out with the old

At this point in time, Usagi would follow his leader to the very depths of hell and back. If it meant creating a safer and better expansion for their pack - a much needed step in ensuring their survival - then so be it. He was ready for every order, every command, always on guard for whatever stood in their way. So when his Kaicho mentioned he and his packmates would follow him to the Ancient Oaks not far off from the maze to ensure it was safe to claim for their own, Usagi wasted no time trailing the man. His sword was sheathed and slung over his shoulder, companions in tow.

The oak trees seemed to dwarf even the tallest of bamboo in comparison, their roots gnarled and tangled leading up to trees the size of small mountains. The frost that seemed to avoid the maze had settled here, coating the still and bare woodland with its empty chill. Something wasn't right - a strange scent had filled his nostrils too, just as Hattori paused and braced himself for what they'd encounter.

The hohei's hackles rose as the pack of feral hounds appeared in the vicinity, snarling and snapping their jaws at the wolves that had approached. Didn't matter if this was the home the hounds wished to keep for themselves - it was Tojo's. They'd take it no matter what - and they'd spill blood if it meant making it a safe place for the koi pack to reside. His ear flicked to his leader's words - to cover each other, stick together. They were outnumbered by the feral dogs, but far more skilled in combat by comparison. These dogs didn't look like they could manipulate a sword or any weapon, really. All the more easier for him. Slowly unsheathing his sword, his own Akita bared his teeth at the crazed hounds as Usagi grabbed the leather hilt in his jaws, swiftly swinging his blades at the more bold of the hounds that tried to launch themselves at him.

Speech