Goro

Goro (ゴロー) is one of the main characters in DARLING in the FRANXX series. He is a former Parasite with the codename "056" of Thirteenth Plantation, where he was partnered in boy-girl pair with Ichigo to pilot a FRANXX called Delphinium.

As an optimist, Goro prefers to be open-minded and civil for the sake of avoiding conflicts, even restraining his feelings for Ichigo because of her feelings for Hiro, his best friend. Under duress, he will take over the role as the leader to ensure the stability and survival of the squad.

Appearance
Goro is a tall and averagely built man, being the tallest of the Parasites in Squad 13, with blond loose-spiked hair styled into an undercut. He wears blue-rimmed (sometimes seen as purple) glasses over his striking golden, olive-green eyes. He dons the standard Stamen Parasite uniform.

In Episode 24 when he has become an adult, Goro's hair is cut much shorter and appears spikier. He is also shown wearing a dark brown mantle with white trims and a blue scarf when he goes traveling.

Personality
When Goro was a child, he disliked being surrounded by people and wanted to be alone, and thought that fighting with other children would make them hate him so he could be left alone. He thought that he could handle everything by himself and didn't lean on other people. After meeting and befriending Ichigo and Hiro however, this attitude changed.

Growing up, Goro became very considerate and supportive towards his friends. He learned to think rationally and to step aside when the situation called for so. He has an upbeat and easygoing "class rep" personality and is the "moodmaker" amongst the squad. He's a talented pilot and seen by many as one of the most well-valued parasites in Cerasus and has a good head on his shoulders. He is considered as the second unofficial leader of the squad and is very mature, responsible and level-headed; he isn't badly shaken when things go wrong. When Ichigo is seen breaking down in their FRANXX, Goro is the one who pulls her up on her feet again. However, Goro gives in quite easily to requests, as when he found out that Hiro was severely ill after piloting with Zero Two and would likely die if he kept it up, Hiro calmy asked Goro to keep it a secret so he can continue piloting, to which Goro reluctantly agreed to. Goro also keeps some of his childhood tendencies, as Ichigo states that he is very headstrong and always tries to solve everything by himself.

Goro is selfless who cares very deeply for his friends. He will not hesitate to sacrifice himself as he values others over himself. In Episode 09, when Ichigo almost gets eaten by a klaxosaur and Goro realizes that her life could be in peril, he quickly ejects her from Delphinium, and instead gets trapped inside the klaxosaur. After spending hours trapped, he prepares to self-destruct the FRANXX, knowing it would kill the klaxosaur and keep Plantation 13 safe. He is also very understanding of others, and after confessing his love to Ichigo, he states that she doesn't need to answer him, knowing that it would put Ichigo in a confused state but he wanted to get it off his chest so he would have any regrets later. He states that he is completely fine with just being able to stand beside Ichigo as her partner. Even if Ichigo gives Hiro far more attention than himself, Goro doesn't hold a grudge towards either of them. When Ichigo offers to be Hiro's partner for a mock battle, Goro not only accepts it but also tells Hiro there is no need to feel guilty about it.

Although Goro usually keeps a level-headed and easy-going composure and is always the first one to interrupt people from getting into fights and lashing out, he can lose his cool when people are selfish and overly inconsiderate of feelings of the people Goro cares about. This is seen in Episode 22 when Goro resorted to punching Hiro when he insisted going to space in order to save Zero Two, which could possibly lead to his death, when there were people who would do anything to keep him safe, like himself and Ichigo. However, he later confided in Ichigo that it was never about how his friends felt, but how he himself felt; he was scared of the world and path he himself chose. Goro also does not understand why Hiro is currently making such a brash decision when all of them are doing their best to survive, but in the end, he comes to respect Hiro's determination to protect and go after what he loves most, something Goro was afriad of.

Later, it appears that Goro has become more confident, straightforward and open with his feelings. He decides to take his own path in life in order to survive and states that he won't let anyone fight his decision. He wants to do everything he yearns for, since he states that he doesn't want to regret things anymore. Determined to help people around him, Goro also decided to travel the world to both find valuable items to their homes and to help any children in need. As he becomes an adult, he becomes bolder, to the point of catching Ichigo off guard by kissing her. After marrying Ichigo, Goro is shown to be a loving husband towards her and exhibits excitement for their child’s imminent birth, as he is willing to postpone his traveling so he can take care of his family.

History
Goro was raised in the Garden where he was trained to become a Stamen. Because of his high parasite potential, he obtained the codename "056" and received special treatment because his number was a double-digit number.

Early on as a child, Goro became sick of the communal lifestyle and would often pick fights with other kids in the Garden, so they would hate him and leave him alone. One day, Goro got into a fight with three other children when Ichigo suddenly saw him and asked why he was fighting when he's so weak. Goro told her to stay out of it, though he was quickly defeated by the other kids. Ichigo tells him she was right, but Goro insists that he would fine even if he was alone. Ichigo reaches out for his hand and helps him, which leads to them winning against the kids. Ichigo told Goro that even if they couldn't win alone, the two of them could together. This made Goro happy and ever since that moment, he has been in love with her. However, Goro was also aware of Ichigo's feelings and admiration towards Hiro, but he was fine with it since Hiro has also always been special to him in his own way.

At some point, Goro received his name from Hiro and after that, Goro, Ichigo, and Hiro became very close friends and were often seen by each other's sides, growing up in the Garden together. One day while the three were discussing about what present they would ask for from Papa, Hiro commented that Ichigo's bangs had gotten longer and that it would be hard to see. This inspired Goro to ask for a hairclip that he could give to Ichigo. When he got it, he rushed to Ichigo only to oversee that Hiro had already given Ichigo an identical hairclip. Despite that, Goro had always held onto the hairclip in hopes that he could give it to her someday.

When Goro was discharged from the Garden at age 14, he was accepted into Plantation 13's Squad where he was partnered with Ichigo. Though he passed, he was present as Hiro and Naomi failed to connect.

Episode 01: Alone and Lonesome
Goro walks in when the rest of the Parasites are talking about the "Parter Killer". He asks Ichigo if she got a hold of Hiro, to which she replies that she didn't. Futoshi thinks that since he didn't attend that day's briefing, he's maybe going to turn down the chance. Goro asks if Ichigo's okay and she says that Hiro's an idiot. At Cerasus, the Parasites attend their welcoming meeting where they are praised by Papa. The adults cheer for them. Ichigo's mind drifts elsewhere, until Goro reminds her to focus on the ceremony, since Papa and everyone else is watching. In the Parasites' FRANXX, they begin the startup ritual. However, a klaxosaur soon appears and Nana orders everyone to evacuate. Strelizia easily defeats the klaxosau and Goro and the others are shocked when it's revealed that Hiro was piloting the FRANXX.

