Disclaimer: To Roxas the Nobody, I accept your apology. Just please remember to use reviewing to review the story and its chapters.

And to answer your questions, I wouldn't say Weed has PTSD, but the way Sakura raised him to appreciate life and Blue saving him gave him the mentality of wanting to help others change, which part of his arc is about him learning to manage. Yes, Mel has Autism. Hiro and Reika MIGHT get together at some point, but because I age the dogs in human years in my story, I'll have to hold off until Reika's an adult. Also, I don't know what you mean by dirty mouth. He's not exactly swearing like a sailor.

Anyways, on with the show!

The Ginga Legend: Weed's Story

Leader Weed arc Episode three: Ascending Attachments

Right from where the previous chapter left off, Hiro was still defending Reika from Hougen and his army. Despite just meeting Hiro, Reika hoped he could get her out of there, being desperate to get away from Hougen. "Please help me."

Hiro had already planned on that, and it was one of the reasons the dark gray dog spoke up. "Don't interfere!" When the dog charged at Hiro however, he did his signature ball removing technique and sent the Canine to the ground.

As the gray dog screamed in pain and agony, Hiro made it clear to Reika that he wasn't going to let them hurt her. "Don't worry, miss. I'm going to help you escape."

"Thank you so much." Reika said, being incredibly grateful, despite still being shaken by what Hougen did to her.

Hougen showed no concern for his soldier, simply killing him with a Canine Spirit sword through the neck. "God, damn it! Could you be any louder!?" He quickly calmed down after the screaming stopped however, and directed his attention back to Hiro while praising his speed. "So you're the ignorant traveler who thinks his cock ripping attack makes his balls grow bigger."

"Oh, so you know." Hiro answered, despite the second part being false. "Well, you're half right. I'm Hiro, the ball snatcher." Hiro spat the balls out and declaring his reason for coming up to the Alps. "I heard that Gin and Hougen, the major bosses of Ohu, are around here. I can to save the former." Hougen kicked the dead Canine to the side as Hiro called out what he was doing. "And it seems that the latter only has a brain big enough to pick on girls."

Hougen chuckled heartlessly, seeing that Hiro barely knew the gist of what he was doing to Reika. "That's a soft way to describe it." Reika tried to contain herself, and Hiro sensed her struggle when he looked back at her. Hougen then asked about his Canine Spirit specialty. "Let me guess. Speed specialist?" Hiro nodded to confirm it, and Hougen raised his paw to show what his specialty was. "Try to guess mine."

Hougen snapped his fingers, causing several versions of one of his soldiers to spawn around Hiro and Reika. This stunned both of them, but Hiro quickly figured out what was going on. "A conjuring specialist, huh!? Well your tricks won't stop me!"

"Wrong answer!" Hougen shouted, causing Hiro to look back and see him holding Reika by the neck. His left paw was right against her ass, which he grabbed as he taunted Hiro to further enrage him. "Answer me this, ball snatcher Hiro. Can you rip off the balls of someone who has them placed into someone else's soft, sexy ass?"

Hiro became enraged, glaring at Hougen as he planned a speed powered Canine Spirit dash, and aimed his sights for his head. "YOU DIRTY BASTARD!" However, Hougen simply jumped up and kicked Hiro to the side, shocking him as he was sent into a tree. Reika, despite being as uncomfortable as could be, was concerned for Hiro as Hougen's army started grabbing him. "You goddamn coward! You won't even fight me yourself!?"

"I don't have to, virginity breath. I know I'd win." Hougen responded, and then he started spanking Reika with every other step they took back into his lair. "Come on, baby! We're gonna have some fun!" Hiro glared at Hougen with all the hate he could muster. Even Hougen clarifying his age didn't calm Reika down. "And don't worry. I'm only seventeen, so this is still legal."

"Not if I don't consent it's not!" Reika shouted back, being horrified by whatever it was that Hougen was going to do to her.

Meanwhile, Weed and his friends were in the latest town discussing Rocket's stance in the group.

Weed and his army were making strong progress towards the Alps of Ohu. After all the time they've traveled however, Weed and his closest allies were making another stop in the nearest town. They hoped to prepare themselves as much as possible for the big battle.

