The Mortal World.
Two months later.
An ordinary high school in Karakura Town.
An orange-haired boy was idly twirling a pen in his hand, staring aimlessly out the window at the sky. Compared to the past, he had a bit more on his mind.
It was Kurosaki Ichigo.
In the past two months, Kurosaki Ichigo's worldview had undergone a massive upheaval. He had met a Shinigami named Kuchiki Rukia and gained the Power of Shinigami, becoming a Substitute Shinigami. He accepted the duty of slaying Hollows and protecting the Mortal World.
To be honest, Kurosaki Ichigo didn't mind it.
At least he didn't have to live as cluelessly as before.
Recently, Kurosaki Ichigo had also met the peculiar Quincy, Ishida Uryu, a very stubborn yet prideful guy. After they teamed up to fend off a Gillian Hollow, their relationship improved significantly.
Despite becoming a Shinigami and facing some ups and downs in life, things were more interesting than before. Kurosaki Ichigo gradually accepted his Shinigami identity.
The only problem was…
Kuchiki Rukia's mood had become somewhat off during this time. She wasn't as lively as before and often appeared lost in thought, occasionally using some archaic expressions, which made Kurosaki Ichigo feel a bit uncomfortable.
"Good afternoon, Ichigo!"
A lively girl suddenly appeared beside Kurosaki Ichigo, startling him as he fumbled to catch his pen, a sweet smile coming into view.
"Ah, Inoue, don't always sneak up on me like that!"
Kurosaki Ichigo couldn't help but shake his head, feeling slightly relaxed. Ever since he became a Shinigami, his mental state had noticeably strained.
This girl was Kurosaki Ichigo's friend, Inoue Orihime.
She was also one of the people who knew about Kurosaki Ichigo's identity.
Inoue Orihime scratched the back of her head, grinning as she asked, "Hasn't Rukia been around today? It seems like she's been taking a lot of days off lately. Shall we visit her after school?"
"Hmm..."
Kurosaki Ichigo nodded nonchalantly, then quickly shook his head: "Uh, no need. Rukia doesn't seem to like being disturbed… I'm heading off first!"
There's no way he could let anyone visit Rukia!
Kuchiki Rukia was staying in his room's closet these days!
However, it was true that Kuchiki Rukia's state recently seemed a bit off. Kurosaki Ichigo furrowed his brow, waved goodbye to Inoue Orihime, and left the school.
Karakura Town.
The Kurosaki Family residence.
Kuchiki Rukia sat in Kurosaki Ichigo's room, her expression heavy as she finished writing a secret letter. She left it on the table and then departed from the place she'd called home for two months.
She couldn't continue anymore.
Ever since she shared her Shinigami Spiritual Power with Kurosaki Ichigo, she had violated Shinigami rules, something the Quiet Spirit Court and the Guardian Court Thirteen Squads could not tolerate.
Moreover…
Kuchiki Rukia had encountered other Shinigami.
The fact that she shared her Shinigami power with Kurosaki Ichigo had been exposed, and the Guardian Court Thirteen Squads would likely send someone to handle it soon… Once this matter spread throughout the Soul Society, her strict and almost flawless brother, Kuchiki Byakuya, would definitely take action against her, right?
The family rules of the Kuchiki Clan…
Absolutely wouldn't tolerate someone as disgraceful as her!
Having been raised under Kuchiki Byakuya's strict guidance, Rukia knew all too well what her adoptive brother would do…
Kuchiki Byakuya wouldn't spare even his own sister, so how could he spare Kurosaki Ichigo? He would eliminate her disgraceful past as soon as possible…
Kurosaki Ichigo would fall into danger!
Over this period, Kuchiki Rukia had actually been quite happy.
Compared to the complex environment of the Soul Society and the harsh upbringing of the Kuchiki Clan, the time spent in Kurosaki Ichigo's home was undoubtedly the most relaxing for Kuchiki Rukia.
Of course, Kuchiki Rukia was unaware that Kurosaki Ichigo was the son of the former 10th Squad Captain, Kurosaki Ishin. If she knew, she might feel slightly more at ease.
Sadly, Kuchiki Rukia joined too late.
By the time Kuchiki Rukia joined, the 10th Squad Captain had already been replaced by Hitsugaya Toshiro, and the former captain had long retired to the Mortal World.
The night was gradually falling.
"Alright, let's leave it at that!"
Kuchiki Rukia left the letter on the table and quietly exited Kurosaki Ichigo's home. She was heading to the entrance of Karakura Town and the Soul Society, waiting for the courier from the Quiet Spirit Court to summon her.
However, when Kuchiki Rukia saw the envoy from the Quiet Spirit Court at the entrance, her expression couldn't help but turn grim...
Because the first silhouette she saw was her childhood companion from the orphanage, Abarai Renji, who was also the Vice Captain of the 6th Squad!
Beside Abarai Renji…
stood a man full of noble aura.
Kuchiki Byakuya…
had personally come to the Mortal World!
Once the news that Kuchiki Rukia secretly shared Shinigami power with a mortal reached the Quiet Spirit Court, there was no need for a dispatch from the Central 46, for Kuchiki Byakuya personally requested to come to the Mortal World to capture his sister!
The reason for Kuchiki Byakuya's arrival was naturally to investigate the specific situation in the Mortal World and see if there was a chance to absolve Rukia. He certainly didn't want this matter to fall into the hands of others!
"Ha, Rukia, did you really do something like this?"
Abarai Renji, wielding his Zanpakuto, landed in front of Kuchiki Rukia, a trace of mocking coldness running across his face: "I don't need to tell you how severe the consequences of sharing Shinigami power with a human are, do I?"