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The Ginga Legend: Weed's Story

Super Canine arc Episode three: More Than Fellow Soldiers

It was evening time on the day Weed fought Genba, and John was saved by GB, Rocket, and Jerome, with Rocket returning to find Weed and the others mourning John. He now had a proper burial, one fitting for a warrior of his caliber. Rocket felt the same sadness everyone else did, jumping down from the last tree he jumped to and walking over to them. Once he did, he noticed that Gin and Tanto had been crying. While it wasn't as bad as it was before, it was still obvious to anyone who looked at him. Still. Rocket knew Gin and Tanto were capable of it.

Rocket stood next to GB, who allowed him to start holding his paw as they continued looking at John's grave. Weed stood beside his father, holding his paw tenderly to help him get through this hard time. Koyuki and Kotetsu were allowing their mother to hug them as they wrapped her arms around her. Weed had an idea for how to help his father handle John's death better. Upon looking at him, he started conversation about his time with John. "What did you and John like doing together?"

Gin was caught off guard by that question, but he quickly understood what Weed was trying to do, as did Tanto. Being open to seeing if Weed's methods would work, Gin shared something he and John would do in the evening. "The two of us would sometimes go hunting together for our dinner." Gin wiped his tears when he mentioned something else. "Sometimes, if we had the time, we'd go swimming before dinner. All four of us. I think Akame enjoyed it the most out of all of us."

Tanto recalled one time when the four of them got into another activity while swimming one day. It made her laugh a bit, which caught Gin's attention. "I remember one time two years ago, you threw a water ball at him when he wasn't looking." Gin snickered a bit when he remembered the day she was talking about it. "Ever since then, some of our swimming sessions were spent playing Waterball."

Weed liked the sound of that, encouraging Gin and Tanto to try out Waterball for themselves. "I'm okay with playing it if you two want to."

Gin and Tanto gave it a bit of thought, wondering if this really was the best time to be doing this. He'd just died after all, and he was a close friend to both of them. After thinking about it while looking at John's grave, they realized John would want them to still enjoy themselves. They decided to at least try and start doing so now. Gin smiled to Weed as he complimented his smart thinking. "Five hours after his death, and you already gave us an idea to honor him."

"It just, makes sense." Weed admitted, knowing that John would want Gin and Tanto to stay who they were in spite of losing him. "He cared so much about you. He wouldn't want you to stop doing what you loved with him just because he's gone."

Koyuki and Kotetsu felt that sounded like fun, and Koyuki smirked as she reminded Kotetsu of one thing to keep in mind during the game. "You'd better not have any dirty tricks planned for this game already."

"I'm not gonna pee in the balls if that's what you mean." Kotetsu joked with a smug grin, showing that he in fact already did.

Kyoshiro was also excited to join in, looking to Weed with a desire to go all out against him in something other than combat. "Sounds like it could be fun. Hope you're up for a little friendly competition, Weed."

Weed smiled in response, showing that he was excited to be playing against Kyoshiro as well. "Of course! That's part of the game, right?" Kyoshiro gave a deadpan expression after that, showing that Weed still didn't fully understand what a rivalry was all about.

GB and Rocket were looking at each other with the latter wanting to follow up on how they left at the base earlier. "So. About earlier."

"Do you want to spend the evening with me!?" GB blurted out, catching everyone's attention with how suddenly it happened. Once GB realized everyone was watching him, GB cleared his throat and did his best to keep his cool so Rocket didn't feel pressured. "It's up to you of course. I know the mission might still have you shaken up."

Rocket smiled before assuring GB that he'd want nothing more than to spend time with him. "I'd be lying if I said it didn't. But I'd still love that more than anything."

GB smiled with glee at the sight of that, and Weed addressed the two of them apparently being absent from the game. "Does that mean you won't be playing Waterball?"

"No. Sorry, Weed." GB informed Weed, wanting to make sure he and Rocket got as much alone time as possible. "Stuff like this is done for the two people involved to be alone together."

