Looking over one another's transformations again, we all nodded to one another before making our way down to the road, picking a spot where the guards on the walls of Yukigakure wouldn't be able to see us walk onto the road.
Anko walked in the very front, while Cameia walked behind us, the two women assuming an alert look as they swept their heads back and forth, scanning the area around us.
Kurenai and I walked side by side, our fur outfits ruffling in the wind.
It was damn cold, but we had already been outside for so long that I had grown accustomed to the billowing wind and sharp chill.
Seeing the gate appear again in the distance, we all exchanged glances before nodding, masking our chakra to more average levels to reduce the suspicion of the village.
Minutes slowly passed, and eventually we stood before the large, sharpened logs that made up Yukigakure's walls.
"Halt! State your purposes!"
Leaning over the wall, a man stared down at us, his fluffy fur coat covering his entire body.
A sharp, crescent blade spear was in his hands, and the hand that grabbed the handle was clenched.
Though, considering the mitten the man was wearing, I wasn't too worried about him.
Kurenai lifted a scroll, before removing a fluffy blanket, shouting "We're traders! Our caravan got lost in the storm, and we don't know where they are! Can we seek refuge inside your walls?"
Staring at the blanket, the man was silent for a few moments before nodding, gesturing towards the gate.
"Follow the woman inside! Don't try anything, or we'll gut you like a fish!"
Nodding, we moved over to the gate, which was now opened.
A woman draped in a wolf pelt met us at the door, her pale blue eyes observing us before she jerked her head into the village.
"Come in."
Her long blonde hair was getting caught in the wind, and she pulled it from her face, shutting the gate after we entered.
The walls managed to block a good portion of the wind, and we all sighed in relief as some of the cold was alleviated.
"Alright, let's go over to the tavern. You're all traders, yes?"
I nodded, gesturing to Kurenai.
"My wife and I trade in herbs and cloth, but our caravan got lost in a surprise storm. We were hoping to rest and maybe regroup in a few days..."
The blonde sighed, shaking her head.
"You can stay, sure, but I doubt... well, sorry, I don't think they'll make it. Even us Shinobi who are used to these conditions can pass out there... let alone traders and mercenaries..."
I bit my lip, holding back tears, while Kurenai laid her hand on my back, gently stroking me to calm me down.
Taking in a shuddering breath, I asked "W-Well, where's this tavern then?"
Giving me a solemn nod, the blonde pointed towards a long wooden building, saying "That's where we're going. You can get some food and drink inside... first meal will be covered, but after that..."
Kurenai nodded, lifting up a pouch.
"We've some coin left."
The blonde continued to nod as she led us to the tavern, and we entered to see a few people gathered around a stone pit, a roaring flame coming out of it.
Sitting around that pit were six people, all wearing dark blue or black robes, the cloth embroidered with a pattern of waves.
Each wore a Hitai-Ate with the four squiggles that Kiri used as their symbol, and each had a long, deep gash going across the center, denoting their former allegiance to the Hidden Mist.
They glanced up at us, and we stared back.
"Ah... these are our new guards; don't pay them any mind... Ahem... this way..."
The blonde seemed flustered as the Kiri Nukenin stared at us, and she swiftly guided us away from them, towards another large fire pit.
This one was empty, and she had us sit down before saying "We'll get you something to eat in a moment; just... warm up for now..."
Watching her scurry away, we all exchanged glances before Anko muttered "Well, that was easy... though the Jonin is missing."
I nodded, holding my hands out over the flame.
We all knew how to speak without moving our lips, so I said "It seems like these Nukenin might not be entirely wanted here... We'll need to pry a little. Anyways, Cameia, can you..?"
The tall woman nodded, her eyes closed as she started searching the area for the Jonin.
"Hmm... not here. Might be just out of range from this building..."
Sighing slightly, I looked up at the blonde as she returned, a young boy behind her carrying a tray laden with food.
Laying the tray on the table beside us, the blonde smiled and said "It might not be lavish, but its filling. If you don't mind, do you think my son and I could join you?"
Kurenai nodded, gesturing to the chair beside her.
"Thanks... oh, my name's Jiji, and this is my son, Aiko."
Smiling at the young boy, I glanced back up at Jiji, who was peering over her shoulder towards the Kiri Nukenin.
"So... traders? Where are you from?"
Leaning over to Kurenai, I smiled at my wife as I said "We're from the Land of Tea; my wife and I grew up together, and eventually she proposed to me~! As for these two, they're from one of our original caravan detachments, and we've been working together for years now..."
We slowly fell into conversation, with Kurenai and I mixing truth and fiction as easily as we breathed, crafting a believable story throughout the meal.
The entire time, Jiji would warily glance over her shoulder, until eventually she asked "Are you returning to the Land of Tea? Or going up to Kumo?"
Squeezing Kurenai's hand, I said "We'll go up to Kumo and finish our journey; we need to manage some things at our store up there. Why?"
Staring at the woman, we watched as she took a shuddering breath before asking "Could... could we talk in private?"
Leaning forwards, she whispered "Away from... prying ears?"