The Arrancar Make Their First Appearance

At the Visored's base, the news brought back by Shinji Hirako plunged everyone into deep thought. Lisa Yadōmaru adjusted her glasses and calmly analyzed, "Since he wants to join us, let's test him. Not everyone has the strength or the qualifications to join us."

This statement resonated with most people. Although the Visoreds were few in number, each member was once an elite of the Gotei 13, having endured the torment of Hollowfication Experiments and mastered the power of Hollowfication. They would not easily accept an ally of unknown origin and questionable motives.

Shinji Hirako nodded. "That's what I think too. But that guy doesn't look like someone to mess with."

"Hmph," Hiyori Sarugaki scoffed, waving her fist. "If that guy doesn't know what's good for him, I don't mind blowing his head off."

Ultimately, the group agreed on the following: Shinji Hirako would continue to contact Ichigo Kurosaki while also gathering information about Liu Hao. For the Visoreds, Ichigo Kurosaki was a more important target—the boy possessed Hollowfication ability similar to theirs but not entirely the same, which might be the key to unlocking the mystery of their power.

As for Liu Hao, further evaluation is needed.

The following day, Karakura Town High School.

Shinji Hirako appeared in the classroom as a transfer student. When Ichigo Kurosaki saw the blond man with half his bangs covering the classroom walk in, he almost stood up from his seat. But remembering Liu Hao's words, he forced himself to calm down and just stared at Shinji Hirako with a wary look.

Shinji Hirako noticed his reaction, a slight smile playing on his lips, but he didn't initiate a conversation. He chose a seat by the window, gazing out as if he were just an ordinary freshman.

Orihime Inoue and Yasutora Sado sat on the other side of the classroom, both sensing the peculiar Reiatsu emanating from Shinji Hirako. Orihime Inoue whispered to Yasutora Sado, "Chad-kun, that person..."

Yasutora Sado nodded, his expression serious. "It felt the same as that night."

As for Uryū Ishida —this Quincy boy did not come to school. He was ordered by his father, Ryūken Ishida, to stay home and undergo intensive Quincy training. This was Liu Hao's suggestion, based on the reason that in the face of the impending threat, Uryū Ishida needed to master the true power of the Quincy as soon as possible.

For the next two days, Shinji Hirako took no further action. He simply attended classes and left and right as usual, occasionally chatting with classmates, seemingly fully integrated into school life. But this apparent calm only made Ichigo Kurosaki more uneasy.

He knew that the Visoreds were observing him and assessing him. And he himself was also observing Shinji Hirako, trying to understand what that Reiatsu, similar to the power within him, really meant.

Two days later, late at night.

Liu Hao sat on the roof of Kurosaki Clinic, gazing at the night sky over Karakura Town. The city remained brightly lit at night, with cars flowing through the streets and people going about their peaceful daily lives. But Liu Hao knew that this peace could be shattered at any moment.

Suddenly, he raised his head and looked towards the western suburbs.

Two unique Reiatsu were appearing there—powerful, cold, and carrying a distinct Hollow aura, yet more ordered and stable than ordinary Hollows.

"The Arrancar..." Liu Hao muttered to himself, his brows furrowing slightly.

He had initially thought that Aizen wouldn't send anyone to the World of the Living so soon if he hadn't obtained Kisuke Urahara Hōgyoku. But it seems he underestimated Aizen's efficiency. Even after his plans were thwarted, the former Fifth Division Captain didn't stop his schemes.

Ulquiorra Cifer, Yammy Rialgo.

These two names surfaced in Liu Hao's mind. They were the Espada —the most powerful Arrancar army under Aizen's command, each possessing strength surpassing that of an ordinary Captain. Their appearance signified the beginning of Aizen's probing of the World of the Living.

Liu Hao stood up, and his figure vanished from the rooftop in an instant.

Meanwhile, Ichigo Kurosaki lay in bed, tossing and turning. Over the past few days, the "voice" within him had become clearer and more frequent. It was no longer a muffled whisper, but a clear, seductive call, "Let me out... Let me fight... Let me protect you..."

Ichigo Kurosaki covered his ears, but the voice resonated deep within his heart. He remembered Liu Hao's words—"Haven't you ever wondered why a Hollow always comes to your rescue when you're in danger?"

This question troubled him. If the Hollow within him was truly the enemy, why did it always awaken and save him when he faced mortal danger? But if it wasn't the enemy, what was this desire to seize control of his body?

Just as his thoughts were in turmoil, those two unusual Reiatsu appeared.

Ichigo Kurosaki sat bolt upright in bed. He could feel the immense and dangerous Reiatsu, as well as the malice contained within Reiatsu —malice directed at him, the excitement of a predator spotting its prey.

