Chapter 17 – A Quiet Observer
Nanami Kento had been following his routine patrols in Karakura, exchanging shifts with Rukia as they ensured the area remained safe from Hollow threats. Each patrol shift had been as calm as the last—until tonight. From a distance, he felt the sharp, unexpected spike of Hollow activity and sensed the reiatsu of both Rukia and a human presence unlike any he'd felt before.
Perched on a rooftop overlooking the Kurosaki Clinic, Nanami remained cloaked in the shadows, his gaze trained on Rukia and a boy with orange hair who had unknowingly stumbled into the world of Shinigami and Hollows.
He recognized the boy from a previous patrol—Ichigo Kurosaki. Nanami's brows knitted slightly as he observed the events unfold. Rukia appeared to be explaining the Shinigami's role to Ichigo, all while a Hollow loomed nearby. It was the type of scenario that would normally demand his intervention, but Rukia seemed determined to handle it on her own.
Then came the part that caught even Nanami off-guard.
He watched as Rukia, in an act of desperation, held out her Zanpakutō to Ichigo, intending to transfer her power. Nanami's eyes narrowed. The transfer of Shinigami power to a human was forbidden—unthinkable even. He knew that this could lead to consequences that would ripple far beyond this quiet night. But Rukia had made her choice, and Nanami could see the resolve in her face.
Ichigo, filled with a sense of duty to protect his family, took hold of Rukia's blade. In an instant, the transfer happened, a bright flash of spiritual energy illuminating the rooftop. Nanami could feel the surge of Ichigo's reiatsu, powerful and raw, as he transformed into a Shinigami.
For a moment, Nanami tensed, watching as Ichigo engaged the Hollow with surprising strength and skill. His speed and power were impressive, even for a newly awakened Shinigami. *Perhaps even too impressive,* Nanami mused, recognizing that something beyond a simple power transfer had taken place. Rukia was left weakened on the ground as Ichigo dispatched the Hollow in a single strike, the sheer force of his swing shattering the silence of the night.
Nanami stayed hidden, observing carefully as Ichigo checked on his family and Rukia recovered from the power transfer. He had to admire her dedication and willingness to break the rules to protect those in need. But he knew this decision would change everything, not just for Rukia and Ichigo, but for the entire Soul Society.
As Rukia gathered herself and left with Ichigo, Nanami allowed himself a rare moment of contemplation. The scene he had just witnessed was likely the start of something significant. Soul Society would certainly take notice once they learned of a human with Shinigami powers. And Rukia... she would have to answer for her actions.
He continued to watch as they moved out of sight, his mind racing with what he had witnessed. There were protocols in place for events like this, but the intensity of Ichigo's spiritual power—and Rukia's uncharacteristic actions—set this event apart.
He decided to remain vigilant over Karakura Town in the days to come, sensing that this was just the beginning of a much larger series of events. Nanami was no stranger to Soul Society's punishments, and he knew that once this incident came to light, the repercussions would be severe for Rukia.
But in that moment, he chose not to intervene. Perhaps he, too, was curious to see how this young human, Ichigo, would handle his newfound powers.