At the first few drops, Hoko had come to hide in his kimono and Akito gives a smile as he feels the critter poke his head out at hearing his name. Normally, rain would keep him in there and only work could get him to come out, but it warms the former soldier's heart to see him having enough affection for his betrothed to risk getting his whiskers wet.

Akito keeps them moving until they come across a rather sturdy looking log and clear area that would be nice to take a break and maybe just watch the rain for a bit. With a little cough he lets go of Hiro's hand and holds out the reins to him, his head retreating a little into his collar as he tries to get control over his flustered flush. Humming to himself he moves close to the log and tucks his hands in his sleeves, looking out at the rain.

When Hiro starts talking he turns just enough to see the man, listening to his words. With a faint smile to himself, he turns back to the downpour. “I actually feel a little strange being out of the rain. . .” he lets out a soft sigh. “Traveling alone to a target, I normally didn't have time to find shelter or rest, so, other than trying to keep Hoko dry, I would be riding wet on a wet horse.”

He lets out another sigh, still smiling. “And in camp? My father would get everyone out during storms, rousing them if it was at night, and just have us all strip to our fundoshi and line us up in rows to practice out swings.” He looks to the sky, chuckling slightly. “He would always say that we never knew what the battle conditions would be, so when nature gave us the chance to practice in a new one, or a rare one, we'd best not pass it up.” His gaze goes back to the wall of rain. “I still remember all of us, there, moving together, like one being breathing and moving as one. We would work so hard the rain would turn to steam and drift off our bodies making a faint mist over the practicing soldiers. . .”

Looking over his shoulder he flushes again, tucking his head into his kimono collar. “Sorry, I got nostalgic there. . .” He's come to understand rather quickly that Hiro doesn't really like the profession he used to have, and the image of a bunch of men training to kill people in the rain must be less than interesting to his young betrothed. Coughing again he looks back at the rain, opting for silence over babbling more apologies.