Shinigami in the Ninja World (Re-upload)

The hammer struck again and again.

A deafening 'clang' echoed with each hit.

The female Zanpakutō spirit, with a red crest on her head, was drenched in sweat. Her legs trembled as they pounded the ground. Her eyes were nearly crossed, her mind completely blank, as she became nothing more than a tool to spew flames.

This was unlike any of her previous experiences.

Normally, when helping her master forge a Zanpakutō, the process didn't take long—just a few hours at most. The flames she produced didn't need to be of such high quality, nor did the heat need to be this intense or refined.

But this time...

The process had stretched on for an entire day. The temperature had to be incredibly high, and even the slightest impurity had to be avoided.

Ōetsu Nimaiya wasn't faring much better than his Zanpakutō spirit. His body had long since stopped sweating; he had run out of fluids hours ago, and now the intense heat was burning away the fat in his body.

He had collapsed multiple times.

Under the watchful eyes of Naruto and Kurama, his body had been reconstructed several times already.

Fortunately, they were in the Royal Palace.

And fortunately, the members of the Zero Division had a mysterious connection with this place. Their spiritual pressure was intertwined with that of the Royal Palace itself.

The consumption, collapse, and reconstruction...

These were only temporary effects, unable to cause lasting damage to Ōetsu Nimaiya.

As the sky shifted twice and night descended once more, Ōetsu raised his hammer high. But instead of bringing it down on the anvil, he released it, letting it fall as though fleeing from the effort.

With a soft thud—

The water surrounding the area completely evaporated.

In reality, the water had been gone for two hours already, sustained only by the power of the Zanpakutō spirits to keep the forging process going.

The female Zanpakutō spirit collapsed, sprawling on the ground without a care for her appearance. Her eyes were blank, her limbs trembling.

She felt...

Completely drained.

On the anvil, a faint and glowing light shimmered.

It was a turquoise light, though faint, condensed into a small cluster atop the anvil.

There was no typical energy signature, nor any usual signs of life.

It didn't belong to the power of the Shinigami, nor did it resemble any other kind of energy from this world.

In fact...

It was only loosely connected to this world and didn't truly belong to it.

The light was vague, its contents unclear.

Ōetsu Nimaiya stared at the cluster of energy, momentarily lost. "How beautiful."

"I thought my little darlings were the best creations of my life."

"Turns out..."

He trailed off, nearly stepping forward to grasp the object within the glowing light.

And indeed, he tried.

He extended his hand.

But the light did not acknowledge him, the forger. His fingers passed through the glow, unable to grasp anything within.

He couldn't touch it.

Just like the original Asauchi, it refused to connect with him.

When his fingers made contact with the scalding anvil, the burning sensation snapped him back to reality.

Ōetsu withdrew his hand and, with a light wave, healed the minor burn. He then turned to Naruto. "This is not my creation."

"It was only brought into this world through my hands."

"It's yours, and it belongs solely to you."

Naruto smiled, stepped up to the anvil, and reached out to grasp the glowing cluster of light.

This was something forged from his soul, from his body.

It did not reject him.

It allowed itself to be held by Naruto.

The light flowed like water in his hand, extending and solidifying.

It became a sword.

This wasn't surprising, given that Naruto had chosen to become a Shinigami.

But it was a very unusual sword.

Typically, a Shinigami's Zanpakutō takes the form of an Asauchi before it's released. Even the most powerful Shinigami, like the Captain-Commander, would wield an Asauchi before releasing their blade.

But this sword...

Like Kurama, it existed in its unique form.

There was no fixed blade, just a silhouette—a vague outline of a sword. A mixture of spiritual particles, wind, and swirling matter formed the shape of the blade.

"So this is your new sword?" Kurama, now smaller, peeked out from Naruto's shoulder. "It looks... quite strange."

"Does it even have a proper blade?"

He sniffed at the air, his fox-like nose twitching.

The scent was complicated, not particularly strong, yet it had a "bite" to it.

There were traces of familiar ninja—Naruto, Karin, Minato...

As well as Shinigami—Shinji Hirako, Kisuke Urahara, Aizen...

It was bizarre.