Weed understood completely, smiling as he encouraged GB and Rocket to go for it. "In that case, I hope you enjoy it to the fullest." GB and Rocket held each others paws after hearing that, showing that what Weed advised was exactly what they planned to do.

GB and Rocket were walking in the woods near the base together as GB was talking about the mission they just had. "I didn't expect things to go so well. Did Jerome get out as easily as you did?"

"He did. He wanted to thank us for helping him save John." Rocket assured GB, and then he expressed his interest in Petal and Clover. "I think he would've also shown sympathy regarding the puppies." GB felt his heart sink upon the vague mention of those two. Rocket checked before he kept going. "Do you want to talk about it?"

GB gulped, knowing that he couldn't keep this bottled up inside forever. He also knew Rocket wanted to help him feel better about it. He didn't want to deny him that. "Yes. I think it's time." He chuckled a bit at something kind of odd to him. "I thought Weed would be the one I told first."

"You can always tell him later." Rocket told GB, allowing him to take out the photo of him with Petal and Clover. Rocket couldn't help smiling after getting a closer look at them. "They're adorable."

GB smiled in response, having to admit that this was in fact true. "They are." He then addressed who they were, pointing to each of them as he did. "The Hokkaido Inu was Petal, and the Beagle was Clover."

Rocket caught onto the similarity between their names and Weed's in an instant. "That sounds a lot like Weed's name. Did you name them yourself?"

"Yes, I did." GB answered, trying to hold back his tears to keep thinking of the happy stuff. He could let it all out later. "I found them alone near Nero's base. They lost their parents to a heartless owner before I met them, and this was before they were given names." GB looked at the photo, a part of him still wishing he could've been there for them. "And... I stupidly took them in... thinking I could hide them from Nero. Even Hougen."

Rocket placed a paw on GB's shoulder, knowing he would need the comfort during this time. "They might have died sooner if you didn't, GB. I'm sure they appreciated that."

GB nodded in response before admitting that he felt the same way about getting to know them. "Just like how I appreciated meeting them." GB and Rocket continued walking with GB looking at Petal and Clover. He wished he knew what would've happened if he'd convinced them to run away.

Meanwhile, Weed and the others were now ready for what would be the first round of Waterball Weed, Koyuki, Kotetsu, and Kyoshiro would ever have. Weed was definitely excited, just like how Gin was excited to show the game to him. Koyuki was excited as well, as were Kotetsu and Kyoshiro, the latter of whom tossed a water ball up and down with his right paw. Tanto was also excited, raising her paw alongside Gin as they started the countdown. "Three! Two! One!" And once they lowered them, the game of Waterball began. "WATERBALL!"

Gin instantly went for a waterball and went for Tanto, who dodged it before Gin used his Spirit to send it back at her. This caused her to get hit in the back of the head as soon as she threw her ball at Gin, who dodged it in an instant. Weed managed to dodge Kyoshiro's waterballs no problem, throwing one at him, only for him to dodge it himself. He then threw two more at Weed, who dodged one and caught the other. Kyoshiro then dashed up at him and splashed him in the face, allowing him to also splash his chest.

Koyuki was doing all she could to hit Kotetsu, but being a Rhythm Specialist, he was naturally amazing at dodging. Every stylish dodge he made to evade Koyuki's strikes allowed him to get closer and closer, even as she made him jump with a throw at the hind paws. Kotetsu's jump allowed him to get close enough to land behind Koyuki and dash for a nearby waterball. He then collided a waterball with her before throwing another one at her, leading to her grabbing another one and throwing it at him. Once again, he dodged it without much issue.

Several blows were made in this game. Gin hitting Kyoshiro, Tanto hitting Kotetsu, Weed hitting Koyuki, and so on. Gin even managed to spawn a big Waterball that hit all three of them at once. Weed and Koyuki psyched out Kotetsu's dodging with Weed dashing right to his side once he jumped again. Despite his aerial dodge of Weed's next throw, Koyuki was able to hit him in the face right after that. This led to him falling, and so Weed and Koyuki hit him with two more balls after Koyuki dashed over.

