Disclaimer: Yep. This story has its own version of Ki. Let's hope it fits!

The Ginga Legend: Weed's Story

Futago Pass arc Episode five: The Power of Canine Spirit

Some of the scenes from the previous chapter were shown as the narrator explained what happened.

Weed and Kotetsu managed to reach Futago Pass before the others, only to discover that it'd been taken over by the beast, Kaibutsu. Furhtermore, a canine substitute for Gin named Tokimune, died right before his eyes. Before the buried canines could've been given a proper memorial... a German Shepherd arrived and offered to help our heroes.

The German Shepherd was being stared down by almost everyone in Futago Pass, keeping his composure, but losing the smile to show he was ready to fight if he had to.

The Power of Canine Spirit

The German Shepherd made it clear that he wasn't there to fight, but that he wouldn't hesitate to take out anyone who attacked him. "Bare this in mind. Unless you try to attack me-" He caught the neck of a dog who tried to strike him from the left, holding him tightly as he finished what he had to say "I won't be a threat."

The German Shepherd set the canine down gently as Smith asked him about his true intentions. "Just who are you? And what business do you have with us?"

"Business first, name second." The German Shepherd informed Smith, being careful as to not reveal himself too soon. Daisuke, who thought he looked somewhat familiar, decided to wait until he figured it out for himself. "I have some techniques I think you could use to better help me take down Kaibitsu."

"What do you mean 'help you take down Kaibitsu'? Kagetore asked in annoyance, not taking kindly to the German Shepherd's tone.

Agreeing with this approach, Ken backed up Kagetore's question. "Yeah! You don't know for sure if you'll be his killer."

The German Shepherd gave a cold glare to Ken as he informed him of what he knew. "Perhaps not. But I know who Kaibutsu really is." The reveal of this shocked the others. "He was a genetic experiment created by humans."

Weed and the others couldn't believe this, and Weed himself had to ask about this. "Experiment? Is that why he's so big?"

The German Shepherd nodded his head yes in response. "I'm an assassin canine trained to take him down myself. For four years, I've been trying to exterminate him."

Daisuke figured it out, and he spoke up as he ran to the front of the line. "You're the dog I saw with Tokimune!"

"That's right." The German Shepherd confirmed, glad to see a human who wasn't against dogs. "At least ONE human sees us as we truly are. Well, two anyway."

Mel then stepped up, hoping it wouldn't annoy the German Shepherd too much to bring this up. "Um... not to sound rude, but... you never told us your name."

Mel then held onto Koyuki, who rubbed his head as the German Shepherd laughed softly before talking. "Of course. My apologies." Jerome spawned a brown orb of energy in his right paw after holding it out. This amazed everyone, especially with how big of an energy ball it was. "My name is Jerome. And my friends and I were taught the power of a fairly recent technique known as Canine Spirit. It can be used for a variety of things, such as my own Method: The Martial Arts Method."

Weed was amazed by this power, and Kotetsu thought the power looked really cool. "You get to make energy come out of your paws!? Sign me up!"

"Slow down Kotetsu." Koyuki spoke up sternly, worried this would be his punishment for sneaking off and lying to Weed. However, Koyuki had another idea in mind. "We can't just postpone our plans on such short notice. We have to decide this as a group like we always do." Kotetsu, remembering what Koyuki was getting at, nodded in response.

Mel walked forward with GB and Smith, worried that this would change their course on what the plans were. "Does that mean we're helping to take down Kaibutsu?"

"I doubt any of us would stand a chance against Kaibutsu, even WITH Canine Spirit." GB admitted honestly, knowing that he wouldn't be able to hold his own at least. "Consider yourself lucky you haven't seen his terror yet."

Jerome crushed the energy orb, surprising the others as he then put the energy onto his hind paws. "Let me know if you've made your decision. I'll explain more about Canine Spirit if you like." Jerome took off, leaving Weed and the others to work this out as a group. They knew this would have to benefit all of them. Weed already knew his decision, but what about the others?

Weed and the others started thinking about what they would do next about ten minutes later, after everyone had time to mourn the fallen canines, and Koyuki spoke up first. "As much as I wanna help them, some of the canines here might not want our help. I talked to Kagetore during the burying process, and he seemed pretty insistent on handling this battle himself with his army."

