45 - Sadaharu...

Land of Snow…

Kirito and Koyuki stand before a large cage, observing the creature inside.

"What do you think it is?" Koyuki asks, her gaze fixed on the animal, which appears to be a snowy tiger, although its size is comparable to that of a horse.

"It's a dog," Kirito asserts with seriousness, his attention fixed on the creature within the cage. He ponders the situation, wondering how such a chakra-rich creature ended up in captivity.

"No way, it's a snow tiger," Koyuki responds confidently, trusting her assessment of the animal's appearance.

"I'm telling you, it's a dog. Look, it doesn't have whiskers on its face," Kirito points out, indicating the lack of whiskers on the creature's visage.

"Whiskers don't define what an animal is," Koyuki retorts, tugging at Kirito's own whiskers.

"Hey, stop pulling," Kirito protests, swatting her hand away.

"Wait, those whiskers are real?" Koyuki asks in surprise after touching Kirito's whiskers.

"Yes, they are. Did you think they were just for show?" Kirito responds with a smile, gently rubbing his face.

"I thought they were decorative, making you look cute," Koyuki admits with an embarrassed expression.

"You're actually the first person to find them cute," Kirito chuckles, acknowledging her unique perspective.

Observing Koyuki's embarrassed face, Kirito decides to lighten the mood. "Anyway, I guess we're done here. Let's head back."

"Aren't you going to buy it?" Kirito asks, somewhat disappointed by Koyuki's change of heart.

"Are you crazy? Look at its size! As cute as it is, I can't bring it home," Koyuki exclaims, her gaze fixed on the massive animal.

"But I thought you were considering it," Kirito replies, feeling a sense of waste if such a unique creature isn't acquired. He silently promises himself that if the animal is still available when they return to the village, he will purchase it.

As they make their way back, they encounter the shopkeeper.

"Did you find something interesting, Princess?" the shopkeeper inquires.

"Although I liked the 'tiger,' it's just too big for me," Koyuki says, pointing towards the imposing dog in the cage.

"That's not a tiger, Princess, it's a dog," the shopkeeper clarifies, glancing at the dozing dog behind the shop.

"It really looks like a dog, but it doesn't feel like one," Koyuki remains skeptical.

"True, it doesn't have the fierceness you might associate with a tiger. However, this one is lazy beyond measure. No matter what I've tried, it refuses to leave, so I've caged it, hoping someone might take it," the shopkeeper explains, gesturing towards the sleeping dog.

"That explains how they managed to capture it," Kirito remarks.

"Did you say something, Kirito?" Koyuki inquires, puzzled by Kirito's comment.

"It's nothing important," Kirito dismisses with a shake of his head.

"Let's go," Koyuki urges, eager to return home after the extended outing.

"Wait, I'd like to buy it," Kirito interjects, preventing Koyuki from leaving the shop.

Startled by Kirito's sudden interest, the dog within the cage opens its eyes, looking at Kirito. 'This kid has quite a bit of chakra. I wonder if he's bonded with one of those beasts created by the Sage.'

"You want to buy it?" the shopkeeper asks in surprise.

"Yes. How much?" Kirito inquires, his tone serious.

"I'd be content if someone took it off my hands, so I won't ask much. Just the amount I spent on its care and some extra for looking after it. 40,000 Ryo, and the dog is yours," the shopkeeper states with a smile before making a slight adjustment. "Give me 40,000 Ryo, and it's a deal."

After paying the agreed amount, Kirito approaches the cage and opens it. "Let's go. I'll train you to be a skilled ninja pet."

Upon hearing Kirito's words, the dog stands up and opens its eyes. It gazes down at Kirito before following him, indicating its willingness to obey.

"Did it just start following us because you commanded it?" Koyuki asks, astonished by the dog's instant response to Kirito's words.

"I believe it's intelligent," Kirito responds with a nod.

"I should've bought it then," Koyuki sighs.

"You can still have him if you'd like," Kirito suggests with a smile.

"Really? But you've already formed a blood contract with him," Koyuki points out with a sigh.

"It's no problem; I can still give him to you," Kirito offers, gesturing to the dog.

"No, it's fine. Besides, he's too large for me," Koyuki declines, shaking her head.

"Okay. If you change your mind, he's yours," Kirito says, his smile unwavering.

As they continue on their journey and approach the castle, Koyuki inquires with a smile, "What will you name him?"

"I haven't named him yet," Kirito realizes, thinking about the tradition where the one who forms the bond gets to name the companion. Turning to the dog, Kirito suggests, "What about 'White'?"

"That sounds suitable. Given his appearance and his cuteness, the name fits well," Koyuki agrees.

"Okay, then it's decided. We'll call him White," Kirito affirms with a smile.

However, Kirito suddenly hears a voice in his mind, an almost childish voice that comments on his choice of name. Confused, Kirito looks around to find the source of the voice.

"What are you searching for?" Koyuki asks, perplexed by Kirito's behavior.

"I'm trying to find the one who just told me he doesn't like the name," Kirito replies curiously, his gaze still wandering.

"Who told you that? I didn't hear anything," Koyuki says, puzzled.

"Then did I mishear it?" Kirito wonders aloud, unsure if he's imagining things.

"No, you didn't mishear anything," the voice in Kirito's mind responds.

"Where are you?" Kirito asks aloud, searching for the mysterious speaker and positioning himself defensively in front of Koyuki.

"Whom are you addressing?" Koyuki questions, growing increasingly concerned about Kirito's behavior.

"Look in front of you," the voice urges playfully. Then, as Kirito directs his attention to the dog, the voice confirms, "Yes, it's me, right in front of you."

"So, it's you, White, who's been talking to me?" Kirito inquires, moving closer to the dog.

"Stop calling me White. My name is Sadaharu," the dog corrects, addressing Kirito directly.

"Wow, it's speaking to me now," Koyuki exclaims, hugging Kirito tightly in surprise and fear.

"Don't worry, it won't harm you. I'm here," Kirito reassures Koyuki, trying to ease her concerns.

"Are you sure?" Koyuki asks hesitantly, relaxing her grip on Kirito slightly.

"Yes, I'm sure. Let me talk to him," Kirito replies with concern, looking to Koyuki as he speaks.

"Alright, I won't attack you, Princess. I wouldn't have formed a contract with you if I intended any harm," Sadaharu speaks, addressing Koyuki and attempting to ease her worries.

"Did you hear that, Koyuki? Sadaharu won't do anything. He's here with us," Kirito says reassuringly to Koyuki.

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