for curiosity's sake

Hattori listened in attentive silence, ears flicked forward as he took in her words, well-thought-out even though he had sprung the question on her without preamble. As things stood, they had all they could ever need, but Hattori knew that their numbers would grow in time and with that more bellies to feed. The ocean and its bounty could more than provide and even on top of that, it was quiet scenic here. Hattori had always enjoyed view, how the wide open space felt full of both sky and sea.

Dragon's Blood Grove was certainly a spectacle, but what use was desolate scrubland? They could hardly farm on it and very little prey passed through. Brimstone Lake was easily written off too and the sheer open space of the Runestones went against Hattori's preferences. It felt like the natural choice, though he did approve of Hinata's efforts to walk through her reasoning, a short response simply wouldn't have been enough.

"I agree." He finally said with a nod, side eying the girl. She reminded him so much of his Mother, in part he was glad some of her lived on through her grandchildren. Wolves she would never meet. "I see no need to rush for it now, we are enough." He was quiet then, contemplative. The waves rolled back and forward, white tendrils of foam dragged down the beach, fighting a force that could not be withstood.

"In time you will marry. What are your preferences?" Because Hattori was not a monster, but he was getting older.