Ichigo did not expect her to understand. No human, especially a human child, would understand. His reforging wasn't a choice. It had been forced upon him and by the enemy of his former master. It had been ordered by the very person who had decided to burn down Osaka Castle. And now he was left to deal with the large gaps in his memories and the constant nightmares of fire. He wished to go to his beloved former master but he couldn't. Ichigo was just too loyal and stubborn for his own good sometimes.

Finding his brothers again did give his life meaning and direction, but he kept the mental torment he felt to himself. His brothers were young and he did not wish to burden them with the knowledge that the oldest brother they worship was falling apart inside. The news that his world was destroyed and his brothers probably all dead was a further blow to his already fragile mental state. What else did he have to live for? However, he did not feel this was something he could or should share with Chihiro. So he just smiled.

"I am truly honoured that you feel that way, Chihiro-chan." As for making new memories with Mikazuki. Did he really have a chance? Tsurumaru had told that Mikazuki was getting married... And though he couldn't recall anything of their past relationship. The news had broken his heart. All he could do was smile to mask the pain as he glanced up at the sky again. "Ah, the rain seems to be stopping."