Scars

 is the fourteenth chapter of Natsumi Mukai's +Anima manga.

Synopsis
Initially confused, wandering through thick clouds of steam, Cooro and friends find themselves in the town of Bubbly which is famous for its hot springs. They decide to try out the hot springs, although Nana Alba is hesitant. They soon run into Rose who is selling her wares. A local informs them that a hot spring is available so they go together.

They arrive at a run-down inn with a hot spring, and despite it being cheap, the owner claims to have the best beauty water in town, which peaks Nana's interest. They all go into the gender-segregated hot springs and undress. Cooro jumps into the hot spring immediately, but doesn't last long with the heat. Husky is shocked to see Senri's scar on his left abdomen, large claw marks, however Cooro had seen it many times before. Senri wanders towards the hot end. Husky finds a temperature he likes, and Cooro laughs at him when subconsciously switches to his fish tail; Husky splashes him with water.

The girls enter the female hot spring and can hear the boys splashing. Rose removes her towel and Nana becomes curious about the scar on her back. Rose notices her staring so explains that being a +Anima gets her into a lot of dangerous situations, however she doesn't regret it because her Anima gives her power to protect her brother. Nana explains that she was nervous about going to a hot spring because her Anima markings stand out. Rose admits that she also doesn't like to show off her markings, and Nana compares them to Cooro and Senri who will show off their Animas without thinking.

A figure watches the hot springs from above. The owner and his son discuss how long it has been since they have had customers, and worry that "it" may show up.

Nana returns to the hot spring at night, hoping to become more beautiful and more like Rose. She sees a horned figure in the hot spring with her, and screams. The owner realizes what has happened and begs Nana, who had fled indoors, not to tell anyone. He explains that something had started showing up in the middle of the night half a month ago and had been scaring away his customers. The owner's son tells them it is a +Anima. Cooro offers to chase the +Anima away in exchange for a refund; the owner accepts.

Outside, Nana is angry with Cooro and the others for being okay with hunting down a fellow +Anima. Rose explains that if it were anyone else, the +Anima may not get off easy. Senri finds some fur and identifies it as a bison.

Later the bison +Anima enters the hot spring. Senri charges at him but is easily knocked away with a headbutt. The bison +Anima is angry that they are trying to chase him away and attacks. Cooro falls over and covers himself with his wings in defense. Upon seeing that his that his pursuers are also +Anima, the bison +Anima stops, but he is immediately tackled by Senri and they both plunge into the water; its too hot for him. Back on land, the bison +Anima explains that he was using the hot spring to heal his wound. He was doing so in his Anima form because wounds heal faster in the form you got them in. They warn him that the owner was considering starting a hunt, so the bison +Anima agrees to leave.

They inform the owner of their success and get their payment. Cooro pressures him for more money, threatening to tell people about what happened. Afterwards, Rose joins the group heading towards the next town.