Bleach: Forge Your Fragmented Soul (FYFS)

Chapter Four: Streams

A loud crash jolted Masuo awake. His body tensed, and his head throbbed as he sat up quickly, only to realize he wasn't in his apartment. The morning light streamed faintly through the curtains, illuminating what was unmistakably Ichigo's room. Before he could process anything further, a groan drew his attention.

On the floor nearby, Ichigo Kurosaki lay sprawled out, clutching his father's face with both hands. "What the hell is wrong with you?!" Ichigo shouted, his voice filled with irritation.

Isshin Kurosaki, undeterred by the assault, grinned proudly. "There's nothing more I can teach you, my son! You've surpassed me in every way!"

Ichigo glared at him, his frustration mounting. "You literally tackled me while I was asleep! How is that supposed to teach me anything?!"

Masuo blinked, his mind struggling to catch up with the chaos in front of him. "What the hell is going on here?"

Both Ichigo and Isshin turned to look at him, their expressions shifting from surprise to confusion.

"You're awake?" Ichigo said, frowning as he pushed himself up, finally shoving Isshin off. "Wait... what are you doing here?"

Masuo raised an eyebrow. "That's what I'd like to know. Last thing I remember, I was outside, fighting... something. Now I'm here."

Ichigo rubbed the back of his head, his expression softening slightly as the memories of last night came flooding back. "Right... last night. You saved Karin."

Masuo nodded slowly, his own memories of the chaotic night coming back in fragments. "She okay?"

"She's fine," Ichigo replied, glancing toward the door. "I don't know how, but... yeah. She's fine."

Masuo sighed in relief but couldn't shake the feeling that something still wasn't right. "And what about you? That thing had you locked up pretty tight."

Ichigo hesitated, his gaze flickering to the floor. "I... got free somehow," he said vaguely, clearly holding something back. "But let's focus on the fact that no one died. That's a win."

Isshin, oblivious to the tension between them, clapped his hands together. "Ah, the bond of true warriors forged in the heat of battle! It brings a tear to my eye!"

"Dad, stop," Ichigo snapped, though there was no real heat in his voice. He turned back to Masuo. "C'mon. Let's check out the damage outside."

As the two made their way downstairs, Yuzu Kurosaki greeted them in the kitchen, her bright smile contrasting with the tension in Masuo's chest. "Oh, good morning, Masuo! Did you sleep well?"

"Uh... yeah," Masuo said awkwardly, scratching the back of his head. "Thanks for letting me... uh, crash here, I guess."

"It's no problem!" Yuzu chirped, setting a plate of food on the table. "You're a hero, after all!"

Masuo blinked, caught off guard. "Hero?"

"She means you saved Karin," Isshin said, smiling warmly. "Apparently, she wandered outside when the truck hit, and you pulled her out of harm's way just in time. You have my thanks, young man!"

Masuo hesitated, glancing at Ichigo. He could tell from Ichigo's expression that neither of them believed the truck story, but he decided to play along. "Uh, yeah. Just doing what anyone would."

Karin entered the room next, her usual stoic demeanor intact. "Morning," she said simply, her gaze briefly meeting Masuo's. "Thanks for last night."