Since Ichigo started training, the task of exterminating Hollows had been handled by Orihime, Chad, and the others.
The amount of actual combat they had experienced now far exceeded that of the original work.
It just couldn't compare to Ichigo, that's all.
To be honest, rather than worrying so much, it was better to improve his own strength.
If he could handle everything, the gap with his teammates would naturally be smoothed over by him. Ichigo smiled indifferently: "It's fine, just do your best!"
"Then, I'll head back first!" Ichigo said to everyone.
Bidding farewell, on the way back, Ichigo thought about how to convince Isshin.
Although it was just a formality, he still needed a reason.
However, Ichigo didn't expect that when he returned home, Isshin would give him a surprise.
"I'm home!"
Ichigo pushed open the door.
The expected gentle 'Welcome back, Onii-chan!' from his cute little sister did not come.
Waiting for him was... Isshin wearing a Shihakusho!
"?" Ichigo had a question mark over his head.
Simultaneously, the bullet comments, which had been marveling at Ichigo's good friendship, also started spamming question marks.
"Hey, hey, brothers, am I seeing things, or is the video display wrong?"
"Guy ahead, it must be a video performance error. Otherwise, why do I see Kurosaki Isshin wearing a Shihakusho?"
"Is there a possibility, just a possibility, that our live stream isn't wrong, and Kurosaki Isshin really is wearing a Shihakusho?"
"..."
"Holy turtle, the goofy dad is actually a hidden Boss?"
"So that means, the identity Ichigo chose really isn't simple!"
"I'm very curious, what exactly is Kurosaki Isshin's identity? What does he want to do?"
Everyone was very curious about Isshin and very confused why he would suddenly reveal himself.
Similarly, Ichigo felt the same.
"Hey, Dad, that outfit of yours is..."
"You figured it out a long time ago, didn't you?" Isshin interrupted Ichigo.
"Uh..." Ichigo opened his mouth, not knowing what to say.
He hadn't actually figured anything out… it was probably that he hadn't acted well enough usually, and Isshin saw through it.
However, Ichigo's speechlessness was clearly interpreted as confirmation.
Isshin stood up, his face filled with gratification.
He walked over and patted Ichigo's shoulder: "Alright, you don't need to overthink it. I'm not blaming you or anything!"
"That you can use your mother's Quincy powers and my Shinigami powers makes me very happy."
"That day you slew Grand Fisher, I went to your mother's grave afterwards and drank all night!"
"Ichigo, I'm proud of you! You are truly my son!" Isshin said proudly.
Hearing this, a warm current flowed through Ichigo's heart.
This feeling came from both Ichigo and himself. Being affirmed like this made Ichigo very happy too.
He wanted to say something, but Isshin stopped him again. Isshin continued:
"Ichigo, regarding the matters about me and your mother, please don't inquire for now!"
"You can go to the Soul Society. The main reason I revealed my identity this time is for that!"
"You are very mature, very perceptive, very intelligent. You take after your mother more than me. But because of that, I worry about you even more!"
"So, I want to add some weight to your journey to the Soul Society this time!"
Isshin stated the purpose of his active revelation.
However, hearing Isshin's words, Ichigo's expression was filled with amusement.
He translated Isshin's words as:
'Kid, you're nothing like the simpletons of our Shiba Clan… you're shrewd as hell.'
'The problem is, the Soul Society's waters are deep, with many players making moves against each other. If you were just a simple pawn, I wouldn't worry about your safety. But the problem is you're too damn smart! I'm afraid you'll jump off the chessboard and get yourself killed! I must teach you some trump cards!'
Ichigo found it both funny and exasperating.
By now, Isshin had already taken out two notebooks.
Isshin explained: "Here are two small techniques. One from your mother, one from me!"
"And I also have a sword technique to teach you!"
"Sorry, Ichigo. Your old man's power hasn't fully recovered yet. These are the only things I can teach you right now!"
"It's nothing, it's enough!" Ichigo felt overwhelmed by favor.
He opened the two notebooks and skimmed through them.
What Masaki left for Ichigo was a technique for constructing an ultra-small spirit bow with the palm and firing spirit arrows with one hand… a perfect skill for ambushing.
What Isshin gave him was a finger-flick technique that could be used for attack, defense, or support, as well as his personal insights into Getsuga Tensho.
Both techniques were very practical skills!
Ichigo was very satisfied with these two things.