Chapter 1: Looking for a Home

What a wonderful day for training. Hm? Is that the captain?

Captain! Good morning, sir!

Ah, Tetsuzaemon. Good morning.

Captain, what are you doing here so early?

I'm going around the Seireitei to pass these out.

What's this? A flyer?

Up for adoption...?

Yes, it's unfortunate, but I have to admit the situation has become more than I can handle. I have no choice but to do this.

(But... No way!)

(Is this...for Goro?!)

But you love him so much.

I have no one but myself to blame. Truly, I am ashamed.

No, Captain! It's not your fault!

Thank you, but I wouldn't be doing this if I didn't truly feel it was necessary.

The least I can do is find the best possible new home for him.

Captain...

Now, I must go visit a few more places. I'll be back at the barracks by noon.

Oh, Captain... I can see the sadness emanating from him.

Hmm. I can't just stand here doing nothing!

Is there anything I can do for him and Goro?

And that's why you came here to discuss it with us?

Renji, Izuru, you both know how much our captain loves Goro.

Isn't there any way we can keep him by our side instead of sending him off?

Goro is fond of the captain. It's too heartbreaking to tear them apart.

Why don't we have someone take care of him temporarily? Once having him around again is no problem, we can bring him back.

Yeah, that sounds like a good idea. Do you know anyone who might be able to take care of him for a while?

Hmm...

Pardon the intrusion! Lieutenant Abarai, we've confirmed a Hollow sighting in the Rukon District near the Seireitei!

Orders are for all available squad members to get rid of the threat, now!

Well, it doesn't look like we have time to think about this right now.

Right. We'll talk again after we're done.

No one was injured, and the damage was minimal. So that's good news.

............

Tetsuzaemon? What's wrong?

Do you think that maybe...the Captain decided to find Goro a foster family because things like this could happen?

What do you mean?

I see. We Soul Reapers are constantly in battle.

We never know what could happen to us. He can't guarantee that he'll always be by Goro's side.

Exactly that. Even if it means being separated from the captain, he could live a happier life if he were taken in by someone whose life is more safe and stable.

Tetsuzaemon...

Then, how about we send Goro off with a big hurrah!

Good idea. We can get him something as a parting gift.

Renji... Izuru... That's a great idea!

It's decided. We'll give Goro a send-off fit for a king!