The distant waves exploded in a flurry of white as a whale breached the surface, causing Hattori to come to a standstill as he watched the rare display. He'd seen this before but not in Boreas, certainly not within Ashen where the archipelago was too shallow, no doubt claustrophobic for such massive, sea faring beasts. It made him think of home, how his people's lives were so undeniably entangled with that of the ocean. One could not survive without the other.

He watched the whale for a beat longer before he was on the move again, the sand starting to warm beneath his paws as the sun rose over the horizon. It would be a hot day, he could feel it in the wind as it rustled his coat. He hadn't ventured out this way before and yet it somehow felt familiar enough, perhaps it was due to the fact the flora and fauna was similar to that of Ashen's: rich and abundant, tropical in nature. Or he was starting to feel as though he'd seen it all before, very little took him by surprise any more.

Following the extended limb of the Delta, Hattori reached the furthest point before he'd be forced to take to the water. The waves lapped eagerly at his talons and as he raised his gaze to the sea once more he noticed even more distant whales on the move. A pod perhaps?


"Speech"

Usagi and his brother had reunited in this region after some time to themselves, fighting and hunting and genera;ly getting a lay of the new land. The koi wolf himself had been able to make use of his skills in spars, as well as a few fights against rogue beasts. His shoulders were still a tad sore from the impacts from the predator battles, but he was fine otherwise. He was tough, and had plenty of endurance to spare. Kuroo seemed to be having the time of his life meeting new people and fishing, as he had mentioned to his brother. The foul-tempered wolf just resisted the urge to scowl. He hated fishing, himself. But it was a necessary task that he continued to do, as it was required for all wolves in their homeland to at least be aware of. The sea was their lifeline, the giver of resources and food. They couldn’t live without it. Somehow, they’d managed to get to the region from where they had originally arrived to this place, escept it was just a bit less windy and chaotic in weather. The sea spray from the waves that lapped the shores of the delta still tickled the male’s pelt, but he paid it little mind, even if it was irritating. No doubt Kuroo enjoyed the view. He was simply scoping it out, and he knew his brother would nag him to go fishing again. Great. The heat was getting to him in some aspects, the bone dry heat leeching into his charcoal pelt. He huffed, ears pinned back as he continued to treck deeper into the delta’s limbs at a steady pace. He wasn’t going to look back and check if Kuroo was following. He wasn’t a lost puppy, he could handle himself. That’s qhat he told himself, though he admitted he worried for him when they were apart. The nights were lonely without this sibling to share the warmth of a den as the sun disappeared and the air got a bit more bitter. Usagi sighed, realizing he was inching deeper into the delta’s reaches. The sun beat down on the water and a sudden rush of waves indicated so,ething was breaking the surface. The one flop-eared male watched as a whale of decent size broke the surface, water spraying from its blowhole like a geyser. A pang of home hit him as his chartruse gaze tracked the majestic animals. One exception to his general distaste for things was the beauty of the whales. Imagine that. It wasn’t long before Usagi noticed a figure sitting close by, right where the tip of the delta met the ocean. This man..he had a koi coat all over in rich hues. Somewhat like his, but this guy’s were more widespread. He also appeared to have thick talons and horns sprouting from his skull. The male tilted his head in curiosity. Could he also be from Iga? No doubt he was. Not every wolf had koi patterning. "Er..hello." He said, feeling more comfortable speaking in their native tongue. He knew the tomgue of the wolves that were native to this land, but not quite as well. The words in this tomgue flowed much easier for him. He also couldn’t help noticing the male had a faint scent to him. Was he part of a pack already? If he was, then were there more koi? His typically anger-fueled attitude quelled in place of genuine curiosity. He felt he ought to be polite to this male. He looked and likely was very powerful. "Are you also from Iga?" He inquired. The answer would likely be yes, but there could be wolves of his kind that were born here. If there was this male then there must be others. "Speech"

