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.

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. 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 it. He also wants to do things which he won't regret, since he states that he doesn't want to regret things anymore. Determined to help people around him, Goro decided to travel the world to both find valuable items to their homes and to help any children in need.

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, though 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, to which 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, though Hiro had always been right beside her, even before himself. 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.

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 he could give to Ichigo. When he got it, he rushed to Ichigo only to oversee that Hiro already had Ichigo an identical hairclip. Despite that, Goro had always held onto his hairclip in hopes that he could muster up his courage to give it to her one day.

When Goro graduated from the Garden, he was accepted into Plantation 13's Squad where he was partnered with Ichigo. Though he passed, he was present as Naomi and Hiro 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
Hachi begins the startup ritual the day after the klaxosaur attack. Papa and the other adults do not attend while Dr. FRANXX, Nana, and Hiro attend the ritual. Hiro has no recollection of anything that happened after he got in.

At Mistilteinn, Hiro buries a bird. When he returns to the boarding house, he finds Ichigo playing with a cat. She tells him that she heard Naomi was alright and got taken to the hospital. She asks if he was the one piloting Strelizia. He says he doesn't really remember and wants to try again. She says she heard a rumor that her partners could never ride with her more than three times. He says, without being able to pilot, he's as good as dead anyway. Goro comes through the door and tells Hiro to come in quickly as Zero Two is in their mess hall.

Zero Two slathers her food with honey as she sits at a separate table. When Miku talks bad about her horns, Ichigo scolds her and says she saved them. Ikuno asks if they think she has klaxosaur blood. The stamen watch her as well and Futoshi stuffs break into his arms. Goro says she's ruining her good looks with the way she's eating. Hiro says he cannot believe all her injuries healed so quickly.

Zorome says it was a treat to watch her. He "graciously" offers to ride with her and says he could do a lot better than Hiro. She responds by wiping her hand on his shirt. She gets up and sits on the same chair as Hiro. He asks if he really managed to pilot with her. She says yes, and calls him "Darling." The rest of the pilots are unfamiliar with the term, except Ichigo who is not surprised.

Nana comes in and announces that she'll be their caretaker, just like she was in the Garden. She says that APE HQ has assigned her to the 13th Plantation Corps. Ichigo asks what's happening with Zero Two, and she says they're awaiting orders from HQ on what to do. She orders Zero Two to move off of his chair.

Hiro asks her to let him ride in her FRANXX again. Smiling, Nana says that it's up to Papa and the rest to give him his orders. She follows Nana out of the room.

The stamen look through their lockers. Futoshi eats bread as Mitsuru tries to see what he's doing. Goro says he's amazed Hiro managed to fight that klaxosaur. Hiro says he doesn't remember anything but how it felt. Goro says he's happy 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. Zorome roughly shoves him and says that he doesn't believe for a second he piloted a FRANXX before them.

Hachi says he'll be giving overall strategic instructions, though field decisions will be made by the leader unit, Delphinium. Miku asks why she gets to be leader. Hachi says they will now begin the drill. As they connect, some of the pistils shriek lightly and Zorome scolds Miku. Hachi says that, if two partners are even slightly out of sync, their para-capacity will fluctuate wildly.

The FRANXX pairs manage to connect. Zorome begins showing off and ends up falling over and Delphinium catches them. Ichigo says that the stamen has the initiative when it comes to handling, so consider whether the pistil, who is connected to the FRANXX can keep up.

At the Plantation FRANXX Parking Dock, Goro tells Ichigo that he's close to figuring out the trick to connecting. Zero Two walks by and Ichigo asks why it was 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 and she swats it off.

Hiro approaches and Zorome kicks a ball at him. He sarcastically apologizes and says he thought he'd dodge it. Zorome continues to mock him, so he walks up and says that he did pilot and they butt heads. Goro and Ichigo rush out and pull them apart. Ichigo gets a call from Nana.

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 parasite. When he is asked to pick a partner, Zero Two volunteers. Ichigo says that she should instead. Mitsuru asks why it should be her since Goro is already her partner.

Nana says that HQ hadn't authorized the use of Strelizia, so Hiro will have to pilot with someone from his own squad. She says that her injuries haven't healed completely anyway. She mockingly asks that she take care of "her darling."

