Soon after, in the Human World.
Karakura Town General Hospital.
In the director's office, Ishida Ryūken sat behind a large desk, twirling a pen and pondering hospital matters.
However, when he heard the news that Ishida Uryū had seemingly become a Substitute Soul Reaper, the pen in his fingers dropped without warning.
He suddenly lifted his eyes, looking at his wife in disbelief, momentarily wondering if he was still asleep.
Otherwise, how could such an absurd and bizarre thing happen?
Even as a Substitute Soul Reaper, he would be part of the Soul Society's organization and subject to Shinigami jurisdiction.
This was no small matter for the Ishida Clan.
Who did this?
Ishida Ryūken narrowed his eyes and asked in a deep voice:
"Is the news true?"
"When did this happen? Why was I completely unaware?"
"Where's Uryū?"
Katagiri Yae listened to her husband's questions, her expression a mix of helplessness and worry.
Her status was not high, and her strength was not strong; she could not decide anything in this matter.
At this moment, she could only lower her head slightly, with a hint of trepidation, and slowly reveal her discovery to Ishida Ryūken:
"Uryū became a Substitute Soul Reaper about half a year ago, when school started."
"I asked indirectly, and Uryū confessed honestly."
"He has an asauchi, and although it hasn't become a Zanpakuto, he already has a Substitute Soul Reaper badge."
"Shiba Isshin gave it to him."
"Shiba Isshin?" Hearing that name, the pen Ishida Ryūken had just picked up was instantly crushed in his hand.
"Good," he gritted his teeth, finally understanding who had tricked his son.
He should have thought of it earlier; there were only so many Shinigami in the Human World.
And those who could obtain a Substitute Soul Reaper badge from the Soul Society's higher-ups were even fewer.
Ishida Ryūken placed the broken pen on the table.
He took a few deep breaths, trying to calm himself down, then slowly spoke:
"That bastard..."
"Has Uryū's grades declined in the past six months?"
"What did that Kurosaki ichigo brat say?"
"Does he know about this?"
"Or is he also a Substitute Soul Reaper?"
Katagiri Yae didn't know about that; she was Ishida Uryū's mother, not Kurosaki ichigo's mother.
But regarding grades, it was obvious.
If they had dropped, Ishida Ryūken would have paid attention, and it wouldn't have been concealed for half a year.
Thinking of this, Katagiri Yae raised her head, a flicker of determination in her eyes, and stepped forward:
"Young Master Ryūken, I believe Uryū must have had his reasons for doing this."
"Substitute Soul Reaper is Substitute Soul Reaper; there's nothing wrong with it, at least his grades haven't dropped."
"As a student, that's enough."
Indeed, but Ishida Uryū's identity was not just that of a student.
Ishida Ryūken took out another pen and lightly tapped the desk.
He looked at Katagiri Yae, understanding her thoughts, his gaze full of seriousness:
"Don't call me Young Master; that was ages ago. You are my wife now."
"What you said is actually correct, but have you considered one thing? What is the Shinigami's purpose in doing this?"
"That Shiba Isshin fellow was born into a high-ranking noble family in the Soul Society; he would never do anything meaningless."
"I'm not angry that Uryū became a Shinigami without telling me; I'm just angry that Uryū was used by him, and I was completely unaware."
"This guy..."
Ishida Ryūken felt pressure; he felt like he had become a chess piece on a board.
Although the one moving the pieces wouldn't send them to their deaths, this feeling of being controlled was truly uncomfortable.
Presumably, the Ishida Clan behind him was also a part of their plan.
At this thought, Ishida Ryūken's gaze sharpened, and he suddenly stood up.
He tidied his clothes and immediately set off, preparing to meet either Uryū or Shiba Isshin.
At the very least, he had to see his son and clarify the Shinigami's intentions.
...
Meanwhile, at Karakura First High School, it was break time.
Sunlight streamed through the windows, scattering across the corridor.
Ishida Uryū and Kurosaki ichigo, seeing no one around, began discussing Zanpakuto.
"Ishida, my Zanpakuto has awakened. Its name is Zangetsu. How about yours?"
"You're not still like before, unable to even enter the most basic sword meditation, are you?"
"It seems your talent is very ordinary."
