[Ichigo's world is so very different than Akira's]

Why did it change?

[he knows this was before Ichigo's time, apparently. but he asks that question anyway, because it follows after everything his partner has said. but he barely has time to get it out of his mouth before Ichigo is asking another question in return. and, with a deep exhale, Akira nods]

Yeah. Of course. Nobody was ever forced into becoming one. It was just. . . an option, after winning.

[and his reasons for taking it were idealistic and, as Max put it. . . a bit naive]