Hachi asks if anyone will volunteers as their opponents and Zorome quickly does. Miku is annoyed at him and asks why he is the boss. Glaring at Ichigo, she agrees. Hachi says they'll do it the next day, but Zorome wants to immediately.

Goro cleans his glasses and Hiro apologizes for taking his partner. He receives a call saying they're ready. Goro says not to worry, since she never takes no for an answer.

The parasites along with Hachi, Nana, and Zero Two watch. Ichigo tells him to focus on connecting and she'll take care of the rest. Both Argentea and Delphinium manage to connect. They suddenly disconnect and Ichigo asks what Zero Two did differently.

Argentea suddenly attacks and Zorome says that he doesn't mind taking over as pilot for Delphinium either. This annoys Miku and she says not to hit on other girls and they suddenly stop.

Hachi says that the trust between partners has a direct influence on the handling. Ichigo pilots alone and smashes Argentea against a wall. Hachi announces that, since both FRANXXs have been rendered inoperable, the mock battle is over.

Episode 03: Fighting Puppet
At Cerasus, Goro asks if something happened between Hiro 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 there aren't many with codes in the teens, Hiro, and Ichigo are basically siblings. Goro says that they've always been together with him at their side. He says that it was a miracle that all three of them got assigned from the special class to there. Hiro agrees that they are like siblings.

He asks Goro, since he's her partner, to tell Ichigo that it wasn't her fault. Goro agrees but asks what he's going to do. He says 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. 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.

Inside, Kokoro warns them not to fight because it will affect their numbers. Ikuno says that she doesn't think Papa will accept a parasite who can't pilot. Futoshi agrees and says that so many kids disappeared from the Garden due to that.

Miku says that Ichigo is no better. She says that she's too biased towards Hiro when she's supposed to be their leader. She says she doesn't understand how Goro's putting up with her as her partner. Ichigo asks what Goro has to do with it. Goro also walks in and asks what they're talking about. Annoyed, Ichigo says that, if Hiro becomes a parasite, he'll be a great help. Miku says that he might not even. Ichigo says that he still has a chance, and Miku disagrees. She says that he couldn't get it done with her, so I think it's over for him. She says that he piloted Strelizia, even if he was unconscious, and saved them, so she still believed in him.

Mitsuru says that he understands why she wants to stick up for him, but he was only taken along for the ride. Ichigo yells that they don't know that. Mitsuru says that Hiro was special, even among the double digits, and they were all certain that he'd be their leader. But in reality, he couldn't become a parasite and he isn't what he used to be. He says that they should cut their losses because he doesn't want to see the pathetic side of Hiro anymore.

Hachi says they received sortie orders from HQ. Nana tells them that the Klaxosaur won't be as big as the one they already saw. Hachi says it's a Conrad-class klaxosaur, a bit smaller than a FRANXX. He says that they're attracted by magma energy reactions and appear in their vicinity. He says, lately, they had been showing up deep in a Level 8 mine on the outskirts and wreaking havoc. Nana says that Strelizia won't be a part of the mission. Because they'll have to defend Plantation 13 by themselves eventually, it will show if they can handle fighting them in the future. Nana says that Ichigo and Goro will have field command.

Goro asks if the mock battle is bothering Ichigo. He tells her to switch gears, since they're going into actual combat. She says she knows and is about to say something, but stops herself and says that she'll do her best as leader and they fistbump.

In the FRANXX, Zorome is excited, but Miku tells him not to go crazy by himself again. All but Mitsuru and Ikuno connect. Hachi asks what's wrong, Mitsuru says that it doesn't look like Ikuno can do it. Ikuno says that he's nearly there and to wait for a second. Mitsuru seems annoyed and tells her not to bother. Hachi announces that Chlorophytum will stay behind.

The three head out to a big hole. They marvel at it and say that they use the pipes to extract magma reserves. Hachi tells them to head down to the 8th floor. He says that, in order to completely neutralize a Klaxosaur, they must extract its core, and shatter it using their customized magma-energy weapons. He tells them to defeat it and the three head in.

