Board Thread:General Discussion/@comment-4317207-20130718025305/@comment-11477779-20130720031937

Personally, I hope the hollow mask is gone. To me, the mask always represented a split within Ichigo's soul. When Tensa Zangetsu and Hollow Ichigo merged during the Dangai training I was pleased thinking, "finally, his power is whole." You'll notice he never used the hollow mask during the final fight with Aizen. Why? Because he no longer needed it. This is the Ichigo I want to see from now on. Now, the latest chapter had Kyôraku mention that Ichigo might obtain a power that would prevent him from returning to the human world. THAT is more interesting than the hollow mask. I believe it has something to do with the Soul King. I don't expect Ichigo to become that but perhaps something along the line of being imbued with the Ōken and becoming the Protector of the Soul Society. A new, sixth member of the Royal Guard or something.