There was something about Fugaku's presence that always meant Sasuke had the distinct urge to straighten his shirt and try to flatten down his untameable hair, but with Hoderi still shuffling impatiently on his shoulder and both of them soaked by the rain, there was no way to look anything close to the presentable that a son of the Uchiha clan should have in public. Still, Sasuke's spine stiffened on instinct when he was addressed with ...

A statement that made him blink at first. "No, of course --"

He paused, then directed an accusing look at one of Hoderi's golden eyes. "Of course not, right?"

The chick rumbled deep in its throat before butting the side of his head. They were young enough that human speech was still coming slowly to their inhuman vocal chords, but the answer was satisfying enough that Sasuke could turn back to his father, somewhat relieved. "No, Father. I'm usually with them if they're outside."

There was another moment's pause before he clarified, uncertain if Fugaku was actually aware of the unexpected menagerie that had taken residence under his roof: "There are three of them in total, but none of them have taken a cat that I've seen."