"Then he's an even bigger dumbass than I thought." Kotetsu spoke up, and Koyuki was about to correct him as he stopped her from doing so. "Hear me out, Koyuki. Weed, GB, and I saw what Kaibutsu was capable of. Weed was the only one who landed a noticeable scratch on him." Koyuki was shocked to hear that. Kaibutsu sounded more powerful than she thought. Then again, she was there for the attack on her village. "If we don't stay, they could all die. And I know none of us want that on our conscience."

Weed showed he was proud of Kotetsu by putting a paw on his shoulder and smiling to him as he gave his piece. "Well I'm staying to fight." Kotetsu smiled in response as Weed continued with what he had to say. "Kaibutsu's been terrorizing this land for six months, and has even turned most humans against dogs. I want to at least try to make a difference; both in helping to save Futago Pass from further trouble, and to show humanity that dogs are still friends to humans."

Kotetsu and Koyuki found that goal to be admirable. As Koyuki smiled in response to his nobility, GB chuckled a bit, catching their attention. "You're never gonna take the easy way out; are you, Weed."

"Hehe. Afraid not GB." Weed confirmed, not wanting to leave any of the canines in Futago Pass hanging.

GB sighed before smiling. His cowardice was once again taken over by his desire to protect Weed. "Fine. I'll stay. But I can't promise I'll be of much help."

Smith then informed GB that his decision was still a noble one to take. "Better to die doing something, rather than nothing."

GB appreciated the confirmation, and then Weed looked to Mel after realizing he hasn't spoken yet. "Oh; sorry, Mel. You should have a say in this too."

"Thanks Weed." Mel responded, and he struggled at first to come up with an answer. "I won't lie. It'll be pretty weird dealing with a new goal. We've been looking for Koyuki and Kotetsu's mom for so long now. And I've never been good with routine change." Weed was about to say something else, only for Kotetsu to stop him and nod his head no. With that sign, Weed waited for Mel to say more. After thinking hard for a few seconds, he smiled and gave his decision. "Still. I wanna stay too. At least until we stop Kaibitsu."

"So all of our minds are made up then?" Weed asked, and everyone else nodded, confirming this to be true. Weed was glad that everyone else was on board, and then stood up to get them on the right track. "Then let's go and find Jerome!"

"I think he used his Canine Spirit to leave a trail for us." Smith suggested, having noticed what Jerome did to his hind paws. "Gin spoke of this technique briefly before we parted ways. Jerome might have demonstrated one of the ways we can use it."

"That makes sense to me. Let's move!" Weed ran off with the rest of his friends, which caught the attention of Kagetore and Ken. Perhaps they were considering learning about Canine Spirit as well.

Jerome was waiting on a cliffside in Futago Pass, sitting on the edge as he thought about how long this battle had been going on for. It'd been ten years since Futago Pass was attacked, and only six months ago was he able to find someone who could help him take down the dog who caused it all. It made him wonder how this had gone on for so long. Just then, he heard Weed's voice. "Hey! Jerome!"

Jerome looked over his shoulder and saw Weed and his friends heading over to him. He smiled and stood up, hopeful that they decided to help him. "Hello again. Does this mean what I think it means?"

"It sure does." Weed informed Jerome, who was pleased to see that he had some new comrades to help in his fight. "It's time we put Kaibutsu's reign to an end!"

Jerome loved Weed's spirit, and was more than happy to support it. "With your help, it certainly will be!" Jerome then realized he would have to know the names of the canines he was working with. "Now then. What should I refer to you all as?"

"My name's Weed." Weed started, and then he looked back to Kotetsu, who was psyched to learn how to use Canine Spirit. "And you heard Kotetsu's name mentioned where the dogs were buried."

The rest of the canines then introduced themselves one by one. Koyuki was determined and no-nonsense. "Koyuki."

Mel was friendly and cheerful. "My name's Mel!"

GB was clearly scared, but still friendly. "I'm GB."

And Smith was kind and noble. "And I'm Smith."

