to be well prepared

It was more of a rhetorical question, Hattori was not demanding a response in the here and now, but he appreciated Akito's effort to say something now. Even if he wasn't sure. One's purpose didn't just fall into your lap, Hattori expected the boy to seek it out when he felt like he was ready. It was a line of thought that could be ruminated on for quite some time, even Hattori found himself questioning it, wondering if he should venture down a different path or remain on the one he'd chosen before. One that had served him well till now.

To want to be better than he was yesterday, hm. Hattori could understand that, simple and to the point.

"Then you are doing well. Do not question that."