Episode 02: What it Means to Connect
At Mistilteinn, the Parasites gather in the mess hall for breakfast. Zero Two slathers her food with honey as she sits at a separate table, to which Goro comments that she's ruining her good looks with the way she's eating.

Getting ready for a mission, the stamen look through their lockers. Goro says he's amazed that Hiro managed to fight that klaxosaur, though he states that he doesn't remember anything but how it felt. Goro says he's happy that he stayed and maybe he's the type that comes through when it matters most. He playfully nudges him for getting a jump on him. Hachi says he'll be giving overall strategic instructions, though field decisions will be made by the leader unit, Delphinium. Goro and Ichigo successfully connect and they follow Hachi's orders.

At the Plantation FRANXX Parking Dock, Goro tells Ichigo that he's close to figuring out the trick to connecting. Zero Two suddenly walks by and Ichigo turns to her and asks why it had to be Hiro. Ichigo says she appreciates her saving them, but wants her to stay away from Hiro. She walks up and licks her cheek, saying that she's sweet and likes her taste. Goro puts his hand on her head though she quickly swats it off. Goro gives out an amused smile.

In the conference room, Hachi and Nana announce that Hiro will partake in a mock battle and, depending on how he does, will promote him to a Parasite. Ichigo volunteers to be his partner, though Mitsuru questions her why since she already has Goro as her partner. Ichigo looks at Goro and he playfully smiles at her. Later at night, Hiro apologizes to Goro for taking his partner, but he says he doesn't mind and wishes him good luck for the upcoming mock battle. He receives a call saying they're ready. Goro says not to worry, since she never takes no for an answer.

Goro later overwatches Hiro's mock exam battle against Miku and Zorome in their respective FRANXXs. Hachi declares it a draw.

Episode 03: Fighting Puppet
At Cerasus, Goro asks Hiro if something happened between him and Ichigo in the cockpit since she was acting weird after the mock battle. Hiro says that she seemed mad when she ran into him earlier as well. Goro says that she always gets too worked up when it comes to him since the two are basically like siblings. Goro then tells Hiro that he and Ichigo have always been together with him, so it was like a miracle that all three of them got assigned from the special class to there. Hiro agrees that they are like siblings.

Hiro asks Goro, since he's her partner, to tell Ichigo that it wasn't her fault in the mock battle. Goro agrees but asks what he's going to do, and Hiro replies that he'll ask if he can ride with Zero Two again. Goro asks if he's heard about the rumors that her partner can only ride with her three times without dying, but Hiro says that it is just a rumor. Goro asks if he saw what happened to her last partner, but Hiro interrupts to say that if Zero Two is the only one he can ride with, then he has to ride with her. Since their entire purpose is to pilot the FRANXX and that was the reason they were born.

The Parasites discuss about the mock battle and if Hiro will truly be able to become a Parasite. Miku then begins to complain about Ichigo that she's too biased towards Hiro when she's supposed to be their leader. She also sats that she doesn't understand how Goro's putting up with her as her partner. Ichigo walks in and asks what Goro has to do with it, and Goro also walks in and asks what they're talking about. Ichigo tells them that she believes in Hiro.

Hachi later informs the Parasites that he received sortie orders from HQ. Nana tells them that the Klaxosaur won't be as big as the one they already saw. Hachi tells them that the klaxosaurs are attracted by magma energy reactions and appear in their vicinity. Lately, the klaxosaurs had been showing up deep in a Level 8 mine on the outskirts and wreaking havoc. Because they'll have to defend Plantation 13 by themselves eventually, it will show whether they can handle fighting themselves in the future. Nana says that Ichigo and Goro will have field command. Goro asks if the mock battle is still bothering Ichigo. Realizing that it still is, he tells her to switch gears since they're going into actual combat. She says that she'll do her best as leader and tells Goro to take care of the handling. He agrees and they fistbump.

Goro connects with Ichigo and they head out along with only Genista and Argentea, since Chlorophytum had to stay behind. They head out to a big hole and marvel at it, realizing that they use the pipes to extract magma reserves. Hachi tells them to head down to the 8th floor to defeat it. They are able to defeat it but many more suddenly fall from the ceiling, so the Parasites plan on fleeing. Nana says that they attracted more because they released their magma energy. Zero Two says that she should have sent her from the start since they are now in a life or death situation. She gets permission to pilot, but with Mitsuru. Hachi soon tells them that Strelizia is about to help. Ichigo is bothered by this and causes them to fall, and this lets the klaxosaur to get in, so they flee. Many follow and a very large one is about to bite Ichigo. Strelizia appears and kills some and Mitsuru tells them to get back and Hachi tells them to evacuate.

When they retrieve Streliza, Goro sees Zero Two walking out, though Mitsuru is gravely injured and unconscious.

Episode 04: Flap Flap
Mitsuru had been traumatized with riding with Zero Two. The members of Squad 13 discusses about Hiro, Zero Two, and Mitsuru, as well as the partner killing rumor. Miku says Despite everyone being against Zero Two, Ichigo reminds everyone that if things do not change, they could also die at any time. Ichigo says that they need to defeat klaxosaurs without Strelizia and cannot mess up again so as to survive. Ichigo asks others to help her and work in a team, to which Goro remarks how Ichigo really is acting like a leader.

To prepare for the kissing with Plantation 26, Plantation 13 switches to mobile setup. HQ soon detects a worm-type klaxosaur heading towards Plantation 13 and Hachi tells them to connect to defeat the klaxosaurs. They are ravaged by more klaxosaurs in hiding and are struggling, until Strelizia quickly saves them and destroys the klaxosaurs.

Episode 05: Your Thorn, My Badge
Cerasus carries out the kissing with Chrysanthemum and the parasites watch as the plantations connect. The Parasites of the 13th and 26th Plantation attend a grand ceremony. The following moring, at the boarding house, Goro wakes up and puts on his uniform. He realizes that Hiro is sick and when he puts his hand on Hiro, he feels that he is burning up. In the bathroom, Goro asks Hiro if he's okay to which he cheerfully says that he even feels like training. Goro is reluctant to believe him.

