2-5 The Surprising Truth About Dad

Waaahhhhh!!!

There's no way he's gonna believe that I'm not Ichigo.

And there's something weird going on with that mask of his, because I can see half of his face now.

I've never seen a Hollow like it!

Is he really even a Hollow?!

Enough games.

Hwahh!

Do you think I have nothing better to do than chase you around this city waiting for you to change into a Soul Reaper? Playtime's over!

If you'd rather die like a coward than return to your Soul Reaper form and fight me like a man, then so be it!

I will take your weak human body and grind all your bones into dust!

Dammit. I can't move.

I hate to spoil all your fun, Mr. Hollow...

...but Ichigo is a little busy right now. I realize I'm not much of a substitute, but this guy's not cutting it...

...so why not play with me?

Really... And who are you?

Oh, I'm sorry. I always forget to do that. Allow me to introduce myself.

I am Isshin Kurosaki.

Hey Kon, stay back. I bet I won't hear the end of it if you get hurt.

He knows my name.

Wha... How did you know that? When did you figure out that I wasn't really Ichigo?

I've known it all along.

Huh?

Kurosaki... I see. So tell me. How are the two of you related?

I'm his father.

Now it makes sense. If his father is a Soul Reaper, then Ichigo Kurosaki is of true blood.

In that case, I can understand how that little orange-haired bastard was able to defeat me.

Don't take this the wrong way, but I'm not really interested in you, Isshin.

Since you're his father, you should know where he is. Bring me your son!

I don't know where he is. It's not like he's a little kid who can't take care of himself.

Plus, I always trust my kids and give them as much space as possible.

Besides, it doesn't matter if you're interested in me or not, because the reason I'm here is to kill you.

So if you don't want to fight me, that's gonna be a problem.

Mrhahahahaha! Ehehehahaha!

You came here to kill me?! Those are pretty big words for a puny little Soul Reaper. Hahaha!

You might want to reconsider. Before you decide, you should ask yourself if I look like an ordinary Hollow!

I am...

...an Arrancar!

Surprised? You're a group of Hollows trying to attain Soul Reaper powers by removing your masks.

Isn't that right?

Hmph. Well, well. You're right. You're not as dumb as you look after all.

However, you're a fool because you know you can't win against my sword.

That's a Zanpakuto?! That thing is absolutely ginormous!

That's right! A Zanpakuto's size equals the amount of one's spirit energy!

It is obvious that the little weapon hanging limply by your side could never defeat my Zanpakuto, moron!

Is that so?

Well, then. Why don't we just find out?

Impossible...

Let me give you a little lesson on the basics.

Once a Soul Reaper reaches the level of captain, he then has the ability to control the size of his Zanpakuto.

They have to because if they didn't, they'd all be swinging around swords the size of skyscrapers.

Kind of like you.

Remember this. You should never judge your opponent by the size of his Zanpakuto.

Don't talk to me about Soul Reaper lore until you know at least that much.

What the hell? I don't believe this. Am I losing my mind?

This is crazy. Is that really Ichigo's goofy old dad?

Have you avenged her? Has justice been meted out?

Look who showed... Urahara.

It's been a long time since I've seen you, my friend.

Heh, I see you haven't lost your touch. That's good to know.

Tell me. How's it feel, being a Soul Reaper once again after 20 years?

Alright, I suppose.

I see. And do you feel better now?

In some ways, yes.

Truth is, I never held a grudge against that stupid Hollow in the first place.

If I'm being perfectly honest with myself, there's only one thing I've really regretted over these past 20 years.

And that was my lack of power. The fact that in spite of everything, I couldn't save Misaki that night.

Yeah, some things never change.

It seems your son is much like you in that regard.

What? You're wrong about that!

While we're on the subject of your son, did you happen to notice...

Yes. It appears they've made contact with him, just as you suspected they would.

The masked army. The Visoreds.

The only explanation can be that they must've noticed the sudden change in the Arrancar as well.

This one surprised me. This Arrancar's level of development was beyond anything I had ever seen before.

I guess you know what it means.

Sosuke Aizen must have made a deal with the would-be Arrancars.

He's going to help them achieve their goal. It's the same goal he's been chasing.

He's trying to create a true Arrancar using the power of the Hogyoku.

That's his level now, but who knows for how long. There's no question Aizen will perfect his prototype. His research must be very near completion.

Once he has something that can be used in the front lines of battle, he'll lead the true Arrancar and an army of Menos Grande.

And they will conquer the world.