Chapter 40 - Masked Man

As Ichigo stated his name Rukia asked if he wanted to save his family, and that it could only be a possibility, and not a 100% chance that it would work.

[I don't care… We will be dead anyway even if I don't try]: ichigo

As Rukia got the okay from Ichigo she took her Zanpakuto and faced it towards Ichigo telling him to stab himself into it.

[I will transfer my power to you so you can save your family]: rukia

Then Ichigo took the sword with her hands still around the handle and stabbed himself. At that second a blinding bright light burst out, and from it Ichigo stood, but was different. He now wore the soul reaper uniform known as a Shihakusho, and on his back was a thick Zanpakuto.

[It worked… Save your family…]: rukia

As Ichigo looked toward Rukia one more time he then turned around to face the Hollow. In the next second he drew the sword on his back and lunged at the Hollow, But one thing was off. Unlike in the Anime, Ichigo could not fend off the Hollow and kill it. As it struck down its big palm Ichigo was smashed against the wall.

[It looks like it was stronger than the report… I'm sorry… Ichi-]: rukia

In the next second before Rukia could say her last words a flash came by and sliced the Hollow clean through. As Rukia seen this her mouth dropped, Not only did nobody come with her but even if someone did, they would not be this powerful.

As Ichigo got up from the rubble and looked towards the fallen Hollow he seen someone standing there with his back turned towards Ichigo, as the face turned around all Ichigo seen was a mask. It looked similar to what the Hollow wore but had funky teal lines that marked the mask. The man also wore a Dress like Rukia's but it had some armor pieces that covered some parts of him, and a scarf that wraps around his neck slightly covering the mouth area of the mask and the scarf was blowing in the wind.

[Who are you?... Are you friends with Rukia?]: ichigo

[...]: masked man

Then the masked man looked towards Ruika and then towards the two girls that were caught by the Hollow. When Ichigo seen this he began to get upset, it only made it worse when the masked man started to head towards Ichigo's two sisters.

[Hey!... Stop right there! Leave them alone!]: ichigo

The masked man then stopped and was about 5 meters away from the fallen girls, then the masked man had turned around to face Ichigo. When Rukia could finally get a better sight of the masked man she shouted towards Ichigo.

[Stop!... That thing looks like a Hollow! It must be a high level one!]: rukia

Just as Rukia said that to Ichigo, he went on the defence holding his giant sword up, ready to fight at any moment. Then out of nowhere the masked man started to speak.

[Ichigo Kurosaki! I have been watching you for quite a while… You interest me very much. Do not fear, I have saved you and your sisters only because you interest me… And you, Soul Reaper!]: masked man

When the masked man looked towards Rukia she froze, when faced with the pressure oozing out from him left her almost unable to even breath, then the masked man spoke once more.

[I want you to train Ichigo and make him a Soul Reaper, Once he becomes self sufficient get out of his life]: masked man

Rukia was lost for words, this man wearing a mask holding a weird-looking Zanpakuto, she thought it was maybe his Shikai state. When she composed herself she spoke up.

[I have no problems training him… at least until my powers return, I will train him]: rukia

[Good, now I will let these little one go back to your side...SUSANOO RISE!]: masked man

When he said this, he raised his hand forward and from behind his back a smoky Black skeleton appeared and picked up the two girls that were knocked unconscious. Ichigo freaked out when seeing this but Rukia told him to calm down, the Black skeleton hand moved the two girls over next to Ichigo and then vanished.

[I have shown only a tiny bit of my power today, next time we meet let's hope it's not as enemies]: masked man

As the masked man said this, he vanished from his position, leaving only White Crows in his place. Both Ichigo and Rukia were stunned to see this sight, after a minute of being in a stupor, Ichigo and Rukia regain their senses. Ichigo checked on his sisters while Rukia thought in her mind.

'Who is that guy?... He seems to know quite a lot': rukia

On the other hand, back in his room Soren appeared wearing the same things as the masked man but the mask was off the side of Soren's head.

[That was tough… Acting like that is definitely not my thing… Sakura can you remove these cloths]: soren

After he said that the clothing Soren wore disappeared. He began to take a look at the aftermath of the fight. He could see Ichigo picking up his two sisters and talking to Rukia before heading back into the house through the giant hole in the wall. On Ichigo's side his conversation went like this.

[Up we go…]: ichigo

Picking up the two of them, then he turned to Rukia.

[Thank you again for helping me save them… I guess from what he said I will see you again?]: ichigo

[It seems that way... but for now, I need to figure out my situation]: rukia

[What Situation?]: ichigo

[My powers… I lost them when I gave them to you]: rukia

[Then I can just give them back]: ichigo

[No… It wouldn't work, you are too weak to give them back]: rukia

[Then I guess I will head back and see how Dad reacts to this mess… I'll see you around]: ichigo

[Yeah…]: rukia

Ichigo went in towards the house and then stopped when he saw his body where he was stabbed by Rukia.

[What is this! Am I dead!?!?]: ichigo

Rukia the spoke up, seeing Ichigo's reaction.

[No… Your not dead, your spirit is just outside of your body]: rikua

[Ha!?!?!]: ichigo

Ichigo turned with a look of confusion.

[How do I get back! Or am I stuck like this forever?]: ichigo

[Just take your body and force your spirit back in]: rukia

Ichigo the gave a big sigh, then put both of his sisters under one arm and then grabbed his body bringing them back into the house. Soren then went back to his bed and started to go over the battle.

[It has now started]: soren

Soren spoke with a grin now plastered on his face. He then quickly covered his face with his blanket and pretended to be asleep because someone was just about to open the door to his room. As it opened Ichigo looked it to see if Soren was okay, just before closing it he mumbled something.

[Good… It looks like that masked man didn't do anything to Soren]: ichigo

He then closed the door and left to go sleep in his room. This was now the start of something crazy for Ichigo and he just wanted it to be some kind of dream, and if he could just wake up from it, he would be happy.