to be well prepared

For the most part Hattori did not pay intense attention to what went on beyond his walls. There was always something going on out there, to give it too much thought would be a waste of his time and effort. But like Akito some things were just too obvious, too blatant to miss. It wasn't uncommon for loners to sometimes skirt around his territories, even if only to get a gist of what was going on here, but someone had been lingering. Several someones, scents he didn't recognise in the least. And it wasn't just Tojo either, on the few times he ventured further afield he'd noticed it too. Not aimless wandering, but with a sense of purpose, but not laser focused intent. As if they weren't entirely sure, that they had an inkling at best. Nothing set in stone.

And yet Hattori hadn't seen a soul. The signs were there, scents and even their howls late in the night as they communicated over long distances. But he'd never actually seen anyone, not even a shadow or movement from the corner of his eye.

Akito called for him, and Hattori was quick to find the boy, shouldering through the thin shoots as he made his way to the edge of the maze. He had an idea of what this was about, the boy was sharp, he must have noticed too.