Sara and Ichigo stepped onto the familiar front porch of the Kurosaki Clinic, which had been Ichigo's home since birth and Sara's second home for as long as she could remember. The house itself radiated warmth despite Masaki Kurosaki's heavy absence, whose presence was still felt in the very walls through the framed portrait displayed in the living room.

Ichigo let out a sigh and pushed open the front door.

"We're home."

Before Sara could react, a blur of blonde and energy tackled her in a tight embrace.

"Sara-nee-chan!" Yuzu Kurosaki squealed, burying her face into Sara's shoulder.

Sara chuckled as she wrapped her arms around Yuzu, instinctively rubbing her back.

"Yuzu, you saw me just last week."

"That was last week! It felt like forever!" Yuzu pouted, pulling back only to beam up at Sara, her brown eyes filled with warmth.

"You're so dramatic," Karin muttered from the hallway, arms crossed. But despite her usual calm exterior, even she had a slight, approving smirk.

Ichigo, meanwhile, grumbled under his breath, dropping his bag by the door.

"She came here for dinner, not a family reunion."

"I invited her!" Yuzu huffed.

"Yeah, I know. You texted me five times."

Yuzu stuck out her tongue, and Sara stifled a laugh.

Before Ichigo could throw out another sarcastic remark, a louder force made its grand entrance—Isshin Kurosaki came barreling down the hall, arms outstretched dramatically.

"My beautiful son and my beautiful future daughter-in-law have returned home!"

Sara's face flushed deep red. Ichigo's fist was already flying.

SMACK.

Isshin flew backward, crashing into the coffee table, groaning dramatically while Karin shook her head in disappointment.

"You had that coming, old man," she muttered.

"Damn it, can you not say stuff like that?" Ichigo snapped, still red in the face.

Sara fidgeted, her cheeks still warm, but she was used to this by now. Ever since she and Ichigo were kids, Isshin had been teasing them, talking about weddings and grandkids. It used to embarrass her more, but now she just brushed it off... mostly.

"Sara-chan, don't listen to Ichigo!" Isshin dramatically clutched his chest as if wounded. "He's just in denial of his love for you! I see the way he looks at you!"

"You don't see anything, old man!" Ichigo snarled.

Karin and Yuzu giggled behind their hands.

Sara, clearing her throat, decided to change the subject before Ichigo actually kicked his dad out the window.

"Yuzu, what's for dinner?"

Instantly, Yuzu brightened.

"I made your favorite, Sara-nee-chan! And Ichigo's too since I figured he'd complain otherwise!"

"Oh? And what's that?"

"Katsu curry!"

Sara's stomach growled at the mere mention of it.

"You're the best, Yuzu," she said sincerely, ruffling the younger girl's hair, earning a proud smile.

"I helped too!" Isshin chimed in.

"No, you didn't," all three of his children said in unison.

Sara laughed, her heart feeling full.

No matter how chaotic the Kurosakis were, they were home.

As Sara disappeared down the hall, Isshin leaned against the doorway, arms loosely crossed, his playful demeanor melting into something more subdued.

His gaze lingered, watching after her, lost in a memory.

It felt like yesterday when Sara was just a tiny, crying girl clutching his coat, tears streaming down her face, apologizing repeatedly for something that wasn't her fault.

"Masaki-san... I'm sorry... I'm sorry..."

The rain had poured that night—heavy, relentless, drowning out his own grief, but nothing could drown out Sara's broken sobs.

She was nine. Just a child. And yet she had blamed herself.

Isshin held her tight, brushing her soaked auburn hair from her face, whispering, "It wasn't your fault, Sara. It was never your fault." But the guilt in her eyes never faded.

Even now, at fifteen, Isshin still saw glimpses of that pain in her eyes whenever it rained.

He exhaled softly.

Sara was so much like her father.

She had Asahi's fire, stubbornness, and unwavering loyalty to those she loved. But there was something about her—a warmth, a light—reminiscent of Masaki.

Masaki would have loved that Sara was becoming like her because she is as much a mother to her as Erika is.

That thought made his heart ache.

He turned his head slightly, catching Ichigo glancing toward the hallway where Sara had gone, his expression unreadable.

Ah... so he's finally noticing it, huh?

A slight, knowing smirk crept onto Isshin's face.