Everyone talks about the ceremony. They then discuss about Hiro and Zero Two, how they really shone in the previous battle and that they are very compatible. Hiro thanks them, and says that he had a hard time keeping up with everything happening, but their support let them win. Hiro happily asks if he can let him fight as part of the team. Goro observes him suspiciously.

Goro is later seen waiting for Ichigo outside after her having a talk with Nana. In the elevator, Goro asks what she thinks about how Hiro was acting. She says that it had been a long time since she saw him smile so much. Goro tells her that it felt like it was forced and asks Ichigo to talk to him, but she says they have to worry about themselves, since the next battle will be more difficult. She says that he should be focused otherwise she cannot do her best.

After meeting with the parasites from Plantation 26, Goro returns to his room, where finds Hiro clutching his chest on the floor. Goro asks what is wrong and Hiro insists that he's fine. Goro does not believe him and as he unzips Hiro's shirt, he realizes that a blue tumor has begun growing at Hiro's chest. He asks if it is been there since he rode with Zero Two and quickly tries to call someone, but Hiro stops him. Hiro downs a glass of water and chokes on it. Goro angrily asks Hiro not to pilot Strelizia since it could kill him, but Hiro says that he feels really alive now that he can pilot a FRANXX and that he wants to give it his all on the next mission. Goro asks if he wants him to turn a blind eye and if he is going to keep it from everyone, even Ichigo. He answers yes to all. Goro again becomes angry but turns to find Hiro smiling at him before walking out. Goro sadly calls him an idiot.

After another encounter with Squad 26, Goro expresses his desire that Strelizia shouldn't be part of the mission, though Hiro happily replies that they should show them what they're made of. Zorome agrees and tells Goro not to be so timid. Goro asks what Ichigo thinks and she says that they need Strelizia in the next battle. When he looks at Hiro, he notices Zero Two glaring at him. At night, Goro has trouble sleeping as Hiro writhes in pain. He goes outside and sits on a step sadly, where he soon notices Zero Two and Ichigo walking off together.

When Ichigo walks back, Goro tosses her a towel and says she'll catch a cold. She asks if he saw everything, and he said he did. Ichigo expresses her helplessness regarding Hiro and how she hates the fact that he has to pilot with Zero Two. Goro is very worried about her and tries reaching out to her, but stops as he is struck with a strong instinct to help and protect Ichigo, though he doesn't know what he is feeling. He ends up watching Ichigo cry while he himself is on the brink of tears.

Episode 06: DARLING in the FRANXX
A huge horde of Conrad class Klaxosaurs, accompanied by a massive structure will approach the Plantations with an arrival time of 0210 hours. Meanwhile, Goro questions Hiro if he really will fight, to which he replies that he will. After he goes out of the room, Goro remarks that Hiro is a complete fool.

Meanwhile, the Parasite Squads prepare for battle and wonder if they'll be able to survive the large incoming amount of klaxosaurs. As Ichigo comes out of their changing room, Goro advises her to talk to Hiro and pushes her toward him as he passes by. The two discuss the upcoming battle and Hiro praises Ichigo for her ability to lead them. Before Hiro follows Zero Two who had just walked past them, Ichigo thanks Hiro for being like a sibling to her alongside Goro which Hiro also thanks her for.

In their FRANXX, Goro asks Ichigo how it went and she only tells him that Hiro sended his regards to him, which makes Goro visibly annoyed. She then tells him that they're going to save Strelizia for as late as possible. Hachi announces that, besides from the Conrad-class pack, they've also detected a large, tightly packed unit. He gives 090 field command and tells Strelizia to stay back. They Parasites also make a line of defense: with Squad 26 on the front, Squad 13 on the middle, and Strelizia on the rear guard.

Squad 26 and Squad 13 successfully manages to take out a few klaxosaurs. As Ichigo constantly gives the others orders and support, Goro advises that she doesn't get too worked up. Strelizia then joins the battle and quickly defeats many klaxosaurs, and although Ichigo tells Strelizia to go back, Hiro says it's fine. After the minor Klaxosaurs are defeated, the structure reveals itself as a giant Gutenberg class Klaxosaur that overpowers Squad 26. Squad 13 then rescues them and join for a combined attack to give an opening for Strelizia to give the final blow. However, Strelizia fails to destroy the enemy and Hiro collapses from exhaustion and Strelizia is crashed into the Plantation's wall. The klaxosaur continues to smash them against the wall and Goro screams out for Hiro and Zero Two. Meanwhile, Ichigo breaks down and disconnects from Goro. Crying, she is thinking Hiro had died and says that she regrets that she couldn't tell him not to pilot. Goro gets her back on her feet as he angrily tells her to get it together since they have to focus on surviving themselves.

After Hiro recovered from his tumor and managed to reconnect with Zero Two, Strelizia creates an opening and defeats the klaxosaur. When Goro sees Hiro and Zero Two walk out together from the FRANXX, Goro is very shocked and he and the other parasites happily run to him. The squad groups then celebrate for the victory.

Episode 07: Shooting Star Moratorium
Due to their achievements in the previous battle, Squad 13 is rewarded with a special vacation at a secluded beach where the children experience seeing the ocean for the first time. Goro wonders if it's some kind of training, but Ichigo smiles and says that they should enjoy themselves anyway. Goro blushes and agrees, turning away.

Kokoro serves a ball to Miku and Futoshi and Zorome admire their figures. They're surprised when they find Goro doing the same. Hiro follows Zero Two further into the water and the three boys begin watching them. As Zero Two teasingly leans in to pretend to kiss Hiro only to lick him, she asks what he was expecting. She says that a kiss is a declaration that the other person belongs to you and you should only kiss the person you love. Right after, Goro, Zorome, and Futoshi pull Hiro under the water. The boys toss Hiro on the ground to ask him what a "kiss" is and how it works; even Goro is curious to find out. Hiro is unable to clearly explain but says it's when two people stick their mouths together and make him feel good. The boys are in awe. Ichigo suddenly interrupts them the group is called them back.