Kyoshiro snickered as he placed one of the water balls up to his butt. Once he did, he covered the inside with...

BRRRRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAT

...a loud and bassy five second fart with a green, bird gut scented cloud that made his butt vibrate. He held it up with a vicious grin before throwing it at Weed, who barely managed to evade it before it hit Koyuki in the back of the head upon rebound. The ball covered Koyuki in water and fart gas, making Kyoshiro laugh at the outcome of his mid game prank. Koyuki's smile and vicious flare made it clear she wasn't done just yet.

With every waterball, Weed and the others were having more and more fun by the minute. By the time they ran out of waterballs, they were all laughing together about how much fun they had. Weed had his arm wrapped around Koyuki, who rubbed Kotetsu's head to acknowledge the fun they both had. Tanto also fist bumped Kyoshiro, who was glad to be a part of the game. Gin placed his paw on Weed's head, and Weed smiled at him once he did. It was clear that despite the death of John, Gin and Tanto were still able to enjoy Waterball.

GB and Rocket were sitting together with their backs against a tree with GB laughing at a memory of Petal and Clover. "Petal was such an adventurer. This one time, she found a squirrel with nuts in its mouth, and she followed it home and tried to get inside."

Rocket started laughing at that memory himself. He never thought he'd hear about a dog trying to enter a squirrel's home. "That sounds like something Mel would consider." GB and Rocket laughed a bit more before Rocket asked about Clover. "What was the other little one like?"

"Clover was more reserved than Petal." GB admitted, seeing a lot of him in Koyuki. "He was a little older than Petal, so he found it his duty to look after her at all times." GB showed despondence about one detail towards that. "Another pup who had to grow up fast."

Rocket managed to catch onto something else about GB's relation to Petal and Clover. "You said you thought you were going to tell Weed first." GB looked at Rocket, who asked him another question. "Is that because you've been trying to do better with protecting him?"

GB chuckled a bit, always being impressed by how observant Rocket was. "You can read me like a book, can't you."

"Spend enough time with someone, and the answer is always yes." Rocket responded happily.

GB then started talking about just how much Weed meant to him. "When Weed and I first met, it was from a squabble over a bird. He was looking for food so his mother could eat. And when we started out journey together, I saw how happy he was to learn about the world outside of his home, regardless of how small it was." GB looked at the photo of Petal and Clover again, showing that Weed had a part of both of them inside of him. "The more I saw from him... the more I wanted to keep him safe. He made me feel like I could be something."

Rocket continued to listen as GB explained what Weed meant to him. "He saved me, even after I left Sasuke to be killed. He saw good in me for just giving him a bird for his sick mother. It's why I wanted to try and find an alternative way to stop Hougen at first. I know he hates killing, and to make him do that to anyone... I couldn't bring myself to do it." GB then shared what made him change his mind. "Then I saw the photo of Petal and Clover. It reminded me of how much Weed had in common with them."

"And your desire to protect him kept getting stronger as the journey went on?" Rocket asked, to which GB nodded his head yes to confirm it. "I'm sure he appreciates all you've done for him. I just hope you realize that he isn't Petal and Clover."

"I know." GB confirmed, looking at Rocket to show that he still wanted Weed to be safe. "But I still want to be there for him... as much as I can." Rocket understood that and continued with his alone time with GB. He could see that GB was feeling better now that he finally talked about Petal and Clover.

Weed and the others were still relaxing after their game of Waterball with Koyuki praising Weed for his suggestion. "Good call encouraging Gin and mom to keep their hobbies with John alive, Weed. I can safely say we all had a blast with Waterball."

Weed was glad to see that everyone had fun, especially Gin and Tanto. Gin was watching them as Weed expressed his joy in everyone having a good time. "I'm glad we did." What he said next reminded Gin of something Weed should know about. "It also means dad and Tanto were able to have fun during their time protecting Ohu together." Gin showed remorse once again, deciding that now was the time he would tell Weed everything.

