Kisuke Urahara did not answer Ichigo right away.
He lowered the Paper Fan in his hand, his gaze settling on the Substitute Shinigami Badge at Ichigo's waist as the smile on his face faded a little.
"Activating Fullbring isn't just a matter of stuffing spiritual power into your body, you know."
"Then what exactly do I have to do?"
Ichigo asked with a frown.
"First, identify your medium."
Urahara stood, walked around the counter, and approached Ichigo.
"For a Fullbringer to draw out the power within them, they need something that truly belongs to them. That object must carry a powerful attachment. The harder it is to let go of, the better it can serve as an anchor for their power."
Ichigo looked down at his Substitute Shinigami Badge.
"Something of mine?"
"Yes."
"Then can't I use this?"
Urahara smiled without answering directly.
In fact, the Substitute Shinigami Badge was precisely the most suitable medium for Ichigo.
It was proof that he had become a Substitute Soul Reaper, and a testament to the times he had protected his family and companions. To Ichigo, the meaning this badge carried went far beyond that of an ordinary object.
But Ichigo had yet to realize that himself.
More troubling still, awakening Fullbring often required despair to force the user to confront their deepest attachment.
Only when he felt he was about to lose everything would the power hidden deep within his soul truly respond.
"You can try."
Urahara finally said, "But the chances of success aren't high."
"Why?"
"Because you aren't desperate enough yet, Ichigo."
Ichigo's expression darkened on the spot.
"Do you have to make everything you say sound so punchable?"
"Oh, my, I'm only stating the facts."
Urahara covered his mouth with his Paper Fan, his tone as airy as ever.