Slowly but surely, Tojo was falling into line. Organising everything was Hattori's- and presumably, everyone else's- least favourite part, but it needed to be done. After all, what was a pack without infrastructure, everything neat and orderly, efficient as it ought to be. But now that things were settling, Hattori thought it prudent to test the waters, so to speak. To see where the warriors stood.

Weaving through the bamboo, Hattori took twists and turns and came to a stop at a natural dead end of the maze. The ground was level and clear, a training area in the making. It still needed more work of course, Hattori envisioned racks for equipment and some water containers to drink from but for now it would work just fine. Standing in the centre, his talons dug into the soft ground as he rolled his shoulders. For once, it had stopped raining, but even if it was the thick canopy above of leaves did well to keep the maze mostly dry.  

Tipping his head back, he called out for Usagi. He didn't know the boy very well yet, but given he was part of the family-even if quite far removed- Hattori expected he had some sort of natural talent. Or at least a drive to better himself as a Hohei.

"Speech"

Life in the pack was certainly a great time of adjustment for Usagi. Turthfully, one would find it hard to believe that he could so easily fall into a strict role, a hierarchy in an ordered rank. His hot, fiery temper had no place in such an orderly infrastructure, yet, he quelled it just enough for getting along with others. He channeled it into spars and hunts instead, thus making him a more respectful being - as well as the fact that the pack reminded him much of home, and he and his brother really needed that these days. The aching for home hurt some days more than others, and the anger for his father’s abandonment still steeped a glowing pile of embers in his chest. Stoking it was the everlasting need to protect his brother, and make sure he was happy. It was all that mattered to him - he’d move the heavens and the earth just to ensure his sibling’s safety. This pack had a way of giving him what he didn’t realize they needed; structure, duties, and a purpose.

Investigating and patrolling took up most of Usagi’s days; antlered cat and Akita in tow, the grumpy male took care to search for recognizable landmarks, track his directions, as well as catch the unwitting prey and chasing off predators as he saw them in his path. On this day, he found he had been itching for a spar. He hadn’t sparred anyone besides a few lobers on Boreas, and a good spar itched a scratch in him a predator fight just couldn’t satisfy. His desires would be answered as the deep baritone howl of their leader rang through the bamboo stalks, and Usagi out his nose to work, tracking the dire male through the weaving green-stalked expanse. He finally slipped through the last of the bamboo that gave way to a flat clearing - perfect for a spar, and enough space to maneuver as well. Still, as he approached the male - he took csre nkt to forget he was, though distant, of his blood. Seems like many of the koi here were in some ways. He glanced up at the much larger behemoth, his talons and horns not intimidating him. He had his tactics, and he’d be sure to use them. First, before he just jumped into a spar, he took care to dip his head to address the male who’d called him over. "Kaicho," He said, looking up at his leader with calm, yet expressionless eyes. He had many questions, many things left unanswered - meeting their bastard father among them. But this wasn’t the time, and certainly not the place, either. For now, he’d seek to hone his skills.

Speech

wishing there was something left to lose

this could be the day i die for you—

Hattori was not left waiting for long. Punctual and a tad aloof, Usagi arrived on scene and was quick to offer his respect. Nodding in turn, the Kaicho gave the Hohei a once over. His posture was fine and there were no evident marks or wounds marring his form, unless the underling said otherwise it felt safe to assume he was capable of sparing. But just how good was he going to be? Was he anything like his sire? Honestly, Hattori was inclined to say he was not. Aside from the smears of red that stained his coat and the short, nubbish tail it was clear they shared little in common. Particularly in the personality department. Hattori did not hold it against Usagi, if anything it was a blessing in disguise as having to deal with another Raijin would surely shave years off his life.

"I wish to see you fight. Show me what you are capable of and I will offer you some suggestions, if need be. " He paused for a moment, letting the words sink in. "You may make the first move. "

Usagi’s statement was received in acknowledged silence - he didn’t expect much in the way of words from his leader. The dire shogun swept his gaze over him, and he knew he was likely pondering, albeit briefly, the connections they had to each other. Even if they were distant, the point was..they shared blood. Not only that, but Hattori’s cousin was his father - there was no doubt in his mind that the faint glint in the dire’s gaze was that of recognition. The mere idea of looking anything like his absent bastard father made him seethe, deep within his bones. However, his own eyes remained steely and neutral frown unwavering as he paid attention to Hattori’s words.

