Return to the World of the Living

As dawn broke, the Senkaimon plaza at the west gate of the Seireitei was shrouded in a thin layer of mist. Liu Hao stood alone before the massive Senkaimon, its frame carved with ancient patterns, and a faint blue light swirling in its center, like a vortex leading to another world.

He arrived a little early. The appointed time had not yet arrived, Ichigo Kurosaki and the others had not yet appeared. But Liu Hao did not mind waiting—too many things had happened during his trip to the Seireitei these past few days, and he needed some time to sort out his thoughts.

Just as he was deep in thought, he heard footsteps in the distance.

Two figures walked through the morning mist. Leading them was Jūshirō Ukitake, Captain of the Thirteenth Division, whose white haori stood out brightly in the morning light. Behind him was Kaien Shiba, also wearing a white haori, but with a more relaxed smile on his face than Ukitake.

"Captain Ukitake, Vice-Captain Kaien, hello." Liu Hao greeted them with a smile.

"Hello, Liu Hao." The two responded simultaneously, their tone friendly.

Jūshirō Ukitake walked up to Liu Hao, his expression gentle but his eyes serious. "Liu Hao, is there anything we can do to help you on this trip to the World of the Living?"

Liu Hao pondered for a moment, his expression turning serious. "By the way, Captain Ukitake, you mentioned before that you would send people to the World of the Living to provide support. I hope you can allow them to Limiter Release if necessary."

He paused, then emphasized, "After all, the opponent's strength is by no means weaker than the Captain's. If we apply for a spot at the last minute, it could very likely result in casualties."

Jūshirō Ukitake's expression also turned serious. Limiter Release —that was a Reiatsu limiter imposed by Soul Reaper when they went to the World of the Living, intended to prevent excessive Reiatsu from affecting the World of the Living. However, when facing a powerful enemy, this limit could become a fatal weakness.

"Okay, I understand," Jūshirō Ukitake nodded. "I will report this to the Captain-Commander."

Liu Hao continued, his tone revealing tactical considerations. "One more thing—don't let them Limiter Release the restriction all at once. It's best to remove it after the opponent lowers their guard. Otherwise, if it's removed from the start, we might not be a match for them."

"I see..." Jūshirō Ukitake said thoughtfully, "I will give them instructions."

Just then, a familiar voice came from afar.

Liu Shu!

Ichigo Kurosaki ran out of the morning mist, his orange hair standing out brightly in the morning light. Behind him followed Uryū Ishida, Yasutora Sado, Orihime Inoue, and Ganju Shiba. Although the group had undergone several days of fighting and treatment, they looked to be in good spirits, though a hint of composure had appeared between their brows.

Seeing Liu Hao standing there talking to Jūshirō Ukitake, Ichigo Kurosaki smiled and asked, "Liu Shu, are you here to see us back too?"

"I'll go back with you." Liu Hao's answer was unexpected.

Ichigo Kurosaki paused for a moment, then smiled, "Liu Shu, aren't you some kind of Squad Lieutenant in the Fourth Division?"

"That's no longer the case," Liu Hao said with a smile, shaking his head. "Besides, your problems haven't been resolved yet, so I'll go back with you and keep an eye on things."

These words froze Ichigo Kurosaki's smile. His expression turned somewhat gloomy, and his voice lowered. "Liu Shu, do you know my situation? How do you plan to resolve it?"

He was referring to the Hollow within him—the power that awakened during his battle with Byakuya Kuchiki at Sōkyoku Hill. He had been pondering this question for the past few days in Seireitei, but no one could give him a definite answer.

"Let's talk about it when we get back," Liu Hao patted his shoulder, his tone gentle but firm. "Now is not the time to discuss these things."

Just then, Jūshirō Ukitake spoke up. He walked up to Ichigo Kurosaki with a gentle smile on his face, "Ichigo, this is for you."

He took a black leather badge from his pocket and handed it to Ichigo Kurosaki.

Ichigo Kurosaki took the document and examined it with some confusion. The cover was printed with intricate patterns, featuring a skull symbol in the center and the words "Substitute Soul Reaper" below. He scratched his head and asked, "Mr. Ukitake, what is this?"

"This is Substitute Soul Reaper Combat License," Jūshirō Ukitake explained, his tone carrying a certain ceremonial quality. "There have been people like you, Ichigo, in the World of the Living before, so Soul Society has enacted corresponding laws for Substitute Soul Reaper. If a Substitute Soul Reaper is deemed beneficial to Soul Society, this is customarily given to them."

