Rukia's eyes narrowed as she stared at the red-furred cat. The crimson threads shimmered faintly in the icy glow of her inner world, casting a soft, eerie light. Cheshire's form was sleek and elegant, his feline posture exuding confidence. His eyes, a deep red with slitted pupils, glimmered with mischief as he tilted his head toward her, as if examining her just as much as she was examining him.
"Your Fullbring?" she repeated, her tone laced with disbelief.
Cheshire purred, his voice smooth and whimsical, as if he found her reaction amusing. "Indeed," he said, his tail flicking lazily behind him. "I am the manifestation of Yato's soul, the embodiment of his most profound desires, his deepest fears, and his most treasured memories. A rather charming existence, wouldn't you agree?" His grin widened, sharp teeth glinting faintly in the cold light.
Rukia's brows furrowed as she contemplated his words. The term "Fullbring" tugged at the edges of her memory, faintly familiar yet elusive. After a moment, she recalled where she had first encountered it, not in conversation or study, but during her confrontation with Yato. In that surreal clash, when fragments of their minds and memories had briefly intertwined, she had caught glimpses of strange words and concepts... "Visored," "Arrancar," and "Fullbringer." It was the first time she had heard the term, though she still did not fully understand it.
"What exactly is a Fullbring?" she asked, her voice steady but probing. "Is it some kind of human race with powers?"
Yato scratched the back of his neck, his expression caught between contemplation and hesitation. He weighed his words carefully, deciding whether to delve into the complexities of his existence or to provide the straightforward explanation he had often heard from other Fullbringers. Finally, he chose the latter.
"I wouldn't call it a race," he began, his voice steady but tinged with a strange discomfort. "It's more like… a condition. It happens when a mother is attacked by a Hollow before her child is born. If she survives, some of the Hollow's traits are passed on to the child at birth."
Rukia's eyes softened, her expression shifting to one of cautious empathy. "So… your mother—" she began, then hesitated, unsure if she should finish the question.
Yato glanced away, rubbing the back of his neck. His voice lowered, becoming quieter. "I wouldn't know," he admitted. "When I… got here, I already looked like this. I don't know anything about my parents. At least, not the ones from this world."
Rukia observed him in silence, her mind connecting dots she had pondered for some time. She already knew that Yato wasn't entirely of this world. After their clash, she had come to believe that Yato's life began somewhere else, another existence, another family, another realm.
She had initially considered the possibility that Yato was a Plus, a lingering soul that had somehow retained its memories despite moving through the cycle of reincarnation. But that theory fell apart under scrutiny. Yato's knowledge wasn't just specific, it was disturbingly precise. He knew about her, about Ichigo, about Soul Society, and even about events that hadn't yet come to pass.
Her violet eyes narrowed as she studied him, the frost-laden air between them heavy with unspoken thoughts. "You're not telling me everything, are you?"
"It's not that I don't want to tell you," Yato began, scratching his chin awkwardly. His tone held a mixture of frustration and self-awareness. "It's just… this is the kind of thing where explaining one thing means explaining another thing, and to explain that, I'd have to explain something else entirely…" He trailed off, throwing his hands up in surrender. "And honestly, I suck at explaining stuff. I'd probably make it more confusing than it already is."
Rukia's brow twitched, a comedic bead of sweat forming as she processed his roundabout logic. Nearby, Cheshire lounged smugly, clearly amused by their interaction. His crimson fur glistened faintly, and his tail swayed lazily as if he were savoring their tension like fine wine.
"...Right," Rukia muttered, exhaling sharply as she shifted her focus. Her sharp gaze landed on the feline. "So, where does he fit into all of this?"
Cheshire stretched theatrically, his red eyes gleaming with mischief. "Ah, my dear pint-sized shinigami~" he purred, his voice dripping with mockery.
A vein pulsed visibly on Rukia's forehead. "Pint-sized?" she repeated, her voice dangerously low.
Cheshire smirked, entirely unbothered. "The ability of a Fullbringer," he explained, "is to manipulate the souls embedded in all matter. Everything~ yes, everything~ possesses a soul, however small. By 'pulling' on that soul, Fullbringers can manipulate the object's movement or even alter its physical characteristics."
