The only player in the world of Bleach

He always felt...

Just now, in that very spot, there seemed to be a 'familiar' person standing there?

Soon, Ichigo Kurosaki silently shook his head.

He seemed to chuckle at the idea himself, his gaze lowered as he sighed softly, forcing himself not to think about it too much.

While it's possible to see ghosts and other strange things, anything too supernatural is a bit much.

Moreover, Ichigo Kurosaki wasn't interested in this either.

Perhaps... it's just a passing breeze?

As for Kurosaki Isshin...

Considering the other person's easily startled temperament, Ichigo naturally understood why the other person left without saying goodbye.

Anyway, it's not the first time.

Hopefully I can make it in time for the curry rice tonight.

323: Father and Son

Kurosaki Isshin rushed into the night without looking back.

His steps were so fast that his breathing became somewhat short.

After quickly observing the environment, he soon 'saw' the traces of spiritual energy remaining in the air.

Every action leaves a trace... Theoretically, that's true, but if the other party has even a little skill, they can usually clean up the mess and prevent their whereabouts from being exposed.

The fact that Kurosaki Isshin can see this thing now is essentially equivalent to the other party extending an invitation to him.

come on!

After a slight hesitation, Kurosaki Isshin followed in that direction without hesitation.

His steps were firm, and so was his expression. As if he foresaw something far more serious, his expression never wavered…

Who was that man we just saw?

Yusuke Matsushita!

This name, which is powerful enough to shake the 13th Division in the Soul Society, has just appeared at my doorstep.

Now it's the other party who's extending the invitation...

What is the purpose?

Not sure.

However, this is not a reason for Kurosaki Isshin to ignore it.

He quickly approached the direction the other person had left in, left the block, walked out of the commercial street, and finally saw that somewhat familiar yet unfamiliar figure at the edge of the station.

Kurosaki Isshin slowed his pace, panting heavily.

He straightened his clothes a little... not for the date, but to make himself look presentable during the meeting.

After all, he was once a captain.

At least... it used to be.

"Captain Matsushita."

He strolled forward and called out the other person's name. Matsushita Yusuke turned halfway around, revealing a very familiar smile.

"It's been a long time, Captain Shiba."

Although things have changed and people are no longer the same, as old friends, some past events are still vivid in our minds, which can be considered a small opportunity for both parties to reach a consensus.

They smiled knowingly at each other.

In fact, this was not the first time the two had met.

Several years ago, Yusuke Matsushita had traveled to the human world and had a conversation with Isshin Shiba.

The atmosphere back then was far more awkward than it is now, after all, in essence... the other party's current predicament was also due to their own fault.

But after things were laid out in the open, Shiba Isshin quickly accepted the situation.

The reason is also very simple.

'I'm very satisfied with my life now... in fact, I'm very grateful to you for giving me this opportunity.'

Shiba Isshin's nonchalant attitude was somewhat unexpected, but Matsushita Yusuke quickly realized what was going on.

This wasn't simply because the other person was easygoing... but because Shiba had experienced things that were more worth cherishing.

"Masaki Kurosaki is a very good mother and a very good wife."

Although the time spent together was short, these experiences alone were enough for Kurosaki Isshin to savor for the rest of his life.

Later, Yusuke Matsushita also expressed his regret.

At the same time, they revealed a series of plans for the future.

Of course, upon learning the truth about the world for the first time, as well as its future direction and trends, Shiba Isshin inevitably fell into confusion.

This reaction is understandable... because he is in a delicate, yet somewhat awkward, state.

If he moves up the ranks, he will be able to stand shoulder to shoulder with the few high-level combatants in Soul Society.

With this level of power, he would be able to do things that contribute to the world according to his own will...

As he continued down the path, he had no right to know these things; at most, he could only protect himself and offer some minor resistance when invaded.

So to be honest...

If it weren't for Ichigo Kurosaki, Isshin wouldn't have been qualified to know these things.

All of this stemmed from Yusuke Matsushita's persistence.

As the guardian, I now have the right to know all the contents.

After explaining the whole story, the other party spent several days thinking before finally giving their answer.

If this is something only Ichigo can do, then let him do it—this is a compromise as a father, and also a helpless move.

Of course, Kurosaki Isshin also had other principles to uphold.

That means the Soul Society needs to help him regain his lost power.

In fact… Kurosaki Isshin could do it right now. But if he wanted to do that, he would inevitably need to detach himself from his current body, which was active in the mortal world…

To others, this would be nothing more than a trivial matter. But for Isshin, this body itself carried countless memories and was his most precious possession, the vital connection between him and his wife.

To want to give up would be far too 'heartless'...

Of course, this is a drawback of being a pure spirit.

