Chapter 31

This is the thirty-first chapter.

Synposis
The 9’s hold a meeting at the Bird Nest to discuss their strategy to deal with Zero Two and their curiosity as to how Hiro survived his third ride with her. The 9’s later go into a battle against a horde of klaxosaurs.

At Miltisteinn, Hiro finds Zero Two in the library and she is looking for a picture book. Hiro says there may be one among the books. In Kokoro’s room, she reads her baby book. Futoshi asks Miku and Ikuno where Kokoro is and she seems to be avoiding him. Miku is annoyed and Ikuno notes something usual could be happening. Kokoro continues reading the book and becomes fascinated with what a baby is. She remembers during an assembly meeting when she and the others were still in the Garden. The mayor came to visit and gave them a speech on how their one purpose in life was to become pilots and fly the FRANXX so they can protect Papa and the adults. All the children were overjoyed but Kokoro now wonders if that is true. Hiro raised his hand and asked questions regarding this but the mayor wouldn’t answer his question. Remembering Zero Two and Mitsuru’s words about their purpose in life, Hiro also remembers when Ichigo kissed him and he feels troubled.

In their bedroom, Goro finds Hiro and notes how gloomy he looks. Goro aks if something happened between him and Ichigo but Hiro says no. Goro says, since their childhood, he’s noticed she looks at Hiro like how he looks at Zero Two and Goro knows only Hiro can make Ichigo laugh and cry. Goro says watching him lately and the pain he feels in his chest has made him realize he loves Ichigo, which surprises Hiro.

At HQ, Nana and Hachi detect an unknown object approaching the plantation and Hachi orders the FRANXX to get ready.