He was about to tease Ichigo mercilessly when Yuzu suddenly clapped her hands together.

"Alright! Sara-nee-chan should be back soon! Dinner is ready!"

Ichigo snapped out of his thoughts and grumbled under his breath, running a hand through his hair.

"Yeah, yeah, I heard you."

As Sara returned with a slight smile on her lips, Isshin's expression softened again.

"Welcome home, kid."

Sara blinked at him in surprise, but then her smile grew—the kind that reached her eyes.

"Thanks, Isshin-san."

And with that, they all gathered for dinner—together, as family.

The dining room was filled with chopsticks clinking against bowls, accompanied by light conversation and laughter as the Kurosaki household enjoyed their meal.

Isshin sat at the head of the table, his usual loud and boisterous energy present but slightly softened in the moment's warmth.

To his right, Ichigo ate quietly, occasionally grumbling when Isshin teased him about his grades or his "future with Sara."

To his left, Yuzu happily chatted, keeping the mood bright and cheerful.

Beside Ichigo, Sara ate contently, occasionally nudging him when he was about to snap at Isshin.

Beside Yuzu, Karin sighed, rolling her eyes at their father's antics but still enjoying the family atmosphere.

"Sara-nee-chan, did you like the katsu curry?" Yuzu asked excitedly, eyes shining with anticipation.

Sara smiled warmly, placing her hands together in gratitude.

"It was amazing, Yuzu! Thank you so much for making it."

"Of course! I know it's your favorite, so I wanted to surprise you!" Yuzu beamed.

Isshin clapped a hand on his chest dramatically.

"See, Ichigo! That's how you treat your beloved! You appreciate her efforts!"

Ichigo stopped mid-bite, his eye twitching.

"For the last time, old man, shut up!"

Sara choked on her rice, blushing as Karin snickered.

"You really need to stop embarrassing him, Dad," Karin remarked, though she was amused.

"But it's so much fun!" Isshin grinned.

Ichigo groaned, massaging his temples.

As the conversation continued, Isshin found himself watching the two teens.

The way Ichigo subtly glanced at Sara to check if she needed anything.

The way Sara naturally nudged him back to reality when he got too lost in his thoughts.

They were in sync.

Just like...

His smile softened, memories of Masaki flashing through his mind.

"She would have loved this."

Yuzu suddenly perked up.

"Sara-nee-chan! You should sleepover!"

Sara blinked in surprise, mid-sip of her tea.

"H-Huh?"

Ichigo froze.

"Wait, what?"

Karin shrugged. "Why not? You're practically family anyway."

Isshin's grin widened.

"Excellent idea! My future daughter-in-law should get used to staying here!"

Ichigo slammed his chopsticks down.

"I'M GOING TO KILL YOU, OLD MAN!"

Sara covered her face with her hands, groaning in embarrassment.

Yuzu giggled. Karin shook her head.

It was just another dinner at the Kurosaki household.

The faucet ran steadily, warm water filling the sink as Sara rolled up her sleeves, ready to help Karin with the dishes. The sound of clinking plates mixed with muffled groans from the living room, where Yuzu was nursing Isshin's "injuries" after Ichigo delivered another well-earned beating for his embarrassing remarks.

Karin, drying a plate, glanced at Sara.

"You don't have to help, you know."

Sara smiled, placing a dish into the soapy water.

"I want to. Besides, I won't let you do all the work while Yuzu plays nurse for your dad."

Karin snorted. "Yeah, he deserved that one."

The two worked silently for a moment, the comfortable hum of family noise in the background.

Then, as Sara handed Karin a rinsed plate, she tilted her head slightly and asked,

"So... how was your first day of middle school?"

Karin set the plate down, shrugging.

"Eh. It was okay."

Sara raised an eyebrow, waiting for more.

"Just okay?"

Karin huffed, drying another dish.

"It's school, Sara. Nothing exciting. Same subjects, same lectures. The teachers seem decent.

Sara chuckled. "Come on, there had to be something interesting. Did you make any new friends?"

Karin paused for a second before grumbling.

"Some kids were annoying. Kept asking me if I was Ichigo's little sister."

Sara laughed softly. "Yeah, that sounds about right. Your brother's reputation is hard to miss."