The look on everyone's faces gave Jerome a clear idea who they were. He wanted to test their tenacity to see who would be the fastest to learn. "To start things off, I think I should see which one of you will learn the fastest with a test."

Mel didn't quite get what Jerome meant by that. "But we ALL wanna help fight Kaibutsu! Won't he know to go after the ones without Canine Spirit first?"

"Don't worry. You'll all be training at the same time." Jerome assured Mel, not wanting him to think anyone would be left out. "Bravery is a big part of Canine Spirit. At least the form I use. So I need to know who will be the fastest learner."

"Oh; okay. That makes more sense." Mel responded while laughing, glad Jerome could clear that up for him.

Jerome gestured the others to the other side of the cliff side he was sitting on after turning around. "You see that cliff over there?" Weed and the others looked over to the other side as Jerome told them what he wanted them to do. "Those who jump over the cliff will prove themselves to learn Canine Spirit much faster than those who don't." GB was definitely scared when it came to this test, and his fearful gulp showed it.

Smith remembered this test and told the others about it to further motivate them. "That's right. This is the test Gin and the others took to defend this land themselves."

"That's right." Jerome confirmed, and then boosted Weed's already strong determination for jumping over the chasm. "You all look like fast dogs. It shouldn't be much issue."

GB was shocked to hear that, seeing this as a do or die situation. "Every soldier really made this jump!?" Smith nodded his head yes with a chuckle, astonishing GB as he realized that. "That sure is one hell of a risk! I can't even see the bottom!"

Weed started running away from the cliff, confusing the others at first, until he turned around and looked dead ahead. Seeing what he was planning, Smith got out of the way, and the others followed suit. Weed went into a starting position and focused completely before he started running at top speed. His determined smile and fast movement made him see no other outcome than making it over the cliff. He made his jump right at the edge, which scared GB even more than jumping over the cliff himself. Weed hoped with all his might that he would make it...

...and he did! He skidded as he landed roughly and rolled once after he did, but was able to regain his balance quickly. He started laughing after looking around for a bit and realizing that he pulled it off. "I did it! I did it guys! Just like my dad did!"

Kotetsu and Mel both got excited with Mel cheering for Weed. "You really made the jump! That was great, Weed!"

Smith laughed a bit as he pointed out just how much Weed was like his father. "History is repeating right in front of my own eyes! You really ARE an Ohu soldier!"

"Alright Weed; now we're talking!" Kotetsu ran to the same distance Weed was, which caught everyone's attention as he readied himself in the same way. "I'm jumpin' this bitch!" Kotetsu ran as fast as he could and made the jump just like he did, leading to him making it across as well. He did fall on his chest and skid a little, but Weed was quick to help him up with a smile. "Thanks."

Smith joined them right after that, and despite his missing stump, he was able to grab onto the ledge and climb himself up. Koyuki followed right after hi fiving Kotetsu after skidding a bit on her landing. Mel wasn't quite sure at first, but then he saw that everyone else over the other side was waiting for them. Seeing as they did it too, he decided to go for it and ran as fast as he could before jumping as hard as he could as well. He almost fell down right at the end, but Koyuki caught him and helped him up by grabbing his paw, which he greatly appreciated. "Thanks Koyuki."

GB saw that he was the last to jump, chuckling a bit before he looked to Jerome. "I think it's safe to assume I'll be learning Canine Spirit last."

"Last, but not never." Jerome responded, and he then advised GB to make his jump. "Still, we have to start soon, so your brave side had better kick in."

"R-right!" GB responded, running to the same distance as the others and looking over the cliff before getting ready. As he ran towards the cliff, his fear almost took over. But he used Weed as motivation, remembering how brave he was against the dog who almost killed him at the duck farm. He gained a look of determination and jumped over the cliff, slipping on the ground as he landed and falling on his face. He skidded after rolling once before finishing with his butt raised in the air.

Jerome jumped across himself as Weed checked to make sure GB was okay. "Are you okay, GB?"

"I should be. Thanks, Weed." GB responded as Jerome walked over to the others. Unfortunately, GB's butt was still in the air, and it was pointed in his direction. And it was shown as GB accidentally released...