Ichigo Kurosaki carefully examined the document in his hand, his expression complex. This small document represented the official confirmation of his relationship with Soul Society, and also meant that he had an additional responsibility on his shoulders.

Liu Hao watched from the side, and when his gaze fell on the Substitute Soul Reaper Badge, a name suddenly flashed through his mind—a name that was almost forgotten, but left a deep mark on the history of Soul Society.

"Captain Ukitake," Liu Hao suddenly spoke, his tone turning serious, "Seeing this reminds me of something."

Jūshirō Ukitake turned to look at him, his eyes questioning, "Oh, Liu Hao, what did you remember?"

Liu Hao took a deep breath and slowly uttered the name: "The first Substitute Soul Reaper, Kūgo Ginjō."

The name caused Jūshirō Ukitake's expression to freeze instantly. His eyes sharpened, and his voice deepened. "Liu Hao, do you know anything?"

Ichigo Kurosaki overheard their conversation and, realizing it involved some sensitive matters, wisely remained silent, though his ears were perked up. Everyone else also stopped talking and focused their attention on them.

"Kūgo Ginjō's betrayal," Liu Hao said slowly, each word carrying a heavy weight, "Was due to someone taking advantage of his trust in you."

Jūshirō Ukitake's hands clenched slightly. As the Captain the Thirteenth Division, he did indeed have a Substitute Soul Reaper, but that was a long time ago. That Substitute Soul Reaper ultimately betrayed Soul Society, becoming a part of history he didn't want to mention.

"Who was it?" Jūshirō Ukitake asked, his voice trembling with suppressed emotion. "How did they use you?"

"The Tsunayashiro Clan," Liu Hao said, noticing the shock flash in Jūshirō Ukitake's eyes, "They used the nobles' Senkaimon to go to the World of the Living and kill Kūgo Ginjō's companions—a group of Fullbringers. Then they pinned the blame on you."

He paused, then continued, "It was because of the deaths of these comrades that Kūgo Ginjō decided to betray them, and even seek revenge."

The term "Fullbringer" was unfamiliar to several people present. But Jūshirō Ukitake clearly knew what it meant. His expression grew even more somber, as if he were recalling events from a long time ago.

"Tsunayashiro..." Jūshirō Ukitake repeated the name softly, his tone filled with complex emotions, "One of the Four Great Noble Clans, the guardian of the Soul King's bloodline."

"Guardians?" Liu Hao sneered. "They're more like jailers guarding a cage, and jailers who want to replace the prisoners."

He stepped forward, his voice lower but each word crystal clear. "Captain Ukitake, do you know their purpose? They want to use the abilities of Fullbringers to create someone or something that can replace the Soul King, and then replace Soul King. In this way, they can control the Soul King —or rather, control the balance of the entire Three Worlds."

These words were like a thunderclap, exploding in the morning mist.

Jūshirō Ukitake's body trembled slightly. Not from fear, but from anger—the anger of being betrayed by someone he trusted and used by a family he had always respected.

"Tsunayashiro Tokinada," Liu Hao added, his tone filled with undisguised disgust, "There's a madman in their family, and that guy has done a lot of disgusting things. When you go back to investigate, focus on this person."

Jūshirō Ukitake remained silent for a long time. The morning breeze blew, lifting his long white hair. Finally, he slowly nodded, his voice filled with determination. "Okay, I understand. I will investigate carefully."

"Be careful of their family's heirloom," Liu Hao warned finally. "That thing seems to be able to use the Shikai of all Zanpakuto in Soul Society. If they face you, you might be facing your own Zanpakuto."

Jūshirō Ukitake nodded again, his expression becoming even more serious.

Although the conversation was brief, it was packed with information. While Ichigo Kurosaki didn't fully grasp its deeper meaning, he could sense the heavy atmosphere— the Soul Society were more complex and dangerous than he had imagined.

Just then, footsteps sounded in the distance again.

Rukia Kuchiki walked through the morning mist. She had changed into a regular Shihakushō, without her Captain's Haori, and looked like an ordinary Soul Reaper. Seeing Liu Hao, she gave him a mocking smile, "Liu Hao, you're going to the World of the Living too?"

"Okay," Liu Hao replied with a smile, the atmosphere lightening a bit because of her arrival. "I'll go ahead first, and wait for your help."