Nana asks if Ikuno is not feeling well. She says that that isn't it. Nana says that she has always been a bit unstable and they'll run test the next day to make sure. Mitsuru asks if it could be that they have compatibility issues. Smiling, Nana says that a lot of parasites experience that at first and it isn't grounds to split them up. Mitsuru seems disappointed.

Ichigo says that they have visual on klaxosaur and they're spreading out. They run to it and begin slashing it. Before Zorome can finish it, it attacks and knocks them over. Miku is electrocuted and passes out. Futoshi shoots and exposes its core. Ichigo stabs it.

Zorome tries to check on Miku, as does Ichigo. Many more suddenly fall from the ceiling, so they 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. She says they'll die. Hiro is alarmed and tells her to sent himself and Zero Two to help. Hachi refuses and says that he isn't an official stamen, so he can't give permission to board a FRANXX. Zero Two says that the plantation squad is going to be wiped out again and to let her pilot with Hiro. She says she won't be allowed to sortie.

Mitsuru says that he could pilot with her. Nana says that Strelizia is no ordinary FRANXX, if he isn't used to its connect. Mitsuru says that, if Hiro could, there's no way he couldn't. Zero Two says that she wants to ride with Hiro, but he asks that she just go with him. As Mitsuru walks by, he tells Hiro not to come crying to him when he regrets his goody-two-shoes act later because he's going to prove that he can pilot Strelizia better than he did.

Miku wakes up and Zorome hugs her. They begin piloting again. Hachi tells them that Strelizia is about to help. Ichigo is bothered by this and causes them to fall. 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. Mitsuru tells them to get back and Hachi tells them to evacuate.

Panting, Mitsuru says that he feels like he can do anything. He says that he's amazed changing partners could make such a difference, and he knew he wasn't the problem. He says that he's just as good as Hiro. He tells Zero Two that he wouldn't mind becoming her official partner, to the dismay of Ikuno. Zero Two says that she should go all-out for a bit.

Hachi tells her to stop, as the others had already evacuated. The three FRANXX are surprised what happened. Zorome apologizes to Miku. She says that it doesn't matter if it was his fault, since they're partners. He begins crying. Goro asks what's wrong with Ichigo. She lies and says she got careless after she found that help was coming.

When they retrieve Strelizia, Zero Two walks out and smiles and waves at Hiro. Mitsuru is gravely injured and unconscious. She says that he isn't suited to be her darling, only Hiro is.

Episode 04: Flap Flap
Papa announces that Klaxosaur activity has increased, and large ones are showing up everywhere. An APE says the Nines are dealing with them for now, but they still have other tasks to complete. One asks how long Strelizia will be allowed to goof off, now that Hiro's aptitude has been ascertained, they have no reason to leave it there. Marmoset says that it isn't wise to let her mix with tainted stamens any longer. One says that they will have to ready a new stamen. The Vice Chairman says that there are many parasites who want to team up with her. Shaking in bed, Mitsuru is terrified and says that Zero Two is a demon who will kill him. Futoshi walks in, has a glimpse of Mitsuru, and takes Mitsuru's food away. The other parasites wait outside. Futoshi says that he has not touched his food at all and maybe he should eat it so it does not go to waste. Zorome says that he'd been like that since the battle.

Hiro walks in and asks what happened with Zero Two. He says that she tried to completely devour him, including his blood, his flesh, and his soul. Though it was normal initially, she eventually was out to kill him. When Hiro reaches out to him, he suddenly grabs Hiro's collar and says that she had a smile on her face all the time.

Kokoro yells out to Mitsuru and Futoshi tells him to calm down as he hands the tray to Zorome. Mitsuru says that it will happen to Hiro too, if he decides to ride with her again and is out of mind. Futoshi holds him back and lays him back into bed where he seems to have fallen unconscious and pants heavily.

Futoshi and Zorome play with a ball as Hiro watches. Ichigo asks if he still wants to ride with her. She says that she cannot trust Zero Two, especially after what happened to Mitsuru. She says that if the rumors are true, Zero Two will eventually kill him. He says at least he would be useful. She is frustrated, but says that she is the leader, has to steel herself and will not stop him from riding with Zero Two again.

Zorome tells Futoshi to eat less, or he will get fat. He gets mad at being called fat, so Zorome calls him it again. Futoshi throws food toward Zorome.