He wanted to see what he was capable of, in terms of battle moves and strategy. He’d offer suggestions if needed. Usagi nodded in acknowledgement, his toes already spreading into the soft earth of the clearing in preparation. When Hattori said he could make the first move, the flop-eared wolf took the slightest step back, as if making it look like he was about to crouch down - a predictable and easily dodged move, he at least knew better that. No doubt his Kaicho had much more experience, and the horns and talons he possessed would make for a challenging fight. Not that he cared whether he lost or even won - it was practice and he only cared to better himself as a Hohei to protect their new pack.

Instead of dancing about, the koi only took a split second to sink back into his heels as he sprinted forward, and just mere strides before the towering brute he’d aim to sharply pivot to the Shogun’s left side and check him just behind his right front shoulder with a swift jab of his hind leg, then swiveling around to face the dire once more. If successful, he wasn’t trying to unbalance the Shogun as their size difference was too great, but rather, cause just enough discomfort in the sudden punch to force him to sink to one side, making him more vulnerable to secondary attacks. Swift and to the point - he figured Hattori would appreciate the honest, straightforward move.

Usagi vs Hanzō for Spar
Round 1/2
Age: Over 1 year
Size: Medium
Build: Light
Offensive Battle Accessory: Double-bladed Sword
Companion 1: Maine Coon, Male - Battle
Companion 2: Akita Inu, Male - Battle
Skills: Advanced Fighter & Advanced Hunter



Speech

wishing there was something left to lose

this could be the day i die for you—

In the moments before, where both stood still, Hattori couldn't help but wonder what sort of approach Usagi would favour. Shinobi fighting methods were tried and tested, honed throughout the generations and yet Usagi had not been raised by Hattori's kin. Who knew what skills and techniques he had picked up along the way, whether he relied on instinct or practice was yet to be seen.  

Shifting his weight, the Hohei dashed forward upon deft paws and pivoted on his paws, a crimson marked leg lashing out like a whip. So he liked to kick then, not a technique Hattori often fell back on but he imagined it had taken some opponents by surprise. And often in battles that was enough to gain footing and press the attack further, to seize victory for their own.

Grounded and resolute, Hattori did not attempt to duck out of the way of the kick. He wanted to know for himself how hard the hit would land and whether he could give pointers to aim for a more impactful target. The paw thudded against his first few ribs, just slightly missing the meat of his shoulder. For anyone else it might have knocked the wind out of them, but for reasons Hattori was still unaware of his bones were stronger than most. Reinforced and able to take more of a beating, it seemed. He felt it, of course, he wasn't unfeeling but it certainly wasn't enough to break the Kiacho's stride.

Now it was his turn.

Barging forward with his right shoulder, Hattori aimed to slam into the heft of Usagi's back right thigh. In the worst case scenario for the Hohei, he'd stumble and maybe trip onto his rump. In the best he'd dodge it, all spry and light on his bunny paws. Or perhaps there was a middle ground, they'd have to wait and see.


Hanzō vs Usagi for spar
Round 1/2
Age: over 1
Size: Dire wolf
Build: Medium
Offensive Battle Accessory: Tanto
Defensive Battle Accessory: Shinobi cuirass
Companion 1: Asian Golden Cat, Male - Battle - Boosted
Companion 2: Mountain hawk-eagle, Male - Battle - Boosted
*Companion 3: Akita, Male - Battle - Boosted
Mutation 1: Enhanced vision - Perception
Mutation 2: Antelope horns - Offensive
Mutation 3: Reinforced bones - Defensive
Skills: Master Fighter & Master Hunter
Specialty: Bloodletter

Usagi observed his own paw thud against the brute’s shoulder, as if he’d kicked a stone wall instead of his leader. Usagi didn’t show any surprise, because he wasn’t very taken aback - a Shogun of his size most definitely felt as massive and stonelike as he looked. Built like a soldier, more suited for forceful measures than pure agility and gymnastics as Usagi was forced to rely on. His abilities stemmed from his childhood, having been taught a variety of combat moves by travelling warriors that avoided using their teeth at all, unless they were in mortal danger. It was their philosophy which they unknowingly passed down to the boy, whose form they said was well-suited for their methods. How they would fare against the higher-skilled dire he was facing off against, he was unsure.

