Noticing was an understatement. Hyperaware would be more accurate of how Akito was taking it. On the way to northern Auster, closer to the Hallows, Akito had wandered. His brother, Erik, had mentioned other pups their age. Not that Akito was the most social of pups, but he wouldn't deny himself an opportunity to train with someone he wasn't used to. So he had gone, more or less, to scout, following his brother Erik and even the scent trail of his older brother, Tate. Why was it that Tate's scent was so strong along the Hallow's border? A traitor, perhaps? Unbothered by his older brother's business, Akito came and went like a whisper in the wind. His shadowy form was barely seen along the outskirts of the plains. It was on his return trip home that had his fur standing on edge. Seemingly overnight, strangers had begun to overtake the land. Their scent was there and the next, it wasn't. Bones picked clean that had not been there the day before. Their own haunting whispers filled his ears as he tried to follow and soon got lost. Suspicion filled him as he hurried back to the bamboo. Who was here? Why were they here? Approaching the broad gates of the maze, Akito lifted his muzzle to the sky. Releasing a howl to request the presence of the Kaicho, the young boy makes his way to a small clearing. One that is hidden and masked from anyone that he did not want to overhear their conversation. Settling in, he waits patiently, almost patiently, as his toes flex and paws carry him back and forth from one side to the other.

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.

Hattori's quick arrival was all Akito needed. Watching the Kaicho approach through the bamboo, his expression hardens. Brows slightly twinge inward as his monochrome gaze flickers away. The boy would not admit that he had been scared. No, that would be admitting weakness. Instead, he would learn from those feelings and use them to grow. "I went with Erik to visit Vi-erm father. On my return, I've noticed differences," his voice cracks, a combination of puberty and being on edge. "I want to be prepared. If," he pauses once more as his gaze turns back to Hattori. "If I am approached by multiple wolves," Akito knows he doesn't need to explain this. If he noticed the howling, surely the Kaicho had as well. "How do I go about protecting myself?" There is a twitch of his facial muscles. Anyone could tell he was bothered by admitting he didn't know what to do, but he knew as well that Hattori would not judge him for that. It was better to ask for lessons than to learn foolishly.

Differences? Hattori arched a pale brow but remained silent, allowing the boy to follow through with an explanation before he began to push questions his way. It wasn't entirely unexpected to learn Akito just knew something was amiss, but like the Kaicho it was clear he was struggling to narrow in on what exactly was going on here. Akito was certainly sharp for his age and his specific question gave way to a concern he was clearly harbouring, a set of cards he held close to his chest but not so close Hattori couldn't get a read.

Multiple opponents. Hmm. There were of course ways to tilt the odds in one's favour, methods and means to increase the chances of winning a melee, and yet Hattori had a bad feeling about this. It troubled him far more than he cared to admit and though he deemed himself and Tojo-kai by extension capable of defending themselves the words he uttered were not ones he offered lightly.

"Should it come to that," he began, his gaze intense as he stared down the boy. "I want you to run." And this was not Hattori questioning his abilities, he knew Akito was strong and capable, a fine warrior in the making. But whatever was going on, Hattori just...it was hard to even articulate, but he knew this was not something Akito was able to handle alone. Was anyone? "Keep your senses about you. I do not trust what is going on out there."

Hattori's intense gaze settled on him and Akito knew at that moment that he wasn't wrong with his suspicions. Something was amiss. There indeed was something or someone that lingered. Who or what they were was the mystery they needed to figure out. And Akito would help. He was sure he could be of use until the Kaicho sternly told him to run. Run? Akito's ears fall back slightly as his own brow pinches together. He tilts his chin up and stares back at the Kaicho - almost challenging the older man, but says nothing. Why would he run? A sort of noise rumbled in his throat as he let the silence stretch thin between them. "Buki o motte itara dō shimasu ka?" His voice is strained with that obvious hint of determination that meant while he agreed with the Kaicho, he also was not going to give up so easily. Akito didn't trust what was going on either. The nightly howling, the shifting of the shadows, the undeniable feeling of someone watching him. "Watashitachi wa nani mo sezu ni suwatte iru wake ni wa ikimasen." The pup adds on as he continues to not break eye contact with Hattori.

hover to translate

"Even then."Hattori was insistent, shutting down that line of thought. Though Akito was undeniably talented and capable, it was not a risk worth taking. Hattori knew better and though he wasn't entirely sure what was going on, he would find out soon enough. He just needed more time. "I am not questioning your abilities, do not take this as an insult." He spoke then, a little shaper than before. Akito was young and eager to prove himself, to be the one to single-handedly defeat these strangers would no doubt be an impressive feat.  "Until I understand the scope of the situation I will not have you taking unnecessary risks. We will act in time, but till then be patient. Hone your skills."

