If she is, then...well, that's kind of the way life goes.

[ Ichigo frowns, but he's pointedly not dropping his gaze. ]

You know she's older than both of us, right? Whatever she has to do, well...she had to grow up some time, Shiro. It doesn't matter, though. Because it's still Lioriley. Still my friend - and yours. No matter how strong she might get.

[ Then we'll walk beside her, whether she likes it or not. ]