Mitsuru leads the group into a secret passageway. While walking, Goro asks if there's a relationship closer to being partners based on his observations with Hiro and Zero Two. Goro explains that he enjoys being with Ichigo but yet that it hurts sometimes; he thinks that his feelings are different from Hiro and the other boys. They're soon lead to what appears to be an abandoned city. The group noticed how the city is much different from the cities adults live in now and how they're modeled more closely to the boarding house they live in. They walk back to the rest of the group and Miku says that she's exhausted and Kokoro agrees. The Parasites discuss about the city, confirming that it was part of civilization and that people in previous eras lived: on the surface. Back at the beach, food had been delivered. Goro enjoys himself with the others around the campfire and with high spirits, Ichigo stands and officially welcomes Hiro and Zero Two to the squad.

Episode 08: Boys × Girls
As the parasites are fighting a klaxosaur, it spews goo. It leaks into the cockpits and melts the girls' parasite suits. Ichigo scolds Goro and tells him to focus. The boys begin spacing out but they don't tell the girls and they finish off the klaxosaur. Hiro finally tells Zero Two and the rest of the girls realize what's happened.

The girls are extremely upset with the boys. The boys look embarrassed, and Goro explains they only didn't tell because they didn't want to distract them during the battle, though the girls doesn't take any explanation as an excuse. Soon, the girls begin splitting the area of the house between the boys and girls. The girls and boys continue living separately but the girls notice that Zero Two is ignoring their split. As they go to reprimand her, the boys walk in from swimming in the lake wearing only boxers. Though Miku tells them to get dressed, he says they can do whatever they like on their side. As they clean the bath, Ichigo says that it must have been Goro's idea. When they go to eat, the boys are already there and Goro tells them that they've already taken over the area. Miku becomes annoyed, so Goro suggests that drop all the rules and eat together. Zero Two walks in and Miku attempts to follow her, but the other girls pull her back.

Zero Two joins the feud and she changes the girls only bath sign to allow boys and, when they enter naked, the girls are already bathing. They become angry and begin throwing bathing supplies at the boys. Zero Two runs out with their clothes and Hiro chases her. The other parasites continue to bicker when Nana suddenly interrupts, and she and Hachi later scold the group after they get dressed. Later in the boys room, they discuss about the recent feud but Hiro says it was fun and got to see a more human side of Zero Two. He tells them that the Pistils let the Stamen handle all the controls, but they bear the brunt of each battle. Futoshi, Goro, and Zorome agree that they should look after them and make up with the girls.

Miku however, refuses to end the fight. She flees and when the others become worried and decide to look for her, they find her in one of the sealed off rooms in the dorm, where they discover items related to the previous members of Squad 13, which were killed in battle long ago. After that, the boys and the girls finally make amends and resume their duties together.

Episode 09: Triangle Bomb
Goro watches Ichigo through a window and narrates that he's always trying to figure out what her outlooks are. Later inside, the parasites are happy to receive their gifts: Goro receives a fishing rod. Goro teases Ichigo for asking for something childish and she says it doesn't matter.

Sometime later, Goro notices Ichigo sitting on the step. He asks what she's doing, but she shushes him. They watch as Hiro gives Zero Two Naomi's mirror, to which Zero Two is very thankful for and hugs him. Looking at Ichigo's hairpin, Goro remembers their one event during their childhood: Hiro tells Ichigo that her bangs have grown at that it will be hard to see. Goro writes a letter asking for a hairpin and when he's about to give it to her, he finds that Hiro is already putting one on her.

In their room, Goro holds the same hair clip when Hiro suddenly comes into the room. Goro teases him for how Zero Two smiled at him, to which Hiro blushes and asks if he was watching. Goro apologizes and Hiro asks if the hair clip he's holding is Ichigo's. Goro says that it's the same type of hair clip, but it's the one he tried and failed to give to her. Goro asks if he remembers when he said he didn't understand "love" and says that he's starting to think it means the other person is special to you. He also comes to the conclusion that Ichigo feels the same way about Hiro as Hiro feels about Zero Two, like wanting to know more about this person, be together with them and kiss. Hiro starts understanding Goro's feelings towards Ichigo, but before he can say anything, Goro says that he knows what makes Ichigo laugh, cry, but none of them would work for him, only Hiro could. He says that watching him lately made him realize that he loves Ichigo. He says he feels relieved to tell someone and quickly goes to sleep. Lying down, he smiles and says he's happy with the way things are.

The next day, Hachi tells the Parasites that they've detected a Gutenberg-class Klaxosaur 2,000 from there. Nana says it's moving slowly. The FRANXX approach the klaxosaur which is wrapped in tentacles. It attaches explosives, which causes slight injury. After a slight injury to the Klaxosaur, it begins to multiply its jelly. Delphinium is caught and Goro ejects Ichigo to save her, but becomes trapped inside the klaxosaur while the others are ordered to retreat. When Goro wakes up, Hiro begins messaging him. He says that Ichigo's fine but got knocked out by the ejection and is getting treated with Zorome and Miku. Hiro explains that he's inside the klaxosaur and that they were ordered to retreat, though everyone promises to save him. Goro says that he's switching to safe mode to conserve power.

Back at the plantation, Nana and Hachi explain that to the others that Goro is stuck in the klaxosaur's fuel. Zorome says that they'll rescue Goro first, since he owes him. Hachi coldly says that their top priority is preventing the target from making contact with the plantation and explains their plan. Hiro angrily asks if they'll leave Goro to die and Nana replies that if worst comes to worst. Hachi tells them to prepare to sortie though Ichigo asks to speak to Goro first.

Goro says it's been 30 minutes since they radioed. Sweating, he tries to loosen his collar. In his hand, he holds Ichigo's hairpin. Ichigo calls out to him and he is happy that she came to. She suddenly shouts and scolds him for running off alone, but he smiles. She sadly asks why he doesn't lean on her a little, and crying, she promises to save him, which Goro finds surprising. He says he came up with a plan and he's going to kill it and come home to her. He says he needs to go to conserve power. Ichigo later gets permission to save Goro after Zero Two says that there's an exhaust hole on top of the klaxosaur.

Strelizia transport Ichigo to the klaxosaur and they throw her in and she swims to Delphinium. Inside, Goro pants and remembers more events from his childhood: Goro would always get into fights with others so he could left alone, until he was confronted by Ichigo. Goro said that he doesn't want her help against the other kids but she helps him up and they defeat the other kids together. She says they can win together. Goro smiles and thinks that he loved her since then. Hiro suddenly walks in and smiles at Ichigo and the kids all stand around him and forget about the fight. Goro notices she is overjoyed to see him as well. Though he looks sad, he narrates that it was okay because Hiro was special to him in his own way too.

