[Ginjō understood the mechanics behind Tsukishima's terrifying ability with crystalline clarity.]
["The so-called Book of the End," Ginjō explained, pointing to his detailed analysis charts, "is a Fullbring technique that evolved from Tsukishima's bookmark. But it's not just a weapon—it's a conceptual tool that operates on the fundamental nature of recorded history."]
["Think of it this way," he continued, his voice growing more intense as he warmed to his explanation. "Just as a bookmark marks a specific place in a book, Tsukishima can insert himself into the 'book' of someone's life at any point in their personal timeline."]
["He doesn't just change their memories," Ginjō emphasized, "he literally becomes part of their past. Every emotion, every shared experience, every bond they think they have with him—it all becomes objectively real within their personal reality."]
[Ichigo stared at the diagrams with growing horror. "So when Chad remembers Tsukishima helping him instead of me... those aren't false memories. In his timeline, that actually happened?"
["Exactly," Ginjō confirmed grimly. "Which is why this is so much more dangerous than simple hypnosis or mind control. We're not fighting against altered perceptions—we're fighting against rewritten history itself."]
The chat erupted with analysis and concern as the true scope of Tsukishima's power became clear:
[Ulquiorra Cifer]: Once again, this Tsukishima Shūkurō's power is truly incredible. He resembles Aizen-sama in terms of manipulating others' perceptions of reality.
[Tōshirō Hitsugaya]: This is genuinely disturbing... I've never heard of such an ability before. Can someone really tamper with memories so completely?
[Coyote Starrk]: It's certainly strange, though I doubt his strength could truly compare to Aizen-sama's level.
[Ulquiorra Cifer]: At most, he can confuse the memories of mortals. Ordinary humans cannot be compared to our Aizen-sama. He definitely shouldn't presume to reach such heights.
Even Aizen himself was intrigued enough to offer analysis:
[Sōsuke Aizen]: Fascinating... is this power similar to my own hypnotic abilities?
[Sōsuke Aizen]: But this transcends simple hypnosis. In some ways, it's even more unreasonable than my Complete Hypnosis.
[Sōsuke Aizen]: It's equivalent to switching to an alternate timeline—affecting the objective existence of past events!
[Sōsuke Aizen]: The ability to transform enemies into allies and make that transformation an objectively existing historical fact... truly difficult to comprehend.
Of course, Aizen didn't consider Tsukishima particularly challenging to deal with. At most, it was an ability that could only affect someone like Ichigo, who valued emotional connections above all else. If Aizen himself were the target, Tsukishima would never even have the opportunity to activate his power.
Moreover, this modification of memory struck Aizen as a cowardly method—not something a truly strong individual would resort to. It only earned his deep contempt.
[Gin Ichimaru]: Indeed, the enemy Kurosaki Ichigo faces now possesses a very troublesome ability. It seems Ichigo will need to dig deep to overcome this challenge.
[Jugram Haschwalth]: In the altered timeline, Tsukishima Shūkurō is genuinely a friend to Ichigo's companions. Unless they find some way to resolve this situation, there may be no path back to their original reality.
[Kenpachi Zaraki]: Can this kind of enemy be defeated through simple strength? Seems like there's still considerable difficulty. Can we only kill him and restore everything to its original state? Fighting directly is definitely the easiest approach.
[Rangiku Matsumoto]: It really seems like Ichigo doesn't have any good options right now.
[Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto]: Kurosaki Ichigo, persevere! We will definitely be able to defeat the enemy together. You must not lose confidence because of this. This is merely a future projection—you will find a way to handle it.
[Rukia Kuchiki]: That's right! In addition to these people, we Shinigami friends will also support you silently and help you. Believe in our strength—we will definitely have a chance to defeat these hateful enemies.
[Tōshirō Hitsugaya]: Exactly! You've helped us so much in the past, so now it's our turn to help you.
[Ichigo Kurosaki]: Yeah, I'll definitely work hard!
[In the projection, Ichigo's desperation had reached a breaking point. For the first time in his life, he was seriously contemplating killing an enemy in cold blood—not to protect others, but out of pure, desperate hatred.]
["I'll kill him," Ichigo said with quiet, terrifying intensity. "I'll kill Tsukishima Shūkurō, and everything will go back to the way it was. My friends will remember the truth again."]
[This was unprecedented for Ichigo Kurosaki. Throughout all his battles—against Hollows, Shinigami, Arrancar, and even Aizen—he had never spoken with such murderous intent. The fact that he was now contemplating cold-blooded assassination showed just how thoroughly Tsukishima had broken his spirit.]
[Ginjō studied Ichigo's expression with growing concern. This level of hatred... it's going to make him reckless. And reckless fighters don't survive encounters with someone like Tsukishima.]
[Just as they were deep in their strategic discussion, an unexpected voice interrupted them.]