Koyuki backed up Weed's statement as Gin walked over to her and Weed. "That's true. Then again, Kotetsu and I knew mom would never let her friends get bored."

Gin placed a paw on Weed's shoulder, catching his attention, and he spoke as Weed looked at him. "Weed. Can we talk for a minute?"

"Sure. No problem." Weed assured Gin, letting Koyuki know they'd join her and the others back at the campfire. "We'll meet up with you guys soon."

Koyuki kissed Weed's right cheek, heading off with the others before responding to Weed's words. "Take as much time as you need."

Koyuki headed off with the others, and that was when Gin turned around and looked over the lake. Weed did as well, sitting down with his father as they looked in the same direction. Weed looked at Gin once he started talking again, which took a few seconds to do. This was still a hard thing for him to discuss. "When we met, you said you wanted to know why I never visited."

"I already figured out why." Weed assured Gin, sharing his answer with a smile. "Protecting Ohu is a big deal. And protecting it as the leader is an even bigger deal. Probably the most important job any dog can have." Gin appreciated how understanding Weed was of the situation. "That would take up a lot of anyone's time."

Gin sighed, knowing that Weed deserved to know everything about why he failed to visit him. "That's one reason." Gin looked at Weed, who became was surprised by what Gin mentioned next. "You know how Hougen interrogated me and John for information about the Super Canine?" Weed nodded his head yes, allowing Gin to explain what he knew. "That's because I was researching it in secret. After Futago Pass was attacked by Kaibutsu, I heard of the Super Canine legend, and begun my research."

Weed allowed Hougen to continue, and Gin started flashing back to moments of him, Tanto, John, and Akame doing research on the Super Canine. "I didn't have as much time for it as I'd liked while protecting Ohu. I was able to learn enough to have a good grasp of it, but Ohu always came first with little room for days off. Eventually, I discovered that knowledge of the Super Canine made all four of us a target. An even bigger one than it did before. Some were desperate for the knowledge, but I knew this couldn't be shared with just anyone."

The flashbacks ended with Gin picking up a rock and getting ready to skip it on the water. "And so, even after I learned about your location... I felt it would be best to stay away." As soon as Gin threw the rock, it skipped several times at incredible speed, and it ended after hitting a rock and striking it hard enough to get stuck. Weed picked up a rock to try himself, but continued listening to what Gin was saying. "The more it did... the more I realized how much it hurt. Not seeing you, or your mother."

Gin helped Weed adjust his paw appropriately, continuing with what he had to say while demonstrating to Weed how to throw. "I kept asking myself if I should've ever become a husband. Or a father." Weed skipped the rock, and while it wasn't quite as fast as Gin's, it was still pretty impressive for a first throw. He'd definitely surpass him with practice. It was then that it hit the rock, reflecting Gin's fear of what would happen if he saw Weed. "Even with all of the knowledge I gained, and learning the risk of knowing about the Super Canine... what kind of father ignores his kid?"

Weed could tell that Gin was still struggling with intense remorse over not seeing him or Sakura. "I never forgot the location. There were plenty of times I could've had at least a chance at seeing you without putting you in harm's way." Gin clenched his fists, trying not to cry in front of Weed, who saw how sad he was getting. "Even though it was to protect you, you deserved to have a father in your life, Weed. And you still do. And now I... don't know if I can be that father anymore."

Weed took deep consideration into what Gin just told him. He still didn't think less of him for never visiting him. And the fact that he was trying to protect him made it even harder for him to do so. But he could tell that Gin had a lot of doubt in himself, similar to GB. He smiled as he gave Gin an example for his answer. "Well... you just taught me how to skip stones. I think that's what it's called." Gin nodded his head yes to confirm it, and Weed then gave his answer on how he felt Gin was as a father. "That sounds like something a father would do."

