In the World of the Living, within Karakura Town—
An unexpected visitor had arrived at the Kurosaki household and flung open the window next to Ichigo's desk.
"Huh? Urahara-san wants to see me?"
Ichigo Kurosaki blinked in mild surprise as he looked toward the window. Outside, crouching on the ledge, was Yoruichi Shihōin, cheerfully waving at him.
"That's right, that guy Urahara said there's something urgent he needs you for~ So… are you free now?"
Closing the novel he'd been reading, Ichigo turned slightly with a calm smile.
"I've got time. It's vacation, after all."
Yoruichi tilted her head in thought.
"Vacation… oh, that's right. I forgot—you're still a student."
With a soft grunt, she hopped through the window, patting Ichigo's shoulder affectionately with a grin.
"If you hadn't said anything, I would've completely forgotten. You're still a kid in school, huh?"
"Kind of makes me nostalgic for the old days… Studying really does give people that fresh-faced energy."
"As you get older, you start remembering all sorts of pointless stuff~"
Memories from her days learning alongside Urahara Kisuke, teasing Kuchiki Byakuya—it all gleamed more brightly as time passed.
But even as she reminisced, Yoruichi's focus never left Ichigo's face.
"Your expression's gotten interesting."
No longer muddled with confusion or hesitation, his eyes now carried a calm clarity—a reflection of newfound conviction.
With a curious smile, she asked, "So, what have you been through lately?"
Ichigo paused, then chuckled softly.
"Not much, really. Just some small things that helped me grow."
As in the original story, after the battle of the fake Karakura Town, the Substitute Soul Reaper arc followed.
However, due to Seiya Arima's involvement, Ichigo didn't need to unleash Mugetsu or become one with Getsuga Tenshō.
Thus, he retained the most basic form of his powers.
This didn't mean his strength was diminished.
Because his Yaksha aspect could now "speak plainly," even though Zangetsu tried to remain elusive, much of the truth was willingly—or forcibly—revealed.
The revelation of his origins didn't grant new powers per se, but gave him a solid internal foundation.
A new tier of identity: the Conceptual Ichigo—"Ichigo Without Doubt," had now appeared!
Starting as a max-level character, Ichigo only needed to grow familiar with his powers to already be top-tier.
Even without Ishida Uryū's help, he had resolved the full arc solo.
Kūgo Ginjō's schemes were dismantled by Ichigo's hands.
Though Ichigo himself might not realize it, his strength now stood atop the realms.
Yoruichi, of course, had no way of knowing all this. The Urahara Shop had been focused on the affairs of the Wandenreich, and Ichigo's growth had been overlooked.
"It's kind of complicated… but let's put my story aside for now."
Ichigo stood up, his gaze steady and clear.
He wanted to know why Urahara had called him.
Despite Yoruichi's casual interruption, she didn't mind his urgency. She had long since cast off the rigid formalities of Soul Society.
"You're in a hurry, huh… Well, Urahara's the same way."
Efficiency above all.
"Not that I mind, but next time you visit my house, could you use the front door?"
It was still a private room, after all. Bursting in through the window was a bit much.
Yoruichi smirked, arms crossed.
"Oh~ So the brat's at the age where he's doing sneaky things behind closed doors, huh?"
"Where the hell'd you get that from?!"
Whatever distance time had created vanished with banter. After that, the two jumped down through the window together.
—If they used the front door, Ichigo would get swarmed by his sisters. Too much hassle.
"You're so casual yourself, and you've got the nerve to tell others how to act?"
"If you'd just behaved in the first place, I wouldn't have to sneak around!"
After the previous conflict in fake Karakura Town, Urahara Shop had relocated.
"Since we made such a splash last time, we figured some folks might come sniffing around… so we moved the shop!"
Scanning the surroundings, Ichigo's expression turned flat.
"Isn't this right next to my school?"
"Yup! Great, right? Now you can drop by anytime!"
There were so many things to complain about, but Ichigo was too tired to bother.
Whatever. It was fine for now…
"Urahara, I brought him!"
She slid open the familiar door, revealing Urahara Kisuke, seated cross-legged in the foyer as if he'd been waiting.
Flicking open his fan, his smile beamed like a cheerful shopkeeper greeting a guest.
"Welcome, welcome~ Mr. Kurosaki, we've been waiting for you. Come, don't waste time—join me in the underground training room."
Ichigo hesitated, staring at Urahara.
Because Urahara's body was flickering, almost translucent, like a floating bubble shimmering in the air—a new kind of projection.
But it looked real—real enough to seem physically present.
"…Is this some new research of yours?"
