Renji brought the Seven Tails back to the Summoning Realm through reverse summoning.
Chōmei looked around and saw that the place was full of giant hounds. For a moment, he was stunned.
"Dark Silence, I'm here. I brought a friend, and I want to take him to see Rosy," Renji said to a three-headed hound whose body was only slightly smaller than Chōmei's.
"Lord Renji, so it's you. What… what is he? My kin are a little afraid of him. You want to meet Lord Rosy? Please wait a moment. Your friend is a bit… large," Dark Silence said. One of its heads studied the massive insect curiously, another head soothed the nearby pack, while the third issued commands. A gate appeared behind it.
"Lord Renji, please go in. I can't leave here, so let Blackclaw take you. Big guy, you too. You're the biggest bug I've ever seen," Dark Silence said, sniffing with interest.
Blackclaw padded over and nuzzled against Renji before turning to the huge insect. "What is this? A giant beetle? So big… so interesting."
Chōmei liked the feeling. The dogs were friendly to him. Some were wary because of his size and aura, but most were simply curious. None were hostile.
Led by Blackclaw, Renji and Chōmei passed through the gate. The path opened into a vast plain, lush and green, with a shimmering lake to the side. The sight was soothing and peaceful.
Blackclaw ran ahead, occasionally howling joyfully. Before long, more hounds arrived. They bowed respectfully to Renji, then stared with wide eyes at the enormous insect before them.
The bolder ones ran up to Chōmei and sniffed him all over, barking happily as if asking to play.
Chōmei's heart swelled. It had been so long since he felt this way. He was free now, and perhaps even making new friends. One of the dogs, the first to approach him, had to be asked his name.
"Hello, little pup. What's your name?" Chōmei asked.
"You can talk! An insect that talks! Amazing! My name is long, but to match Lord Renji's world, I go by Peng Shaobo now," the giant hound barked happily, as though it had uncovered a grand secret.
And so a bug and a hound chatted together, their voices filled with joy.
Renji watched, smiling inwardly. Chōmei, you're already in the bowl.
Soon, a white giant hound appeared. It was Rosy. The leader gave Chōmei a calm look. "That's a Tailed Beast from your world, isn't it? Judging by the tails, the Seven Tails. You brought him here to settle down?"
Rosy's words were plain and without hostility. But Chōmei was nervous. He liked this place, yet it was clear this white hound was the master here. If Rosy rejected him, where would he go? Out in the shinobi world he could fight, but here he sensed Rosy's strength far exceeded his own. He didn't want to return to wandering, fighting battles only to be sealed or enslaved again.
"Yes. He's been through a lot, always bullied. He was imprisoned and tortured for decades, and I just freed him. I hope you'll let him stay," Renji said, bowing deeply.
"No problem. This is your home too. Another family member won't hurt. Imprisoned for decades? And you didn't kill the ones responsible? Want us to help wipe them out?" Rosy asked casually, as if slaughtering families were a minor offer.
"Haha, he already destroyed an entire village himself. My brother has a bit of a temper. But who wouldn't? Anyway, it's settled. Brother Chōmei, welcome home!" Renji said happily.
"Hello, I am Chōmei. I'm very glad to meet you, and thank you for letting me stay here. I apologize in advance for the trouble." Chōmei spoke stiffly, unused to being polite with dogs.
"Ah, you can talk. That's good, much easier. I'm Rosy. From now on, this is your home. If you get beaten up outside, don't forget to call us. Fighting is what we're best at. No need to be so formal with family. Pups, prepare a feast to welcome Lord Renji's new family member!" Rosy barked.
"Woof! Woof! Awooo!" The hounds scattered to call their kin for the banquet.
Renji grinned. "See? I told you you'd like it here. This is freedom. Friends, drink, and a home. You're free, brother. Truly free."
Chōmei's emotions surged. Happiness struck so suddenly, he hardly knew what to do. He swore in his heart to repay this boy no, this brother. Anyone who dared hurt his new family, he would annihilate their entire clan. For now, he let the pups lick him and laughed.
He thought, Maybe I should show off. After all, I can fly.
"Who wants to go flying? I can take you up into the sky!" Chōmei said proudly.
"You can fly? Amazing! I want to see the sky!"
"Woof, me too!"
"Can you carry three of us? No cutting in line!"
The scene turned chaotic. Dozens of hounds crowded around, eager to ride.
Chōmei wasn't annoyed at all. Patiently, he organized them. Ten at a time, fewer if they were bigger. He was happy. This pure companionship, free of burden, was what he had longed for.
So this is freedom. This is what home feels like. It's good to be back.
"Hold tight, pups! Time to fly!"
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