Grand Fischer and Time Skip

Years had passed since Harry joined the Kurosaki household. The bonds of family had deepened, and life seemed, at least on the surface, to carry a semblance of normalcy. However, destiny had a way of showing its hand at the most unexpected moments.

It was a warm afternoon, the sun casting golden reflections on the surface of the river near Karakura Town. Masaki, Harry, and Ichigo were walking along the path, the boy enthusiastically recounting his latest sparring session with Yoruichi.

Suddenly, Ichigo stopped mid-sentence. By the riverbank, a young girl sat weeping, her figure silhouetted against the setting sun. Without hesitation, Ichigo rushed down the embankment.

"Hey, are you okay?" Ichigo called, his voice carrying a mix of concern and curiosity.

Masaki and Harry followed at a more measured pace. It wasn't long before Harry's eyes narrowed as a dark presence manifested. A Hollow—Grand Fisher—lurched from the shadows, its grotesque mask and massive form looming over the girl.

Masaki gasped, sprinting toward Ichigo, but as she approached, her legs buckled beneath her. Her powers drained away inexplicably, and she dropped to one knee.

"Masaki!" Harry was at her side in an instant, steadying her. He turned his sharp gaze toward the Hollow, his voice icy. "It seems someone thinks they can play games with my family."

In a blur of motion, Harry flashed to Ichigo, his foot connecting with the Hollow's torso in a powerful kick that sent it skidding across the ground.

"Stay back, Ichigo," Harry said calmly, stepping in front of the boy. He turned to Masaki and offered a reassuring smile. "Oh dear, it seems you've been sapped of all your energy. Let me help you real quick."

The Hollow lunged again, but Harry didn't even glance at it. With an outstretched hand, he plunged his fingers through its mask. The creature let out a guttural scream before crumbling into dust.

Harry knelt beside Masaki, pulling out his Quincy cross and slicing his palm to soak it in his blood. With gentle determination, he pressed it to her lips.

"Drink," he instructed, his voice low but commanding.

Masaki hesitated but obeyed. As she swallowed, she felt warmth surge through her, a connection forming that intertwined her soul with Harry's.

Ichigo watched the entire scene, his fists clenched. When Masaki opened her eyes, her strength restored, Ichigo made a vow silently to himself.

I'll become stronger. Strong enough to protect the people I care about.

Ichigo dove into his training with renewed determination. Harry and Yoruichi pushed him harder than ever before, focusing on every aspect of his abilities. Masaki and Isshin watched proudly as their son grew not just in strength but also in maturity.

At 15, Ichigo's life had settled into a balance of school, family, and his secret training. His alarm blared loudly, and with a groan, he slapped it off, sitting up in bed.

"Another day," he muttered, stretching before heading downstairs.

The Kurosaki household was its usual lively self. Isshin's antics were met with Karin's dry remarks, Yuzu's cheerful scolding, and Masaki's patient smiles. Harry sat at the table, sipping tea and reading the paper.

"Good morning, Ichigo," Harry greeted, setting the paper down.

Ichigo grumbled something incoherent as he sat down to eat. After breakfast, Harry stood, helping Yuzu and Karin gather their bags.

"I'll take the girls to school," Harry said, ruffling Ichigo's hair as he passed. "Good luck today, kiddo."

Ichigo smirked. "You too, old man."

Harry laughed, escorting the girls out.

The day proceeded like any other until Ichigo returned home to find a strange girl in black robes standing in his room.

"What the hell?" Ichigo blurted, staring at the petite Shinigami with raven-black hair.

Rukia Kuchiki turned, her gaze imperious. "So, you can see me, huh? That's... unexpected."

Downstairs, Masaki, Isshin, and Harry watched through a one-way Kido window projected on the floor.

"Oh, this is going to be good," Masaki whispered, her eyes glinting with amusement.

Harry chuckled. "Rukia's got spirit. Dominant, isn't she?"

Isshin nodded sagely. "A fine match for Ichigo someday, maybe."

Rukia bound Ichigo with a Kido spell, watching in satisfaction as he froze in place. "There. Now listen carefully—"

To her shock, Ichigo flexed his spiritual pressure, breaking the binding spell as if it were paper. In a flash, he turned the tables, binding her in the same spell.

"What was that about listening carefully?" Ichigo asked smugly.

Masaki stifled a laugh, winking at Isshin, who grinned broadly. Harry, meanwhile, leaned back, clearly entertained.

The comedic exchange was interrupted by a loud roar as a Hollow approached. Rukia broke free and rushed downstairs, Ichigo following close behind. The fight was short but intense, with Ichigo ultimately dealing the finishing blow.

Rukia, injured and weak, was brought inside, where Isshin began treating her. Moments later, Kisuke arrived, handing over a Giggai—a temporary body for Rukia to use while she recovered.

"Well," Harry said, leaning against the wall as the day wound down. "I'd say that's quite enough excitement for one day."

Masaki nodded, her gaze lingering on her son. "He's growing up so fast."

"Yes," Harry agreed, his tone thoughtful. "And he's going to need every bit of that strength for what's coming."

As the night fell over the Kurosaki household, a sense of quiet determination settled over them all. The path ahead was uncertain, but one thing was clear: they would face it together.