[The little creatures start playing like in a children's picture book. Hijikata still can't believe that this is really happening for all of them, but it sure is.]

Why would anyone-- ah. Can animals usually tell that you're a "predator"?

[He made finger quotation marks, just in case that'd be offensive otherwise!]

Honestly, animals can be really hit or miss for humans, too. I always struggle with horses.

[Maybe he'd have an easier time if he didn't either buy a breeding stallion as a battle mount just because it looked the most badass, or antagonised his new boss enough to be given the most stubborn police horse in the stables...]