Knowing One's Place and Cooperation

Elsewhere.

As Natsume closed the Eight Gates.

That gravely wounded, barely clinging-to-life [Jashin] was also making the most of its time.

Rapidly regenerating and healing itself, mending its injuries.

As for resisting or fleeing?

Though it had considered it, it ultimately did not dare put those thoughts into action.

Especially after—

It sensed another powerful, terrifying force that seemed to transcend the very laws themselves.

Flash across Natsume's body for an instant, helping him end that "burst state."

[Jashin] became exceedingly wary and incomparably obedient.

Its instincts told it.

This human likely had even greater power hidden away, power he had yet to use...

Continuing to oppose him would be nothing short of courting death!

Besides.

Once someone admitted defeat and lost their nerve.

Many of their beliefs would immediately change, and they would cast aside their principles as well...

[Jashin], too, decisively gave up its pride.

It continued forcibly shrinking its body.

Very soon, it returned to its original form.

A "Hell Demon Dog" named [Garm].

At this moment, it was:

Only the size of an ordinary wolfdog, its entire body blood-red, blood dripping from its chest. An icy, sinister light gleamed in its evil eyes, while deep-blue cold flames still streamed from its mouth.

Clearly.

This was [Jashin]'s true original form.

It really was a dog through and through.

Though it did not look particularly fierce or imposing.

At the very least, it was far better than its previous meatball-like appearance...

Moreover.

The dog quickly withdrew the ferocity from its evil eyes and stopped breathing cold flames;

Instead, it stuck out its tongue and opened its big, sparkling eyes.

Putting on an innocent, harmless expression.

Seeing the "Dog God" in its current state, Natsume could not help but laugh.

Though he knew this fellow was putting on