So I heard a lot of whining and cries over how IchiOris "celebrate" about this novel. Honestly I don't care about them. But to give you a chance to read for yoruself, Pikeish translated the exact pages when Rukia decided to help Ichigo (p 104-106).
Translation by Pikeish. She cannot post it by herself. Credit by "link" back to this place. Please do not post in tumblr.
The Death save The Strawberry - page 104-106
"You know, Kurosaki kun always seems to be suffering...."
Bit by bit Orihime started to talk about Ichigo's condition for the past few months.
How he was severely at a loss after losing his powers.
How he would smile and say this life was something he had "wished for".
How that smile looked to be very sad indeed....
"I want to do something for Kurosaki kun but I can't do anything.....!"
Orihime has thought once if she could reverse it until the situation before Ichigo lost his powers and she put that thought into practice. However, no matter what kind of willpower she concentrated with, his powers never returned.
Ichigo had said, "Don't worry! Thank you for trying your best!" Cheering up the dispirited Orihime with a smile.
His kindness was what hurt the most.
"I know for sure I've made him hope/expect... That his powers will return. But as I thought, it wasn't possible.... I'm sure Kurosaki kun is also disappointed but he still cheered me up...."
Remembering that sad smile of his at that time, Orihime buried her face on her knees.
"I didn't intend to put that expression on his face.....!"
The wind blew and disarrayed Orihime's soft hair. Large tears shone on her cheeks, seen through between her hairs. Rukia put her hand gently on the shaking Orihime's shoulders and said quietly,
".....Ichigo has always fought in order to protect something. That is his action's philosophy, as well as his foundation stone. If it's a dispute between two people without any special powers, I'm sure Ichigo doesn't fall behind in that respect. I think that there are lots of people he can protect in that respect too."
In practice, Ichigo has been helping/saving a lot of people even after he had lost his powers. Like saving a school boy who was targeted by a boy who looked like a scoundrel (chinpira), catching a purse snatcher, saving an aged person from almost being ran over by a car..... When he saved the girl who had slipped from the veranda, fell and whom he had caught in the nick of time, essentially saving her life, he was sent a letter of appreciation from the police.
"However, he has now come to know. The existence of people he can't save with just the power of a human being......."
For Ichigo now, it was no longer possible to see them or touch them. Even so, they still continue to exist and continue to be thrown into dangers. He never knew if a hollow was actually trying to devour a soul in the corner of the street he just passed by without thought.
While knowing that, he still can't do anything----.
"For Ichigo whose will to protect is stronger than anyone else's, it must be an unbearable pain....."
I want to do something for him, she thought.
Without any moment's delay, using any means necessary.
"Leave it to me"
Rukia took Orihime's hand. Orihime who put her head up looked at Rukia with eyes wet with tears.
"I will return to Ichigo his shinigami powers for sure."
She exerts strength in the hand she was holding.
That was a promise both for Orihime and herself. A promise which meant she'll accomplish the task for sure no matter how hard it was, no matter if it only held a narrow possibility.
-----
Well, after that Orihime is back to weeping over foods, Rukia talking about her brother and w/e more.[/quote]
