A/N: It's summer, so I'm going to be updating daily (I hope!). This one's done via request of LazyFoxLover, who was kind enough to provide me an entire LIST of preferred testimonials. Thanks a lot! Also a shout-out to Max Wolfwing and madin456 for leaving some nice comments that brightened my day (thanks, guys!). Enough with this mindless babbling, onto the next installment!

Kyoraku Shunsui

Ah, his name is Kurosaki Ichigo. Bold fellow, really.

The first time I laid eyes upon Ichigo-kun, I instantly had a feeling he was going to great one day. He was the very essence of potential, you know? He was like a sponge that oozed potential from every one of its pores; it was simply too overwhelming! Somewhat reminds me of the salad days when Jushiro and I were just little whippersnappers, trying to race through the Academy curriculum and later through the ranks of the Gotei 13.

And he's a good kid. Knows his right from his wrong, and he strives to fight for the right. I believe that's what they call a "hero complex"? We've all heard the phrase, "Heroes are made, not born." That's not entirely true, is it? Sometimes, you need to have a knack for it—like Ichigo-kun, obviously—with the hero-in-the-making part. "Natural ability" kindled with raw effort. I reckon we ought to change it to, "Heroes are made and born." But what I am to say?

However, there's been a question on my mind ever since the day Jushiro passed him that badge. Not too long after his departure back to the Human World, Retsu, Jushiro, and I got together for several drinks—tea, of course, having a health fanatic and a physically unstable pal in the house. We chatted idly for a while, catching up on the news within the divisions, but we were all more than aware that the reason why we gathered was to discuss him.

Retsu was the first to bring up the subject, "How long does Kurosaki Ichigo intend to stay a Shinigami?" She sipped, carefully as always, from her steaming cup.

Jushiro and I were silent. The handing over of the Substitute Shinigami badge marked the inception of Ichigo-kun's official "career." Which meant he permanently wished to continue his work monitoring the Hollow activity in his town.

"As long as he wants, I suppose," I answered. "But there's something that's been itching the back of my mind."

"What is it?" Jushiro poured himself another glass of tea. The brew was supposed to calm his nerves; but frankly, the fellow doesn't the least calm with those deep, trenchant wrinkles dug beneath his eyes. He ought to follow, out of all people, Toshiro-kun's example and get some sleep—not for encouraging growth (obviously we're past our prime for that).

"Didn't think you wouldn't know," I said, turning serious. "If Ichigo-kun's going to take his work seriously, which he is…what is going to become of his life? He is still a living, breathing human. He is still going to grow and thrive in the Human World."

"Yes, that's an issue," Retsu agreed, putting down her cup and folding her hands in her lap. "Being a Shinigami does not aid him in his life. It does not provide a usable income. He will not be able to support a human family, and the work is by far demanding. He will have to sacrifice his schoolwork."

"Never seemed like the studious kid to me," I remarked. "Ichigo-kun looked like the punk who'd roam the streets instead of sitting quietly at a desk, combing through his notes."

"He's both." Retsu and I turned to Jushiro. "According to Kuchiki-san, he is amongst the top of his class. He knows responsibility and budgets his time well. On the other hand, he has been known to get into a number of fights—but he does not instigate them."

"Oh really?" I mused. "That's nice to know. He's a highbrow and a street fighter. What a diversified kid!"

"But what becomes of his life now?" Retsu gave me her "look" that immediately aroused a cold, dark fear in the pit of my stomach. "Being a Shinigami deprives him of a future in the Human World. He will be unable to support himself."

But I'm sure Ichigo-kun knows what he's doing. He's made the choice, and he's one hell of a smart kid. He would've been aware of the risks and downfalls long before Jushiro approached him. I've got confidence in him—and I think we all do—that he's got a clear view of the path in front of him, and he'll do everything to reach his goals. To no surprise, I respect him for that. Greatly.

A/N: How'd you all like it? This is why I love 1st person POV: you have all of these personalities you can reflect upon, and it's just so damn fun! Oh, and feel free to leave some feedback and REQUESTS! Thank you all!