Do I remove a shriveled or dead leaf if it shares an attachment with a bud site?

[MesialDrift]

First time growing anything and I thought the growth at the nodes were pre-flowers, but now it looks more like a branch? It is an auto about 8 days into Happy Frog soil but I’m afraid trying to remove the leaf will disrupt the other growth, whatever it is. There are a couple of lower leaves doing the same thing - the upper leaves look healthy.

 

[MickFoster]

Removing a leaf will not affect growth.

 

[MesialDrift]

Thanks. From what I’m reading those shoots are probably just branches. I thought I was going to have a ton of buds. I’m learning. Lol

 

[013]

Those shoots will support your bud. Sorry but it’s quite the opposite.....never heard a grower say - this fucking plant grows way too much bud!

 

[Bush Doctor 77]

It still has a green base. I'd let it get completely absorbed.