"Big sister's arm… it's really starting to recover."
Shiba Ganju's voice trembled as he stared at the unbelievable sight before him—Shiba Kūkaku's severed right arm was slowly regrowing, flesh knitting over bone in a soft, golden light.
Since the day her arm had been lost, Kūkaku had rarely spoken of it. Yet Ganju knew how deeply it pained her, how every smile she wore masked that quiet frustration. They had tried every method known to the Shiba family, every restorative Kidō and medical technique—but none could heal what was gone. In the end, she had built a prosthetic, attaching it with stubborn pride, and moved on.
But now, under Inoue Orihime's power, that lost arm was being reborn.
"Is Inoue's ability really that strong? That's… incredible."
Ichigo stared in shock. The rebirth of a severed limb—such a thing defied everything he knew about healing or Kaidō. If he hadn't witnessed it himself, he would never have believed it possible.
"Kurosaki," Ishida Uryū adjusted his glasses, speaking evenly. "It's not only you who's grown stronger. Inoue and Sado have both improved under Urahara-san and Yoruichi-san's training."
Before coming to Soul Society, Orihime and Sado had each undergone rigorous preparation under the guidance of Urahara Kisuke, awakening and refining their Fullbring powers.
"Captain, did you see that?" Kotetsu Kiyone whispered urgently beside Ukitake. "Miss Inoue's ability can even regenerate limbs. Why don't you let her try healing you?"
At first, seeing Inoue heal Ichigo had been astonishing enough—but regeneration? That bordered on divine.
Ukitake smiled faintly, though there was genuine wonder in his eyes. "Kiyone, there's no need. My illness isn't something Miss Inoue can heal."
He knew the truth of his body better than anyone. His life was sustained only through Mimihagi, the left arm of the Soul King that had taken root within him. No earthly power—Shinigami, human, or otherwise—could undo that.
"Captain Shiraha," Kira Izuru said softly, unable to contain his curiosity, "this human's ability—is this what you called the Fullbring? Do many humans in the world possess such power?"
"No," Shiraha replied calmly. "Those who awaken Fullbring are exceedingly rare. Most can barely control it, let alone wield it to this extent."
He smiled faintly, watching Orihime work with quiet composure.
Rukia, standing nearby, turned toward him in confusion. "But, Shiraha… how did you know Miss Inoue could do this? You've never even met her before."
Her question hung in the air. It was true—Shiraha's awareness of Orihime's abilities seemed to surpass even her own.
"Just a secret," Shiraha replied with a light smile, offering no further explanation.
Time slipped by as everyone watched in breathless silence.
Five minutes later, Orihime finally exhaled. "Thank you, Shun Shun Rikka—Soten Kisshun, Ayame, Shun'ō," she whispered softly.
"You're welcome," the tiny spirits replied before their forms dissolved into light, returning to the hairpins on her head.
Kūkaku looked down, flexing her newly formed fingers, the color of life returning to her face. The joy that spread across her features was unlike anything her brother had seen in years.
"Thank you, Inoue," she said warmly.
"Ah, you're welcome, Miss Kūkaku." Orihime blushed, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Honestly, if Mr. Shiraha hadn't mentioned it, I wouldn't even have known I could do this."
Kūkaku laughed heartily and wrapped her in a one-armed embrace. "Then if you ever need anything, just say the word! The Shiba family owes you one!"
Since the day Shiba Kaien had died, and after losing her arm soon after, Kūkaku had not felt this kind of happiness in years.
"Congratulations, Kūkaku," Ukitake said, approaching with a gentle smile. "As Kaien's sister, you've endured much. It's good to see you whole again."
"Big sis, let me see!" Ganju rushed over, eyes wide, reaching for her arm—only to receive a hard smack across the face.
"Hands off, you brat!" Kūkaku kicked him lightly to the ground, laughing. "What are you staring at? Don't you have your own arms to worry about?"
Ganju groaned dramatically, clutching his cheek, while Ichigo chuckled under his breath.
"Alright, enough fooling around," Kūkaku said, waving her hand dismissively. "Ichigo, you're heading back to the World of the Living tomorrow, right? We should all have dinner together tonight. Everyone could use a good meal."
Her tone was bright and commanding, as always.
Ichigo scratched the back of his neck, looking uncertain. "Uh… I mean, we—well—"
Before he could finish, Kūkaku's fist met his face with explosive force.
Boom!
Blood streamed from Ichigo's nose as he stumbled back.
"Don't stammer, kid! Just say yes when a lady invites you!" she scolded, planting her fists on her hips.
"Mr. Shiraha!" Ichigo groaned, holding his nose. "Why didn't you stop her? You stepped in when she hit Rukia earlier!"
Shiraha's lips curved slightly. "I didn't see it this time. Why don't we let her try again?"
"No, no, that's fine!" Ichigo said quickly, shaking his head as Kūkaku raised her fist again. "We'll stay for dinner!"
"Good! That's the spirit!" Kūkaku laughed, lowering her arm. "Hey, Ukitake! You too, and you—Kuchiki Shiraha, right? You're both staying. No excuses."
Shiraha gave a polite nod. "Of course, Miss Kūkaku."
Ukitake smiled helplessly. "If I said no, I doubt you'd let me leave anyway."
That evening, under the stars above the Shiba estate, laughter filled the air as Shinigami and humans shared a rare, peaceful meal.
——
The next morning.
After the long, lively dinner, Shiraha, Ukitake, Rukia, Ichigo, and the others had returned to the Seireitei to rest. But by dawn, Ukitake's illness had flared up once again, leaving him bedridden. The task of escorting Ichigo and his friends to the South Gate fell to Shiraha.
Before them stood the newly completed portal—large, radiant, and humming with spiritual energy. It had been prepared with a special reishi transformer, allowing humans to safely pass between worlds.
Shiraha turned toward Ichigo, his expression composed.
"Here," he said, handing Ichigo a small wooden badge marked with a black skull and cross. "This is for you. From this day on, you are the officially appointed Substitute Shinigami, recognized by the Seireitei."
Ichigo held the badge carefully, the weight of its meaning settling in his hand.
The title of "Agent Shinigami" was no longer just a borrowed name—it was now his responsibility, acknowledged by Soul Society itself.
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