"We are currently allies, that's all you really nead to know" Yami repeated Shikamaru's answer word for word to Mieko, then added, "There seems to be a need for me to introduce you to the other team that will be needing the hospitality of the village hidden in the shadows, even before you meet them.  There's Naara Shikamaru, Akimichi Choji, Hyuga Neji, and Temari of the Sand."

"T-Te-Temari of the Sand?!" Mieko stuttured with the rest of the villagers. "Naara Shikamaru? Hyuuga Neji?  Who all do we have here then?" Mieko's voice was shaking, thought whether with fear or just anticipation, Yami couldn't tell.

"Well..." Yami began again, slightly confused, "You know me, and I'm assuming you told the rest of the villagers what family I come from?" Mieko nodded mutely, the 'Nekozumi' clan was notorious in the village hidden in the shadows, and Yami continued, "That over there is Kankaro of the Sand, Yamanaka Ino, and Ten Ten." Yami thought briefly about mentioning GHaNS, but remembered Neji's warning just in time. 'They're scared enough with Neji, Temari, and Shikamaru!  If they had any idea we had Gaara of the Sand, Uzumaki Naruto, Hyuuga Hinata, and Haruno Sakura, they might not let us in! Itchi can't afford that right now.'

Mieko was the first to recover. "You're traveling with Kankaro and Temari of the Sand?  We had half a mind to refuse you services, but if Gaara of the Sand were to hear about us turning away his siblings..." a visible wave of fear rolled through the crowd from the village. "So, we'll grant you your request, but nothing more! You understand that, right Nekozumi? One night.  We'll do what we can for.. what's her name again? Itchi! ...and for the ninja with the neck pain, but please don't ask us to extend our hospitality any further." Mieko's voice was strained, pleading, and yet, strong and authoritative. It left no room for questioning.

"That's more than I dared hope for." Shikamaru responded when the exchange had been relayed. "Please let Mieko know we are honored to accept such hospitality and ask how this group is to meet up with them."

Hinata watched the relay of information in amusement, and let her group know that they were still to remain inconspicuous that night, outside the village walls.  Gaara and Sakura signaled their understanding silently, but Naruto's silent quota seemed to have run out.

"Why can't we go in the village too?" Naruto whined quietly, still understanding the need for quiet. "We haven't had a full night's rest since we left Konoha! I'm tired. I know you're all tired too. Admit it!" Gaara shut Naruto up with a single look. "Sorry Gaara" Naruto finally mumbled.

Throughout all of these interchanges, Yami paid close attention.  Mieko had waited silently for an anwer, finally turning to Kankaro in frustration.

"Nekozumi said you were really the one to be talking to.  Do you or do you not accept our terms to let you enter our village?" Mieko snapped in annoyance.  Mieko watched as Kankaro's eyes flickered momentarily to Yami, who nodded almost imperceptibly.

"We agree" Kankaro's voice was gruff from little usuage. "But you were right to adress Yami in this particular instance.  She has something else to say to you." With that, Kankaro gestured to Yami and again fell silent.

"Sorry Mieko." Yami queitly appologized, "I was talking to Shikamaru." More gasps came from the villagers.  Mieko and Yami ignored them and Yami continued, "He'd like to let you know that 'we are honored to accept such hospitality' and would like to know where you'd like us to meet up, so that his group, too, can enter the village hidden in the shadows without causing pain on either side."