3rd POV
'Thinking'
[Sacred gear talking]
In Karakura Town, on the rooftop of the Gremory high-rise hotel, a crimson magic circle glowed to life. From it emerged MacGregor and Lucien.
Lucien stepped forward, looking up at the night sky. The full moon shone brightly above, its light reflecting off the city's buildings. He took a slow, deep breath, enjoying the crisp, fresh air.
It was his first time in the human world in this life — and, in a way, he'd missed it. Don't get him wrong, he loved the Underworld now, but its sky was just a pale imitation of the real one. The artificial heavens Ajuka created for devils could never compare to this.
MacGregor adjusted his robe and looked at him seriously. "Well, young master, I'll return to pick you up in a week. If you need anything, call for me and I'll arrive as soon as possible. Remember your training and stay safe. Please, be careful — I don't think I could handle Lady Grayfia's wrath if anything happened to you."
Lucien rolled his eyes but smiled. "Yeah, yeah, I understand. Thanks, MacGregor. See you later."
He gave a short wave as MacGregor activated another teleportation circle and vanished. Unbeknownst to Lucien, the magician had only moved to the outskirts of town — close enough to watch from a distance but far enough to avoid being detected. With Lucien's Crimson Eyes, even observing him unnoticed was nearly impossible.
Lucien turned his gaze back toward the city below. "So this really is Karakura Town," he muttered. "Guess I should check in first… though, maybe I'll get lucky and meet Ichigo. If I can become friends with him, maybe one day he'll join my peerage. Still, stray devil first, fun later."
He activated his Crimson Eyes, scanning the city from his vantage point. The height of the hotel gave him a perfect view — every street, building, and alley came into focus. He spotted several familiar sights from the Bleach anime of his past life, which made him smirk slightly.
After nearly an hour of observation, something finally caught his attention — faint traces of a unknown energy scattered across town.
"Hm. There's a strange energy spread around the area," he muttered to himself. "That must be the stray's signature. The trail stops near the river… probably where its lair is."
He stretched briefly, then headed toward the roof entrance and took the elevator down to the main floor.
By the time he reached the lobby to check in, rain had begun to fall outside, soft droplets pattering against the hotel's glass windows. The night was only beginning.
On the other side of Karakura Town, near the river, a soft rain fell over a quiet neighborhood. Streetlights reflected on puddles, and the rhythmic sound of water echoed through the night.
Under an umbrella walked a beautiful woman with warm brown eyes and long, wavy chestnut hair. Beside her was her son — a cheerful nine-year-old boy with bright brown eyes and messy orange hair, smiling ear to ear. He wore a green raincoat, blue jeans, and black-and-white sneakers, his small hand clasped in hers.
"Oh, I can't wait till we get home! What are you making for dinner, Mom?" Ichigo asked eagerly, his voice full of energy.
Masaki smiled softly at her son. "Your favorite — spicy karashi mentaiko."
"Awesome! Thanks, Mom!" Ichigo cheered, breaking away and running ahead onto the main road.
"Ichigo!" Masaki quickly pulled him back onto the sidewalk just as a car sped by, spraying them with water.
"Be careful, Ichigo. You could've gotten hurt," she said firmly, though her voice remained gentle.
Ichigo bowed his head quickly. "Sorry, Mom. Thanks for saving me."
Masaki smiled and patted his head. "You're welcome, sweetheart."
They continued walking together through the rain. About ten minutes later, just before reaching home, Ichigo looked up at her with determination.
"Mom, I want to learn martial arts."
Masaki blinked. "Oh? And what brought this on?"
Ichigo clenched his small fists. "I want to get strong enough to protect you, Karin, and Yuzu!"
Masaki giggled. "Oh? And what about your father?"
"Tch, he can take care of himself," Ichigo muttered, looking away with a stubborn pout.
Masaki's laughter filled the rainy air. "Of course you can learn, Ichigo. Your name means protector, after all. Train hard and become strong — strong enough to protect everyone you love."