"It's similar to how Quincies absorb Reishi from the atmosphere," Yato chimed in casually, his hands stuffed into his pockets.
Cheshire shot him a pointed look, clearly annoyed at the interruption, but Yato ignored it and continued. "When a Fullbringer has something they deeply value, something they love or are strongly attached to, they can awaken a unique power through that object."
Rukia tilted her head slightly, considering his explanation. Yato paused, gauging her reaction before continuing. "Think of it as… similar to how a Shinigami awakens their zanpakutō," he added, trying to find common ground. "In my case, my Fullbring comes from a keepsake... an engagement ring."
Her attention flicked instinctively to her left hand, where the silver engagement ring rested snugly on her finger. Its delicate design shimmered faintly in the icy glow of her inner world, the snow-covered ground beneath their feet adding a quiet stillness to the moment. Slowly, she looked toward Yato's left hand, expecting to see the matching ring there. But to her surprise, his hand was bare.
That realization seemed to answer an unspoken question, her gaze drifting to Cheshire, whose form radiated a faint, otherworldly aura. "So…" she began slowly, piecing it together. "Your Fullbring… is connecting our souls."
Yato hesitated, his usual confidence faltering. He avoided meeting her gaze, his hand rubbing the back of his neck as if the weight of her understanding unsettled him. "...Yeah," he replied softly, his voice almost a whisper. The vulnerability in his tone was unexpected, catching Rukia off guard.
For a brief moment, the air between them was heavy with unspoken emotions. Rukia's eyes softened, though her expression remained composed. Her fingers lightly brushed against the ring on her hand, as if testing its weight, not just the physical sensation, but the emotional significance it carried. "I see," she murmured, her voice quiet but steady.
Breaking the tension, Cheshire leapt onto Yato's shoulder with an exaggerated flourish, his crimson tail curling smugly around his neck. His sharp grin was as insufferable as ever. "Oh, how poetic," he drawled with mock sincerity. "A bond forged by fate, tempered by chaos, and worn on your sleeves... or rather, your fingers. Truly, it brings a tear to my nonexistent eye."
Rukia rolled her eyes, crossing her arms. "Do you ever stop talking?" she retorted, though there was no real venom in her voice.
"Only when it suits me." Cheshire replied with an unapologetic smirk.
Rukia huffed, her mind shifting back to earlier conversations she'd had with Yato. Something nagged at her, a detail she hadn't pieced together until now. "So… does that mean Inoue, Chad, and Tatsuki are Fullbringers too?"
Cheshire's ears perked up at her question, and his grin widened with amusement. "Even Ichigo is one~" he chimed, his tone teasing.
Rukia's eyes widened in shock, her composed demeanor faltering briefly. Yato sighed, clearly not thrilled with Cheshire's provocations. The smug cat, however, seemed to revel in the reaction, letting out a low chuckle. "But enough of that," Cheshire said abruptly, leaping gracefully to the ground between Yato and Rukia. His playful tone faded, replaced by a rare seriousness. His piercing red eyes locked onto Rukia's. "I didn't come here for the two of you to admire my beauty, though I wouldn't blame you if you did. No, we've already strayed too far from the point of this meeting."
At those words, a new presence stirred in the frozen stillness of Rukia's inner world. From behind her emerged the graceful figure of Sode no Shirayuki, her zanpakutō spirit. Her serene smile carried a quiet strength, and the soft swirl of snowflakes around her seemed to amplify the ethereal beauty of her presence. Opposite her, another figure materialized behind Yato. Ōkagetsu, his zanpakutō spirit, wrapped her arms around his shoulders from behind in her usual teasing manner, her playful energy contrasting sharply with Sode no Shirayuki's calm elegance.
Cheshire glanced at Rukia, his expression softening slightly. "Rukia-chan," he said with an almost uncharacteristic sincerity, "I have one request. Keep this conversation, and especially the term Fullbring, between us. No one else needs to know... at least, not yet. Can you promise me that?"
Rukia nodded firmly, her gaze unwavering. "I understand."
"Perfect~" Cheshire purred, his mischievous grin returning. He took a step back, his crimson threads swirling faintly around him. "Now, let's see what we can draw out from you and your zanpakutō."