"Indeed, one Substitute Soul Reaper is enough, and that's me."
Kurosaki ichigo wore a triumphant smile.
Since elementary school, he and Ishida Uryū had been rivals.
He had never won against him before, but now it was different; he had finally surpassed him once.
Ishida Uryū listened to these words, dressed in white, maintaining his usual aloofness.
He pushed up his glasses and said, dissatisfied:
"Nonsense, it's only been half a year."
"Haven't you heard that slow birds fly first? True geniuses accumulate strength before erupting."
"Compared to when my Zanpakuto will awaken, what I'm more worried about now is that my mother has discovered that I became a Substitute Soul Reaper."
"I think Father will be coming very soon, Kurosaki; you have to help me."
Kurosaki ichigo froze: "How can I help?"
After speaking, he reacted.
"You were discovered? No way, aren't you not a Shinigami yet?"
"It's just an asauchi; why does it sound like you're going to an execution? Are they very strict with you?"
"Otherwise?"
Ishida Uryū glanced at Kurosaki ichigo, then sighed slightly, a hint of helplessness in his voice,
"Mother is fine, but Father is the main issue."
"Since I was little, I wanted to be a Quincy like him, but reality kept playing tricks on me."
"When I was eight, my Quincy bloodline was sealed, and I couldn't use reishi in places with thin reishi."
"Now that I can finally regain power, even if it's Shinigami power, it's still an opportunity."
"I don't want to be disturbed by him."
"Kurosaki, you should be able to imagine how it feels when you're about to obtain your Zanpakuto, and your father suddenly snatches it away, right?"
Kurosaki ichigo shivered, recalling his mother's attitude, clearly understanding the feeling.
Despite being rivals, they were also friends; he nodded solemnly:
"I understand. Don't worry, I'll help you."
"I'm the most loyal person."
"Call me anytime if you need anything; I'll be there."
"By the way, your father wouldn't lay a heavy hand on a child, would he?"
That was hard to say, but at least he wouldn't do so against Kurosaki ichigo.
Ishida Uryū gave a simple, perfunctory reply, and soon after, the bell for class rang, and the two walked together back to the classroom.
At this time, in the classroom, Inoue Orihime was sitting at her desk, casually flipping through a book, her eyes occasionally drifting towards the classroom door.
When she saw Kurosaki ichigo appear, her heart suddenly quickened, and her cheeks flushed slightly.
And when she noticed Kurosaki ichigo's gaze casually falling upon her, she quickly lowered her head, not daring to look again.
In her panic, she thought, Kurosaki-kun and Ishida-kun are too close.
If only she could join their group.
But unfortunately, it seemed very difficult, because there were rumors in school that their personalities were very strange.
Even though they were excellent students and top-notch in sports, Kurosaki ichigo had even broken all records since the school's establishment at the sports festival.
However, he had a bad temper and liked to fight.
All the delinquents within a five-kilometer radius had been beaten by him, and his reputation had even spread to other schools.
And she... she was just an orphan, introverted, and her only brother had died in a car accident a few years ago.
If it weren't for the financial support from distant relatives, she might not even have the money to go to school...
No matter from her background, abilities, personality, or even her social circle, she was ultimately not on the same path as them...
Lost in thought, Kurosaki ichigo had already sat back in his chair.
He didn't notice Inoue Orihime's gaze on him, because he was used to being in the spotlight every day.
Even if someone wanted to kill him, he wouldn't be surprised, let alone a vague emotion like 'liking'.
He was focused on how to help Ishida Uryū resolve this crisis.
He definitely couldn't do it alone, and his father didn't have much influence.
Should he call for help from the Soul Society?
That older sister from last time was good; she even gave him her contact information when she left, saying he could contact her if needed.
After all, they were part of the organization; only Shinigami could bully Shinigami, no one else.
But, wouldn't doing that be a bit too much like abusing his power?
After thinking about it, Kurosaki ichigo finally shook his head, deciding against it.
He didn't want to become the person he hated most.
This scene fell into Inoue Orihime's eyes.
Even though she didn't know what Kurosaki-kun was troubled about, Inoue Orihime understood that this was an opportunity.
