The hat made Kisame laugh. He remembered that chuunin exam and the gift, and the interesting exchanges that had come of it. He took the hat with a little nod, but in Kiri there was hardly reason to put it on just yet. He couldn't deny that it would be more welcome than he would admit once they were in Suna. But first getting there.

The travel seals were very useful in that respect. It would have taken days and days at full speed before, and now a day of leisurely travel at most. But that was no reason not to push themselves to get it done faster.

"Then keep up, Naoki-kun."

With that he was off, laughing honestly and grinning challenge back over his shoulder.