The tree closes in overhead, but Gojyo forces his breathing to stay slow and even. She won't hurt him. He has to trust that.

"Did you ask 'em? The shinki, did you ask 'em if they wanted to to stay with you?" Because Banri's never spoken, as far as Gojyo knows, and he's heard that the other soulless are the same. Quiet, mostly mindless, like obedient sleepwalkers. Barely alive.