"Ugh. I know. Some older girls even asked me if Ichigo had a girlfriend. It was disgusting."

Sara felt her face warm slightly, but she kept washing the dishes.

"What did you tell them?"

Karin smirked. "I told them no, but I'd punch them if they keep bugging me about it."

Sara shook her head with amusement.

"That sounds like you."

Karin leaned against the counter, watching Sara for a moment before asking,

"What about you? How was your first day of high school?"

Sara thought about it for a moment.

The classes, the teachers, and the way Ichigo stayed by her side like always.

The fight to help Chad.

Seeing old friends and meeting new ones.

And, of course, Isshin's endless teasing.

She smiled. "It was good. Nothing too crazy... well, aside from Ichigo punching people and your dad embarrassing me."

Karin smirked. "Yeah, sounds about right."

They finished the dishes, and as Sara wiped her hands dry, Karin suddenly said,

"Hey, Sara?"

Sara turned to her.

"Yeah?"

Karin hesitated, then shrugged casually.

"It's nice having you around. It's... kinda like having an older sister."

Sara's eyes softened, warmth blooming in her chest.

She reached out and gently ruffled Karin's hair, making the younger girl scowl but not pull away.

"Well, it's kinda like having a younger sister too."

Karin rolled her eyes but smirked.

"Just don't start acting all mushy like Yuzu."

Sara laughed. "No promises."

And just like that, they fell into step with each other again, finishing their chores as the sounds of family chaos continued in the background.

The moon hung high in the sky, casting a soft silver glow over Karakura Town as Sara stretched her arms and yawned.

"I should get going before Kisuke closes the shop for the night."

She grabbed her bag, slinging it over her shoulder, when Isshin dramatically cleared his throat.

"Ichigo! Walk Sara home!"

Ichigo, who was finishing off the last bit of his tea, paused mid-sip and slowly looked up.

"Huh?"'

"A pretty lady like her shouldn't be walking alone at night!" Isshin declared, standing up and pointing at Sara as if he had just announced a great truth.

Sara waved her hands. "I'll be fine, Isshin-san. I can handle myself."

"We know," Isshin said, suddenly serious, his usual goofy expression softening into something more fatherly. "But that doesn't mean you should be alone."

Ichigo sighed, placing his empty cup on the table before grabbing his bag.

"Yeah, yeah. I'm coming."

Sara looked at him. "Ichigo, you really don't have to—"

"Don't start. Let's go."

Yuzu clasped her hands together excitedly. "Be safe, Sara-nee-chan! Come over again soon!"

Karin, leaning against the wall with her arms crossed, smirked. "Try not to confess your love under the moonlight, Ichigo."

Ichigo glared at her. "Shut up."

Isshin sighed dramatically. "Ahhh, young love. If only your mother were here to see this!"

Ichigo snatched the nearest cushion from the couch and threw it at his father, hitting him square in the face.

Sara covered her mouth to hide her laughter.

As they stepped outside, the air was cool but not too cold. The town was quiet and peaceful, with only a few distant streetlights flickering.

Sara walked beside Ichigo, glancing up at the sky.

"I still don't think you had to come with me."

Ichigo shoved his hands in his pockets. "You say that, but we both know how spirits are more active at night."

Sara sighed, knowing he was right.

"Fair point."

They walked in comfortable silence for a moment, the only sound being their footsteps against the pavement.

Eventually, Ichigo side-eyed her.

"You really don't get how much people care about you, do you?"

Sara blinked, looking at him. "What do you mean?"

Ichigo sighed, tilting his head back slightly to look at the sky.

"You act like you have to handle everything alone. You don't."

Sara's steps slowed for a second.

She knew Ichigo cared. He always did.

But hearing it out loud like this? It made something warm bloom in her chest.

"Thanks, Ichigo," she said softly.

He glanced at her, then quickly looked away, scratching the back of his head.

"Tch. Whatever."

Sara smiled.

Even if he didn't say much, she understood what he meant.

The night air had been calm, only the distant hum of the town breaking the silence—until a wave of suffocating energy crashed down upon Sara.

Her breath hitched, her body stiffened, and an overwhelming sense of dread wrapped around her like icy chains.

It was the same.

The same sickening, monstrous presence from that night.

The night Masaki Kurosaki died.