The klaxosaur approaches the line. Goro thinks that he used to think that he didn't mind if his feelings never got through to her. As Ichigo swims, her hair clip comes off. At 6%, Goro says that he has more than enough to self-destruct, and an extra pack. He says he wishes he could have told her his feelings. Ichigo suddenly bursts in and says that the air's thin. He asks why she came, and she says that she was sure that he would try something reckless since he's so headstrong even though he's weak. Ichigo reminds Goro that although they can't win alone, together they can. Goro smiles with tears in his eyes and narrates that he thought that he was satisfied that she would cry for him, but he's happier than ever to see her smile. He extends his hand to her and they connect in Delphinium. They leave and Goro drops the bomb, causing it to explode once they're away from the klaxosaur.

Ichigo bandages him and Goro suddenly realizes that Ichigo's hairclip has gone missing and he questions her about it. She looks around, clearly distressed. He then hands her his hairclip and she asks if he picked it up for her. He denies this and says that he wanted to give this hairclip to her, but couldn't. Smiling, he tells her that he probably loves her, making Ichigo surprised and blush. Goro states that he just wanted to tell her since he doesn't want to regret not taking action. She smiles and thanks him for being her partner, but she doesn't know how to respond to his love confession. He says that he wasn't trying to put her on the spot and that he isn't expecting an answer from them. Goro initiates a hug and he asks if they can stay like that for a while, to which Ichigo agrees.

The next day, Goro narrates: "What is the outlook for tomorrow? Right now, you're impossible to forecast."

Episode 10: The City of Eternity
Nana explains that everyone in Squad 13 has to wear their formal clothing the next day as Papa is going to award them medals. The ceremony will be held in the Plantation Parliament HQ, which means they can go into the city. At the ceremony, the mayor congratulates them and thanks them for their efforts. After the ceremony, they get permission to walk around. The children marvel at the city's main energy source and when Goro asks Ichigo about it, she seems uncomfortable. Goro says that maybe he shouldn't have told her how he felt and says to not let it bother her.

The children look around as they walk back, though Zorome wanders off and is separated. When Ichigo later announces that they found Zorome, everyone is relieved.

Episode 11: Partner Shuffle
Nana and Hachi praise the squad for their high killing numbers but note that Chlorophytum‘s capacity has been declining. While guarding a drilling facility, Chlorophytum deactivates when Mitsuru falls ill. Everyone talks about how Mitsuru has had a weak body for a long time, and Ichigo and Ikuno reveal he was the only one who has an Elixirs Injection and came back alive. Goro says Mitsuru used to follow Hiro around when they were still in the Garden and a surprised Zorome asks how Mitsuru went from admiring Hiro to butting heads with him over everything but Goro doesn’t know. Goro also mentions Hiro changed a lot as well.

Due to Mitsuru and Ikuno’s incompatibility, Nana suggests the group try a partner shuffle. Goro and Ichigo decide not to change partners. But when Ikuno asks Ichigo to try a pistil-pistil connection with her, Ichigo reluctantly agrees. After 160 seconds, the two fail to synchronize and time out while Mitsuru and Kokoro manage to maintain a low but stable connection.

A klaxosaur appears and the squad is dispatched to sortie. Although Strelizia strays from the plan and Genista nearly fails, the group manages to emerge victorious.

Episode 12: The Garden Where It All Began
The Squad is sent to the Garden to undergo tests and they decide to use the chance to see Naomi, although Nana bars them from leaving the lab. When they arrive, they are met by the 9’s. Alpha unexpectedly kisses Ichigo’s hand, which shocks the girls and makes Goro irritated. After completing the tests, Goro tells Hiro they were normal and doesn’t understand what the purpose is for. Everyone decides to sneak into to the Garden to try and see Naomi and they have recollections of their childhood. They are surprised to see the children being developed into parasites at a faster rate due to the recent klaxosaur attacks.

A horde of klaxosaurs start appearing near the facility, Zero Two goes rogue as she brutally slaughters the klaxosaurs, shocking the parasites. When another horde of klaxosaurs appear, Hiro tries to restrain Zero Two from losing control but she attacks him, horrifying the squad.

Episode 13: The Beast and the Prince
In a flashback, Hiro remembers when many children began disappearing from the Garden and Hiro felt the need to speak up. Goro told him it was Papa’s decision and Ichigo said they couldn’t do anything about it. Goro was with Hiro and Ichigo as they watched Mitsuru leave to get his injection and made a promise with Hiro to ride a FRANXX together.

Episode 14: Punishment and Confession
Goro and Ichigo barge into Strelizia’s cockp and find Zero Two holding an unconscious Hiro. Ichigo throws Zero Two away from him and Goro tries to console Zero Two. After Hiro is hospitalized, Ichigo orders the squad to prevent Zero Two from seeing him, with Goro reluctantly going along with this.

Fed up and guilt-ridden from hurting Hiro, Zero Two tries to see him and pushes Goro against a wall when he intervenes. Ichigo tries to stop her but Goro tells her to stop and let Zero Two see him. Everyone else agrees and Ichigo reluctantly agrees. But, when they get to his hospital room, they find it empty and Hiro escaped. Zero Two accuses them of tricking her and attacks them. Hiro, finding his friends injured and unconscious, calls her a monster and a disheartened Zero Two decides to leave.

Goro looks on with the others as Zero Two is escorted from the boarding house. Hiro tried to stop her but Ichigo suddenly kisses him and confesses her feelings to him. Goro sees this nearby and sadly smiles.

Episode 15: The Bird that Shares Wings
The Squad is ordered to sortie with Squad 26 as a horde of klaxosaurs appear near Gran Crevasse. Hiro is still disheartened from Zero Two leaving but Ichigo vows they will protect him and Goro smiles as Hiro thanks them. During the battle, a Lehmann klaxosaur appears and begins rampaging on the Plantations. Squad 26 performs a suicide attack to stop it but fail. The FRANXX units struggle to stop it as it begins attacking Plantation 13. Hiro rushes towards a stampede mode Strelizia to see Zero Two and Ichigo tries to stop him. Goro stops her and says he can’t continue watching this anymore and tells Hiro to get on Delphinium.