How could a sword in the Soul Society carry the scent of the Ninja World?

Naruto raised the blade, his movement pausing as he looked over to Ōetsu.

"Go ahead," the thin, now gaunt man gestured casually. "Don't worry."

"This anvil isn't one of my Zanpakutō."

Without a word, Naruto gently swung the sword, the swirling, chaotic energy of the blade cutting through the air.

There was no sound.

It sliced through the anvil as smoothly as if it were cutting through water. The anvil seemed untouched, still standing perfectly intact as Naruto withdrew the sword.

Kurama's eyes widened.

Had he not seen the blade cut through the anvil with his own eyes, he would have thought the sword was defective, unable to even damage an anvil.

"That sharp?" Ōetsu leaned in, inspecting the anvil closely. "Remarkable."

Even with his trained eye, he couldn't find a trace of the cut.

"It reminds me of another sword," he said, with a touch of pride in his voice. "One of my finest and most failed creations."

"Of course, not because it's the strongest, but because it's almost impossible to wield."

"Its name was Sayafushi."

"A sword of extreme sharpness and smoothness. No matter how it was swung, it couldn't be damaged, and not even blood could stain it."

"And like your sword…"

He reached out, touching the anvil and giving it a light tug as if to separate the two halves.

But…

What happened next stopped him mid-sentence.

At his touch, the anvil did not split as he expected. Instead, it collapsed in on itself, crumbling to dust and disintegrating into spiritual particles. These particles lingered for a moment before dispersing into the surroundings.

Ōetsu's eyes narrowed in shock.

He had been wrong.

The result was nothing like he had anticipated.

It wasn't a simple cut.

It had destroyed the structure of the anvil from within, breaking it down into its most basic elements—spiritual particles, which made up everything in the Soul Society. Once deconstructed, they dispersed back into their purest form.

"Completely different," he said, shaking his head with a smile. "Naruto's power never ceases to surprise me."

Kurama tilted his head. "Is its name still 'Vortex'?"

Naruto nodded. "Of course."

"And its Shikai..." Kurama muttered, then paused, tilting his head again as if reconsidering. "Does it still count as a Zanpakutō?"

From what Naruto and Ōetsu had just discussed, Kurama understood at least one thing: while Naruto was still technically a Shinigami, his power had surpassed the limits of a "Shinigami."

The aura from this sword…

It didn't feel like that of a typical Zanpakutō.

"Why wouldn't it count?" Naruto lifted the blade, his eyes fixed on it. He remembered the photos of space from one of Ichigo Kurosaki's textbooks back in the human world. It was like the swirling chaos within his sword.

This blade held an entire universe within it.

"The Shikai hasn't changed." Naruto swung the sword, the wind roaring to life in response. "And..."

"I think I understand it better now."

His understanding of the blade's power, of its very essence, had deepened since its rebirth.

"Can it Bankai?" Kurama asked bluntly, his eyes wide with excitement. He thought Naruto was still talking about something related to the "sword."

Naruto smiled and nodded.

Ōetsu whistled, impressed. "Little fox, this sword was forged entirely from Naruto's own power."

"Instead of calling it a Bankai, I'd prefer to use the term we had a thousand years ago—'Shin'uchi' (True Strike)."

Before the invention of Zanpakutō, Shinigami could wield a power known as 'Shin'uchi'.

It was a personal evolution, completely self-developed. This was why Yamamoto's Bankai was so powerful—he had already mastered 'Shin'uchi' long before the advent of Zanpakutō.

Bankai, on the other hand, relied on the external power of a Zanpakutō, allowing even ordinary Shinigami to gain a power close to 'Shin'uchi'. But because of this ease, there were certain limitations on its strength.

"Let me see it!" Kurama's eyes gleamed with curiosity, his paws rapidly scratching Naruto's shoulder.

Although...

The "Kurama" sword could also Bankai, that was a power rooted in the ninja world's system. It was fundamentally different from the purely "Shinigami" power or, rather, a power from a completely different world.

Kurama was eager to see.

Naruto shook his head.

Ōetsu did as well, with a casual shrug. "Go to Senjumaru."

"Little fox, don't be in such a hurry—you'll see it soon enough."