Without hesitation, he grabbed Zangetsu, leaped out of the window, and ran towards the direction of the Reiatsu.

Abandoned Factory area on the western outskirts of Karakura Town.

Orihime Inoue supported Tatsuki Arisawa, her face pale. Tatsuki Arisawa had lost consciousness; her soul had been grazed by the attack. Although Orihime Inoue used the Santen Kesshun to protect her in time, the impact still caused her to fall into a coma.

Yasutora Sado stood before the two figures, his right arm Complete Hollowfication —a power he had awakened in the Seireitei, covered in white bone armor that exuded a dangerous aura. He stared intently at the two figures before him, fine beads of sweat forming on his forehead.

Those two people... no, they can't even be considered human anymore.

One was tall and dark-skinned, wearing a bone helmet and with tear-like lines on his face— Ulquiorra Cifer. The other was even larger, with bulging muscles and a ferocious grin on his face— Yammy Rialgo.

They call themselves "Arrancar," Hollows Soul Reaper-ification. Just now, Yammy destroyed half a building with a casual strike. If Yasutora Sado hadn't used his Hollowfication right arm to block in time, Orihime Inoue and Tatsuki Arisawa might have already lost their lives.

"Ulquiorra, these two little brats are way too weak!" Yammy grinned, revealing sharp teeth. "Is this the kind of trash Lord Aizen sent us to find?"

Ulquiorra expressionless, his voice icy. "Shut up, Yammy. They're not our target."

Just then, Liu Hao appeared.

He seemed to emerge from the night, his steps light and without warning. When he appeared on the field, everyone was stunned—including Ulquiorra.

Ulquiorra's pupils contracted slightly. He could sense the peculiar aura emanating from Liu Hao —not the strength of his Reiatsu, but a deeper, more elusive presence. It was like standing on the edge of an abyss, unable to see the bottom, yet able to feel the danger that would devour everything.

Yammy scratched his head and asked, "Ulquiorra, is this person who has arrived our target?"

"Idiot," Ulquiorra's voice grew even colder, "This person is Liu Hao —the one who thwarted Lord Aizen's plan."

"Oh?" Yammy's eyes lit up. "Is this guy very strong?"

"I don't know," Ulquiorra stared at Liu Hao, his tone grave. "We can't sense any Reiatsu from him at all. Either his level is far beyond ours, or he can perfectly conceal his Reiatsu."

Liu Hao looked at the two men with a gentle smile on his face, but there was no mirth in his eyes. "What brings you two to this World of the Living? You're not just here to devour the souls of these ordinary people, are you?"

"Huh?" Yammy laughed loudly. "How could I possibly do this for the souls of those trash! But the existence of someone like you certainly piques my interest."

He took a step forward, his massive body casting a shadow on the ground. "Let's fight! Let me see just how strong you are, the one who thwarted Lord Aizen's plans!"

Before he could finish speaking, Yammy had already moved. His movements were completely disproportionate to his massive size, so fast that he almost left a blur. His enormous fist, accompanied by the sound of air being torn apart, slammed straight towards Liu Hao's face.

But the punch missed.

An orange figure suddenly appeared in front of Liu Hao, the blade of Zangetsu precisely blocking Yammy's fist. The blade and fist collided, producing a piercing metallic scraping sound, and the shockwave of Reiatsu spread in all directions, stirring up a cloud of dust.

Ichigo Kurosaki arrived.

He stood in front of Liu Hao, Zangetsu tightly with both hands, veins bulging on his Yammy, gritting his teeth to withstand the immense power from the fist. He could feel the opponent's strength—a power far exceeding any opponent he had faced in the Soul Society.

"Who are you?!" Yammy withdrew his fist in displeasure, staring at the suddenly appearing Ichigo Kurosaki.

Ichigo Kurosaki did not answer. He glanced at the unconscious Tatsuki Arisawa, then at the pale-faced Orihime Inoue and Yasutora Sado Hollowfication, whose right arm had been Hollowed out, and anger burned within him.

"Is it you who's running rampant here?!" Ichigo Kurosaki's voice was icy, his eyes blazing with fury.

Yammy tilted his head, looking innocent. "Huh? So what?"

This answer completely ignited Ichigo Kurosaki's anger. He didn't say anything more, but simply gripped Zangetsu tightly, and his Reiatsu began to rise rapidly.

"Bankai-- "

Black Reiatsu surged from his body like flames, blowing away all the surrounding dust. The Reiatsu condensed and compressed, eventually forming a black bodysuit on his body, and Zangetsu transformed into a thinner and longer black blade.

Tensa Zangetsu.

Yammy turned to Ulquiorra: "Ulquiorra, is this the guy?"

Ulquiorra nodded, his voice still icy. "Yellow hair, black Bankai. That's him, Yammy."

