That week, Bleach aired two new episodes that culminated in the long-awaited direct confrontation between Ichigo Kurosaki and Byakuya Kuchiki.
The impact was immediate.
The audience reacted with genuine enthusiasm. Across search engines and social media platforms, phrases like "Ichigo Kurosaki vs. Byakuya Kuchiki" surged into the trending topics, dominating discussions almost effortlessly.
The actors behind the clash-Mark and Jasper Quin-quickly became the media's favorite targets.
- I am deeply grateful to Director Alex for this opportunity. He is, without exaggeration, a true genius - Jasper Quin stated, his calm tone sounding completely sincere.
Although Alex had appeared almost abruptly within the industry, occupying spaces once fiercely contested by veterans, Jasper had remained firmly at the top thanks to his own talent. Even so, as the years passed, roles that truly resonated with his artistic phase had become increasingly rare.
Receiving the role of Byakuya Kuchiki was more than just casting.
It was a turning point.
A second wind for his career.
With Mark, the situation was even more straightforward.
- Director Alex was fundamental to my journey. Without his recommendation back then, I would've been just another extra who vanished halfway through a scene. He was the one who insisted I take that role, and it changed everything - Mark said naturally.
- When he invited me now to play the protagonist, I'll admit I felt pressure. Alex is extremely demanding with his own work. I didn't know if I could live up to his expectations.
Before ending the interview, Mark added:
- Bleach is still only halfway through, but there's no reason to worry. What's coming next is even better. After all… when Alex is involved, quality is inevitable.
Watching those statements, Alex himself felt a slight sense of discomfort.
Am I really that impressive? he thought, a restrained smile forming on his face.
Naturally, he didn't mention that years earlier, he had recommended Mark only after taking another role originally meant for him. Some truths simply didn't need to be revisited.
- Alex, want to take a walk? - Samantha asked, gently tugging at his sleeve as the day began.
An automatic response almost slipped out-something about homework and responsibility.
But the careful look in the girl's eyes made Alex stop himself.
He took a deep breath, silently reminding himself to keep clear boundaries, and nodded.
- Let's go.
- If you're going, I'm going too - an energetic voice chimed in beside them.
It was Melissa.
She and Samantha were now part of Alex's studio, which occasionally made him reflect-with quiet amusement-on how his path seemed marked by improbable coincidences. Roles, talents, opportunities… everything somehow converged around him.
Samantha, however, found nothing amusing about it. She puffed out her cheeks slightly and shot a wary look at the newcomer.
That summer represented Melissa's last period of rest. Once the vacation ended, the demanding routine of the academy would begin. Even so, debuting in a high-impact production before officially enrolling already placed her ahead of most.
Not long after, the three arrived at a street packed with snack stalls.
Melissa was enjoying a famous strawberry dessert without the slightest concern for her appearance. Cream smeared her face as she ate, completely immersed in the moment.
Samantha watched in silence, surprised.
She really doesn't care at all… she thought.
As for Alex, he simply concluded that it could either be a refined strategy… or absolute authenticity.
- Take this, Byakuya! Getsuga Tenshō!
- Naive, Ichigo Kurosaki. Bankai! Senbonzakura Kageyoshi!
The shouts came from ahead.
A group of boys, barely over ten years old, waved wooden swords bought from improvised stalls, reenacting battles with genuine enthusiasm-until their parents gently intervened.
What was curious was what happened next.
- Kids… I don't have time to teach you from basic breathing - declared a young man, far too serious for someone holding a toy sword.
- All things in this world… be reduced to ashes! Ryūjin Jakka!
- Sit upon the frozen heavens! Hyōrinmaru!
It was contagious.
They say the intelligence of one man surpasses that of a group. Maybe that's true. But when one person starts… the others follow without hesitation.
Within minutes, adults were buying wooden swords, striking exaggerated poses, and dueling children in the middle of the street-reciting Zanpakutō release chants with almost touching enthusiasm.
The entire atmosphere of the street transformed.
- Alex… are men always like this? - Melissa commented, still with traces of cream on her face.
He chose not to answer.
Observing the scene from behind his mask, Alex raised a hand to his chin.
A subtle smile appeared on his lips.
He had just found an idea.