The Most Hated

A year later.

Morning sunlight filtered through the luxuriant branches, scattering dappled spots of light across the road.

Today was the first day of school, and the entrance of Karakura Town Elementary School was crowded with parents there to see their children off.

"Ichigo! Listen carefully. Starting today, you're a little man." Isshin Kurosaki crouched down and pressed both hands heavily onto Ichigo's shoulders, his expression solemn as if he were sending his son off to war. "Even if Mom and Dad aren't by your side, you have to be strong."

"I know, Dad. Let go already. This is so embarrassing." Ichigo's face flushed as he tried to break free of his father's clutches.

Who cries over something this trivial?!

"Isshin, don't scare Ichigo." Masaki smiled gently nearby, straightening the collar her husband had mussed up and reminding him, "Ichigo, get along well with your classmates, okay?"

Ever since Ichigo was born, Masaki had reined in her former mischievousness considerably, becoming gentler and more maternal by the day.

"Mm, I understand, Mom." Ichigo nodded, his face slightly flushed.

Masaki suddenly smiled again. "Speaking of which, Mom heard that your homeroom teacher this year is a very gentle teacher."

"Homeroom teacher?"

"That's right." A trace of relief showed in Masaki's smile. "With that teacher there, Mom will feel much more at ease."

"More like sending a lamb into a wolf's den..." Isshin Kurosaki muttered quietly from the side.

Yuko was quite dangerous under ordinary circumstances, to put it mildly.

After saying goodbye to his parents, Ichigo put on his little backpack and walked into the classroom, curious but slightly nervous.

As soon as he entered, Ichigo saw someone who filled him with pleasant surprise.

"S-Small Chizuru?"

Chizuru Arisawa sat at her desk, boredly staring to one side. Hearing a familiar voice,