Hoshi, a modern-day office worker trapped in the exhausting "996" work schedule, grew up inspired by martial arts films and TV dramas. He once dreamed of becoming a knight who eliminates evil and defends peace. (Though, of course, such fantasies are impossible in modern society!)
After graduating from college, Hoshi's life followed a monotonous routine: work, home, repeat. In his free time, he indulged in anime, games, and occasional vacations to pray at shrines, hoping to strike it rich one day.
If nothing unexpected had happened, Hoshi's life would have been straightforward: find someone he loves, start a family, work tirelessly, and retire peacefully. But, as fate would have it, an accident changed everything.
(After all, he's the protagonist—how could his story proceed without a twist?)
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One day, Hoshi bought a lottery ticket on a whim. To his utter shock, he hit the jackpot: the first prize—10 million yen! Overwhelmed by joy, he thought, Is this the legendary dream of overnight riches?
Excited, Hoshi muttered to himself, "Thank you, gods of Japan. My prayers at the shrines weren't in vain! I'll even donate to rebuild temples if I have to." His heart raced with anticipation as he clutched the winning ticket.
The next day, Hoshi wasted no time visiting the lottery center to claim his prize. Holding the massive check in his hands, he envisioned a brighter future: traveling the world, learning new skills, and even starting his own business.
As he left the bank after depositing the prize money, Hoshi smiled, his mind brimming with possibilities. But just as he began dreaming of the life ahead, a sudden scream shattered his thoughts.
"Help! Someone's robbing us!"
Instinctively, Hoshi turned to see a commotion. Fueled by the bravery he'd practiced in martial arts club back in college—and the desire to be a "modern knight"—he decided to intervene.
"Stop right there! Put your hands up and surrender! You're surrounded!" Hoshi yelled, rushing toward the robber.
But the robber, armed and ruthless, pulled out a gun and fired without hesitation.
Hoshi felt a sharp pain, and his vision darkened. "What the hell?! Aren't you supposed to negotiate first? This isn't fair! I didn't even get to enjoy my winnings…" His thoughts spiraled as he lost consciousness.
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When Hoshi opened his eyes, he found himself in an unfamiliar place. The sky was bright blue, with white clouds drifting lazily above a lush green landscape. "This… doesn't look like the underworld. Where are the gloomy skies, the demons, or the hellish fire?"
He looked around in confusion, half-expecting to see mythical creatures like ox-headed demons or skeletal ghosts. But instead, a calm female voice broke his daze.
"Hey, kid, what are you staring at in the sky?"
Turning toward the voice, Hoshi froze. Standing before him was a petite woman in a black kimono, layered with a haori lined in a soft fawn color. She had glasses, a long ponytail, and a sword at her waist. Despite her small stature, her presence was commanding.
"Wait a second… black kimono… that's a Shihakusho! And the haori—only captains wear those!" Hoshi's brain scrambled as he processed her appearance.
After a moment, he realized something: "A female captain with glasses and a ponytail? Isn't she… Lisa Yadomaru from the Eighth Division? But… she looks slightly different from the anime version."
His face turned pale as the realization hit him. This wasn't a dream—he had somehow been transported to the world of Bleach. Worse, the story seemed to have progressed beyond the Thousand-Year Blood War Arc, a point where even the manga had ended.
Lisa???, noticing his stunned expression, raised an eyebrow. "What's with that look? Do you know me? Anyway, welcome to Soul Society, the place where souls find their rest."
Hoshi could only stare at her, wide-eyed, trying to comprehend how his life had taken such a wild turn. "Soul Society? What the hell am I supposed to do here?!"