Skidding home after his own ridiculous exchange in the body department, with the face of a tiny dog sticking out from the half open zipper of his flak jacket and an alarming missive scroll clutched in hand, Kakashi was definitely not game for any more nasty surprises.

When he crossed paths with Kushina on his way to Hokage Tower, therefore, he let out a quiet breath of relief at the sight of a familiar face, and sidled up to her side.

"Welcome back," he greeted with a little eye-smile. "Good trip?"