"You mean… you want to work at our welfare home as a caregiver?"
Kitanyama Tsuko stared at the tall, radiant young man before her, disbelief evident in her tone. She simply couldn't fathom why a university student—especially one from a prestigious school—would want to apply for such a physically demanding, low-paying job. The welfare home mainly housed elderly residents and orphaned children, making it an unappealing choice for most young people.
Of course, the young man in question was Makoto Ito. Kitanyama Tsuko's reaction was understandable—after all, Makoto had used a memory modifier to implant a fabricated backstory into her mind.
"You're hoping to gain some work experience during your school holidays, right?" she asked, a knowing expression crossing her face.
Seeing her come to this conclusion, Makoto feigned a look of surprise.
"Please take care of me, Mrs. Kitanyama!"
A short while later, Kitanyama Tsuko led him into a bright, open room filled with children playing. It resembled a small indoor playground, with colorful equipment scattered around.
"Children, this big brother will be your new caregiver," she announced. "Just call him Brother Ito!"
Upon hearing this, most of the children stopped what they were doing and ran over excitedly.
"Hello, Brother Ito!""Nice to meet you, Brother Ito!"
Their cheerful voices rang out in unison.
Off in a corner, Ginjo Kogo had been lounging idly, but upon hearing the introduction, he lifted his head in boredom—only to freeze in shock. The new caregiver… was Makoto Ito, the very person who had saved him before.
When their eyes met, Makoto offered a warm smile.
That Night – Okamoto Burger Shop
Makoto Ito and Ginjo Kogo sat inside the fast-food restaurant, each enjoying a signature beef burger. This was Makoto's first time tasting food in the human world, and he had to admit—it was far superior to anything in the Soul Society.
"Brother Ito, how can everyone see you now?"
Kogo looked up at him, curiosity shining in his eyes. In his understanding, Makoto was more like a ghost—someone invisible to ordinary humans. Yet now, he appeared as a normal person.
"This is called a Gigai," Makoto explained between bites. "When I wear it, I become visible to regular humans and can eat the same food they do."
He took another hearty bite, savoring the rich, juicy flavor.
Before long, both of them had finished their meals. Makoto placed his advance salary on the table and prepared to leave with Kogo.
A few moments later, Okamoto Eihua, a waitress, came over to clear their table—only to realize that the money left behind was double the required amount. Startled, she rushed outside to return it.
"Excuse me, sir! You've overpaid—"
But when she stepped out of the store, she saw nothing. The two of them had already vanished.
"Huh?"
Abandoned Building – Midnight
Makoto Ito led Ginjo Kogo to a deserted, unfinished construction site. With a flick of his wrist, he conjured a crimson orb in his palm—Hadō 31: Shakkahō. The glowing sphere hovered in midair, illuminating the darkened corridor like a makeshift lantern.
The sudden burst of red light cast shifting shadows along the walls, creating an eerie yet mesmerizing effect. Kogo stared at the floating orb, eyes gleaming with fascination.
"Do you want to learn?" Makoto asked, a smirk playing on his lips.
Kogo's expression brightened. "Yes!"
"Bang!"
Before continuing, Makoto abruptly collapsed backward, his Gigai falling lifelessly to the ground with a dull thud.
In the next instant, his soul separated from the artificial body, stepping forward in its true Shinigami form. Drawing his Zanpakutō from his waist, he turned to Kogo.
"The first step to learning Kido is becoming a Shinigami."
Without hesitation, he thrust his Zanpakutō straight into Kogo's chest.
"Brother Ito, what are you—"
Kogo barely had time to react before a wave of dizziness overtook him. His vision blurred, and suddenly, a ghostly figure identical to himself emerged from his body—it was his soul.
At first, his spirit form wore a plain white robe. But within moments, the fabric darkened, spreading from the chest outward until it became a solid black. When the transformation was complete, Kogo now stood clad in a perfectly fitted Shihakushō—the traditional uniform of a Shinigami.
Makoto Ito channeled a portion of his spiritual pressure into Ginjo Kogo, allowing the boy to take on the appearance of a Shinigami.
Of course, the amount of energy transferred was minuscule—less than one percent of Makoto's total power. For him, this loss was negligible. Once he returned to the Soul Society, the abundance of spirit particles in the environment would naturally replenish his reserves.
But while it was a mere fraction of Makoto's strength, it was more than enough for Kogo to embark on the path of a Shinigami.
Through his spiritual perception, Makoto observed Kogo's spiritual network shift from white to red.
According to the original course of events, Kogo was destined to awaken as a Soul King candidate nearly a century later—wielding the combined powers of Shinigami, Quincy, and Fullbringer, just like Kurosaki Ichigo.
But at this moment, he was still just an ordinary human with fragmented traces of the Soul King's power and latent Hollow energy. He had yet to awaken as a Shinigami.
If things followed the natural order, Kogo would eventually unlock his Death God abilities through the trials he faced in the future, becoming the first true Shinigami Substitute.
However, Makoto had no intention of waiting.
Just as Kuchiki Rukia had once done for Kurosaki Ichigo, he chose to directly grant Kogo the power of a Shinigami—accelerating his growth ahead of schedule.
But he didn't stop there.
Reaching behind him, Makoto retrieved a standard Asauchi—a nameless Zanpakutō—and handed it to Kogo. This particular blade had come from the Hueco Mundo expedition unit.
Since Kogo wasn't an official Shinigami, he wouldn't have the privilege of obtaining an Asauchi from the Seireitei's arsenal. Makoto had to make arrangements for him.
"In the next month, I'll teach you the basics of Kido and swordsmanship," Makoto stated. "How much you can master will depend on your own ability."
Kogo's spirit form stood still, his small hands gripping the Asauchi curiously.
"So… does this mean I've become a ghost like you, Brother Makoto?"
Makoto sighed, rubbing his forehead.
"I'm a Shinigami, not a ghost!"
Then, his playful demeanor faded, replaced by a sharp, commanding presence.
"I won't always be around to protect you. You need to learn as much as possible. If a Hollow comes for you in the future and you're unprepared… you won't even know how you died."
Despite his young age, Kogo didn't flinch under Makoto's serious tone. Instead, he met his gaze with unwavering determination.
"I understand, Brother Makoto. Let's begin!"
For a seven-year-old, the resilience in his expression was far beyond his years.
Makoto chuckled. "Good. Be ready—I'm coming at you."
Without hesitation, he lunged forward, his right hand outstretched like a claw, reaching to grab Kogo.
In an instant, the boy was hoisted into the air like a helpless chick.
Makoto set him back down, shaking his head in disappointment.
"Why didn't you draw your sword?" he asked. "You're not seriously thinking you can fight me barehanded, are you?"
Kogo hesitated, his grip tightening around the Asauchi.
"Listen to me—draw your sword!" Makoto commanded.
After a moment of hesitation, Kogo finally unsheathed the blade, struggling to hold its weight properly.
Seeing this, Makoto smirked and lunged at him again—this time, with intent.
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