It wasn’t long before he felt Hattori’s shoulder forcefully wham into the meat of his back right thigh - and accordingly, though he conceal the extent of the impact in a tensed jaw, he used the momentum to his asvantage. Having fought heavier-built opponents before, he used the impact to propel him back, his lower body flipping upwards as he used his forelegs to brace his impact back onto the ground - as if turning the impact of the shoulder thrust into a backflip of sorts. Finding his footing, he braced his limbs yet again and this time aimed to charge towards the leader again, but this time instead of pivoting to the dire’s side, he sharply turned around so his back faced the koi’s chest and his head directly under Hattori’s chin, aiming to push his cranium up to check him there. He didn’t use nearly enough force to make it painful - he didn’t feel like getting repimanded for knocking out a tooth. Still, judging by the lack of response to his kick, it was clear the male had heft and wasn’t easily shaken by a bunny-like wolf as himself. However, he hoped it would somewhat attempt to convey his ability to avoid using his teeth unless he absolutely needed too. His limbs were his strongest asset, and the ability to shift his weight and energy into a point of concentration or impact even more so.

Usagi vs Hanzō for Spar
Round 2/2
Age: Over 1 year
Size: Medium
Build: Light
Offensive Battle Accessory: Double-bladed Sword
Companion 1: Maine Coon, Male - Battle
Companion 2: Akita Inu, Male - Battle
Skills: Advanced Fighter & Advanced Hunter




Speech

wishing there was something left to lose

this could be the day i die for you—

Given the size disparity, Usagi took the hit well indeed. Instead of allowing it to knock him off of balance and send him stumbling, he rolled with the motion, allowing it to propel him further. Not fighting it, simply going with the flow. It was a strange style, not one Hattori was familiar with at all, but instead of wishing to brush it aside and push him onto a more traditional path, Hattori saw its promise. How it worked so well for Usagi.

Seeing Usagi dipping back in, Hattori shifted his weight, gaze following on each blur of motion as he rose up his head to knock it against Hattor's chin. Heads were harder than you'd think and a good hit on the underside of someone's chin could hurt them enough to send them reeling. Barely swivelling his neck in time, Hattori felt the rush of air woosh past the side of his cheek as he bowed down to grab a hold of the scruff of his neck. Either he would manage to grab a hold the loose fur on Usagi's neck…or Hattori's chin would receive a hard knock. Either or.


Hanzō vs Usagi for spar
Round 2/2
Age: over 1
Size: Dire wolf
Build: Medium
Offensive Battle Accessory: Tanto
Defensive Battle Accessory: Shinobi cuirass
Companion 1: Asian Golden Cat, Male - Battle - Boosted
Companion 2: Mountain hawk-eagle, Male - Battle - Boosted
*Companion 3: Akita, Male - Battle - Boosted
Mutation 1: Enhanced vision - Perception
Mutation 2: Antelope horns - Offensive
Mutation 3: Reinforced bones - Defensive
Skills: Master Fighter & Master Hunter
Specialty: Bloodletter

And the winner is...

HANZO

USAGI must give up by submitting, fleeing or passing out. Totals: USAGI: Attack Roll: 5 Defense Roll: 8 Agility Roll: 2 Perception Roll: 48 Total: 63 Attack[5] + 50% Bonus[2.50]: 7.50 Defense[8] + 0% Bonus[0.00]: 8.00 Agility[2] + 5% Bonus[0.10]: 2.10 Perception[48] + 0% Bonus[0.00]: 48.00 Total[65.60] + 15% Bonus[9.84]: 75.44 HANZO: Attack Roll: 79 Defense Roll: 77 Agility Roll: 26 Perception Roll: 35 Total: 217 Attack[79] + 120% Bonus[94.80]: 173.80 Defense[77] + 20% Bonus[15.40]: 92.40 Agility[26] + 0% Bonus[0.00]: 26.00 Perception[35] + 10% Bonus[3.50]: 38.50 Total[330.70] + 40% Bonus[132.28]: 462.98

Grabbing ahold of the scruff of his opponents neck, Hattori gave it a firm tug. Driving his point home, he gripped it for a moment longer before he let go. As expected, Hattori bested Usagi. In his defence he was no slouch, naturally talented in his own way but it wasn’t enough to seize victory as his own.

