After several days of intense training, Inoue Orihime finally awakened her innate ability—Shiten Kōshun, the Shield of Shun Shun Rikka.
It was a fortunate development.
In most cases, the power one awakens is closely tied to their emotional state at the time of manifestation, meaning these powers are not predetermined. That Orihime awakened her canonical ability despite the divergence in events was both intriguing and fateful.
Arisawa Ryuki also underwent her own transformation, manifesting a pair of spiritual boxing gauntlets. With them, she could manipulate spirit particles to enhance her physical strength—perfect for close-combat. Though she was only able to handle weaker Hollows for now, it marked a complete divergence from her original trajectory. In the canon timeline, Ryuki barely progressed beyond the ability to see spirits; awakening spiritual powers had once seemed entirely out of reach.
From Orihime and Ryuki, Su Xiuyu also learned that Sado Yasutora (Chad) had awakened a similar power, further confirming what he already sensed—
The curtain was rising. The main story was about to begin.
---
"Mr. Su, sorry to bother you again!"
Orihime and Ryuki pushed open the yard gate and stepped inside quietly. But this time, they weren't the only guests present. Two unfamiliar men stood beside Su Xiuyu—both with long dark hair tied behind their backs and an air of restrained power surrounding them.
One had a proud, almost flamboyant presence, while the other radiated a colder, more composed demeanor.
"Who are these two?" Orihime asked curiously, glancing at their attire. Their clothing and bearing closely resembled Su Xiuyu's.
Su Xiuyu gave a faint smile. "This is my elder brother, Uchiha Madara, and my younger brother, Uchiha Izuna. We're from the same clan."
The girls exchanged surprised glances. Suddenly, the visual similarities made sense.
"Wait—are they also Shinigami?" Ryuki asked.
"Not yet," Su Xiuyu replied. "But they will be soon."
Indeed, Su Xiuyu had brought the two brothers from the Marvel world to the world of Shinigami for one purpose: to begin their transformation into Shinigami, and to further refine their souls.
"You two should train with Harribel today," he told Orihime and Ryuki. "Don't worry—she's still gentle enough and won't hurt you. I'll be busy over the next few days."
With that settled, Madara's eyes lit up with impatience.
"Let's begin, Xiuyu. I've waited long enough to feel this so-called 'soul strengthening.'"
Madara had long surpassed the physical boundaries of the ninja path. But he had yet to reach its final truth. And both he and Izuna knew that their continued growth lay beyond chakra—beyond what their former world could offer.
"Alright, come with me."
---
The three of them soon arrived at Urahara's Shop, where they were met not by Kisuke himself, but by the towering former Kidō Chief—
Tessai Tsukabishi.
"Well, well, Su Xiuyu. It's been a while," Tessai greeted, arms crossed. "Let me guess—here to pick up the Kidō scrolls you didn't finish?"
"More than that," Su Xiuyu said. "This time, I'm here to complete the remaining Kido Arts. I also want you to teach me how to use barrier techniques that suppress spiritual pressure more effectively."
Tessai's gaze shifted behind Su Xiuyu to the two men flanking him. A shiver ran through the air as Madara's eyes met his—a gaze sharp enough to dissect weaknesses in an instant.
Even without intent, Madara's predatory instincts could be felt. Izuna was no less formidable.
"Are you sure they won't cause trouble?" Tessai asked, lowering his voice.
"They're my brothers," Su Xiuyu said confidently. "If anything goes wrong, I'll take responsibility. Just make sure the barrier holds."
Tessai grunted, then nodded. "Fine. I'll take you to the training vault."
---
Deep beneath the shop, within the reinforced barriers of Urahara's underground training hall, Tessai began preparations.
"To become Shinigami," he explained, "you must first sever the chains of causality—the very thing tethering your soul to your past identity."
Su Xiuyu nodded. "Let's begin."
Even with his assurance, Tessai was visibly uneasy. Su Xiuyu had gone through great lengths to arrange this—for Madara and Izuna to start fresh, not just as visitors, but as legitimate Shinigami. The strength they would gain might not be natural… but it would be real.
When the ritual began, the space filled with dense spiritual pressure. Chains clattered as the brothers knelt before the ceremonial platform.
