Chapter 1: The place where I was reincarnated

Humans are creatures of adaptation, both for better and worse.

Even when events defy common sense and seem unacceptable, over time, we naturally come to accept them.

I was no exception to this. The concept of reincarnation, which defies all logic, and the fact that the world I was reborn into was one from a manga I knew well.

At first, I couldn’t wrap my head around what had happened.

But no matter how much I struggled, the reality that I had reincarnated into this world did not change. Eventually, I had no choice but to accept it.

So, here I am.

“Fake Zangetsu, awaken! Awaken!”

“Yes, awaken!”

“That tyrant who tries to crush us and clings only to Ichigo, wake up! Wake up!”

“I’m the real Zangetsu, you bastard!”

I was protesting (?) against the fake Zangetsu.

Supporting my protest, White—Ichigo’s true Shinigami and Hollow power, and the real Zangetsu—was also hurling jeers at the fake one. Before the truth came out, I thought White was just a Hollow bastard (?) trying to seize Ichigo’s body at every opportunity.

But once the truth was revealed, my evaluation of him skyrocketed. A true loyalist to the core.

That’s White.

The true Zangetsu!

Of course, dissatisfaction was inevitable. Even I would feel incredibly displeased if someone impersonated me.

“…..”

As we protested, the fake Zangetsu, the remnant resembling a younger Yhwach, silently shook his head.

“Ichigo should not become a Shinigami.”

“Oh, come on! He’s already been playing substitute Shinigami, so what’s the big deal?”

“It was enough for him to live as an ordinary high school student.

A life untouched by Shinigami and Hollows. If Ichigo lives as a Shinigami, I’ll eventually have to kill him myself.”

The fake Zangetsu had his reasons for suppressing Ichigo’s power. Despite sealing his power, the fake Zangetsu is, at the end of the day, on Ichigo’s side. Even White, with his Hollow roots, is no exception to this unchanging truth. They both exist for Ichigo and his well-being.

The fake Zangetsu sealed Ichigo’s power for two main reasons.

First, he wished for Ichigo to live a normal life, free from the non-ordinary worlds of Shinigami, Hollows, and Quincies.

As another father figure, the fake Zangetsu’s desire mirrors that of any parent who wishes their child to grow up safe and ordinary.

Second, he feared that Ichigo would face Yhwach, the real one, and be killed. Although it’s said that the Quincies were nearly annihilated a thousand years ago, they continue to survive.

Naturally, their leader Yhwach is no exception.

And after 999 years, Yhwach’s resurrection is imminent.

If Ichigo lives as a Shinigami, he will inevitably become an enemy of Yhwach.

As someone born of Yhwach’s fragment, the fake Zangetsu knows better than anyone how disastrous this confrontation would be.

But there’s a flaw in this reasoning.

“No matter what, that guy’s ultimate target is the Soul King. What’s the difference?”

Yhwach’s goal is to kill his father, the Soul King, absorb his power, and return the world to its primordial state. A world without death. At first glance, it might sound nice, but I know how horrifying the truth is.

It’s different from Aizen.

Aizen, at the very least, sought to rule the world as a king, introducing some changes but not outright destroying it.

But if Yhwach reverts the world to its original state, the three realms will collapse, and every being in them will be doomed.

“Even if Ichigo lives as an ordinary high school student, do you really think he won’t get dragged into that guy’s chaos?!”

“It doesn’t matter.”

“What the hell?!”

What kind of nonsense is this?

“Even if my true form kills the Soul King, absorbs his power, and destroys the three realms, our power can ensure that Ichigo alone survives in that primordial world. There’s no problem.”

“Oh, um, so….”

Hearing such an unexpected answer, my brain momentarily froze.

So, even if the three realms collapse, as long as Ichigo survives, nothing else matters?

Hidden behind White’s presence, I forgot—this guy is also an Ichigo fanatic.

“You lunatic! Do you think Ichigo will sit still while his family and friends are dying?!”

I shouted, frustrated, pounding my chest.

The world I reincarnated into is Bleach.

And the place I was reborn is Ichigo’s inner world.