Kotetsu couldn't help smirking as he brought it up while looking at snacks. "So. Day five. You're still cool with him staying with us?"

Weed picked out a chocolate bar that looked good in his eyes as he answered that. "Yep. Like I said last night. If he wanted to stay loyal to Hougen, he would've left with his brothers."

Koyuki saw what Weed was picking out and stopped him on his way back to where GB was, which was over by the drink section. "Hold on, Weed." Weed turned to Koyuki as she showed her concern for his health. "Chocolate used to be a poison to dogs. I don't know if that's still the case, but we probably shouldn't risk it."

Weed considered Koyuki's point and looked over to GB as he brought up one of his own. "Well GB's over there picking out what soda he wants. Didn't that also use to be something that hurt dogs' insides?"

Koyuki laughed a bit after Weed pointed that out and picked the same kind of candy bar as him: Milk chocolate peanut butter. "You got me there!"

Ascending Attatchments

Weed was grateful to Koyuki for the warning however, and also the fun fact. "Thanks for looking out for me."

"Of course! Kotetsu, Mel, and I stayed to help you." Koyuki reminded Weed, blushing a bit as she admitted to something else. "And sometimes, it feels like I could do more."

"You've been helping more than enough, Koyuki. Believe me." Weed assured Koyuki, making her glad as the two walked off with their candy.

Weed and the others went up to the counter as Mel put his own input on the Rocket situation. "I forgive him." He then looked at Kotetsu to see his perspective. "You?"

Kotetsu shrugged, still not being quite sure yet. Noticing this after putting his orange soda down, GB stated his position on the matter. "I know how he feels. Wanting to change into a better Canine." Weed and the others looked at GB with Weed being the only one who knew what he was referring to. GB laughed a bit at one recent memory with him. "And he knows how to tell a funny campfire story." GB then started counting his money so he could pay. "Besides. I find it hard to believe any soldier would be foolish enough to betray the same army twice."

Weed smiled proudly as GB said that and put his candy bar up as he replied. "That's part of why I let him back in." As he did however, he accidentally touched Koyuki's paw, as they put their candy bars up at the same time. This led to both of them flinching as Weed apologized for both of them. "Oh; sorry, Koyuki."

"No, it's fine. No harm done." Koyuki assured Weed, and then she and Weed turned to each other as they continued blushing and talking about what happened.

"I guess. It was just a paw touch."

"Yeah. Nothing insane about that."

GB caught onto Weed's feelings and smiled as he saw them in action, even though he didn't know how to act on them yet. The two of them ended up blushing harder after those two responses they made and looked away from each other. GB silently mouthed to Weed that this was normal, and he nodded to take his word for it. Kotetsu pointed to it while smirking, leaving Mel to watch and wonder what was going on. This would be grounds for him to tease Weed later. GB's smile as he paid for the snacks made it clear he was happy for the young Akita.

Back in the Alps, Jet and Missile were making their way back to Hougen's lair, and Hougen realized that Rocket wasn't with them. "Stop moving, dick muzzles!"

Jet and Missile stopped as commanded, surprised by Hougen's soldiers surrounding them. "What the hell is this?"

"Perhaps they realized how slow you really are." Hougen said, walking over to Jet and Missile, who watched as he went over to them. "I recently had an encounter with a Canine who was fast enough to rip off another dog's nutsack in less than a second." Jet and Missile were shocked to learn that, but they were even more shocked to hear Hougen point out their missing brother. "And what makes you two especially disappointing in comparison is that you were too slow to stop your traitorous bitch brother from leaving us!"

Hougen snapped his fingers, leading to two canines pinning Jet and Missile to the ground. Missile hoped Hougen wasn't going to what he feared. "What are you doing!?"

"Demonstrating what happens when you forget that my eyes see everything." Hougen answered, explaining what he meant right after. "I kept spies on you three the entire time." Jet and Missile were stunned when they heard that, and Hougen's sly grin showed that he was ready for them. "I should thank you, though. I finally get to partake in that one career I'd probably never be accepted in: Teaching. And for the first lesson... killing your asses! Gather round everyone!"

