Changing History, Unchanging Heart

The battle between Ichigo and Ginjou comes to a close when the latter receives a mortal wound. Just as Ginjou is about to die, the dying Tsukishima tries to kill Ichigo but is stopped by Riruka as she emerges from Rukia's body. Shishigawa proceeds to carry Tsukishima away while the other surviving Xcution members decide to separate. Ichigo later returns to the Soul Society and requests that Genryuusai Shigekuni Yamamoto let Ginjou's body be buried within the human world as the last thing he can do for him. Yamamoto agrees just as Ichigo accepts to continue being a Substitute Soul Reaper. Rukia sees Ichigo off, recalling their time together and silently thanks him. Ichigo returns to Karakura Town where he is greeted by his friends and family.