Kuroo was more than happy to be back in his brother's company. Truthfully, there was nothing better than being near Usagi during their time in this new place. The nights they had spent on their own had been lonely, and he too missed the warmth of his brother. In a sense, he found comfort in Usagi's rough and tumble sort of nature. While they both were sufficient in their own skills, Usagi's fighting prowess would always surpass is. So they as they set out to wander together, Kuroo would pause every now and then to admire the scenery. Birds flying overhead, the gentle lull of the ocean crashing upon the shore, a breeze ruffling his mottled coat. Surely, even in Usagi's bitter expression, Kuroo might have seen some sort of enjoyment. Lagging behind a few steps his brother, he almost started skipping. Why waste life being a grumpy pants? Every so often, he would call out to Usagi to look at this or that, knowing he would be ignored. It was fine to him as he still kept up and would occasionally bump into Usagi's shoulder in an attempt to cheer him up. When they crested the hill that looked down upon the delta, Kuroo's pale gaze widened in amazement. Out in the distance, amid the deeper waters, a pod of whales breached the surface. Their spouting water blew into steam as it carried over the ocean. A quiet awe left his lips as he skidded down the sandy hill after his brother. Now, this was something he knew would surely cheer Usagi up! Whale-watching had been a thing back home and Kuroo couldn't help but smile as they edged out farther into the delta's sandy strips. Before he could mention anything to Usagi, his brother's attention had turned toward the behemoth of a man sitting at the water's edge. Pausing, slightly uncertain of the wolfy beast, Kuroo's brow furrowed. Tuning one ear in to hear his brother's not so respectful approach, Kuroo scowled. "Oi! You could at least ask how he's doing before asking such questions," he chimed in their native language. From the obvious koi appearance of the other, he didn't doubt his words would be understood. As he came up to the other side of Usagi, his own toes dipped into the waves of the water. Readjusting his balance so he could plop his butt down on the beach, Kuroo looked over to the Shogun. "Excuse him, sir. We've been searching for someone and he's a tad eager. I'm Shima Kuroo and he's Shima Usagi," the words spilled out of his mouth before he could stop himself as he bumped his shoulder against Usagi.

Hattori knew he was being approached long before the loner spoke to him - in his native tongue no less. He turned slowly and blinked, regarding the black and orange koi with a judgemental one over. He looked familiar enough, as many koi tended to do, and yet his mannerisms were all wrong. This was not someone who had been raised within Iga, it was as clear as night and day. Undeniable in all things about him, from the way he stood to the garish flare of his accent, he was an outsider through and through. And yet...

Another wolf quickly hurried onto the scene and this one at least had the mind to dreg up a show of manners from the deep. Shima? Hattori's eyes narrowed into thin silver slits, he did not recognise the name in any capacity and thus he doubted he would be of much help. Hattori assumed it was the name of a minor noble family, the sort that didn't linger on lips or garner any real sense of reputation. There were plenty of those, too many to blame Hattori for not knowing each and every one of them. But still, since they were here he would listen to whatever they had to say. Even if only because he enjoyed speaking in his native tongue, not that it seemed as much. As serious and dour as ever.

The Shima siblings stood close to one another, shoulders pressed in a show of brotherly affection. As if Hattori needed even more proof they weren't from Iga. In contrast, the Hattori heir stood strong and tall, shoulders square but not overly stiff or concerned.

"Who are you looking for then?"

