[If he's not the type to nickname then the only identifier he'll have been given is Giovanni's unit number - Unit 68 - the official 'name' most Company officials use for him, and should he utilise it he'll find the Dog responds to it readily enough. Though in truth he responds well enough to anything his superiors choose to call him, derogatory or otherwise. Insults and slurs tend to roll off him like water from oiled skin-- his accustomed to it, largely feels nothing but indifference.

But his superior on this exercise gives no indication - as of yet - that he's that way inclined, seems instead coolly professional which, in turn, is something Giovanni both appreciates and respects. He'll move to follow him as bidden, remaining a respectful two paces behind as he's been conditioned to do, keeps silent as a shadow until the moment they begin to board and Hijikata directly questions him.

Thinly, Giovanni smiles.]

No, Sir. It's generally not permitted, for Dogs. In case we get it into our heads to steal a ship and make a bid for freedom, I suppose.

[Although where they think he'd escape to remains something of a mystery to him-- his conditioning, it runs bone deep, and the thought of abandoning the Company and attempting to make a life for himself outside of its harshly structured embrace seems as impossible to him as growing wings of one's own accord. He belongs to them utterly. Doesn't question it.

As such, he adds--]

Of course, I'd do no such thing.