Chapter 213: Hueco Mundo's Journey Concludes—A New Chapter Begins!
Observing Kurosaki Ichigo's slightly flushed expression, Fiander turned his head and spoke with gravity:
"Kurosaki, is it appropriate for you to pose such questions to me? Perhaps we'll become enemies soon enough!"
Regarding the Child of Destiny, Fiander genuinely held affection for him. However, what he would accomplish in the future would inevitably place them on opposite sides. Fiander didn't know whether proceeding this way was truly appropriate.
Fiander's words made the excited Kurosaki Ichigo appear as though cold water had been poured across him. The flush across his face faded as he calmed considerably.
Yes—even if the opponent possessed the capability to restore his strength once more, why would he do so? If one day Hueco Mundo and Soul Society commenced warfare, how should he choose his allegiance?
Kurosaki Ichigo remained silent momentarily. He bowed toward Fiander, expressing gratitude for helping treat Karin, then departed from the Palace of Silence without another word.
"Lord Fiander, haven't you always cared about Kurosaki Ichigo? Since he has this opportunity, why refuse him?"
After Kurosaki Ichigo's departure, Reinhard—who had been seated nearby—inquired.
"You don't understand. Even though I assisted Kurosaki Ichigo this time, his heart still chooses Soul Society."
Observing Fiander sigh deeply, Reinhard's expression grew stern. His eyes gradually filled with murderous intent. "Since this is the case, why should Lord Fiander concern himself? Eliminate him preemptively to avoid future complications!"
Witnessing Reinhard's furious demeanor, Fiander couldn't help but laugh. "You... don't attempt resolving everything through brute force. The situation hasn't deteriorated to that extent yet. Why do you believe I expended such tremendous effort addressing him? I stated these things simply to make him aware of his path forward. If he insists upon choosing a road toward darkness, then I can only feel regret for Orihime's sake. After all, my goodwill isn't so cheaply given. I've said everything requiring expression. If he doesn't realize how perilous the future appears, then let him proceed!"
After stating this, Fiander felt bored momentarily. Then he reclined flat upon the sofa and addressed Reinhard: "I'm exhausted. I'm going to sleep!"
"Understood. I'll visit the restoration chamber to verify whether the humans have recovered. If they have, I shall escort them from Hueco Mundo. After all, this environment isn't suitable for their survival!"
As someone who'd accompanied Fiander for numerous years, witnessing what Fiander expressed, Reinhard understood his lord found the matter troublesome and didn't wish to act personally. Consequently, he proactively assumed responsibility for these affairs.
"Mm."
After acknowledging this, Fiander closed his eyes and ceased speaking. Witnessing this, Reinhard saluted respectfully, then slowed his pace and departed from the palace gently.
On another note, after Kurosaki Ichigo departed, Inoue Orihime had felt restless. Consequently, after Kurosaki Ichigo went to meet Fiander, she'd remained at the palace.
After witnessing Kurosaki Ichigo emerge with a sullen expression, Inoue Orihime rushed forward to meet him and inquired with obvious concern:
"What's wrong, Kurosaki? Did His Majesty promise to help restore your strength?"
Observing Inoue's lovely face filled with concern, Kurosaki Ichigo felt his heart tighten. He forced a smile and responded:
"I haven't considered this matter thoroughly yet. If possible, I want to contemplate it further!"
"Is that so? Do you need me to show you around?"
Seeing that Kurosaki Ichigo remained in poor spirits, Inoue didn't dwell excessively upon this issue. She immediately asked whether he wanted to relax somewhat.
However, before Ichigo could respond, Reinhard's voice suddenly emerged from behind:
"My apologies, Miss Orihime. I fear Kurosaki Ichigo won't be able to accompany you for sightseeing. Following Lord Fiander's orders, Kurosaki Ichigo must depart from Hueco Mundo immediately. Your sister will accompany you as well!"
"Why?! Kurosaki is no longer a Shinigami..."
Orihime had just begun defending Kurosaki Ichigo when Reinhard's irresistible tone sounded once more:
"My apologies. This represents an order from Lord Fiander! I believe Kurosaki Ichigo understands the reasoning perfectly well! To be honest, I've served Lord Fiander for numerous years. This marks the first occasion I've witnessed him display such patience toward any individual. Kurosaki Ichigo, I advise you in my own capacity—less than two months remain until the final moment arrives. You should comprehend my meaning. You may trust the Soul Society that has abandoned you, but you must understand that abandonment occurs either zero times or countless times. When you still possess utility value or no longer remain under their control, believe that they will reappear once more!"
After stating this, Menoly and Loly brought Kurosaki Karin, who had fully recovered.
Without uttering a word, Kurosaki Ichigo stepped forward and secured Karin upon his back. Then he addressed Orihime: "I'm sorry, Orihime! I'll see you next time!"
After learning that Orihime voluntarily trained with Fiander within Hueco Mundo, Kurosaki Ichigo abandoned persuading her to return to the human world alongside him. After all, he currently lacked the strength to protect Orihime adequately.
Moreover, Orihime's abilities would definitely attract others' attention. Remaining here constituted the safest location. At minimum, that man represented someone who honored his word.
"Kurosaki..."
Orihime stepped forward, wanting to extend her hand toward Kurosaki Ichigo. However, Reinhard positioned himself between them both, placed his hand upon Ichigo's shoulder, and declared:
"Let's proceed. I'll escort you from Hueco Mundo!"
"Alright."
After acknowledging this, Kurosaki Ichigo—carrying Karin upon his back—silently followed Reinhard and walked toward the exterior.
Witnessing Kurosaki Ichigo's retreating figure growing increasingly distant, Orihime's eyes reddened. Menoly and Loly positioned beside her could only offer consolation.
Within Las Noches' outer hall, Reinhard and Kurosaki Ichigo walked together toward the main gates. Then, with his bare hands, Reinhard tore open a Garganta. Both entered the dimensional rift.
After arriving in the human world, considering that the current Kurosaki Ichigo couldn't utilize Reiatsu, they chose the park where they'd departed for Hueco Mundo previously.
"We've arrived, Kurosaki Ichigo!"
After returning to the human world, once Ichigo set foot upon the ground again, he felt as though carrying a tremendous burden. After Fiander had revealed those matters to him, he'd been contemplating these issues continuously.
After watching Kurosaki Ichigo exit the Garganta, Reinhard regarded his opponent but ultimately chose not to act. Just as he turned to depart, Kurosaki Ichigo called out to stop him.
"Hey!"
"What is it? Do you require something further?"
Reinhard looked at Ichigo and questioned directly.
"That... Please help me express my gratitude to that person. Thank him for everything he's done for me!"
As Kurosaki Ichigo spoke, he bowed deeply toward Reinhard.
"Hmph! You possess some conscience at least. Next time you reference Lord Fiander, don't call him 'that guy,' or I won't mind breaking your leg!"
After speaking, Reinhard closed the Garganta with a dissatisfied expression and vanished from the human world.
Witnessing the dimensional rift disappear before him, Kurosaki Ichigo glanced around his surroundings. At this moment, the sun shone brilliantly—approximately eleven o'clock in the morning.
Although merely three hours had elapsed, to Kurosaki Ichigo, it felt like an extraordinarily prolonged duration.
Perhaps everyone was at work or school. No one had come to the park's vicinity. Observing the familiar large tree, Ichigo smiled bitterly and spoke:
"Karakura Town... I've returned once more."