Rukia Kuchiki walked up to him, hands on her hips, making a disgruntled expression. "Tch, you'll definitely sell me out then."

"How could that be?" Liu Hao said with a smile, but his eyes turned serious. "You and Renji are my Achilles' heel. Anyone who dares to touch you, I will make them wish they were dead."

These words startled Rukia. She looked into Liu Hao's eyes and saw an undeniable seriousness in those eyes that always held a smile. Then, she smiled—a relieved smile filled with trust.

"Tch, I don't believe you," she said, though her tone softened. "You were definitely watching when Ichigo and I were attacked by Hollows."

Liu Hao didn't deny it, he just shrugged. "Indeed, I was watching from the side the whole time. I was afraid that you two might accidentally mess things up and another one of you would die."

This blunt admission left Rukia speechless. She glared at Liu Hao, and finally could only say helplessly, "Alright, I understand. Let's talk about it in the World of the Living."

The atmosphere at the Senkaimon relaxed again. Everyone began to say goodbye and look out for each other. Jūshirō Ukitake and Kaien Shiba said a few words to everyone, mostly reminding them to be careful and vigilant in the World of the Living.

Finally, the farewells were over.

Liu Hao walked towards the Senkaimon first, then turned back to the others and said, "Let's go. It's time to go home."

Ichigo Kurosaki and the others followed behind him, stepping into the eerie blue light one by one. Rukia Kuchiki was the last to enter. Before stepping into the light, she glanced back at the Seireitei, a complex light flashing in her eyes, then turned and disappeared into the light.

The Senkaimon slowly closed.

The pale blue light dissipated, leaving only an empty square.

Jūshirō Ukitake and Kaien Shiba stood there, staring at the Senkaimon, remaining silent for a long time.

"Captain," finally, Kaien Shiba broke the silence, "About the Tsunayashiro Clan..."

"I will investigate," Jūshirō Ukitake interrupted him, his voice calm but firm, "But before that, we need to focus on our own tasks. Aizen's threat remains; we cannot afford to be distracted."

Kaien Shiba nodded and said nothing more.

The Dangai —the passage connecting the Soul Society and the World of the Living —is a chaotic and distorted space. There is no direction, no sense of time, only endless darkness and occasional flashes of eerie light.

Upon entering the Dangai, everyone immediately felt an unsettling sense of oppression. Reishi flowed chaotically around them, as if they might be torn apart at any moment.

"Stay close to me," Liu Hao said, his voice distorted in the warped space, "The Dangai is very unstable, don't fall behind."

Ichigo Kurosaki and the others followed closely behind him, traversing the darkness. Strange sights appeared from time to time—distorted figures, flickering fragments of memories, and even whispers occasionally heard from the void.

"This place... is really uncomfortable," Orihime Inoue said softly, a hint of unease in her voice.

"The Dangai shouldn't exist in the first place," Uryū Ishida said calmly, adjusting his glasses. "It's a crack Three Worlds, full of unstable factors."

Just then, a huge roar suddenly came from ahead.

A white object, as large as a train, rushed out of the darkness at an astonishing speed. It had no fixed shape; it was just a distorted, luminous white mass, but wherever it passed, space trembled violently.

"Kōtotsu!" Liu Hao's expression changed. "We didn't bring the Hell Butterfly, and it's got its eye on us!"

The Kōtotsu are the cleaners of the Dangai, specifically tasked with eliminating unauthorized travelers. Normally, when Soul Reaper passes through the Dangai, it carries Hell Butterflies, special guiding creatures that help them avoid being attacked by the Kōtotsu. But this time they were in too much of a hurry and were unprepared.

"What do we do?!" Ichigo Kurosaki gripped Zangetsu tightly, preparing for battle.

But Liu Hao shook his head. "We can't beat it. The Kōtotsu is the very rule of the Dangai. Unless you can destroy the entire Dangai, it's impossible to defeat it."

He raised his hand, and the Imperial Sword appeared in his grasp. But this time, he didn't swing the sword; instead, he drew a circle in the air with the tip of the blade.

Pale blue light surged from the tip of the sword, forming a swirling, vortex-like portal in the air.

"A spatial portal!" Uryū Ishida exclaimed in surprise, "Liu Shu, you can open a spatial portal within the Dangai?"

"I can manage, but I can't hold on for long," Liu Hao said through gritted teeth, fine beads of sweat forming on his forehead. "Go in quickly!"

