The icy-eyed Siberian Husky trotted beside Kaito as they left the academy gates, its paws crunching on the gravel path. Kaito adjusted the straps of his spear and glanced down at his new companion.
"You need things," he said simply, voice low. The Husky tilted its head, ears pricked, as if it understood.
The market stalls were bustling, but Kaito moved with purpose. First came a collar, sturdy leather woven with deep blue thread that shimmered faintly in the sunlight. A small charm, shaped like a claw and carved from sapphire, dangled from it.
Next, he picked up a leash—thick, durable, also wrapped in blue fabric, with reinforced grips. Even the hooks and clasps were carefully inspected. The merchant, used to unusual requests, only nodded silently and kept the goods ready.
Then came bowls, blankets, and a soft bed, all in shades of blue and silver. Kaito arranged them neatly in a basket, adjusting the blanket so the blue shimmered just like his own wraps.
Ryo, Mira, and the others caught up and stared. "You're… really going all out," Mira said, laughing. "It's just a dog, Kaito."
"Not just a dog," he said, his tone even. "It's… someone I need to prepare."
The Husky wagged its tail, ears flicking toward each of them. It seemed to understand the fuss, padding around the basket as if approving each purchase.
Aria walked beside Kaito, silent as always, but her eyes softened just slightly. "You… care about it," she said quietly.
"I do," Kaito admitted, without looking at her. "It will be with me for a long time. It deserves the best."
By midday, the new gear was packed neatly in Kaito's backpack, the blue collar around the Husky's neck snug and perfect, the leash coiled at his side. The pup pawed at the blanket in the basket, sniffing the bowls and nuzzling the trinkets.
Kaito knelt and scratched behind its ears. "We start training tomorrow," he said softly. "But for today… you eat, sleep, and get used to the world."
The Husky leaned against him, icy eyes glimmering with intelligence and trust.
Ryo shook his head. "I don't know whether to be impressed or weirded out."
Mira smirked. "Both. Definitely both."
Kaito simply stood, adjusting the backpack and the spear on his back. The blue charms and wraps glinted in the sunlight as he looked down at the Husky.
"Tomorrow," he said, voice low but certain, "we train. You, me, and this spear. And no matter what comes, we'll be ready."
The Husky barked once, sharp and confident, as though agreeing.
And for the first time since the blue fire had stirred inside him, Kaito felt like maybe, just maybe, he had a companion who could match his intensity—and survive it.