Chapter 4: Goodbye Comes Too Soon

I'm glad we were able to get the dog food.

It's really thanks to you guys. I'm grateful for all of your help in this!

We just wanted to do something for Goro, that's all. Now, let's go give it to him.

Yeah. I'm sure the Captain's waiting!

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

Look at that. The Captain looks so sullen.

He must be very sad about being separated from Goro.

To be honest, I kind of thought this might just be a joke at first, but, uh... Yeah, this is serious.

Tetsuzaemon, let's go give Captain Komamura and Goro the parting gift before it's too late.

Yeah. Captai-...

Hey, Tetsuzaemon! Mind if I come in?

Shuhei? What are you doing here?

Oh, it's about the adoption.

I finished putting together a rough draft of the ad to put in the Seireitei Bulletin, so I wanted to get the final review.

Wh-What?!

(Captain... You even made an ad to put up in the Seireitei Bulletin?!)

That's Captain Komamura over there, isn't it? I'm glad he's still here in the barracks. I'm gonna go get his okay real quick.

(But the Captain's saying his final goodbyes to Goro! They don't have much time left together. I can't let him interrupt them right now!)

W-Wait, Shuhei! I can't let you see the Captain!

Huh? But why?!

You really have to ask why?! Renji, Izuru, aid me!

Wha...?! Huh?!

What's the matter with you guys?! Don't you want to find the puppies a home too?!

That's right! Er...? Wait, what did you say?

The puppies! I heard Goro brought them back from somewhere.

You guys, what are you doing over there?

Woah?! There's a bunch of dogs!

Captain Komamura, we heard a rumor that you were looking for an adoptive family for Goro.

For Goro?

Hmm. It seems the story was misinterpreted somehow.

I'm searching for people who can adopt these puppies that Goro brought back home.

With this many, it's difficult to provide enough food and sleeping areas for them all.

That's why I decided to put up an ad in the next Seireitei Bulletin to let everyone know that the puppies are up for adoption.

Th-Then what about Goro?

Goro will stay here as always. I will take care of him. I can't imagine what life would be like without Goro.

Looks like it was all a misunderstanding on Tetsuzaemon's part.

But we should be happy that Goro gets to stay.

We learned today that there are many people who would be sad to see him go.

Oh... So that's the truth behind this situation. I'm so glad!

So very glad!

Why are you getting so emotional, Tetsuzaemon?

Also, I can't help but be curious... Isn't that brand of dog food you've got there really expensive? What are you doing with it?

This is Goro's parting... I mean, this is a gift from us, from everyone, to Goro and the puppies.

Is that right? That's wonderful. I shall thank everyone individually for this later.

Tetsuzaemon, Goro says, "Thanks for feeding me all the time."

You take care of him when I'm gone, don't you? Goro is always talking about it.

I appreciate it as well. Thank you.

Goro...! Captain...!

Goro is an upstanding member of Squad 7! It's his right to be given the proper care and respect! Now and for many years to come!