Part 13: The Lost Agent Vol. 2, 4-1

Rukia.

It's been a while, hasn't it, Ichigo? You've become strong and mature since the last time I saw you...

...in your dreams!

Here you are, crying like a pathetic fool! You turned into a wimp the minute I took my eyes off you! You're pitiful, Ichigo!

Kisuke told me all about Tsukishima and his power. Apparently, he can write over the past. That's pretty terrifying.

But so what if he can?! You still have power. Even if he's able to change your past, he can't change your future!

The damage may be effective in the short run, but lost bonds can be forged again! Am I right, Ichigo?!

Rukia, there's something you should know. He didn't change my past, despite what you heard.

Why are you always so nitpicky, you jerk!

Man, what is your problem?! I was only trying to explain things, and you're trying to kill me!

Don't be ridiculous! This blade can't cut people!

Now that you mention it, what exactly is that sword?

This is a special sword that Kisuke prepared specifically for you, Ichigo. Thanks to this, I was able to give you Soul Reaper powers once again. It's extremely effective.

Oh, please. That's completely absurd. So his appearance is now like a Soul Reaper, but that doesn't mean his powers are back.

The transfer of Soul Reaper powers worked in the past because Kurosaki already had those powers in him. But that's all changed now. Those powers no longer exist!

That's because I was able to reach in and remove them.

Believe me. There's nothing left in this boy, and there's no way your spirit energy alone will be enough to bring his powers back! It's a waste of your time!

Shut up, dumbass!

What makes you think she's acting alone?

Listen carefully! We put all of our spirit energy into that sword. That's more than enough to restore Ichigo's Soul Reaper powers!

Ginjo, was it? When you attacked Ichigo, you were only able to steal the top layer of his power. The part that had been fused with his Fullbring.

The power within Ichigo is another story. It's not something you could ever take or even have access to.

Ichigo! These guys don't know you like I do! They think they were able to fill you with despair, but it's gonna take more than this to make you give up.

They don't know the kinds of hopeless situations you've overcome in the past!

Show them, Ichigo! Show them that despair, no matter how deep, will never be enough to stop you!

Right.

What's happening?! What the hell is this spirit energy?!

(I've gotta get some distance between us so I can regroup!)

You're not going anywhere.

Hahhhh!

Gh! Damn it! But it'll take more than this to kill me! You hear me, Kurosaki?!

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

Rukia, Renji, Byakuya, Kenpachi, Ikkaku, Toshiro...

...and more. A whole lot more.

Shinji, Rangiku, Ms. Unohana, Hanataro, Dad, Kisuke, Yoruichi...

...and even the old Head Captain.

You can feel it within you, right?

What's up? I thought it was a serious crime to transfer your powers over to a human.

We really didn't have a choice in the matter. The orders came directly from the Head Captain.

I completely understand the situation. Very well then, Kisuke Urahara. Bring the sword to me.

Despite what people may think, it remains that Ichigo Kurosaki has saved us all. We cannot ignore a debt like that. Now it is time for us to repay him.

We must do this even if it means breaking tradition. It would bring perpetual shame to the 13 Court Guard Squads to ignore what we owe him.

This is a direct order from your Head Captain! Hear me, all captains and lieutenants of the 13 Court Guard Squads! You are hereby ordered to place your spirit energy into this sword!

We will help Ichigo Kurosaki regain his Soul Reaper powers!

That's what happened. Nice move on the part of the Head Captain, don't you think?

Don't be ridiculous. It wasn't the rational idea you'd expect of a leader.

I can tell you, the Head Captain would have never made a decision like that in the past. The truth is, you're the one who brought this on, Ichigo.

All these powers are a gift to you. You're receiving them as a result of the changes you made to the Soul Society in all of your battles.

Accept them with honor.

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

What is that?!

There are two reasons why the Head Captain decided to restore your Soul Reaper powers. The first one is just as we told you, and the second has to do with him.

Long before you ever appeared, there was another man in the world of the living who was issued a Combat Pass as a Substitute Soul Reaper, only to later relinquish that position and disappear.

And that is him. The first Substitute Soul Reaper, Kugo Ginjo.

The first Substitute Soul Reaper? How is that possible?! But I thought...

When Jushiro handed you the Combat Pass, he must have told you about this.

The Soul Society has a law. It covers the emergence of a Substitute Soul Reaper.

According to that rule, if the Substitute Soul Reapers are deemed beneficial to the Soul Society, they are given this Combat Pass as proof of their status.

The law governing Substitute Soul Reapers was created for Ginjo himself.

I'll save the details for later. For now, concentrate your attention on him.

Hah! Now, that's a good idea. You guys are gonna have a very big problem if he's not focused on me.

Oh, by the way, thanks, Kurosaki. If I hadn't borrowed your powers, your last attack probably would've killed me.