Gin, John, and Hiro could hear everything as Gin was secretly healing Hiro's wounds. Hiro found himself rather annoyed by the shouting. "They should shut up."

"Hiro, was it?" John asked, finding any speaking at this point to be annoying. "You should shut up as well."

"Come on, John. That's no way to talk to our new friend." Gin reminded John, and then he noticed three dogs; one black, one white, and one who looked similar to Hougen, but much more friendly, entering the room. "You three friendly? If so, you don't want to be here for long."

"Don't worry. Sasuke is currently checking to see if the coast is clear." The Great Dane explained. "We're waiting for the right moment to get you guys out of here."

Gin was ecstatic to hear that. He wanted to escape sooner, but he knew moving at a bad time would've gone horribly wrong. Now was his chance. "Is there any chance you guys can take me to my son?"

The Great Dane nodded his head yes, but Hiro rejected the idea of working with others. "I don't like working in groups. I don't need help from anyone else."

"Says the sulk who accepted MY help to heal his wounds." Gin pointed out, leaving Hiro to look at him with a sheepish smile as he realized that.

John knew Hougen would guarantee going after them if everyone in the room left. He walked up to Gin, making him an offer he wouldn't take no for an answer to. "Gin. I'll stay behind for now." Gin was surprised by this, looking at John as he explained why. "I'm not as skilled in the healing specialty as you are, but I know that if we all leave, Hougen will come after us no matter what. And with your blood, you have a much better chance at fending them off than me."

"Even so, I can't leave you, John!" Gin refused, not wanting to leave someone as close to him as John behind knowing they could escape together.

"And should we risk Reika's safety by having her leave with all of us?" John asked, making Hiro flinch as he mentioned the Akita. John continued to state his reasoning for the decision he was making. "Even with your value, Hougen isn't the type to send all of his soldiers after anyone. You should at least have a chance to protect Reika." John then put his paws on Gin's shoulders when reminding him of his biggest desire at that moment. "And most importantly... you'll finally see your son. Now get out of here and don't stop if you hear he's torturing me."

Hiro couldn't help finding himself touched by what was happening here. Gin saw where John was coming from, and he knew that he wasn't taking no for an answer. He was quite stubborn when his mind was made up. Giving a determined nod, he assured John he wouldn't forget about him. "I'll come back for you." Gin and John hugged, showing that they would be there for each other when they reunited.

Right at that moment, Hougen was just about ready to take out Jet and Missile once and for all. Jet tried to talk him out of it. "Wait a second, Hougen! Rocket's the one who betrayed you; not us!"

"True, but you allowed him to run off." Hougen pointed out, believing that Jet and Rocket's love for their brother was holding them back. "And I can't make exceptions to those who put their humanity over their duties." Hougen then picked the two Canines up, smashing their heads against each other and laughing maniacally as he did. "But perhaps I CAN make exceptions for what I do with your bodies!"

Sasuke used the commotion to rush over to Gin's cell, warning him and the others who were leaving. "Now. Let's move. There's no way Hougen's army would turn away from something like this."

Gin and John looked at each other for what would possibly be the last time for quite a long while. "Stay strong, John. That's an order."

"I was already planning on it." John assured Gin with a smile, allowing him to head off with the others. Gin choked a bit upon leaving John, but he stayed strong to make his way out of the camp.

Having heard everything, Hiro went over to Gin and made a request himself. "Let me join you, Gin." Gin looked at Hiro, who expressed a desire he had himself. "I tried to help Reika too. I want another chance to do so. If it's a ship I've already boarded, let me fight it to the end!"

Gin didn't see any surprise there, as he sensed a lot of good in Hiro's heart. "I guess not liking groups doesn't automatically mean you didn't want to come." Gin patted Hiro's back while supporting his decision. "Fast character arc aside, I'd be honored to have you."

Hiro smiled in response, thanking Gin as he sensed for Reika's Canine Spirit. "Thank you, Gin. I will say. It might take me time to adjust to working with others."

Gin noticed Sasuke mentioning another part of the plan to the others as he responded to Hiro's statement. "Alpha male. Got it." He then found Reika's Canine Spirit and got ready to make his move with the others. "Well, ballsnatcher, welcome to the Ohu army. Once we meet my kid anyway. The bird told me he was leader."