["Well, well. Found you."]
[Both men spun around to see Yukio standing in the entrance to their supposedly secret hideout, his gaming device glowing with malicious energy.]
["How did you—?!" Ginjō started, his face going pale with shock.]
["Find your super-secret base?" Yukio smirked. "Please. Did you really think you could hide from us? We've had people watching all your backup locations for weeks."]
[Ginjō cursed under his breath as he grabbed essential documents and equipment. "We need to move. Now!"
[But even as they fled to a secondary location, Yukio appeared again with the same irritating smile.]
["There's really no point in running," the young Fullbringer said casually. "We have trackers on both of you, and every member of our organization is coordinating to monitor your movements."]
["You can't escape surveillance that comprehensive," Yukio continued with mock sympathy. "But here's the good news—Tsukishima-san is willing to forgive everything you've done. He's not interested in pursuing past grievances, as long as you're both willing to come back and rejoin the family."]
[Ginjō and Ichigo exchanged glances, both understanding the implicit threat.]
["Family..." Ichigo repeated bitterly. "Is that what you call this nightmare?"]
["It's what everyone else calls it," Yukio replied matter-of-factly. "You're the only ones who seem to have a problem with Tsukishima-san's presence in your lives."]
[After a moment of tense silence, Ichigo made his decision.]
["Fine," he said, his voice carrying a dangerous edge. "Take us to him. I want to meet this 'family member' face to face."]
[Ginjō shot him a warning look, but Ichigo's expression was resolute. This might be my only chance to get close enough to end this once and for all.]
[The location Yukio led them to was a massive, elegant villa that seemed far too luxurious for a group of supposedly struggling Fullbringers. The building was lit up like a celebration was in progress, with warm light spilling from every window.]
[Before they entered, Ginjō grabbed Ichigo's arm firmly.]
["Listen to me very carefully," he said urgently. "Whatever you see in there, whatever they say to you, you cannot lose control. If you attack blindly, you'll only make things worse for everyone."]
["We need to observe, gather information, and wait for the right moment to strike," Ginjō continued. "This isn't just about defeating Tsukishima—it's about finding a way to undo everything he's done without causing permanent damage to your friends."]
[Ichigo nodded reluctantly, though his hands were already clenched into fists. "I understand. But I won't pretend to be happy about this situation."
["I'm not asking you to be happy," Ginjō replied. "I'm asking you to be smart."]
[They stepped through the front door into what could only be described as a homecoming party.]
[The entire main floor of the villa had been converted into a celebration space, with decorations, food, and all of Ichigo's friends and family gathered together in apparent joy. Tatsuki, Keigo, Mizuiro, his sisters Karin and Yuzu, even Ikumi from the convenience store—everyone was there, laughing and socializing as if this were the most natural thing in the world.]
["Ichigo!" Tatsuki called out as soon as she spotted him. "There you are! We were all so worried when you stormed off like that!"]
["Yeah, man!" Keigo added with his characteristic enthusiasm. "Tsukishima-san explained everything about how you've been under a lot of stress lately. We're not mad—we just want to help you work through whatever's bothering you!"]
["We all love you, onii-chan," Yuzu said with genuine warmth. "And we love Tsukishima-nii too. Can't you try to get along with him for our sake?"]
[Ichigo felt his heart breaking all over again as he listened to their earnest pleas. They really believe what they're saying. To them, I'm the one who's being unreasonable and hurtful.]
["Please, Ichigo," Karin added in her more direct way. "Just apologize to Tsukishima-nii and let's put this whole thing behind us. You're acting like a completely different person, and it's scaring us."]
[The pressure of their collective concern and disappointment was overwhelming. Every person in the room—people he would gladly die to protect—was looking at him like he was the villain in their story.]
[Ginjō placed a restraining hand on Ichigo's shoulder as he felt the young man's spiritual pressure beginning to spike dangerously.]
["Remember what I said," Ginjō whispered urgently. "Stay calm. Don't give them a reason to see you as the threat they think you are."]
[Ichigo forced himself to nod and managed to mumble something about needing a moment to collect himself. He excused himself from the main party and headed upstairs, ostensibly to find a quiet place to think.]
[But as soon as he reached the second floor, his real intentions became clear.]
[Several Xcution members were waiting for him—Riruka, Jackie, and others who had once been his training partners and allies. Their expressions were cold and hostile, treating him like an intruder who had invaded their sanctuary.]
["So," Riruka said with icy disdain, "you finally decided to show your face. Do you have any idea how much pain you've caused Tsukishima-san with your ridiculous behavior?"]
["He's been nothing but kind and patient with you," Jackie added, "and this is how you repay him? By attacking him and trying to turn his friends against him?"]
[Ichigo's patience finally snapped.]
