The Ginga Legend: Weed's Story

Leader Weed arc Episode eight: The Zetsu Tenrou Battouga

Weed was walking through the forest of the Koga Village with GB and Tesshin while searching for the perfect spot to train. Weed was glad GB was coming, as he wanted him to learn about this technique as well. He wasn't sure he could learn it, but he knew he'd at least love to know what it was about. "This should really be something, GB. I'm actually going to learn a technique invented by my dad!"

GB could see how happy Weed was to learn this technique. He did see something ironic about it however. "You seem quite excited for someone who doesn't like fighting."

"Hey. If I have to fight, I at least want to honor my dad's legacy by learning his moves." Weed replied, understanding why GB pointed that out.

Weed, GB, and Tesshin then arrived to where Tesshin was going to train Weed in learning the Zetsu Tenrou Battouga. "Here we are." Weed and GB looked around to see a bunch of trees surrounding them, all with strong branches that were possible for a dog to grab with their teeth. Tesshin explained why as he noticed Weed and GB's curiosity. "These branches will be of big help to learning the technique. For you see, the Zetsu Tenrou Battouga is used in the formation of a charging spin."

GB showed what seemed to be a rare sign of being insightful as he realized something about that description. "A charging spin? That sounds like a technique a Speed Specialist would've come up with."

Tesshin saw where GB was coming from before correcting him. "I suppose it does. But this technique actually doesn't have a specific specialty attached to it." Weed and GB found themselves intrigued by that as Tesshin told them what this technique was actually about. "All you need to be able to use it, is to have the strength, patience, and will to power through the training process."

Weed stepped forward, showing that he felt confident in having all three of those things. "Then I'd say I'm ready to get started!"

"I like the enthusiasm, Weed. But first, you should know what the Battouga is used for." Tesshin advised, and Weed allowed Tesshin to do so as Weed and GB then recalled what he was talking about. "I already mentioned that the Battouga is a charging spin attack. What I haven't mentioned yet is that the technique isn't about biting, but cutting." Weed and GB looked back to when Weed cut off the ear of that guard dog with that spinning charge. "The user runs at full speed towards the enemy, and goes into the formation of a disc, before cutting the opponent's skin."

Weed was amazed to find the description to be as accurate as it was. His first instinct was to tell Tesshin about his first time using it. "It IS the same move! I used that technique once, but I haven't been able to use it since!"

"Then you should have little to no problem with the training." Tesshin assured Weed, being ready to then demonstrate to him what to do for practice. "Now then. Observe." Tesshin ran towards the nearest branch and jumped up as high as he could, grabbing onto the branch with his teeth and using it to spin. After three spins, he jumped off. Upon landing, the branch broke off and fell to the ground. Once it did, Tesshin stated one more thing to bare in mind. "Remember. Your bite has to be just right."

Tesshin walked over to Weed and GB as he stated why that was. "If your bite is too strong, you won't spin. And if it's too weak, it won't cut."

Weed and GB kept that in mind with Weed instantly recognizing the precision required to use this technique. "So it's about speed as much as it is precision. Just like making sure you have the right target in your sights, you have to make sure your bite is at the correct level of force so you'll do the intended damage."

"Exactly!" Tesshin exclaimed, getting more excited to see Weed attempt the training. "Give it a shot, Weed. Demonstrate the Bear-Hound abilities you've inherited from your father!" Weed nodded his head yes, showing readiness in practicing to learn this technique.

Weed was surrounded by the rest of the Koga clan as he set his sights on the branch closes to him.

The Zetsu Tenrou Battouga

Or at least it would seem that way. Weed instead activated his Canine Spirit and went as fast as he could. Then, he transferred some more of his Spirit energy to his hind legs, and jumped up to the highest branch on the tree. This amazed Tesshin and the other Kogas, but not GB, who smiled proudly, having known Weed would want to challenge himself with the highest branch. "That's my boy."

Weed grabbed onto the branch, and while he managed to spin twice, his grip was a little too weak, and he lost hold. After falling off, he regained his balance and looked up at the branch. It didn't fall down, which told Weed he had a lot of work to do. "Shit."

