Chapter 45: Who's the Dog Here? Me or You?
"Oh? Not bad at all."
Tatsuro had just transferred 100 cursed energy into Shura to test things out. He originally wanted to send even more but worried that the puppy's body might not be able to handle it. Honestly, even 100 seemed like a lot.
But surprisingly, the little guy accepted all of it effortlessly.
Shura, too, sensed the sudden surge of power in his body. He instinctively flexed his paws, then swiped at the floor out of curiosity—
Riiip—
The once smooth and polished wooden floor now had a deep gash across it.
"Oh? He can already use it?"
Tatsuro was getting more and more intrigued. It seemed animals were way more attuned to cursed energy than humans. When he had first tried manipulating his own, it only worked when he was so angry he'd lost all reason—completely instinctual.
But Shura? Five seconds. And four of those were just curiosity.
"Interesting... Alright, let me pull the cursed energy back for now. Time to introduce you to your new brothers and sisters."
With that, Tatsuro withdrew the energy from Shura's body. The rest of the testing could wait until tonight. He had a feeling this little guy could handle even more energy once he grew stronger.
Despite being undernourished and visibly malnourished, the puppy had a solid bone structure. There was no doubt in Tatsuro's mind—this guy had the potential to become something big.
At the very least, he could tank hits for him. That much was certain. A perfect meat shield. Let the dog take the damage while he finished the job—tactical play, perfectly executed.
And why not a flying mount, you ask?
Well, how tough is a bird compared to a dog?
And besides, if he ever pulled something like Flying Thunder God or a Mangekyō Sharingan with a space-time jutsu, he wouldn't even need a flying mount. Just mark the dog and teleport straight to it. Problem solved.
Not to mention—he had no clue how to train a falcon, and who knew how big those things even got?
Whatever. The bond was made. No point second-guessing it now.
"Let's go, Shura. Time to meet the gang."
Tatsuro opened his door and led the puppy toward the training grounds.
---
The others were already sweating it out on the field. Panda sat off to the side cheering them on.
"Come on, Yuta! You're two laps behind! Pick it up!"
"I'm trying my best!" Yuta wheezed as he picked up the pace… only to slow down again half a lap later.
Maki, already three laps ahead, shouted, "Hurry up! I've lapped you three times already. Even Tatsuro's noodle arms are stronger than yours!"
"I am trying!"
"Hey! What's that supposed to mean, huh?!"
Tatsuro had just arrived when he heard her indirect jab. He wasn't about to let it slide.
He handed the dog to Panda and rolled up his sleeves. "Panda, how many laps has she done?"
"Ten already. Just give up, man. Maki's not stopping until she hits twenty."
Panda patted the dog's head gently. Shura didn't growl or bare his teeth, which was a relief.
"Why is he so skinny? Where's his fur?"
"Picked him up today," Tatsuro said while warming up. "Malnutrition. Lost all his fur. Gonna train him up. Panda, if you've got time, teach him how to tank hits."
"…What?"
Panda blinked, completely baffled.
But Tatsuro was already yelling "Don't underestimate me!" as he launched into a sprint.
Panda looked down at the confused puppy and gently stroked his head. "Little guy… your good days are over."
"Woof~"
"Hope you understand what I mean…"
---
The day flew by in training. Everyone got to know Shura and sympathized with his rough past.
After picking up his promised 10 million yen reward from Principal Yaga, Tatsuro headed out for groceries—splurging 50,000 yen before returning, satisfied.
By the time dinner was ready, it was already nightfall. Principal Yaga shamelessly showed up to mooch food too, bringing two beers with him. He and Gojo each took one and started chatting and snacking.
Everyone laughed and shared stories.
(Except for Inumaki, who mostly just listened. Panda usually translated for him, but today he was too busy stuffing his face.)
Once dinner was over and everything cleaned up, the group dispersed.
Tatsuro didn't return to his room. Instead, he took the fully fed Shura to the back mountain—time to test some things out. His dorm was too small to risk destroying stuff.
Once there, Tatsuro channeled another 150 cursed energy into Shura.
"Just like this morning. Slash at that tree in front of you."
"Woof?"
Shura blinked, confused by the sudden rush of power.
It had felt this before, and then it disappeared. Would that happen again?
Tatsuro sensed his doubt and reassured him.
"That power is mine. Don't worry—it's safe. Now go on. Give that tree a swipe like before."
Shura nodded.
"Good! Then—" Tatsuro dramatically flipped his hair and pointed at the tree. "Shura! Use Wild Claw Frenzy!"
"Woof!"
With a soft bark, Shura dashed five meters ahead and swiped at the tree.
A deep claw mark appeared instantly.
Tatsuro, with his Sharingan active, saw it all and nodded in satisfaction.
"Looks like training can start now. Don't forget how that felt. Hit the tree again—keep going with Wild Claw Frenzy!"
"Woof!"
Shura didn't understand the reasoning, but he did know one thing—obeying meant getting treats. And more importantly, not getting abandoned.
"Nice! Keep going! Don't worry about conserving cursed energy—burn through it!"
---
One hour later.
Tatsuro's throat was hoarse from yelling. His lips were cracked. He slumped against a tree, drained.
"I feel… dead inside…"
"Woof…"
Shura collapsed nearby, completely exhausted. An hour of non-stop clawing had taken its toll.
Tatsuro felt the last 50 cursed energy still in his system. With tomorrow's sparring match against Megumi on his mind, he dragged himself to his feet.
"That's enough for today. Any more, and I really will die."
He picked up Shura, who flopped limp in his arms.
"Time to go home. Rest up. Tomorrow we double it. I'm gonna train you into the strongest damn dog alive."
"Woof…"
"I don't wanna move…" the dog seemed to whimper.
Tatsuro clapped a hand over his muzzle. "No! You can't think that way, Shura! That kind of laziness is unacceptable. You've got a noble future ahead of you—catching stray attacks and drawing fire for your dear old dad. You cannot fall into depravity!"
"Woof…"
"No excuses!"
"…Woof."
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