For once Yume found the humour in Saiyaka's corny jokes. She couldn't help but let out a playful giggle from behind her woollen scarf at the sound of the tokujo's pun. "I think I'll stick to Saiyaka-san, thank you. Besides, we hardly know eachother." Yume leant back on her hand and stood up, sinking into to the snow a little. The Kazekage hated the snow just as much as Saiyaka claimed to. It made odd crunching noises when stepped on and each step sunk Yume's boots at least a couple feet. It made such a simple task such as walking far more tiresome than it needed to be. "Oh please Saiyaka-san, I'm not that heavy. Far lighter than you," Yume snapped as they continued to walk towards the entrance. "Besides, I can't imagine myself trying to carry someone like you! I'd probably be crushed picking up a person with your... figure." Yume was certain that Saiyaka knew what she was getting at.
It had taken this entire trip for Yume to finally warm up to Saiyaka - for her to accept the older woman's occasionally inappropriate jokes and stories. And to ignore her bone-chilling comments on Tsubasa.
Yume presumed that the General intended on initiating war on Konoha. But Yume herself was aware of Konoha and Suna's ally relationship in the past, so she had no intentions of being a part of an attack on the Leaf. If that meant rebelling against the Republic then so be it. Yume knew that the Hokage was a good man and had good intentions. Maybe there was something off about the Republic that Yume's inexperienced eyes were blinded to. She was certain that passing through these doors would reveal the answers they were all looking for.
Aiko listened carefully to Ria's selected words, acknowledging the fact that she had gotten the order all wrong. She was right, taijutsu was the primary foundation of everything. Whether it applied to melee combat or performing ninjutsu, it was in there somewhere. Aiko was determined. She was more determined than she had ever been before. The pain in her legs, her arms, her back was irrelevant. By the time Ria was finished with her, she would be the best kunoichi in the village no matter how long it took.
The redhead watched the clone place the delicate fan on the ground at her feet. Aiko picked it up and examined it tenderly, feeling it's ridges and edges. It was sharp and heavier than expected, the sunlight reflecting off the unfolded surface. It's detail was incomprehensible, tiny shapes and characters carved into every area available. "Thank you, Ria-sensei," Aiko whispered, sliding it into her belt with care.