Hours Later - Karakura Town's Station
The bustling atmosphere of Karakura Town's station was alive with the hum of activity. Trains screeched in the distance, and the murmur of voices blended with the rhythmic clatter of footsteps. The air was thick with the energy of people coming and going and in the center of the station stood Ichigo and Senna, both in their human forms. Ichigo's brow was furrowed in irritation, his arms crossed as he scanned the crowd. By contrast, Senna sighed lazily, her expression a mix of boredom and impatience.
"Seriously… do you think those guys will actually show up?" Senna asked, her tone tinged with annoyance. She was, of course, referring to the mysterious attackers from the cemetery.
Ichigo scratched the back of his neck, his eyes darting through the people around. "Who knows? But this place is our only lead since the Blanks showed up here."
"Ugh, this is so boring," Senna groaned, stretching her arms above her head in an exaggerated motion. She clasped her hands behind her head and casually wandered a few steps into the crowd, blending in with the flow of passersby.
Ichigo sighed, his eyes flicking to the unusually crowded station. "Why are there so many people here today? It feels like more than usual…" He muttered under his breath, his focus still on the crowd.
A sudden thought struck him like an uneasy feeling, the same one he'd felt when he was at the shopping mall with Yato. He turned to address Senna. "Hey, stay close to me—" He cut himself off mid-sentence, realizing that Senna was no longer beside him. "Wait... Senna?"
"Over here!" her voice called cheerily from a side street. He spotted her just as she rounded a corner, waving enthusiastically.
Ichigo groaned in frustration and jogged toward her. "What are you doing? You were just attacked, like, not even that long ago," he scolded, his voice low but firm. "Stop running off on your own!"
When he reached her, he saw that she was crouched in front of a small child. The boy's face was streaked with tears, his tiny hands clutching nervously at his chest. It didn't take Ichigo long to notice the Chain of Fate protruding from the boy's torso, a clear sign that he was a spirit.
Ichigo softened his approach, lowering his voice. "Hey, kid. What's wrong?" He crouched slightly, trying not to loom over the boy. But as he moved closer, the boy shrank back, his sobs intensifying.
"You're scaring him," Senna said lightly, placing a hand on Ichigo's shoulder and nudging him back. She knelt gracefully in front of the boy, her posture open and non-threatening. Her amber eyes softened as she gently took the child's trembling hands in hers. "Hi, I'm Senna. What's your name?"
"Tomoya," the boy replied between hiccups, his voice barely above a whisper.
"That's a wonderful name, Tomoya-kun," Senna said warmly, her smile kind and reassuring. "Can you tell me why you're crying? What happened?"
"My... my dad is gone…" Tomoya said, his voice breaking.
"Gone?" Senna tilted her head slightly, her expression curious but calm. "Were you with him?"
The boy nodded, his tears slowing as he spoke. "We were driving to the festival… but when I woke up, he wasn't there."
Ichigo, now keeping a careful distance, tried to soften his typically stern demeanor. He crouched again, his tone measured and calm. "Well… your dad's probably in a better place now, like Soul So...I mean...Heaven—"
"He's not!" Tomoya snapped, glaring at Ichigo. "He's looking for me! I know it!"
Senna's smile widened, a spark on her eyes. "Oh, really? Then let's go find him together."
"Really!?" Tomoya's tears dried instantly, replaced by a hopeful grin.
Senna nodded, her voice gentle but firm. "Of course. We'll help you. Right, Ichigo?"
Caught off guard by her confidence, Ichigo sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah, sure," he muttered. Although not entirely thrilled by the idea, Ichigo decided to join Senna and Tomoya in their search. The trio wandered through Karakura Town for hours, moving at a leisurely pace. While the primary goal was to locate Tomoya's father, the journey took on a lighter tone as Senna made it a point to show the boy the beauty of the town. She played with him, cracked jokes, and kept his spirits high with an endless stream of energy and encouragement.
After a while, the boy's legs began to falter, and Ichigo, despite his usual gruff demeanor, hoisted Tomoya onto his shoulders with a small smile. The child's laughter echoed through the streets as Senna continued to entertain him with playful antics, asking strangers on the street if they had seen a man matching Tomoya's description. Deep down, she knew the futility of the question. The father, if he existed, was undoubtedly a spirit like Tomoya. Still, her efforts weren't about logic; they were about giving the boy a fleeting moment of happiness.
