Six years ago.
By the seaside of Karakura Town.
Nine-year-old Kurosaki Ichigo encountered a disguised Hollow by the sea.
Ignorant and naive, Kurosaki Ichigo thought the Hollow was a little girl trying to jump into the sea. He rushed over to save her, only to charge right into the Hollow's hunting trap.
His mother, Kurosaki Masaki, tried to reveal her Quincy powers to kill the Hollow and save her son. However, her power inexplicably vanished in an instant, leaving this strong pure-blooded Quincy powerless.
When the Hollow was about to kill Kurosaki Masaki, a bizarre Tomoe red light appeared in its eye sockets. The Hollow bit Kurosaki Masaki's shoulder and dragged her into the sea, disappearing without a trace.
From that moment, Kurosaki Masaki was missing.
The once happy family was now left with father Kurosaki Ishin and his son Kurosaki Ichigo, along with two daughters Kurosaki Karin and Kurosaki Yuzu.
Kurosaki Ishin was originally the captain of the 10th Squad, known as Shiba Ishin.
As a former squad captain, Kurosaki Ishin contacted the Guardian Court Thirteen Squads. After investigating, he discovered the name of the Hollow adept at disguise, that the Hollow named Grand Fisher was still active in reality after Kurosaki Masaki's disappearance…
The Hollow was still alive.
But Kurosaki Masaki was gone.
Since he had obtained the information on that Hollow, Kurosaki Ishin finally donned his Death-Conquering Robe once more and picked up his Zanpakuto.
For revenge.
For the only hope.
However, when Kurosaki Ishin confronted the Hollow named Grand Fisher, almost all his hopes were shattered because the Hollow was not as simple as it seemed!
According to information from the Quiet Spirit Court, it was supposed to be a Hollow with some peculiar abilities. However, when Kurosaki Ishin actually engaged in battle, he discovered that the Hollow's power exceeded his imagination. It had somehow grown into an Achyukas Level Arrancar Hollow!
"Hehehehe... Are you talking about that Quincy woman?"
"Her resistance before dying was quite fierce!"
"But by devouring her spiritual power, I successfully evolved!"
"If I hadn't used her son to threaten her, I might really have been killed by her, you know? Hehehehe... Former 10th Squad captain of the Guardian Court Thirteen Squads, Shiba Ishin, are you her ally?"
"If you're here for revenge for your comrade, shouldn't you have brought a squad along? I'm growing more and more eager to devour those tasty Shinigami!"
"…"
Kurosaki Ishin fell into prolonged silence.
Kurosaki Ishin was no longer the hot-blooded person he used to be. Besides being a husband, he was also the father of three children, and he had to shoulder his responsibilities.
In the end...
Kurosaki Ishin slew the Hollow.
Unfortunately, his wife would never return again.
After spending a night standing in the pouring rain, Kurosaki Ishin rubbed his cheeks, took off his Death-Conquering Robe, put on a Gigai, and returned to his home in reality.
He was no longer a Shinigami.
But a father who needed to raise three children.
Such a situation was inevitably harsh for the three young ones. Kurosaki Ishin could only influence them gradually with his cheerful demeanor, helping his son Kurosaki Ichigo and his daughters Kurosaki Yuzu and Kurosaki Karin emerge from the shadows over the years.
Unfortunately...
Kurosaki Ishin did not know that his wife was still alive because she was now being held captive in the most tightly guarded place in this world.
Uehara Inner City.
A blonde woman cautiously observed the guards here. To avoid drawing attention, she even walked barefoot on the floor.
Just as the blonde woman was calculating the patrol intervals, planning to continue sneaking away, a golden chain suddenly bound her body!
The golden chain instantly sapped the blonde woman's strength!
"Masaki…"
A red-haired woman slowly landed in front of the blonde woman, speaking with helplessness: "Haven't I told you not to think about escaping from here again? At least consider your family!"
"I have to go back for them."
Kurosaki Masaki looked at the red-haired woman before her, a hint of plea flashing on her face: "Kushina, you're a mother too... Can you really bear to be separated from your child indefinitely?"
"…"
The red-haired woman was instantly silent.
Because the red-haired woman in front of her was Uzumaki Kushina, who came to this world when Uehara Naraku led people here thousands of years ago, bringing many souls from the Netherworld of the Naruto World.
Uzumaki Kushina was one of them.
An odd expression flickered across Uzumaki Kushina's face, and she couldn't help but say: "There are some things we can't control… I miss Naruto too…"
This question was indeed difficult for Uzumaki Kushina to answer.
Compared to Kurosaki Masaki's son Kurosaki Ichigo, Uzumaki Kushina's son Uzumaki Naruto had an even tougher time. At least Kurosaki Ichigo had a happy childhood.
"Trust me."
Uzumaki Kushina looked at Kurosaki Masaki, speaking earnestly: "If you escape, the outcome will be unpredictable; if you stay, the process might be a bit rough for you and your family…"
As Uzumaki Kushina said this, she made a gesture with her thumb and forefinger, forming a small gap, a wry smile on her face: "Just a little rough, but the ending will surely be safe."