Momijigari

Beads of water dripped from Hattori's stomach as he ventured from the waves and pushed deeper inland, his eyes greedily taking in the sight of the autumn leaves. There was something almost soft and nostalgic about this time of year, so close to Nippon's aesthetic whilst maintaining its own. Undeniably so far from his old home, a past long left behind. And he was alright with that, it was easy for him to split the then from the now, neat divisions that had him constantly looking forward whilst the past rotted in his wake. Ashen was thriving, his children grew well and Venom was well on her way to getting all she deserved and more. In time the Empire would rise to even greater heights, till then the Shogun had much work to do and he was willing to rise to the occasion.

A blanket of dry, fallen leaves coated the floor, crunching under paw as Hattori pressed his way deeper into Grove. It was quiet here, and despite the bounty of berries and fruits on display there were no creatures about to have their fill. Having no doubt scampered away at Hattori's arrival.