Naruto looked at him. "Is something happening in the Seireitei?"

Ōetsu raised his hands, shrugging again, his tone nonchalant. "I wouldn't know. But the monk has been urging me to send you along."

Naruto grabbed Kurama by the scruff of his neck and, after bidding farewell to the God of the Sword, headed toward another palace.

Ōetsu didn't follow them.

He had already exhausted all the energy he had just regained while observing Naruto's new sword.

Seeing them off...

He wasn't in the mood for that.

Senjumaru was not an easy woman to deal with—unlike Kirio Hikifune, she was cold and straightforward.

Her status, like Ōetsu Nimaiya's, was ancient.

However, compared to the other members of the Zero Division, her achievements weren't as well-known.

Hikifune had created the 'Gikon' (Artificial Souls), Ōetsu had forged the Zanpakutō, Tenjirō Kirinji had pioneered 'Kaido' (Healing Techniques), and Senjumaru had designed the 'Shihakusho' (Shinigami Robe).

It sounded like just a standard uniform...

But the 'Shihakusho' was, in many ways, a type of armor.

Her assistance to Naruto was the smallest among the Zero Division members—merely tailoring a new 'Shihakusho' and captain's haori to fit his size, function, and aesthetic preferences.

Of course, Kurama's outfit wasn't forgotten either.

After receiving their new clothes...

Naruto and Kurama made their way to the final destination—the last remaining palace.

Where the monk resided.

…

Meanwhile, within the Seireitei.

Yhwach did not personally join the battle. He sat on his throne, observing the skirmishes unfolding within the shadows.

"The Shinigami have developed a countermeasure for the Sternritter's medallions so quickly," he remarked, clapping lightly, as though applauding his adversaries. "I am impressed by the speed of their research."

"Unfortunately, there are no individuals with such talents among the Sternritter." He paused. "But within the Shinigami ranks, there are two."

The Quincy surrounding him remained silent, unsure of how to respond to their emperor's musings.

"And where is Ichigo Kurosaki?" Yhwach didn't expect an answer and simply raised his hand to rest his head upon it. "Why hasn't he appeared yet?"

Barro stepped forward, replying, "Your Majesty, Ichigo Kurosaki remains in the World of the Living."

"Naruto Uzumaki persuaded him, convincing him not to participate in this war."

Yhwach's voice lowered, filled with contemplation. "Naruto Uzumaki persuaded him?"

He paused, thinking. "No wonder… This is not good news."

He extended his other hand, summoning someone by name. "My dear son, Uryū Ishida."

The young man, who had only recently arrived in the Wandenreich, stepped forward. "I'm here."

"I didn't expect your first task would come so quickly," Yhwach smiled slightly. "Go now, head to the World of the Living. Whether you win or lose… Draw Ichigo Kurosaki into the Soul Society."

Uryū paused, a flicker of uncertainty crossing his eyes. "Your Majesty, Ichigo Kurosaki may be young, but his strength is formidable. He has power comparable to that of a captain."

"Isn't it better that he stays out of the war? Why must we… lure him here?"

When he said "lure," his tone was heavy, the word weighted with meaning.

It wasn't "capture" or "kill," but "lure." This meant Yhwach wasn't concerned about winning or losing the battle. What mattered most was getting Ichigo Kurosaki to the Soul Society. But why? He was just a Substitute Shinigami.

"He 'must' be there," Yhwach emphasized, not explaining further. "This war is between me and Naruto Uzumaki. As for Ichigo Kurosaki… he will be the most important supporting character, more important than anyone else."

Yhwach paused, looking directly at Uryū and speaking bluntly. "Even more important than you."

Uryū wanted to argue but hesitated.

"Don't defy me on your first task," Yhwach pointed at him. "You are the heir of the Wandenreich, and you are also Ichigo Kurosaki's friend. But when it comes to making decisions… My dear son, I trust you understand what must be done."

Uryū lowered his head, responding coldly with a single word: "Understood."

"Äs Nödt," Yhwach called another name.

From the crowd emerged a man who exuded an air of laziness. "Your Majesty."

