haven't been to Iwagakure in years really, so I'm a bit excited myself. Last time I was barely a Genin really, fresh out of that accelerated program they gave me at the academy."

Satoshi thought about a young and fresh genin version of Kenta, but couldn't imagine it. One of the many things that made their friendship work was the experience, wisdom, and relaxed air about them. Both have dealt with much to many formalities in their life to bother with that in every day conversation. The Hokage was quickly becoming one Satoshi's favorite people, as he looked up to his logical mind and admired his wide acceptance. "I'll make sure your stay if worth it. We might have a bit of fun while were there." He said with a chuckle as he saw the Genin Tre approach the two of them. The young bow bowed to them both, and Satoshi bowed in return. If Kenta trusted and saw fit to bring the boy, Satoshi would be sure to treat him fairly and with respect.

"Natake, Tre. I am ready when you are, Lord Hokage."

Kenta would then speak up, as everyone was present and accounted for.

"Well, he's here now. Kashi is already in Iwagakure and actively doing things, so we might as well get on. I've sent my dogs out to patrol a perimeter around us, they're both more than fast enough to race around us without slowing us down. Simple enough set up for the travel, and I'm not expecting any sort of problems. Therefore, I'm not going to set us into a formation of any sort; it would be wasted given our various skill, as Tre is the only one with any sort of serious melee combat skills. Most of mine are wide or long range, and if we need to resort to my swords we're already basically dead. Satoshi is much the same boat I'm in, lots of long and wide range attacking. So long as we don't get separated, we should be fine. Do either of you want to add anything? Questions? Comments?"

As Satoshi listened he found himself nodding in agreement with Kenta. His mind was sound and he already knew everything about Satoshi, as he had been nothing but honest with his newest friend. No formation was fine with him, and he had only to agree to be ready. "I'm ready when you are. Nice to meet you Tre." He said with a nod towards him. Satoshi could actually be pleasant around the right people.

Word Count: 439 + 228 = 600/600 travel complete
67 Words Remaining

With the arrival of Tre, a brief silence would fall over the group; almost af if Tre had interrupted some conversation with his arrival. For a moment, the awkward silence was painfully evident to the young genin, and he coughed nervously, idly wondering if he should give these two lovebirds some more time to themselves. Perhaps punctuality was not the best policy for this moment?

Fortunately, after a moment, it would seem that his lord hokage had something to say in regards to thier trip to Iwa; Tre had expected this, as it was customary for an expedition leader to have some sort of words for the group before they set off.

"Well, he's here now. Kashi is already in Iwagakure and actively doing things, so we might as well get on. I've sent my dogs out to patrol a perimeter around us, they're both more than fast enough to race around us without slowing us down. Simple enough set up for the travel, and I'm not expecting any sort of problems. Therefore, I'm not going to set us into a formation of any sort; it would be wasted given our various skill, as Tre is the only one with any sort of serious melee combat skills. Most of mine are wide or long range, and if we need to resort to my swords we're already basically dead. Satoshi is much the same boat I'm in, lots of long and wide range attacking. So long as we don't get separated, we should be fine. Do either of you want to add anything? Questions? Comments?"

Tre said nothing for the moment; the Lord Hokage was correct in this sense. Tre was indeed a melee range fighter, and no where near as powerful as the Lord Hokage, nor his guest. But to be quite honest, if anyone were to indeed attempt to send someone to attempt harming the Lord Hokage or his guest, the persona attempting to do so would be so far out of Tre's league, it would be insane. When the Lord Hokage finished speaking, Tre nodded silently in agreement with the statement. He was fine with what the Lord Hokage had in mind.

"I'm ready when you are. Nice to meet you Tre."

Turning his blue eyes into the direction of Satoshi, Tre gave him a small nod of acknowledgement. The young male already said he was ready when they wanted to leave, so he would step aside and wait for them to make the first move. If and when they began to move, he would keep up as best he could, following them as all the way to Iwa.

441 | 680/600 Travel Complete

-Thread Exit-

That awkward. Huh, it seemed the Natake was reading too deeply into things, then; not that Kenta much cared, he was totally happy being with his husband and not looking to spread out in that aspect, Satoshi was just a good friend and what not; but he could see the miscommunication. Either way, he wasn't about to give it any actual attention, outside of a split second of recognition, before moving on. Given there where no comments, questions, or anything added, he was going to go with everyone being happy, and ready to go. "Right then, this shouldn't take more than three or so days at most. I'm not much for stopping to rest, so you'll need to say something if you're burning out." He left it at that, turning away and leaping up into the trees for easier movement. There was a reason why ninja used the trees when they could, after all.

Really, there was no reason to stop until they hit the borders anyway; there wasn't shit to worry about within the borders of the country, and outside of meeting a couple of routine patrols, there was nothing. He only paused because there was a large cliff line that allowed for an unbroken view of the lands beyond the dense forests of the Land of Fire; and having that view meant he could check ahead for anything of note, as well as to make sure his (perfect) baring where accurate. A good time for a water break, as well, really. He might not like to stop per se, but he did understand hydration, and taking a moment to drain one of his water canteens was always welcome. He stared out over the trees of the valley below, taking in the slightest movements of the trees and such, which gave away the locations of his dogs, local wildlife, etc. He gave the boys a chance to catch up to him, waiting for Satoshi to appear before speaking to him again, "See anything? Looks pretty calm to me, still." Once Tre appeared, he offered the same question to him.

WC: 356

356 + 814 = 1170

Okay, since everyone hit WC, we're going to kill this. Satoshi is currently unable to post for various reasons, so this is essentially dead now. ee;;

-EXIT-

1170/600 Travel Complete. 570 Leftover.