Ogata crouched low on a rocky outcrop, his lynx ears twitching ever so slightly as they picked up the faintest sounds—the rustling of leaves, the distant crack of a branch underfoot. His sharp obsidian eyes scanned the dense Hokkaido forest below, taking in every movement, every shift of the wind, calculating. The stubby tail at the base of his spine flicked lazily as if in sync with his thoughts.

A small stream gurgled nearby, its cool waters reflecting dappled sunlight. Ogataʼs sensitive nose picked up the scent of fresh water and fish—perhaps a good opportunity to catch something for a meal later. But for now, his focus remained sharp. He huffed quietly through his nose, his sharp canines briefly flashing beneath his lips. His hand grazed over the stock of his rifle; even with claws slightly extended, the movement was smooth.

He stood up slowly, stretching his muscles like a big cat after a long nap—his back arched, shoulders rolling back until there was an audible crack. His ears flattened momentarily in response to the sensation but soon perked back up, swiveling slightly, always alert. Always listening.

“Another day,” he muttered under his breath with a dry smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. His voice, a low, purring baritone, seemed to carry a hint of a growl at times—a subtle reminder of the beast within. He rubbed the back of his neck absently before letting out a long sigh.

Ogata moved with a feline fluidity, his steps soundless despite the terrain. The underbrush barely responded as he walked through it. He sniffed the air again, lips curling slightly as he picked up another faint scent—rabbit? No... something bigger. His tail twitched once more, betraying a flicker of excitement that never reached his indifferent expression.

With little else to do for now, he climbed a nearby tree in a few swift movements—his claws digging into the bark effortlessly as he pulled himself onto one of the higher branches. From here, the vantage point gave him even more visibility over the landscape.