Applying Pressure

Seeing that the situation had reached a stalemate, Liu Hao suddenly moved. Instead of rushing towards Byakuya Kuchiki's front, he used Shunpo to circle around behind him with astonishing speed. His Imperial Sword, accompanied by a sharp whistling sound as it tore through the air, slashed diagonally from the upper right to the lower left.

This attack was silent, almost instantaneous as Liu Hao moved, showcasing his exceptional combat skills, rarely known to others, as the former Medical Guard Team Lieutenant.

However, Byakuya Kuchiki lived up to his reputation as the Captain of the Squad Six. Just as the sword was about to touch his back, he used Shunpo to move to the side with almost the same speed, and at the same time turned around and slashed at Liu Hao.

Liu Hao's reaction was equally astonishing. Facing the incoming Zanpakuto, he did not retreat, but instead leaned back, the blade grazing his nose. Then, using the momentum from leaning back, he swung the Imperial Sword diagonally upwards, aiming directly at Byakuya Kuchiki's side.

This series of offensive and defensive transitions was completed in the blink of an eye. Byakuya Kuchiki twisted his wrist, and Senbonzakura's blade blocked the trajectory of the Imperial Sword.

Clang!

A crisp metallic clang echoed through the quiet street. The two used the momentum to pull back, creating distance between them.

Liu Hao steadied himself, a relaxed smile on his face, "Captain Kuchiki, you see, there's no point in continuing like this. How about letting us leave?"

"Are you implying I can't do anything to you?" Byakuya Kuchiki's expression remained cold, but a hint of seriousness flashed in his eyes. He raised the Senbonzakura in his hand. "I hope you can still smile now."

Just as Byakuya Kuchiki was about to unleash his Zanpakuto, a gentle voice came from the street corner. "Captain Kuchiki, it seems that unleashing Zanpakuto isn't allowed here, is it?"

Byakuya Kuchiki looked in the direction of the sound and saw Jūshirō Ukitake walking slowly towards him with Kaien Shiba. As the Captain of the Thirteenth Division, Ukitake had a long and distinguished career in the Gotei 13 and his words carried considerable weight.

"Captain Ukitake," Byakuya Kuchiki nodded slightly, "The Seireitei has issued a special wartime order, allowing the release of Zanpakuto anywhere. The Ryoka invasion is a special case."

"Has it gotten that serious?" Jūshirō Ukitake's expression turned serious. A wartime special order meant that the situation had exceeded the scope of normal control, and it was usually only issued when faced with a major threat.

Upon hearing this, Liu Hao couldn't help but complain, "Seriously, is that Old Man Yama playing this big? People could die!"

Jūshirō Ukitake's gaze shifted to Liu Hao, a gentle smile spreading across his face, "So it's Lieutenant Liu Hao. Long time no see. You seem to be in good spirits."

"Captain Ukitake alright?" Liu Hao replied politely, then pointed to Ganju Shiba and Hanatarō Yamada behind him, "Since you're here, help me take Hanatarō Yamada to our Captain. As for this silly boy..."

He glanced at Ganju Shiba: "Take Kaien back and teach him a lesson. If he dares to be arrogant towards me again, I won't hesitate to stab him a few times."

"Do you think you can leave?" Byakuya Kuchiki said coldly, Senbonzakura pointing at Liu Hao again.

"Give it a try." Liu Hao's smile remained unchanged, but a sly glint flashed in his eyes.

The moment the words left his mouth, a rotating spatial vortex appeared out of thin air behind Liu Hao, its edges shimmering with distorted light. It was an entrance to an unknown space.

Seeing this, Byakuya Kuchiki charged towards Liu Hao without hesitation, his Senbonzakura slashing down with chilling killing intent. However, Liu Hao's body leaned back, falling right into the vortex. As his figure disappeared, the vortex rapidly contracted, eventually closing completely, as if it had never existed.

Byakuya Kuchiki's blade struck only air. He stood there, expressionless, but his grip on the sword tightened slightly, revealing his inner turmoil.

Jūshirō Ukitake shook his head with a wry smile, "Kaien, take him back."

Kaien Shiba walked up to Ganju Shiba and said irritably, "You brat, come with me."

"Big brother," Ganju Shiba asked cautiously, "That guy just said he beat you up before, is that true?"

This question instantly froze Kaien Shiba's expression. Enraged, he slapped Ganju Shiba on the head. "Get out of here! Why are you asking so many questions!"

After saying that, he turned to Hanatarō Yamada: "You should come back with me too. I'll take you to the Fourth Division."

Hanatarō Yamada quickly bowed. "Yes, thank you for your help Vice-Captain Shiba."

After the three left, Byakuya Kuchiki didn't say much, but simply put away Senbonzakura and disappeared around the corner. Jūshirō Ukitake stood there, looking in the direction where Liu Hao had disappeared, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes.

"Liu Hao, oh Liu Hao," he murmured to himself, "What exactly are you planning?"

When Liu Hao opened the spatial portal, he positioned himself near Kisuke Urahara's secret training base. After leaving Seireitei, he immediately concealed his Reiatsu and swiftly headed towards the training base.

When he arrived, the scene he saw made him frown slightly— Yoruichi Shihōin was explaining the Bankai training method to Ichigo Kurosaki, but the progress was clearly worrying.

"Haven't you even started cultivating yet?" Liu Hao walked into the Training Ground, his tone tinged with impatience.

Before Yoruichi Shihōin could answer, Ichigo Kurosaki interrupted, "Liu Shu, what are you doing here? They said you're a wanted criminal in Soul Society, is that true?"