Zero Two rides in the elevator with Hachi and Nana. He tells her that she does not have free rein just because she has to kill klaxosaurs. Nana says they almost lost Mitsuru because of her. Zero Two says that as long as she has Hiro, she does not care and the rest are sure to die soon anyway. Nana says that the kids are her fellow pilots, even if they belong to different units. She smiles and says the weaklings are a nuisance no matter how many there are. Hachi says they were specially chosen unit and she only feels that way because she is special.

She becomes annoyed (and feels offended) and asks if he means that she is not human. He says that he is talking about her abilities. He says that 016 (Hiro) will not be given permission to pilot. Nana says that HQ ordered her back to the front lines. Hiro trains and thinks about Zero Two, the injuries on Mitsuru, and the rumors. He pilots the training unit and keeps running. The other members of Squad 13 discussed Hiro and Zero Two, as well as the partner killing rumor. Miku says Zero Two is not human because she posses klaxosaur blood. Ichigo says Hiro is well aware of all these rumors and situations but he still wants to ride with Zero Two. Ichigo reminds every one 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. Every one, except Ikuno, agrees promptly. Ichigo requests Ikuno for help once more. Ichigo puts her hand with smile on the left shoulder of Ikuno. Ikuno's face slightly turns red.

To prepare for the kissing with Plantation 26, Plantation 13 switches to mobile setup. At the FRANXX dock, Zero Two stares at Strelizia. Hiro sees Zero Two and hides hastily.

Hiro bathes and thinks about the rumor again. Zero Two appears and says she found him. She walks into the water and rubs his chest. She asks Hiro to run away with her. She tells Hiro that he is her only partner and as long as he is with her, nothing else matters. Seeing her horns, he gulps. She asks if he thinks she is a monster as well. Before he can respond, an alarm sounds.

They detect a worm-type klaxosaur heading towards Plantation 13. Mitsuru tries to get up, but struggled. Ikuno tells him to grab on, and he refuses. Eventually he leans on her anyway.

Hachi says that they have only detected one, but there may be more in hiding. He tells them to connect.

Mitsuru says he hopes Ikuno can connect. She says she can and they connect after Ikuno touches on her left shoulder where Ichigo touched during the discussion. Mitsuru and Ikuno connect and the paracapacity is about 80 for both of them. The FRANXXs advance forward.

Zero Two and Hiro go to the command room in their suits. Nana tells them they aren't deploying Strelizia. The FRANXX momentarily stop the klaxosaur, but another one appears in the mist from behind and grabs Argentea. Hiro and Zero Two watch and Zero Two says that they should help and asks who landed in the transport plane.

A group of escorts arrive and Nana looks at the screen and says to Zero Two to do as they say. Nana says Zero Two is returning to the front lines. A man says they want to leave while the FRANXXs are keeping the klaxosaur occupied. When he touches her shoulder, she sends him flying back. They begin aiming their guns at her.

She puts her hand on his cheek and says that she has to go, even though she felt like things would work out with him. When she puts her head against him, she hurts him with her horns. She says "Bye-bye" before following them out. Nana then says that the order was from Papa and the rest. He asks if the partner-killer rumors are true. She answers that she's a special pistil who must keep fighting on the front lines and that she takes a toll on the stamen who become partners with her. She answers that she isn't simply human. He suddenly runs out and Nana calls out to him.

As Zero Two walks through the hall, she turns and looks behind her. A soldier points his gun and asks her what's wrong. She answers nothing and keeps walking. Hiro comes to a passage he cannot cross and yells to her. She stops briefly but then continues. He says that he was afraid of riding together and he still is, but because he lacked resolve, not because she isn't human. When he first met her, he couldn't take his eyes off of her. Though he had been moping, he felt like he could fly with her. He realized that he never really cared about riding the FRANXX, but about riding with her. He asks her to stay.

Zero Two stops and smiles. Though two soldiers order her to keep going, she says she can't leave after that. She manages to take one of their guns to crack the glass above Hiro. She then jumps and breaks through the glass. She stands close to him and says that nobody has ever said such embarrassing things to her before. He says it was a first for him too. Smirking, she asks if he wants to ride with her and he answers, embarrassed. They dance through the gate together. Zero Two pulls him along and they board Strelizia.

