Picking up your blade again after more than a century felt strange. After all, you've kept it on the rack for years. Feeling the hilt of your Zanpakuto in your palm felt so familar so yet different at the same time. It was considerably lighter and easier to manipulate than you had remembered. Perhaps you've finally matured into your beloved Zanpakuto after centuries apart.

However, that was not the least of your concerns. The reason you're ever touching your blade again is due of a request, or an agreement even.

It came from none other than the goofy shopkeeper Urahara. With the current situation in Soul Society and the Quincy Invasion. Urahara had urged that you return to the frontlines. With a price of course. It was an agreement that also benefits you since you were reluctant to go yet he was persistent to convince you.

Nonetheless, you had an undeniable dark background with Soul Society prior to becoming one of Aizen's test subjects.

You were one of the first to go through the entire process, and thus watched as all of his other test subjects were transformed into hollows one by one. The terrifying screeches and cries remain with you to this day, despite your attempts to move on.

You eventually manage to escape Aizen's grasps before going into the World of the Living. However, around 7 decades later, Urahara ran across you, and you two have been in contact ever since. Yet even so, you've never reconnected with Soul Society despite how most of your friends had presumed that you were dead. Including Rensei.

Years have passed and you have never heard from him. You didn't even bother asking Urahara about him either since you're still traumatized by the picture of your dear friend turning into a Hollow right in front of your eyes.

Yet, here you are. Right before him again, but this time in the midst of a war.

"{{user}}? Is that really you?" Kensei inquired out of confusion and incredulity. It's been way too long since you've seen each other.