And then—
A blinding flash.
The chains shattered.
A pulse of spiritual energy surged like a shockwave, enough to shake the walls of the barrier.
---
A full day later, Madara and Izuna emerged, clad in black shihakushō—the standard garb of Shinigami.
Tessai stared at them, speechless.
Their spiritual pressure was monstrous—on par with Su Xiuyu's when he had first transformed. It was practically unheard of for newly transformed souls to exhibit that level of density and control.
It wasn't just impressive—it was absurd.
Tessai could only sigh in awe, envy, and confusion. "What kind of monsters are these brothers…?"
Not long after, Urahara Kisuke finally returned from his trip.
The moment he saw Madara and Izuna, his brow furrowed.
"I leave for two days, and this is what I come back to?" he muttered, walking past Tessai and straight toward Su Xiuyu. "You know, Xiuyu, every time you visit, I get a headache."
Su Xiuyu gave a shrug and a rare smile. "Relax. Goal accomplished. I've learned what I needed—and the boys are now Shinigami. You'll live."
"Barely," Urahara muttered, rubbing his temples.
"I also mastered two of your barrier techniques," Su Xiuyu added, smug. "See you around."
Without another word, Su Xiuyu left with Madara and Izuna in tow.
---
At the same time, chaos was stirring in Soul Society.
The revelation that Rukia Kuchiki had transferred her Shinigami powers to a human without authorization had spread like wildfire.
If it had remained hidden, perhaps there would've been room for mercy. But now the truth was exposed—and the law was clear.
Within the Chamber of the Central 46, the decision came swiftly.
"Captain Kuchiki," one of the elders intoned, "you are aware that bestowing Shinigami powers upon a human is a serious offense. Do you have any objections to the punishment proposed by Central Forty-Six?"
"I understand," Byakuya Kuchiki replied coldly. "As the head of the Kuchiki Clan, I will retrieve Rukia myself. The honor of my house shall not be sullied."
"In that case, Captain Kuchiki, you are hereby ordered to bring the accused back to Soul Society."
Byakuya turned and walked away without another word. But beneath his calm facade, his grip on his Zanpakutō tightened.
He was torn.
Rukia was more than a criminal to him. She was a promise—Hisana's final wish. She was family.
He had never wavered in his duty. But this—this was different.
"Abarai Renji," Byakuya called as he approached his lieutenant. "Prepare to open the gate. We're returning to the human world."
Renji's expression darkened.
"Captain… what happened?"
Byakuya hesitated.
"Rukia has committed a grave offense. Central 46 has ordered her return."
----------------
Kuchiki Byakuya's declaration left Abarai Renji frozen in place.
Transferring the powers of a Shinigami to a human without permission was no small matter—it was a serious crime, one that could result in severe punishment, even imprisonment in the deepest recesses of Soul Society.
"Captain… could there be some kind of mistake?" Renji asked hesitantly, trying to grasp at any sliver of hope. "Rukia wouldn't do something like this unless she had a good reason. If we handle it discreetly—maybe there's still a way to resolve this."
He tried to reason, tried to defend her.
After all, Rukia was more than just a fellow officer—she was the captain's adopted sister.
"Enough."
Byakuya's voice was icy. "The Central 46 has ruled. The verdict is final. Even the Captain-Commander cannot overturn it."
At those words, Renji fell silent.
Yes. That was the weight of the Central 46—the hidden rulers of Soul Society. Their decisions were absolute. Even Yamamoto, the most powerful Shinigami alive, couldn't undo their judgment.
Unless... someone had the nerve to wipe out the entire Central 46.
Unthinkable—yet something Renji didn't know was that such an event would soon occur.
But that was a tale for another time.
---
While Byakuya and Renji prepared to pass through the Senkaimon to the human world, Rukia Kuchiki received a message on her communicator. It came from Renji—a short warning, but enough.
The Technology Development Bureau had recently equipped all squad members with communicator devices that doubled as tracking and communication tools. Their primary function was Hollow detection, but in moments like this, they served far more vital purposes.
The moment Rukia saw Renji's message, a chill ran down her spine.