Nana appears on screen and orders them off, but Zero Two ignores her and hangs up. She asks Hiro if he is okay and he is nervous about piloting. She encourages him and they successfully connect.

They fly through the air and Hiro is happy to be able to pilot. They discuss their feelings of connection and Zero Two says they are a perfect fit. They zip to where the other parasites are struggling and quickly save them. Ichigo is reluctant to rely on her. When Hiro challenges this, Mitsuru seems offended. Ichigo agrees and tells everyone where to focus. Strelizia rips it from the ground and reveals it was actually one long klaxosaur. After other FRANXXs fix the klaxosaur to the ground, Ichigo asks Hiro to help. Strelizia stabs its core, destroying it. Hachi announces that they neutralized it and to return to base.

Nana wonders if Zero Two was always planning it all along. Hachi says that the numbers prove that Hiro is compatible with Strelizia. He wonders how Papa and the rest will react. They plantation begins to move.

Hiro narrates that he always dreamed of the day he could take flight, but now he may have found a pair of wings to call his own. Even if they destroy him, he can at least fly once more.

Episode 05: Your Thorn, My Badge
Cerasus carries out the kissing with Chrysanthemum.

''Hiro narrates that, when he and Zero Two first met, she told him, "a kiss is a very special thing." He wonders if the adults kiss and who likened plantations making contact to a kiss.''

The parasites watch as the plantations connect. Zorome asks what "kissing" is. Miku mocks him, but she does not know either. Kokoro points this out. Ikuno explains that it is a transfer of magma fuel reserves from one plantation to another through a large pipe.

Mitsuru explains that the fuel is essential for both the adults and them to live, and FRANXX cannot be operated without it. Goro says that, since it's a large-scale transfer of magma energy, it should attract a large number of klaxosaurs. When Futoshi and Zorome seem nervous, Hiro reassures that they have Strelizia, so they will be fine. Ichigo sadly agrees.

''A grand ceremony was conducted with the utmost solemnity. The children of Plantation 26's FRANXX squad were also in attendance, and they seemed a lot more calm and composed that Plantation 13's.''

Hiro also attends the ceremony while Zero Two does not. The mayor says that the klaxosaurs are sure to attack in great numbers, and the fate of the two plantations rests on their shoulders. He says they're strong and will bring them to victory. Hiro narrates that being treated like VIPs gave their morale a boost, though they sensed the fierce battle approaching.

At the boarding house, Goro wakes up and puts on his uniform. Hiro is sick. When Goro puts his hand on Hiro, he feels that he is burning up. In the bathroom, he asks if he is okay. Hiro cheerfully says that he even feels like training. Goro is reluctant to believe him.

Kokoro says that the ceremony on previous day was so exciting, she could not sleep. Miku says that 090 seemed nice. Kokoro asks if she would like to ride with him. She says that it is better than the boys they are stuck with, and tries to get Ikuno's opinion. Ikuno says she does not care.

Zorome happily says that it is heartening to be supported by the adults. Futoshi agrees, and Zorome stands up and imitates the mayor's speech, making some of the parasites laugh. He finishes that he will be the one who leads them to victory. Smiling, Ichigo says that Hiro will. Kokoro agrees and says that he shone in the previous battle. Futoshi asks how he feels, and Hiro says fine. Futoshi is happy to hear this, and Miku says that the rumors about Zero Two weren't true. Ikuno says that maybe he is extremely compatible with her, saddening Ichigo.

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.

Zorome becomes annoyed and tells him not to get cocky, since he only got through one time. Goro asks if he has to be a spoilsport. Hiro stands and tells him he will do his best to not be a burden. He extends his hand and asks that they keep fighting together. Zorome is taken back, but tells him to keep it up as he shakes his hand. As Miku teases him, Mitsuru becomes angry and leaves. Kokoro notices him walk out as Zorome says that he's the team's ace pilot.

At 7 o'clock, Futoshi announces that it is breakfast. As they walk to the dining area, Ichigo stops Hiro and pulls on his collar, causing Hiro to recoil. This reveals a mark on Hiro's neck. She is saddened by his reaction and explains that it was bent. She smiles and asks when he will take care of himself. She tells him she was amazed he realized what she was going for in the last battle.

