Tsume let Asuma lead the way, in no small part because she wasn't sure which ship he'd pointed to. They all looked like wood and sails to her.

Exhaustion receded as they headed toward the ocean, battered back by sheer determination and a lifetime of training. She watched Asuma, relieved when he didn't henge. The fewer ninjutsu
she could use, the better. If they were going to barter for passage, she supposed looking formidably ninja was probably best--might get them on board with less fuss. No one wanted to argue with shinobi, and pay was guaranteed.

Whether or not she had a charming smile didn't seem to matter; she was swallowed in Asuma's shadow. Since he had the boat knowledge she didn't protest--even if letting him lead did rankle.

The boat looked like it was getting ready to depart. At least, there were lines being thrown around and ropes being tied. Wolf's teeth, for all she knew they were getting ready to dismantle it.

A few quick words between Asuma and the men on deck had them changing directions, heading into a tavern.

Tsume paused at the door, hackles rising. Body odor and fire smoke overwhelmed even alcohol and cigarettes. It would take long minutes before she'd be able to sort out scents. Warily, feeling like a stranger in a wolf pack, she tracked Asuma inside.

Here, everything was shadows and dim light. The ANBU armor was the only white surface visible. Camouflage made them stand out. Tsume lifted her upper lip and gave her most charming smile to a man who edged too close. She much preferred the outdoors. At least there, it was harder to get cornered--chakra damage or no. Inside, enough civilians could take down a ninja who had only mid-level taijutsu to fall back on--with no retreat possible and surrounded by flesh and blades, even the best could slip up.

As Raidou had shown her, Tsume wasn't the best.

The man they were looking for was sitting at a table in the middle of the floor. There were men everywhere, and no easy way to cover all the angles. Tsume stood beside Asuma, making herself more obvious but able to put him partially at her back without screaming weakness.

The tavern noise had lowered to a dull hum, and all eyes were on them.