While I was busy with external affairs, many things in the Soul Society had changed in one way or another.
The minor changes included the reconstruction of destroyed streets and the shifting of my favorite restaurants' locations.
A major change was that the Quincies chose to live in the Human Realm rather than the Soul Society.
Of course, not all Quincies chose the Human Realm; only those who volunteered were allowed to live there.
And I happened to find that out while in the Human Realm.
How did I hear news of the Soul Society while in the Human Realm?
Well, it was because of a certain fellow, the Captain of Squad 10—no, the former Captain of Squad 10—who had followed his wife out to the Human Realm.
"Ah, it's been a long time."
"What the? Why are you here?"
With all the important work finished, I was out in the Human Realm as usual, strolling through the streets of 2000s Japan and sightseeing the Karakura Town of the original story.
You might ask why I'm sightseeing when the original story has been twisted beyond recognition.
Don't forget, I was originally a person who lived in the 21st century.
The world I used to live in has finally arrived after a staggering million years; how could I possibly stay still?
So lately, I've been going on outings to the Human Realm almost every day.
Sometimes, I even bring Unohana and Haruno along when they're off duty.
Today, I happened to be out alone for the first time in a while, and I just so happened to run into that Shiba Isshin bastard.
'No, I guess he's Kurosaki Isshin now, isn't he?'
So, we ducked into a famous franchise cafe nearby to chat for a bit. I listened to his explanation for being here... and the reason was even more ridiculous than I expected.
"—And that's how it happened."
"You mean you actually stepped down from your Captaincy and came to the Human Realm just to live with your wife?"
"Hahaha! I feel a bit bad for Toshiro, but honestly, I think that sharp kid is better suited to be Captain than me anyway... So, yeah."
"Incredible, truly. Excluding Urahara, you're probably the first guy to retire less than a hundred years after becoming a Captain."
Except for a few I might not remember, he really might be the first.
Giving up a Captain's seat for love and moving to the Human Realm...
...I hate to admit it, but I probably would have done the same.
That means I'm basically the same as this boisterous brat.
I stared at the man who had become Kurosaki Isshin with a look of distaste.
Seeing my expression, Isshin laughed awkwardly and scratched his head.
"Well, you know, there's always Squad 11 too."
"No, they're an exception, you idiot... They don't choose their Captain through normal means in the first place."
No matter how few comparisons you have, are you really trying to compare yourself to Squad 11, where they pick Captains through deathmatches?
He seemed to realize he had no leg to stand on, as he just chuckled awkwardly and didn't say much else.
If it were anyone else, I would have asked if they had regrets, but this simpleton is the type who regrets not doing something rather than regretting what he's already done. I decided to let it go.
Even if I asked, he'd probably just say, 'I chose this because I wanted to, so why would I regret it?'
I let out a smirk and leaned back against the chair.
"How's life in the Human Realm? Gotten used to it yet?"
"My wife has always longed for the Human Realm, so she seemed to adjust instantly, but it's still a bit awkward for me. Now that I have an ordinary human body, I can't use Flash Step and I can't see souls. But I think I've gotten quite used to it. More importantly..."
"Master Meio! Your Java Chip Frappuccino with an extra shot is ready!"
"Ah, that's mine. One sec."
I went to the counter, grabbed my drink, and sat back down. Isshin blinked at me and burst into a hollow laugh.
"It seems the Nether King is more adjusted to the Human Realm than I am."
"That's because I've been out here more often than you, brat."
Even if my previous life was in the 21st century, a million years is naturally enough time to forget.
The reason I can blend in so naturally is partly due to the influence of my past life, but the biggest reason is probably my constant trips back and forth to apologize to Hirako and the others.
They say every cloud has a silver lining, and it seems all that hardship is finally paying off like this.
I took a sip of my drink and asked.
"It sounds like you and your wife are doing well, but how about the kid? The last time I saw him was fifteen years ago when the firstborn was born. He must be fifteen now?"
"Ah, you mean Ichigo? That little punk, I don't know who he took after, but his Spiritual Power is massive. He comes home every day with new souls trailing behind him, so it's quite the handful..."
"It's never good when the dead cling to the living. Should I go over and perform an exorcism? I could just grab them by the hair and toss them into Hell."
As soon as I asked, Isshin's expression hardened, and he shook his head seriously.
"No, if you perform an exorcism, Nether King, I'm afraid even our ancestors won't be able to come back, so I'll pass."
"Hey. Do you think I'm some kind of ghost-eating monster? I'd obviously handle it with care. What are you worried about? No, wait a sec. Do you even hold services for your ancestors?"