"A puppy leading an army?" Hiro asked, making sure to whisper as he and the others went for where Reika was. "Your son must take a lot after you." Gin smiled when Hiro said that, believing that it would in fact be the case.

Weed and the rest of the army continued making their way to Hougen's base as Rocket struck a conversation with GB. "So, GB. How long have you been traveling with Weed for?"

"About three months now." GB answered, and then he realized that one of those months was spent watching over Futago Pass. "At least that's how long I've been with him. In reality, we've only been traveling for two."

Rocket noticed Jerome eyeing him, which concerned him, but he still responded to GB's answer. "I see. And I think you also mentioned something about him inspiring this path for you?"

GB nodded in response, looking forward as he told Rocket about that day. "It was my last day in Nero's pack." GB flashed back with specific shots being shown of him leaving Sasuke, to him then coming back for him, and then seeing Weed do his unintentional technique on the guard dog. "I used my friend to help Nero. But Weed stayed to help him." Once the flashback ended, GB expressed how much that moment meant to him. "Weed said in that moment that he believed I was a good Canine. I saw helping him meet Gin as my chance to prove that."

Rocket saw where GB was coming from, but he couldn't help smiling as he pointed out a point he had to make. "You already have, GB."

"What do you mean?" GB asked as he looked back at Rocket. The Borzoi was happy to elaborate.

Rocket looked over at Weed, who was running alongside Koyuki, Kotetsu, and Tanto, as Tanto spotted the bird when it flew over to her. "When I grabbed him, you chased after me without hesitation." GB was surprised he didn't think of that. "Your desire was so strong, that you even found your Canine Spirit specialty." Rocket looked at GB with an impressed smile, which also caught him off guard. "I didn't think you would master the speed Specialty so quickly."

GB was flattered by Rocket's words and became a bit flustered when looking away and blushing. "Oh, right, that! Well, I didn't do it on purpose. As impressive as your speed is, I was actually hoping to specialize in Nature. You know, to make up for... when it calls."

GB chuckled nervously as he mentioned that, and Rocket caught on when chuckling with him. "Hey guys!" GB and Rocket looked ahead with Tanto informing them of what the bird said. "Gin sent this bird to come find us! We gotta get to Hougen's base if we're gonna find him!"

Everyone took note of that as Rocket then assured GB that him not meeting that criteria was okay. "That shouldn't be a problem." Rocket then let GB know what he was trying to say. "What I mean is that, Weed inspired both of us to do better. I don't know how well it showed, but seeing you try to save him, and how he told Jerome not to kill me... it convinced me that I could do something better than obey Hougen's orders."

"Weed's kindness does have that kind of effect on others." GB admitted, looking to Rocket with a smile as he responded directly to what he was saying. "I still hate that you did that... but I'm glad you stayed."

"I am as well." Rocket assured GB, and the two smiled at each other with GB hoping that his blush was gone. It did vanish thankfully, when a blizzard started coming upon snow warning.

Jerome brought this to Weed's attention, knowing it would be important for him to know. "Weed. I think a blizzard is about to begin."

"Right! Thanks, Jerome!" Weed then called back to the rest of the army in case a blizzard did happen. "Everyone, brace yourselves!" And with that, the army started to prepare for the blizzard.

Weed and his army continued trying to trek through the blizzard, which was about as hard as it looked. Tanto called back to the others to keep them motivated. "Keep your head down and use all your strength! This blizzard is nothing compared to us!"

"No wonder it's timing is so damn bad!" GB responded, struggling to keep up with the snowstorm himself. "It could send any one of us off of these mountains!"

"Just fight it, and don't complain!" Jerome called back to GB, just as Mel started to go flying, only for Koyuki to grab him instantly to hold him there. "Endure it!"

GB only wished he could take Jerome's advice. Blizzards weren't exactly his strong suit. "That would be easier if I were built like you, Jerome! Your training must have made you into a-"

Just then, GB got sent back, catching everyone's attention with Weed not hesitating to get into action once he noticed. "GB!" GB tried to regain his balance, but his claws weren't strong enough, and the blizzard pushed him back. Rocket ran alongside Weed, who appreciated the help. "Thank you, Rocket!"

