At this moment, Ichigo Kurosaki has indeed fallen into the darkest valley of his life!
With the bewildering situation surrounding him, every companion at his side might not be trustworthy. The weight of uncertainty pressed down on him like a crushing boulder. Ichigo truly had no way to trust the mysterious Kisuke Urahara anymore. The shop owner's cryptic words and hidden agendas had finally pushed Ichigo beyond his limit.
How can I trust anyone when everything I thought I knew keeps changing? Ichigo's thoughts churned with frustration and despair.
These dark contemplations made him feel even more isolated and uncomfortable. After all, Ichigo Kurosaki was someone who treasured his friends above all else! The very idea that he couldn't rely on those closest to him was tearing him apart from the inside.
[The projection displayed Ichigo's continued training with his new Fullbring abilities. The scene showed him sparring intensely with Jackie Tristan, the black-haired woman with a tough exterior but genuine concern for his progress.]
[Jackie Tristan stood with her arms crossed, watching Ichigo's movements critically. "Your form is getting better, but you're still too stiff. Fullbring isn't just about raw power—it's about the connection between your soul and the object you're manipulating."]
[Ichigo gripped his Substitute Shinigami Badge tightly, spiritual pressure radiating from it in visible waves. "I don't need fancy techniques. I just need to be strong enough to protect everyone!"]
[Jackie shook her head. "That kind of thinking will get you killed against someone like Tsukishima. Power without control is just destruction waiting to happen."]
[Despite her criticism, Ichigo was indeed adapting to the Fullbring fighting style at an remarkable pace. His approach was simple but effective—overwhelming force applied with precision. Sometimes he would hurl his Substitute Shinigami Badge like a projectile, the spiritual energy crackling around it. Other times he would close the distance instantly, using the badge to enhance his physical attacks.]
[The training was intense, with Ichigo's spiritual pressure creating small craters in the ground with each strike. Though his techniques appeared monotonous on the surface, there was an undeniable effectiveness to his straightforward approach. One overwhelming technique executed perfectly could indeed overcome ten lesser skills.]
[Jackie dodged another of Ichigo's enhanced punches, the wind pressure alone cracking the wall behind her. "Not bad, kid. At this rate, you'll master Fullbring faster than anyone before you."]
The chat erupted with observations about Ichigo's rapid progress:
[Byakuya Kuchiki]: His spiritual pressure has increased substantially in such a short time. Most impressive for someone who lost his Shinigami powers.
[Renji Abarai]: That's our substitute! Even without his zanpakutō, he's still a monster in training!
[Uryū Ishida]: The efficiency of his power application is remarkable. He's turned simplicity into an art form.
[Rukia Kuchiki]: Ichigo... please be careful. Something feels wrong about all of this.
[Shortly after the training session, Chad Yasutora arrived at Xcution's hideout, his expression grave with concern. His imposing figure filled the doorway as he sought out Ginjō Kūgo.
"Ginjō," Chad's deep voice carried an edge of urgency. "I need to know more about this Tsukishima Shūkurō. What exactly are we dealing with?"
Seeing Chad's intense concern about the mysterious Tsukishima, Ginjō's expression grew serious. He gestured for Chad to sit down, then began to explain with uncharacteristic frankness.
"Tsukishima Shūkurō... he's not like other Fullbringers," Ginjō began, his voice dropping to a near whisper. "His ability is called 'Book of the End'—it's completely unreasonable in terms of power scale. He can literally insert himself into people's past, making them believe he was always there."
Chad's eyes widened with understanding and horror. "That would explain Orihime's condition..."
"Exactly," Ginjō nodded grimly. "But here's what doesn't make sense—Orihime's memories seem fragmented, mixed up. That's not how Book of the End typically works."
Chad leaned forward, his mechanical arm gleaming in the dim light. "Are you saying he's learned additional Fullbring techniques? That he's become stronger?"
Ginjō shook his head emphatically. "Impossible! Once you awaken to Fullbring, your ability is set. There can be no other changes or additional powers. The nature of Fullbring doesn't allow for such evolution."
But something still doesn't add up, Chad thought, studying Ginjō's face for any signs of deception. The man seemed genuinely confused, but Chad couldn't shake the feeling that important information was being withheld.
"You're absolutely certain that Orihime's memories couldn't have been modified?" Chad pressed.
"I'm telling you, it's impossible with Book of the End alone," Ginjō insisted, but there was something in his eyes—a flicker of uncertainty that he quickly suppressed.
Chad remained unconvinced. He's hiding something. But what?]
[At this tense moment, as if summoned by their very discussion of him, the devil himself appeared.
CRASH!
The reinforced door to Xcution's hideout exploded inward, splinters of metal and wood flying in all directions. Through the smoke and debris stepped a tall, slender figure with an unsettling smile.
Tsukishima Shūkurō had arrived.
His appearance was striking—tall and lean with distinctive facial markings and an air of casual menace. In his hand, he held a ornate bookmark that seemed to shimmer with spiritual energy.
"Good evening, everyone," Tsukishima said with mock politeness, his voice carrying an aristocratic accent. "I'm looking for Ichigo Kurosaki. I believe we have some... unfinished business to discuss."
Ginjō immediately stepped forward, trying to shield the others. "Tsukishima! How did you find this place?"