PFFFFFFFFFFT

...A crass five second fart into the German Shepherd's face, stunning him with the yellow cloud of rotten eggs that left his vibrating butt. The fart caused GB to flinch and blush in embarrassment with the others covering their noses. Jerome coughed and gagged from the fart with GB looking back in shock once he realized he hit him. "Oh God!" He quickly turned around and apologized for the expulsion that snuck up on him. "I-I'm so sorry, Jerome!"

Jerome started wafting the fart away and coughed a little more as Weed let Jerome know he wasn't the only victim of that. "I know how ya feel."

"I don't doubt it." Jerome assured Weed, looking to Jerome, who started to blush even harder. Jerome quickly blushed it off thankfully, and decided to get started on training. "Try to hold them in during training, okay?"

GB gave Jerome a thumbs up in response, leaving Kotetsu to joke about how often that would be happening. "He's got about a fifth of a chance at following through with that."

"Ya know, Kotetsu, you're not exactly a stranger to farting yourself."

"At least MINE aren't in Jerome's face."

Just then, Kagetore's voice was heard from the other side. "Hey!" Weed and the others looked and saw that Kagetore and Ken came along. And they brought with them the rest of their remaining soldiers. "Got room for a few more!?" Kotetsu smiled when he saw this and gained a new respect for Kagetore. Perhaps he wasn't as dumb as he first thought.

After everyone was lined up and standing on two legs, Jerome stood in front of everyone in the same position. Once he knew for sure that everyone was paying attention, he started to explain how Canine Spirit worked. "The first step to learning how to use Canine Spirit, is to look deep inside yourself to channel your inner spirit" Weed was paying close attention, knowing he would need to learn this for the future. "Once you do that, try to form an energy orb from your palm."

Weed and the others did as instructed, and as they did, Weed felt his aura becoming more powerful. This surprised him, but he soon figured this meant it was working. He held out his paw, and he formed a small energy orb. It was the same size as the one Jerome made earlier, except it was blue, like his fur. Jerome was impressed, walking up to Weed to explain another step of Canine Spirit. "As you can see, the color of Canine Spirit energy is tied to the color of your fur."

Weed thought that was really interesting, but soon noticed Jerome spawning an even bigger orb and shooting it up it at a strong looking rock that was at least ten feet tall. Weed and the others were stunned by that act with Weed then asking about it. "Jerome, why did you destroy that rock?"

"To demonstrate how much power you can unlock with such an ability." Jerome explained, and then Smith spawned an energy orb in his own paw. This one was colored black. When Jerome noticed, he was quick to praise Smith. "Nice work, old timer. You and Weed are fast learners." Jerome set his focus onto Weed, wanting to help him understand the attack better. "Now Weed. I want you to hit another rock with your energy to see how strong it is at the start."

Weed was a little reluctant, but figured it was at least worth a shot. "Well... okay. But no trees." Jerome nodded in understanding, and Weed then stepped forward after Jerome spawned a Ki orb and showed him how easy it was.

Weed was careful with his orb, and Jerome told him that he didn't have to be. "Don't worry about being careful. As long as it's your own energy, it'll stay as yours unless you lose your grip of it."

"Okay." Weed did as instructed, and then he saw a rock that was about half the size of the one Jerome destroyed. Weed aimed his energy blast at the rock and launched it as fast as he could. It hit the rock and made a noticeable crater, much to the amazement of everyone else. Weed was amazed as well as he pointed it out. "I did it!" Weed then started to think about how weak his blast was compared to Jerome's and got concerned. "But it was nowhere near as strong as Jerome's."

"You'll get there, Weed." Jerome assured Weed, who looked up at him as he reminded him of an important part of Canine Spirit. "Just remember. There are three key elements to using Canine Spirit. Control, power, and of course, spirit." Weed gave a determined look and nodded in response. It was clear that he was ready to learn all he had to help defeat Kaibutsu.