"That was pretty good for your first attempt." Tesshin said encouragingly, impressed with the skill Weed was showing. "It's hard to reach that level."

Weed wasn't about to give up yet, readying himself for his second attempt. "Something told me it would be." Weed made the same maneuvers he did last time, and on this attempt, he made three spins. There was a grip where Weed's teeth were, and that made Weed more determined to get it right. "I can do this!" Tesshin observed as Weed made the same maneuvers for the third attempt. During this, Koyuki came over and saw what he was doing.

After Weed landed upon the third attempt, Koyuki got his attention upon revealing herself. "So this is the famous Zetsu Tenrou Battouga is it?"

Weed was happy to see Koyuki, as expected, and he shared a bit of info with her as he answered her question. "That's right! And get this. Apparently, I used the technique before without meaning to."

"At this point, I'd believe you took down a bear by yourself before we met." Koyuki joked, making Weed laugh a bit as she looked over to Tesshin to see if she could train as well. "Hey, Tesshin! Can I train with Weed!? No reason only one of us should learn the Battouga!"

"Of course. But just know that you might not be able to use it perfectly like Gin." Tesshin warned Koyuki, who seemed confused before Tesshin explained more. "It took me five years to learn the technique myself. And even then, mine isn't a real Battouga." GB started hatching a plan, walking up to the three Canines as Tesshin stated more. "Even with great effort, mastering the technique could be impossible. As I told Weed and GB, it's not linked to a specific specialty, but strength, patience, and will."

"Could we perhaps see if I can learn the Battouga?" GB asked, catching Weed, Koyuki, and Tesshin's attention.

Tesshin didn't see any problem with it, and Weed hatched an idea as Tesshin gave him permission. "I don't see why not. After all, you even pointed out yourself that it felt similar to a Speed Specialist ability."

Weed decided to share his idea now, since they were talking about more attempts already anyway. "Would it be okay if some of the other soldiers could learn too?" Tesshin found himself curious by this request, wondering how many soldiers would practice the Battouga today.

Weed, GB, Koyuki, and Tesshin were now relaxing in the hot springs with the others as Weed noticed how relaxed Reika was. The water seemed to truly soothe her, which also made Hiro smile when he noticed. Weed couldn't help showing how happy he was to see Reika relaxing. "It looks like you needed this the most out of all of us Reika." Reika looked at Weed as he stated why he thought that. "You've been so on edge ever since we met."

Reika was still brought to sorrow emotions when thinking about why that was. Thankfully, she was able to vaguely mention why that was to Weed. "Hougen is... the most vulgar kind of Canine you can imagine. If Hiro didn't come when he did, I might've been hurt even worse than I was."

Weed looked to Hiro, who had a pretty decent idea of what happened, but felt it was Reika's to state outright. Plus, Weed was still young, and at least some of his innocence was left intact. "I think that's a conversation best saved for an adult."

"Do you talk about it with her sometimes?" Weed asked, and Hiro nodded his head yes, making Weed glad that Reika had someone to talk to. "Good." Weed then looked back at Reika, seeing an intense mixture of anger and sadness in her eyes. Weed didn't know exactly what to say, since he didn't know exactly what Hougen did to Reika. But he knew that she needed support right now. Just like the rest of his friends. "You're not alone, Reika. Even if I can't know what Hougen did, my dad, Hiro, and Sasuke are all here to help if you need to talk about it."

Reika saw Weed's sincerity, even after he looked to Hiro to see if he got that right. "Was that a good thing to say?"

"Yes. I've said similar things." Hiro assured Weed. and then he made an offer to Reika to help her through her troubled times. "I have an idea, Reika. How would you like to discover your Canine Spirit Specialty?"

Reika was surprised by that offer, wondering if she even had the capability to use Canine Spirit. "For real? Would I even be able to do something like that?"

Hiro laughed a bit, but not directly at Reika. He simply thought her question was a bit funny. "Everyone is capable of Canine Spirit, Reika. It comes from the Spirit we have inside of us." Hiro reminded Reika, pointing to her heart, and as she looked at it, Hiro pointed out something else. "And the Specialty we have tells us a lot about ourselves. Even the parts we might not see." Reika looked back at Hiro, who smiled as he used himself as an example. "There's a reason I've always looked out for you."

