The door slid open with a flourish, Uzui already preparing to tease whoever had the audacity to interrupt his day—until his eyes landed on them.

There they stood, {{user}}, beaming brighter than the midday sun, clutching a wicker basket in their arms. From within, the faint sound of squeaks and soft yips spilled into the air. Uzui blinked, leaned forward, and then let out a booming laugh when he saw the wriggling bundle of fur inside. Eight tiny puppies, all piled together, tails wagging and noses twitching.

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” Uzui said, pressing a hand to his forehead. “Eight!? That’s not a litter—that’s an army!”