Just as everyone was lost in the heavy silence of Ichigo's memory, movement stirred in the sky again.
The black screen flickered and shifted forward, the display humming to life.
On a gray, rain-soaked day, two figures walked beneath an umbrella — one tall, one small.
By the roadside, Kurosaki Ichigo was splashed by a passing car. His mother softly took out a towel and wiped his face dry.
Yet this Ichigo was different. He said nothing. The innocence once written on his face was gone, replaced by something quieter — more self-aware. After wiping off the water, he took the initiative to hold his mother's hand as they continued walking.
Matsumoto Rangiku tilted her head. "This looks familiar, doesn't it? Why are we seeing the same scene again?"
Hitsugaya Tōshirō narrowed his eyes. "No. It's different. Look at Ichigo — his personality isn't the same."
Unohana Retsu nodded gently. "The first Ichigo was innocent, but this one seems more composed, almost mature."
Kyoraku Shunsui smiled faintly. "There's a calmness in his face. He's grown, even as a child."
Ichigo frowned. "Is that… me from another world?"
Ishida Uryu adjusted his glasses. "Another world? Then maybe both versions of you lived different lives."
Yoruichi Shihouin crossed her arms. "Let's just keep watching. The answer will show itself."
The scene shifted again. Ichigo and his mother walked the familiar riverside path, rain falling heavily around them. Suddenly, Ichigo stopped, his gaze fixed on something near the riverbank — a small girl in a cloak.
"Mom, do you see that little girl by the river?"
"What's wrong, Ichigo? There's no one there."
Ichigo frowned. "No one? What's going on?"
A quiet suspicion formed in his young voice. "A little girl out in the rain, alone, no umbrella... and I didn't see her before. That's strange. Something isn't right."
Rukia Kuchiki's eyes widened. "That's Ichigo? At nine years old, thinking like that?"
Shiba Ganju barked a laugh. "No way, that's gotta be a fake Ichigo!"
Ishida Uryu shook his head. "It's almost like a different person. That doesn't fit the Ichigo I know."
Ichigo smirked. "How can that not be me? Maybe I've just been hiding my brilliance all along."
Kurotsuchi Mayuri chuckled darkly. "Unlikely. There's still a spark of idiocy in those eyes."
Abarai Renji snorted. "No kidding. You barely think in battle, let alone at nine."
Yoruichi raised a brow. "Let's not jump to conclusions. We don't even know if the screen is showing the truth yet."
Ichigo crossed his arms. "Hey, that's a bit harsh, don't you think?"
A cold mechanical voice suddenly broke the chatter.
"Ding. Answer time."
The voice continued:
"Kurosaki Ichigo in the video is now facing a choice. How will he respond?"
A: Ignore everything and rush to save the girl.
B: Stay still and observe. Only a fool would run into danger in the rain.
C: Call his mother to help.
D: Warn the little girl not to jump into the river.
"You have fifteen seconds to answer. Only the first three to respond will be counted. Correct answers bring rewards. Incorrect answers bring punishment. Choose wisely."
Kurotsuchi Mayuri grinned. "What idiotic options. None of them sound reliable."
Ichimaru Gin's smile widened. "Hehe, interesting. I'm curious what kind of punishment this power deals."
Matsumoto Rangiku clasped her hands. "Wow, rewards! Should we pick one, Captain?"
Hitsugaya sighed. "Didn't you notice there are punishments too? You're impossible."
She pouted. "Oh come on, this is the fun part!"
He groaned. "You call that fun…"
Ichigo took a deep breath. "What would I do in that world? The calm me wouldn't just rush in. The other options don't fit. It has to be B. Maybe it's too outrageous… but last time, I acted without thinking, and my mother died because of it. I won't let that happen again."
"I choose B."
Ishida's eyes widened. "Kurosaki, wait—!"
Mayuri chuckled. "How fascinating. I'll choose B as well. I'm curious to see what the system will do."
Sui-Feng crossed her arms. "Reckless fools, both of you."
The others hesitated, uncertain of the consequences, and chose to stay silent.
"Time up. Two participants have made their choice. The answer will be revealed shortly."
The scene resumed. The little girl stepped toward the river.
This time, Ichigo didn't rush to save her. He simply watched.
"Ichigo, what are you looking at?" his mother asked gently.
He didn't respond. His eyes narrowed.
"Mom can't see her. She wasn't there before. She just appeared — as if out of nowhere. Something's wrong. No normal person would stand in the rain like that. Maybe… she isn't human."
His mother looked toward where Ichigo stared and saw nothing, but her face paled.
She seemed to understand.
Then, the little girl turned toward Ichigo and grinned — a twisted, inhuman smile — before vanishing into thin air.
Ichigo froze. Even this more composed version of him was still a child, unprepared for the terror of what he had just seen.