Reika couldn't help smiling with genuine hope as Weed added something else about learning Canine Spirit. "And if you wanted, you could even use whatever Specialty you have to help the army." Reika liked the sound of that with Weed knowing she would. "You're a kind and friendly Canine. I think that'd be right up your alley."

Reika was grateful for the offer, nodding her head to show that she would at least consider it. "That sounds lovely." However, what wasn't lovely was something heard from nearby in the hot springs...

BLUBBLUBBLUBBLUBBLUB

...Weed, Reika, and Gin looked over to GB, who'd ended up farting in the hot springs with several bubbles surrounding him and Rocket, who were talking at the time. GB blushed bright red as he prayed that the moment wasn't ruined. "I'm so sorry about that; I was not anticipating that at all! I mean, I guess you already knew that, since I almost never do. Not that I try to of course." Rocket couldn't help chuckling at the sight of GB's gay panic.

Rocket also noticed Gin behind GB during said Gay Panic, which GB failed to do as Gin pointed his butt out underwater and... "I mean, being a Nature Specialist, you know it's natural, but I doubt you can predict every time I-"

BLUBBLUBBLUBBLUBBLUB

...GB blushed hard again as Gin snickered behind him, turning around with a beet red face as he snapped at Gin for trying to use his own farts to humiliate him more. "God fucking damn it, Gin; I'm almost blushing blood as it is!"

Rocket put a paw on GB to help him calm down as Tesshin annoyedly made a request regarding flatulence in the hot springs. "Guys, please, no farting in the Hot Springs." Weed, Hiro, and Reika looked at each other awkwardly before laughing a bit at the scenario. It seemed that even serious conversations like this one could be interrupted by moments like this.

Now, Weed and Jerome were getting back to training with the Zokaken, which Weed was very close to using properly. Meanwhile, GB was watching them from nearby, and he wanted to see how well Weed was doing in his training. He noticed Rocket coming next to him, and he gestured him to keep quiet. Rocky nodded in response, having already planned for this. Jerome observed Weed closely as the Akita's Spirit rose from ten percent, to forty percent, to seventy five percent, to ninety percent. Almost all of Weed's body was covered in this red aura.

Weed pushed himself as hard as he could to reach the last ten percent, which was the rest of his head and his ears. GB and Rocket were impressed by what they saw, and Jerome was as well. His smile showed that he was proud of Weed for how far he'd come. Weed had just reached ninety one percent before the strain got too strong. By that point, he fell to his knees and panted heavily to catch his breath. He'd gotten much closer than he did four days ago, when he first started practicing this technique.

Jerome knelt down to Weed as he continued breathing, praising him for his efforts. "That was fantastic, Weed! You should be using this technique properly in no time!"

Weed breathed a little more before responding to Jerome's words, despite still breathing as he did. "Yeah. But I'm still... behind on... mastering it." Weed breathed a little more before making it clear he knew where he needed to be. "On top of that, I have to learn the Zetsu Tenrou Battouga now too. And using both at once will be even harder." Weed also placed a paw over his arm and started using some Canine Spirit on it to heal himself. It wasn't very effective, but it reduced the strain a little, which still helped.

"Then you might have found what you've been wanting from Spirit training for the past while." Jerome pointed out, and Weed laughed a bit, showing that Jerome was right about that. Still, he hoped his habit of being a fast learner would be enough to make him ready for Hougen. Jerome also smirked before looking in the direction of GB and Rocket. "And I can already name two Canines right now you surpass in stealth." GB and Rocket flinched before revealing themselves, which Rocket did by letting the branch he moved down go back to it's original spot.

After GB and Rocket came out, Weed pointed out that Jerome wasn't the only one who sensed them. "I didn't want to focus away from my training." Weed did feel bad about lying to GB, which he addressed as he walked up to him. "I'm sorry I lied to you, GB."

"I should apologize too." GB admitted, leaving Weed surprised as GB admitted to where he went wrong. Rocket smiled to him for doing so, seeing that he wasn't afraid of humility. "It was me worrying about you that made you hide your continued training from me in the first place." Weed's expression still showed that he didn't like having lied to GB. "I shouldn't have been so dismissive of you learning this technique."