Gin was left in awe at Weed using such a small example. He really didn't need grand gestures of love to see people cared. Weed further showcased this as he continued talking. "Mom told me a lot about you, dad. You never sounded like a bad guy. So I never thought of you as one." Weed smiled when looking at his father, showing that he genuinely believed he was capable of being a good father. "Even though GB's the father who taught me about life... I'm still honored to have you as my blood father."

That was when Gin started tearing up. He saw without a doubt that Weed really saw the best in him. As soon as he started crying, he hugged Weed, who kept his smile as he wrapped his arms around him, despite being surprised. Gin's smile showed that these were tears of joy and relief. Weed still saw him as a worthy father, which motivated him even more than before to be the best father he could be. The two of them were ready to charge into battle, now as more than fellow soldiers. They were going into battle, as father and son.

Gin then got an idea and pulled Weed away, knowing that he would love the idea he just hatched into his mind. "You said you see GB as a father too?" Weed nodded his head yes, enhancing Gin's thoughts on this plan working. "I think I have an idea." Gin started whispering something to Weed, and his smile indicated that, just as Gin suspected, he was loving the idea. Whatever this idea was, it was clear that it was one worthy of making Weed, GB, and Gin happy.

It was almost the end of the evening, and as the night sky started to come, GB and Rocket were sitting on a log together as they talked about everything. "It really was something else. I almost didn't know how to describe it at the time. Seeing him form that red aura for the first time, and the power he showed from it, was spectacular."

"I can imagine. Anyone attaining a new form like that for the first time is bound to be amazing." Rocket replied, and then he thought about how powerful some of these kids were compared to him. It made him laugh as he realized how far behind them he was. "He and Kyoshiro both. And Koyuki's close to surpassing me too."

"That's the next generation for ya." GB joked, making Rocket laugh alongside him as GB then realized something deeper to what he said. Weed was leading this new generation. And despite his stress from it all, he's proven to be a capable leader. And he's surpassed the majority of the adults he knew of in more ways than one. He always feared losing him, and yet... he always proved his fears wrong. It didn't make his desire to protect him go away, but it did give him one hell of a revelation. "Perhaps Weed... really IS able to protect himself. With or without me."

Rocket took GB's paw, just in case the more somber interpretation of those words was what he took. "Don't think he needs you any less than he did before."

"Oh, I know that, Rocket." GB assured Rocket, clarifying what he meant as he looked at him. "I just meant that, you're right. He's not Petal and Clover." Rocket smiled, seeing what GB was saying with this. "He's the leader's son. He's his own Canine. And he's proven so many times that he has what it takes to stop Hougen and save Ohu. He's a selfless, good hearted, and even if a little naive... mature pup."

"He has you to thank for a lot of it." Rocket informed GB, bringing up just how much he's done for Weed. "You helped him start seeing the world. You and your friend Smith. You showed him so much about what this world was about, both good and bad." Rocket then added his own piece on what GB was all about. "You may see your former self as a coward, but a coward would've stood by leaving that day. You turned around. You helped Weed protect Sasuke. You showed that you were capable of being a brave dog. You may not be fearless... but you are courageous."

GB then shed a tear as he thought about what Rocket said. That last part in particular was especially heart warming to him. "I... never really looked at it that way before." Rocket smiled, glad he was able to help GB see a better side to the day he met Weed. "Then I suppose, when you think about it, meeting Weed is what started my journey into seeing who I really was."

Rocket nodded in agreement before backing up what GB was saying. "Just because you aren't used to being brave, doesn't mean you're incapable of it. You just need someone to believe in you. In your case, that's Weed."

GB looked up at the stars for a bit as he thought about how much Weed meant to him. "I was aware with that." He then started to comment on just how much he's grown over the course of his journey. Everything from when he met Weed to now, felt like something that was helping him become the Canine he wanted to thought crossed his mind as a result of this. It combined how much he loved Weed, to how much gratitude he had for him. "I want to see him continue to grow... after the battle."

Rocket looked at GB, making it clear to him that he believed that would be possible. "I just know that's going to happen, GB."