After reconciling with Zero Two and reconnecting with Strelizia, they single-handedly defeat the klaxosaur and open the doors to Gran Crevasse. But the klaxosaur’s cores are still active and about to detonate until a colossal hands bursts from the ground and stops the cores, sparing the lives of the squad but destroying the plantation with the exception of Miltisteinn.

Episode 16: Days of Our Lives
A month passes since the battle at Gran Crevasse and the squad has been left alone at their boarding house. As damage to the plantation restricted their access to water and electricity, and their caretakers have disappeared, they have to rely on their rations to survive and create a daily routine for chores. Goro picks up food that is delivered once a week to them and, as he stocks them with Hiro, he wonders how long this will continue. But Goro mentions they have been in battle where they face death many times.

The Squad discusses five sources where they get water from but two of them are useable for filtering. They realize how easy life was when their caretakers provided necessiti for them. Zero Two suggests they cook their own food. She, Hiro, and Goro gather fish from the lake to cook, and Goro gathered ten fish while Zero Two got 11 and Hiro caught none. As they eat, they compliment how well they did. Afterwards, they discuss their current situation, but resolve to work hard to survive.

Episode 17: Eden
The 9’s unexpectedly show up and day they were sent by Papa. Goro is surprised and asks if this means they weren’t cast aside. Alpha says no and in fact Papa has been worried about them, much to Miku and Zorome’s relief. Alpha announces they will be staying and to prepare rooms for them, much to the squad’s dismay.

Goro is present when Zorome tells everyone he saw Kokoro and Mitsuru in an embrace. Alpha comes in with a baby book Kokoro has been hiding and demands an explanation. Kokoro admits she wants to have a baby and explains they were not created by Papa as they were led to believe but they are all capable of bearing children and she wants to leave a mark before she dies. Alpha calls her disgusting and says humans have casted their gender aside for evolution and it is an inconvenience. Ikuno slaps Alpha and berates him for this and nearly attacks him when he says humans have a tendency to let their emotions take over, and Goro and Ichigo hold her back before Nana and Hachi defuse the situation.

Later that night, everyone talks about Kokoro’s words. Goro wonders how they were born if Papa didn’t create them. Zero Two says it’s a wonderful thing for humans to be able to leave a mark for the future.

Episode 18: When the Sakura Blooms
Hachi tells Ichigo the squad will be leaving for the Bird Nest soon, and she meets with Hiro and Goro as they return to Mistilteinn. Ichigo wonders if they can stay a little longer but Goro says they have rations for a few more days. He later says their lives here weren’t that bad and Ichigo is sad they can’t stay. Hiro stops them to tell them there is something he wants to do.

Hiro explains to the squad he wants to hold a wedding for Kokoro and Mitsuru, who have decided to get married before they leave. Everyone voices their support and begin making preparations for the wedding. Goro helps Hiro and Futoshi gather chairs while Zorome plays ball. Everyone later paints the house and pose for a group picture.

On the day of the wedding, Goro sits in attendance and throws cherry blossom petals as Kokoro and Mitsuru walk, and wishes them congratulations. Before they can seal their vows with a kiss, the 9’s and an APE assault unit interrupt the wedding. Goro and Hiro immediately surrender as Kokoro and Mitsuru are taken away. Everyone then leaves for the Bird Nest while worried about Kokoro and Mitsuru.

A couple of weeks pass as they wait at the Bird Nest. Ichigo receives a message and they reunite with Kokoro and Mitsuru. Hiro apologizes for suggesting the wedding but both are confused what he is talking about. Zorome mentions the ceremony and Goro points out their rings but Mitsuru says they were already there and he and Kokoro think the other is a new squadmate. Zero Two says their memories have been altered like what happened to her and Hiro.

Episode 19: Inhumanity
Goro tells the squad that Kokoro and Mitsuru were implanted with fake memories. Hiro announces he plans to confront Papa, who justifies this because it would have hindered their objectives. Everyone is angry and Hiro demands Papa release them from duty because they no longer see him as their papa. He agrees as long as they win the battle at Gran Crevasse.

Episode 20: A New World
Futoshi tells Goro that Kokoro and Mitsuru have taken their wedding rings off. Goro is surprised he noticed and asks if he’s not over Kokoro yet but then stops when Kokoro becomes nauseous and runs to the bathroom to throw up. Squad 13 later attends an assembly meeting about the upcoming battle. Strelizia is tasked with taking control of Star Entity while the others will serve as support.

During the battle, the klaxosaur princess sneaks into the facility and takes control of Strelizia by forcing Hiro to link with her and injuring Zero Two. The klaxosaurs stop fighting with the parasites and look at the sky as an armada of ships appear. Papa reveals they are VIRM and he is the leader, and he has been using humanity as tools for his own benefit. He also reveals he anticipated the princess would try to take control of Star Entity and he programmed it to detonate at the cost of the planet. This, along with learning the parasites have been piloting klaxosaur remnants to fight klaxosaurs, Goro and the others are left in shock.

Episode 21: For You, My Love
The Squad is confused on who they should be fighting. Mitsuru says he recalled hearing VIRM are invader and Goro remembers he heard Star Entity is set as bomb to destroy the planet. Ichigo orders everyone to return to Gran Crevasse to check on Hiro and Zero Two. They are confronted by the 9’a for disobeying Papa’s orders but they continue with their pursuit.

After arriving, they help Zero Two and Dr. Franxx try to reach Star Entity’s entrance but are followed by VIRM soldiers. Kokoro offers to stop them but Miku tells her not to throw her life away and Mitsuru tells her they must fight as a team. With the corridor blocked off, Ikuno and Futoshi blast through it at full power but Chlorophytum deactivates and her hair turns white. Goro and Ichigo tell the others to stay behind while they get Zero Two and the doctor to their destination. They reach the entrance but are attacked by a VIRM that holds Delphinium down and Goro forces the FRANXX to fall down a shaft with it.

When the battle finally ends with Hiro and Zero Two reconnecting and VIRM retreating, Goro and the others are shown to have survived but Zero Two is left catatonic.

Episode 22: Stargazers
Squad 13 is tasked with taking care of the other parasites as they struggle to survive. During a meeting, they discuss their amounts of water and maintenance, and they are unable to use magma energy so they will have to continue resorting to farming to survive. Goro goes to the new Nana to ask for more maintenance but she refuses because they need Papa’s permission and shows no empathy when he says they will die if they don’t. Goro tells this to Ichigo and both recall an old saying “No one can swim in the same river water twice” by Hiro.