As they turned a corner near a quiet park, two familiar figures approached from the opposite direction. Yato and Rukia. Rukia, in her Gigai, moved with her usual composed grace, while Yato's casual slouch made him seem as though he had just woken up.
"Hey, Yato." Ichigo greeted him with a nod before his eyes flicked to Rukia. "Didn't think I'd see you here. Weren't you staying in Soul Society?"
"I had other matters to deal with," Rukia replied curtly, her tone neutral.
Senna's eyes lit up at the sight of them. "Finally! My loyal squire has arrived to save the day!" she said dramatically, throwing her arms wide. "How've you been, Yato?"
"Hey, Ichigo. Senna." Yato raised an eyebrow at the title "loyal squire," letting out a soft laugh before stifling a yawn. "I'm fine, just tired."
"What's going on here?" Rukia asked, her sharp eyes flicking between the group members.
"We're helping Tomoya-kun find his father!" Senna replied cheerfully, glancing back at the boy perched on Ichigo's shoulders. The mention of his name made Tomoya grin.
Rukia opened her mouth to reply, but Yato spoke first, a casual smile tugging at his lips. "Then we'd better get moving and find him, huh?"
Tomoya tugged at Ichigo's sleeve. "Mister, I think I can walk now." His voice was shy. Ichigo gave a small, warm smile and set the boy down, watching as he eagerly ran to Senna's side. The two walked ahead, Tomoya's small hand gripping hers.
Rukia exchanged a brief glance with Yato before moving ahead to join Senna and Tomoya, leaving Ichigo and Yato trailing behind.
"You good?" Ichigo asked Yato after a moment of silence.
"Yeah, just didn't sleep much," Yato replied, stifling another yawn. "But that's nothing new." His tone was light, though there was a subtle weariness in his eyes.
The group continued their journey through Karakura, Tomoya's joyful laughter rang out as he darted ahead, his small feet pattering against the pavement.
Rukia, now walking beside Ichigo, frowned slightly as he explained the situation in more detail. She let out a quiet sigh, her violet eyes darkening with concern.
"How long are we going to keep this up?" she asked quietly. "There isn't a festival… and his father has almost certainly already been sent to Soul Society. The longer this child stays here, the more danger he's in... he could be attacked by a Hollow, or worse, become one himself."
Senna, overhearing from ahead, turned her head slightly, her expression serene yet resolute. "We'll find him," she said firmly. "The boy doesn't have much time left in this world, and his journey ahead will be long and difficult. The least we can do is grant him this final wish."
Her words carried a quiet conviction, soft but unshakable, as if she were holding on to hope not just for Tomoya but for all of them. For a moment, silence fell over the group, the only sound being the faint chatter of distant pedestrians and the rustle of leaves in the wind.
Ichigo's thoughts turned inward. He recalled the countless times he'd performed Konsō, sending souls to Soul Society with a perfunctory touch of his zanpakutō. It had always felt like part of the job, a necessary duty as a Substitute Shinigami. Yet now, watching Tomoya, his innocent eyes brimming with hope, Ichigo couldn't help but question if he had ever really considered what those souls felt in their final moments.
Rukia's own expression turned melancholic. Senna's words echoed in her mind, stirring something she hadn't felt in years. She had always followed the doctrines of the Gotei 13, executing Konsō as a matter of balance, a core principle of her duties as a Shinigami. But now, memories she'd long buried resurfaced, of the times she had hesitated, wondering if she was truly giving those souls peace, or merely following orders without question.
She remembered vividly how, in her early years as a Shinigami, the task unsettled her. How she would reassure spirits, promising them that Soul Society was a better place than the living world, even when she herself wasn't entirely sure if that was true. Over time, she had buried those doubts, letting duty override emotion. Yet now, with Tomoya's innocent smile and Senna's conviction lighting the way, the cracks in her armor of routine began to show.
"At the very least," Senna added, her voice softer but no less determined, "I want his last memories to be happy ones." She glanced back at the group, her gaze sweeping across Ichigo, Rukia, and Yato.