"No, I was just saying that. It's nonsense for a Soul Reaper to worship spirits. It's just that your very presence, Nether King, is a burden to other souls. I was just trying to turn you down indirectly."
"Then you should've just said so. Why beat around the bush? That's not like you. But am I really that burdensome?"
"Where is the soul who wouldn't feel burdened when the Chairman of the company sets up shop right next to an intern?"
Since I couldn't argue with that analogy, I just quietly sipped my drink.
"Since we met by chance, I might as well drop by, say hello, and leave a gift."
"Oh, Ichigo's fifteenth birthday is coming up. He'd love it if you came by."
I smirked at the clichéd response and shook my head.
"What 'love it'? The last time he saw me was before he even opened his eyes as a baby. That kid won't even remember me. Anyway, if it's his birthday, are the other members of the Shiba clan coming?"
"Ah, yes. Kaien, the head of the house, will be too busy to come, but Kukaku and Ganju said they'd show up."
"I see. It'll be nice to see their faces after a while. What time is the birthday party?"
"We're planning to have it in the evening. He gets back from school around 7 PM, so you can come by then."
"Yeah? Then I'll drop by at that time."
"Yes. I'll let the kids know in advance, so I'll see you then."
I nodded, returned the empty cup to the counter, left the cafe, and walked around aimlessly.
The fact that Ichigo is fifteen means we've exactly reached the timeline of the original story.
I tapped my index finger against my leg, closed my eyes, and looked down over the entirety of Karakura Town.
By chance, the Soul Reaper assigned to Karakura Town was Kuchiki Rukia.
It was literally the exact situation from the original work.
The only difference was that there were unusually few Hollows in the spiritually significant area of Karakura Town.
But this couldn't really be called an anomaly.
Why? Because Hollows trying to enter the Human Realm had to overcome the largest wall in Hueco Mundo, which was simply impossible.
That wall was none other than Azashiro Soya, who had fused himself with the entirety of Hueco Mundo.
Even an Ulquiorra in his Second Release form wouldn't stand a chance against him; how could any other small fries possibly break through that wall?
This was the result.
People who should have died in the original are alive, and those who were supposed to be alive are still here.
And with the original events being utterly shattered, the 'canon' plot itself had fizzled out.
That was the current situation.
"The original story, huh..."
I'd be lying if I said I didn't care about it.
As I always say, I've always kept the original story in mind.
More accurately, I was only keep it in mind.
I never harbored any thought like 'it must go according to the original' or 'I must see the original story and protagonist play out.'
It wasn't something worth seeing if it meant giving up my own life, my will, or the tasks I had to perform.
So, I had been a little worried about how twisted the original story would become.
I had wondered if the children who were supposed to be born might not be born at all.
But entering the timeline of the original, I realized my worries were unfounded.
Though it felt a bit forced, everyone I had a bond with was alive, and all of them had found happiness.
The 'happily ever after' from old fairy tales had arrived.
Of course, reality isn't a fairy tale, and time will continue to flow, but everything I worried about has passed, and that's enough. From here on, it's a story even I don't know.
'No, wait. There's still one fellow left.'
The Soul King.
That bastard died ages ago but still hasn't reincarnated. Dammit.
"Fine. He'll do it eventually."
Who knows? Maybe he's already been reincarnated and is living somewhere I don't know.
If our fates align, we'll meet again someday. For now, I should go buy a birthday present for Ichigo.
Being fifteen in Japan means he's a high schooler, so maybe I should get him some decent school supplies.
Thinking that, I arrived at a stationery shop in Karakura Town.
"Welcome."
"What the?"
"?"
I came face-to-face with a man who looked exactly like the Soul King at the stationery shop counter.
Just in case, I looked closely at the man's soul, and it really was the Soul King.
'Why are you here of all places?'
—I wanted to see the future of mankind.
The words the Soul King once said flashed through my mind, and I smirked.
In a sense, he too had achieved his dream.
I picked up a decent fountain pen, placed it on the counter, and spoke.
"Have we met somewhere before?"
The reincarnation of the Soul King blinked at my words, looked at me, then slightly averted his gaze before answering.
"I'm not interested in men."
You son of a—...
"However, I didn't expect to meet you again like this in the next life."
"What, you remembered?"
"Of course."
...I almost cursed at him right on the spot.
"You haven't changed a bit."
"Coming from someone like you, who's changed so much? I almost didn't recognize you. If it wasn't for who I am, I would've missed you."
"It's been quite a while since you were reincarnated, yet you only just showed up. Are you really saying that with such pride?"
"Bastard, you still refuse to lose even a single word, as always."
"That's just who I am."
I chuckled and shook hands with my long-lost friend.
It was summer.