Ichigo's eyes sparkled, and he ran forward, hugging her tightly. She smiled and hugged him back.
"Thanks, Mom! Don't worry — I'll get super strong!"
Masaki smiled warmly. "Of that, I have no doubt, my little protector."
But her smile faded when she felt her son suddenly tense.
"M-Mom…" Ichigo stammered, his voice trembling.
Masaki immediately turned around — and froze. A monstrous creature towered behind them, its massive, fur-covered body blending green and black. Its limbs ended in red, birdlike claws, and from its forehead hung a long, tentacle-like appendage. Its mask glowed with a twisted grin.
Masaki's expression hardened. "A Hollow…? What's one doing this close to devil territory?" she muttered under her breath.
Ichigo trembled behind her, but Masaki stood her ground, stepping protectively in front of him. "I can't let you scare my son — or harm any innocents."
She reached for her mana, intending to summon her Quincy bow — but nothing happened. Her energy refused to gather.
"What…? Why can't I form my spirit weapon?" she whispered, alarm creeping into her voice. "Fine. Talisman it is."
She pulled several paper talismans from the holster on her thigh and threw them in a circle around the Hollow, clapping her hands together. The seals floated, glowing bright red — but a moment later, the light flickered and died. The papers fell lifelessly to the ground.
"Damn it!" Masaki cursed. She grabbed Ichigo's hand, intending to flee, and tried to activate Blut Vene, but even that failed to respond.
Her heart sank. Something was blocking her power. She couldn't escape.
Gritting her teeth, she turned and pulled Ichigo into her arms, covering him with her body. "Don't move, Ichigo," she whispered.
The Hollow roared, its claws raised high. Ichigo's small voice trembled. "Mom, nooo!"
He shut his eyes as the creature swung down —
Clang!
The sound of metal striking flesh echoed through the rain. Ichigo opened his eyes and gasped. Masaki did the same, eyes widening in disbelief.
Standing between them and the Hollow was a boy — about Ichigo's age, but strikingly different. He had long crimson hair that flowed down his back, his expression calm yet filled with disgust. One hand rested in his pocket; the other effortlessly caught the Hollow's massive claw.
The monster strained, growling, but its arm wouldn't budge. The boy's grip only tightened.
Masaki's eyes widened further. "Who…?"
The boy's crimson eyes flickered coldly as he stared at the beast.
Going back thirty minutes earlier — Lucien had already checked in with the hotel manager, the entire staff bowing respectfully as he passed.
"Young master, welcome to the Gremory Hotel—Karakura branch. We've already prepared the master suite for you. Please allow one of our staff to escort you there," the manager said respectfully, bowing his head.
"Thank you. Lead the way," Lucien replied with a polite nod, about to follow when a loud voice interrupted.
"Hey! How come he gets the master suite?" a man shouted from across the lobby. He was holding hands with his girlfriend and looked furious. "I've been trying to reserve that room for me and my girl all week, and now some random brat gets it?!"
The devil manager sighed, his composure slipping. "Sir, as I've already explained, the master suite is reserved for important guests. We have several other high-quality rooms available for you."
The man puffed out his chest. "No! Do you even know who my father is? You'll give me that room right now, or else!"
"Yeah! You tell him, babe!" his girlfriend added with a sneer.
Lucien rolled his eyes, deciding to ignore them, but when the man reached out as if to grab him, Lucien caught his wrist midair.
The entire lobby fell silent.
Lucien's expression turned cold, his crimson eyes dull and unreadable. He looked down at the man as though he were beneath him. The devil staff, however, were seething — how dare a human try to touch their young master?
"You bumbling idiot!" one of the maids shouted, her voice trembling with anger. "Do you even know who that is?! That's the founder's grandson!"
The man froze, paling instantly. His girlfriend's smirk vanished. They both began to sweat. Everyone in the supernatural world knew who Zeoticus Gremory was — one of the wealthiest and most influential devils alive.
The man stammered, his voice shaking. "O-oh, really? I-I didn't know! I was just, uh… trying to dust off his jacket, that's all! I think we'll, uh, stay somewhere else tonight. Let's go, Tiffany!"
