Hattori spent much of his downtime here, amongst the shadows of cats, in front of the slow trickle of water. It was peaceful here, picturesque without seeming out of place, like it had been plucked from one place and dropped here, just because. Everything felt right and at home, undisturbed by strangers, outsiders and newcomers alike. In time, he imagined someone else would discover this place and rather than want to covet it all for himself, even he realised it was a location to be shared. Not something anyone wolf could stake a claim on, stamp their paws and tell everyone else to get out.

He moved slowly, ears flicking as he took in the sounds that surrounded him. As quiet and as relaxed as he was, he still felt the usual tick beneath his skin. The urge to do something productive, to take action in a place of peace even just this once.

As though reading his mind, he heard the patter of paws on lea flitter. Someone was coming.

"speech"

The secluded piece of land the Kaicho had taken him and his brother to was, in all sense, breathtaking. It was like home - and it very well could’ve been. The ponds trickled with faintly bubbling water, koi fish - remainders of the ones once raised there - lazily paddled in the waters. It was every bit peaceful. Usagi carefully picked his way through the fallen leaves and covered paths, remembering that Hattori wished to have another spar with him. He wanted the Hohei to prove he still had the skills to fight - and some day, even raid - after his ankle had recovered decently. And so, he’d fulfill the Kaicho’s wish.

The man had tracked Hattori’s scent further out, but not s far distance. If he really wished to test his mettle, perhaps he ought to try a more stealthy and unexpected approach this time. Less time for his superior to prepare, but knowing his experience, he would be alert nonetheless. He had to prepare for that. When he reached a distance on the path where Hattori’s scent was strong, and the male’s larger form was just visible along the horizon line and foliage. He had to strike.

Leaning back into his haunches, Usagi sprang forth, as light on his feet as possible though the faint thrumming on the ground was clearly him. Thumping like the feet of a rabbit being chased - or in this case, pursuing his target. Reaching the dire wolf’s back at lightening speed, just strides away Usagi attempted a unique move; he’d aim to spring up and leap over the man, firmly but with restraint also aiming to thump the man’s back with his hind leg’s for a surprise tactic. Upon landing on the ground, forelegs first, then hind legs, if the larger male hadn’t retaliated yet, Usagi aimed to roll back quickly head over heels in a somersault, jabbing out his hind legs together in the process towards his chest. Basically a bunny hop to the man’s back, and a roll and kick of his feet to further unbalance the man, if not make him step back to avoid an jab, and hopefully would require his superior to calculate his next move. None of the kicks he’d done would be enough to hurt - as much as he hated to admit, the process of healing from a shattered ankle was going well, but something about that foot would possibly open himself up to a weakness in that area.

Usagi vs Hattori 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: Expert Fighter & Advanced Hunter


Speech

wishing there was something left to lose

this could be the day i die for you—

Hattori tensed but made no outright move to acknowledge the approaching figure. He waited, remaining where he was, making a point of eying the flowing water as they inched closer and closer-then launched into attack! From scent alone he knew who it was, knew he was in no danger and realised it was simply Usagi seeking out another spar. Hoping to prove his mettle and put his injured paw to the test. And the Kaicho was happy enough to oblige, should anyone seek him out for a spar his response would always be the same. Very well.

Usagi was clearly still light on his paws, a blur through the air as he moved about, twisting his form in ways Hattori would never consider. He felt the paws collide with his back with a hearty thump, earning a slight grunt as Hattori readjusted his position to strike back. As soon as Usagi was on all four of his paws again, he lashed out whip quick, paw extended as he went to sucker punch his opponent in the throat. Toes curled just so it was a strike of force, not taking his claws into account.