Without hesitation, everyone jumped into the blue vortex one after another. Liu Hao was the last to enter, and at the moment the vortex closed, he could feel the Kōtotsu energy that had brushed past him.

In the World of the Living, in Karakura Town, in front of Urahara Shop.

The afternoon sun was shining brightly, and the streets were sparsely populated, save for the occasional passing car and the distant sound of children's laughter. The shop doors were tightly shut, and the signs swayed gently in the breeze.

Suddenly, the air in the open space in front of the store began to distort.

A blue vortex appeared out of thin air, from which several figures tumbled out. Ichigo Kurosaki, Uryū Ishida, Yasutora Sado, Orihime Inoue, Ganju Shiba, and finally Liu Hao and Yoruichi Shihōin. Everyone staggered after landing, but quickly regained their balance.

"Phew... finally out." Ichigo Kurosaki let out a long breath, looking around at the familiar streets. "I'm home."

Just then, the door to Urahara Shop opened.

Kisuke Urahara —the shop owner wearing a green striped hat and carrying a folding fan—came out with a smile. Behind him followed Tessai Tsukabishi and Ururu Tsumugiya.

"Oh, oh, oh," Kisuke Urahara, waving his fan and beaming, "You're back."

Ichigo Kurosaki's expression turned complicated when he saw Kisuke Urahara. He took a step forward and looked directly into Kisuke Urahara's eyes. "We're all back. Shouldn't you explain things to us about what happened between you and Liu Shu?"

The question was direct and pointed. Kisuke Urahara's smile froze for a moment, then he looked at Liu Hao with a pleading look in his eyes.

Liu Hao looked up at the sky, seemingly unconcerned. "It has little to do with me. It was Kisuke Urahara who did it."

This blatant attempt to shift blame made Kisuke Urahara's smile even more forced. He coughed twice, closed his folding fan, and his expression turned serious. "Oh dear, this is indeed my fault."

"Then why didn't you tell me beforehand? Were you afraid I'd desert my post?" Ichigo Kurosaki pressed, his tone tinged with suppressed dissatisfaction.

Kisuke Urahara blinked, then promptly shifted the blame again. "Liu Hao didn't let me say that."

Ichigo Kurosaki turned to look at Liu Hao, his eyes conveying, "What else do you have to say?"

Liu Hao sighed, lowered his gaze from the sky, and looked at Kisuke Urahara, his tone helpless. "When did I stop you from talking? You're the one who caused all this trouble. I didn't blame you for giving Rukia a defective Gigai, you should be secretly happy, and you're trying to shift the blame onto me."

These words made Kisuke Urahara's expression truly awkward. He scratched his head and could only admit, "Ah, well... okay, I'm indeed Kurosaki- kun will run away at the last minute."

This blunt admission left Ichigo Kurosaki speechless. He remained silent for a few seconds, then finally sighed, looking helpless. "Alright, since you're so frank, I'll forgive you."

Kisuke Urahara's eyes immediately lit up. He reopened his folding fan, beaming, "Really? That's wonderful!"

The moment he finished speaking happily, Ichigo Kurosaki suddenly moved.

A clean, crisp elbow strike landed squarely on Kisuke Urahara's face. The force wasn't great, but it was sudden enough to catch Kisuke Urahara guard.

With a loud "bang," Kisuke Urahara clutched his face and crouched on the ground, groaning in pain. "It was an elbow strike..."

Ichigo Kurosaki turned his face to the side, pretending nothing had happened. "Hmph, alright. When Rukia again, you'd better apologize to her properly."

The scene stunned everyone present, and then--

"Pfft..." Uryū Ishida couldn't help but laugh out loud.

Yasutora Sado's lips curled into a slight smile.

Orihime Inoue covered her mouth, her shoulders trembling slightly.

Even Liu Hao couldn't help but laugh. He walked over to Kisuke Urahara, squatted down, and patted him on the shoulder. "Kisuke, you brought this on yourself."

Kisuke Urahara looked up, his face still showing pain, but his eyes gleamed with amusement. "Yeah, he brought it on himself."

He stood up, dusted himself off, and smiled again, "Alright, now that everyone's back, come in and sit down. There are some things we should talk about."

The doors of the Urahara Shop were fully open, and the interior was warmly lit.

The group entered the store one by one. The street outside returned to calm, and the sun shone brightly as if nothing had happened.