Stepping back, Hattori exhaled slowly. It had been a pleasant warm up and Hattori had seen all he needed, knew how to continue shaping his subordinate to better himself.

"Well done. Your fighting style works for you, but I would aim to be more precise. Be intent on where you intend to hit. How do you feel you did?"

It was an important line of thought to follow. To know his feelings and let them ruminate.

Truth be told, though he was no wimp when determining the level of his skills, Usagi was also not unrealistic nor arrogant. A mid-level warrior like him, spry and slim, against his Kaicho, a massive giant of lumbering muscle and bone, expected to be bested one way or another. To him, it was the way of things in his life and he learned it quickly - as a child, he was hotheaded and aggressive, wanting anybody and everybody to fight him and test his mettle. But this backfired quickly, because someone out there would always be bigger and stronger. The more defeat he encountered, the more humble he became, and with that slice of humble pie he recognized a fine balance between being determind to get better and stronger to defeat said opponents, and when to realize that that time hadn’t come just yet. This time was the latter. As his chin knock was interrupted by Hattori’s jaws clamping down on his scruff, the bunny-like wolf gritted his teeth as his cold green eyes cast themselves to the side - knowing he was bested, yet quelling the licking flame of his temper within. He’d never quite settle it down to embers - losing was never without its bitter taste and tension in his jaw at simply not being good enough. Yet, he knew to control it just enough to realize his journey to unleashing his potential as a warrior was just beginning, and that he’d have to suffer many a loss before he could attain victory. With his fiery determination - ill temper in between - and the guidance of Kaicho to show him his flaws and improve his combat skills, he could achieve more than he ever could.

The dire wolf clamped down on his scruff a moment longer, with Usagi successfully fighting back the urge to rip himself away, and his efforts to abstain his anger prevailed as Tori finally let him go into the earth, allowing the warrior to shake himself off. His nub tail flicked slightly as he looked back up at his superior. The words left the large koi’s maw in that same moment, and he listened intently, his monotonous mossy gaze unwavering.

”Well done. Your fighting style works for you, but I would aim to be more precise. Be intent on where you intend to hit. How do you feel you did?"

Usagi paused, letting the words sink in as Hattori intended. It had been a sufficient warm-up physically, now that the blood was charging into his muscles, his heart was pumping, and he was taking in more oxygen. It surely made him feel stronger in that sense - but what about the mental aspect? Did he ever really stop to think about how his skills measured in a spar? Or did he merely apply the same movements to each opponent, only changing his direction and approach based on his opponent’s size? He supposed he was on the right track, but he had a ways to go. The Hohei paused a good, long while, the words digesting before he spoke.

"I feel I did what I’ve been doing to my other opponents - merely sizing them up and exercising my range of combat skills accordingly. There’s a limit to such repetition, however, and I’ve recognized that in our warm up." Shifting on his limbs, the smaller wolf continued, eyes trained upon his Kaicho still. "You are correct in that my precision could be improved on. My intention on my targeted spots as well. I feel my agility and speed are my biggest strengths, and I use them to my greatest ability. However, I will not lie when I say that size difference is often my greatest challenge in a spar, as I am a great deal smaller and lightly built than my opponents. While I can be agile, I cannot always exercise the brute strength that combat often calls for. This, I feel, leeches into my thinking - I begin to believe I am physically smaller, and this might be affecting my movements and precision negatively, whether I admit it or not." It took a great deal of courage for anybody to admit they felt physically inferior in terms of strength, and he was nonexception. His atheltic build said otherwise, but it was clear if he didn’t find some way to improve his precision, and thus excel at his agility strengths, his roles as a warrior would stagnate.


Speech

wishing there was something left to lose

this could be the day i die for you—