Hattori's persistence sits with Akito in a way that causes unease in him. For even the Kaicho to insist that he not pursue someone or several someones that were potential threats meant something significant. Who exactly were these mysterious wolves that set the whole of Tojo-kai on edge? His expression changes to a slightly disgruntled one as he takes a step back and bows his head. Patience was one thing he was still getting a grasp on, but it got better as the day went by. Instead, he focused on the last piece that the Kaicho says.

Hone your skills.

Akito's ears perk and he looks up at the Kaicho. "Do you have a moment for me or shall I seek out Usagi?" The boy questions as his tail wags a few times. Training with Hattori was probably his favorite activity as the man was forward, direct, and didn't beat around the bush. Plus, being pushed to and past his limits helped him succeed faster than most of his siblings.

"speech"

"I have a moment." He confirmed nodding at the boy.

He moved away some distance, his gait shifting into that of readiness, a practised ease as his muscles relaxed. Beside Toji's entry torii gate there was plenty of room to manoeuvre, the bamboo grew thicker and more dense beyond the invisible threshold. Hattori was keenly aware of the fact that someone out there might be watching them as they spoke, but perhaps a show of strength would remind them to steer well clear of Tojo's lands. That it had capable warriors to defend what was rightfully theirs.

Not giving the boy too long to get comfortable, he came in wide and on the offensive. The silver of his gaze observed is posture, how he tensed in reaction to the blur of orange movement. He left few openings, was mindful of the Kaicho's approach, all good things. But no defence was every full proof, how would he react to a head on assault?

Hanzō vs akito for spar
Round 1/2
Age: over 1
Size: Dire wolf
Build: Medium
Mutation 1: Enhanced vision - Perception
Mutation 2: Antelope horns - Offensive
Mutation 3: Reinforced bones - Defensive
Skills: Master Fighter & Master Hunter
Specialty: not using either lol

Akito watches Hattori move away some distance. His body shifts into a defensive stance. Paws slightly widened, shoulders hunched, fur bristling as his monochrome gaze lingers on the Kaicho. Would the man move first? Or would it be his choice? The boy's mind rolls through the options, the possibilities, the openings. Though he is not as large as the Kaicho, he will soon get there. His muscles were already developing nicely beneath his slim frame. Tensing his toes to gain more traction in the dirt that settles around him, he is only slightly surprised when the Kaicho comes in quickly. Large bulk rushes toward in on the offensive. Akito only has moments to react. Opening... He had to search for an opening. Quickly, he dashes away from the Kaicho's advance. Ducking down and using his momentum to get just out of reach, he decides to use his agility to his advantage. Diving in, his own blur of black and grey, he aims to jab Hattori in the right thigh with his horns before swiftly retreating. Continuing to circle the Kaicho, Akito doesn't stop moving.

Akito vs Hattori for Spar
Round 1/2
Age: Under 1
Size: Dire wolf
Build: Medium
Companion 1: Male Raven, 50” - Battle
Companion 2: Female Akita 22” - Battle
Mutation 1: Serow Horns (Offensive)
Skills: Expert Fighter & Intermediate Intellectual

The boy is smart and capable, though he had some growing left to do his movements are self-assured and easy. He did not stumble as Hattori's daughter used to do so, how her paws always seemed to catch the other unaware. He was quick to move out of the way, sensing the frontal assault for what it was, a test of his reactions and decision-making. And he had chosen wisely, that Hattori could not deny. Instead of moving away, a back and forth dance, Hattori remained staunch, allowed his headbutt to hit home with a slight wince. But in retaliation, Hattori swung his hip out, intended to hit the boy back just as hard with his own thigh.

Hanzō vs akito for spar
Round 2/2
Age: over 1
Size: Dire wolf
Build: Medium
Mutation 1: Enhanced vision - Perception
Mutation 2: Antelope horns - Offensive
Mutation 3: Reinforced bones - Defensive
Skills: Master Fighter & Master Hunter
Specialty: not using either lol

In a sense, Akito had not expected Hattori to allow the headbutt to hit home. What he had expected was the Kaicho to swing out of the way and retaliate differently. It went to show the young pup that you couldn't assume anything about your opponent. Slightly surprised as his headbutt lands and he goes to dance away, he is taken off guard when Hattori's thigh comes swinging toward him. Scrambling to be faster, twisting his body to be parallel instead of perpendicular, he is caught in the shoulder with Hattori's thigh. His own features wince as he stumbles and fights to keep his balance. Letting a frustrated grow slip out between his teeth, he recovers and uses his momentum to push against Hattori's thigh and strike out with his teeth at the back of Hattori's leg.