One by one, the rest of the canines were getting Canine spirit. Kotetsu was shown holding a white orb in his paw and throwing it at Kagetore as a prank. Although it wasn't as strong as Weed's energy orb, it still made the Kai flinch and drop his own orb, which was gray. This made Kotetsu start laughing with Koyuki spawning a white one herself before warning Kotetsu about doing that again. "This energy isn't a toy, Kotetsu. Don't make me show you why."

"Tch. As if you'd ever try to hit me with that out of spite." Kotetsu called out, only for Koyuki to launch it at him. He dodged it, leaving him to stare Koyuki down with a tenacious smile as Koyuki snickered a bit. "Oh, it, is, on!"

Meanwhile with GB and Mel, the only two who hadn't unlocked their orbs yet, GB was starting to show concern over how long it was taking for him. "We've been at this for an hour. At any rate, Weed will probably start launching full on attack beams before I get started on using Canine Spirit."

Mel made an attempt to cheer GB up, holding out his own paw to show he hadn't gotten full control of his spirit yet. "Don't worry GB. I haven't unlocked Canine Spirit yet either." Just then, a yellow orb spawned in Mel's paw, surprising both of the canines in the conversation. "Oh; never mind."

GB sighed, having a feeling this was going to happen anyway. "Don't be so surprised, Mel. You clearly have more spirit than I do."

Jerome saw GB looking over at Weed with concern and went over to give him some advice on using Canine Spirit. "You know, GB, doubt in ones self puts a big toll on their Canine Spirit. At least when they're first learning it." GB looked at his paws as Jerome finished the advice he had for him. "We can clear your mind of any doubt you may have tomorrow. Kaibutsu never comes around this part of Futago Pass, so we'll have plenty of time to make that happen."

"Well... if you insist." GB looked over at Weed, who was showing another one of his Canine Spirit orbs to Kotetsu, who compared it to his own. The two were clearly excited by their discoveries, and were much more confident than GB. 'Do they really think we can take Kaibutsu down?'

Early the next morning, GB was sleeping next to Weed with Jerome nudging him gently to wake him up. After doing so, GB looked up at Jerome, who waited for his eyesight to adjust before speaking. GB getting up slowly confirmed to Jerome that now was a good time to start. "Come with me, GB."

GB looked down at Weed to make sure he was still sleeping before heading off. "Alright." GB walked off with Jerome to begin 'clearing his mind of doubt' as he suggested. Once he knew they were out of earshot of the others, he began speaking. "You're sure this will help me to use Canine Spirit better?"

"I'm positive. It worked wonders for a former comrade of mine." Jerome assured GB, and he surprised the English Setter by sitting down across from him. "Getting stuff like this off your chest could help in the same way."

GB didn't expect something like that to be involved in Canine Spirit. "Therapy?" Jerome gestured GB to sit down, which he did, and then he began speaking about his doubt. "The dogs I've been traveling with lately have been the first positive support I've ever had. Everyone else before me has either abused me, betrayed me, or left me in one way or another." GB shuddered as he admitted to something else with clear remorse. "And I even adopted some of their character traits to survive."

Jerome got a good idea of what GB was trying to accomplish. His words, and his posture, helped him greatly. And to GB, his analysis couldn't have been more sound. "And you seek redemption for the dog you used to be?"

"That's correct." GB answered, seeing first paw that Jerome's judgement on him was intended to be fair and accurate.

Jerome then looked to where Weed was from a distance. He hoped this wouldn't be too much for GB to handle. "I saw you look at Weed last night when I came over to you." That got GB's attention more than anything. He was paying attention before, but Jerome seemed to be reading him like an open book. "He's special to you, isn't he."

"I'm not in love with him if that's what you're insinuating." GB blurted out nervously, leaving Jerome to raise an eyebrow as GB then put his paws up in response. "Sorry; I know you'd never assume something like that!" GB then composed himself as he began to answer the question, unaware that he accidentally woke up Weed with his raised voice. Weed was the closest to GB and Jerome, so he was able to hear what GB was saying. "Weed convinced me that I could be a good canine if I tried."

