<I>Just over two years later several other pups arrived. A litter of about three of them were suddenly running about the house before Kohaku’s father could get a handle on them. It seemed Aomaru had his paws full too, keeping them under control as best he could while making sure they got plenty of exercise from playing outside, something which Kohaku was encouraged to join in with as well. One of them, a cream-furred Shiba Inu puppy seemed remarkably like Kohaku in many ways; both of them would play around in the mud together and were often getting lost while chasing butterflies and rabbits. Naturally, Aomaru had to keep gathering them up but the little Shiba and shinobi were always together and one in the same, getting lost together and getting upset together when they were scolded by the old dog for running off. As the two began to grow together, they became close friends, completely inseparable just like Aomaru and his master. Growing up, they were barely ever seen apart; two little puppies sharing the same spirit, the same dreams, and the same aspirations. A bond was forged and nothing was going to stop them as they would grow stronger and closer together, day by day.
"It’s time for teamwork to be incorporated into your training Kohaku."
"Teamwork? What do you mean?" The young shinobi asked curiously, giving a small head-tilt in confusion.
"Your destiny, both of you," the man said, gesturing to the young Shiba, "the fact that you and Shiromaru have formed such a close bond is a clear sign to me that you’re ready to learn the secrets of what our family is capable of."
Kohaku simply gave a bemused look, looking down beside him at Shiromau, the Shiba puppy who was eagerly awaiting instruction from his new master while energetically wagging his tail about.
"We form such tight-knit bonds with our canine allies that we began to act as they do, even look as they do. Those claws and teeth of yours will make for deadly weapons in the real world and that sensitive nose will be a vital tool as they have been for me." Kohaku had already begun to inherit a bestial appearance from his father and mother, traits which made them all look savage and vicious, though Kohaku’s personality was becoming more and more intense as he grew up; he became hyperactive and could hardly sit still, at the same time he was becoming more excitable and energetic. After all, the Inuzuka were certainly known for their courage and fiery attitude, especially on the field of battle where it would matter the most.
"Not only do we share traits from our canine allies, but they too share traits and take after us. Our ninken are far more intelligent than the average pet and can intelligently communicate with us without any kind of difficulty." That was why Aomaru was more like a parental figure to Kohaku than just a family pet, though his speech ability seemed rather unusual; he was capable of understanding what Shiromaru was saying to him, but it was more a fact that they could speak the same language in a way - his barks, growls, cries, and whimpers were sort of translated inside of his head and likewise for Shiromaru being able to understand him perfectly.
"All of our family members share this bond with their ninken- your aunties and uncles, Kohaku. We are born to the Inuzuka clan and now you’re ready to learn about your birthright; how to use such a strong bond in battle to protect your home and your fellow villagers from danger."
Shiromaru let out an excited growl and so did Kohaku; the two were ready to train with Kohaku’s father and learn about all of the magnificent things they’d be capable of achieving together. This was going to be but the start of a long and fruitful brotherhood with both of them striving to ultimately prove themselves to the world.[/i]
