[As they cautiously move forward everything seems normal at first. It's quiet, but not unnaturally so - there are sounds of birds, coming from high above. The trees are tall and dense, and after just a few minutes they're walking completely in their shade, with only the occasional ray of light filtering through. There are some narrows paths, presumably used by deer or tapirs or whatever lives here, so they don't have to completely chop and wrangle their way through (yet). It's humid as hell, and Hijikata regrets his outfit choice, but he didn't want to wear the white kimono he got on arrival, given that it would have provided no protection. His uniform, even without the jacket, is studier.]

This forest is uncharted for all I know. I couldn't find a map that showed anything beyond its outlines in the library or online.

[Granted, how many forests are properly charted?]