NOTAKING
patreon
Ble@ch: Chapter 80
🕑 Added 2025-06-03 10:13:04 +0000 UTCAfter that, they returned to the living world. Rukia had stepped forward at the last second, her eyes conflicted, the wind tugging at her hair as if urging her to follow.
“I should go with you,” she said softly, almost not trusting her own voice.
But Ichigo shook his head, a small, confident smirk playing on his lips. “No… you need to stay here, Rukia. Get stronger. For me.”
His words struck a chord, and she froze, torn between loyalty and personal growth. Slowly, she nodded, forcing a smile as she watched them leave, the Senkaimon closing between them like a final curtain on a stage.
Ukitake stepped forward just before their departure and held out the Substitute Shinigami badge. “You’ve earned this… even if it comes with burdens.”
Ichigo accepted it without hesitation, feeling the familiar weight in his palm. He knew exactly what it was — a shackle disguised as a gift — but he didn’t care. He was used to carrying heavy things.
Back in the living world, the cool breeze of Karakura Town was oddly comforting. Uryuu adjusted his glasses, nodded silently, and turned away, disappearing down the street without a word. Chad gave Ichigo a brief nod of respect before walking off, his footsteps heavy, like a soldier returning home from war.
That left Ichigo, Orihime, and Yoruichi walking the dim-lit streets toward Urahara’s shop.
“I want my body back,” Ichigo said bluntly, his voice cutting through the night like steel.
Yoruichi raised a brow, a lazy smirk tugging at her lips. “It might not be in one piece. You left it with that loudmouth mod soul, remember?”
“Oh, I’m not worried,” Ichigo replied, a dark glint in his eye. “If anything’s missing, Kon’s dead.”
When they arrived at the shop, the lights were off. No Kon. Ichigo cursed under his breath and without warning, flash-stepped away in a streak of spirit energy.
He arrived at home in a heartbeat, climbing silently through the window. There, sprawled across his bed like a king of his tiny realm, was Kon — snoring. Drool glistened on his plush cheek.
After a long and mildly annoying process of forcing the mod soul out and reentering his body, Ichigo stretched, feeling his muscles groan. Then his stomach growled so loudly it echoed.
“What the hell did you eat while I was gone?!” he shouted.
“Everything,” Kon said smugly, stretching his stubby limbs. That earned him a swift kick across the room.
Ichigo stomped to the bathroom, dropped his “bombs,” and came out a new man. He cracked his knuckles, then grabbed Kon by the scruff.
“I’m sure Yuzu would love to see you again,” he said, a devilish grin spreading across his face.
Kon’s felt his synthetic heart drop. “No… no, you wouldn’t—!”
But Ichigo was already downstairs.
Yuzu’s eyes lit up the second she saw him. “Big brother?!”
Karin blinked in surprise. “Why did you come in through the window?”
Ichigo rubbed the back of his head, chuckling awkwardly. “I wanted to surprise you! And look what I found—Mr…” he trailed off dramatically as he handed her Kon.
Yuzu gasped in joy. “Mr. Stuffie! I’ve been looking everywhere for him!” She hugged Kon tight, blissfully unaware of the horror etched on his face.
Karin crossed her arms and stared at Ichigo, lips pursed. He leaned down and ruffled her hair.
“You miss me?” he asked with a grin.
“Nope,” she huffed, turning her head away too quickly, the pink flush in her cheeks betraying her true feelings.
Then came Isshin.
As if on cue, Ichigo’s father lunged in from nowhere with a war cry, fist flying through the air. But Ichigo was done playing that game — he tilted his head, letting the punch pass by harmlessly, and Isshin’s momentum carried him straight into the stair railing. His head wedged perfectly between the bars.
Ichigo turned to Yuzu, ignoring the thrashing behind him. “So, what’s cooking?”
Yuzu eagerly took his hand. “Come see! I made miso soup and grilled salmon, just the way you like!”
As they walked into the kitchen, Karin stood behind, watching Isshin struggle like a cartoon character.
“Weird old man,” she muttered.
Those words hit Isshin harder than any kick ever could.
After breakfast, Ichigo trudged upstairs to his room, rubbing his stomach in satisfaction. The aroma of miso still clung to him, warm and nostalgic. As he stepped inside, the quiet hit him — peaceful but too quiet. The kind of quiet that reminded him someone important was missing.
Just then, Kon burst in, flailing his tiny arms in panic.
“Ichigo! I’m sorry, man! I didn’t mean to eat everything or stretch out your good hoodie or — or leave weird browser history on your laptop!”
Ichigo stared at him blankly.
Kon dropped to his knees, which was impressive for a plushie. “Please don’t tell Yuzu! Or she'll throw me in the washing machine again!”
Ichigo raised an eyebrow, arms crossed. “Fine. I’ll forgive you… on one condition.”
Kon blinked. “Anything!”
“You’re my servant now.”
A beat of silence. Then Kon’s scream echoed through the entire Kurosaki household.
Moments later, Ichigo leaned back on his bed, satisfied. Kon was now, wearing an apron that Yuzu had bedazzled years ago, muttering curses as he scrubbed the floor with a toothbrush.
‘Not sure when the Arrancar arc’s gonna start,’ Ichigo thought, staring up at the ceiling, ‘but for now, maybe it’s time to sort out my relationships. Tatsuki, Orihime… maybe even Yoruichi, if I survive the flirting.'
His brow furrowed as he thought about the Espada.
‘Then there’s Nelliel and Tier Harribel… Should I add them to the harem plan?’
The image of Nel flashed through his mind — cheerful, affectionate, but very much in her child form.
‘Nope. Hard pass until I can fix her mask and bring her back to adult Nel. Imagine doing the deed and mid-action she reverts to that toddler form. Hell no. That’s a goddamn horror story. For me at least. Some of you freaks online might be into that, but seriously — get help.’
He shook his head, groaning, then stood and opened his window. The breeze rolled in, ruffling his hair. The streets outside buzzed faintly with life, but to him, it all felt distant.
Karakura Town felt… dimmer. Quieter. Rukia wasn’t here anymore. There were no sarcastic arguments at sunrise, no surprise drawings left on his notebook margins, no loud cartoon intros echoing through the house in the morning.
He rested his arms on the window frame and looked up at the sky.
‘I guess we’ll meet again soon. Especially with the Arrancar arc around the corner.’
A small smile tugged at his lips.
‘For now… let’s rest.’
And with that, he closed the window, finally letting his mind — and body — relax for the first time in days.
TO BE CONTINUED
[A/N: And that brings the end of the Soul Society Arc. Hope you guys enjoyed. See you on the next chapter. Peace ✌️]