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

The moment Usagi’s four paws touched the earth, Hattori soght an opening. It was successful, in a split second knuckles ounched into his windpipe, conjuring a garbled cough from the Hohei. Masking the fact that he felt the wind sucked out of him for a few seconds, Usagi inhaled sharply, tucked his chin closer to his neck to avoid a second strike to that area. If Hattori’s paw was still extended from the punch, he found an opening himself. Coiling his hind legs, the lighter male took advantage of the Kaicho’s claws being tucked inward, knowing he wouldn’t be scratched as he aimed to firmly bearhug the dire man’s leg and use gravity to force his upper body down. If successful, he knew Hattori was much larger and practically unswayable with his size, but one limb was substantially lighter, thus the leader might find himself off balance, if not a bit of a stumble. If that occurred and Hattori was lower to the earth, the male aimed to firmly swipe his hind leg, a quick jab, to his other foreleg, behind the wrist joint, in hopes that it would also buckle. Usagi had to continuously move, keep working, while remaining direct and defensive at the same time. Especially when a great deal of his opponents were larger and couldn’t easily be knocked down.

Usagi vs Hattori 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: Expert Fighter & Advanced Hunter



Speech

wishing there was something left to lose

this could be the day i die for you—

Hattori couldn't help but feel a little guilty as his strike landed on the mark, walloping the air out of Usagi's throat, near choking him. After he would have to get him something to drink, something to wash away the ache that would no doubt settle in. But for now Hattori knew he had to focus, especially when he felt Usagi reach for his extended limb, attempting to make the best out of a bad situation. Hattori could respect that, his tenacity and determination. A whack against his leg had him stumbling, but instead of fighting back and struggling to remain on his feet, he made to grab for Usagi's scruff of his neck as he fell.

Effectively dragging him down with him.


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...

USAGI

HATTORI must give up by submitting, fleeing or passing out. Totals: USAGI Attack Roll: 75 Defense Roll: 87 Agility Roll: 9 Perception Roll: 76 Total: 247 Attack[75] + 50% Bonus[37.50]: 112.50 Defense[87] + 0% Bonus[0.00]: 87.00 Agility[9] + 5% Bonus[0.45]: 9.45 Perception[76] + 0% Bonus[0.00]: 76.00 Total[284.95] + 20% Bonus[56.99]: 341.94 HATTORI Attack Roll: 42 Defense Roll: 2 Agility Roll: 7 Perception Roll: 21 Total: 72 Attack[42] + 120% Bonus[50.40]: 92.40 Defense[2] + 20% Bonus[0.40]: 2.40 Agility[7] + 0% Bonus[0.00]: 7.00 Perception[21] + 10% Bonus[2.10]: 23.10 Total[124.90] + 40% Bonus[49.96]: 174.86

Hattori was not a sore loser, he knew promise when he saw it. Offering Usagi a pleased nod, he knew the warrior was improving with each season, that he was capable and arguably already a fine warrior. Easily strong enough to protect Tojo and the Bamboo Maze. There was always room to grow and learn and it seemed as though Hattori could use some more practice himself, something he was willing enough to do, lest he lose more fights like this. Shaking himself off, he rolled his shoulder. Now that was over, how about they enjoy the scenery a little?

Slowing down his momentum from his final flip, the hohei cleanly skidded to a halt beside the Kaicho, shaking off his pelt and catching his breath. It appeared he had won against the dire, something he did not boast about. Usagi was a humble soul, and their spar was simply a checkpoint of skill, particularly after recovering from his injury. It seemed it had healed enough to deem him a capable warrior. He returned the quiet nod, offering a respectful dip of his head. Hattori was one of the strongest warriors he’d ever sparred against, and he hoped they epuld get a chance to spar again soon.

It appeared Hattori was ready to enjoy the scenery; after all, this peaceful abode offered all the sights the eye could desire. Koi drofted lazily beneath algae-splotched ponds. Feral cats curled and huddled amongst tattered huts and tall foliage. Nothing but the spund of bubbling water in their ears. It was the serenity of all serenities, really, if such a thing could exist.

If Hattori padded forward, ahead into the sanctuary, Usagi would follow, ever vigilant.

/exit?

Speech

wishing there was something left to lose

this could be the day i die for you—