"I still wish I'd told you sooner." Weed replied, and then he started talking about how much GB meant to him. "Ever since I lost my mother, you've been right there looking out for me, no matter how small the scenario was." GB tried to contain himself as Weed's words filled him with joy. "I don't want to repay you like this."

GB carefully placed a paw on Weed's shoulder just in case he was still hurting from Zokaken. Thankfully, he wasn't, and GB got to express how much he cared about him too. "Every day, you push me to be the Canine I want to be." Weed smiled with GB doing the same, while also wishing he could talk to Weed about why he's so protective of him. It was just too painful. Weed could see that as he took his paw. GB had some final words of encouragement to help him through everything. "And if you ask me... you're doing an amazing job as our leader."

Weed was surprised that GB knew to say that, and he started to regret not opening up to GB about it sooner. "Thanks, GB. That means a lot." Still, he nodded gratefully as he said that before remembering something he wanted to do. "Oh, right! Rocket, would you be interested in trying to learn the Battouga?"

Rocket couldn't help but be surprised by that offer. Still, he was happy to accept. "I'd be honored! It'd be great to see if I can learn it!" Weed was happy to hear that, glad that Rocket was now on board for learning the Battouga.

Now standing before Weed were GB, Koyuki, Kotetsu, Mel, Jerome, Kyoshiro, Rocket, Hiro, and several other soldiers he and Tesshin allowed to try. Gin and Tanto were there for supervising as well, since Gin could already do the Battouga, and Tanto just wanted to supervise. Weed spoke with determination as he let the others know what to do. "Alright everyone. We're all here right now because we want to practice the Zetsu Tenrou Battouga. Not all of us will learn it, but at least trying shows me just how confident you are in your skill. So here's how we'll do it."

Weed turned around, looking at the tree behind him when beginning his explanation. "I want all of you to select a branch on that tree, one at a time of course, and use that branch to make yourself spin. It might sound simple, but it requires a lot of precision to get right." Hiro checked his fangs during the first part. "If your bite is too strong, you won't spin." Mel paid close attention as Weed stated the second thing to keep in mind. "And if it's too weak, you won't cut."

Gin smiled and nodded proudly to Tesshin, who smiled back with a smile of satisfaction. Weed then got ready for another attempt to make himself. "Allow me to demonstrate." Weed ran towards the tree and jumped up to the branch he picked before. He managed to spin three times after grabbing onto it, which led to him landing successfully after letting go. It seemed the time he took away from practice helped him think about how to perfect this move. He was surprised when he saw the branch break and fall to the ground. "I did it!"

"Don't sound so surprised, Weed." Gin was quick to inform Weed of how likely this speed of learning was. "Any dog with Bear Hound fangs can master the Battouga without spending too long. That's why I was able to learn it." Weed kept what Gin said next in mind. "You'll still have to figure out how to use it on command."

GB added in some praise of his own, having a good idea of how much truth Gin's words had. "And with the rate you learn at, you'll pull that off in no time."

Weed nodded in response, looking forward as he kept both words from GB and Gin in mind. "Remember, everyone. You have to use your own branch until you take it off. And with all of the trees around here, there's plenty for each of you to try it out on." Weed then stomped his paw on the ground, getting ready to try the technique again with everyone so he could master the Battouga more efficiently. "Alright, everyone! Let's do this!"

The other Canines all cheered for Weed, and a montage of everyone making their attempts at the Battouga played with one try after the other.

One after another, each of the Canines attempted the way of learning the Battouga. GB, Koyuki, Kotetsu, Mel, Jerome, Kyoshiro, Rocket, Hiro, everyone. All of them made valiant efforts. Weed being the only one guaranteed to learn the Battouga didn't stop them. They all showed the spirit that resided inside of them.

Soon after the training, Koyuki was practicing her Healing Spirit on Kotetsu, who got a bruise from his latest attempt at the Battouga. They heard Jerome's voice as Koyuki's attempt was slow, but managed to heal Kotetsu slightly. "Healing Spirit, Koyuki?" Koyuki and Kotetsu looked at Jerome, who was proud of her attempting another Specialty. "You've definitely become efficient since we first met."