Yato, who had been walking quietly at the rear, shifted uncomfortably. Her words had struck a nerve, though he tried not to let it show. Of all the people present, he understood the weight of her sentiment the most. To him, Tomoya's situation wasn't just about the boy, it was a painful echo of Senna's own fleeting existence.
A faint frown crossed his face as he looked down. He knew what lay ahead for Senna. He knew that her time was limited, her existence fragile and fleeting, and that nothing he had tried so far could alter that fate. Despite his powers, despite the precautions he had taken, including the red ribbon he had imbued with his energy to stabilize her, everything seemed to be unraveling as he remembered. The thought left him deeply unsettled, sadness flickering in his usually calm demeanor.
"Hmm," Yato muttered, the sound barely audible, but it carried a weight of resignation. He suddenly slowed his pace, pulling out his phone and glancing at the screen. "You guys go on ahead. I've got something to take care of." he said abruptly, his voice steady but distant as he began dialing a number.
Rukia paused, her gaze lingering on Yato. She didn't press him but could feel the unease radiating from him. For all his usual humor and nonchalance, this moment revealed a vulnerability she rarely saw. She wanted to say something but decided against it. She, too, had a responsibility. She needed to remain close to Senna, as they had planned earlier.
With a faint nod, Rukia turned back to the others and continued forward, her violet eyes flicking between Tomoya, who now ran ahead with a carefree laugh, and Senna, whose calm smile cast her in an almost ethereal light. Meanwhile, Yato remained behind, his phone pressed to his ear, his eyes narrowing slightly as he walked away, lost in thought and planning.
Minamikawase, Arisawa's Residence
Tatsuki entered her bedroom with a heavy sigh, her irritation evident in the exaggerated stretch of her arms above her head. She flopped into the chair near her desk, her expression a mix of frustration and boredom. The mundane routine of daily life had grown stifling, especially in the wake of everything she'd experienced during the Soul Society events. Those moments had been chaotic, but at least they were meaningful...this? This was a dull, endless monotony.
Her fingers tapped rhythmically on the desk as she stared at the ceiling, thinking back to how things used to be. Before her powers had awakened, karate had been her sanctuary. The discipline, the competition, the camaraderie... it had been her life. But now? Her strength far outstripped anyone else's in her dojo, and holding back in every sparring match had sucked the joy out of it. Each opponent felt like a hollow victory, pun very much intended.
Letting out another groan, she threw herself face-first onto the bed, muffling her voice into the pillow.
Normally, she'd text Orihime to hang out, but even her best friend had been occupied lately. She had briefly considered seeking out Yoruichi for training, especially since her temper was starting to affect her control over her powers. But Yoruichi, in her typical catlike fashion, was nowhere to be found these days. That left Tatsuki with few options... and less patience.
"Ichigo's useless for training now," she muttered to herself, thinking of how he'd lost interest in karate ages ago. "Guess I'll just play some video games or something."
"Maybe Rukia would agree to spar with me," she mused aloud, more out of frustration than expectation. But before she could entertain the thought any further, a knock at her door startled her.
"Tatsuki, you left your phone in the living room again," her mother called from the other side. "Someone's calling you."
Tatsuki frowned, her brow furrowing. It was probably Chizuru being obnoxious or some classmate asking for homework help—not exactly a priority. "Probably just Chizuru," she muttered as she walked toward the door.
Her mother's voice came again, this time with a playful lilt. "No, it says Yato Yasakani."
Tatsuki froze for a moment, her eyes widening slightly. Swinging the door open, she was met with her mother's amused expression. She was a petite woman with kind brown eyes and a practical sense of fashion, her sweater and jeans giving off an air of casual warmth. She held out Tatsuki's phone with a knowing smirk.
"Well, well," She teased. "Is this your boyfriend?"
"Of course not!" Tatsuki exclaimed, her cheeks flushing a shade of red she couldn't control. She reached for the phone, but her mother pulled it back, her grin widening as if she had just uncovered a delicious secret.
Before Tatsuki could protest further, her mother pressed the call button and raised the phone to her ear. "Hello? Who's this?"
