After returning from the Soul Society, Ichigo Kurosaki and his friends gradually eased back into their normal lives. Yet even as routine settled in, Ichigo often found himself glancing at an empty seat nearby.
Rukia Kuchiki.
She hadn't returned to the human world with them.
Though the charges against her were dropped and the Soul Society had acknowledged her innocence, she hadn't chosen to return. Given everything, it was unlikely she'd face any further unjust treatment.
After all, she was a victim too.
That brought some relief—at least the situation hadn't spiraled further. But the experience had left Ichigo changed. He'd seen blood, fought for his life, and encountered a force that felt overwhelming. And there was him—that haunting, powerful figure who shared his body.
The Soul Society felt like a world steeped in pressure. Yet Ichigo couldn't shake the sense that something intangible had slipped away.
Was that man... really who they claimed he was?
Everyone seemed to be hiding something from him. And that feeling only deepened after returning to the real world.
He clicked his pen shut and furrowed his brow.
Class ended. The teacher introduced a transfer student at the front.
"My name is Shinji Hirako. Nice to meet you~"
Ichigo didn't care much about new students—but this one took the seat right next to him... and flashed a suspicious smile.
"...?"
Do I know this guy?
Ichigo had zero recollection of him. Short blond hair, grinning like a clown. He gave off serious "delinquent who doesn't study" vibes.
Ichigo simply nodded back and looked away, not wanting trouble.
Later, after class, the group that had gone to rescue Rukia naturally gathered again. Even the usually carefree Orihime felt a twinge of anxiety looking back on their dangerous ordeal. But at least it was over.
—Or so they thought.
Sensing spiritual pressure, Ichigo pulled out his Substitute Shinigami badge.
"Sorry, I've got to go."
This was his job now—as the Substitute Shinigami protecting Karakura Town.
Though his spiritual perception was still rough, Hollows weren't exactly stealthy. After a bit of chasing, he found and dispatched it.
Done.
He was about to leave when—
WHOOSH!
A sharp presence struck from behind.
"...?!"
Ichigo turned, startled, to find Shinji Hirako rushing at him—wielding a Zanpakutō.
"You—!"
"Whoa, not bad there, Ichigo."
"Who are you?!"
"Not your enemy, that's for sure~"
With that, Shinji continued attacking, all while laughing... and then said something that froze Ichigo.
"Wanna know the truth? About that man inside you—the one who even you are afraid of?"
"...?!"
No one should've known about that.
Not Soul Society, not even his friends. Ichigo had never spoken a word about the strange presence within him.
And yet this stranger spoke of it so casually, his voice like a truck slamming into Ichigo's psyche.
"I've been watching you since you were little."
"Your power, your confusion... everything. We have answers."
"So, how about coming with us?"
Ichigo's mouth opened slightly. He wanted to speak, but no words came.
"Who... are you?"
"Me?"
Shinji smiled.
He covered half his face with one hand—a gesture Ichigo instantly recognized.
No... it can't be...
Before he could finish the thought, a flash of black-and-red lightning streaked across the air. White secretion spilled out, rapidly forming a horrifying mask across Shinji's face.
From behind the hollow eyeholes, a dual-toned voice emerged.
"See this? Now you get what I'm saying."
A Hollow mask.
Just like the one Ichigo had seen on himself in Soul Society.
"You..."
Ichigo stared, stunned.
Shinji casually removed the mask.
"We have the same power. That's why I understand your confusion."
He stepped closer.
"You want to know, don't you? Why that man's image appears when you use that power."
"…"
"I'll tell you everything—about that man. About Seiya Arima."
At that moment, Ichigo made a choice.
He inhaled deeply, raised his head, and said:
"I'll go with you."
…
Although he had made a swift decision, following Shinji brought creeping doubt.
He knew nothing about this man. He was lured by the mask, by a name—by Seiya.
"We're here."
The two descended, Ichigo scanning the unfamiliar edge of Karakura Town.
"This way."
After twisting through alleys and opening a rolling door, Ichigo was greeted by a wide space—like a garage—and a group of uniquely dressed individuals.
They all turned to stare at him.
Ichigo felt the hostility instantly.
Before he could react, a punkish blonde girl leapt from atop a tire. Hands in pockets, she swaggered over, giving him a look as if she owned the place.
"So you're the kid who inherited Seiya Arima's power?!"
"…"
That name again.
Before he could respond, she kicked him hard in the knee.
"Ow—what the hell?!"
"Take it, dammit!"
She pointed angrily.
"This is what Seiya owes me! That bastard betrayed us and lied for years!"
…Huh?
What does that have to do with me?!
Before he could say anything, she turned and walked away.
Hit and run.
What was her deal?
Around him, the others whispered:
"So that kid from back then has grown up..."
"Time sure flies."
"Well, we don't really feel time the same."
Ichigo didn't recognize any of them—but they clearly knew him.
This imbalance pounded in his skull, frustration mounting.
He needed answers—about Seiya, and about himself.
"Sorry about Hiyori. That's just how she is. Give it time—she'll apologize eventually."
Shinji shrugged.
"Well… probably."
Ichigo cut to the chase.
"I want to know everything."
"Of course. I won't hold anything back."
…
Meanwhile, Uryū Ishida had begun discussions with his father, Ryūken, having lost his Quincy powers due to the Sanrei Glove.
"I can restore your power. But there are conditions."
Ryūken's tone was colder than ever.
"First: from now on, you must never associate with Soul Reapers again."
"...!"
That alone made Uryū flinch—but he swallowed his response.
"What else?"
"Second…"
Ryūken adjusted his glasses.
"Once your powers are restored, I want you to approach a specific person and retrieve information."
"Who?"
Ryūken pulled a photo from a drawer.
"You've met him in Soul Society."
It was old—creased and faded.
At the center stood a man posing awkwardly with a V-sign. He wore the traditional Shinigami uniform—with a captain's haori over it.
Familiar face.
Uryū's heart sank.
"Seiya Arima…"
The man who betrayed Soul Society and destroyed the Seireitei.
"This photo…?"
"Taken when he first became a captain. Must be decades old now."
Uryū frowned.
"You forbid me from associating with Shinigami—then ask me to approach him?"
Ryūken said nothing, only adjusted his posture.
"That man isn't like the others. You'll see."
Cryptic as always.
But Uryū had little choice—he needed his power back.
"Ask him one thing when you find him..."
As the father and son spoke beneath the night sky, Uryū's pupils widened—whatever he was told, it shook him deeply.
The butterfly named Seiya Arima had begun to stir the winds of change.
What began as a breeze… would soon become a storm.
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Powerstones?
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