[At this moment, Orihime Inoue's power had indeed reached an extraordinary level. Her evolved Santen Kesshun wasn't merely capable of blocking enemy attacks—it could completely reverse and redirect that destructive force back at her opponents with amplified intensity.
The implications were staggering. This wasn't just defense; it was a fundamental rejection of the very concept of harm directed toward her and those she sought to protect. The power operated on principles that defied conventional understanding of spiritual energy manipulation.
No wonder people call Orihime's abilities unscientific, many observers thought as they witnessed her capabilities. After all, this was the same person who would one day possess enough power to directly confront Yhwach himself—the Soul King's son and the Quincy Emperor. Compared to such a monumental future opponent, someone like Ginjō Kūgo was merely a stepping stone.]
[The projection revealed the truth behind their recent growth. In the years following Ichigo's loss of his Shinigami powers, both Chad Yasutora and Orihime Inoue had never stopped training. They had spent countless hours honing their abilities, driven by a shared determination to be useful in future battles rather than burdens to be protected.]
["We won't be left behind again," Orihime had sworn during one of their private training sessions. "Next time Kurosaki-kun faces danger, we'll be strong enough to stand beside him as equals."]
[Chad had nodded solemnly, his massive fists clenching with resolve. "Ichigo's always protected us. It's time we became strong enough to protect him in return."]
[Their dedication was evident in every improved technique, every increase in spiritual pressure, every moment of growth that brought them closer to their goal of mutual protection.]
Witnessing his friends' incredible development filled Ichigo with a complex mixture of gratitude, pride, and renewed determination. They've been working so hard... while I've been wallowing in self-pity about losing my powers, they've been getting stronger so they can help me. I can't let their efforts be wasted.
[This realization ignited something deep within Ichigo's spirit, causing his own training intensity to skyrocket. His movements became more fluid, his spiritual pressure more focused, and his connection to his Fullbring powers more intuitive with each passing moment.]
[Meanwhile, in another section of Yukio's digital domain, Chad Yasutora found himself in a room filled with arcade machines and training equipment that pulsed with spiritual energy.]
["This is it," Chad murmured, examining the specialized training environment Yukio had created for him. "If I'm going to be useful in the coming battles, I need to push my abilities further than ever before."]
[Chad's thoughts drifted back to the recent confrontation with Tsukishima. Something had been bothering him about that encounter—a nagging feeling that important details had escaped everyone's notice.]
When Tsukishima appeared at Xcution's base, I could have sworn I saw him make some kind of subtle gesture... like he was activating his ability. But on who? And why didn't anyone else seem to notice?
[The more Chad thought about it, the more convinced he became that Tsukishima had done something during that brief encounter—something that would have significant consequences later.]
I don't understand what his game is yet, Chad realized, but I can feel that we're all walking into some kind of trap. The only thing I can do is make myself strong enough to break through whatever he's planning.
[With grim determination, Chad began his intensive training regimen. His Right Arm of the Giant and Left Arm of the Devil responded to his intense focus, growing more powerful and more refined with each exercise. The spiritual energy coursing through his enhanced limbs took on new qualities—not just raw destructive force, but controlled, precise power that could be applied with surgical accuracy when needed.]
[Back in the main training area, Ichigo continued his sparring match with Ginjō Kūgo, but something felt increasingly wrong about their interactions.]
[As their weapons clashed repeatedly, Ichigo found himself studying his opponent's expressions and body language with growing unease. Every time our attacks connect, I try to read his intentions through the spiritual contact, but... there's nothing there. It's like he's not emotionally invested in this fight at all.
[The realization hit Ichigo like a physical blow. His heart isn't in this training. He's going through the motions, but his mind is somewhere else entirely. What is he really thinking about?]
[Ginjō, for his part, seemed to sense Ichigo's growing suspicion and doubt. The older man's expression gradually shifted from patient instructor to something more calculating and cold.]
["You don't trust me at all, do you, Ichigo?" Ginjō said suddenly, stopping mid-attack. "I can see it in your eyes, in the way you hold back during our exchanges. You're treating me like a potential enemy rather than an ally."]
[Ichigo's grip tightened on his badge, spiritual pressure flickering uncertainly around him. "I... that's not..."
["Don't lie to me!" Ginjō's voice cracked like a whip. "You think you can handle everything yourself, don't you? That you don't need anyone's help, that you can solve all problems through sheer determination and power alone!"]
[Ginjō's spiritual pressure spiked dramatically as his patience finally snapped. "That kind of arrogant thinking will get you and everyone you care about killed! If you can't learn to trust your allies, then perhaps you need a more... direct lesson in humility!"]
SLASH!
[Without warning, Ginjō's massive blade swept across Ichigo's face in a lightning-fast strike. Blood sprayed through the air as the attack connected, and Ichigo screamed in agony as his vision disappeared in a explosion of pain.]
["My eyes!" Ichigo cried out, stumbling backward as crimson ran down his face. "I can't see! What did you—"]
[Unlike Kenpachi Zaraki, who could fight effectively even when blinded, Ichigo had never developed such specialized combat skills. The sudden loss of sight left him completely disoriented and vulnerable, his movements becoming wild and unfocused.]
["Kurosaki-kun!" Orihime's voice rang out in desperate concern as she saw Ichigo's predicament.]
[She immediately rushed toward him, her Shun Shun Rikka fairies glowing with healing energy, but before she could reach him, the digital environment around her began to shift and change.]
WHOOSH!
[Yukio's voice echoed through the training space as walls of light materialized around Orihime, creating an impenetrable cage. "Sorry, but interference isn't allowed during this particular lesson. You'll have to watch from there."]
["Let me out!" Orihime shouted, her fists pounding against the energy barriers. "Kurosaki-kun is hurt! I need to heal him!"]
