Paths of Divergence

Decompress

Chapter 4

-Decompress

"You four executed the mission exceptionally well. Though there was some damage to property, I know that comes with the territory and you kept it to a minimum." The fifth Hokage begins. "So good job. Get some rest."

"Thank you lady Hokage." Team Kari simultaneously replies before exiting the Hokage building.

"How about a celebratory dinner? My treat." Shozen offers.

The other three-squad mates shrug before agreeing to eat together. The sun is just now settling down off in the horizon, gray clouds still blanketing the sky. Cold winds begin to pick up, bringing the village temperature even lower than during the daytime. After putting up their ANBU supplies and armor they meet at Ichiraku Ramen, a favorite of the village where the most delicious ramen is served. The four of them meet in the streets, wearing their casual attire that still includes a tool pouch in case they are needed. Being an ANBU means always being on call.

Lifting up the cover to the shop all four of them sit down with Shizake and Shītto on the ends and Toshi and Nitatchi in the middle. After ordering their food the owner of the shop, Teuchi, places their bowls in front of them a big grin on his face. All at once, the squad breaks apart their chopsticks before digging in.

"I'm not going to lie, that was some fine work out there everyone." Shizake says while taking off a small backpack he's wearing and settling in down next to him. He slurps up the wonderful food taking a break to breathe. "Especially you two Toshika and Kenta. You executed the hostage extraction perfectly."

"It's so weird when we aren't using code names... but thanks!" Toshika replies happily before putting the bowl up to her face and devouring the delicious steamy noodles.

"You nearly destroyed the house Shizake, you're lucky we had them out of there before the second explosion." Kenta adds.

Shizake looks up at him, tapping the chopsticks against the bowl, "I was determined to get him. Besides, Nitatchi would have protected them if anything had gone awry. I tried to direct my attack away from anyone else."

Toshika takes another few slurps of ramen, washing it down with water soon after, "How did you survive it Nitatchi?"

The Hyuga eyes Shizake's small backpack before shrugging the thought from his mind and turning to the younger girl.

"Heh. At the last second I saw Shizake's fist light up with electricity so I knew what was coming. Used a rotation to keep any harm done from me. Although I think part of the explosion nicked my mask..."

"Sorry about that, we'll get you a new one." Shizake apologizes.

Nitatchi throws his hands up, "No no! I think it adds character. Like how some swordsmen put a tally mark on their blades for each confirmed kill. Every mark represents a mission, hopefully one that ends in success."

"That's a nice way to see it. Well, we wouldn't have been able to complete the mission if it wasn't for Nitatchi coordinating the whole thing." Toshika says.

"So when is our next mission Shizake?" Kenta asks while running his fingers through his short but spiky blonde and black hair.

"Beats me. The Hokage usually gives them to us on the spot unless it's a special circumstance in which we'll be notified days before." Shizake says while taking the final slurp from his ramen.

"A little eager there Kenta?" Nitatchi teases.

"Hell, if we can execute every mission with that kind of finesse, then of course I'm eager."