...is what happened.

I was told later that it thought I wanted to play when it saw me run.

But ever since that day, I flinch or freeze up whenever I see a dog...

And it gets worse if I see one running towards me or if one comes near my face.

Wait, so when Max runs back to you with the disc...

It reminds you of that dog, and you end up reliving that past trauma.

However, based on the rules of the competition, you'll need to be able to take the disc back from Max. This is turning into quite the puzzle...

Yes, it is...

...

(This is a tough one...
But if I don't do something...)

Oh...

Hey, everyone...!
Why don't we take a quick break here?!

We spent all morning practicing... I think we'll be able to come up with some better ideas after we've had a chance to catch our breaths!

Hanasato...

Hehe. I agree.
I saw some food stalls nearby, so why don't we all get some lunch together?

Alright...
Then, let's take a quick break.

Yes, let's!

Woof!

Samo, no!
You can't have this hot dog! Down, boy!

*Whimper*

Hehe.

Oh...

(Shinonome's looked so deep in thought during our entire break.)

(What are we supposed to do...?)

(How do we cure him of his fear of dogs...?)

Woof!

Shibao? What's wrong?

(Oh, he's pawing at my bag...
Does he think there are treats inside?)

If you want a treat, Shibao, you'll have to wait until we get home... Huh?

Pant... Pant... Pant... Woof!

<Sh-Shibao, not so loud...>

KAITO...!

<Oh, Honami...>

Is something wrong, Honami?

*Gasp*
U-Umm...!

Shibao's been begging for some treats.
I'd like to get some water for him as well, so we'll be over there...

Oh, right! You did say that Shibao has a big appetite!

Y-Yes, that's right...

(I'm so sorry, Shibao...!
You've been so patient about cutting back on treats...)

<I'm sorry if I came at a bad time.
I was just hoping to see Shibao again...>

No, thank you for coming to visit him.

We don't have much time to talk right now, but aren't you glad he came, Shibao...?

Oh, KAITO, look...!
Shibao's so excited that he can't stop shaking his bottom, let alone his tail.

<Oh, you're right...>

Woof!

<Huh...?>

Shibao, wait.
I know you're excited, but you shouldn't bark so loudly.

<It's okay. I know he means well.>

<But I was a little startled when I heard him bark for the first time...>

Wait, the first time? Do you mean...?

<Yes, when I babysat him the other day.
He barked in the same way...>

I-I'm so sorry...!
Shibao, you naughty boy...

But his bark doesn't scare you now? Why is that...?

<I think it's because...>

<I have a better understanding of who he is now.>

Who he is...?

<Yes.>

<Initially, I was under the impression that Shibao was barking because he saw me as some kind of threat.>

<I mean, I'd be on guard too if someone I didn't know came into my house...>

Yes, I see what you mean...

<That's why I did my best to keep an eye on him without leaving the screen...>

<But I soon realized that I had Shibao all wrong.>

All wrong?

<That's how I got to know Shibao better, and now I don't feel scared when he barks.>

<Learning to trust that he isn't going to attack me out of the blue or anything like that probably helps.>

Wow, I really had no idea...

(Getting to know a dog, and learning how to place your trust in them...)

(That may be the key to helping Shinonome. He might feel less afraid of Max if he gets to know him better and develops that trust.)

Thank you very much, KAITO...

<Huh?>

There's this problem that I've been having trouble trying to figure out, but I think I know what to do now after hearing your story...

<Really? I can't say that I fully understand...>

<But I'm glad I could help.>