When Ichigo, Naruto, and Link reached Kakiriko Village, Link had Ichigo and Naruto wait outside of a store so he could get some supplies.
After a while Naruto asked Ichigo, "Hey, Ichigo, who is this Rukia girl anyway? She your sister?"
"No," said Ichigo, who just wanted Link to hurry up so they could get to the lake already.
"Ah, ok….your girlfriend?"
"No!" exclaimed Ichigo, who had started to blush at the thought. "She's just a friend I have to protect, ok? Nothing more." Naruto, sensing he wasn't going to get any farther with Ichigo gave up after that. Eventually Link came out of the store and they walked the short distance to the lake. There they were meant by a shaman.
"Welcome travelers," she said. She bowed to them all. "I wish we had time for proper introductions but Link has already sent ahead with a note telling me of your quest. She took Epona's reins from Link.
"I shall take care of her while you are away, brave hero."
"Thank you, I am very grateful to you," said Link bowing to her. "Ok guys, let's get going." They made their way to the center of the very shallow lake, where a small waterfall stood.
"This is it," said Ichigo. He noticed he was getting better at sensing the presence of portals. "Stand back." They did so and Ichigo used his bankai once again to open the portal and without looking back, they ran in.
After they entered the portal, they looked around the place, and saw hills with eyes? Blocks,bricks,and weird brown walking vampire-like mushrooms.
"Where the hell are we?" Ichigo asked.
"I dunno" Naruto said. Without warning, a walking mushroom appeared and tried to attack them. Just as they got into their stances, a man jumped on the mushroom with his foot, leaving his foot covered in blood. The man looked at the three and they stared back.
The man had a red cap with a "M" on it, a red shirt with blue overalls, brown shoes and white gloves. His face was round and had a mustache under his nose. "
Hello!" He said. Ichigo, Naruto, and Link gave him a weird stare.
Ichigo then asked him "Uhh hi, umm have you seen a bunch of guys come through carrying a girl that was probably unconscious."
"Yes, I have!" the man said "I was just on my way to rescue the princess from that evil Bowser!".
Princess? Thought Ichigo.
"We'll join you," said Naruto, before Ichigo could say anything. Link nodded and Ichigo decided to go along as well. This guy may be mistaking her for some princess, he thought.
The man stopped "By the-a way, Im-a Mario." Mario said.