Usagi glanced over to his brother and quirked a brow as he apologized for his apparently impolite approach. Was he really that vulgar? Wasn’t this guy from their homeland as well, what with his mottled coat so similar to those on Iga? It wasn’t like the male, though clearly of some stance and stature, had some clear adornement stating he was a superior being of sorts. Still, he knew better than to snap a flashy retort to Kuroo’s scattered greeting, glancing away with the irritation he couldn’t hide at the mention of him being a tad eager. As if. He wasn’t eager to find their father, it was their damn mission. Find him, and get answers, that’s all he wanted. He wanted it all laid out on the metaphorical table - why he had left him and his brother without a single words, why he so flagrantly pranced about without a care about the lives he left behind. True, he was already making assumptions about a person he nor his family had ever met, but the stories their mother told gave him enough to paint a vibrant picture, untainted with rose-golde lenses. If anything, the lenses he saw through were cracked, marred with smears. He was a pessimist about it all, through and through. To top it off, he hadn’t made a good impression upon the large male they’d encountered, as his mannerisms were brash, blunt, and coarse at best. Kuroo maintained at least some semblance of delicate wording, but then again..he was Kuroo. Usagi was, well himself. He didn’t know how else to act. Staying quiet as Kuroo spoke, he let his chartreuse gaze wander briefly before his brother sat down, nudging his shoulder against his own. Usagi let his shoulders drop somewhat, realizing he had been tensely carrying them this whole time. However, he still maintained a genuine, but guarded curiosity about this fellow. He felt the behemoth’s eyes bore in theirs, as if judging not only his mannerisms and appearance, but even his damn soul. Usagi remained unbothered, stance neutral. He’d let the other koi wolf observe him and even scirn him up and down if he needed to, he didn’t care much what he thought of them. Whether or not the male believed him and Kuroo to be nothing but bottomfeeders in a vast nobility of their homeland didn’t make him the least bit annoyed. He care for his brother, his only family, more than anything else in the world. He only wished for Kuroo to be happy and well. Secondary, though important as well, was finding their father. As the massive splotched wolf inquired about who they were looking for, standing tall yet not overly guarded, Usagi’s chartruse, observant gaze landed upon the Shogun as he said, this time more careful about his tone, "We came here in search of our father. His name is Raijin." He paused, allowing it to sit in the air for consideration before calmly adding, "Have you heard of him?" Perhaps it seemed to be jumping the gun a bit to assume this man knew their father, but then again, if they located this koi wolf, he might likely know more in this land - there had to be some sense of where he was, and he was likely recognizable among the natural pelted wolves, no doubt. It would be difficult not to notice him. After his words, he fell silent, awaiting an answer with a slight shift in his brute attitude. Still, the fire within him was clearly aflame in his green gaze - and it was not a flame easily put out. "Speech"

Kuroo nearly felt like a spider on a wall as the myriad of scarlet and obsidian beast turned to assess him and his brother. While those shimmering eyes lingered longer on Usagi, Kuroo could feel his heart stutter a moment. Oh, he did not want to be on the receiving end of any chastising from his man. Perhaps it had not been such a great idea to interrupt this man's whale watching. In truth, the scenery around them was indeed beautiful. Out in the distance, the pod of whales moved sluggishly as they breached the surface. Their spouts of water created a dazzling ripple of steam and the sounds of their bellows nearly shook the sand beneath them. Even as the water lapped lazily by their paws, Kuroo regretted letting his brother march right up and ruin the moment. When the silent and judging man requested the name of who they were looking for, Kuroo's eyes narrowed a bit. While it may have appeared obvious by the way the man stood that he may be of some importance, Kuroo didn't appreciate the stare. It was as if he was digging into their souls to see who they really were. As if anyone could tell that just by looking at someone. Resisting the urge to wrinkle his liver-colored nose at him, he was glad that his tactless brother butted in to respond. He was going to have to teach his brother about some things after this less than respectful interaction. As the words fell from Usagi's mouth onto the breeze shifting around them, Kuroo felt slightly uncomfortable. What were they even going to do when they finally had the chance to meet their father? He knew about the fury that lingered in Usagi's heart for the mysterious figure they called father. Undoubtedly, he would share that same rage every now and then. But after awhile, all he wanted was some explanations and then he could be on his way with his brother to live their lives in peace. Snapping back to the conversation at hand, he shot a glance at Usagi. "To assume you know every wolf is childish. His name is Genji Raijin. We came here attempting to follow him and our cousins whose father is Takeshi, but that's as much as we know," his words are confident as he turns his pale gaze toward the man before them.

Genji Raijin. Really? All energy sapped from Hattori's body as he resisted the urge to slump his shoulders. Looking between the siblings he didn't see too much of a resemblance but...he shouldn't have been surprised really, by now he no doubt had sprinkled bastards halfway across the world. But to meet them like this had taken Hattori by surprise, like someone stealing a kill only to chew it up and spit it back at him. And then the taller of the siblings doubled down, mentioning a name that brought Hattori's ears to flick back against his skull. Takeshi. So he had children too?

Unsure of where to start, Hattori lingered in silence for a moment longer, simply listening to the whispering of the waves as though they held all the answers. They did not. Whether he liked it or not, these boys were a part of his family. Perhaps not directly connected to his familial branch, but blood all the same. And if there was one thing Hattori had decided not too long ago, it was that koi-wolves ought to stick together, to cling onto their way of life.

