microcrack.

In a flashback, Acidwire recalls his human years as Sora Inoue, thrust into a guardian's role when Orihime was born to abusive parents; at fifteen he shielded her from their cruelty, and at eighteen he fled with her to build a life of their own. Back in the present, he snarls that he alone raised her and lunges to claim her from Ichigo. Ichigo catches the bite on his sword and insists Orihime belongs to no one, but the Hollow decides that if she will not live for him she must die for him, and sinks his teeth into her.

Instead of screaming, Orihime wraps her arms around her brother even as he wounds her. She confesses that she only ever hid her sorrow to keep him smiling and apologizes for never sensing how alone that left him, then collapses. Rukia assures the others it is not too late and uses her healing arts to return Orihime's soul to her body. Watching, Sora admits he always knew she was masking her pain, yet clung to her prayers because they meant her heart stayed his.

Ichigo points to the hairpins Orihime still wears, the first gift Sora ever gave her, and tells the Hollow that grief makes everyone feel alone, faulting him for forgetting his sister's loneliness while drowning in his own. Sora grips the blade and uses it to strip away the last of his mask, choosing to pass on with a clear mind. Rukia explains that the Zanpakutō purifies rather than destroys, opening the way to Soul Society. Orihime, remembering their final quarrel before his death, finally wishes him a good day as he dissolves into the sky. Rukia then erases the night with a Kikanshinki, and the next day Orihime cheerfully recounts a fabricated tale about a gunman, which Ichigo recognizes as the same trick used on his own family.

Orihime's embrace and apology break through Sora's rage, and he willingly severs his remaining mask to be cleansed. Rukia heals Orihime, purifies Sora into Soul Society, then wipes the memory of the entire encounter, leaving Orihime with invented recollections.

Part of the first volume and the Agent of the Shinigami arc, this chapter's title is rendered as Microcrack. in the Viz release. Its content was adapted into the anime's third episode, The Older Brother's Wish, the Younger Sister's Wish. The closing scene introduces the recurring device of the Kikanshinki, which reshapes the memories of ordinary humans who witness the supernatural.