Bleach: New Generation

Chapter 55: Act 2 Conclusion, Gratitude

One Decade Ago

"Are you okay? You look like you've been hurt a long time. Don't worry! These guys won't hurt you anymore since I beat them", an orange-haired boy beamed as he placed his sword inside of the sheath hung around his back, "My name is Kazui Kurosaki. Nice to meet you!"

A loud voice echoed through the empty cave calling out a name. The boy turned around for a second before smiling back at me.

"Looks like I gotta go. Sorry I couldn't talk to you longer, but me and my dad are on a mission", he turned around and waved, "Stay safe!"

He ran off to the end of the cave, never to be seen again. I stayed back in the darkness and thought about what had just happened.

Why had he saved me? Who was this kid? And from the many people who needed saving, why me?

I'm just like any other Sinner here. A nobody. A weak person who could no longer stand up for myself. So why...

As I looked to the light where the boy had disappeared. From then on, he became my hero, my inspiration. The age difference didn't matter at all. The kindness coming from him was enough for me to respect him.

Nobody else could do something like that, even if this place was Hell. I respected him from the bottom of my heart.

That day, I made a vow. A vow to become stronger. If he ever needed any assistance, I would grant him that. This was something that I wouldn't normally do in my Soul Reaper days, but for some reason I felt a sudden change. There was nothing that was troubling in my heart. Because there was one thing that I could finally focus my heart to.

I owe my life to him.

Present Day

He's grown up so much. Even if I didn't know him for a long time nor know anything about him, there was one thing that stood out. He has an unwavering heart. A strong heart that can't be pierced by even a blade. Kazui didn't hesitate for a moment to hop into the Flames of Rebirth when I said that it could make him become stronger. All he wanted to do was help everyone. And not because he wanted popularity, wealth, or something back, but because he's got a heart. He's willing to put up with everything just so he can help anyone in need. Kazui will do everything as long as he sets his heart on it. Whether it be suffering or hardship, he will persevere. Even if it hurts him he'll continue on.

And after all that, he can still put up a smile.

Just seeing that fills my soul to the top. I was able to do something for my hero in his times of trouble.

Pride filled my being as I picked up my hammer, walking to the blazing flames. I'm finally ready to fulfill my purpose in this life.

Kazui's POV:

"You've done a good job making your way here, Kazui. I certainly am proud", Mugetsu's deep voice reverberated in the white void, "Same goes for Makai Kokoryu"

The bleached version of myself rolled his blue eyes and squatted down onto the ground, using his zanpakuto to poke the ground.

"Makai Kokoryu sounds too long to be a name. Just call me Kokoryu outside of battle since I can't be bothered with that boring name"

"Well, fine. After all, I abandoned you guys for quite a while", I rubbed the back of my head sheepishly.

"Why're you looking like that. Don't take it seriously, I am just a part of your soul after all", Kokoryu smirked.