"I can't leave them alone with Rocket! The rest of you hold out here!" Jerome recommended before rushing off to save the others. Tanto stayed behind to watch the rest of the army, being on guard in case anyone else got sent back. Koyuki, Kotetsu, and Mel wanted to help as well, but they knew their weight would make it hard for them to move, and Mel was the only one of them with strong enough flying skills.

Weed didn't even waste time looking down for long and did so as soon as he saw a branch. This surprised Rocket, but Weed then grabbed onto the branch that GB was hanging from. "GB! Grab on!" GB tried to climb up high enough to reach Weed's paw, doing so successfully after a few seconds of reaching. Now all that was left was to save him and GB from certain death. "I'm gonna try to fly us back up! How's your flying skill!?"

"Not very good!" GB admitted, but he wasn't going to risk giving up for Weed. "Don't be afraid to drop me if it becomes too much! I can't have you dying with me!"

"That's why I don't plan on either of us dying!" Weed declared as he started flying up, despite struggling due to how strong the blizzard was, along with him still being a puppy. "The only thing that can separate us is death! So if I live, then you live too!" Weed continued to ascend with GB doing his best to help, but his mediocre flight ability made it hard for him to do so. Weed kept getting blown back, leaving GB scared at the thought of Weed dying. He was tempted to let go so Weed could live.

Just then, Rocket descended to them while using his Canine Spirit to make a pathway in the blizzard, shocking Weed and GB upon sight. "Rocket!"

Rocket flew over to Weed and GB, showing that like Jerome, he had trained for a long time in multiple different specialties. "You guys have always risked your lives to save your friends." Rocket grabbed onto Weed's paw, ready to help him and GB make it to the end. "And now that I'm a part of your group... I should use my Canine Spirit specialty to do the same!" GB was amazed by Rocket revealing his specialty before he started helping them get back to land. "Especially when I can use it to prevent deaths caused by natural disasters."

Once Weed, GB, and Rocket arrived back on land, they heard Jerome's voice. "I guess you didn't need my help after all." Jerome was revealed to be with some of the other soldiers, all of whom were there to help them out. Weed and GB embraced with joy and love, and Rocket saw Jerome smiling with approval at him. Jerome didn't say a word, but he didn't have to. Rocket could tell just by looking at him that he now accepted him as a member of the Ohu army.

Granted, that was up to Weed, but still.

After the snowstorm subsided, Koyuki, Kotetsu, and Mel were embracing Weed and GB as Tanto thanked Rocket for the help he provided today. "You really stepped up today, Rocket. We could've lost two good friends if not for you."

"I'm glad I could help." Rocket replied, being glad that the rest of the army seemed to be trusting him now. "To not only do that, but show you that I was serious about helping the army, was an amazing accomplishment."

Weed was glad to see that his decision to keep Rocket around proved to be right. He knew believing in Rocket would do some good. "Thank you, Rocket. I knew you were a good Canine deep down." Koyuki smiled at Weed with admiration, which he noticed before blushing while smiling.

Rocket responded to what Weed said, showing that he was starting to get how the Ohu army worked. "I'm starting to understand things. Like when you jumped down to help GB without hesitation." Weed's attention was caught by that, but Rocket wasn't done. "I'll continue to help you, Weed. I'll do everything I can to contribute to our victory."

Weed was happy to hear that, not that he expected anything else, as Jerome then made a call. "We should get moving. We have a long road ahead."

Rocket felt that now would be a good time to share some ideas he had with the rest of the group. "You know, I heard some rumors about a group of dogs who don't approve of Hougen yet, and their leader created a new move with his own Canine Spirit. Maybe we can get them on our side!"

"Then what are we waiting for?" Jerome asked, liking the sound of gathering more comrades. "Lead the way, Rocket. We're right behind you." Rocket had to admit; he was surprised to see Jerome allowing him to lead the way. He looked around at everyone in the army, and no one objected. GB even smiled right at him, showing his approval in regards to this decision.

