The Stranger in Soul Society
Harry didn’t move as the black-robed figures surrounded him, their hands resting on the hilts of their swords. They weren’t just armed—there was an aura about them, something that radiated discipline and power.
Shinigami. He didn’t know how he knew the term, but it rang true the moment he looked at them. They were like him—yet not.
“I said, identify yourself,” the leader repeated, stepping forward. He was tall, with short black hair and a hardened expression. His hand remained on his sword, ready to draw at a moment’s notice.
Harry’s mind raced. What could he even say? I’m Harry Potter, and I was just murdered by the Darkest wizard in history before waking up here with no explanation? Yeah, that would go over well.
He took a slow breath. “My name is Harry,” he answered, keeping his voice steady. “I don’t know how I got here.”
The Shinigami leader narrowed his eyes. “You just killed a Hollow,” he said. “And yet, you’re not one of us. You’re not wearing the uniform, and your spiritual pressure is… abnormal.”
Harry frowned. Spiritual pressure? Was that the energy he had just used? It felt different from magic, but at the same time, strangely familiar—like something that had always been inside him, waiting to be unleashed.
The other Shinigami exchanged uncertain glances. “He shouldn’t even have a Zanpakutō,” one of them muttered.
Harry tensed at the unfamiliar word. Zanpakutō. Is that what my scythe was?
The leader’s expression darkened. “You’re coming with us. The Gotei 13 will decide what to do with you.”
Two of the Shinigami stepped forward, and instinctively, Harry took a step back. He didn’t like the idea of being taken anywhere until he understood what was happening.
“I’m not here to cause trouble,” he said cautiously. “But I think I deserve some answers first.”
The leader’s eyes flashed with irritation. “This isn’t a negotiation.”
Before Harry could respond, a new voice interrupted.
“I think we should hear the kid out first.”
The tension in the air shifted as a new figure stepped into view. He wore the same black robes as the others, but unlike the rigid stance of the others, he seemed more relaxed. His haori, draped over his shoulders, marked him as a captain. He had a laid-back smile, his straw hat tilted at an easy angle, but there was sharp intelligence in his eyes.
“Captain Kyōraku,” the leader greeted, his tone immediately more respectful.
Harry studied the man. He had an air of amusement about him, but Harry had encountered enough powerful wizards in his life to recognize when someone was more dangerous than they seemed.
Kyōraku’s eyes flicked to Harry, studying him. “You’re not a normal soul, are you?”
Harry hesitated. “I… don’t think so.”
“Hm.” The captain sighed. “Well, dragging him straight to the Central 46 might be a bit harsh. How about we take him to the Seireitei first? Give him a chance to explain himself before we decide he’s an enemy.”
The leader hesitated but eventually nodded. “As you wish, Captain.”
Kyōraku smiled, then turned to Harry. “Come on, kid. Let’s figure out what to do with you.”
Harry wasn’t sure whether he had just been saved or placed in even more danger. But for now, he had no choice but to follow.
As they vanished into the skies, heading toward the heart of the Soul Society, Harry couldn’t shake the feeling that his arrival here was only the beginning of something far bigger than himself.