GB couldn't help keeping his smile as he looked at Rocket. They both felt at their best when looking at each other like this. "You're really sure of it."

"One hundred percent." Rocket confirmed, firmly believing that Weed and GB's bond would continue to grow no matter how much time passed. "You've been there for him ever since the start of your journey. And I can't name a single moment where you weren't doing all you could to help him. And he's been trying just as hard to help you." What Rocket said next cemented GB feeling he had the courage to make his next move. "He loves you, as much as you love him, GB. And you deserve it."

GB kissed Rocket then and there, and despite Rocket being surprised, he immediately loved the feeling and closed his eyes with GB to continue the kiss. As soon as he did, he wrapped his arms around GB, who had his paws up to his face from when he started the kiss. The two of them sat there under the small amount of stars that were currently out. They shown in the sky to symbolize just how much GB and Rocket loved each other. Their Spirit shined inside of them, and once they hit the twenty second mark, they both saw how much they loved each other.

Once the kiss ended, GB and Rocket looked into each others eyes, holding each others' paws as they stood up together. After letting go of one paw, they turned to the direction of the base site. They couldn't stop looking at each others' eyes, even as they started walking. GB stumbled a bit after stepping on a stick, but Rocket managed to catch him. After he did, the two smiled at each other and kept walking. They smiled as they headed back to the base, holding paws and thinking about their future.

Everyone was arriving back at the army base, and Weed was smiling at Gin, glad that he finally knew everything. Gin was glad he knew as well, and was just as happy that Weed's perception of him didn't change as a result of it. GB and Hougen arrived back as well, and were still holding paws as they returned to the base. Weed was ecstatic for them, making it clear as he walked up to them. "You're holding paws! Does that mean..."

"It sure does." GB answered, being filled with so much joy over finally confessing his feelings to Rocket. Rocket then nudged him gently, reminding him of what he had to do with Weed. "Oh, yes. Weed, there's something I have to tell you as well."

Gin rubbed Weed's head to let him know that he'd be waiting for him. "Let me know when you two are done. I wanna talk to GB about something too."

"Okay, sure." Weed assured his father, and as GB and Rocket let go of each other's paws, they smiled to each other as GB walked off with Weed.

Gin walked off with Rocket as well, having a question in mind regarding how he met Weed. "So, Rocket. Did you really meet Weed and GB as a spy for Hougen?"

Rocket laughed a bit as he walked off with Gin, and as he did, Weed and GB sat down by themselves near a tree. After they did, GB breathed in through his nose, and out from his mouth, before Weed smirked and guessed what GB wanted. "Let me guess. You wanna give me more context about you."

GB chuckled a bit, having to admit that Weed must have gotten used to that by this point. "That is correct." Thankfully, he was prepared, so he was able to start off strong. GB then took out the photo of him with Petal and Clover and showed it to Weed. Once he started looking at it, he showed intrigue, and let GB explain what it was about. "The puppies with me in this picture, are Petal, and Clover."

Weed got a good look at Petal and Clover, being curious about what they were like. "They look really nice."

"They were. Actually, they both had similar traits to you." GB revealed, surprising Weed as GB then went into more detail. "Petal was curious about the world around her. She loved experiencing new things, and was excited to show anything she found to those she loved." Weed smiled when GB told her about Petal and Clover. Hearing more about GB's past made enlightened him. "And Clover did all he could to protect Petal. He was capable of being a lead in his own right, whether or not he realized it. Even after all they endured... he was brave, kind, and noble."

Weed noticed a tear shed down GB's face, making him wonder what happened to Petal and Clover. "You would've been great friends with them. I just know it."

Weed put a paw on GB's shoulder as he asked about Petal and Clover's fate. "What happened to them?"

GB choked as he thought about what happened to Petal and Clover. He put in all of the emotion that he could to tell him everything. "Do you remember Nero?" Weed nodded his head yes, and that was when the flashback began. "I met them two years ago. I was just eighteen when I started working for Nero then. Their parents were dead, and they were fending for themselves in the wild."