"Thanks, Jerome." Koyuki replied, even though her healing of Kotetsu's bruise wasn't as fast as she would've liked. "Whether or not I can learn the Battouga, I should still focus on my Canine Spirit training." She then became curious about Weed and Kyoshiro's training. "Speaking of which, how have Weed and Kyoshiro been doing with the Zokaken?"

"They've made incredible progress." Jerome answered, chuckling a bit as he thought up a funny coincidence. "The strain it gives off inspired Weed to start training in Healing Spirit too."

Koyuki smiled, having expected something like that from Weed by this point. "It had to happen sooner or later."

Kotetsu gave a smug grin as he noticed Koyuki blush softly when thinking about Weed. "You like him."

"Stay still and let me heal you!" Koyuki demanded in annoyance, blushing even harder as he pointed that out. After a few seconds, she calmed down when she thought about something relating to Canine Spirit. "Ya know, I'm almost surprised none of us became Speed Specialists. You, me, and Mel I mean." Kotetsu showed curiosity and allowed Koyuki to explain why. "Ever since the beginning, we've all done everything we can to protect each other."

Kotetsu started thinking about that when bringing up something that could've led to him becoming one. "Yeah. Now that I think about it, sneaking off with Weed to Futago Pass would've made someone else think I specialized in Speed."

"Then Speed might be one of your top Specialties." Jerome chimed in, explaining to Koyuki and Kotetsu why they were given different Specialties. "You just happened to have stronger traits towards other Specialties."

Koyuki and Kotetsu looked at each other for a bit before snickering a bit at another thought they had, which Kotetsu quickly shared. "By that logic, Canine Spirit sounds like something that can help you dodge a bullet." Jerome chuckled a bit in response to Kotetsu's comment. His perspective definitely made sense, in it's own simplified way.

With Weed, he was still taking out the branches the best he could, unsure if this would be enough to help him learn the Battouga. Tesshin noticed Weed's concern and attempted to encourage him to speak about it. "What's wrong, Weed?"

"Practicing on a piece of motionless bark. It's much simpler than every other attack I learned." Weed explained, looking to Tesshin to get his perspective. "Can I really defeat opponents like this?"

Tesshin's chosen words were to remind Weed that this was only a step in the learning process. "No sweat. You just need to learn the basics right now. After that, you improve when you're fighting." With that reminder, Weed thought heavily about when he could use the Battouga at will. If he wanted to stop Hougen, he would have to hope his training could help him learn it as efficiently as his other techniques.

The next day, Weed and the others were relaxing in the Hot Springs again as Weed and Kyoshiro talked about the Battouga. "It's weird. Even though I don't like fighting, I still find myself excited to learn dad's famous technique."

"He's your dad. Of course you wanna stay close with him." Kyoshiro pointed out, and then he had a question enter his mind regarding Weed's knowledge on Gin. "How long did you say you've known him personally for?"

Weed thought about that before coming to an answer he saw most fitting. "I wanna say... three weeks?" Kyoshiro was shocked by that, but before he could ask further, Weed and everyone else heard something walking towards them. "Huh?"

When they looked towards the fog, they saw three big boars coming towards the springs. Rocket looked to Jerome, since he was right next to him, when filling everyone in. "Be careful. These aren't your average boars. Around here, they're known as the Dog-eating trio."

The leader spoke up, angry that 'his' home was being 'invaded'. "You bunch of mutts! I never said you could come here! This is MY health resort!"

Rocket started advising the trio as Gin stood up confidently. Since he was on the opposite side to where the boars were, he had a lot of ground to move on to reach them. "Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think Kogas are a lot more handsome than these guys."

Just then, Kotetsu came up and gestured them to face him. As he did, Rocket kept advising everyone to keep their distance with Kotetsu making a taunt. "You guys think you can take us on? Then you'll have to start with me."

"Kotetsu; get back!" Rocket called over, fearing Kotetsu wouldn't be able to handle these boars. GB also stood in front of Rocket, showing a desire to protect him as well. Rocket appreciated this, but advised GB to step back. "That's very noble, GB, but you have to stay back too."