"Mom!" Tatsuki's voice rose in a mix of panic and embarrassment as she tried to grab the phone.
On the other end of the line, Yato blinked in confusion, raising an eyebrow at the unfamiliar voice. "[Uh… Good afternoon. My name is Yato Yasakani. I might've dialed the wrong number. Sorry to bother you.]"
Junko's smile softened at the polite tone in his voice. "Oh, no trouble at all. I'm Junko Arisawa, Tatsuki's mother. Are you looking for her?" she asked casually, enjoying her daughter's horrified expressions.
"Yes, ma'am," Yato replied politely. "I'm a friend of hers from school. Is she available?"
Junko glanced at Tatsuki, who was glaring daggers at her. "She's here. You know, Tatsuki's friends visit often, but I don't believe I've met you before. Would you like to come by sometime?"
"MOM!" Tatsuki's mortified shriek echoed through the room as she leaped to snatch the phone.
On the other end, Yato chuckled softly, his tone as calm and composed as ever. "[Sure, Junko-san. I'd be happy to drop by sometime.]"
Junko's expression brightened with amusement as she shot a glance at her daughter. "Wonderful! Now, before Tatsuki has a meltdown, I'll let her take the phone. It was lovely speaking with you, Yato-kun!"
Before her mother could say another word, Tatsuki lunged forward, snatching the phone with an exasperated groan. She slammed the door shut behind her, leaning against it as she tried to regain her composure. Her face was flushed with a mix of frustration and embarrassment.
"Don't pay attention to her," she muttered into the phone, pressing her thumb and forefinger to her temple. "Just… pretend none of that happened, okay?"
On the other side, Yato's laugh was warm and teasing. "[No promises.]"
Tatsuki's brow twitched, her grip tightening around the phone. "Keep it up and I might postpone that beating I've been saving for you since we got back from Soul Society," she muttered, her tone half-threatening, half-resigned. "What do you want, Yato?" she added, attempting to sound disinterested.
Yato's voice shifted slightly, his usual playfulness giving way to something more serious. "[Long story short? Gotei 13 is planning to take action against Senna... the girl you saw at the cemetery.]" He paused for a moment before continuing. "[So far, it's just Ichigo, Rukia, and me trying to do something about it…]"
Tatsuki straightened, her amusement fading as she caught the weight in his words.
"[To make things worse, we're probably going to have to deal with a few captains.]" He sighed heavily. "[And those strange guys from the cemetery? The ones who tried to take Senna? They'll likely use this mess as an opportunity to make their move.]"
The mention of the Gotei 13 made Tatsuki's expression harden. She had noticed something off about Senna's reiatsu when they first met, but she hadn't pressed the issue. Ichigo and Yato had seemed to trust her, so she left it alone. Now, though, it was clear there was far more to the story.
It didn't surprise her that the Gotei 13 was involved. Her experiences with Soul Society had left her with more questions than answers, and she was no fan of their rigid, often callous decisions. But if they were going after Senna? That was a problem she couldn't ignore.
Still, as serious as the situation was, Tatsuki couldn't help but see the potential for some excitement. If captains were involved, it might finally give her the challenge she'd been craving. Something to break the monotony of her dull routine.
"Fine," she said, her lips curving into a confident smirk. "Tell me where you are, and I'll be there."
Karakura Town | Kasazaki, Hirohyaku Supermarket
Sado walked calmly through the aisles of the supermarket, his tall and imposing figure drawing occasional glances from other shoppers. He had finished his morning training session at the gym earlier than usual, giving him the rest of the day free. The faint sound of light music played overhead, blending with the murmur of customers and the occasional clinking of carts.
Originally, Sado had planned to meet up with his bandmates, but they were out of town on a short tour. Left to his own devices, he decided to pick up a few essentials before heading home. As he scanned the shelves, pondering over which brand of coffee beans to get, a loud, cheerful voice rang out.
"Sado-kun!!"
Startled but unsurprised, Sado turned toward the familiar voice. Orihime Inoue was rushing toward him, her arms overloaded with bags that seemed to contain an eclectic assortment of groceries. Despite the strain, her bright smile was as radiant as ever.