"There's also that fellow in the World of the Living, Kisuke Urahara," Yhwach continued. "Oh, and some young ones capable of Fullbring. Keep an eye on them as well."

Äs Nödt scratched his head and sighed. "Understood, Your Majesty… Such a hassle…" he muttered under his breath, clearly displeased.

Uryū glanced at him.

This man… he didn't seem very reliable. Was this the person Yhwach had chosen to accompany him?

"My dear son," Yhwach called out softly, lowering his head slightly. "Although you are the heir to the Wandenreich, this is still your first mission. So… in normal circumstances, you will lead. But if Äs Nödt makes a judgment call, trust his decision. Do you understand?"

Uryū lowered his head once more. "Yes."

Äs Nödt also cautiously studied the man Yhwach had brought into their ranks—this so-called heir.

...

In Karakura Town, at Karakura High School.

It was lunchtime on the rooftop.

"Ishida-san hasn't been to school in several days," Orihime Inoue took a small bite of her sandwich, looking worried. "Ichigo-kun, you're his relative. Do you know what's going on with him?"

"Is he sick?" Chad asked softly.

Ichigo Kurosaki shook his head. "I'm not sure. Even though we're related, our families don't get along very well."

His friends stared at him, eyes doubtful.

But… none of them believed him. How could the two of them not get along?

"He's probably not sick," Ichigo thought for a moment before continuing. "My mom hasn't said anything."

Because of Masaki's connection, the Kurosaki and Ishida families had a strained relationship. But during important moments, they still communicated. Masaki hadn't mentioned anything, so it didn't seem like anything major had happened.

At least, that's what he hoped…

With everything going on in the Soul Society lately, he had a nagging feeling something was off.

"And what about Uncle Naruto?" Orihime tore off another small piece of her sandwich. "Isn't there something serious going on with him? Is it resolved?"

Ichigo shook his head. "Probably not."

Orihime frowned.

Ichigo grinned and clapped his hands together. "Come on, it's Uncle Naruto we're talking about! He'll handle everything. Don't worry so much."

"But Uncle Naruto's hand…" Orihime murmured, still remembering that day.

But before she could say more, Ichigo suddenly looked up at the sky.

Orihime followed his gaze, eyes widening in disbelief.

Spiritual pressure.

A powerful, overwhelming wave of spiritual pressure filled the air. And this presence was all too familiar to them.

It was the spiritual pressure of the very person they had just been discussing—Uryū Ishida.

Beside him, there was another presence, even stronger than Uryū's. It wasn't the energy of a Shinigami or an Arrancar… it was the spiritual pressure of a Quincy.

"Ichigo," Chad said quietly, the last to sense the spiritual pressure.

Ichigo nodded. "I know."

As he stood up, he stuffed his lunchbox into Orihime's hands. "Tell the teachers I'm taking the rest of the day off."

Orihime panicked, standing up as well.

"That's Uryū. I'll go by myself," Ichigo pressed her head down, grinning brightly.

Orihime nodded.

Aside from those in their group who could sense spiritual pressure, there were three ordinary humans nearby. After spending so much time with Ichigo, they had started to awaken a bit of spiritual awareness. But even the small amount of power they possessed was useless in the face of the immense strength of the Quincy.

They hadn't sensed a thing.

Instead, they simply looked up at the cloudless, clear sky, seeing nothing unusual.

"What's wrong with Ichigo?" asked a short-haired girl.

Orihime forced a smile. "He just remembered he left the gas on at home, so he's rushing back to turn it off."

The excuse rolled off her tongue, as ridiculous as always.

The short-haired girl didn't believe it. But… she wasn't about to press her friend for more answers.

...

In Karakura Town, under a clear sky.

"Such a hassle," Äs Nödt muttered, scratching his ear and tilting his head from side to side. "We could just go to him directly. Why dangle bait like this? Do you think he'll bite?"

Uryū glanced at him. "I know Ichigo Kurosaki better than you. He'll come."

He paused before adding, "As His Majesty instructed, unless you have a specific judgment to make, you are to follow my orders."

Äs Nödt didn't reply, only clicking his tongue in annoyance as he turned away. Waiting was torturous, but they didn't have to wait long.

