Chapter 43: Bonds Across Worlds

As Ichigo and Zelda made their way through Soul Society, they garnered more than a few curious glances. While Ichigo was a well-known figure, Zelda's poised and regal presence made her stand out. Though Ichigo had considered bringing Tatsuki along, she had declined, unwilling to involve herself with Soul Society given their history of using Ichigo for their own ends.

Their destination was the Hylia Estate, where they expected to find Link. However, before they could reach it, they were intercepted by Rukia and Momo. Rukia, standing close to Momo, had a protective air about her, her violet eyes sharp with caution.

Ichigo smirked. "Still keeping her on lockdown?"

Rukia narrowed her eyes. "Momo's pregnant, Ichigo. I'm not about to let anything happen to her."

Momo offered a soft smile. "I appreciate the concern, but I promise I'm fine."

Ichigo shrugged. "Fair enough. Anyway, we're here to check in on Link and maybe get some training in. Thought it'd be good to catch up."

Zelda nodded. "Link spoke highly of Soul Society's warriors. I'd like to see your strength firsthand."

Rukia's expression shifted slightly, her arms crossing as she glanced at Momo. Then, after a pause, she turned to Ichigo with a serious look. "If you're looking for Link, we need to talk in private."

Ichigo's smirk faded, replaced by a more focused gaze. "That bad, huh?"

Rukia didn't respond immediately, instead motioning for him to follow. "Come with me."

Zelda and Momo exchanged glances, while Ichigo and Zelda followed Rukia, a sense of unease settling over them as they prepared to hear whatever had happened to their missing friend.

Once they were safely inside, Rukia activated a silencing Kidō, ensuring no unwanted ears could listen in. She turned to Ichigo and Zelda, her expression serious.

"Link isn't here," she stated.

Ichigo frowned. "Yeah, we figured. So where is he?"

Rukia crossed her arms. "He left to investigate a dangerous group of unknown Quincies."

Ichigo's eyes widened. "Unknown Quincies? I thought Uryu and his dad were the last ones."

Rukia shook her head. "Apparently not. We don't know much, only that Link went alone, and he's been gone for a day now. There's no way to contact him."

Ichigo clenched his fists, already forming a plan. "Then I need to talk to Uryu. If anyone knows about these Quincies, it's him."

Zelda nodded in agreement. "We should leave right away."

Rukia sighed but gave a small nod. "Just be careful. If Link found something dangerous enough to go alone… it means this is serious."

With that, Ichigo and Zelda hurried out, their next destination clear—Uryu Ishida.

The night air was cool, but Ichigo hardly noticed as he stood outside Uryu's house, his mind racing. He had debated bringing Chad and Orihime along, but something inside him—some instinct he couldn't shake—told him this had to be done alone. If what Rukia said was true, if there were more Quincies alive beyond Uryu and his father, then Ichigo needed answers, and he needed them now.

Taking a deep breath, he knocked firmly. A few moments later, the door opened, revealing Uryu, his glasses catching the dim glow of the porch light. He frowned. "Ichigo? What the hell are you doing here this late?"

Ichigo didn't waste time. "There are more Quincies alive, Uryu. And they're preparing for war."

Uryu's body stiffened. His usual cold composure cracked just slightly before he turned on his heel without a word, striding down the hall toward his father's office. Ichigo followed close behind, his gut tightening. The silence between them was heavy, but he could see Uryu's mind working, piecing things together.

As they reached the office, Uryu pushed the door open without knocking. Ryūken Ishida, dressed in his usual pristine white attire, glanced up from his desk with a raised eyebrow. "I assume there's a reason you're barging in unannounced."

Uryu adjusted his glasses, his voice sharp. "Is it true? Are there other Quincies still alive?"

For a moment, Ryūken said nothing, simply tapping his fingers against the polished wood of his desk. His gaze flickered to Ichigo before he exhaled, leaning back slightly. "So… you finally found out."

Ichigo's eyes narrowed. "You knew?"

Ryūken's lips curled into something resembling a smirk, though there was no humor in it. "Of course I knew. Unlike you two, I pay attention to what remains of our kind."

Uryu's hands curled into fists at his sides. "And you didn't think to tell me?"

Ryūken's gaze hardened. "Because it wasn't your concern. Until now."

Ichigo stepped forward, his frustration mounting. "Well, it is now. Who are they? What do they want?"

Ryūken studied him for a long moment before answering. "They call themselves the Wandenreich. A hidden empire of Quincies that have existed in the shadows, waiting for their chance to strike back against the Soul Reapers. And if you're here asking about them… then I assume that chance is coming sooner than expected."

The words sent a chill down Ichigo's spine. The Wandenreich. A hidden empire. War.

This was bigger than anything he had faced before. And he had a feeling that Link—wherever he was—was already in the middle of it.