"Exactly!"
Snap—he folded the fan with enthusiasm.
"This is an advanced use of Reishi manifestation! By analyzing and capturing ambient particles, I've consolidated and condensed them until they became something tangible."
"It's the result of studying the Quincy's operational systems. Gotta say, it's true what they say—those closest to the problem often can't see it."
"If I'd stuck to my Shinigami ways without exploring beyond, I'd have never discovered something like this, even in a lifetime~"
Crap. He'd completely lost him…
Even with top grades in school, Ichigo was a rookie in this field. His confusion was clear.
"…That's a bit much. Can you explain it more simply?"
With a sigh, Urahara stared wordlessly, then chuckled in defeat.
"I suppose I was expecting too much. It's just some reverse-engineered Quincy tech—a scavenged idea I refined a bit…"
Even as a projection, his voice was full of earnest reflection.
Ichigo didn't fully understand Urahara's thoughts—but he could feel their weight.
"So, this is… about the Quincy? About Ishida?"
"Far more than that, Kurosaki-kun."
"Come along. We're running out of time."
Like an omen, Urahara repeated—
"We're running out of time…"
"…?"
Ichigo frowned, confused, and stepped into Urahara Shop.
He greeted a few familiar faces inside. Though he barely remembered their names, they were once comrades—so he managed some polite conversation.
"Why is everyone acting so tense?"
Upon being asked, Ururu flinched and sniffled.
"Be… because the boss said something bad is coming soon… so we have to prepare…"
Something bad?
Not quite grasping the meaning, Ichigo descended into the massive underground chamber.
Still just as vast and breathtaking.
The painted blue sky and drifting clouds were as tranquil as ever.
And in that serene space, Urahara Kisuke stood alone, gazing into the distance, awaiting Ichigo.
"Urahara-san…"
With a simple greeting, Urahara returned a calm smile.
"I've been waiting, Kurosaki-kun."
Gone was the playful teasing. Now, he was direct and candid.
Without hesitation, he got straight to the point.
"Tomorrow, the Quincy will begin their assault on Soul Society."
"Even though this world isn't their main target, it won't stay safe for long. To settle this chaos, we'll need your help."
"Right now, it's just a small task. But we'll need you."
It all sounded too abrupt to make sense.
So Urahara explained everything—about the Wandenreich.
Yhwach, the Quincy power.
The Sternritter, Vollständig, and the sacred Schrift—symbols of absolute power.
Sharing intel was the first step to cooperation, and Urahara's openness earned Ichigo's trust.
"Such a complex organization…"
Thirty enemies with captain-level power?
And even more than that, Ichigo was fixated on one name: Yhwach.
Someone tied to his own lineage… Even if he'd suspected it, it was still a heavy revelation.
But what he wanted to know most—was about his friend.
"So Uryū… is there?"
"Your friend Ishida Uryū's situation is… complicated. It's best not to pry just yet."
It was an ambiguous answer. Urahara quickly clarified.
"The same goes for Seiya Arima. I'm sure you're curious."
"He was supposedly executed by Soul Society, erased entirely. And yet now, he's in the Wandenreich—as a member of the Royal Guard."
"Doesn't that seem strange to you?"
Ichigo didn't speak—just clenched his fists.
Of course he thought it was strange.
But he didn't want to question it.
Because Seiya would never harm him.
He had helped Ichigo through confusion and struggle. He guided him, pushed him forward.
Like a parent cheering for a child learning to walk. Applauding from just beyond reach.
You can do it, Ichigo. Keep going.
In Ichigo's heart, Seiya was both sun and moon—shining warmth and clarity into his soul. More important even than his irresponsible father.
And so—
"If he made that choice, then he must have his reasons. If he hasn't told me yet, then it's not the right time."
Ichigo's lips tightened. After a long pause, he said clearly:
"I… trust everything Seiya-san decides. Without question."
That's why he had no "curiosity." Just trust.
Urahara looked at him in surprise, then softly chuckled.
"…That kind of trust is something to be envied."
Now, to the main point.
"Kurosaki-kun, I know you have your grievances with Soul Society. Their execution of Seiya… I wouldn't blame you for resenting them."
"Even if you cursed us all out now, I'd understand."
"But for now, I ask you to set those feelings aside… because there's something only you can do."
Despite everything discussed, Ichigo's focus remained on his friend and the Quincy. He avoided talk of Soul Society altogether—a statement in itself.
But who could blame him?
After a pause, Urahara continued—
"And this… was something Seiya specifically asked me to tell you."
----------
Powerstones?
For 20 advance chapters: patreon.com/michaeltranslates