"Inoue," Sado greeted, a bead of sweat forming on his temple as he eyed the precariously balanced bags. "Do you need help?" He extended a hand, not even attempting to ask about the odd mix of ingredients peeking out of her bags.
"Yes, please!" Orihime chirped, shifting her weight slightly to let him take most of the load. She let out a relieved sigh as her arms were freed. "Thank you so much, Sado-kun! I'm trying to make a surprise dish for Tatsuki-chan to cheer her up."
Sado glanced at the bags, his brow raising slightly. Among the items were jelly beans, seaweed, mayonnaise, and what looked suspiciously like wasabi paste. He wisely chose not to comment.
"Hmm," was his only response, a low rumble that conveyed both acknowledgment and mild concern.
The two strolled through the market, chatting casually. Orihime bubbled with enthusiasm as she recounted her latest culinary experiments, while Sado listened patiently, nodding at the appropriate moments. However, their lighthearted conversation abruptly halted when a strange, oppressive presence washed over them.
Both turned their heads sharply toward the source—a Hollow lurking at the edge of the street just outside the market. It was a large, shadowy figure, but what immediately caught their attention was its behavior. Instead of attacking, the Hollow appeared… hesitant. Its glowing eyes were fixated on an elderly woman, perhaps in her seventies, who stood on the corner oblivious to the creature's presence.
The Hollow, much to their shock, let out a deep, almost sorrowful sigh.
Sado and Orihime exchanged puzzled glances. They had encountered countless Hollows before, but this one's demeanor was unlike anything they had seen. Nonetheless, they instinctively began moving toward the creature, preparing for a potential fight.
As they approached, the Hollow noticed them and panicked. Its glowing eyes widened, and it stumbled backward, falling into a sitting position on the ground with a loud thud.
"AAAAAH!!! Wait! Wait! Don't hurt me!!" the Hollow shouted, waving its clawed hands frantically in the air.
Orihime and Sado stopped in their tracks, their confusion only deepening.
"Uh… why were you following that woman?" Orihime asked, tilting her head, her tone cautious but curious.
The Hollow froze, its posture slumping as it let out a shuddering sigh. "That woman…" it began, its distorted voice trembling with emotion. "She's my wife."
Sado and Orihime blinked in unison, utterly taken aback.
The Hollow continued, its voice breaking as if it were on the verge of tears. "Before I died and became this monster… I just wanted to see how she was doing. I… I miss her so much."
For a moment, silence enveloped the street. The bustling sounds of Karakura Town seemed muted as the gravity of the Hollow's confession hung in the air. Sado's steady gaze softened, while Orihime stepped closer, clasping her hands to her chest.
"Suzuki…" the Hollow murmured, its monstrous face crumpling in what could only be described as grief. "That's all I remember before I became… this. The others call me a Hollow… I think."
"Others?" Sado's deep voice cut through the stillness, his tone calm but probing.
"Yes…" Suzuki responded hesitantly. "I died a few months ago. It was a car accident, I think… After that, I was taken somewhere. There were other people there... others like me, lost. Then… a monster appeared. It looked like a demon."
Sado and Orihime listened intently, their focus sharp as the Hollow's voice trembled again.
"He said he could give us power. He… turned me into this," Suzuki admitted, its claws trembling slightly as if the memory itself was too much to bear. "He called it… a special transformation."
Orihime's eyes widened slightly, and Sado's remains quiet. They had seen and heard of strange Hollows appearing recently, ones with unique and unpredictable abilities, but this was the first time they'd encountered a direct account of how such transformations happened.
"Suzuki-san," Orihime said softly, taking a cautious step forward. "Do you remember the name of the one who did this to you?"
The Hollow hesitated, its massive frame shuddering as if dredging up the memory was physically painful. "The name…" it murmured. "Shemihaza."
Sado and Orihime's gazes locked, a silent understanding passing between them. This was a critical clue. Whoever or whatever Shemihaza was, they seemed to be orchestrating these transformations, turning wandering souls into Hollows with enhanced abilities. But why?
Sado opened his mouth to ask another question, but the sudden buzz of his phone interrupted him. Frowning slightly, he pulled it from his pocket, glancing at the screen. The name displayed on the caller ID made him pause: Yato Yasakani.