bury the light

Given that the Ashen Empire was newly reborn Hattori wasn't certain of what troubles it faced. Whether Venom's reign would bring an era of growth and prosperity or conflict and strife. The fact she considered sloth to be a major cause of concern truly surprised the shinobi, his lips twisted just a little at the corners, but once he took a moment to think about it he understood what she meant. It was all rather self explanatory really, idle paws would only bring an empire to ruin. The issue with her brother was far more complex, especially since there was no way to tell if he would ever return to enact his revenge. In Hattori's mind the solution was a simple but logical one, there was no use in allowing threats to linger in the shadows, for her to have to live with the worry of her brother's return. He needed to die. But it was none of Hattori's business, unless Venom made it so. He kept his mouth shut as a good shinobi ought to.

The next question was an easy one and didn't require much thought.

"At home in his estate, I presume. Last I heard he had inherited a great deal of wealth... " Hattori side eyed Venom, his implication not very subtle at all. But that was all the information was he willing to give, for reasons he hoped she'd understand.

As they pushed on Hattori suspected they weren't so far from Ashen lands. The scent that clung to the young empress' coat was thick in the air and Hattori breathed in deep, knowing he'd carry it like a burden till the terms of their contract was fulfilled. Before they were done he had one more question to ask, though he wouldn't have been surprised nor offended if she squeezed in another one of hers. She was the empress after all and he her shinobi.

"What do you intend to do about this issue of sloth?"