Rocket was touched, almost to the point of tears. He was more than happy to make his call. "Let's go, everyone! Don't hesitate for a moment!"

The army all responded with joy as Kotetsu then addressed Weed's call. "Alright, Weed; I'm convinced. I just hope this lead of his is as true as he hopes it is."

"I think we'll be okay, Kotetsu." Weed replied while laughing a bit, looking forward as he and the others started following Rocket. "So let's go see for ourselves." Rocket began leading the army after that, confident that his lead, even if started by a rumor, would be great help to all of them.

Later that night, Gin and Hiro escaped with the dogs Sasuke had in his new pack, as well as managing to free Reika. Gin was firing up some wild bird for them as he noticed Reika sitting alone by a tree. She seemed lost in thought, and not in a positive way. He decided to bring the first bird he cooked up to her. She was shaking however, and she found herself startled after noticing him. He was confused by this, but he still offered her the bird. "Sorry if I startled you. I thought you might be hungry."

Reika took a bite out of the bird and swallowed before answering Gin's question. "I've never felt so violated in my life." Gin sat down next to Reika, knowing she had to get this off of her chest. "How can anyone be that disgusting? Every second with him felt so... wrong."

Gin wasn't quite sure what Reika was getting at. He could tell it was serious however, based on her mood. "Whatever he did to you... that was his fault. Not yours."

"Then why didn't his other soldiers step in!?" Reika asked, leaving Gin stunned at that revelation. Hiro couldn't help overhearing that, and he stepped closer to hear the conversation better. "If they didn't do anything, then that must mean I did something to deserve it. Or maybe... I didn't do enough."

Gin thankfully knew what Reika meant by the latter. He was quick to assure her that she was doing enough right from the start. "You've done more than enough to help us, Reika." Gin tried to comfort Reika, but as he moved his paw over to her shoulder, she flinched and moved a few inches away on impulse. Gin could tell how scared he was and felt bad for provoking her fears. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't be touching you right now." Reika started to calm down with Gin assuring him that he'd help her. "I'll be sure to get you justice, Reika. We all will."

Reika wished that were true, unsure of what to believe after what happened. The voice of another new friend surprised her. "Until then, I'll be your guardian." Gin and Reika looked to find Hiro walking over to them, standing next to Gin as he addressed her current feelings. "Perhaps, for now, you could tell us what he did. It might help to get it off your chest."

Reika appreciated the offer, but she wasn't sure she could talk about what happened yet. It was so fresh in her mind, and she didn't know how to word it. She hoped Hiro wouldn't mind her keeping it to herself, at least for now. "I appreciate it, Hiro, but I don't think I can."

"I understand. When you're ready then." Hiro assured Reika, who was glad to see him respecting her decision.

Gin's upbeat side kicked in again when he encouraged Reika to finish her food. "Until then, you should finish your dinner. You gotta stay strong if you wanna keep moving." Reika was still shaken from what happened, but Gin and Hiro managed to help her recover a little. She smiled at them, but held back her tears of joy. She instead went back to eating, and allowed Gin and Hiro to leave her to it. Hiro smiled when he looked at Reika. He could tell that she was capable of finding her happiness once again.

The next day, the Ohu army were at their latest camping grounds, and Weed was expressing his interest in this Canine Rocket was talking about. "Rocket. What's the leader of that dog pack you mentioned like?"

"According to the rumors, this dog is a thirteen year old Kishu with over fifty followers." Rocket answered, surprising Weed and his friends with that revelation. "He's a violent Canine, and is also said to be somewhat rude, but he's also said to have a goal that he'll stop at no means to achieve."

"Thirteen years old?" Kotetsu asked, and Rocket nodded to confirm it. "Wow. He's barely a teenager and already has people talking big about him."

GB rubbed Weed's head affectionately, making the puppy laugh as he complimented his own prowess. "Come to think of it, he reminds me of another young Canine I know."

Weed then looked to Koyuki, having some stuff to say about this Canine himself. "Ya know, Koyuki, this leader Canine sounds kind of like you."

"Excuse me?" Koyuki asked bluntly, failing to see which part Weed meant. "I'm probably the least rude puppy in this group besides Mel!"