Akito vs Hattori for Spar
Round 2/2
Age: Under 1
Size: Dire wolf
Build: Medium
Companion 1: Male Raven, 50” - Battle
Companion 2: Female Akita 22” - Battle
Mutation 1: Serow Horns (Offensive)
Skills: Expert Fighter & Intermediate Intellectual

And the winner is...

HATTORI

AKITO must give up by submitting, fleeing or passing out. Totals: AKITO: Attack Roll: 43 Defense Roll: 98 Agility Roll: 38 Perception Roll: 4 Total: 183 Attack[43] + 45% Bonus[19.35]: 62.35 Defense[98] + 0% Bonus[0.00]: 98.00 Agility[38] + 0% Bonus[0.00]: 38.00 Perception[4] + 10% Bonus[0.40]: 4.40 Total[202.75] + 5% Bonus[10.14]: 212.89 HATTORI: Attack Roll: 22 Defense Roll: 87 Agility Roll: 71 Perception Roll: 19 Total: 199 Attack[22] + 50% Bonus[11.00]: 33.00 Defense[87] + 10% Bonus[8.70]: 95.70 Agility[71] + 0% Bonus[0.00]: 71.00 Perception[19] + 10% Bonus[1.90]: 20.90 Total[220.60] + 25% Bonus[55.15]: 275.75

Akito's teeth quickly miss the back of Hattori's leg. It would not have been a dire injury to the man, but it meant a loss for the pup. Stepping backward and letting his shoulders fall in small defeat, he looks up at the Kaicho. Words weren't needed with the expression on his face. He still had so much to learn. Though he wanted to feel frustrated, he quelled the emotions that bubbled in him. There was no sense in lingering on the past, he had to learn from it. Akito understood that was why Hattori was such a formidable foe and great leader.

Instead of reacting to the sting of his loss, he pushes forward and inhales a deep breath. "What should I change?" Akito asks, his voice pensive as he looks upon the Kaicho. Until he grew and got stronger, he had time to learn skills, tactics, moves, and anything to help him have an advantage against the enemy.

"speech"

Akito had talent, his loss was not a slight to his skill or effort. But there was a vast gap in experience between the two, perhaps it would be worthwhile having the boy venture to the battlefield in Boreas. Not to depend on the teachings of others, but to test his mettle against foes of fought differently to those in Tojo. Hattori would even say Akito was more talented than he himself had been when he was that young, memories he did not linger on for long, in all honesty. Regardless, he stood a little straighter, but made an effort to relax his muscles, allowed the tension to drain from his form.

His question was indeed a valid one, one the Kaicho considered in silence as the leaves rustled around them. He wondered perhaps if it was a matter of perspective, half of the battle was psychological after all.

"Why do you fight? What is your end goal?"

"What is your end goal?"

This was not something Akito had ever questioned. He stood there before the Kaicho absolutely stumped. His brow furrows slightly, pinching right in the center as he contemplates. Well, what was his goal? The first thing he could think of was the threat that lingered just outside the bamboo. What other threats would come later in life? When his mother grew old, who would protect her? What of his siblings? Sure, they could handle themselves, but he was the largest of the litter so he was the obvious choice for protection. And the pack? Tojo-Kai was full of fighters, but there were others that couldn't defend themselves as well as he could. Was his purpose in life to be a protector? Or was he meant for something more?

Was his reason really that selfless? Did he not care for himself? Perhaps this was a question too deep for a puppy like himself. He opens his mouth slightly before closing it. No, the answer that was forming in brain didn't feel correct. Letting out a rough sort of throat clearing noise, Akito gives his head a small shake. "I am not sure," he hates that that is his answer, but he has nothing good to give. He wasn't Hattori's son so thriving to become the heir was out of the question. Surely Hattori had answer for that later down the road. So would he want to be next best? Second-hand wolf in the pack? Did he even want to be a leader? That sort of responsibility sounded... tiring. "I have not asked what paths I can take. I just know," he pauses, his eyes drifting away from Hattori for a moment while he collected himself before looking back, "that I need to be better than I was yesterday," Akito can't explain why he feels this, but he hopes the Kaicho understands.

"speech"

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."