Kotetsu scoffed before assuring Rocket that he would be fine. "Come on, Rocket. I've already held off against some of Hougen's troops. These ass hats won't be anything." Kotetsu dashed at the boars as soon as one charged at him, attempting to punch him before getting lunged into the air. This scared the adults nearby, but Kotetsu quickly rebounded and dove down. He landed a front flip downward kick right on the boar's head before jumping back. Once he got back onto land, he noticed he didn't do much damage. "Sturdy fellas, aren't ya."

"Hold it!" Weed demanded from nearby, and Kotetsu looked to find him standing valiantly alongside Gin and Tanto. "What the hell is going on here!?"

Kotetsu quickly called over to ensure Weed of the danger. "Be careful, Weed! These guys are a lot sturdier than they look! That kick I landed barely fazed the middle one!"

Kyoshiro almost rushed in to fight, but Jerome took him by the back of his neck and held him back. "Let go of me, Jerome! I have these fuckers!"

"Maybe, but they could be holding back more than durability! We shouldn't rush this!" Jerome reminded Kyoshiro. He knew Kyoshiro was angry, wanting him to calm down before he did something too reckless.

Just then, the boars charged, and GB started charging his Canine Spirit to protect the one who came at him and Rocket. He held his paw up as he started forming a disc-like attack that impressed Rocket. Once GB picked Rocket up and landed out of the water with him, he threw the disc at the boar, cutting his tusk and distracting him. Rocket was impressed by this strength, and GB happily told him what the technique was. "This is a new technique I've been working on since we met Gin. I call it a Slicing Saucer."

Weed braced himself after Gin kicked the boar back, leaving Weed to state what he had to do. "Your attack is really cool and useful, GB, but I don't think it'll be enough." Weed nodded to Gin, who nodded back before Weed started running on the water as fast as he could. He set his sights on the boar who was the farthest away, thanks to Gin's kick. After he ran fast enough, he successfully formed into a spinning attack, just like he did before. Only this time, it was at will. Everyone else was amazed, especially once he landed his attack right on target.

On his own, Weed's fangs weren't strong enough to cut through the boar's skin. So he got the idea to enhance his fangs by transferring Spirit energy to them as soon as he made contact. The attack as successful, and he flew off of the boar with a successful cut having been made. However, Weed ended up falling into the water thanks to the fatigue the attack gave him. It was his first time using it on command after all. The boars then looked back at him, wondering if they should charge at him.

However, GB dashed in front of one of them and held the broken tusk up to his forehead, and Jerome started charging his Fatal Strike Corkscrew. Gin also held the last boar back as he advised him to stay put. "I wouldn't recommend attacking anymore."

The boars stayed completely still with GB aggressively asking the one he held the tusk up to about their intentions. "Were you planning on killing Weed once our backs were turned?" The boar fearfully nodded his head yes, and GB put the tusk right on his forehead before speaking again. "Then that's your first mistake. We would never turn our backs on a friend." GB gave an aggressive glare towards the boar that showed how far he was willing to go to protect Weed. "If you're not out of our sight within thirty minutes, you won't be here any longer."

Rocket was surprised to see this violent side of GB. It seemed his protective nature went further than he anticipated. GB paid no mind to what was behind him as he gave the boars a direct threat. "And if you ever try to take the lives of anyone in this army, especially the young Akita and the Borzoi... I will fucking kill you." GB slowly lifted the tusk up and pointed to the direction he wanted the boars to go in a slightly calmer tone. "Get out while you still can."

The boars ran off as fast as they could, leaving the others surprised by GB's aggression. Gin shook it off however and praised him for his initiative. "That was quite the scare, GB. I didn't think you had that in you."

GB breathed in through his nose and out from his mouth, chuckling a bit before admitting to that ignorance as well as he tossed the tusk to the side. "I didn't think so either. I guess what Jerome said about my Specialty is stronger than we realized."

Gin laughed a bit as he agreed with GB's words there. "You can say that again." GB then looked over at Weed, who was laying on his back in the shallow water. He wasn't sure how he'd be able to handle the fact that he just used a technique to kill. Even with all the death he'd seen, it had to be hard on him.