[But the digital prison held firm, leaving her helplessly trapped as she watched Ichigo struggle against an opponent he could no longer see.]
The chat exploded with outrage and concern:
[Rangiku Matsumoto]: What the hell?! Did Ginjō just deliberately blind Ichigo?!
[Tōshirō Hitsugaya]: This seems excessive even for intensive training. There's no mercy in that attack at all.
[Byakuya Kuchiki]: Perhaps this is his method of forcing Ichigo to overcome his limitations. Sometimes harsh measures are necessary to break through mental barriers.
[Retsu Unohana]: Ichigo has lost his Shinigami powers and hasn't engaged in serious combat for an extended period. This kind of shock might be intended to awaken his dormant fighting instincts.
[Sōsuke Aizen]: Fascinating. Stand up quickly, Kurosaki Ichigo! Show me that the spirit I found so intriguing hasn't been completely crushed by adversity.
Throughout Soul Society, Shinigami found themselves desperately hoping for Ichigo's recovery. They had witnessed his incredible resilience so many times before—surely this setback would only serve to ignite his determination once again.
[The battle continued with brutal intensity as Ginjō pressed his advantage mercilessly. Ichigo, blinded and disoriented, could barely mount an effective defense against the experienced Fullbringer's relentless assault.]
CRASH!
[Ginjō's massive blade sent Ichigo flying across the digital training ground, his body slamming into the far wall with bone-jarring force.]
[Before Ichigo could recover, Ginjō was upon him again, driving his weapon deep into Ichigo's shoulder and pinning him to the ground.]
["AAAHHH!" Ichigo's scream of pain echoed through the digital space as Ginjō's blade pierced through flesh and muscle.]
[Blood pooled beneath Ichigo's body as he struggled weakly against the weapon that held him captive. The physical agony was overwhelming, but even worse was the crushing realization of his own helplessness.]
I can't protect anyone like this, Ichigo thought desperately. I'm supposed to be getting stronger, but instead I'm weaker than ever. How can I save my friends if I can't even defend myself?
[Ginjō leaned down close to Ichigo's ear, his voice dropping to a menacing whisper. "Still think you can handle everything alone? While you're lying here bleeding, what's stopping me from killing Inoue Orihime? Or Chad? Or any of your other precious friends?"]
["What about that Quincy boy in the hospital? Ishida, wasn't it? He's completely defenseless right now. It would be so easy to finish him off while you're unable to interfere."]
[Ichigo's eyes widened in horror—or at least, they would have if he could still see. "No... you wouldn't..."
["Wouldn't I?" Ginjō's tone was ice-cold. "You've shown me that you don't trust your allies. Why should I show any consideration for your enemies? Or your friends, for that matter?"]
["DON'T YOU DARE TOUCH THEM!"]
[The roar that erupted from Ichigo's throat carried such raw fury and determination that it caused the entire digital environment to tremble. His spiritual pressure, which had been flickering weakly, suddenly blazed to life with unprecedented intensity.]
["I WON'T LET YOU HURT MY FRIENDS!"]
[Something fundamental shifted within Ichigo's spirit at that moment. The desperate need to protect those he cared about overrode every other consideration—his physical pain, his lost sight, his doubts and fears. All that mattered was standing between his friends and any threat that dared to approach them.]
[Miraculous, Ichigo's vision began to return—not through any healing technique, but through the sheer force of his will to see his enemies clearly. His spiritual pressure surged beyond anything he had achieved during his Fullbring training, reaching levels that approached his former Shinigami capabilities.]
["I can see you," Ichigo said, his voice carrying a dangerous edge as he slowly rose to his feet despite the blade still embedded in his shoulder. "I can see you perfectly."]
[As his power reached its peak, Ichigo's black Fullbring coat began to transform. White armor materialized over the dark fabric, creating a striking contrast that seemed to symbolize the balance between his protective instincts and his willingness to do whatever was necessary to safeguard his friends.]
[The new armor was sleek and functional, covering his torso and arms while leaving him mobile enough for high-speed combat. Black and white intertwined in a pattern that was both beautiful and intimidating, marking his evolution to a new level of power.]
["This is it," Ichigo said, spiritual energy crackling around him like lightning. "This is the power I need to protect everyone!"]
The transformation left everyone speechless with awe:
[Byakuya Kuchiki]: Magnificent! This appears to be the culmination of his Fullbring training. The aesthetic is quite impressive.
[Tōshirō Hitsugaya]: He's certainly got a flair for dramatic costume changes. This might be his most striking appearance yet.
[Rukia Kuchiki]: I have to admit, that armor looks incredible on him. His spiritual pressure has increased dramatically as well.
[Kenpachi Zaraki]: I can't tell exactly how strong he's become from here, but he's definitely regained a significant portion of his former power!
[Ikkaku Madarame]: There's no doubt about it—Ichigo will recover completely and crush these enemies! His determination is unstoppable!
[Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto]: Kurosaki Ichigo, this battle was never in doubt. Continue to embody the spirit that makes you a true protector!
[Jūshirō Ukitake]: As long as you fight to protect your friends, you'll always find the strength you need. You remain an inspiration to all of Soul Society.
[With his new power fully awakened and his resolve crystallized into unbreakable determination, Ichigo prepared to demonstrate just how far he had come. The training was over—now it was time to show that his ability to protect those he cared about had been restored in full.]
[Ginjō, witnessing this incredible transformation, allowed a small smile to cross his face. Whether this had been his plan all along or a genuine surprise, the result was undeniable: Ichigo Kurosaki had successfully evolved to the next level of his power.]
["Now then," Ichigo said, his new armor gleaming as he took a combat stance, "let's finish this training properly."]