He tried to pull his hand free, but Lucien's grip didn't budge. It was like trying to move a steel vice.
"Guards," Lucien said calmly, voice steady but commanding. "Remove this man and his companion from the premises."
Immediately, two tall guards appeared, grabbing the man and his girlfriend before dragging them out. Their protests echoed down the hall until the front doors slammed shut behind them.
What Lucien didn't know was that Zeoticus and Venelana had been watching through the hotel's security feed. Both smiled proudly at their grandson's composure. Then Venelana's expression turned cold.
"Dear, I believe that was Saito's son," she said softly, though her tone was sharp as ice.
"Yes," Zeoticus replied, his smile fading. "I think it's time we end our business dealings with that family." He reached for his phone immediately.
The man, of course, had no idea his tantrum would soon destroy his father's career and leave him disowned — and much worse after the yakuza discovered his debt.
Later, Lucien was led into his suite — a lavish penthouse with a panoramic view of Karakura's skyline. After unpacking, he ordered dinner and sat back on the couch with a sigh.
"I swear, no matter where you go, idiots exist," he muttered, stretching. "Hopefully that guy learns his lesson about being rude to staff."
A knock came at the door, and a maid entered, bowing as she placed his dinner on the table before leaving silently.
Lucien lifted the lid and grinned. A thick bacon cheeseburger and fries sat steaming on the plate.
"No matter how rich I get, I'll always love the simple things in life," he said with a chuckle. "Who needs beef wellington when you've got a good burger?"
He carried his food out onto the balcony, setting it on the small table. The city lights glimmered below, and rain pattered softly on the railing. He was just about to take a bite when his expression hardened.
He felt it — a dark, malicious presence.
His eyes glowed faintly crimson as he peered toward the town. His gaze cut through the storm, tracing a familiar energy trail. It ended near the river, surrounded by a faint barrier. His Crimson Eyes pierced it easily, revealing what lay inside — a creature with a white mask, its claws raised over a terrified mother and child.
'That's… a Hollow?' he thought.
Then his eyes narrowed. "That's a setup."
He dropped his burger, snapped his fingers, and an illusion spell shimmered over him. Spreading his devil wings, Lucien launched into the night sky, flying fast toward the river. As he approached, he recognized them — Masaki and Ichigo Kurosaki.
His aura flared. He broke through the barrier effortlessly, landing just as the Hollow's claw descended. With one hand, he caught it mid-swing, stopping it cold.
Now, we're caught up to the present.
Lucien glared at the monster, his voice low and venomous. "To kill a mother and child in cold blood… you disgust me."
His Crimson Eyes glowed brighter. He raised his other hand, palm facing the creature.
"Begone. Hakai."
The Hollow shrieked as its body ignited with crimson energy. It disintegrated into black and red particles, its existence erased down to the atomic level.
When the air finally stilled, Lucien lowered his hand and turned toward Masaki and Ichigo. Masaki was trembling, clutching her son tightly. Ichigo stared at him with wide eyes — a mix of awe and determination.
The moonlight washed over Lucien, highlighting his long crimson hair and sharp features. Masaki gasped softly.
"Gremory…" she whispered.
Lucien's sharp hearing picked it up easily. He smiled gently. "Why yes, I am. My name's Lucien Gremory."
He extended his hand, helping them both up. "Are you two alright?"
Masaki's eyes widened further. The name Lucien Gremory was known across every corner of the supernatural world — the son of Sirzechs Lucifer, the born Super Devil.
"Y-yes, we're fine," she said quickly, still trying to compose herself. "But… if I may ask, what is someone of your status doing in a small town like this, Sir Lucien?"
Lucien waved a hand dismissively. "Please, just Lucien. My father sent me here to eliminate a stray devil that's been killing humans. But clearly, that wasn't a stray. What was that thing?"
He already knew, of course — but he wanted to hear her explanation.
