I'm reading this on my phone anyway, so I wouldn't be able to tell P

More chapters please D

I fail to see how a stuffed animal is hormonal, but I'll let it slide because it's funny.

For being so adverse to killing he sure had no problems ruining Ichigo's life.

To be Kon-tinued.

Don't mind me, I'm just adding to your review count while complimenting your writing skills and insight.

Telling a story that deals with death is like traversing a swamp: if you suck at it you're in deep shit, but if you do it well you can get across something deep.
If you haven't already realised, I think you're doing it pretty damn well.

Works like a charm. XD

Thank you for making this a thing.

You had me by the time he was debating his colour preferences.

That turned dark quicker than Shinsõ extends O.O

And we're back in the present. Dat backstory tho.

This is most definitely Ichigo.

And that is most definitely Rukia. XD

This is why the book is always better than the movie.

Onwards, to the next chapter!

Okay, I have to say I was almost scared off before I began. I've learned over the years that stories that start off with songs and have first person narration are usually ones to stay far, far, away from. I am so incredibly grateful I continued to read. What you've done with this story is absolutely fantastic. I appreciate it on so many levels and the squealing and joy I've had throughout my reading of this has been intense. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Okay, onto specifics. Really what made your story for me was your detailed and accurate characterization of everyone. You did a masterful and thoughtful job with each of the characters (you paid attention to the side characters! That's like the one of my biggest things I look for in a story!) and they were all wonderfully complex. I loved how you included all the differing elements of Ichigo's: his wit, backstory, intelligence, observation skills, his issues, family relationships, drawing skills and..just everything! All those parts are what make humans human and it's so great to see in fiction. That's really what makes the story come alive for me. And that you did that not only for Ichigo, but the other characters as well was so great! I was seriously so happy when I saw the thought you'd put into Ichigo's character, even figuring out his personality type. It becomes blatantly obvious in a first person narration whether the character is well developed or not and yours obviously is. You've done a fantastic job.
I also really love how you expanded on things that Kubo didn't mention, skimmed over, or alluded to. It breathed so much life into the story! Ichigo's backstory and his friendship to the that little orphan ghost really helped set apart your story from so many I've read.
I also have to say that I normally don't like the retelling of the manga chapters because I've read the original. I know what happened, and I really haven't read many who do it justice, it's more of a skim over to get to the good stuff. You definitely didn't do that; you've made each section so interesting and insightful. I'd drawn towards (and sadly, often disappointed by) so called "character studies," and you have excelled in that. You do the concept honor in this story. You've done such a fantastic job delving into who Ichigo is: his history, struggles, humor, motivations, personality, morals, intelligence, family life, social life...it's all there and more! I seriously don't feel like I'm doing justice here in describing how freakin' awesome that is to me. I get such joy from reading well thought out and interesting characters and you've done such a wonderful job creating and presenting so many of them! Ichigo is a favorite of mine and I love how you've portrayed him.
You've obviously put a lot of time and thought into writing this, the grammar was wonderful and spot on with the different characters, I didn't spot any plot holes/discrepancies, you left me on the edge of my seat so much and I'm afraid that I lost a good amount of sleep because I was so eager to read more. I am desperately hoping that everything went well and you've continued onto the Soul Society arch. I knew I shouldn't go another moment without telling you what I think of your story and thanking you. I truly believe that you are a skilled writer and, from what I have seen here, I know I would be delighted in anything you wrote, no matter the content, because of how much talent you have cultivated in writing. Thank you for your hard work and kindness in sharing this with the public. I'm off to read more of your works! Thanks so much for everything!

Wow. Seeing into Ichigo's thoughts during the fight with Grand Fisher, his realizations about what he himself is embracing or could turn into, and how he breaks free from the guilt he's chained himself to, makes this encounter so very powerful. Same with the way you take the graveside conversation with Isshin further. A lot of stirring emotion.

I also like the dynamic between Ichigo and Rukia. The nuances add up to make me respect each of them even more.

Nice job expanding the conversations Ichigo has with Rukia (she tells Ichigo he wouldn't have killed his mom, instead of just thinking it after the fact) and Isshin (addressing the manipulation and paranoia verbally, thinking about who's doing/not doing the fathering).

One part concerning Masaki really grabbed me: "She was one of those people who, in retrospect, you can't believe was actually real. Like my childhood was a dream. And then one day, it ended." Ah, the feels! It's like a sucker punch.

Still enjoying the story! Thanks for showing Rukia's "sadness and determined defiance" so well, and Ichigo's perception of said.

Laughed over Rukia's outburst about liking rabbits! And the contrast in physical feeling when Ichigo uses soul candy versus Rukia's glove...that is interesting.

I enjoy seeing Ichigo and Rukia getting acquainted. There's awkwardness and secrecy, instinctual insults and physicality, surprise and cynicism. They are both vying for the upper hand (with each other, themselves, new realities) and yet making an effort to understand one another.

Another good song selection. :)

The original content you weave into the story has emotional impact and snags me more than just Ichigo's inner monologue alone: how the Kurosakis and visitors react to Masaki's picture; Ichigo's thoughts on and past interactions with his school friends; Rukia trying to wield modern slang; Ochi-sensei checking on Ichigo, and the konso of Enzeru that spread a warm prickly feeling in my chest and throat.

The song/band you lead the chapter with are also favorites of mine. ;)

This is fantastic. It's the manga fleshed out in a way that's plausible and visceral. I like how you take canon scenes and conversations and shift them slightly to illuminate: psyche, history, relationships.

The prose is tight and clean, it hums along and is suspenseful even though I know the major plot points to come. I'm keen to see how you develop characters beyond Ichigo, and how much of that comes through, narrated as it is by Ichigo. (I do like this Ichigo, by the way; I just would love to get into the mind of more than one person, as you're doing such a bang up job with him. *wink*)

This first chapter blew me away and I eagerly anticipate the rest. Thanks for writing.