So, she bit her lip, her pearly teeth leaving faint marks on her pink lips, and she couldn't help but hesitate.
Should she do what she could?
She didn't want to leave any regrets in her life; with the second school year approaching, Kurosaki-kun was becoming more and more dazzling.
Once the third school year arrived, there would truly be no hope left at all...
...
Meanwhile, on the other side.
Ishida Ryūken arrived outside Karakura First High School.
He stood at the entrance, looking at the peaceful scene inside the school, and slightly narrowed his eyes.
Immediately after, a man with black hair, black eyes, and black clothes caught his attention.
The man was casually sitting in a tree.
He had a cigarette in his mouth, and smoke slowly rose and dissipated with his breaths.
Seeing this, Ishida Ryūken spoke coldly:
"Shiba Isshin, what are you doing here?"
"Are you here to stop me? Hmph, your information is quite well-informed."
"I haven't even settled the score with you about my son yet."
Thud.
Shiba Isshin lightly jumped down from the tree.
As he walked forward, he rubbed his head and extinguished the cigarette butt, a seemingly innocent smile on his face, and laughed:
"Haha, no offense, no offense, I'm just worried about my son's safety."
"Anyway, my physical body is being handled by a Soul Candy."
"You know about Uryū's matter?"
"Of course." Ishida Ryūken pushed up his glasses, looking aloof.
Before he could enumerate Shiba Isshin's various misdeeds, Shiba Isshin spoke first, preemptively:
"Since you already know, then I must point out your fault."
"Your son became a Substitute Soul Reaper six months ago, and you only realized it belatedly; you are truly an unqualified father."
"Because your son hid it from you, you're going to come here and take him away, persuading him to give up being a Substitute Soul Reaper?"
"That won't do, my dear Ryūken."
He walked in front of Ishida Ryūken, patted his shoulder, and spoke earnestly:
"Parents shouldn't be too old-fashioned; they should be open-minded. It's just a Shinigami. Doesn't my wife also have Shinigami powers?"
"It's nothing, and it allows Uryū to satisfy his curiosity. As a father, you wouldn't be so narrow-minded, would you?"
At these words, Ishida Ryūken was so angry he laughed.
He had never seen such a shameless person.
So many years had passed, yet Shiba Isshin was still as shameless as before.
Suddenly, it was his fault.
Was he not open-minded?
Did he lack magnanimity?
It was clearly this despicable scoundrel who, taking advantage of his inattention, tricked Ishida Uryū into trusting him, implicating the Ishida Clan and merging them into the Shinigami faction.
If it weren't for the inability to start a war, even with his bloodline sealed, Ishida Ryūken would surely have shot this shameless fellow in front of him into a sieve.
Taking a deep breath and admonishing himself not to get angry or lose his composure, Ishida Ryūken snorted coldly and said,
"What a glib tongue, Shiba Isshin, I truly underestimated you. No wonder you could marry a Quincy as a Shinigami."
"I will tell Kurosaki Masaki everything about this matter. I want to see what your wife will think of your actions."
"Farewell." Ishida Ryūken spat out two words coldly and turned to leave.
He was too lazy to say more nonsense, because he knew that staying longer would yield no results.
With Shiba Isshin's eloquent tongue, Ishida Uryū had probably been brainwashed long ago.
If he forcibly took him away from being a Substitute Soul Reaper, a father-son estrangement would be minor; a family on the verge of breaking up would be major.
He absolutely could not let Shiba Isshin laugh at him.
Seeing this, Shiba Isshin smiled and tried to persuade him to stay:
"Leaving just like that? Won't you stay a little longer?"
"I'm not as idle as you." Ishida Ryūken didn't even turn his head.
"You'd better think carefully about how you're going to explain this to Kurosaki Masaki when you get home."
"Speaking so righteously, hmph, that's not something she would agree to…"
Ishida Ryūken's voice drifted further and further away.
When he completely disappeared from Shiba Isshin's sight, Shiba Isshin's smile gradually faded, and a few drops of cold sweat appeared on his forehead.
A trace of panic flashed in his eyes, and he immediately rushed towards home.
He had thought it was a sure thing, but he didn't expect it to end up with his wife being told. This guy really is...
He underestimated him; he's as unprincipled as himself.