"Really!" Yammy grinned, his eyes gleaming with excitement. He threw another punch, this time faster and with greater force.

However, Ichigo Kurosaki's speed was completely different in his Bankai state. He easily dodged Yammy's fist, Zangetsu drew a black arc in the air, accurately slashing at Yammy's arm.

Pfft--

Blood splattered. Yammy's arm was severed at the elbow, and blood gushed out from the cut like a fountain.

"Aaaaah--!" Yammy the Roar angrily, not from the pain, but from the humiliation of being hurt by the "weak." He swung his remaining left fist, attacking even more frantically.

But Ichigo Kurosaki was more agile. He weaved through Yammy's attacks, each dodge perfectly timed, each counterattack leaving new wounds on Yammy's body. Tensa Zangetsu's blade was incredibly sharp, and even Yammy's skin, as hard as iron, could not completely withstand it.

However, Yammy's anger was building. When he realized that he couldn't catch Ichigo Kurosaki no matter what he did, his hand instinctively reached for the Zanpakuto at his waist.

"Yammy, are you going to use your Zanpakuto?" Ulquiorra suddenly spoke, his voice carrying a warning.

Ichigo Kurosaki heard the word "Zanpakuto," his heart skipped a beat. He looked at the enormous sword at Yammy's waist and suddenly realized— the Arrancar also had Zanpakuto, and their Zanpakuto might be even more dangerous than those of the Soul Reaper.

Just then, the voice in his heart rang out again, clearer and more urgent than ever before. "Let me... let me... if it were me, I could take care of him right away..."

The voice was alluring, powerful, and dangerous.

Ichigo Kurosaki's body suddenly stiffened. He tried to suppress the voice, to resist the temptation, but his body involuntarily froze for a moment. He covered his face with his left hand, roaring inwardly: [What, this time I rejected you, are you going to cause me trouble?!]

That momentary moment of stunned silence was enough for an opponent like Yammy.

Despite his anger, Yammy's fighting instincts remained sharp. He seized upon Ichigo Kurosaki's weakness, loosened his grip on the sword, and slammed his massive left fist, carrying all his power, into Ichigo Kurosaki's chest.

If that punch landed, it would be enough to completely shatter Ichigo Kurosaki's chest.

But the punch missed.

Liu Hao had appeared behind Ichigo Kurosaki without anyone noticing. He grabbed the back of Ichigo Kurosaki with his left hand and pulled him backward like a kitten; with his right hand raised and fingers spread, he easily caught Yammy's full-force punch.

Boom--

Fists and palms collided, unleashing a dull, deafening roar. The shockwave spread outwards, blowing away all the rubble on the ground. But Liu Hao stood still, completely unmoved, not even the hem of his clothes fluttering.

Yammy's eyes widened in disbelief that his fist had been caught so easily. He tried to pull his fist back, but found that Liu Hao's five fingers were locked firmly on his wrist like iron clamps, and no matter how hard he tried, he could not break free.

"What, are you coming again this time?" Yammy.

Liu Hao laughed, a relaxed laugh as if he were chatting, "Yes, after all, this kid is too weak; he needs to rest after just a few moves. So, I, as his uncle, will be your opponent."

Upon hearing this, Ichigo Kurosaki, who was being held in Liu Hao's arms, turned pale. He struggled to speak, but Liu Hao casually tossed him towards Orihime Inoue and Yasutora Sado.

Ichigo Kurosaki adjusted his posture in mid-air and landed steadily. As soon as he regained his footing, he wanted to rush back to the battlefield. "Liu Shu, let me do it, I--"

Before he could finish speaking, Liu Hao suddenly turned around and kicked him in the stomach.

The kick wasn't fast or powerful, but its timing and angle were terrifyingly precise. Ichigo Kurosaki was completely unprepared and was kicked back several steps, landing hard next to Orihime Inoue and Yasutora Sado.

"Ichigo," Liu Hao said with a smile, his tone like he was scolding a disobedient child, "You're feeling weak, so just rest and don't interfere with my bonding with my new friend."

Just as Liu Hao was speaking, Yammy seized the opportunity. He opened his mouth, and red Reiatsu began to condense and compress within— Cero, the most powerful ranged attack technique of a Hollow.

But Liu Hao didn't even turn around.

He simply raised his right hand, pointing his index finger at Yammy, and softly recited, "Hadō #31, Shakkahō."

A ball of orange-red fire shot from the fingertip, not fast, but with a strange trajectory. It drew an arc in the air and accurately struck Yammy's open mouth, colliding with the condensing Cero.

Boom--

The Cero in Yammy's mouth was detonated prematurely. The shockwave from the explosion erupted entirely inside his mouth. Although it didn't cause a fatal injury, the intense pain caused him to let out a piercing scream, and he fell backward.