Masaki relaxed slightly, realizing he wasn't a threat. "That was a Hollow, Lucien. I'm not surprised you didn't recognize it. Most hollows avoid places where devils are. Hollows are spiritual creatures — twisted remnants of human souls filled with regret and hatred."
Lucien nodded thoughtfully. "I see… interesting. Oh where are my manners? What are your names?"
Masaki smiled faintly. "I'm Masaki Kurosaki, and this is my son, Ichigo."
Ichigo stepped forward, determination in his eyes. "Like Mom said, I'm Ichigo Kurosaki. I saw how you killed that monster thank you for saving us."
He bowed deeply, surprising Lucien.
Lucien scratched his cheek awkwardly. "It's no problem. Please, stop bowing. We're the same age — it feels weird."
'Seriously… this is awkward,' he thought.
Still bowing, Ichigo spoke again. "I almost lost my mom, and I couldn't do anything to help. I don't ever want to be that weak again. Lucien, please, train me. Make me stronger!"
Both Masaki and Lucien blinked in surprise.
'I'd love to have him in my peerage,' Lucien thought, 'but we just met. His mom would never allow it, not yet.'
He sighed. "Hold on, Ichigo. I'm sure your mom knows about the supernatural she recognized me right away. Why not ask her to train you? I could be a bad person for all you know."
Ichigo shook his head stubbornly. "No. If you were bad, you wouldn't have saved us. And Mom didn't stop you — that means she trusts you too. Plus, no offense, but whatever she tried didn't work, and you destroyed that thing like it was nothing. So please help me get stronger."
Masaki shrugged lightly. "No offense taken, sweetheart. He's not wrong. My powers didn't work for some reason, and Lucien is clearly on another level. A born Super Devil, right?"
Lucien blinked. "You're… awfully calm about this."
Masaki smiled knowingly. "Ichigo didn't say anything wrong. When he sets his mind on something, nothing stops him. Besides, I know the Gremory reputation, you treat your servants like family. If my son's going to learn about the supernatural, I'd rather it be under someone I can trust. Someone who will have his back like I know the Gremory's do for their family."
Lucien stared at her, a mix of disbelief and respect flickering in his eyes. Then he looked down at Ichigo, still bowing.
He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Alright, alright. Stop bowing. I'll help you get stronger… but in return, I want you to join my family."
Ichigo looked up, eyes wide. "Your… family?"
Lucien nodded and pulled the small box of Evil Pieces from his pocket dimension, setting it on his palm for Masaki and Ichigo to see. He took one of the mutated pieces between his fingers.
"You see, I'm of the race called Devil," he began. "I know the name sounds bad, but not all of us are evil. Centuries ago, during a terrible war, our race nearly went extinct. Ajuka Beelzebub created these — Evil Pieces — so a devil can reincarnate someone else as a devil, as their servant. My family doesn't treat reincarnated devils as servants. We treat them as family.
Once I use one of these, you'll be transformed into a devil with the base devil abilities. After you're part of my family, I'll train you to become as strong as you can be. I have a goal: to surpass my father and become the strongest devil alive — not only in the Underworld but in the whole world. My peerage needs people who chase the impossible. Tell me, do you have that drive? Will you reach for the impossible with me? Will you join my family?"
He held out the mutated knight piece toward Ichigo.
Ichigo blinked, took it all in, and glanced at his mother. Masaki gave him a small, encouraging nod.
"It's your choice, Ichigo. Do what your heart tells you," she said.
Ichigo inhaled slowly. "As long as I can protect my family, I don't care if I become a devil. I accept. I'll join your family."
Lucien smiled widely and pressed the mutated piece to Ichigo's chest. A bright crimson light flared, and Ichigo's body changed. Black-and-crimson energy swirled around him as devil wings sprouted from his back. His power level climbed until it settled at peak Middle-Class rank — shocking Lucien, since most reincarnated humans start lower unless they have a Sacred Gear. Lucien's Crimson Eyes also picked up a strange mana signature on Ichigo he hadn't seen before.
