In the Human World, outside the Ishida residence, Ichigo, Orihime, and Uryū arrived together.
"Seriously, no matter how many times I come here, your house is still ridiculously extravagant," Ichigo complained to Uryū.
Ever since middle school, Ichigo and Uryū had known each other. Their group had occasionally been invited to visit the Ishida household, so none of them were strangers to the place.
"It's not your first time here. Just come in already," Uryū said as he pushed open the front gate. "Welcome."
The reason the three of them had come to the Ishida residence actually traced back to the captains' meeting in the Soul Society.
After that meeting ended, Ichigo and Tsuna's group from the living world held a small gathering of their own. During that discussion, Ichigo and the others finally understood the burden Tsuna had been carrying all these years.
Yhwach's threat wasn't limited to the Soul Society—it also threatened the Human World.
Their journey to Soul Society had only been the beginning. They still had a long road ahead of them to grow stronger.
Tatsuki Arisawa had been arranged to train under Soi Fon. As fellow users of Shunkō, the two could exchange techniques and improve much faster.
Yasutora "Chad" Sado had been grouped with Madarame Ikkaku and the other lieutenants. With Chad's strength, acting as Ikkaku's assistant was more than enough.
His power—stronger than a lieutenant but not quite at captain level—made him perfectly suited for training lieutenant-class fighters.
Another reason was that Tsuna wanted Chad to interact more with the Shinigami.
Tsuna had always suspected that Chad's Fullbring was more than just the Right Arm of the Giant and the Left Arm of the Devil. Greater contact with Shinigami powers might help unlock Chad's potential.
As for Uryū, his task was simple.
He needed to master his Schrift ability as soon as possible. Returning to the Human World to train with Kanae Katagiri was the best option.
Ichigo, however, was far more troublesome.
For him, whether it was Shinigami power, Hollow power, or Fullbring, he had only recently grasped each of them.
He could choose to focus on refining just one.
But after thinking it over, Tsuna rejected that idea.
Ichigo was practically the chosen one of the Bleach world. In moments of crisis, he might suddenly explode with power and fuse all three abilities together.
Taking that into account, Tsuna decided to unlock all of Ichigo's potential first—just like lighting up different status attributes.
That meant unlocking Ichigo's Quincy lineage as well.
As for how well Ichigo would master Quincy abilities, it didn't really matter.
If Ichigo experienced another explosive power-up someday and his Quincy power grew along with everything else, that would be an even bigger gain.
With that idea in mind, Tsuna promptly kicked Ichigo back to the Human World, telling him to train alongside Uryū at the Ishida household.
As for Orihime, her situation was even simpler.
Her growth mostly depended on her desire to protect Ichigo.
So as long as she stayed by his side, everything would naturally fall into place.
And so, the trio arrived at the Ishida residence.
The moment Uryū opened the door, they heard two women chatting happily inside.
"Oh my, Ichigo, why are you so slow? Your mother has been waiting forever."
The one speaking was actually Masaki Kurosaki.
Yet there was no annoyance on her face at all. Instead, she was happily chatting with the woman beside her—Kanae Katagiri.
"Mom? What are you doing at Uryū's house?" Ichigo asked.
"Tsuna told me you're coming to learn Quincy abilities," Masaki said, pouting slightly as she held up her phone. "Of course your mother had to come. Now hurry and greet Aunt Katagiri."
After exchanging greetings, Kanae smiled warmly.
"Little Ichigo, little Orihime, come sit down. Are you hungry? I'll have someone bring out some food."
"Kanae-chan, don't bother with this boy—he's tough enough," Masaki said.
"Orihime-chan, you can rest here with Aunt Katagiri for a bit. I'll take Ichigo to find Ryūken for training."
Masaki grabbed Ichigo by the arm and dragged him toward the training grounds behind the estate.
She had stayed at the Ishida residence for quite some time before and knew the layout well. There was no need for anyone to guide her.
"Aunt Masaki, I'm coming too!" Orihime said, bowing quickly to Kanae before hurrying after them.
"Mom…?" Ichigo was full of questions but didn't know where to start.
"Didn't I ever tell you?" Masaki said gently. "I grew up in little Uryū's household too. I'm a Quincy as well. Of course I'd come if you're learning Quincy abilities."
As she spoke, she suddenly felt Ichigo gripping her hand tightly.
Looking down, she saw the fear in his eyes.
"Mom… back then… Auswählen… I…"
Ichigo stammered.
He remembered now.
Back then, he had recklessly provoked that Hollow disguised as a human.
He had nearly—nearly—caused his mother's death.
Masaki's expression softened.
She knew exactly what Ichigo was worried about.
Gently cupping his face with both hands, she rubbed his cheeks affectionately.
"It's alright. Everything is in the past. Thanks to Tsuna, we're all safe now."
"So it really was Tsuna…" Ichigo murmured.
After hearing it directly from Masaki, he finally confirmed the truth behind those memories.
Then his expression hardened.