The night she and Ichigo lost something, they could never get back.

Sara felt her blood turn cold, her skin breaking into goosebumps as her knees nearly buckled beneath her.

Her eyes welled with tears, unbidden, as her hands trembled at her sides.

She couldn't breathe.

She couldn't move.

"No... it can't be... not again..."

Ichigo stopped in his tracks, sensing something off immediately.

"Sara?"

He turned to her and froze.

Her face was pale, her wide dark brown eyes filled with fear he had never seen before.

Her body was shaking, like she was trapped in some waking nightmare.

Ichigo instinctively reached out, gripping her shoulders firmly.

"Hey! Sara, what's wrong?"

Sara stared straight ahead, unblinking.

Her mouth opened, but no words came out.

Ichigo's grip tightened slightly.

"Sara! Talk to me!"

Finally, her lips parted.

Her voice was barely above a whisper.

"Hollows."

Ichigo's stomach dropped.

His brows furrowed, his grip on her tightening.

"Where?"

Sara snapped her head to the side, her body still trembling, as she pointed somewhere beyond the town.

"Far... but close. I—I don't know how to explain it."

Ichigo clenched his fists. He could feel something now, too.

Faint but growing stronger.

A cold, familiar reiatsu.

The type that ripped lives apart.

The type that stole his mother away.

His jaw locked in anger.

High above Karakura Town, a single black butterfly—Jigokuchō—drifted toward the full moon.

Perched on a telephone pole, Rukia Kuchiki narrowed her eyes, her senses flaring.

"That spiritual pressure... It's powerful, but there's something else..."

A second, unfamiliar reiatsu pulsed through the night air.

"What is this...?"

Leaping from her perch, she disappeared into the darkness, heading toward the disturbance.

Back on the empty street, Ichigo tried to weigh his options.

"Do I take her to Kisuke?"

"Do I take her home?"

Sara looked like she was about to collapse.

Ichigo gritted his teeth.

"Dammit."

One thing was clear.

He had to get her somewhere safe—before whatever was coming found them first.

The door slammed shut, the loud thud reverberating through the Kurosaki residence.

Isshin Kurosaki, lounging on the couch, was just about to crack a joke about Ichigo coming home late—when he turned his head and froze.

His son's expression was one he had never seen before.

Ichigo's chest heaved, his grip tight, shielding a trembling Sara in his arms.

His eyes—burning with fury and fear.

Not the goofy, easily annoyed Ichigo he usually teased.

Not the stubborn, hotheaded teen, he liked pushing to his limits.

No, this was something else.

This was a boy who looked ready to kill.

Isshin stood immediately, his teasing demeanor vanishing.

"What happened?"

Ichigo didn't answer right away.

His heart was still hammering, his arms still wrapped tightly around Sara's shaking frame.

She looked so tiny in his hold.

So fragile.

Her usual warm tan complexion was pale, her dark brown eyes wide, filled with something Ichigo hated seeing on her face—fear.

And not just any fear.

This was the same fear they felt six years ago.

The night his mother died.

The night they were helpless.

The night he lost everything.

Not again.

Ichigo's jaw locked.

He could still feel the lingering Hollow energy creeping at the edges of his senses like a specter, waiting.

Hiding.

Hunting.

Sara's hands were clenched tightly against his shirt, her shoulders trembling, her tears soaking into his jacket.

Ichigo swallowed hard before finally speaking.

"They're here."

Isshin's eyes darkened.

He knew exactly what his son meant.

And judging from Sara's condition, these weren't just any Hollows.

These were the ones that haunted their past.

Isshin moved towards them instinctively, placing a firm, reassuring hand on Sara's back.

"Breathe, Sara." His voice was softer, unlike his usual booming, teasing tone. "You're safe here."

Sara squeezed her eyes shut, forcing herself to take a shuddering breath.

She didn't want to feel this weak.

She didn't want to feel like that nine-year-old girl again.

But the memories, the emotions—they were too strong, too overwhelming.

Ichigo felt her grip tighten, and something inside him snapped.

He turned to his father, his voice low and serious.

"I won't let them take her too."

Isshin held his son's gaze.

There was no hesitation.

No doubt.

Only determination.

Only rage.

Only a boy who had already lost too much—and refused to lose again.

Isshin exhaled, his face unreadable for a moment.

