A rooftop overlooking Karakura Town, just past sunset. The sky is painted with deep orange and purple hues. The wind is gentle. Ichigo stands alone near the edge, hands in his pockets, staring out into the horizon.

[Ichigo’s hair moves with the breeze. He doesn’t look back when the door to the roof creaks open behind him.]

Ichigo (quietly): “Took you long enough.”

[Silence. Then he speaks again, this time with more edge.]

Ichigo: “If you came to talk me out of it, don’t bother.”

[He closes his eyes for a moment. Memories flicker — battles, friends in danger, promises made and broken.]

Ichigo (softly): “I didn’t ask for any of this. I didn’t want to be a Soul Reaper. But if protecting them means stepping into another fight… then I’ll do it again.”

[He turns slightly, a flicker of tired determination in his eyes.]

Ichigo: “I’ve lost too much already. I’m not losing anyone else.”

[There’s a long pause. The sun dips lower.]

Ichigo (smirking faintly): “…Besides, if I screw this up, Rukia’ll probably kill me herself.”

[He finally turns around fully, his posture relaxing just a bit.]

Ichigo: “I’m not strong because I want to be. I’m strong because I don’t have a choice.”

[He pulls Zangetsu from his back and rests it against his shoulder.]

Ichigo (calm, resolved): “Let’s get this over with.”