"No, I meant with the goal tenacity!" Weed corrected, which Koyuki seemed to be quite flattered by. Weed also smiled as he elaborated on one more thing. "Trust me. You're a lot kinder than he sounds."

Koyuki did like that, and found it even more flattering to hear from Weed. "You really think so?"

"Yeah. The most violent I've seen you get is against Kaibutsu. And that was when you were helping us." Weed replied, making Koyuki even more flattered. Just then however...

pffffft

...a squeaky three second bird gut fart snuck out of Koyuki, making the Kishu blush as a green cloud of bird gut came out from behind her. This surprised the group with some of them, including Koyuki's friends, laughing. She couldn't help blushing and scratching the back of her head upon that one. "Sorry about that. I guess everyone's capable of being rude."

Rocket decided to get back on topic about what this group was about. "He's not the only young Canine of the group." Weed and the others looked back at Rocket, who revealed a tragic part about this army in general. "They're all a group of dogs who haven't grown up yet. Their way to settle things is with violence. Kyoshiro plunges forward without doubt. He's a terrible guy."

Mel was shown to be watching a rat that was gathering crumbs of food behind the others. It would appear that it managed to find at least one morsel from breakfast. "He's probably a lot more rash than rats then. They're a lot more opportunistic, and he may be more impatient than them."

"He just might be, Mel." Weed found himself fascinated to hear about Kyoshiro. Something told him that there was more to this story than meets the eye. "I can't wait to meet him!" He then thought to himself about this as Kyoshiro continued to intrigue him. 'Violent or not, we need all the help we can get. And maybe I can talk him into trying a more peaceful approach.'

Back with Gin and the others, Gin was moving forward as he started thinking about his son again. The White Shepherd pointed out the dying snowstorm as he noticed. "The snowstorm is dying down. At this rate, they'll be able to track us down by our scents, or even out paw prints."

"Let them come. Hopefully this time, I won't be overwhelmed." Gin responded, showing a lot less confidence than usual. It wasn't because he lacked it, but because he was too busy thinking about Weed. He wanted to meet him more than anything, but he had no idea what to say when he did. And it wasn't like his closest friends were there to help him out with that.

Sasuke noticed Gin's concern and hoped it wouldn't hurt to ask. "Is everything okay, leader?"

"Please. Call me Gin." Gin requested before seeing an opportunity. Since Sasuke met Weed before, maybe he could tell him what he was like. "You met Weed once before, right? What was he like then?"

Sasuke looked back on the day he met Weed fondly. Despite it being almost least two and a half months ago by this point, he was always grateful for that day. "He was a pure and optimistic puppy. He saved my life despite not knowing me, and knowing that his chances of winning were incredibly low." Sasuke looked back at Gin as he finished. "Actually... the two of you have a lot in common."

Gin smiled upon this news, as it made him more confident in meeting his son. "Then I imagine his army is going to be a strong one." Sasuke smiled in response, only for Gin to then sense several Canines coming towards them.

Gin stopped, and everyone else did after him. Hiro was the first to question this. "What's wrong, Gin?"

Gin waited for a few seconds to figure out where exactly the Canines in question were. After a few seconds, he managed to perfectly sense all of them behind him. He ran past the others, stunning them all as he stepped right in front of five Canines who jumped out from the shadows of the trees. Gin used his Canine Spirit to boost his speed and dash to the right of the Canine line. He then jumped and dashed at them, punching the first one right in the face and sending him flying.

In the same jump, he kicked the second Canine into a tree, and the third one into the ground. He finished it by uppercutting the fourth Canine, and grabbing the fifth one to slam him into the ground. He interrogated the last one, and Hiro was quick to charge up his Canine Spirit for the other four. "Not very smart coming at all of us with only the five of you to back each other up. Why didn't Hougen send the rest of you?"

"Like I'd ever tell you!" The Canine shouted, and then Gin held a Canine Spirit orb up to his head to show that he was serious. This freaked the Canine out, and he ended up giving in to the pressure. "Okay, okay! He's busy torturing your friend John, so he only sent us to track you because we're his weakest soldiers!"