Within ten minutes, a shadow flickered, and Ichigo Kurosaki arrived in an instant.

"Impressive speed," Äs Nödt murmured in praise. "Hasn't Ichigo Kurosaki been a Substitute Shinigami for just over a year? He's certainly gifted…"

Uryū Ishida paid him no attention, his focus solely on Ichigo.

"Uryū," Ichigo called, resting his sword on his back, showing no signs of hostility. "Where have you been all this time?"

He glanced at Äs Nödt. "This guy… he's with the Wandenreich, right? Why are you with them?"

Uryū cast a sideways glance at the man beside him, taking a deep breath. "Ichigo Kurosaki, don't act so surprised. Have you forgotten? I'm a Quincy too."

Ichigo shook his head. "Of course, I know that, but you're different from those guys. You're a good person…"

Uryū cut him off. "Such self-righteous thinking."

He pushed up his glasses, the light reflecting off the lenses. "You think you can define me with your simplistic assumptions? Don't forget… Quincy and Shinigami are mortal enemies."

Ichigo spread his arms, his tone becoming more agitated. "But there are exceptions, like Uncle Naruto! He's proof that Quincy and Shinigami can be allies. Even if war is inevitable… you don't have to be part of it."

Taking a deep breath, he tried to reason with Uryū. "With Uncle Naruto around, even if this war ends, as long as you don't join the Wandenreich, the Shinigami won't do anything to you."

Äs Nödt smirked. "You're quite certain the Shinigami will win, huh? Typical of a Substitute Shinigami."

Ichigo glared at him. "I trust Uncle Naruto."

Uryū extended his hand, a spiritual bow forming in his palm. "The truth is far from your naïve assumptions. The relationship between me and the Wandenreich… Ichigo Kurosaki, did you know? I am the heir to the Wandenreich."

Ichigo's eyes widened in shock, unable to believe what he had just heard. 'Heir?' Wait… isn't the leader of the Wandenreich that guy named Yhwach?

Uryū's father, Ryūken Ishida, had abandoned his Quincy powers long ago and chose to live as an ordinary human.

"When you first became a Shinigami, we had a duel," Uryū continued. "But there was an unexpected outcome, and we didn't finish it. Now is the perfect time. Draw your sword. Let's see who's stronger—you or me."

He turned his head and instructed Äs Nödt, "You're not allowed to interfere. This is a fight between Ichigo Kurosaki and me."

Äs Nödt shrugged indifferently, clearly uninterested in getting involved. He hadn't planned to anyway, and Yhwach hadn't given an order to kill Ichigo Kurosaki.

Despite their tense exchange, neither Uryū nor Ichigo seemed eager to fight. But the young Quincy and the young Substitute Shinigami clashed nonetheless.

Äs Nödt narrowed his eyes, carefully observing Uryū Ishida. It was said that the heir had been given the same designation as Yhwach—an "A" letter. 'Who knew Quincy powers could be duplicated?' And that someone could have the same level as the emperor? 'But what exactly is Uryū's "A" power?' Äs Nödt was curious.

"Wouldn't it be too dull just to watch their fight?" A playful, exaggerated voice suddenly spoke behind Äs Nödt.

Äs Nödt turned around. Standing behind him was a man wearing a black cloak.

"Kisuke Urahara?" Äs Nödt instantly recognized him.

The man pulled down his hood, looking slightly surprised. "You know me?"

"In reality, the only person who could approach me without my noticing would be you, one of the Special War Powers designated by His Majesty. Kisuke Urahara," Äs Nödt said, revealing everything without hesitation.

Urahara raised an eyebrow. 'Special War Powers?' So the Wandenreich had marked certain Shinigami as significant threats? That would mean people like Naruto, the Captain-Commander… and with the attention they were paying to Ichigo, it was clear the young Substitute Shinigami was also one of them.

"What a pity," Äs Nödt continued, waving his hand lightly. "You made a critical mistake. You should have killed me the moment you approached. That was your only chance."

Urahara drew his sword, still smiling. "Is that so? As a Special War Power, are you sure it's wise to speak so arrogantly?"

As he spoke, his eyes sharpened. "Awaken, Benihime."