["Kind and patient?!" he roared, his spiritual pressure exploding outward. "He stole my entire life! He replaced every meaningful relationship I've ever had!"]
WHOOOM!
[His Fullbring activated automatically, the black and white armor materializing around him as his rage reached a crescendo. The confined space of the villa's upper floor began to crack under the pressure of his unleashed power.]
["I'm done pretending this is normal!" Ichigo declared, his voice carrying the weight of weeks of suppressed fury. "I'm done letting him destroy everything I care about!"]
["This ends tonight!"]
[The Xcution members moved to surround him, their own Fullbring abilities activating in response to his aggressive stance. But Ichigo was beyond caring about tactics or strategy. All that mattered was reaching Tsukishima and ending this nightmare once and for all.]
[The battle erupted with explosive intensity as Ichigo fought his way through former allies who now saw him as their greatest enemy. Despite his increased power, the psychological strain of fighting people he had once trusted made every exchange feel like a betrayal.]
[Just as Ichigo was beginning to gain the upper hand and force his way toward where Tsukishima was waiting, two familiar figures appeared in the doorway.]
[Orihime Inoue and Chad Yasutora had arrived.]
["Kurosaki-kun, stop!" Orihime cried out, her Shun Shun Rikka immediately forming a protective barrier around Tsukishima. "What's wrong with you?! Why are you attacking Tsukishima-san?!"]
[Chad moved to physically restrain Ichigo, his armored arms easily strong enough to hold back even Ichigo's enhanced strength. "This isn't like you, Ichigo. The person I know would never attack someone who's been nothing but helpful and supportive."
[The sight of his two closest friends—the people who had stood by him through every impossible battle—now protecting his greatest enemy was the final blow to Ichigo's already shattered psyche.]
["No..." Ichigo whispered, his spiritual pressure flickering as despair overwhelmed his rage. "Not you two... anyone but you two..."]
[But Orihime and Chad's expressions remained resolute as they continued their defense of Tsukishima.]
["Kurosaki-kun," Orihime said with tears in her eyes, "don't you remember? When we went to Soul Society to save Rukia-chan, Tsukishima-san was the one who helped us prepare. He trained us, encouraged us, and made sure we were strong enough for the mission."]
["And when we entered Hueco Mundo to rescue Orihime," Chad added, "Tsukishima was right there with us, fighting alongside us against the Arrancar. He saved my life more than once during those battles."]
["How can you attack someone who's sacrificed so much for our friendship?" Orihime demanded, her voice breaking with genuine confusion and hurt. "I don't understand what's happened to you, but this isn't the Kurosaki-kun I know and care about!"]
["We're disappointed in you," Chad said simply, and those five words hit Ichigo harder than any physical blow ever could. "The Ichigo we know fights to protect people, not to hurt them."]
[Ichigo stared at them in complete shock, his mind reeling as he processed what they were saying.]
[They really believe Tsukishima was there for all of our greatest adventures, Ichigo realized with growing horror. In their memories, he's been my partner and friend through every important moment of my life. And that makes me...]
["I've become..." Ichigo whispered, the terrible truth finally sinking in, "I've become the substitute. In their story, I'm just the replacement for Tsukishima's role as the hero."]
The chat exploded with outrage and sympathy:
[Rukia Kuchiki]: This is absolutely horrific! They're treating Ichigo like he's the villain when he's the one being victimized!
[Renji Abarai]: Seeing Orihime and Chad protect Tsukishima against Ichigo... it's like watching a nightmare come to life!
[Rangiku Matsumoto]: How can Ichigo possibly fight back when the people he's trying to save are convinced he's the enemy?
[Tōshirō Hitsugaya]: This is the most insidious form of psychological warfare I've ever witnessed. Tsukishima has weaponized Ichigo's own protective instincts against him.
[Byakuya Kuchiki]: To have one's entire identity and purpose inverted in such a manner... it's a fate worse than death.
[Sōsuke Aizen]: Fascinating. The boy who defined himself through his relationships with others now finds those very relationships turned into weapons against him. Truly elegant in its cruelty.
[As Ichigo stood there, surrounded by people who should have been his allies but now saw him as their enemy, the full scope of his defeat became clear.]
[He hadn't just lost his friends—he had lost his place in their story entirely. In the timeline that Tsukishima had created, Ichigo was nothing more than a confused, possibly dangerous individual who was trying to harm their beloved friend and protector.]
["This is it," Ichigo said quietly, his voice hollow with despair. "This is what complete defeat looks like."]
[The armor around him began to flicker and fade as his will to fight crumbled entirely. What was the point of power if he couldn't use it to protect the people he loved? What was the point of being strong if those same people would stand against him?]
[For the first time since gaining his Shinigami powers, Ichigo Kurosaki truly understood what it meant to be utterly, completely alone.]