Alright, does here look good?

Yes, but... It's a little surprising how we can't use our usual park.

They're doing maintenance on the playground equipment, right?

Yeah, but I was worried that the park was being closed down after seeing that “under construction” sign.

We'd be just as put out as the neighborhood kids if that happened.

Yeah.

Anyways, let's change gears and start getting ready for today's practice...

Woof...!

...!

Oh, look! That dog's coming this way!

Urgh...

Wait, that's...

Woof! Woof...!

Hey, Shinonome!

Max, stop and sit.

Pant... Pant...

Hey, Ishihara, Max.

I haven't seen you guys since that competition.

How's your ankle feeling? Better?

Yeah, it's all better now.

But I'm a little out of shape, so I'm here to rehab by doing some light running.

I see...

Hey, Akito, aren't you gonna introduce us?

Is this the dog and owner you told us about?

Yeah, this is Ishihara and Max.

Ishihara, these guys are...

Your team, right? You guys sing together?

Hm? I don't remember telling you about them...

Hanasato and Kamishiro told me.

They talked about how you guys are working really hard to make your dream come true.

After the competition, I wanted to hear you guys sing, so I had a friend take me to a live house.

Oh, that event we did the next town over. You were there?

Yeah! My friend and I were totally blown away...! Even after that event ended, we couldn't stop talking about you guys!

I wish Max could've also been there.

Dogs have way better hearing than humans, right? Wouldn't it have been too loud for him?

...?

Hehe. He's tilting his head. That's so cute.

Also, Akito, he's been looking at you and wagging his tail this entire time.

Oh, what if he wants you to pet him...?

P-Pet him...?

I feel like he was just tilting his head inquisitively...

Alright, fine...

(You'll stay still for me, right...?)

Pant... Pant...

...

Man, you really are one smart dog...

Woof...!

Oh, can we pet him too?

Yes, of course.

Thank you very much!

Hehe. Hello, Max.

Pant...! Pant...!

Hey, are you really that surprised...?

No, it's just... Seeing you pet a real dog like this, Akito... I feel like a hot spring is going to burst out of this park tomorrow...

A hot spring?

Haha.

Anyway, what are your guys' plans moving forward? Still planning on becoming the best team in the country?

Of course! Hearing you guys sing made me feel even more motivated! We actually just registered for our next competition yesterday!

And good luck with your dream, you guys! We'll be rooting for you!

Thanks. And you need to help get Max a win!

Yeah, we plan on winning next time!