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But I have developed views on them. In my opinion, Rukia and Ichigo's relationship is very...complex. I don't view them as just close friends, but I can't view them in any sort of romance dynamic either. In my opinion, Rukia has a love for Ichigo. And Ichigo has a love for Rukia.
Remember it was hinted in the Arrancar arc that Ichigo and his friends maybe given the option of become Shinigami once they die. So I think you'll see Ichigo die near the end of the manga only to have him return to the human world many many years later as a true Shinigami vs a Sub. Yes, he does lose his powers.