"Based on our observations, Chachamaru appears to be very skillful with his movements and techniques. The feline has been very cooperative, which is why we have decided to put him in the frontlines of our investigations and deployments. It's nice having a new member in Atlas Sciences' field of research and innovations. Chachamaru has demonstrated his willingness to work alongside us and we're glad he's here." Mr Oshiro and his colleagues explained to Douma and his friends about Atlas' plans and Chachamaru's involvement with them while waiting for the feline's arrival.
"About time Chachamaru used his skills and potential for something good. I hope he realizes that, if he doesn't then I really don't know what to say." Douma responded, Shinobu who was standing beside him agreed. The giant cat should be grateful.
"That's so cool! I can't wait to see Chachamaru!" Yushiro exclaimed.
"Look what we have here."
The three of them spun around and smiled. Yushiro gleamed when he saw the giant towering figure of Chachamaru approaching them from the hall.
"I hope I'm not late to the party." Chachamaru said as Yushiro ran towards him in excitement.
Mr Oshiro and the other men watched the reunion of the four friends. Yushiro kept jumping around, Douma and Shinobu stood there contemplating if they should calm him down. Chachamaru didn't seem to mind.
The feline was wearing a vest with a shirt underneath and fighting bracers. He was getting ready for the missions he will embark on, a sign that he was determined to fulfil his ambitions with the new lifestyle he's been given.
"Wow Chachamaru you're rocking with the new look." Shinobu admired this steady composure Chachamaru displayed. The feline smiled and acknowledged her fascination with his progress.
"Haha. I'm back and better!"
"Chachamaru how you've been?"
"My time here's been great so far. What about you Douma? Still busy with the motivational speeches at the shrine? Send me an invitation next time!"
Yushiro paused and stared at Chachamaru who was laughing. "Douma left the Hasu Mountains some time ago. So no invitations."
"I'm not surprised, he can't stay in one place. Man that fight was a pain." Chachamaru replied, he still remembered the fight he had with Douma back at that wrecked building.
"Don't tell me you guys are gonna start fighting again. Enough of that we're on the same side." Shinobu replied.
Douma covered his face with the radiating golden fan. "If it's a fight he wants, then a fight he gets."
"No! Stop it already!"
"Oh my Shinobu if you're worried about me just say so."
"Ugh you're so annoying!" Crossing her arms, Shinobu looked away avoiding eye contact with Douma who was humming a tune.
Yushiro was still talking with Chachamaru. "Any plans this week?" The green-haired boy asked the feline.
"Not really. Just training I guess." Chachamaru replied, scratching his head.
That's when Yushiro realized something.
"Here I have something for you!"
The giant cat looked at the slip of paper in Yushiro's hand. He squinted his eyes at the words written on it and took the paper from him.
"You won a chess competition? Awesome you're a genius!" Chachamaru exclaimed, ruffling Yushiro's hair.
Douma and Shinobu gasped. No doubt Chachamaru was a friend but how was he going to get pass the gates? Did Yushiro ever thought about that?
"Dice and Rolly Valley huh? This is going to be so exciting! I'm in! When are we going there-"
"Honestly speaking, I don't even know if we can." Shinobu glimpsed at Yushiro who didn't seem to notice the problem. He was still jumping around with that grin on his face. "Does Dice and Rolly Valley accept uh- pets? Never heard of people bringing in pets. From what I've seen pets aren't allowed in some places. Which means our time there is going to be limited."
Chachamaru ears dropped. He gave Shinobu the puppy-eyes look and seeing his change in expression from an enthusiastic one to sorrowful made the violette feel a little bad but there was nothing they could do about it, rules are rules this was a risk that none of them were willing to take except Yushiro, and despite all this he still wasn't paying attention.
"Yushiro are you even listening?!" Shinobu yelled at him.
"Yeah I heard you!" The green-haired boy responded in annoyance.
Douma held his chin, thinking of ideas. Maybe I can turn Chachamaru into a human? That should work.
"I have an idea. Since pets aren't allowed on some of the rides, I'll turn Chachamaru into a human."
Everyone looked at Douma, that made sense however Yushiro wasn't buying it.
"Great idea." Shinobu replied.
"I don't mind but I won't feel as powerful." Chachamaru stared at his claws contemplating about whether he should comply with the angel's idea.
Yushiro hopped in front of Douma with a look of disapproval. "Are you crazy? He still has animalistic instincts! What if he starts licking himself?! That will be embarrassing!"
"Hey! Who are you calling animal?!"
"If you're not an animal then what are you?!"
Both Yushiro and Chachamaru were headbutting each other. The conversation had completely diverted and Shinobu didn't know what to make of it this was hopeless.
"Turning him into a human is our only option." Douma shrugged.
"Yeah but they're not agreeable to it which is a problem." Shinobu added.
Mr Oshiro stepped up and cleared his throat.
"I should inform you guys that Chachamaru is one of Atlas' well-known subordinates across the globe. He's not just a regular feline, anybody who sees him would most likely recognize him. Don't worry about any complains, the authorities won't do anything about it. Chachamaru is one of us now so don't stress yourselves, just have fun." Mr Oshiro reassured them, the other men with him nodded their heads in acknowledgement. Douma and the others were relieved knowing they could proceed with their plan, especially Yushiro who had been searching for the last individual to join them. So now they didn't have to hide Chachamaru anymore, he was a member of society just like everybody else.
"All right!" Yushiro stood beside Chachamaru who nodded at Mr Oshiro.
This is good news Chachamaru, don't let your past hold you back no matter what. Opportunities come and go, make sure this one doesn't leave your hands, fighting for good is something you've always wanted so make every effort count. Since Chachamaru was getting an honorable reputation in Atlas and everywhere else, Douma was certain that the feline had finally found the freedom he yearned for after all those years of being cooped up in captivity. Mr Oshiro helped him adapt well.
"Nobody should be left behind, cause we're a team!" Huddling his friends, Yushiro tried to bring everyone closer despite being shorter than Douma and Chachamaru who just cooperated with his efforts.
"You got that right." Chachamaru said, both Douma and Shinobu felt the same way too.
"Dice and Roll Valley here we come!" Yushiro said adamantly, pointing ahead.