Should've brought a band-aid [Travel]

It was cold. That much was a given because of how far north Haven was of course. That's what Takeo told himself anyway. No, it wasn't because he was dying or anything of the sort. The young man was currently resting against a dead tree. Having run for several miles now, he wasn't entirely sure where he was. Too far away to go back though. That was most likely the case. He shifted position, that was a mistake. He winced. "Ah..shit." A curse escaped his lips. His pride had caused this. Takeo could of just left the battle without a fuss. However his stubbornness had made him unable to do so. The man sighed, and pressed his hand against the wound yet again. The bleeding had slowed some. It wasn't that deep of a cut after all. That's what Takeo thought anyway. But his medical knowledge was limited. One might have thought someone in his line of work would carry at least some basic knowledge. However Takeo had never bothered to learn. After all, he didn't need to be smart in order to cut off someone's head. It was why he had never bothered to learn such things. He regretted it now of course. Who wouldn't? "Idiot." He muttered to himself for what had to be the tenth time since he had stopped.

As he rested, Takeo couldn't help but think. Why? Why had he done this? It must have been because of that letter. Stupid woman. She kept butting her head into his business. Takeo was only doing this because Pig would miss her. Yeah that's what it was. He needed someone to look after Pig while he was away. Then again he did just leave the animal behind in a hostile environment. Poor judgement on his part for sure. With a muttering of a string of curses, he pushed himself up to a standing position. Takeo knew his own speed, he also knew the distance between countries. He'd make it in time for sure. And if he didn't then whatever. Better than lying on the ground and bleeding out anyway. Wrapping the wound tightly with clothing from a lab coat he owned for some reason, he looked around to gather himself. After doing that, he darted off in the direction he hoped was where Kumogakure was.

Twenty or so minutes later and he had stopped to rest. The bleeding had slowed, but the blood loss was beginning to take it's toll on Takeo. The young man sat on the remains of a tree trunk, long since chopped down by some worker. "Waste of time." He muttered to himself. His eyes closed, and he lay still for several moments. It was only a familiar sound that caused him to stir. Takeo glanced to his left, to the sound of snorting. "What the hell are you doing here?" Takeo questioned, his expression blank. Pig grunted, and nudged his leg with his snout. "Go back to the inn idiot." Takeo sighed.

Pig ignored him, and trotted off in the direction of the lightning country. "Good to know where your loyalties lies Pig!" Takeo called after him, pushing himself from the tree trunk and sprinting after the rogue animal.

Operation save Youka from the misery of Akihana was under way.

[Waiting w.e time it is to travel to Kumo]