Weed was laying on the ground when waking up from the impact of the Zetsu Tenrou Battouga, which thankfully wasn't a very long time. Once he awoke, he saw GB, Koyuki, and Gin right beside him. He smiled at the sight of all three of their presences. He then started thinking about the Battouga, and how successful his use of it was. He looked to his father, knowing there was a chance the attack wasn't perfected yet. "Father. Did I do it?"

"Yes. You performed your very first planned Battouga." Gin answered happily, being so proud of his son that he could barely contain himself.

Tesshin was also amazed, expressing how happy he was that his teachings worked. "That was amazing, Weed! You managed to use the Battouga well enough to take out one of the Dog-eating trio!"

"Take out?" Weed repeated, being taken aback by those words. He wasn't conscious long enough to know what happened to the boar he attacked. He looked over to the water where he landed, and the boar was gone. He was able to piece together what happened. "So I killed him?"

Kyoshiro could tell that bothered him, and unsure of why that was, he asked about it. "Of course. Isn't that what you were going for?"

Weed had to admit. While he was glad his army was safe, he wasn't exactly hoping for that. "Actually, no. It wasn't." This surprised Kyoshiro, but he let Weed give his piece. "I just wanted to show them how far I was willing to go to protect you guys. If the boar lived, and I was still awake then, I would've spared him. Then they would have a chance to change their ways."

Kyoshiro scoffed at that idea, since he'd never seen anything like it before. "People don't change, Weed. If they did, my old man would've taken the time he had to do it."

"Rocket did." GB pointed out, surprising Kyoshiro as GB smiled to Rocket. "Believe it or not, he started out as a spy for Hougen. But after getting to know us, he started helping us out for real. He's even the reason we found you."

Kyoshiro looked at Rocket, surprised by the information he was just given. "You used to work for Hougen?"

"Yes. Me and my two brothers." Rocket answered, smiling to GB as he expressed how happy he was to have changed sides. "Helping Weed's army was the best decision I've ever made." GB and Rocket were very tempted to start holding paws, but couldn't bring themselves to do so. They simply blushed while smiling and then looked away, causing some of the other soldiers to laugh at their obvious struggle to confess their love.

Koyuki leaned in close to Weed to share an idea she got while whispering it to him. "I know the timing is up to them, but we should totally encourage them to go for it." Weed nodded in agreement, believing that GB and Rocket would be a great couple. Kyoshiro was still contemplating what he just learned, just like Weed was still contemplating what he did to the boar. He couldn't understand how someone who used to work for a sadist like Hougen... could also change for the better after simply being shown kindness.

In the forest, Weed was looking at the first branch he took down during his training for the Zetsu Tenrou Battouga as he contemplated his first time using it willingly. He didn't think his first attempt would be that strong. And the fact that he killed someone. Even after months of traveling Ohu, he felt disgusted by the thought alone. He shook his head to try and stop thinking about it before hearing Kyoshiro's voice. "Still shaken up?"

Weed looked back to find Kyoshiro walking over to him. He wasn't sure if Kyoshiro would understand, but he decided to be honest with him. "Yeah. I am."

Weed looked ahead after confirming so, and Kyoshiro put a paw on his shoulder in an attempt to help him feel better about this. "It gets easier with time, Weed. I felt the same way you did after MY first kill."

"That's the problem Kyoshiro. I don't want to... get used to this." Weed explained, hating the idea of killing so much that it stopped fazing him. Kyoshiro listened as Weed took the time to elaborate. "Life is precious. All life. I don't want someone's life to go to waste if they want to change."

"Yeah, that's understandable." Kyoshiro admitted, despite finding it hard to see where Weed was coming from."

Weed spoke some more about his concerns so Kyoshiro could get a better understanding of his dilemma. "When GB and I first started traveling together, we met this dog named Blue, who was using Koyuki and Kotetsu to get food while keeping Mel hostage."

Kyoshiro was surprised by that knowledge, mostly because of what Weed was bringing it up for. He was also able to catch onto what happened to him. "Let me guess. Blue died soon after you met him."

