The two days passed relatively quickly, with the pressing of time that felt too rushed to the planning ANBU. On the second day, winter reasserted itself, with a light snowfall and temperatures that iced over the ornamental ponds in the gardens.

Hayate felt sorry for the fish in the ponds. He felt sorry for himself too: it was cold out here, the wind was picking up, and the snow was still falling. As the sun set, the temperature of the air was dropping. Though his breath was dispersed by both of the masks he wore, he knew it would appear as smoke on the cold air.

He shifted on his branch, pulling his cloak more tightly around him. He curled his chilled fingers in the thick cloak. Fingerless gloves in winter were not good for his hands, but he hated the way gloved fingers felt on his katana. He wiggled his cold fingers and glared at the garden gate.

Hayate was posted in the closest tree by the gate, hidden in the shadows. Kotetsu was farther back in the garden, nearer to the house. And likely out of the wind. Hayate reigned in his aggravated musings and turned his attention back to the job. Kotetsu's job was to keep an eye on the traps he had set, and hopefully keep the girl--Kyoko--out of the garden long enough for Hayate to deal with the man.

Hayate had, he thought, the easier time of it. Kotetsu had lost the coin toss, anyway.

He glanced up at the darkening sky. No moon tonight--though it was almost full, it was not risen yet. He could see well enough without the moonlight. The clouds were clearing, and the starlight was reflecting off the snow. He looked back to the gate, and let still patience blanket him like the snow. 

It was ten minutes until midnight.