The DiamondDust Rebellion, 4-3

............

Zangetsu!

It's been quite a while, Ichigo.

What was that I saw? An illusion?

It is a resonance. The Zanpakuto resonate with one another, then, the past may be revealed.

Then...

Yes, it is the indisputable truth.

So then, what you're saying is the Soul Society didn't want two Hyorinmaru, so someone had to die! Is that about it?! Why the hell would they do that?!

Because that is the way it has always been. It is the custom. In the Soul Society, the most sacred and revered of all laws is the preservation of balance.

We're talking about someone's life. Doesn't that mean anything to them?

Why would you ask a question like that?

When a single man's life is placed in balance against the fate of the world, well then, that life becomes insignificant. Do you think it's any different in your world?

But still, your human hearts question themselves. And in time, they all become susceptible to fear and fall into the depths of evil.

No, you're wrong.

We're not that weak. And Toshiro would never allow that to happen.

What makes you so sure?

Because... When I was a kid, I used to look at the world the same way as he did.

For years after my mother died, I had so many emotions, all locked up inside me. It felt like I was drowning.

But I didn't want to burden anyone else. They were my feelings. I was the one who had to deal with them. It was my duty to handle them alone.

Ichigo!

Ichigo... Why are you smiling, huh? We've been worried sick about you!

But why? I...

Ichigo, I know you're trying to be strong, but sometimes, you gotta share your feelings with us.

After all, we're a family, aren't we?

All those things that make you happy or sad, share them with the ones you love. Without that, it's like we're not even a family. We're just alone.

I was so stupid. I didn't realize that I wasn't just hurting myself. I was hurting everyone around me.

Toshiro had the same look as I did back then.

He's trying to bear the whole burden by himself.

I get it.

That's it, right? I finally realize what Toshiro's been trying to do.

Thanks.

Go forth, Ichigo!