"Ichigo, Uryū, I can only help you this far."
"Ryūken has been dealt with by me. The rest of the path, you'll have to walk yourselves."
He glanced back in a hurry.
Shiba Isshin thought of the days he would soon be sleeping in the park, and although his heart was anxious, he still let out a few sighs of emotion.
With a "whoosh," he disappeared from the spot, leaving only a gentle breeze.
In the classroom.
Kurosaki ichigo seemed to sense something and subconsciously glanced out the window, but saw nothing.
Clap.
A piece of chalk flew over. Kurosaki ichigo instinctively caught it elegantly with two fingers, and then heard the teacher on the podium scolding him loudly.
Saying things like answering questions and not getting distracted.
Kurosaki ichigo picked at his ears, feeling a bit bored.
He wondered why no Hollow had appeared yet; he was already impatient to use his Zanpakuto to guide departed souls.
Inoue Orihime, not far away, secretly glanced at him, thinking that Kurosaki-kun, even when distracted, looked very handsome.
...
Time quietly flowed, and that night.
Inoue Orihime made some bread to sell outside to earn tuition. Finally, under the pretext of having too much to eat and not selling it all, she walked downstairs to the Kurosaki house.
Kurosaki ichigo was exercising. Seeing Inoue Orihime, he subconsciously greeted her.
He swore it was truly subconscious, at most out of an instinctive sense of camaraderie as a classmate.
Unexpectedly, Kurosaki Karin, who was beside him, saw Inoue Orihime looking pitiful, walking alone late at night, and seemingly her brother's classmate.
She enthusiastically invited her in and bought all the bread she had.
On the surface, there was nothing wrong, but during the purchase, after a few casual chats, things gradually started to feel off.
Karin asked why she had to sell bread to earn tuition.
A hint of sadness flashed in Inoue Orihime's eyes as she softly replied that her brother had passed away, she had no parents, no source of income, and could only do this.
Her brother had died years ago while being treated at Kurosaki Clinic, due to the severity of his injuries, before he could be transferred to another hospital.
Because she missed him so much, she came back to see this place.
As soon as she said this, Kurosaki ichigo, who was doing push-ups, his eye twitching, immediately recalled what had happened a few years ago.
So it was her... he almost didn't recognize her.
Just as Kurosaki ichigo was thinking whether to advise Inoue Orihime to leave quickly after selling her bread—
—Because his other younger sister, Kurosaki Yuzu, not far away, was crying uncontrollably after hearing the story.
Her crying grew louder and louder, and his parents were about to come out.
Once his parents came out, this matter would likely not end well, and he still wanted to exercise until late at night.
However, he was still a step too late.
Crack.
Glass shattered, and Shiba Isshin struck an exaggerated pose, leaping directly from the second floor, his movements extremely dramatic.
It was a very bizarre action, but in Kurosaki ichigo's eyes, it was a common occurrence; he didn't even show much surprise.
As soon as he jumped down, he came before Inoue Orihime and said with a serious expression:
"So it's you, young lady. I didn't expect your background to be so pitiful. Boo hoo hoo, I'm truly touched by you~"
Shiba Isshin's seriousness didn't even last a second before it broke.
These sudden tears startled Inoue Orihime… No, it wasn't just tears.
Is this Kurosaki-kun's father? Why...
A wave of confusion surged in Inoue Orihime's heart.
She couldn't understand why someone could jump from the second floor so nonchalantly.
It was a full three meters high!
How exaggerated!
Could Kurosaki-kun's physical abilities be inherited from his father?
Orihime thought so.
Immediately after, Shiba Isshin, in order to make up for Inoue Orihime's past regrets, offered a suggestion:
"Young lady, would you be interested in staying at my house for a few days? To be honest, I'm going on a business trip soon and won't be back for a month."
"Leaving my wife alone at home is quite boring."
"Since you have no family, why not consider us your family?"
"What happened back then was indeed our fault. If I hadn't tried to save money then and imported some professional medical equipment, your brother might not have died."
Upon hearing this, Inoue Orihime quickly said:
"No, it's not your fault. If anyone is to blame, it's me for not having money back then."
"If I had money, my brother might have had a different outcome."
