User blog comment:TheBody84/Ichigos father being the former Kenpachi/@comment-1624279-20091025113258

Am I correct to say that this series uses the reincarnation theory? If that is correct then if someone dies in the living world they either go to the Soul Society or become a Hollow. So if the Hollow dies via a Soul Reapers blade they go to the Soul Society & once in the Soul Society if they die there then they go back to the living world & are born a human. If so I have a theory about Ichigo & Kaien.

When Jushiro spoke with Byakuya about Rukias impending execution Byakuya asks why does he care, since he already lost his lieutenant. Judging by this statement I think its safe to say Kaien died not too long before the beginning of the story. Ichigo is sixteen years old(comparing that to a Shinigami he is really young)so I thought it could be possible for Ichigo to be a reincarnation of Kaien. This is pure speculation on my part, but i'm curious as to what some of u other users think?