As they tease each other, they enter the mess hall. Zero Two runs over and pulls him away. She sits in Futoshi's seat, to the stamens' disdain. Ichigo tells them to take their seats so they can pray. Kokoro invites Futoshi to sit beside her.

Kokoro prays that Papa never thirst and that his heart be filled with peace for eternity. The prayer ends with let's eat. Though everyone bows their head in prayer, Zero Two pours honey over her food. As they eat, Zero Two begins feeding Hiro. Goro looks uncomfortable, and Zorome says that he wants to try something like that. Goro asks why he does not ask Miku then. He says that he would rather ask a cute girl, like Kokoro. He notices that she is feeding Futoshi, to his annoyance. Miku teases that she is too easily influenced and looks at Zorome at the same time. Ichigo looks down into her cup. Hiro gives Zero Two a tour, saying that they schedule their time for waking up, bathing, and sleeping. Zero Two is looking around, such as the books on the book shelves and the specimen in the jars. Everything is laid out for them, such as their clothes and food. He says that the forest was built to fine-tine the parasites' numbers. She asks if that is why there is a ceiling. He says probably, and that it still rains, even with the ceiling. She does not know what rain is, so he explains. She becomes excited and tells him to do it for her. He says that Papa and the others decide when it happens. She is disappointed. He asks why she suddenly wanted him to show her around. She bounces on Goro is bed and says that she is going to live there too. Goro and Zorome overhear this. Zorome asks what a girl is doing in the boys' wing. Hiro drags her out. Zorome says that they are holding hands.

Nana says that Zero Two is going to remain there for a while and Papa gave her permission. She asks if Hiro is officially a parasite then. She answers that it is still being considered, but it will probably happen. She tells her to make Zero Two feel at home.

When Ichigo leaves, Goro is outside waiting for her. In the elevator, he asks what she thinks about how he was acting. She says that it had been a long time since she saw him smile so much. Goro asks if it did not seem forced. He asks that she talks 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.

In the greenhouse, Mitsuru panicky asks why him and not Hiro as he takes pills. He chokes on them and asks what the difference is between them. He notices that Kokoro, who wanted to irrigate the plants, was watching him. She says she saw him walk in and asks if he is okay, and says that she wants to help, since he does not lean on others. He interrupts and asks if she is pitying him. She says no, but he walks past her and tells her to leave him alone.

Ichigo makes Zero Two's bed and says that the room is hers to use. She says that she'd rather be with Hiro, but Ichigo says she needs to follow their rules and asks her to take care of Hiro. She says that Hiro is hers and she doesn't need to tell her that. Ichigo says that he doesn't belong to anyone. Zero Two calls her bossy.

Hiro wets his face in the bathroom when he notices a spider crawling up its thread. When he looks up, he sees that it caught a moth. He clutches his chest.

Goro stands outside of Delphinium. Zorome yells to him and he finds that the parasites from Plantation 26 is there.

Strelizia is covered. A stamen says that their designs are all unique. They did not know that they were, and one explains that their FRANXX have similar bodies and equipment all around, making it easier for them to fight together. He says that he was told they were a hastily-assembled test team and asks if this was their first kiss. Goro says that it is. 090 smiles and says that they are more experienced, so if there is anything they do not know to ask.

Zorome becomes excited and says that he has a question. He asks if any of the children there had became adults. 090 does not understand, so a boy with a bandage says that he doesn't know. 090 says that they had not, saddening Zorome. He asks if they heard any rumors about it, and he says no. Goro asks Zorome if he really cares about that.

090 says that their names are strange and asks if Code 016 was the one who came up with them. He says that he is famous among children. He says that they are strange and asks what the point of being unique is.

When Goro enters his room, he finds Hiro clutching his chest on the floor. Goro asks what is wrong and Hiro says nothing. He looks at his chest to see a blue tumor. He asks if it is been there since he rode with Zero Two. Though he is about to call someone, Hiro stops him.

Nana says that he has abnormal yellow blood cell count and that she is amazed he is still alive. Hachi says that it is the opposite reaction to the other parasites that rode with Zero Two. She says that it would be dangerous to let him ride again, but Hachi says that they need Strelizia in the next battle.