In an instant, the seemingly ordinary cane in his hand transformed into a Zanpakutō, thrusting forward with deadly precision.

Äs Nödt had been prepared. 'Blut Vene.'

A pale blue pattern appeared on his abdomen, the thin veil of spiritual pressure easily absorbing Urahara's strike.

Two battles erupted simultaneously.

Compared to Ichigo and Uryū's escalating fight, the clash between Urahara and Äs Nödt remained restrained. Both fighters knew that this battle was unlikely to reach a conclusion, so they held back. It was a battle of probing moves, both trying to reveal as little as possible while learning more about their opponent.

Half an hour later, one battlefield was already nearing its end—the fight between the young Quincy and the young Shinigami.

Uryū stood tall in front of the wounded Ichigo, brushing off his sleeves as though clearing away invisible dust. "What a pitiful sight, Ichigo Kurosaki. Do you see the gap between us now? You can't keep up with me anymore."

Ichigo, covered in wounds, looked up at Uryū in disbelief. 'How could this be?' Just moments ago, their battle had been evenly matched. He had inflicted significant damage on Uryū as well. But suddenly, all of Uryū's injuries vanished, and they all appeared on Ichigo instead.

The injuries weren't severe—he had held back since Uryū was his cousin, his classmate, his friend. But the sudden, overwhelming surge of pain was difficult to endure.

"Curious about my ability?" Uryū dismissed his spirit bow. "This is the power of the Sternritter, the gift from His Majesty Yhwach. The Schrift. From A to Z, there are twenty-six members. Even with Naruto Uzumaki's strength and the many enemies he's defeated, the Sternritter still has over ten members with captain-level power. And even if someone dies, His Majesty Yhwach can bestow their Schrift upon another."

He explained everything clearly, even going into excessive detail.

Äs Nödt just smirked quietly to himself, while Kisuke Urahara listened intently.

"My Schrift is on the same level as His Majesty's—'A'," Uryū continued, raising his hand. "It's called 'Antithesis.' It's a very powerful ability. I can reverse anything between two points, transferring effects between them."

"For example…" He smirked. "I transferred all the injuries I sustained onto you."

Ichigo was stunned. 'Transferring injuries?' He was a top student, excelling in academics, and even though his studies had suffered after becoming a Substitute Shinigami, he wasn't so far behind that he couldn't understand the concept. But he couldn't fathom how it worked. 'How could injuries that had already been inflicted be transferred to someone else?' This ability was… absurd.

"Don't look so shocked." Uryū's expression was cold, his tone condescending. "That's the nature of the Schrifts. For example, His Majesty's Schrift, 'A'—His power is omniscience and omnipotence. He is a God."

Ichigo wasn't the only one stunned. Even Kisuke Urahara was taken aback. 'Omniscience and omnipotence? Could anyone truly possess such power?'

"Uryū Ishida," Äs Nödt finally spoke up, "even though you're the heir, aren't you revealing too much?"

Uryū adjusted his glasses. "I'm just helping you understand the vast difference between the Shinigami and us Quincy."

"Don't forget His Majesty's orders," Äs Nödt reminded him.

Uryū looked down at Ichigo, their eyes meeting. "For the sake of our past friendship, I won't kill you this time. But the next time we meet… it will be a fight to the death. If you want to catch up to me, if you want to fight me again, then come to the Soul Society."

Äs Nödt stepped back, retreating from his battle with Kisuke Urahara. "Looks like Uryū Ishida's task is complete. There's no need for us to continue fighting."

"Kisuke Urahara, you're quite an interesting person. Let's hope we meet again."

Urahara narrowed his eyes. "You'll regret saying that."

Äs Nödt didn't reply. With a wave of his hand, he activated the 'Shadow.'

The shadows swirled, enveloping him and Uryū, pulling them away in an instant, leaving no trace.

"Shadows, huh…" Urahara scratched his head, looking perplexed. "Maybe I should consult with Captain Kurotsuchi. This time, he's way ahead of me."

No one responded to his words.

Ichigo remained motionless, staring up at the spot where Uryū had disappeared, as if the remnants of his presence still lingered there.