Goro and the others work in the fields the next day and notice how tired Hiro is. Goro suggests he sit this one out but Hiro declines. A klaxosaur and VIRM soldier crash into the field after killing each other and more klaxosaurs fly into the sky. Kokoro becomes nauseous and faints. Goro is with everyone in the infirmary when the new Nana announces Kokoro is pregnant. Kokoro panics over what she should do and Miku sends the boys out of the room. Mitsuru asks the boys what should he do. Futoshi tries to say something but Goro stops him. Hiro says he doesn’t know what is right and wrong anymore.

The next day, Goro calls out to the girls to come outside and they find the crops have died. A ship arrives and they see Nana and Hachi. Hachi surmises the crops died because Year’s of magma energy drilling deprived the soil of life. Ichigo passes out and Goro gives Ikuno medicine for her, and Ikuno tells him that Ichigo has been so worried about the others that she’s been neglecting herself. Goro tries to speak to Hiro, who instead sees Zero Two outside and runs to her. Goro then meets with Hachi and they discover Mistilteinn has fresh soil and they may have a chance to grow crops with it. Goro tells this to the others and Hiro comes in to announce he is going to space to rescue Zero Two. Miku says she is in her room but Hiro explains her body is but her mind is with Strelizia. Goro is confused. Hiro explains she is consciously fighting VIRM in space and he has decided to rescue her although it is a suicide mission.

As Hiro leaves, Goro confronts him about not taking the feelings of everyone else into consideration and they need to work together to survive. Hiro says he understands how they feel but he wants them to understand how he feels too. This angers Goro further, as he accuses Hiro of being selfish for not bothering to think of the people who care about him and are working their hardest to survive and protect him. Hiro says if Zero Two can’t smile at him, then he’s better off dead. Goro punches him across the face and Zorome and Futoshi hold him back. Everyone later sits outside watching a meteor shower, wondering if they will find something they will die for. Goro sits alone as Ichigo comes up to him and thanks him. He says it wasn’t about them but himself and he is afraid of they world they live in. Ichigo says they have to live their own lives now as their lives have just begun.

In the morning, Hiro is met by his friends who announce they will be joining him to rescue Zero Two not just for his sake but they personally want revenge against VIRM. The 9’s offer to join them as well but merely to fulfill their duties and orefer to make space their grave. Goro tells Hiro he will no longer fight his decision because they have all chosen this path to survive, moving Hiro to tears.

Episode 23: DARLING in the FRANXX
Zorome flies Argentea randomly through space as Miku and Ikuno note it feels easier in space and they have more freedom. Futoshi is impressed with their new weapons. Goro says they are really in space. Hachi orders all the FRANXX to return to the ship.

Hiro looks at their group photo when Ichigo and Goro join him. Ichigo reminds Goro he has something to say and Goro apologizes for hitting him. Hiro laughs and says it’s no big deal, and they laugh. The ship reaches Mars’ orbit and see a massive battle between the klaxosaurs and VIRM with Strelizia in the center. Hachi orders the FRANXX to gear up. Hiro and Alpha head straight into battle with the others providing backup.

Hiro manages reach Strelizia after Alpha sacrifices himself to help Hiro and he reconnects with Zero Two. Zorome wonders why it’s taking Hiro so long but Goro tells him not to worry because Hiro has always pulled through. Strelizia evolves into Strelizia True Apus and eliminates the VIRM fleets and Goro sees two rocks on the monitor that reveals two satellites, which create a warp gate. Hiro and Zero Two day they will be going through the gate and leave the solar system. Everyone is confused and hesitant to allow this but Zero Two says it’s to finally end the war and takes a bomb from the ship. Ichigo orders them to come back alive and Goro agrees. Zero Two promises she will come back with her darling. Goro is later seem appearing sad with Ichigo as Strelizia enters the gate.

Episode 24: Never Let Me Go
On Earth, 72 days after the gate passage, the parasites return to Mistilteinn and find plants are still alive. They begin harvesting the plants and start farming in the fields to grow crops. Goro is shown teaching some parasites how to plant the plants. Goro and Ichigo talk about Hiro and Zero Two while looking at the sky. She says she can’t help but feel guilty for living peacefully while those two are fighting, and Goro assures her to believe them.

Goro and the other parasites later congratulate Mitsuru for becoming the first parasite to become a father. Soon after, Goro leaves to go on a journey to gather supplies needed to help the parasites survive and to rescue any children left behind. Everyone bids him farewell and Ichigo tells him to stay in contact with them, before he kisses Ichigo and and tells every to take care. He also tells Ikuno that he will find the thing she was looking for. He happily leaves as Ichigo blushes furiously and as Ikuno notes Goro has changed a lot recently.

702 days since the gate passage, Goro returns to the Bird Nest after retrieving elements from Mistilteinn and fossilized klaxosaurs from the ocean. He surprises Ichigo after she leaves a meeting with Nana and he learns she is finishing Zero Two’s picture book. She explains that she understood Zero ztwoTwo believed she would never return but Ichigo wants to finish it for her. Goro worries she is pushing herself but she admits that while she is scared of what will happen to Hiro and Zero Two, she accepts their fate because no one can control their lives. Goro comforts her by saying not just her but everyone loves them. Goro and the squad later goes outside to look at the stars and Goro says none of them would have been able to move forward without Hiro.

783 days (2 years) after the gate passage, Ai plays near Zero Two’s statue and she begins saying "darling." Her parents overhear this and tell their squad mates about it. They surmise the statue can link them to Hiro and Zero Two in space. Everyone link arms and shout to them their thoughts. After a while, Goro comes back from his travels and more and more of the parasites begin joining. Their voices eventually reach the two; Goro and Ichigo reaffirm their belief the two will return. When Hiro and Zero Two sacrifice themselves in order to destroy VIRMs home planet, Goro is emotional and at the same time proud and grateful since they sacrificed themselves so everyone on Earth could live a good life.

3705 days (10 years) since the gate passage, everyone has stopped using the magma energy as part of their commitment to the planet and created a self-sufficient lifestyle from scratch. At a school entrance ceremony, Ikuno who is now a doctor, checks on Ichigo who is pregnant for the first time and married to Goro. Ichigo states that Goro would come home very soon, and Ikuno tells her that Goro decided to postphone his travels since he wants to stay by Ichigo's side and care for their unborn child. After returning, Goro is ecstatic upon seeing Ichigo and he happily hugs his wife. The former Squad 13 later reunites at a cherry blossom tree that had grown from Zero Two’s ashes and they thank Hiro and Zero Two, speaking of the lessons they have learned from them.

