[So many big lads around recently... if this keeps up, he'll have to start shapeshifting himself taller! If this powerhouse's weapons resemble Maine's, Hijikata absolutely took notice of that, but even if they don't, he certainly feels reassured that his questmate is a capable combatant.]

Good, good. Oh, right, one more thing - we shouldn't stay in the forest too long. Over time, it turns living beings into maple creatures.

[Just as a side note!]