"Oh, yeah," Kuromaru said knowledgeably. "That's why I never use them. I just get the vet to wrap my leg up against my body." It was, of course, a superior way of doing things. Silly humans.

The music changed before Ginta could respond, an announcer bellowing out over the crowd. Kuromaru winced and clapped his hands over his ears, still able to hear the rumble of the over-loud voice. Something about the fabulous Ms. Hedda Lettuce and The Escorts. Everyone started whistling, and Kuromaru opened his one eye to look up.

Very tall, very muscular women had trooped on stage. Kuromaru caught a flash of colorful garb before the crowd closed in. He stood on tip-toe to see over their heads, but still wasn't tall enough. "Ginta -- what's up there?"