In fact, Ichigo Kurosaki doesn't need a physical body. As a hybrid of three powers, he can freely roam between the three worlds without having to worry about the burden on himself.

It can only be said that not much was considered in the early stages of the story, and Rukia's perspective was limited, so the guidance she gave Ichigo was not very comprehensive either.

Closer to home.

As they exchanged a smile, Kurosaki Isshin quickly stepped forward and said in a slightly helpless tone.

"What brings you to the real world this time?"

He casually pointed to a spot not far away and said something along the way.

"Since you're already here, how about I treat you to a drink?"

After all, strictly speaking, this was also the other party's 'territory', so Matsushita Yusuke readily agreed and originally wanted to nod.

But soon he shook his head.

"Let's forget about it. It's fine if I'm just standing here. But if I touch too much of the real world, it might cause some unnecessary effects."

At this point, Kurosaki Isshin, who had been somewhat excited, paused slightly.

He scratched his head as if he had just realized what was happening, opened his mouth and then closed it again, finally stammering for a while before letting out a helpless sigh.

"Looks like I won't be able to drink for a while..."

This is understandable, since the mortal world is the most fragile of all the three realms.

Matsushita Yusuke was quick to think of a solution. He reached out and patted the other person on the shoulder, saying with a smile.

"It's alright. Once things are settled here, you're welcome to come back to Soul Society anytime... Let's go for a drink then."

"Soul World..."

Kurosaki Isshin's smile had a hint of helplessness. He gave a soft "hmm" and then slowly said...

"I don't even know if I can go back now... Never mind, I won't say anything so discouraging."

It's normal to have such worries.

After all, as the original leader of the Shiba family branch, Shiba Isshin had the duty to lead the family to prosperity again.

But now he's holed up in the mortal world, hasn't contacted his family in a long time, and now he has to put on a concerned face and go back to the Gotei 13...

For those involved, the pressure is self-evident.

Matsushita Yusuke completely understood his thoughts, and without saying anything more, he simply patted him on the shoulder in silence.

"These minor details can all be taken care of; it mainly depends on your own opinion... By the way, Hitsugaya and Matsumoto are both looking forward to your return."

Two former soldiers under his command...

Upon hearing this address, after a brief silence, Kurosaki Isshin gave a helpless yet wistful smile.

All that remained in the Gotei 13 were official duties and responsibilities that left him with no interest. Only when these two were mentioned could he recall some interesting things.

"Speaking of which, you said before that Hitsugaya guy has already become a captain? Haha... that sour-faced kid can be a captain? It's really something!"

"With Matsumoto helping out, you've adapted to things to some extent. And over the years, he's done a great job; he's an even more competent captain than you."

"Hearing you say something like that makes me a little sad..."

After a moment of reflection, he quickly regained his composure and once again showed his cheerful demeanor.

"Hearing that these people are still in good spirits is enough."

"So what about you? You really don't plan to come back?"

Faced with Matsushita Yusuke's questioning, Kurosaki Isshin scratched the back of his head, as if he had been thinking carefully for a while, and finally sighed and shook his head.

"I'd better not... I can't rest easy about things here."

Whether it's the two daughters or this unruly son.

At the same time, precisely because he knew about the Spirit King's plan, he became even more determined in his own mind.

“My son has a terrible temper and is very stubborn… Although it’s true that boys should experience more hardship and setbacks, I think it’s more important for him to have someone by his side, and also…”

It was a little embarrassing to say, so Kurosaki Isshin glanced to the side, hesitated for a moment, and then spoke softly.

“I’m not a very good father either. I’ve done too many bad things before… If I just let him be like this, I’ll feel bad myself.”

This sentence is probably describing Ichigo Kurosaki's childhood.

With his wife's passing, Kurosaki, now a single parent, has to focus on taking care of his two daughters who are still young, and naturally has no extra energy to take care of his son.

Before long, the once sensible son had become this unruly and difficult-to-manage son.

All of this is due to his failure in education.

And now...

"Ichigo will face far more difficulties than I imagine. I can't just stand by and do nothing... Although I was absent from his previous education, I don't want him to face this alone in the future."

This was a concern he couldn't let go of no matter what, and it was also the reason why Kurosaki Isshin was able to change his mind.

Because he was also a father, Matsushita Yusuke was able to sense the change in the other person's thoughts.

have to say.

If in the original story he had a father who wasn't a riddle teller and was willing to help him when he was confused... his upbringing wouldn't have been so difficult.

After all, whether it's blood or tears, for this gloomy young man, they are all things that are too serious, even overwhelmingly stressful.

With a helpless smile, Matsushita Yusuke reached into his pocket and took out an object.

"To be honest, I had a pretty good idea of ​​your answer before I even opened my mouth... so it's only natural that I'm hearing it now. Isshin, take this with you."