GB's flashback began with him finding Petal and Clover all alone, and trying to find food as Clover was tracking for food. Or, trying to at least. Petal's stomach growled, and her posture made it clear they hadn't eaten in a while. Clover made sure to keep Petal's spirits up. "It'll be okay, sis. I'll find enough food for both of us." GB's heart sank when he realized they were all alone. Why else would the puppy be hunting? Unable to help himself, GB walked over to Petal and Clover. But when he did, Clover ran to protect Petal. "What do you want, stranger?"

GB instantly dropped the bird, showing Petal and Clover that he wasn't a threat to them. Or at least, he didn't want to be. Clover walked up to GB, unsure if he could trust him. "This is for us?"

GB nodded his head yes, and before Clover could react, Petal ran up to the bird and started biting at her leg. "We can finally eat!"

Clover was still hesitant, knowing that wild strangers could be dangerous. "Wait; Petal! He might want something from us."

GB laughed as he confirmed that. "Alright, you caught me." Clover glared at GB after that, and GB then clarified what he meant. "Just one small thing." Petal looked at GB as Clover kept his gaze right on target. GB's sincere smile showed that his desire to protect them was real. "Let me watch over you."

The request still seemed odd to Clover, but he let his guard down a bit. Petal simply went back to eating her bird. Clover smiled when he saw her eating. All that was needed to make her happy was to see her be cared for. "If that's really all you want from us, then you've proven you can be trusted."

"Thank you." GB's joy in the moment of helping these orphaned puppies was beyond words. "I won't let you down!" But then...

Six months after GB met Petal and Clover, GB was watching in horror as Hougen held him back with his Spirit lasso. He was crying out in horror by what was in front of his very eyes. "No! Please make him stop, Hougen! We promise you; there's no females here!"

"Then let him prove it, you disgusting shit!" Hougen demanded while also hitting GB on the back of his head. He then kicked him to the ground, standing over him with a hind paw on his back. The looks on Petal and Clover showed their fear perfectly, just like how GB's expression showed how helpless he felt due to being unable to save them. Hougen's glare at Nero was enough to freeze him in place for a bit, just before Hougen reminded him of his task. "What are you waiting for, Nero? I thought you wanted to prove you weren't hiding females from me."

Nero took a single step closer to the puppies, and that was enough to make GB cry out in horror again. "NERO!" Nero looked at GB for a bit, and he didn't even hesitate in offering himself as a sacrifice. "Please, take me instead! I don't care if you kill me as long as you let Petal and Clover live!"

"It's not up to me, GB!" Nero shouted, and then he called GB out for his 'stupid' decision of taking these puppies in to begin with. "It's your fault for taking them in anyway! Did you really think they'd be safer with a helpless coward like you!?"

Nero's question hit GB like a truck. In a way, he was right. Him taking Petal and Clover in was what led to Hougen learning about them, and accusing Nero of hiding females. Petal's voice caught his attention as he started drowning in remorse and fear. "Don't listen to them, GB!" GB looked at Petal and Clover, the latter of whom stood next to Petal while trying to match her smile. "Getting to be with you was the best thing that-"

Nero stomped on Petal's back, stunning GB and Clover as Nero told Petal to shut up. "You think anything you have to say will change things!? Don't waste your breath anymore than it already has been!"

Nero then started crushing Petal's skull as GB continued to be held back by Hougen, leading to Clover jumping at him in a fury. "GET OFF OF MY SIS-" Nero grabbed Clover by his neck and slapped him into the ground, and then he lowered his jaws to Clover's head. Petal was horrified, but she was so hurt that she could barely move. When Nero put her head in his mouth... it was too late. He bit down so hard that he crushed her head.

Petal's blood dripped on the floor, causing GB and Clover to cry out in tear filled horror. "PETAL!"

Nero then grabbed Clover's neck, and despite him trying to fight back, he eventually held him tightly enough to stop him from moving. GB was already bawling his eyes out, and it was even more horrifying for him when Nero delivered Clover his fate.