"Oh, Ginjō," Tsukishima smiled wider, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "Did you really think you could hide from me? I know this place quite well, actually."
Though Ginjō attempted to conceal Ichigo's presence and location, his efforts were futile. Tsukishima's gaze shifted toward the area where Riruka had created her dollhouse training space for Ichigo.
"Ah, little Riruka's 'Dollhouse' technique," Tsukishima mused, raising his bookmark-shaped weapon. "Such a charming ability. But I'm afraid I know it far too well."
With a single, precise slash, Tsukishima's weapon cut through the air. The cute dollhouse that Riruka had crafted with such care split cleanly in half, revealing Ichigo inside, still gripping his Substitute Shinigami Badge.
SLICE!
The dollhouse crumbled away like paper, leaving Ichigo standing exposed in the main room, confusion written across his face.
"What the hell—?" Ichigo spun around, taking in the destroyed hideout and the unfamiliar man standing in the doorway.
"Ichigo Kurosaki," Tsukishima said, his tone becoming more serious. "Finally, we meet face to face. Though I suppose from your perspective, this is our first encounter."
Ichigo's eyes narrowed as he processed the situation. "You're... Tsukishima, right? The one who's been attacking my friends?"
"Attacking?" Tsukishima laughed, a sound devoid of warmth. "Oh, my dear Ichigo, you misunderstand completely. I haven't been attacking anyone. I've been... renewing old relationships."
This guy... there's something seriously wrong with him, Ichigo thought, his hand tightening on his badge. And why does he talk like he knows me?
Tsukishima didn't give Ichigo time to process the situation further. With fluid grace, he raised his weapon. "Now then, shall we settle our account?"
But before Tsukishima could take another step, Chad Yasutora burst into action. His right arm transformed into its armored state as he launched himself forward.
"I won't let you hurt Ichigo!" Chad roared, his massive fist connecting with Tsukishima's position.
BOOM!
The impact shattered the wall behind where Tsukishima had been standing, sending chunks of concrete flying. But the mysterious Fullbringer had vanished like smoke, reappearing on the far side of the room.
"Impressive as always, Chad," Tsukishima said, dusting off his clothes. "Your loyalty is truly touching."
Chad and Ginjō quickly repositioned themselves, moving toward the exit and gesturing for Ichigo to follow them to the rooftop where they'd have more room to maneuver.
On the building's roof, with the night sky stretching above them, the tension was palpable. Chad and Ginjō flanked Ichigo, both ready for battle but clearly weighing their options.
"We need to tell him everything," Ginjō said urgently, his eyes never leaving the point where Tsukishima might reappear. "Ichigo needs to understand what we're really dealing with."
Chad shook his head. "Not yet. Look at him—he's already struggling with doubt about everyone around him. If we dump all this information on him now, it'll only make things worse."
"But if we don't prepare him—"
"His Fullbring training isn't complete," Chad interrupted. "He's strong, but not ready for someone like Tsukishima. We need to buy him more time."
Unfortunately, their whispered conversation carried in the night air, and Ichigo heard every word. His frustration finally boiled over as he stepped forward.
"Stop it!" Ichigo shouted, his spiritual pressure flaring visibly around him. "Stop talking about me like I'm not here! I'm sick of everyone treating me like I'm too fragile to handle the truth!"
Both Chad and Ginjō turned to face him, surprise and guilt written on their faces.
"Ichigo, we were just—" Chad began.
"Trying to protect me, I know," Ichigo cut him off, his voice heavy with exhaustion. "But I can't take it anymore. These past few days have been driving me insane. Everyone around me is acting strange, keeping secrets, and I don't know who to trust anymore."
I hate this feeling, Ichigo thought, clenching his fists. I hate not knowing what's real and what isn't. But most of all, I hate that my friends are suffering because of me.
"I appreciate that you care about my feelings," Ichigo continued, his voice growing stronger. "But I need to know what's going on. I need to be able to protect the people I care about!"
Just as the emotional tension reached its peak, a slow clapping sound echoed across the rooftop.
"Bravo, Ichigo. Such passion, such determination."
Tsukishima Shūkurō materialized from the shadows at the edge of the rooftop, his bookmark weapon gleaming in the moonlight.
"I must admit, I've been enjoying this little performance," Tsukishima said with that same unsettling smile. "Watching you struggle with doubt and uncertainty... it's quite entertaining."
Ichigo's spiritual pressure exploded outward as rage consumed him. "You bastard! You're the one behind all of this! You're the reason my friends are in danger!"
"Me? Dangerous?" Tsukishima tilted his head with mock innocence. "Oh, Ichigo, you wound me. Everything I've done has been out of love and concern for those precious friends of yours."
"Love?!" Ichigo's voice cracked with fury. "You call attacking Orihime and Ishida love?!"
Tsukishima's expression grew more serious, though the unsettling smile never fully left his face. "I never attacked them, Ichigo. I simply... reconnected with them. Reminded them of our shared past."
Without waiting for further explanation, Ichigo charged forward, his Substitute Shinigami Badge blazing with spiritual energy. He had heard enough lies, enough manipulation. The person who had hurt his friends stood before him, and that was all that mattered.
"I don't care what kind of twisted game you're playing!" Ichigo roared as he closed the distance between them. "I'm going to stop you right here and now!"]