'I knew Ichigo's potential was high from the anime,' Lucien thought. 'This is insane. Most reincarnated humans start low unless they have something special. Maybe it's because he's half Shinigami — now he's half Devil and half Shinigami.'
"Wait— that's it? You don't have to say a chant or something like in the anime?" Ichigo asked, bewildered at how fast it all happened.
Lucien shrugged. "Some devils add dramatic flair, but really, it's that simple. By the way — what are you? Your power was higher than a normal human's even before this."
Ichigo blinked. "You mean I wasn't fully human before this?"
Lucien exchanged a look with Masaki. "Sorry — I didn't think I'd be explaining this so soon. Let's go home; your father can explain it. I assume you want to come with me, Ichigo?" Masaki giggled at her son's stunned face and turned to Lucien.
"Yeah. I'm curious about my new knight's background," Lucien said, following them.
"Knight?" Ichigo asked.
"Oh right — I didn't explain what each piece does. Have you heard of chess?" Lucien began as they walked.
Ten minutes later they arrived at the Kurosaki clinic. Masaki unlocked the front door and ushered them inside. She offered Lucien guest slippers; he took them off and slipped the slippers on. A tall figure came running down the stairs as if he'd sensed them return. He scooped Masaki into a hug and kissed her, then tried to nudge Ichigo playfully, which the boy dodged.
"Oi, watch it, old man!" Ichigo yelled.
"I do it to make you stronger. Masaki, my love — welcome home," Ichigo's father said, smiling as he tried to kiss his wife again. She pushed him back lightly, blushing. "Honey, not in front of guests."
Isshin finally noticed Lucien and stiffened when he realized a devil was present. Masaki's presence calmed him a little, and he looked at her seriously.
"What happened?" he asked.
They spent the next half hour explaining everything and introducing Lucien. They all sat around the dining table while Isshin processed the story.
"Everything goes crazy the moment I look away from you guys," Isshin said, then bowed slightly to Lucien. "First, thank you for protecting my family while I was gone."
Lucien was about to decline when he sensed killer intent. Isshin was already in his Shinigami stance, sword drawn, eyes solemn. "But if you ever think of harming my son," Isshin added coldly, "I don't care who you are — I will kill you."
Lucien nodded; his respect for Isshin rose. Ichigo's respect seemed to shift as well. Isshin sheathed his sword, faced Ichigo, and spoke.
"Ichigo — since you're part of this life now, I'll tell you what you are. You're a half-Shinigami."
Ichigo frowned. "A grim reaper?"
"No," Isshin said. "Shinigami in our world are not the same as those myths. We're more like angels: we guide souls to the Soul Society or Yomi. We were created by Amaterasu-sama for that task. I was a captain in my division before I retired to live a normal life. I met Masaki after coming to the human world, and we started a family. We tried to live near other faction territory without being noticed, but someone found us — which explains the trap." He said.
"Don't worry. I'll ask my father to add this town to Kuoh's territory so no one else will try anything. And I'll start Ichigo's training soon." Lucien said.
Ichigo's grin spread wide at that.
"What I don't know is that Lucien plans to have Souji and me train him," Isshin thought aloud, then handed Ichigo a plain katana. "This is an asauchi, son. Meditate with it and pour your power into the blade; it will transform into a sword made just for you. It will be ready when you can hear and communicate with the spirit inside."
"Whoa — so cool!" Ichigo said, grabbing the blade.
"Kind of like a Sacred Gear," Lucien commented; Isshin nodded.
"So what's your plan now? Going back home?" Masaki asked.
Lucien shook his head. "Nope. I have a week to explore the human world before I go back. I'll report to my parents and then keep exploring until the week's up."
"Oh — I see. Well, I guess we'll be seeing each other a lot," Masaki said, smiling.
"Of course. And we can start Ichigo's— torture, I mean training— soon," Lucien quipped as a magic circle formed under his feet.
"Wait, you said 'torture'!" Ichigo cried.
"I don't know what you're talking about. Bye! See you later," Lucien said with a grin. He waved and teleported back to his suite — finally determined to finish that burger.