Liu Hao then turned around, looked at Yammy lying on the ground, and shook his head. "Preparing an attack for such a long time in front of the enemy, do you want to die even faster?"

He took a step forward, his body instantly appearing in front of Yammy. Before Yammy could react, Liu Hao raised his foot and kicked out casually.

Yammy's enormous body flew sideways like a ball, crashing into half a wall and being buried under the rubble.

The whole process was as easy as an adult disciplining a naughty child.

Just then, two more figures arrived at the scene.

Kisuke Urahara and Yoruichi Shihōin appeared before Orihime Inoue and the others. Kisuke Urahara was still wearing his green striped hat and holding a folding fan, but his expression was unusually serious. Yoruichi Shihōin remained in her Black Cat form, her golden eyes fixed on the battlefield.

Yammy crawled out of the rubble, his face covered in blood, his eyes burning with a frenzied rage. He tried to charge at Liu Hao again, but Ulquiorra suddenly appeared in front of him in a flash.

Ulquiorra ignored Liu Hao and stared at Yammy, his voice icy. "Idiot, you'll die here if you keep fighting."

"How is that possible!" Yammy the Roar, "His strength is only so-so, I didn't even draw my Zanpakuto!"

"Didn't you see?" Ulquiorra's voice carried a hint of suppressed anger. "The people who just arrived were Yoruichi Shihōin and Kisuke Urahara, plus Liu Hao. I can't even guarantee we'll get out of here unscathed."

Yammy was stunned. He turned to look at the two newcomers, sensing the unfathomable aura emanating from them, and finally realized the seriousness of the situation.

Ulquiorra ignored Yammy, turned to face Liu Hao, and said in a calm voice, "Mr. Liu Hao, we should leave now."

"Are you leaving already?" Liu Hao asked with a smile, but took a step forward.

Ulquiorra placed his hand on the Zanpakuto at his waist. "Yes. Mr. Liu Hao doesn't want us to leave?"

"I do have that idea." Liu Hao's smile remained unchanged, but his eyes turned dangerous.

"The idea is good," Ulquiorra said, looking around, "But you seem to have forgotten that you have too many burdens on your side. And fighting here doesn't seem to allow you to fight freely."

This statement hits the nail on the head. If a full-scale war were to break out here, the entire Karakura Town could be destroyed, and countless ordinary people would lose their lives.

Liu Hao was silent for a few seconds, then finally nodded. "That is a problem."

Ulquiorra raised his hand and made a sweeping motion in the air. Space was torn apart, and a black rift slowly opened— the Garganta, a passage connecting Hueco Mundo to the World of the Living world.

He turned and walked towards the Garganta. Yammy, though unwilling, had no choice but to follow. Before stepping into the Garganta, Ulquiorra glanced back at Ichigo Kurosaki, his voice icy. "When I get back, I'll tell Lord Aizen that the person he's concerned about is nothing more than a piece of trash who has no reason to be killed."

The Garganta closed, and the two figures disappeared.

Silence returned to the scene, broken only by the sound of the night wind blowing through the ruins.

Ichigo Kurosaki stood rooted to the spot, head bowed, hands clenched into fists. Ulquiorra's last words were like a knife, piercing the most vulnerable part of his heart.

Waste...

There was no need to kill the necessary waste...

"Ichigo..." Orihime Inoue looked at him with concern.

Liu Hao walked over to Ichigo Kurosaki and patted him on the shoulder. "Don't pay attention to those kinds of words. Aizen deliberately sent someone to test you because he's already developed an interest in you—or rather, fear of you."

Ichigo Kurosaki looked up, his eyes filled with confusion and resentment. "But Liu Shu, I..."

"You still need to grow," Liu Hao interrupted him, his tone gentle but firm, "But you have the potential. Remember how you felt today—remember your powerlessness, remember how the person you wanted to protect almost got hurt, remember the contempt your enemies showed you. These will all become the driving force for you to become stronger."

He turned and walked towards Kisuke Urahara and Yoruichi Shihōin: "Kisuke, Yoruichi, we need to talk. Aizen's actions are faster than expected; we must speed up our preparations."

Kisuke Urahara nodded, his expression serious. "I've started manufacturing a replacement for Karakura Town, but it will take time."

"Time may be running out," Liu Hao said, gazing in the direction Ulquiorra had disappeared. "Aizen won't give us much time."

The night breeze blew again, carrying the coolness of the night.

Ichigo Kurosaki stood there, gazing at the ruins and the night sky, his heart filled with complex emotions.

Powerlessness, anger, confusion, resentment...

And that voice, that voice that kept calling out in his heart.

He knew he had to master that power as soon as possible.

Otherwise, when the enemy comes next time, he might really become "useless".

And at that time, the person he wanted to protect might actually get hurt.