Weed couldn't help but want to listen in, so he walked over to GB and Jerome quietly, knowing that GB would stop if he knew he was there. "I used my friend Sasuke to get a duck for our previous boss, Nero. When Weed rushed in to save him, I at first thought he was crazy. But as I ran away, his pure and determined spirit ate at me. And then it hit me when I was running back to help" Weed was behind a rock near where GB and Jerome were. He smiled over being able to help GB. "Turns out, all I needed to try being a good canine... was someone to believe in me."

Jerome was glad to see GB opening up the way he was. What he said next was a surprise to Weed. "Ever since we set off to find Gin, I felt this urge to protect Weed at every point he was placed in a dangerous situation. My cowardice thoughts vanished, and the only thought I had was to protect him." The next words to come from GB's mouth were ones that Weed didn't expect. "I feel like I'd... lose myself, if I were to lose Weed." Weed's shocked look upon hearing that said it all. "Which is ironic when you consider that I sent him to Futago Pass on his own."

Jerome thought of a way to help after seeing Weed behind the rock and made GB aware of the Akita's presence. "Perhaps you have some words to share about that one, Weed?" Weed flinched, but came out anyway, revealing himself and surprising GB by the revelation of his eavesdropping. This wasn't planned, but GB decided to make the most of what he discovered. "Don't be shy. If you're willing to listen to GB, then he should also be willing to listen to you."

"I'm just not sure what to say." Weed admitted, not wanting to say the wrong thing. He then looked to GB with a question in mind. "Do I..." GB listened closely as Weed started to show remorse regarding what he said next. "Do I really worry you that much?"

"It's not your fault." GB assured Weed, who sensed something else going on as GB continued assuring him of that. "I could've never expected to have met someone like you. And at such a young age." GB choked at what was seemingly a painful memory before finishing his words. "Losing you would take too much out of me."

Weed decided not to pry on GB's past, and instead decided to assure him that he would be okay. "Well... if you say so. I can't say I'll stay out of danger every time, but I won't run in recklessly either."

GB laughed a bit before reminding Weed of what he did when first meeting Kotetsu, Koyuki, and Mel. "You didn't exactly rush after Kotetsu with a plan."

Weed chuckled a bit before Jerome decided to get back on stopping Kaibutsu. "If it's alright with the two of you, I think we've found a good spot to end our meeting." Weed and GB looked to Jerome, who stated the idea he just came up with. "I think I know of a way to throw Kaibutsu off."

The sky was shown with some birds on a nearby tree as GB shouted at the top of his lungs. "WHAT!?" The birds flew off in fear as GB was then shown objecting to Jerome's idea. "We aren't using one of the puppies as lure, Jerome! It's too dangerous! We should just use the army and outnumber him!"

"This isn't a fight of numbers." Jerome informed GB, who seemed confused like the others as Jerome elaborated when looking to the side. "The passage ways inside gajo are very narrow. You won't know where he is." Most of the others couldn't quite make out what Jerome was looking at, but Smith used his canine spirit to enhance his eyesight and reveal a rock mountain Jerome had in his view. "A direct attack on him will cost more lives." The puppies were shown as Jerome finished his explanation. "That's why I need someone small to lure him out."

Smith explained to the others what Jerome was looking at just in case. "Gajo was blocked off by a rock mountain some time back. GB and I would have a greater risk at getting stuck."

Weed, without hesitation, stepped up to be the lure, knowing that he had the best chance at surviving. "Then I volunteer!"

Kotetsu was worried about Weed, but didn't feel he had much to add on this matter. "I take it this isn't something we have time to debate about."

"Doesn't look like it." Koyuki admitted, looking to Weed with concern in her eyes. "Be careful, okay?"

Mel tugged on his ear a bit out of fear while bringing up what he thought about this. "Weed's not gonna die, is he?"

"He's a smart kid. I think he can manage." Jerome assured Mel, confident in Weed's abilities.

GB then looked to Weed to make sure he wanted to go through with this. "Are you sure about this, Weed? You saw what Kaibutsu did; he could tear you to shreds!"

Weed thought about what he saw the other day before making it clear what his decision was. "He could. But that doesn't mean I'll let him."