"Yes. A truck hit him when he ran out into the road." Weed answered, and then he spoke some more about this, hoping Kyoshiro would understand. "When I rushed in to save him before another one hit... he threw me out of the way, because he wanted to save me." Kyoshiro started to understand more about why Weed thought the way he did. It was clear that they both got their ideals from experience. "He could've been a good Canine. I don't know why he was bad, but the fact that he saved my life shows that some bad people can change for the better."

Kyoshiro felt Weed needed another lesson in that regard and was quick to follow up on his wording. "What's the key word in what you just said, Weed?" Weed was confused, so Kyoshiro explained what he meant. "The word that helps specify what you're trying to say."

Weed thought about that for a moment, and he had an idea on what Kyoshiro was saying. He hoped he understood the meaning of 'key word'. "Some?"

Kyoshiro nodded in response, telling Weed why that word should be kept in mind. "What you told me about Rocket helped me realize that some people can change. But it shouldn't be something we just hand off to every asshole on the planet. They have to earn it, by proving that they want it, and putting in the effort to make it happen."

"Like GB." Weed instantly added with a smile, making Kyoshiro flinch before Weed told him about how they met. "Believe it or not, he and Sasuke were once slaves to one of Hougen's top dogs. And at one point, he used Sasuke to steal a duck for that dog. I think his name was Nero."

Kyoshiro turned Weed to him and looked right into his eyes as he asked for more context. "Are you telling me that GB used to be a cowardice piece of shit!?"

"Only from what he told me." Weed assured Kyoshiro, showing that his agreement was because of GB's thoughts. "That's where I come in. He always tells me that the moment he started to change his life around, was when he saw me rush in to save Sasuke myself." That intrigued Kyoshiro quite a bit. He definitely wanted to talk to GB and Rocket about their experiences when he could. "That always helps me feel like I can inspire people to change for the better. I mean, Hougen's an exception for obvious reasons, but those who work for him still could."

Kyoshiro was both annoyed, and endeared, by Weed's compassion. Both because of just how much of it he had. What annoyed him was that Weed seemed to be hesitant on making exceptions. What endeared him was that he saw him as someone other Canines might need in his life. He just wished he knew which part was stronger. He couldn't help chuckling as he admitted this to Weed. "Gotta be honest, Weed. I can't tell if you're the most naive Canine I know, or the most pure of heart."

"What do you mean?" Weed asked, making Kyoshiro snicker as it sent him further towards the former.

Kyoshiro then got serious as he explained to Weed just how dangerous his ideals could be. "Not everyone who says they want to change will mean it, Weed. There are all kinds of terrible people out there. Master manipulators, rapists, murderers, and all of them are capable of using someone's compassion to hide their selfish desires." Weed seemed conflicted as Kyoshiro added one final bit to his words. "I didn't even consider the idea of someone changing until I met you because of stuff like this."

Weed took Kyoshiro's paws as he started assuring him that he would do everything he could to make him feel cared about. "I know your life before your army was tough, Kyoshiro." Kyoshiro was surprised by the sudden comfort as Weed stated what he thought about him. "And you know how Rocket shared rumors people spread about you being heartless?" Kyoshiro nodded his head yes, and Weed smiled as he brought this back to the main conversation. "I don't think any of them are true. Impulsive and hot headed yeah, but not heartless."

Kyoshiro appreciated that, despite being unsure of how to react to such kind words. "Thank you, Weed. But I'm not as compassionate as you." Kyoshiro pulled his paws away, leaving Weed with a request. "Just think about what I said, okay?" Weed nodded as Kyoshiro left, and then he gave Weed some final words as he stopped by the nearest tree. "One more thing." Kyoshiro shed a tear and wiped it away as he spoke again. "Be glad your dad is trying to make things right."

As Kyoshiro left, Weed found himself in deep thought about all that he said. He already knew what he meant about Gin. Even though Weed was never mad at Gin, he knew how much he wanted to fix the time they spent not knowing each other. Then he thought about what he said about killing. He could see that Kyoshiro had learned that formerly bad Canines can change for the better. But he also knew Kyoshiro was trying to convince him to know who to kill. But would Weed really be able to ignore his intense desires to help others change?

Could he really make the right calls?

To be continued.