She lowered her head,
"Since things have come to this, you don't need to apologize."
"As for staying at your house… I think I'll pass. I can't disturb you."
With that, she turned to leave.
"Hey." Shiba Isshin grabbed Inoue Orihime's shoulder and earnestly advised her,
"What's this about disturbing or not disturbing? You're my son's classmate and you live in Karakura Town. As the saying goes, neighbors are like family."
"Staying for just a month is nothing. Helping others within one's ability is the very principle of the Shiba Clan."
"If you refuse, you're disrespecting the Shiba Clan. Do you want to refuse?"
Here he goes again, Kurosaki ichigo sighed helplessly from not far away.
Although he was his father, his personality was still as unrestrained as when he was young—no, to be precise, his father had never aged.
Because of this, when these words reached Inoue Orihime's ears, they always had a strange taste.
But there was no choice; with the words already spoken to this extent, and from an elder no less.
Even if Inoue Orihime was embarrassed and awkward, at this moment she could only reluctantly agree.
Her voice was faint, with a slightly reddened face, as she softly hummed a "hmm."
Hearing this, Shiba Isshin burst into laughter, immediately planning to have Kurosaki ichigo or Karin entertain the guest.
Suddenly, a slipper came flying, like swatting a mosquito, directly sending him flying out of the house.
Thud, as Shiba Isshin landed face down on the main road outside.
Kurosaki Masaki walked out gracefully, a gentle smile on her face.
Seeing this, Kurosaki ichigo, who was doing push-ups, quickly scrambled up from the ground.
He, who was usually fearless, directly shrank back into the inner room, afraid of experiencing the same fate as his father.
It was too tragic.
...
Not long after, one night.
Inoue Orihime, having rarely experienced the warmth of family, walked on the deserted street.
Moonlight spilled onto the ground, like a layer of silver frost.
Her face held a happy smile, and a hint of reluctance.
But then it transformed into a sense of emptiness and melancholy after a loss.
She thought to herself, she would just consider that month-long experience a dream.
Suddenly, she sensed something and stopped in her tracks.
"Who?"
Inoue Orihime slowly backed away. Although the area in front of her was empty, she had a strong feeling that someone was right there in front of her.
Is it a hallucination?
Before she could speak a second time, Inoue Orihime inexplicably felt an unprecedented immense force suddenly gripping both of her arms.
The strength was astonishing, and she cried out in pain.
"Ah!"
Immediately after, her toes lifted off the ground, and her entire body was lifted into the air.
The surging adrenaline seemed to make her see the true scene ahead.
It was… a monster, a masked monster.
The monster was saying the words "Orihime."
Is it calling me?
It hurts so much.
Inoue Orihime felt like she was being squeezed to death.
The intense pain suffocated her, making it difficult to utter a single word.
Just as she was about to faint, her legs kicking, her consciousness growing increasingly blurry, a slideshow of memories flashed before Inoue Orihime's eyes.
Those were—her experiences living at the Kurosaki house for a month.
Just as Inoue Orihime was regretting in her heart why she hadn't gathered the courage to express her feelings to Kurosaki-kun.
A blurry voice reached her ears.
"Hey, let go of that girl!"
Under the moonlight, Kurosaki ichigo descended from the sky, a massive Zanpakuto on his back.
Like a falling meteor, he split the Hollow's mask down the middle with a single slash.
The Hollow cried out in pain and retreated repeatedly. However, before it could react, Kurosaki ichigo delivered another blow.
Slash!
This strike was fatal; it split the Hollow in half.
Inoue Orihime fell as a result.
"Ah."
Just as she fell, opening her eyes in pain, she barely made out the monster's face in the moonlight.
—It was her brother, Inoue Sora's face!
"Brother!?"
"Kurosaki-kun?"
"You two…"
"I must be dreaming…"
Inoue Orihime's breathing stopped; she couldn't quite accept reality.
She couldn't accept that her brother had become a monster, and even more, she couldn't accept that Kurosaki-kun had become a knife-wielding killer, cutting her brother in half with one slash…
Is this something a high school student could do?
A string in her heart inexplicably snapped at that moment.
Immediately, her vision went black, and she fainted.
Leaving only Kurosaki ichigo standing bewildered in the wind.