Kitsune's eyes opened as the woman was allowed to enter through the gates. The young heir smiled as he began to walk towards the gate when suddenly, Shibata tugged his sleeves.

"Hatamoto-dono... Look." the retainer said in a grim tone as Kitsune spun around and saw the different banners of the clans from a distance. The banners didn't surprise him. What surprised him was the familiar banner of the Boar led by one his uncles. Kitsune's face turned into a frown as he remembered the deeds of that person. If his father didn't like him, then that uncle didn't more. That uncle wanted his son to be the next heir instead of Kitsune, so seeing him here would be quite awkward. Perhaps that man expected Kitsune to be dead by now, but boy, was he in for a surprise. 

The young heir wasn't really in a receptive mood for his kin, so he walked hastily to the gate where he saw Nawabuta, the gatekeeper.

"Good morning, Nawabuta-san." Kitsune greeted the tall man, remembering the keeper's name from his mentor's instructions. "May we be allowed to enter? My name is Hatamoto Kitsune of the Boar Clan. I came to bear gifts, and to seek an audience with the young lord Mitsumine Ryuunosuke-dono." Kitsune gently smiled as he tried to be calm and composed. However, the look of urgency was evident on his face, his eyes kept darting to the incoming Boar banner, and his face was uncomfortable. Kitsune prayed that Nawabuta wouldn't notice his urgency, but between seeing his uncle today, or walking again through the blizzard, Kitsune would choose the latter in a heartbeat.