"Manager! Manager!" Ichigo turned, taking a deep breath and shouting, "Please help me! I need to go to the Soul Society. I need to go to Seireitei."

Urahara looked at him, his expression troubled. "But Naruto doesn't want you going to the Seireitei. He doesn't want you involved in that war."

"I didn't have a reason before," Ichigo replied firmly, his voice resolute. "But now I do. Uryū… he's joined the Wandenreich."

Urahara's eyes narrowed.

Although Uryū had admitted to joining the Wandenreich and had inexplicably become its heir… something about it felt off.

"You've already figured it out, haven't you?" Ichigo spoke quickly, urgency in his voice. "Uryū said all those things, but was he really explaining his power? No, he was sending us a message. The Schrift, 'Antithesis,' Yhwach's omniscience and omnipotence… he was trying to tell us something."

"In other words, Uryū didn't join the Wandenreich of his own free will. He had no choice."

Urahara nodded. That was exactly what he thought.

"So I have to save him." Ichigo's determination was clear. "No matter the reason, as his friend, as his blood relative, as his brother, I have to save him!"

Ichigo was born in July, making him four months older than Uryū, who was born in November.

"But do you really have the strength to do that?" Urahara shook his head, still trying to dissuade him. "You're not Uryū Ishida's match, and Yhwach is beyond your reach. Stay in the World of the Living. Naruto will handle—"

"I know Uncle Naruto can solve everything," Ichigo clenched his sword, his emotions swirling with regret and frustration. "But I can't just stand by and do nothing. This is too personal for me now. Even if this all ends well and Uryū is safe… I wouldn't be able to forgive myself."

He looked up, meeting Urahara's gaze with unwavering resolve. "Just like when I saved Rukia."

Urahara only held his gaze for a moment before quickly looking away, feeling as though Ichigo's intense determination might burn him.

"I can help you get to the Soul Society, but I have no other way to make you stronger. You already know Bankai. You've mastered Hollowfication. And you… well, you have Quincy blood, but that's not something I've studied much."

Ichigo shook his head. "No, I have a plan. Remember what Uncle Naruto told me the other day? Zero Squad invited me to the Royal Palace, saying I could become stronger there. I need to go to the Soul Society. I need to go to the Royal Palace."

Urahara scratched his head. "Is that so? Well, I guess I don't have a choice. I owe you too much anyway. If that's your decision… I suppose I'll just have to upset Naruto again."

He took a few steps forward, beckoning Ichigo to follow.

But after just a few steps, he stopped abruptly. "Aren't you going to tell your friends about this?"

Ichigo thought for a moment, then shook his head firmly. "No, this is a war between Shinigami and Quincy. They're just ordinary humans or Fullbringers. I'll tell them once I get to the Seireitei."

Urahara nodded.

The Garganta beneath Urahara's shop was still operational. Neither the Seireitei nor the Wandenreich had sealed the space for interdimensional travel.

Just like before, Ichigo slipped into the Soul Society with ease. He landed, once again, in Rukongai.

Ichigo didn't head straight for the Seireitei, remembering the barriers in place there. With the Wandenreich invasion underway, the Seireitei was surely keeping its shields up. First, he had to find the Shiba family.

Half an hour later…

"You want to go to the Royal Palace?" Kūkaku Shiba stared at Ichigo, her tone filled with surprise. "There's no need to go to the Seireitei. I can send you there from here."

Ichigo's eyes lit up. "Really? Kūkaku-neesan, can I count on you?"

He paused, suddenly realizing something, and scratched his head awkwardly. "It's true! Zero Squad invited me to the Royal Palace. Uncle Naruto can vouch for it! So can Manager! And Yoruichi would know, too, from Urahara Shop—"

Kūkaku shook her head. "You don't need to prove anything. I already know about it."

Ichigo froze.

"In fact, when Zero Squad returned to the Royal Palace, the monk specifically told me about this." Kūkaku stood up and gestured for Ichigo to follow. "He said you'd eventually come to the Soul Society, and eventually go to the Royal Palace. And when the time came, I shouldn't hesitate. I should send you straight up."

"Didn't expect… he'd be this accurate. And you've come this soon."