Then, he nodded once.

"We'll make sure they don't."

The room was quiet, except for Sara's breathing's rhythmic rise and fall.

She was at peace for the first time in what felt like forever.

She was asleep.

Curled into Ichigo's chest, her small hands gripping onto the fabric of his shirt, as though even in slumber, she needed reassurance that he was there.

That she was safe.

Ichigo lay still, one arm resting lightly around her waist, the other behind his head as he stared at the ceiling.

His heart beat steadily, and he could feel Sara breathing against him, her warmth grounding him in a way he couldn't explain.

His mind, however, was anything but calm.

His jaw tightened, his fists clenching as the night replayed in his mind.

That look in her eyes.

That fear.

The same one from six years ago.

Ichigo swallowed hard, his chest tightening.

"I couldn't protect my mom... But I'll be damned if I let anything happen to Sara."

In the dimly lit hallway, Isshin Kurosaki stood in the doorway, watching the scene before him.

His expression softened in stark contrast to his usual loud, boisterous self.

He had seen this before.

The night Masaki died, when Sara couldn't stop crying, clinging to Ichigo like he was her last tether to the world.

Back then, they were children, grieving, confused, and broken.

Back then, Isshin and Kisuke had assured Sara it wasn't her fault.

That she wasn't a curse.

That she wasn't to blame.

That night, Ichigo held her close, just like this, silently promising to never let her go.

Now, six years later, nothing had changed.

Isshin sighed quietly, running a hand through his hair.

He could see it now.

The way Ichigo held her without hesitation.

The way Sara gravitated toward him instinctively.

The way his son's usual scowl was absent—replaced by something deeper.

Something he had once felt himself—for Masaki.

Isshin smiled fondly, but sadly.

"You really are my son, Ichigo."

He stepped away, leaving them be.

Tonight, at least, they could rest.

But tomorrow...

Tomorrow, he knew—Ichigo would be ready to fight.

And Sara would never be alone.

The phone rang once before being picked up.

Kisuke Urahara's calm, knowing voice came through the line before Isshin could even speak.

"Let me guess... Sara's with you?"

Isshin sighed, rubbing the back of his head as he leaned against the kitchen counter, his eyes flicking toward the staircase leading to Ichigo's room.

"Yeah," he confirmed, his tone quieter than usual. "She had a rough night. She's safe here, though."

There was a moment of silence on Kisuke's end.

Then a soft exhale.

"I figured."

Isshin could picture his old friend right now—leaning back in his shop, hat tipped forward, arms crossed.

Always the calm one, even when his mind was probably already calculating a hundred different possibilities.

"What happened?" Kisuke finally asked, his voice more serious now.

Isshin hesitated for a moment before speaking.

"Hollows," he admitted. "She sensed them before Ichigo did. And not just any Hollows—ones like before. The kind that took Masaki."

There was no verbal reaction, but Isshin could hear the sharp inhale Kisuke took.

Kisuke was quiet for a long time before finally muttering, "I see."

Isshin let him process, before adding, "She didn't want to be alone tonight. Ichigo wasn't about to let her go home by herself, either."

Kisuke chuckled lightly, but there was a tiredness behind it.

"Of course not. That boy has been glued to her side since they were kids."

"Like a stubborn shadow," Isshin agreed with a smirk, before it faded. "But it's more than that, Kisuke. She was trembling. Pale as a ghost. It was like she was that little girl all over again, the one crying in my arms six years ago."

The line was quiet again.

Then Kisuke sighed, softer this time.

"You did the right thing, Isshin."

Isshin nodded to himself, relieved Kisuke wasn't upset. "Just figured you should know. She's staying here tonight."

"I appreciate the call." Kisuke's voice was calmer now, softer. "Tell her... Tell her I'll see her in the morning."

Isshin smirked. "You're not gonna sneak into my house like the old days, are you?"

Kisuke laughed, the usual teasing lilt back in his voice.

"Tempting, but I'll pass. I'd rather not have Ichigo throw me down the stairs."

Isshin grinned, shaking his head. "Smart man."

With that, they ended the call.

Isshin set the phone down, stretching before turning back toward the staircase.

Sara and Ichigo were safe.

For now.

But tomorrow...

Tomorrow, there would be more battles to fight.