Chapter 5: Into the Forest

We're in pretty deep.

Is the reading still far up ahead?

Yes, it keeps going for a while.

How far could he have gone?

I have no clue, but I'm sure we're getting close.

The sun's going down. We have to find him before dark.

Yeah, let's hurry.

Hm?

Is he close?!

No. The Reishi reading ends here.

What?!

There seems to be signs of a lot of movement in this area.

Movement? What's that supposed to mean?

There's something moving over there!

Goro?! Is that you, Goro?!

Goro! It's me! The Captain's worried sick for you! Come home!

Roaaaarrrrr!!!

Lieutenant Iba! It's a Hollow!

How dare you trick me, you bastard!!!

Well, we've beaten the Hollow. Is there still no reading?

No, nothing.

Hey!!! Goro!!!

Lieutenant Iba, the sun's setting. I'll help you again tomorrow. We should go home for today.

I can't do that! Goro might be in danger as we speak!

We don't have any more clues, even if we wanted to look for him. It's better to go back to the Seireitei and gather more information than walking around the forest aimlessly.

But I...

Lieutenant Iba, I understand how you're feeling, but please calm down.

There's a chance he might even be back at the barracks by now.

Hrn...

But I wonder why the Reishi reading stopped all of a sudden.

Who knows? Maybe the device broke down.

Hey, you guys can go back first. I'm going to keep looking for just a little longer.

Lieutenant Iba...

Woof, woof!

Huh?

That sound!

It's...

...Goro!!!

Ah, Tetsuzaemon. Goro came home just a moment ago.

Woof!

Yeah, you're right.

He's saying you should eat with us too, Tetsuzaemon.

Eat?

You see, Goro went to hunt down a bear for us.

A what?!

He felt bad about the financial shortage I was in after I explained to him how I was unable to buy him his usual meal.

He thought he could cheer us up by getting us something good to eat.

Goro!

*Sob* I'm so glad you're safe!

Woof! Woof!

Hahaha.

He's saying, "Tetsuzaemon, why are you crying? Eat some bear if you're sad. It'll make you happy."

Gooorooooo!!!

Captain! We should have a delicious bear meat stew tonight!

Good thing he's home safe.

I guess the reason why the device stopped working in the forest was because he came back here after he caught the bear.

Yeah, but how was he able to catch a bear?

It just means that Goro's a fine member of Squad 7 with a loyal heart and a strong will.

Isn't that wonderful?

Is that really what this means?

I apologize for making you worry, Goro. I will gratefully accept tonight's meal.

Awooo!