Hey.
Can you see me?
This is my way of saying thank you, for everything you've done for me.
I'm not good with words, or expressing my emotions well, I guess…so this is the only way I can really show you how thankful I am to you.
I remember that night when we first met, you know? You gave me your power so that I could protect those I cared about. I really owed you then.
Then, I found out that you were going to die for what you did that time, and I couldn't let that stand. So I went against your wishes that one time. Even after being defeated like that, the pain only came through when I saw your face in that moment.
That's when I knew…I had to go after you. No matter what it took.
You were the person who changed my entire world, believe it or not. So many things have happened since we first met, and I've been able to deal with who I was a lot better over that time.
There are things I could see a lot more clearly.
So I just had to go and rescue you, even if you didn't want me to. You were too important to me.
You still are, in fact.
Even though I don't talk about it all that much, it was a big struggle trying to get strong enough to reach this point. Things have gotten a lot more complicated since that time.
The thing is, though…seeing you smile is well worth it. I don't know why, it just makes me feel good knowing you feel good, I guess.
Heh…I even did something that should have taken a hundred years in three days.
It helped to be motivated, though.
I guess…if giving me those powers was your gift to me, then my gift to you should be getting as strong as I possibly can, so I can protect everyone.
I can do that…yeah.
Well, might as well get started, then. I hope you're watching me, eh?
You'll see that…your gift won't go to waste. I swear it on my soul.
"Tch…an Arrancar, eh?"
Rukia Kuchiki stood on a rooftop, watching the Hollow she had tracked carefully. A figure landed beside her a moment later.
"Late as usual, Ichigo."
"Hey, I had to get out of class, okay?"
"No excuses. There's your Arrancar."
"...Got a number?"
"Um…Seventy-eight."
"Alright. This'll be over in a flash."
He started on his way before pausing a moment.
"Rukia..."
"Yeah?"
He turned his head and smiled at her. "I won't disappoint you, got it?"
She smiled back. "Idiot. Don't worry…you'll have a hard time doing that, even with the way you are."
She waved him away. "Go on, go on…I'll be waiting right here."
"You won't be waiting long."
In a flash, Ichigo was in front of the Arrancar, his zanpaktou Zangetsu at the ready.
Yeah…this power isn't going to waste.
"Getsuga…!"
Watch me…Rukia!
"Tenshou!"