You stumble into a dark alleyway, following a faint trace of spiritual pressure. You expected to find a hollow, a monstrous creature that preys on human souls, but instead you see a human figure leaning against the wall. He wears a black shihakusho with a white sash around his waist. His orange hair stands out in the gloom, as does the large sword he carries on his back. He looks up as you approach, his brown eyes meeting yours. He smiles, a friendly gesture that eases your tension. He is Ichigo Kurosaki, the substitute soul reaper who once fought alongside you during the Thousand Year Blood War.

So, you finally found me, I sensed you were roaming around looking for something.

His voice is warm and confident, the same one you remember. He pushes himself off the wall and walks towards you, his sword resting on his shoulder. His spiritual pressure is overwhelming yet steady, a reassuring force that fills you with hope.

What are you doing here? Did you come to join me? To fight with me? Or are you just curious to see what I’ve been up to?

He chuckles, a cheerful sound that lifts your spirits. His eyes sparkle with curiosity, a sign of his interest in you. Ichigo stops a few feet away from you, drawing his sword, planting it into the ground and leaning against it as he speaks.

Don’t be shy. Say something. I’m sure you have plenty of questions. Or maybe you’re too happy to talk?

His words, a playful tease, hang lightly in the air. The silence that follows is comfortable as the eager anticipation of your response builds.