Rippa sat atop his horse as him an his honor guard moved along the bridge out of Kirigakure. The mists hung low but he felt he could see well enough. Not the optimal range of his bow of course but that would be well enough. He wasn't expecting anyone to stop him from leaving Kiri. After all he had official orders to return home once base camp was running smoothly. Seeing as how Kiri had hardly had any issues and none of them from Kumo he felt now was the time. Long range transmissions of reports claiming Sanosuke was indeed in Kumo had reached them nearly an hour ago. So he had been quick to pack up as had his two guards and he was on his way. A simple saddle bag with provisions for a two day ride and of course his weapons. On either side of the saddle was Adam and Eve. His crossbow Katana that had not yet made fame for themselves but he knew could. After all Rippa was never one to select violence to the death as a go to move but he would accept it as a necessity in some cases. His medical scroll was in his right breast pocket and around his belt was the bolts for the crossbows. Ones he had called prayers. He was wearing some comfortable black riding pants with some extra padding for warmth and boots. His top was a zipped up sweater with a high neck that for once was zipped up all the way and his coat, his red long coat had rabbit fur on the inside and on each shoulder was a konoha headband. Lastly on the back it clearly stated who he was. Captain of the sword saints in Kanji. A position he was proud of with his history.

As they made camp the first night Rippa helped light a small fire in a hole to avoid any attention so the light would only shine up. With that they had some potatoes cooked with a bit of deer they had left from the camp with. The cook had seasoned it for them and it was cold enough not to rot. They stayed close enough to the fire to stay warm even if they could still see their breath but took shifts keeping watch while two of them slept. Rippa was never one to skip out of duty so he took the last shift before morning. He kept the fire crackling as he leaned back against a tree and looked at the rising sun over the treeline. He would wake the guards after the sun had risen enough to see clearly and together they would smother the fire with dirt before repacking the horses and heading on their way. It was around mid day on the second day they saw a change in terrain. Mist lifted and the forest was clearly brighter. The air wasn't as damp and they could feel a warmer breeze on their face. Rippa smiled to be home again but discipline had taught them all to remain aware of their surroundings. They took the rest of the trip at a casual pace, keeping the horses refreshed for any dash sprints they might have to do just in case. Only arriving at the gates just before nightfall and registering themselves. Together the three would move to the sword saint compound leading their horses before turning them into the stable boy. Rippa collecting his belongings before heading back to his room. Collapsing on his bed as he relaxed finally. He hated war. One could never feel safe until they were home. Where peace could be had.

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