"Why do you ask so many questions?" Liu Hao waved his hand impatiently. "Mind your own business and focus on your cultivation. I have to go rescue someone later."

At that moment, Renji Abarai walked over and stood in front of Liu Hao, his expression serious. "He can't interfere in your affairs, so what about me?"

Liu Hao looked at Renji and sighed, "Sigh, it really isn't the right time yet. If it weren't for your accident, I wouldn't have shown up at all."

These words caused Renji's emotions to explode instantly. He grabbed Liu Hao's collar and roared, "Do you even consider us your friends?! Why? Why didn't you tell me and Rukia anything?! Why did you push us away?!"

Ichigo Kurosaki was startled by Renji's sudden outburst. He gently tugged at Renji's sleeve. "Renji, Liu Shu definitely considers you guys friends. When you had your accident, Liu Shu flew into a rage on the spot. I only asked one question, and he almost killed me on the spot..."

Upon hearing Ichigo Kurosaki's words, Renji glared at him, then released Liu Hao's collar, but the questioning look in his eyes did not disappear.

"What exactly happened?" Renji's voice was low and firm, "What made you defect from Soul Society?"

Liu Hao straightened his wrinkled collar, his tone becoming serious. "You all know what happened, but I was framed, so I have no choice but to live in World of the Living for the time being. Some things, if revealed before the time is right, will only harm more people."

"So you came here to save Rukia?" Renji pressed.

"It's not just about saving her," Liu Hao said, "But also about finding out who's behind this. This farce should end."

"Why don't you just expose that person?" Renji, puzzled.

"Because the evidence is insufficient, and also because..." Liu Hao paused, "Some things must be seen by everyone with their own eyes before they can be truly believed. You'll understand then. Right now, your task is to train your Bankai. I'll go out and check on the rest of the kids."

Ichigo Kurosaki immediately asked, "Liu Shu, how are Ganju and Yamantaro?"

"Focus on your cultivation, they're fine," Liu Hao replied simply, then turned to everyone present, "I've come here with two purposes: first, to take the Imperial Princess away; second, to inform you that you only have four days. If you can't achieve Bankai, Rukia won't be rescued, and we'll all die here."

These words instantly made the atmosphere in the Training Ground heavy. To complete Bankai in four days was almost a pipe dream, even for a genius.

Liu Hao didn't give them a chance to ask questions. After speaking, he turned and left the Training Base. Yoruichi Shihōin immediately followed him out.

"What do you mean by that?" Yoruichi asked seriously. "Completing Bankai in four days is almost impossible, even for a genius."

"It doesn't mean anything special," Liu Hao said calmly, "It's just to put some pressure on them. People often unleash unimaginable strength in desperate situations. And..."

He glanced back in the direction of the Training Base: "They must understand, this is not a game. Rukia's execution will not be delayed because of their efforts, nor will the enemy show mercy because of their weakness."

"Is four days really enough?" Yoruichi asked worriedly.

"Whether it's enough or not, they must finish." Liu Hao's tone was firm and unwavering. "I'm leaving now; they're in your hands. Remember, don't be soft-hearted. Only real pressure can unleash true potential."

After saying that, Liu Hao turned and left without lingering. Yoruichi watched his retreating figure, a complex emotion flashing in her eyes. She knew Liu Hao was right, but she also knew how difficult this path would be.

After leaving the training base, Liu Hao began searching for Uryū Ishida and Orihime Inoue in the Seireitei. He spent some time and finally found the two near a relatively secluded Warehouse —they had changed into Soul Reaper outfits and were cautiously observing their surroundings.

As soon as the two stepped out of the Warehouse, they encountered a Soul Reaper from the 11th Division, who was clearly drunk and staggering.

"Who are you?" the drunkard squinted, sizing up the two men. "I've never seen you before."

Uryū Ishida remained calm, adjusting his glasses. "We're new here."

"Which squad?" The drunkard's gaze fell on Orihime Inoue, a hint of ill intent flashing in his eyes.

Upon seeing this, Uryū Ishida immediately stepped in front of Orihime Inoue, while secretly grasping the Spirit Bow hidden in his sleeve.

Seeing Uryū Ishida's actions, the drunkard grabbed his collar and leaned in to examine the team emblem on his clothes. "You guys are from the Twelfth Division? What are you doing in our territory?"

Just as the drunkard was causing trouble, several people walked over from the street corner. The leader looked refined and spoke gently, "Don't be afraid, the 11th Division often bullies people from other divisions."

The man approached the drunkard, seemingly intending to help him out. However, just as he passed by Uryū Ishida, an unexpected incident occurred—

The person standing in front of Uryū Ishida suddenly exploded!

The explosion came so suddenly that no one had time to react. But Uryū Ishida reacted almost instinctively—a triangular Reishi shield appeared out of thin air in front of him, blocking the impact of the explosion.

The shield absorbed most of the explosion's power, but the aftershocks still sent several people flying. Uryū Ishida protected Orihime Inoue as they rolled backward, barely managing to regain their balance.

The injured man looked back, his face showing disbelief— the Twelfth Division Captain Mayuri Kurotsuchi was standing not far away, holding a detonator switch in his hand, with that unsettling smile of a science fanatic on his face.

"Wow, the defense reacted quickly," Mayuri Kurotsuchi her head, her purple lips curving into a strange smile. "However, this is just a small test."

Uryū Ishida and Orihime Inoue watched Mayuri Kurotsuchi warily, knowing they had encountered a truly formidable enemy. Meanwhile, Liu Hao, hidden in the shadows, gripped the hilt of the Imperial Sword tightly, ready to strike at any moment.