"John!?" Gin was tempted to go back, but he remembered John telling him not to even if he was tortured. It ate him up inside, but he knew the efforts of Sasuke's group would be in vain if he and Reika got caught again. He couldn't do that to them. He also knew he couldn't spare these Canines, since he knew they'd return to Hougen. As such, he spawned a Canine Spirit sword with his paw and got ready for the kill. "I'll make it quick."

And he did. The sword went clean through the Canine's head. He then turned to the other four, showing that he was uncomfortable with the kill as he looked at them. "I made a promise to my friend that I'd do everything in my power to protect that Akita." The four Canines attempted to run, only for Gin to dash in front of them with his sword. Despite his remorseful look, his words were full of determination. "And if that means stopping you five from helping Hougen figure out our path... then it's a small bit of time I'm ready to take."

Gin killed the last four Canines swiftly, making sure they didn't suffer with their deaths. Reika was shocked at the sight of this, but Hiro assured her that Gin was a good Canine. "Don't worry, Reika. Gin killing them was probably the best case scenario for them."

Gin put his Canine Spirit sword away, being disappointed that he didn't have time to give these Canines a proper burial. "I didn't master all seven Canine Spirit specialties to kill." In an attempt to continue doing what he DID master these specialties for, along with meeting his son, he encouraged his group to move quickly. "We should move as fast as we can to reach my son's army. We have no time to waste." The group nodded in agreement with Reika showing relief. Hiro knew why that was, staying close to her to protect her, but not too close to trigger her trauma.

Gin then started to sense another presence nearby. It seemed to be the size of a small army. He became hopeful that it was Weed's. "That's a small army level of energy! It must be Weed's army!"

Sasuke didn't think they were actually that close, hoping that Gin was right and that he could see GB again. "Are you sure, Gin!?"

"No, but regardless of doubt, I have to try and stay hopeful!" Gin answered honestly, moving forward with the rest of his group as fast as they all could together. "Especially since we're about to find out!" And as the group moved onward, Gin thought more and more about how he and Weed were going to meet, and what they would say. It was a scary feeling, but he was ready for it. From this day forward, he was going to be a part of his son's life.

Weed and his army were pressing onward after the blizzard died down completely with Rocket warning Weed and the others about one more thing. "Before I forget, the base Hougen is currently inhabiting is around this area. I think we should keep our Canine Spirit down so we can at least weaken their chances at detecting us."

"That'd help greatly! You are full of good ideas." GB praised, and when Rocket smiled at him, GB flinched and blushed again before looking forward. "I think most of us here would agree with me on that one. The fact that you recommended talking to that Kyoshiro kid who's against Hougen is probably your best idea. And then your Canine Spirit specialty helped a lot with-" GB then started to wonder if he was oversharing and looked at Rocket to confirm it. "Am I talking too much?"

Rocket laughed in response, finding GB's goofy nature more appealing than annoying. Actually, he was quite fond of him after the past week of knowing him without working for Hougen. "Not at all. Your nature is as lovely as your desire to protect Weed."

GB was relieved with that, and Weed giggled a bit as he pointed out their fast bonding. "You two sure became fast friends." GB and Rocket smiled to each other after Weed pointed that out. Weed was glad to see the two of them getting along so well despite what went down last week. Just then, Weed sensed something nearby at the same time as Jerome. He wasn't sure what it was, so he looked to Jerome to see if he did. "Do you recognize that energy, Jerome?"

"No. Be on your guard if Hougen's army sensed us." Jerome advised, and Weed nodded before stopping to confront the group.

"Everyone, be on your guard!" Weed ordered, leading to everyone in the army standing beside or behind him. None of them had any idea on what to expect from this new energy. Could it be allies looking to help? Or could it be members of Hougen's army ready to fight them all at once. Weed hoped it wouldn't be trouble, but during this time, he couldn't expect anything else to come for him and the others. However, the sight of the same blue fur as his stunned him. It was almost as if he was about to accomplish what he set out to do from the start.

"Are you... are you Weed?" Gin asked, revealing himself when he sensed that Weed and his army were friendly. "My son?" And he wouldn't have it any other way.

To be continued.