Qualifying Dogs?

Well, no matter how you think about it, being a dog is truly a pitiful position. It's really at the lowest rung of human society. It would be better to be a guard. Being a dog? That's truly beneath everything!

I sighed as I lay on the bed, staring at the ceiling with a desperate expression. "Being a dog!" I muttered in frustration. But if I didn't accept it, then I would be the one at a loss. In my mind, Ren's way of protecting me also tarnished her reputation. Others would surely think of Ren Yamashiro, who was upheld as the pinnacle of humanity, actually having some strange hobby on display.

I chuckled imagining people's reactions if they knew. "The pinnacle of humanity has a pet dog who turns out to be a half-monster man. How splendid," I whispered sarcastically, imagining Ren walking her "dog" in the park.

But because she was Ren Yamashiro, that woman had some special privileges. Including keeping a dog. Yes, a dog.

I reached for the dog tag hanging around my neck and shook it slightly. "Seriously, this can't even be considered funny," I murmured as I stared at the mirror on the wall. The reflection of my face looked full of disappointment.

At that moment, I remembered how gracefully Ren had placed the dog tag around my neck. With a sly smile hidden at the corner of her lips, she said it as if it were the most natural thing in the world. "Be my dog," she said softly, sending shivers down my spine.

"Arrogant woman!" I shouted, raising my hands to the ceiling, as if appealing to the gods. "Doesn't she know how demeaning this is?"

I pondered again, thinking hard about this deal. Yes, perhaps this was Ren's way of protecting me, albeit in a strange and unconventional method. Maybe she thought that by making me her "dog," I would be safer from external threats.

I chuckled softly again, this time with a lighter tone. "Alright, Ren. You win this time. But don't expect me to bark whenever you want," I said to myself as I threw a pillow into the air.

...

Several days later, after I accepted the offer, someone from another unit came. The woman looked older and more authoritative, clearly a respected senior. Her mostly white hair was neatly tied back, and her face was lined with the experiences of life. This woman exuded an aura of sternness that made the room feel heavier.

"When I heard it directly from you, Chairwoman Ren, it truly made no sense," she said with a hoarse yet powerful voice. "If you do this, then the reputation of the anti-demon corps that has been established for decades will suffer." The old woman looked at Ren with a sharp gaze, like an eagle observing its prey.

Ren, sitting gracefully in her chair, smiled calmly. "I understand, Senior Riu. But I have my own reasons for keeping Jin with me," she said, her voice still gentle but firm.

I stood in the corner of the room, witnessing this exchange with mixed feelings. On one hand, I felt that this old woman, Riu Myouga, was trying to protect me. On the other hand, I hoped she would give Ren a lesson. Yes! Go on! Lecture this arrogant woman!!

Riu leaned closer to Ren, her gaze becoming sharper. "What reasons could justify such foolish actions? You're risking our entire reputation just for... what? A man you consider a pet dog?" Her voice was filled with irony and disbelief.

Ren raised an eyebrow, looking slightly amused by the question. "Senior, this reason is not just about Jin. It's about protecting something bigger than just our reputation. Besides," she added with a meaningful smile, "Jin is a special case. You know how important he is, don't you?"

I could feel Riu's gaze shifting towards me. I felt like a small mouse trapped in an eagle's nest. "Hmm," Riu murmured, "you, Jin, do you understand how complicated this situation is?"

I scratched my head awkwardly. "Well, I know the situation is complicated, but—"

"But not complicated enough for you to refuse this offer, right?" Riu interrupted with a skeptical tone.

Before I could answer, Ren interjected. "Senior Riu, you have to understand that Jin is in a very difficult position. Being part of this unit provides protection that can't be found elsewhere."

Riu sighed, and for a moment I thought she would give up. But then she looked at Ren with a sly smile. "Alright then. If you're sure about your decision, then I'll support you... with one condition."

Ren raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What condition is that?"

Riu continued with a serious tone, "Jin must prove himself useful to this unit. We can't just make him a mascot without any real contribution."

I was surprised. "Mascot? Seriously?" I asked, almost in disbelief.

Riu ignored my reaction. "Did you hear that, Jin? You have to prove that you deserve to be here."

Ren smiled triumphantly. "Oh, of course, Senior. I'm sure Jin will gladly demonstrate his abilities."

I groaned inwardly. Of course, Ren would find a way to turn it into a challenge for me. "Alright, I accept that challenge," I replied firmly, although I felt doubtful in my heart.

Riu nodded satisfactorily. "Good. We'll see how valuable your pet dog is, Ren."

Ren chuckled. "Don't worry, Senior. This dog will show its fangs."

With that conversation concluded, Riu left the room with determined steps. I looked at Ren, who was still sitting calmly. "Seriously, Ren? A pet dog?" I asked with a tone full of frustration.

Ren just smiled slyly. "Oh, don't be too serious, Jin. Just consider it as an opportunity to prove yourself. Besides, don't you want to be the center of attention?"

I took a long breath. "I feel like a zoo exhibit, not the center of attention," I muttered sarcastically.

Ren laughed softly and stroked one of her dogs' heads. "Well, you'll have to get used to it. Welcome to the new world, Jin."

...

We moved from the room to the spacious field outside the headquarters. The field ground was sandy and surrounded by tall iron fences. A gentle breeze blew, carrying the smell of salt from the distant sea. In the middle of the field, Riu Myouga was already waiting with a calm and concentrated demeanor. This old woman, despite her advanced age, still exuded an aura of strength and skill that was intimidating. Her eyes stared at me sharply, as if assessing my fighting abilities just by looking.

Ren stood at the edge of the field, watching with a sly smile that made my blood boil. It seemed she had already told Riu some of my abilities, but without revealing the most important details—that I had supernatural powers.