Finding Shinrei lingering in the training area, Hattori watched the boy for a moment, head tilting slightly as he observed his posture and technique. It needed a lot of work, to be honest, but that wasn't anything unexpected, as he was still just a boy. Hattori suspected that his children would have an innate talent that ran in his bloodline-after all, how else would his eldest son have managed to become such an accomplished fighter?

He stepped forward, not announcing himself vocally, curious how the boy would take to being caught unaware. How would he react? Were his senses sharp, had he already caught on that he was no longer alone?

Shinrei found his own company less..taxing than with his siblings. Not that he didn’t love them, of course, but the solitude was a much-needed refresher away from the multitude of prying eyes and paws. Not to mention how much space he had now that he and his littermates were able to explore beyond their birth den.

More than anything, Shinrei aspired to be like his father. With his own unique twist, of course, but he wanted to he just as big. Just as strong. Just as skillful and quick on his feet as his father was. Moreover, he wanted his father to look upon him with the utmost pride. Pride that he was deserving of the Hattori title — a sense of goal-reaching Shinrei would yearn for for a long time to come.

He was still a tad unsteady on his feet as he cuffed the “dummy” he was sparring with — a toy animal carved from the same type of bamboo that loomed above his head. It barely swung off-balanced before he swung to his left and aimed to check it with his right shoulder when the sense of a presence sunk into his chest.

The familiar scent reached his nose but not before Shinrei changed direction and raced towards the source, its scent growing stronger as he jutted his head forward, nubby horns acting as a brace as he thrusted his head — aiming to headbutt his father’s chest with all his might.

Shinrei vs Hattori for Spar
Round 1/2
Age: Under 6 months
Size: Dire wolf
Build: Medium
Mutation 1: Antelope Horns - Offensive
Mutation 2: Owl Eyes - Perception
Mutation 3: Torso Scales - Defensive
Skills: Beginner Fighter & Beginner Hunter
Specialty:

So that's how he was? Attack first and think later? Hattori could respect the boy's instincts and reflexes, he moved fast and didn't falter- his intent clear. Hattori shifted his stance, bracing for impact as the silver of his eyes narrowed in on his son's growing little nubs. Horns didn't need to be sharp to be able to inflict damage, just the force of the blow alone was capable of leaving a nasty bruise. He'd gotten into a nice momentum too, Hattori noticed as he swung around, using his shoulder to hunker slightly to the pup's level to take the force of the charge. They collided with a thud, Hattori grunting beneath his breath before he rolled his shoulder out and used it push the boy away.

"Again. Raise your head more this time. Do not aim so blindly."

Hanzō vs Shinrei 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 one

Shinrei huffed as his father braced his attack, but after doing so seemed unimpressed with his surprise offensive. Was it not a trait of a good warrior to strike when the presence of an “enemy” is known? To catch them off guard? To shake their sense of power knowing that someone else already knew they were there?

Still, Shinrei shook his head, finding the attack made his own growing horns ache slightly. His father told him to do it again, surprisingly — aim without blindly charging, and raise his head higher. With the invitation open, the scaled boy did so; backing up several paces, he took in a deep breath as he held his head higher than before, able to see the target - his dad’s shoulder again - before propelling himself in a sprint, aiming to make a more calculated headbutt as he was advised.

Anything to garner pride, praise from his father, even.

Shinrei vs Hattori for Spar
Round 2/2
Age: Under 6 months
Size: Dire wolf
Build: Medium
Mutation 1: Antelope Horns - Offensive
Mutation 2: Owl Eyes - Perception
Mutation 3: Torso Scales - Defensive
Skills: Beginner Fighter & Beginner Hunter

Hattori noticed the sharp look in his eye, knew his son was a faster learner. That all he'd needed was a nudge. And he did change his stance, his head didn't hang so low, and he wasn't so bull-ish in his posture. Hattori made a grunting noise in his throat, adjusting his weight again, splaying his toes against the mat, easing the tension from his shoulder as he braced for impact. He felt as though it was important to allow the blows to land, to learn to fight against someone who constantly dodged and weaved out of the way instilled a sense of frustration. Didn't actually get them used to the impact of it, learn that whilst their attacks hurt those on the receiving end more, the force of it still stung.

Hanzō vs Shinrei 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 one

And the winner is...

HANZO

SHINREI must give up by submitting, fleeing or passing out. Totals: SHINREI: Attack Roll: 29 Defense Roll: 22 Agility Roll: 82 Perception Roll: 9 Total: 142 Attack[29] + 25% Bonus[7.25]: 36.25 Defense[22] + 10% Bonus[2.20]: 24.20 Agility[82] + 0% Bonus[0.00]: 82.00 Perception[9] + 10% Bonus[0.90]: 9.90 Total[152.35] + -30% Bonus[-45.70]: 106.64 HANZO: Attack Roll: 87 Defense Roll: 15 Agility Roll: 98 Perception Roll: 53 Total: 253 Attack[87] + 50% Bonus[43.50]: 130.50 Defense[15] + 10% Bonus[1.50]: 16.50 Agility[98] + 0% Bonus[0.00]: 98.00 Perception[53] + 10% Bonus[5.30]: 58.30 Total[303.30] + 25% Bonus[75.83]: 379.12

"Well fought," Hattori told the boy, pleased with his performance. He may have lost but Hattori knew this was a good learning experience, that perhaps one day all of his children might best him in battle. And that was not a matter that brought the Kaicho shame, after all weren't children in essence the betterment of his own bloodline?

He relaxed his posture, allowing the tension to ease from his shoulders. Perhaps it would be wise to cool down with a lesson after this part, answer any lingering questions his son might have?

"Is there anything you would like to ask?" His head tilted, his eyes shining slightly in the dimness of the training area.