At the entrance of the Twelfth Division, Amamiya Miyako and Captain Jūshirō Ukitake stepped out of the Technical Development Bureau.
Their purpose in coming had been simple—retrieve the Substitute Shinigami Badge, now embedded with countless surveillance measures.
Neither of them wanted this duty, but it was an ironclad order. The Twelfth Division had been commanded directly by the temporary Central 46 to embed monitoring functions, whether Ukitake approved or not.
The reinstated Central 46 treated regulations about Substitute Shinigami with an almost fanatical strictness, leaving no room for protest. As he had whispered to Miyako before, Ukitake could only resolve to secretly warn Kurosaki Ichigo of the truth.
Ukitake studied the ominous skull insignia carved into the badge. His brow tightened and he let out a heavy sigh.
Originally, Substitute Shinigami had not needed such shackles. But the betrayal of Ginjō Kūgo had poisoned the Central 46's trust. Now, they viewed this next Substitute—Ichigo Kurosaki—with suspicion and fear.
"Don't worry, taichō. Ichigo won't become like that," Miyako said, his voice steady. "And we'll warn him. That's enough."
"Mm. That's all we can do," Ukitake murmured guiltily. "For one who saved the Soul Society, to be treated like this…"
"Let's hurry, Captain. Ichigo and the others are about to leave for the Human World."
Together, Ukitake and Miyako walked toward the Senkaimon. Many shinigami had already gathered there. Even if not every division could attend, gratitude pulled them here to see Ichigo and his companions off.
"Captain Ukitake, Miyako—you're finally here! Where in the world were you at a time like this?" Rukia Kuchiki scolded, arms crossed. She was only a seated officer; she hadn't the rank to accompany Ukitake or learn the secrets behind his visit to the Twelfth.
"You'll know in time, Rukia," Ukitake replied gently, shaking his head. If he told her now, she would surely explode in anger.
"Oi, so many people gathered here," Ichigo muttered as he walked over, scratching the back of his head.
"You're the Soul Society's great benefactor. Of course it has to be big," Miyako teased with a faint smirk.
"Benefactor? Don't say weird stuff. Weren't you calling me 'Ryoka' just before?" Ichigo shot back.
"That was then, this is now." Miyako spread his hands in mock surrender. "Besides, your bond with the Soul Society is probably closer than you think…" His voice trailed off meaningfully.
"Tch, more of your cryptic crap. You should talk less. If I wasn't in a good mood right now, I might deck you." Ichigo sighed.
"Then I guess I should be thankful for your mercy," Miyako replied lightly.
Rukia frowned, stomped down on Miyako's foot, and turned her head away.
"Oi! That hurt," Miyako winced, looking at her with innocent eyes. Rukia, of course, ignored him.
When word spread that Rukia would not be returning to the Human World, the shinigami around them lined up to say their farewells. She smiled and returned each goodbye warmly. These friends, these bonds—precious things she never imagined she would gain.
"Ichigo," Ukitake called, his tone affectionate.
"What is it, Captain?" Ichigo asked, tilting his head.
"This is for you." Ukitake held out the Substitute Shinigami Badge.
Ichigo blinked, took the badge, and turned it over in his hands. "What's this?"
"This is a Substitute Shinigami Badge," Ukitake explained softly. "When a Substitute appears, if judged to benefit Soul Society, he is given this. With it, your soul can leave your body at will. You can fight hollows as a shinigami."
Ichigo's eyes widened. "Seriously? That's awesome! Before, I needed Rukia to push me out. Now I can do it myself anytime." His grin widened. "Protecting people just got a lot easier."
"But Ichigo…" Ukitake lowered his voice, motioning him closer.
Ichigo leaned in. "Hm?"
"This badge isn't just our gift. It's a regulation—forced by the Soul Society. Keep that in mind."
Ichigo frowned. "Huh…? What's that supposed to mean?" He stared, bewildered. First Miyako's riddles, now Ukitake too?
"Whatever. I'll remember. Thanks, Captain." He smiled. After these days together, Ichigo had read Ukitake's heart. A captain who could bend rules to save his men wouldn't betray him.
The Senkaimon gates opened. Light poured out, signaling it was time. Ichigo turned and waved, stepping forward with his friends into the blinding white.
"Ah—wait! Ichigo and the others don't have Hell Butterflies!" Miyako blurted suddenly. As shinigami, they took the butterflies' guidance for granted. He had just realized the oversight.