SNAP

"CLOVER!"

GB's cry of horror, sadness, and remorse echoed throughout the land, but Hougen and Nero didn't care. Hougen was glad to see that Nero and GB were telling the truth. And Nero, while he wasn't quite as apathetic, was glad to be keeping his rank. As for GB, he was unable to stop crying. He did everything he could for Petal and Clover... and Hougen and Nero made it all end up being for nothing.

When the flashback ended, tears were streaming down GB's face, and Weed could feel his sadness from these memories. At the same time, the fate of Petal and Clover made him furious. Two puppies died... all for the sake of proving honesty? How could this be the same Canine Weed was unsure about killing himself before? As GB continued to cry, he noticed Weed clenching his shaking paws in pure anger. "What's wrong with him?" Without warning, Weed stood up and aimed a spin punch at the tree he and GB were sitting in front of.

"WHAT THE FUCK IS WRONG WITH HIM!?"

Weed punched the tree so hard that it snapped, flying past several other trees and even breaking three others it hit in the process. GB was shocked, especially once Weed's aura started glowing orange. But he then noticed the tears coming down Weed's face. Weed was as upset about the deaths of Petal and Clover as he was. And he didn't even know them. The look in Weed's eyes made it clear that he wanted to make Hougen pay. Pay for everything he's done, especially causing Petal and Clover's deaths.

GB got on his knee in an attempt to stand up, only for Weed to hug him without hesitation. Even with how much anger was surrounding Weed, GB felt the same amount of warmth and love he would any any of Weed's hugs prior. It made GB feel at peace for several reasons. It showed that even as a Super Canine, Weed would still be himself. It told him that Weed wouldn't feel bad about killing Hougen. And most of all, it confirmed to GB exactly what Rocket told him. Weed wasn't Petal and Clover. He was Weed. The son of Ohu's leader, Gin.

During the hug, Weed started talking; and despite the aggression in his tone, GB still sensed his compassion. "To think I exiled Jerome for killing his soldiers." Several of the other soldiers came around to see what was going on. What they saw stunned them, especially Kyoshiro, since Weed brought up the exiling. "Everything he's done... making Nero kill Clover and Petal, what he did to Reika, eating other Canines, and all the pain he's caused Ohu... how can he and Genba live with all of this!?"

Weed pulled GB away, turning around as he continued crying with him and venting his pain. "It's bullshit! That bastard has been able to roam around Ohu free as a bird! I just... I... It's so..." Weed's power erupted with the ground shaking in response to his aura, leaving everyone stunned. His fur even started changing between blue and orange, showing the contrasting colors of the Super Canine Jerome mentioned before. Weed's anger almost reached its peak in that moment. But he wasn't quite ready to go Super Canine yet. So he stopped then and there.

After a few seconds, Weed addressed what GB was trying to tell him. "Petal and Clover. Are their deaths why you're so protective of me?"

"Yes." GB answered, knowing that Weed was ready to hear the full truth. "You reminded me so much of them. And whenever I saw you at risk of being in danger... I started thinking about what happened to them."

Weed turned around and walked up to GB, placing a paw on his shoulder while assuring him that he would survive the battle. "I appreciate that GB. I appreciate everything you've done for me. But I'm not Petal and Clover." GB wasn't sure what to make of that at first. But Weed's determined expression showed him exactly what Weed meant. "Because Hougen isn't going to finish me as easily as they were." The look in Weed's eye told GB all he needed to know. And what Weed said next made it even more clear. "This war won't be where I die."

Weed and GB hugged after he said that, being ready for whatever came their way for the final battle. Weed wasn't sure if he'd be able to kill Hougen without the Super Canine transformation. But after hearing GB's story, what Genba told him, and learning everything he did about Hougen... he realized he shouldn't be let off easy. He had to be stopped. And whether Weed had to kill Hougen, or he found a way to stop him without killing him, he would prepare the best he could to save all of Ohu.

To be continued.