It was raining once again, coming down loud enough to roar in his ears as Hattori found himself visiting the secluded glade within the bamboo. The seas were awfully rough at this time of year, even the Bay was churned up and vicious, making maintaining the nets and cages a difficult task indeed. But still one Hattori trusted Kuroo with. The cats lingered in the shadows, not keen on getting wet even if the rain fell softer here than it did elsewhere. The koi at least seemed to be enjoying the weather, flitting about like bright streaks of colour in the corner of his eye. The wisteria swung gently, water droplets rolling from the flowers and filling the air with their sweet scent.

He always felt at peace here, like he could think a little clearer.

"Speech"

It so happened that Usagi retreated to this glade as well, seeking its silent splendor. The rain pattered against his charcoal and scarlet coat but he remain unphazed, his chartreuse eyes taking in the secluded yet homely spot of land they were fortunate enough to have for their own. The cats that roamed amongst worn structures and dilapidated huts now huddled for shelter from the downpour, occasionally flitting past his feet to dart for more secure and drier quarters. Even the koi that usually lingered at the surface of the algae-muddled ponds were barely seen in the depths, seemingly bothered by the constant vibrations of raindrops hitting the surface in rapid fire plinks. But much like Hattori, the warrior simply drank in the sights and marveled at their beauty, the wisteria’s peak blooms easing whatever homesickness threatened to wallow up within him here and there. It was like a drink of much needed water after ages of thirst. Refreshing and all around rejuvenating.

Through the roaring rain, the unmistakeable figure of his leader came into view. The dire man was reminiscing silently, letting his own eyes glance up at the blooming flowers and around the sanctuary they both found themselves in. The hohei rolled his shoulders - no sword on his back for this adventure, he felt bringing his weapon into such a quiet land seemed wrong in some sense - as he approached Hattori. Not too close, just enough to be within speaking distance.

”Kaicho,” He greeted his superior, offering a respectful dip of his head. His flop ear flicked away the drops of rain that pelted it, but he otherwise remained still as ever. Peace in the raging storm.

Speech

wishing there was something left to lose

this could be the day i die for you—

Hattori could not say he was overly surprised when Usagi approached him, quiet and reverent of their surroundings. This was a place that inspired thoughtfulness, contemplation as the seasons passed on by. So much had changed but this place seemed like a constant, steady and isolated, set in its ways. Hattori respected it really, wished he could be so steadfast in the face of change and adversity. The Kaicho nodded in return, polite and amiable enough, considering his personality. Or lack thereof, some might argue.

He thought to ask the warrior what brought him here, but it was obvious enough, was it not? Instead, he let the silence fall once more, his ears tilted as he listened to the rain.

"It seems as though no one outside of Tojo knows of this place." Hattori pointed out, it was understandable enough, he supposed. So well hidden, like a secret.

”I wouldn’t be surprised if they didn’t,” Usagi replied, the rain continuing its pattering as he spoke. His pelt was getting heavier as rain poured down, water drifting down his abdomen and legs in drops and rivets. Turthfully, he yearned to pay this sanctuary a visit more often than he did. He was so busy in the maze, constantly patrolling its perimeters and securing its every border that it was easier said than done to try and give himself some peace once in a while. Ever vigilant, ever alert, it was dofficult to simply let go of his concerns and duties just for a few moments’ time. He tended to forget, that their pack had many other capable warriors who could pick up his own responsibilities temporarily. It would not be a pack if he didn’t coordinate with others, after all. He wasn’t the only Hohei around. The raindrops continued to tickle his snout as they pelted him, but he paid it no mind. ”Let us hope it stays that way.” Above everything else, Tojo was still a rather closed-off pack. Its secrets were its own, nobody else’s. That applied to this place to, in his opinion. ”Speech”  ’Thought’

Hattori did not mind if others visited, but he wouldn't kick up a fuss either. As long as this place remained peaceful and quiet, a place of solace and contemplation he did not mind. All was well, as far as Hattori was concerned. The outside world moved on and they lived life how they wanted, within their own set of rules and ideals. Was that not how life was ought to be lived?

"How have you been?" He asked then. As a Kaicho he did not tend to insert himself into others personal affairs, but he knew it was important to check in every now and then, to see what-if anything-needed to be done or changed. It was a broad question too, ranging from his training to time spent with his brother. Anything and everything he wished to talk about, Hattori would listen.