Hiro downs a glass of water and chokes on it. Goro asks Hiro not to pilot Strelizia again. Hiro says that he is determined. Goro becomes angry and says that it could kill him. Hiro says that he feels really alive and that he hadn't for a long time, and that he wants to give it his all on the next mission. Goro asks if he wants him to turn a blind eye, 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.

Klaxosaurs are detected and an hour later a meeting is held. Hachi explains that there are 100 to 150, and they are expected to arrive at 33 hours from then. He says that 13 will act as back up. Zorome and Miku become annoyed at the other unit as they speak down to them. When Hachi says that Strelizia will be placed closest to the pipe, the other team is horrified.

Nana comes in with Zero Two and Hiro. 090 says that they can't fight alongside Strelizia, since she doesn't care about her allies. She doesn't know what he's talking about. He says that they had a joint operation two years ago where his partner was killed under her fault. Zero Two coldly says that "weaklings die" and that it doesn't matter. He begins to walk closer to her, but Hiro steps between them and promises to keep her from going out of control.

As they walk home, Zorome expresses annoyance at being treated like dead weight. Mitsuru says that they are a makeshift team. Goro stops walking and says that Strelizia shouldn't be part of the mission. 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.

Goro has trouble sleeping as Hiro seems to writhe in pain. He goes outside and sits on a step sadly. He notices Zero Two and Ichigo walking off together.

Outside of the greenhouse, Ichigo asks that she stay in line during the mission. Zero Two calls her bossy and begins to walk off. Ichigo grabs her arm, but Zero Two isn't slowed down and yanks her along, so she stops walking. She yanks her hand away and Ichigo asks that she not be too hard on Hiro. Zero Two says that he wanted to ride with her and asks if she wants her to give him to her. She says that she tried to ride with him and it didn't work. Ichigo says to leave her out of it and asks if she's trying to suck Hiro dry. Zero Two says again that he's hers. Ichigo says that he could die. Zero Two replies that he could, but that would just mean that he didn't amount to much. Ichigo slaps her and her headband falls off. She says that she isn't human. Zero Two's eyes and horns turn red. She asks what "human" is to them. It starts raining, so Zero Two looks up.

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. Goro doesn't understand his feelings or how to comfort her.

In the next morning, Zero Two stands by the lake. She says that everything smells nice after it rains. She asks to make it rain again, but she remembers that he can't. He says that he can't say that for sure yet.

She says that it's where they first met. He says that it thanks to her that he's standing there and can pilot. As she unzips his shirt, she says that only she is his partner. She says that none of her partners could ever ride with her more than three times. She says that the tumor is painful, but beautiful. She asks if he wants out of the ride. When he says that he'll ride again, she twirls around happily.

''Hiro narrates that, even if the wings he reached out and grabbed are to snap one day, he'll still take flight into the sky. Because he feels that's why he's there.''

Episode 24: Never Let Me Go
On Earth, 72 days after the gate passage, the parasites return to the plantations and find plants are still alive. They begin harvesting the plants and start farming in the fields to grow crops. 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.

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 Goro would come home very soon, and Ikuno tells her that Goro decided to resume his travels since he wanted to stay by Ichigo's side and care for their unborn child. Upon returning, Goro is ecstatic seeing Ichigo as he runs to and happily hugs his wife. The former Squad 13 later reunites at a cherry blossom tree that had grown from Zero Two’s ashes and thank Hiro and Zero Two, speaking of the lessons they have learned from them.

Hiro
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.

In Episode 17 he helped Hiro reunite with Zero Two.

In Episode 24, he mourned the death of Hiro and later showed his appreciation for everything Hiro and Zero Two taught the squad.

Zero Two
Goro considers Zero Two to be an ally and is always willing to help her as she's Hiro's friend.

In episode 15, he helped her reunite with Hiro.

In episode 24, he mourned Zero Two’s death and showed his appreciation for everything she and Hiro taught the squad.

Ichigo
Ichigo is his partner. He has known her the longest and that ties into their partnering ability. Goro cares deeply for Ichigo, and is often able to calm her down whenever she has a breakdown. When they first met in the orphanage, 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 later on. 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.

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.

Trivia