"Genji Raijin is my cousin." He told them, finally turning to face the pair once more. Whatever mixed feelings they had about Raijin could be sorted out later, between themselves, it was not really a topic Hattori wanted to delve into himself. But there was something he felt as though he deserved to know. "I am Hattori Hanzo. Why do you wish to speak to him?"

It appeared their father’s name struck something deep within the taller male in front of them  - but if he was alarmed to hear it, he barely showed it. Usagi cast a watchful eye towards the man, and his brother’s additional comment before that etched his signature scowl back onto his lips. He wasn’t childish for believing this koi-spotted wolf might know something about a decently-known other koi-spotted wolf. It wasn’t really a far stretch in his mind to consider all avenues, rather than the tunnel vision of thoughts he typically indulged. Or, you know, the expression that made someone want to ask him ‘geez, who pissed in your cereal this morning?’ He forced himself from his thoughts with a soft flick of his upright ear. The drooped one didn’t really have the same capability. It mostly flopped about like a writhing fish as a rush of wind from the ocean vlew past the trio, mixed with a tinge of seaspray. The whales continued to bellow as they awaited another response, mostly Usagi keeping an eye on the Shogun as he pondered. He knew better than to rush him in his thinking, even if he was impatient. Well, was he going to say something or was he just listening to the damn ocean? At last, the towering brute spoke. The notion of Raijin being the Shogun’s cousin caused a slight knot to form in Usagi’s belly, but he couldn’t say he almost felt a bit relieved. He knew he was correct in assuming that he knew their father. How many koi wolves could really be freely wandering about this land without having some ties to each other, anyways? Chances are they likely all had to come from somewhere in Iga at some point, if not close to it. Little did the brute know, Usagi shared his belief in that koi wolves should stick together. He believed that quite strongly - he never felt he belonged with any of the wolves he’d interacted with native to this land, even if they were decent and fair. The koi ancestry flowed in his veins and he couldn’t deny it. It had been his life, his culture, and his heritage, and he had a feeling the Shogun felt similarly in that aspect. He let Kuroo press against him still as the koi wolf they met introduced himself. Hattori Hanzō. Not only that, but he then inquired as to their business with their father. From the way he spoke, Usagi felt a prickle of anticipation beneath his fur. He had either met Raijin before, or even knew his whereabouts. They were getting closer and closer. Resisting the urge to dig his toes into the sand beneath them, Usagi didn’t wait for his brother to chastise him for his manners. He’d let the piebald wolf chastise him later if that made him feel better, but he wasn’t ashamed of hiw he was acting. All in the name of their mission, that’s what he thought. Glancing back up at Hattori, he replied simply, "We weren’t aware of his relation to us until our mother told us about him, before we left for this place. I don’t believe he realizes that we’re his sons. We wished to ask him about why he decided to show up in our lives just now, after leaving us a good two years to ponder who our real father was." It was simple enough, and Usagi knew as well as either of the other two that more questions would follow. His statement wasn’t an absolute, and if his brother wished he could elaborate further for the Shogun. However, that would be dependent on whether they could meet their real father to begin with - not that they really had much of a father figure at all back in their homeland. It was mostly him, Kuroo, their mother, and their cousins, too. He didn’t ask for much more than that, and he was certain that their request had to be granted at some point or another, but he’d rather it be sooner or later. The male simply wanted closer. They both did. They deserved that much. Chartreuse eyes landed back on the towering brute again, ever watching but with a softer tone to them. The eyes of someone simply wanting a simple answer to something life-changing for the two brothers. "Speech"

Silence settled between them for a few beats as the towering male before them stared into their souls. Or at least, that's how Kuroo felt. Those gently glowing silver eyes blinked occasionally as the brothers awaited a response. He could feel his heart strain against his chest before a rush of relief washed over him. Color him surprised to find out that Usagi had been right to assume this koi wolf did know their father. Was his cousin actually. Blinking a few times in disbelief himself, Kuroo swallowed harshly against his dry throat. A Hattori, nonetheless. Their mother had wound stories in their minds from a young age how their father had come from some type of neighboring royalty. It was the reason she had insisted they stay close with their cousins. If one day they could prove they were actually Raijin's sons, maybe they would have a chance. Flicking his ears back momentarily, he glanced at Usagi carefully as his brother spoke. As his words died off again, surely giving his space to speak his own words, Kuroo looked back over to Hattori with hesitation. "We wanted to meet him in the flesh before dropping such a bombshell on him. There have been rumors of his nightly ventures and it doesn't settle well with us. Surely, someone from his area wouldn't leave pups to be raised alone by their mother without knowledge of it," his confession was short of desperately hoping that it was true. If Raijin had truly known about them even being alive, it was hard for Kuroo to accept that he would have deserted them. "Either way, we're here now and whether we can meet him or not, I don't believe there's a way back for us," the boy shrugged his shoulders as he looked over solemnly to Usagi. Just as tormented as his brother was, Usagi surely held more than enough anguish for the both of them.