The secret was out. Soul Society had learned the truth—she had passed her powers to Ichigo. Someone must have leaked it, but it no longer mattered.
Without a word, she stood up in the middle of class and bolted out the door.
Ichigo Kurosaki, startled, immediately got up and followed. His first thought: Another Hollow attack?
But Rukia didn't say a word—not even to him.
"Rukia!" Ichigo called out. "What's going on?!"
She stopped and turned, her expression calm, but her eyes distant.
"Go home, Ichigo. This isn't about Hollows. Soul Society has come to take me back. I'll be leaving now. Don't worry."
She forced a smile—one she thought was convincing.
But Ichigo saw through it.
He didn't argue. He simply followed her quietly, keeping his distance.
Rukia was too distracted to notice. Her mind was weighed down with guilt, fear, and acceptance. Even Ichigo's terrible stealth didn't register.
---
At the rendezvous point, Rukia stood alone, staring at the ground.
When Byakuya Kuchiki and Renji Abarai arrived through the gate, she didn't raise her head. The tension in the air was suffocating.
"Rukia," Byakuya said coolly. "Do you understand the crime you've committed?"
"I do." Her voice was soft, barely audible. "I acted alone. No one else is to blame. I'm ready—please take me back."
She held out her wrists, awaiting the restraints.
But before Renji could move forward, a familiar voice called out—
"Wait a minute."
Ichigo Kurosaki emerged from the shadows, standing between Rukia and the two Soul Reapers. He placed a hand over Rukia's wrists.
"Rukia, is this what's been bothering you?" he asked firmly. "Don't worry. I won't let anyone take you away."
Rukia's expression wavered. "Ichigo, you idiot! You have no idea what you're getting into! Renji is a lieutenant… and that man is my older brother. He's a captain! You can't win!"
Ichigo blinked. "Wait—he's your brother? Then why is he acting like such a heartless jerk?"
Byakuya didn't even flinch at the insult. "Renji, handle this. We don't have time for distractions."
Without hesitation, Renji stepped forward—and struck Ichigo in a single clean blow, sending him flying into a wall.
"Tch. That all you've got?" Renji scoffed. "Rukia, you really trusted this kid? He's just a weakling. Not worth sacrificing your freedom for."
Despite his harsh words, Renji was struggling internally. He hated doing this—but orders were orders. The Central 46 had spoken. Rukia's crime was undeniable. Fortunately, the sentence was imprisonment, not execution. Given a Shinigami's long lifespan, it was harsh—but not fatal.
To Renji, that was a small comfort.
But then—
Ichigo stood up.
He wiped the blood from his lip and grinned.
"That's it? That's the strength of a vice-captain? Rukia, you seriously underestimated me."
Without waiting, Ichigo charged.
The fight began anew—brutal, chaotic. Ichigo, though unrefined, adapted quickly. He mimicked Renji's movements, responding to pressure with instinct and raw talent.
Five minutes in, he was holding his own.
Ten minutes in, they were trading blows evenly.
"You… you're learning my fighting style during the fight?" Renji shouted in disbelief. "Are you crazy?!"
Ichigo didn't respond—he just kept fighting. One exchange after another, he adapted, evolved, pushed back harder.
Renji's frustration grew.
He had intended to end this quickly. But this human—this half-trained fool—was forcing him to get serious.
"Renji," Byakuya's voice rang out like a judge's gavel. "If you can't end this in the next five minutes, I will."
Renji's heart dropped.
If Byakuya stepped in, Ichigo wouldn't just lose. He'd die.
"Ichigo… sorry, but this ends now."
Renji drew his Zanpakutō and ran his left hand along its spine.
"Roar, Zabimaru!"
The blade shifted and transformed—elongating, segmenting into a serrated whip-like weapon with vicious fangs.
Ichigo's eyes widened.
"What the hell is that thing?!"
"You should be honored," Renji said. "A half-baked substitute Shinigami managed to force me to use my Shikai. Be proud—you'll be the first human to witness its roar."
With a swing of his arm, the segmented blade lashed out, the sound of metal tearing through the air like thunder.
Ichigo instinctively raised his sword, but the power behind the attack was unlike anything he'd faced before.
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