"Baka! Why didn't you say that earlier!" Rukia snapped, kicking Miyako again.
"Oi oi, I only just remembered," Miyako muttered, rubbing his shin. "Besides, none of you remembered either."
The gathered shinigami looked at one another, awkward and sheepish. Still, with Yoruichi leading the group, they would manage, even if the path was roundabout.
"All right, Miyako, Rukia—let's return to the Thirteenth Division," Ukitake said. His voice grew serious. "Our duties will only become heavier from now."
"Huh? Captain Ukitake, why do you say that?" Rukia asked curiously.
"Because a new storm is already gathering," Miyako answered. "Let's go, Rukia. We're still too weak. You don't want to face Aizen helplessly again… do you?"
The name alone sent a chill through the air. Rukia stiffened, her hands clenching at her sides. Aizen Sōsuke's overwhelming power replayed in her mind like a nightmare. She lowered her gaze, unable to deny it.
"…You're right."
"Miyako speaks the truth," Ukitake said gently. His pale eyes, though tired, were unwavering. "Both of you must become stronger. The storm to come will sweep through the Three Worlds themselves. And when that happens, even the Gotei 13 won't be spared."
Miyako closed his hand around the Quincy Cross hidden beneath his robes. The cold metal pressed into his palm, and with it came clarity. He stepped forward with renewed resolve.
Aizen… will you complete the Hōgyoku and ascend beyond us first? Or will I grasp greater power and crush you beneath it?
His thoughts burned like fire, pushing him onward.
****
Author's Note
The Soul Society arc has reached its conclusion! Before diving into the next stage, I want to pause and reflect for a moment.
As of now, this story has surpassed two hundred thousand characters. Honestly, many scenes have been rewritten, deleted, and reshaped over and over again. Maybe some sharp-eyed readers noticed gaps here and there—the missing duel between Hitsugaya and Gin, the tension between Kira, Hinamori, and Rangiku, even parts of Ichigo's battle with Zaraki Kenpachi. And yes… poor Renji's screentime took a big hit (laughs bitterly).
Some original material was inevitable too. Please forgive me if parts feel stretched or padded—it's my first time writing such a long fanfic, and I don't have the confidence yet to stray entirely from Kubo-sensei's framework. Still, I'm learning as I go.
To those who've continued to support this work—thank you! Truly, arigatou. Your votes, your comments, your encouragement… they've all carried me this far. For the few generous patrons especially, I bow deeply. I promise to keep giving this story my all.
...
Preview of Next Volume
The curtain rises on a new storm—one that will engulf every realm. Here's a little "trailer" for what's to come. Be warned, there may be misdirection! After all, isn't that the nature of trailers? (laughs)
...
"Comrades, let us advance together. Before us… there are no enemies!"
"We will win! As long as we follow Aizen-sama!"
"Ichigo, don't stop! Aizen, fused with the Hōgyoku, feels no pain!"
"Kurosaki Ichigo! Why can you become a Shinigami?! Why can you wield a Zanpakutō without an Asauchi?! Why can you master Hollowfication?!"
"There is only one answer! You are the first human born with both Hollow and Shinigami powers… and I was the one who set it in motion!"
...
"Amamiya Miyako… when did you fall for the illusion that my Kyōka Suigetsu was sealed?"
"…And when did you, Aizen, fall for the illusion that I even needed to seal Kyōka Suigetsu?"
A violent surge of reiryoku erupted from Miyako's body, spiraling skyward. A colossal pillar of light pierced the heavens, a luminous cross blazing at its peak.
As the radiance shattered, Miyako emerged transformed—an otherworldly halo hovering above his head, luminous wings of blue and white reishi unfurled from his back, and streams of spirit particles coiling endlessly around him.
"What…! Is this your Bankai?!"
"Who knows," Miyako smirked. "Maybe… maybe not."
"Aizen Sōsuke," his voice thundered, "I'll admit it. Fused with the Hōgyoku, you've gained incredible power. But now, that reiryoku will be mine to command."
His eyes gleamed with unyielding will. "Now, you are the challenger!"
Aizen's laughter rang out, sharp and cruel. "Hahahaha! So this is the truth of your power. Amamiya Miyako… you are a Quincy!"
"And you should know well," he sneered, "that the power of Hollows is nothing less than a deadly poison to your kind!"
...
The storm is only beginning.