Hattori wasn't sure what sort of father figure his cousin would be, but for now it was undeniable that he ought to be labelled as absent at best and negligent at worse. Though he'd never made much effort to put himself in other's shoes, Hattori could see where they were coming from. To have a half of their heritage missing, a big gaping void filled with unanswered questions was reason enough for them to come all this way. Loathe as he was to clear up Raijin's messes, Hattori would not lead the siblings astray.

"Travel with me and I will arrange a meeting for you." He worded it as an order, rather than a request. More out of habit than any real sense of possession or sway. As to how said meeting would go, Hattori had little to go on. "If nothing else, you deserve answers. What you do after that is up to you."

He then took a step back and fell silent, no doubt the brothers would want to discuss this amongst themselves.

Usagi wasn’t expecting Hattori to say what he said next, and even his cool, ollected chartrueze gaze widened ever so slightly at the prospect. Travel with me and I will arrange a meeting for you. His first instinct was to agree to the proposition, but a side glance to Kuroo and he stopped himself. This had to be an agreed on answer. He couldn’t decide for Kuroo. They had to decide together, even if the answer was a painfully obvious, resounding yes. He was blunt, but not entirely selfish. His brother came first in all things related to life-changing matters such as meeting their true father. The Shogun continued and the flop-eared koi listened carefully. If nothing else, you deserve answers. What you do after that is up to you. He was somewhat surprised to see the towering male appear at least empathetic to their mission, and their struggle. Indeed, the absence of their father in their lives, and being unsure of their identities, and where they belonged, created a gaping hole. They had little idea of their true bloodline besides their mother’s side, and knew next to nothing about what answers their father held for them. Usagi demanded answers, and he’d adovcate for both him and his brother if it meant they’d get the closure they deserved. They had to sit with infinite questions about who they were for what felt like a lifetime, and beyond. As Hattori stepped back, giving the brothers space to discuss their next actions, Usagi leaned towards Kuroo and dipped his voice lower. "This is what we’ve been searching for all this time, haven’t we?" He murmured. "A chance to receive the answers to all the questions we’ve asked ourselves. A chance to find out who our father is, and who we are in return." He allowed his words to fade, giving Kuroo the chance to respond with his own agreement. Or not. It was his choice, Usagi wouldn’t force him along if he had a change of heart, though they were both fairly certain they wished to meet their father. It was the core of their mission. Straightening up after allowing Kuroo the chance to discuss with him their options, Usagi glanced up at the dire-sized Shogun and said, "If my brother agrees, we will go with you." Unless Kuroo had anything to say, he’d cast his eyes upon the male he’d been observing as the taller male had been observing him, too, ready for anything to happen. The pod of whales that cried their singing bellows faded into the distance, though their rumbles seemed to shake the earth with a firm resounding thud. As if they, too, were crying out for the truth. "Speech"

As the Shogun took a step back to give them a moment to speak, Kuroo's eyes turned to Usagi. Listening with intent ears as his brother whispered to him, he nodded reassuringly to Usagi. "Not that he's really giving us a choice. I want answers as badly as you do so I think we should go with him," Kuroo could do nothing but agree. How could he deny himself and his brother the opportunity to receive any answer at all to their undying questions? Inhaling a deep breath with a warm brotherly smile, Kuroo reached out to nudge Usagi on the shoulder briefly. There was no doubt that he would do anything for him. Turning back to look Hattori over with a renewed confidence, Kuroo nodded once more. "We'd be more than pleased to follow you," he stated after Usagi had given him the floor to make the final say. As the whales in the distance let out a final bellowing sound before moving off to deeper waters, Kuroo's eyes turned to watch them. Secretly, hoped this would be for the better for them, and if not, maybe life here would still be good.