"So that so-called King of the Quincy… he's our enemy!"
"My dear Ichigo…" Masaki said softly, stroking his cheek.
"I'm sorry. Back then, your father and I never wanted you to be involved in these matters."
"But it seems… you still have to fight."
"No, Mom. I have to fight!" Ichigo declared firmly.
"I'll protect all of you. Please believe in me!"
Seeing the unwavering determination in his eyes, Masaki smiled.
"Alright. But first, you need to pass Ryūken's training."
"Mr. Ishida?" Ichigo blinked.
In his mind appeared the image of Ryūken Ishida—that cool, slightly arrogant middle-aged man.
Hopefully he wouldn't go too hard on him…
Under Masaki's guidance, Ichigo and Orihime arrived at the Ishida family training grounds.
Ryūken Ishida was already standing in the center.
One hand in his pocket, he faced away from them as if quietly admiring the scenery.
"Ryūken, we're here!" Masaki called out before even reaching the field.
Ryūken turned halfway around.
At the same moment he raised his hand, a Quincy short bow appeared.
Without saying a word, he fired an arrow straight at Ichigo.
Ichigo froze.
He had never expected the cool uncle-type to attack him without warning.
Instinctively, he reached for Zangetsu to block—
But he was currently in his human body, not his Shinigami form.
Where would Zangetsu come from?
By the time Ichigo realized this, the arrow was already in front of him.
Damn—was he about to get injured before the training even began?
"Santen Kesshun—I reject!"
A translucent triangular shield appeared, blocking the arrow.
Thankfully, Orihime had been right behind Ichigo.
"Ryūken, what are you doing?" Masaki demanded angrily.
"I'm training Kurosaki Ichigo's Quincy abilities," Ryūken replied coldly.
"Isshin Kurosaki and Sawada Tsunayoshi have given me full authority."
"Masaki. Orihime. Leave the training area."
"But—"
Masaki tried to protest, but Ryūken cut her off by criticizing Ichigo.
"So attached to your Shinigami powers, are you?"
"What about your Fullbring?"
"And are you really comfortable letting a girl block attacks for you?"
The barrage of questions made Ichigo flush with embarrassment.
"Mom, Orihime… wait outside," he said.
Then Ichigo shot forward into the training field using the propulsion of Fullbring light, a massive black bow forming in his hands.
His Fullbring no longer had its former restrictions.
And when it came to archery—
He wasn't afraid.
But the moment Ichigo stepped into the field, Ryūken vanished from his sight.
What the—?
Hirenkyaku? That was way too fast!
Ryūken had already appeared behind him.
Pulling his hand from his pocket, he struck Ichigo in the back with a single palm.
Immediately, Ichigo's soul separated from his body.
Ryūken casually tossed the unconscious body toward Orihime.
The device on his hand was one of Urahara Shop's gadgets.
"You like being in your Shinigami form so much?" Ryūken said coldly.
"Then you can train like this."
Ichigo rolled across the ground, confused.
What had he done to anger Ryūken?
How had this lesson turned into a beating?
"No offense, Uncle Ryūken!" Ichigo shouted as he drew Zangetsu.
He decided not to overthink things.
Just fight first.
However, Ryūken didn't immediately attack.
Instead, he fired another arrow toward Masaki and Orihime.
The Heilig Pfeil landed near Masaki's feet.
Like a fuse, it triggered a hidden trap.
Lines of Reishi connected nearby Quincy devices, forming a glowing blue energy cage that imprisoned Masaki and Orihime.
"Ryūken, what are you doing?" Masaki demanded angrily.
Ryūken ignored her completely.
Instead, he looked at Ichigo.
"Learn one Quincy technique," he said calmly.
"Then someone will bring them food."
He didn't say anything more.
But Ichigo understood instantly.
If he failed to learn even a single Quincy technique today—
Masaki and Orihime would remain trapped there the entire day.
Ichigo was currently in spirit form, so he could endure it.
But Masaki and Orihime were human.
Ryūken had effectively taken them hostage.
"Move," Ryūken said as he fired another arrow.
"Time is running out."
Ichigo gritted his teeth and charged forward.
No matter what, he needed to stop this insane training session.
First defeat Ryūken and rescue his mother and Orihime—
He could learn Quincy abilities later.
What Ichigo didn't notice was the faint smile at the corner of Ryūken's mouth.
Ryūken understood Masaki's son very well.
When it came to protecting his loved ones, Ichigo ignited instantly.
And Tsuna had reminded him of one thing:
Ichigo's potential becomes limitless when he fights to protect others.
The two clashed.
Ryūken moved calmly and effortlessly.
Ichigo chased after him in a desperate scramble.
Watching from the cage, Masaki felt extremely anxious.
You silly son…
At least ask how Quincy abilities actually work!
Why are you just rushing in with a sword?!
Unable to watch any longer, Masaki shouted toward him.
"Ichigo! Quincy abilities are used by manipulating Reishi—"
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