Smith noticed how calm Jerome was when it came to facing a situation that could lead to death. He paid a close eye on him as Jerome gave the group one more piece of advice. "Kaibutsu has enhanced skin thanks to his genetic alterations. Our best bet is to strike him in the heart, where there's no skin." Everyone took note of this with the group heading out to get the army and make their move. "It's time to avenge all of our fallen friends! This is our destiny!" And with that, the group rushed off to fulfill the plan.

Later, Weed and everyone else had arrived at Goja, where Jerome was instructing Weed on where to enter from. The others were waiting at a close, but safe distance, just in case things went wrong. "Alright, Weed. You'll go in through here. It'll also be your escape route. Understand?"

"Yep." Weed jumped in without hesitation, making his bravery to Jerome all the more clear. It seemed the two both ignored the fear of death when it came to doing what they felt was right. Weed was using his sense of smell to track down Kaibutsu by sniffing the air and ground. He was in contact with him before, so it made the job much easier. That didn't stop him from being startled by a couple falling rocks though. The pathway started to get narrower as he progressed. He also noticed a pair of red eyes, instantly recognizing them as Kaibutsu's.

Weed held his guard up, but Kaibutsu's roar was heard from outside, and it alerted everyone. Jerome didn't even quiver. It was clear that he didn't fear death at all. The thought of Weed dying also caused Smith to have a flashback of when he saw Sakura after she passed on. And then his dead comrades' bodies. GB started to rush in to help Weed on instinct, but Smith stopped him, knowing that he couldn't change much. "Don't, GB! You'll just get hurt!" GB stopped after Smith pulled him back and offered to take his place. "I'll go in. Don't follow me."

Smith started to rush in with Jerome informing him of Weed's chances of survival. "He's a fast and strong pup, Smith. His chances of making it out, with or without you, are quite strong."

"Perhaps. But I can't just stand around and do nothing." Smith made it clear that he was standing by this as he looked into the hole Weed entered from. "I won't let Weed meet the same fate as his mother." Jerome smiled in response to Smith's bravery. Now there were THREE dogs who resisted the fear of death. He stepped out of the way, and Smith made his way into the mountain to save Weed.

Weed was dodging Kaibutsu's attacks the best he could, as well as trying to aim for his weak spot, but to little avail. Kaibutsu had him cornered at one point, but Weed didn't let up. He set his sights directly onto Kaibutsu's chest area and remembered what Jerome said. After dodging another paw strike, he jumped for Kaibutsu's skinless spot and tried to bite through his arteries. However, his fangs weren't strong enough, so he needed a new plan.

He spawned a Spirit orb in his right paw just like he did last night and knocked himself off while ripping off a bit of the spot. Weed regained his balance and jumped off of the wall to gaze at the wound he created. However, the wound wasn't strong enough, and Kaibutsu simply licked it to get it healed. 'Damn it! He's not wounded!' Weed tried to charge another Canine Spirit orb, only for Kaibutsu to pin him to the ground with his paw. He aimed the orb at Kaibutsu, who got ready to bite down at him and take his life once and for all.

"WAIT!" Smith's shout was heard by both Weed and Kaibutsu from nearby. Smith stared Kaibutsu down and got ready to take Weed's place. "I'm the one you should be fighting!"

Weed stood up after Kaibutsu lifted his paw off of him and showed appreciation, along with concern, for Smith. "Uncle Smith!"

Smith's determined expression made it clear that he wasn't about to let Kaibutsu take Weed out. "I may not have been there to help my friends take down Akakabuto... but this time, I'll certainly be there to help them take down a monster like you!" Kaibutsu accepted Smith's challenge, and the French Spaniel Mix made his first move by jumping at and biting Kaibutsu's snout. He held on tightly, and Weed shot Kaibutsu with another Canine Spirit orb to help him out.

"You're not alone in this, Uncle Smith!" Weed charged at Kaibutsu and bit his leg to try and make him lose balance. However, Smith jumped off and picked Weed up, much to his surprise. He threw Weed towards the entrance, confusing and worrying Weed as he called over to him. "Uncle Smith!"

"Don't interfere! Get out of here now!" Smith demanded, making his desire to save Weed's life very clear.

Weed couldn't just leave Smith alone though. It just didn't feel right. "But why!?"

"Shut up and do as I say!"

