Ah, now this! This was perfect! Kagehide nodded to himself as he appraised the area. Despite winter having killed off the flowering plants, the poison master could recognize nightshade carcasses peeking out from under the snow. And behind the meadow of them, a half snow-covered den! There were some fresh scents here, but nothing long lasting. The herbalist picked his way through the dead garden towards the den, intent on determining the adequacy of the den prior to digging out a trench through the snow and nightshade to clear a path for patients.

Once he'd squeezed through the entrance, Kagehide could see snow blocked most of it. The entryway opened up into a wide main den that could suitable hold a number of patients if need be. To his approval, there were two more such areas, each that forked from the main den to two smaller areas. One would be excellent for serving as his pharmacy of sorts while the other would be a fine private area for himself and @Jayseden to rest when they weren't busy with their tasks.

Well satisfied that he wouldn't have to do much work to improve it - or dig his own den - the male set to work on the garden. He moved fearlessly among the deadly plants having developed a tolerance to their effects over the years thanks to Kenji's training. With steadfast determination, Kage began the long process of digging a trench to better expose the den's entrance and clear a path through the plants for visitors to safely pass come spring.

"Don't lick your paws," Kagehide reminded the pup as he walked up to work alongside him. "We'll build up your tolerance to the poison another time." If he was happy or angry to see the boy, he gave no indication. The silver male simply continued in his work, kicking snow and plant alike, uprooting them as he went. He would collect the plants later after he adequately prepared the store room for housing such toxins. They had to be kept well segregated from other herbs so as not to accidentally kill a patient while trying to cure them.

The pair worked in silence until a wide path had been cut through the plants to the den. Satisfied, Kage finally made his way over to where his pupil stood and touched his muzzle to the boy's forehead in affection. "Took your time," he noted. "Hard to leave home?" There was no judgement in the question. If Kage had any familial ties, he bet he'd have an issue as well. But he'd make the boy feel at home here. Or wherever they traveled. Home wasn't a place, but a family. Sensei or not, he would be there for Jayse.