Hiro
Goro has known Hiro since they were children in the Garden. Hiro is like a brother to him, someone whom he wants to see happy and well. When he discovered that riding with Zero Two was taking a toll on Hiro's body, he tried to stop him, but Hiro managed to convince Goro not to tell anyone, though Goro began to worry about him, to the point of calling him a fool because he was slowly killing himself. Goro felt relieved when Hiro survived the battle his third ride with Zero Two, the ride that was supposed to kill him.

Despite his concern for Hiro’s welfare when it comes to Zero Two, Goro still put Hiro’s feelings first, as he had grown tired of Ichigo’s attempts to keep Hiro and Zero Two apart when Zero Two attacked him in a blind rage and then regretfully pleaded with the squad to let her seen him, and he convinced Ichigo to help Hiro reach Zero Two.

Shortly after, Goro became angry at Hiro for showing more concern for a catatonic Zero two and neglecting everyone else while they struggled to survive. When Hiro announces he was going to space to rescue Zero Two despite it being a suicide mission, Goro lashed out at him for disregarding everyone’s feelings and going off to a mission that may result in his death while they are trying their hardest to survive. Hiro says he understands how they feel but he wants them to understand that he made a promise to Zero Two, and if Zero Two can’t smile at him, then he is better off dead. Goro responded by punching Hiro. The next morning, Goro, having realized he was more scared of the new world they live in, told Hiro he would stop fighting his decision because he and the others have made the choice to survive so Hiro can’t fight it either, making them even. Hiro was moved to tears.

When Hiro and Zero Two announced they will be leaving through a warp gate to destroy VIRM, Goro was saddened because of the possibility they would never come back. Hiro says he won’t accept it if they don’t come back and asks them to make a promise they will, which they do.

In Episode 24, he continued believing in Hiro fighting in space to protect them all and decided to make his own contributions by traveling and gathering supplies. Two years later, Goro mourned the death of Hiro and later showed his appreciation for everything Hiro and Zero Two taught the squad.

Zero Two
Goro was initially wary of Zero Two due to the rumors of her partners dying after three sorties, and Hiro’s desire to keep riding with her. He reluctantly allows the two to pilot together, and when Hiro survived his third sortie, Goro began to consider Zero Two to be an ally and would help her since she was someone important to Hiro

When Zero Two attacked Hiro in a blind rage, Goro initially conspired to help the squad keep her away from Hiro. But as Zero Two expressed remorse for hurting Hiro and attacked Goro out of frustration, Goro agreed to let her talk to Hiro as long as the squad was present. He was also the one who finally put an end to Ichigo’s campaign to keep Hiro from going to Zero Two by seeing he can’t stand it anymore and helped Hiro go to Zero Two.

He later goes with Hiro to help rescue Zero Two from VIRM in space and is initially against the two leaving to continue the fight but decides to trust them as long as they agree to return.

Two years later, he mourned Zero Two’s death and showed his appreciation for everything she and Hiro taught the squad.

Ichigo
Ichigo is his childhood friend and FRANXX partner. He has known her the longest and that ties into their partnering ability, which makes them perfectly compatible. Goro cares deeply for Ichigo, and is often able to calm her down whenever she has a breakdown.

When they first met in the Garden, a young Ichigo protected Goro from other children that were beating him up, and lent him a hand in defeating them. Goro was amazed by her, and fell in love with her, though he did not come around to realize it until a few years later. After thinking about it for a while, he decided to confess his love to Ichigo in Episode 09 after she rescued him from the Gutenberg-class Klaxosaur. However, because she had feelings for Hiro, he didn’t expect an answer and was thankful she listened to his confession and let him get it out off of his shoulders.

Due to Ichigo’s feelings for Hiro and his desire to see his friends happy, Goro opted not to pursue his feelings for Ichigo. Although it saddened him that Ichigo initially was in love with Hiro, Goro was content with being her friend, as long as she was happy.

In Episode 24 he finally took the initiative and kissed her, leaving her greatly surprised as he departed to travel the world. Eight years later, he marries Ichigo who is pregnant with Goro's child; he stays behind from his adventure to care for them.

Etymology
Goro's nickname may use some of the numeral's readings from his real name "Code:056": with no reading from "0", go from 5 and ro from 6.

Quotes
"What do you mean, you feel bad? What do you mean, you want us to understand? Have you ever spared a thought for how the people close to you feel? You've always been like this: you run off, make your own decisions, and never stop to think about us. Papa and the adults are gone, but forget freedom, we've got our hands tied on every single thing. Have you stopped thinking about how worried we are about this? When someone collapses, all we can do is watch. And yet we're trying our damnest hard to live on! But here you are, running off to die. There are people doing all they can to support you because they want you to live. And you're trampling their feelings as you leave! What the hell do you want us to understand about you?!"

- Episode 22; Goro to Hiro; snaps.

"That was never about how everyone felt. It was all about me. I'm the one scared of the world that I chose myself."

- Episode 22; Goro, to Ichigo.

"This is the path we've chosen in order to live. You don't get to fight it, either."

- Episode 22; Goro, to Hiro.

Trivia

 * In popularity polls, Goro was been placed first as best supporting male character during the 2018 Anime Winter Awards.
 * Goro enjoys fishing and even asking for a fishing rode for his annual present from Papa.
 * Goro is the second best Fisher in Squad 13, behind Zero Two.
 * In the MATO comic, Goro refers to himself as a fishing coach and he teaches fishing to the children, which makes Ichigo wonder when did he become a fishing coach.
 * By his own account, Goro is so attached to Ichigo that he knows the extent of Ichigo and her personality, even knowing how she feels while even she doesn’t know.
 * Goro acts as an unofficial leader for the squad and has at time had to persuade Ichigo to cast her feelings aside for the sake of their duties and to survive.
 * Goro takes up travelling initially to gather resources needed for survival but he finds passion in it as it gives him opportunities to see the outside world and cope with all the hardships he endured. However, while he still travels throughout his marriage, he decides to indefinitely postpone travelling so he can stay home and take care of Ichigo and their child.