"But-"

"Weed!" The look on Smith's face made it clear to Weed how determined Smith was to see this thought. His words also made it apparent that he had high expectations for Weed. "Escape while you can. Keep growing into a strong warrior. Master Canine Spirit and protect our friends."

Weed was hurt by the thought of losing Smith, but he knew there was no arguing with him in this instance. "Uncle Smith."

Kaibutsu faced Smith again, and Smith once again, made it very clear, that he wasn't about to back down. "Come at me, you bastard!" A black aura then formed around Smith, showing that his Canine Spirit was showing. This revealed to Weed that a major part of Canine Spirit, wasn't following your mind, but your heart. "This is for all those you've slain! I'll tear you to pieces!" Smith lunged at Kaibutsu again and bit his face as hard as he could. It became harder as Kaibutsu slammed him into the rocks above them.

Kaibutsu slammed Smith again, and again, and again, and Weed called out to Smith to convince him to retreat. "It's no use, Uncle Smith! Get away!" However, Smith refused to let go. And Kaibutsu continued slamming him into the rocks. slam, after slam, after slam, Weed watched in horror while trying to convince Smith to run. "Uncle Smith, please!" As the rocks started to fall, Weed called to Smith once again in the hopes that he would hear him. "Uncle Smith!"

"Weed!" Weed listened to Smith's call to him, which allowed him to give his final words to the pup. "When you meet your father... tell him that his friend Smith... died like a real dog!"

Tears formed in Weed's eyes as he called out to Smith again when one final slam called the rocks to collapse. "UNCLE SMITH!"

Outside the mountain, everyone else was horrified over what just happened with Koyuki taking her dagger out to help her friends. "That's it; I'm not sitting here anymore! Koyuki rushed ahead with everyone else taking notice, and she even ran past Jerome to head down into the hole. When she arrived into the mountain, she was shocked to find Weed desperately trying to dig something out from the mountain.

Weed continued crying while digging in an attempt to save Smith, who was trapped underneath the rocks. "Uncle Smith!? Uncle Smith, please answer me!" Koyuki ran over to Weed as he kept digging. "Hang in there! We'll get you out" She started helping him, hoping to at least get his body out to honor him properly.

It was noon when Weed and Koyuki got Smith's body out. Now, everyone was mourning the loss of one of their fallen comrades. All who were friends to Smith were crying, while Kagetore and the others gave them the peace they needed. Koyuki did her best to comfort Weed, since he was right there when Smith died. "It's not your fault Weed. He made the choice to protect you." Weed looked at Koyuki, understanding what she was trying to tell him. "There's always a choice. Remember that."

Mel couldn't grasp the fact that one of his friends was dead and started shouting over it. "It's not fair! Uncle Smith wasn't supposed to die! I didn't want him to die!" Kotetsu offered his crying adoptive brother a hug, which he accepted while the two cried together. "I wanted him to live Kotetsu!"

"I did too buddy. I did too." Kotetsu assured Mel, doing the best he could to help him mourn their friend's death.

"He died. All because of me." GB's cracking voice caught the others' attention. The English Setter clearly took this harder than everyone. "He saved me from a moving truck the day we met. He strayed away. And got separated from Sakura." Weed walked over to GB and licked his tears to comfort him, despite still crying himself. "It's all my fault! I should be in his place!"

Jerome then stepped forward to give some encouraging words regarding Smith. "Smith was a real fighter. His spirit was unmatched by those he fought alongside." Jerome placed a paw on GB's shoulder when finishing what he had to say. "If he was willing to stray away from his mission to save your life... then he had to have believed that you're capable of becoming an Ohu soldier yourself."

GB looked at Weed, who was now looking over Smith's body. As Weed spoke to Smith, GB felt his urge to protect him being stronger than ever. "I won't let you down Uncle Smith. I'll do exactly what you told me. I'll be the best Ohu soldier I can, and protect our friends with everything I've got!" Just then, Weed sensed something and looked towards the mountain in response. He felt there was something moving in the mountain. And when we saw the inside of the rubble Smith and Kaibutsu got trapped under... the movement of a rock confirmed it to be true.

To be continued