Ichigo Reawakens His Zanpakuto

As Liu Hao finished speaking, the Reiatsu emanating from his body began to change.

That wasn't just an ordinary improvement; it was a qualitative transformation. The previously dormant Reiatsu suddenly awakened like a dormant volcano, climbing and solidifying at an astonishing speed. The Reiatsu was no longer an ethereal aura but began to materialize, forming visible ripples around Liu Hao.

The ripples grew denser and thicker, eventually converging on Liu Hao as if they were alive. They intertwined, fused, and merged, ultimately coalescing into an ancient black Mysterious Robe on his body.

The Mysterious Robe was entirely jet black, devoid of any superfluous embellishments, yet every inch of fabric shimmered with a profound light, as if woven from the night sky. The sleeves were wide, the hem reaching the ground, and the collar and cuffs were embroidered with dark gold cloud patterns, subtly appearing and disappearing in the light. Wearing this Mysterious Robe, Liu Hao exuded an indescribable majesty—the majesty of a king, an emperor.

Liu Hao looked at Bull-Head Ichigo, a faint smile playing on his lips, "Ichigo, you are honored to have allowed me to use my true Shikai. Just like your Bankai, my Shikai will also change my attire."

Before Bull-Head Ichigo could finish speaking, he already felt the terrifying Reiatsu. Even while completely controlled by the Hollow, his body's instincts still warned him—the enemy before him was extremely dangerous.

Instead of charging blindly as before, he cautiously kept his distance from Liu Hao. Red light gathered on his regenerated horn, and the Cero light illuminated the entire barrier.

Cero was launched.

The red beam of light, carrying an aura of annihilation, hurtled towards Liu Hao at a speed that was almost impossible to dodge.

Liu Hao simply raised his hand and waved it lightly.

The Cero, powerful enough to destroy an entire building, shattered instantly in his palm like a fragile bubble. The red light scattered and flew in all directions, without harming him in the slightest.

Liu Hao withdrew his hand, his tone as calm as if he had merely swatted away a fly. "My Shikai is called the Imperial Sword. And how could the one who wields the Imperial Sword not have a matching identity and attire? Wouldn't that be like a child holding a golden crown?"

He raised the Imperial Sword in his hand, its blade shimmering with indescribable colors under the light. "This Mysterious Robe I wear to enhance my defense, together with the Imperial Sword in my hand, forms my complete Shikai. It's just that I've never shown it before—after all, fully unleashing my Shikai is very tiring."

The moment he finished speaking, Liu Hao's figure vanished from the spot.

It wasn't Shunpo, nor Sonído, but a more advanced form of movement. He simply vanished into thin air and reappeared beside Bull-Head Ichigo, his speed so fast that even a fleeting afterimage couldn't be left behind.

Bull-Head Ichigo instinctively sensed danger. Without thinking or hesitating, his body reacted immediately—he turned, Tensa Zangetsu his sword, and unleashed a horizontal slash, aiming straight for Liu Hao's neck.

The power of this strike was enough to cleave mountains, and its speed was enough to cut through light.

But Liu Hao simply raised his hand, spread his five fingers, and firmly grasped the blade.

He held the blade of Tensa Zangetsu in his hand, the black Reiatsu struggling and twisting in his palm, yet unable to harm him in the slightest. Bull-Head Ichigo tried to pull the blade back, but those five fingers were locked in place like iron clamps, not moving an inch.

Anger burned in Bull-Head Ichigo. He poured all his Reiatsu into Tensa Zangetsu, and an even denser black Reiatsu appeared on the blade. That Reiatsu writhed like a living thing, trying to erode Liu Hao's palm.

Liu Hao ignored the Reiatsu. He waved his right hand, and the Imperial Sword drew a perfect arc.

Pfft--

Bull-Head Ichigo the sword, was severed at the elbow. White liquid spurted out, and Liu Hao held the severed arm and sword together in his hand.

The excruciating pain caused Bull-Head Ichigo to let out a low growl. He instinctively used Sonído to instantly create distance between himself and Liu Hao, while white substances began to gush from his severed arm, preparing for High-Speed Regeneration.

But he did not stop attacking. In the instant he created distance, Cero once again condensed on his horn, the red light even more intense than before.

Liu Hao looked at the severed arm and the Tensa Zangetsu in his hand and shook his head slightly. He casually tossed the severed arm to the ground, and then his figure disappeared again.

The next second, he was already in front of Bull-Head Ichigo.

The Cero just condensed and hadn't even been launched yet when Liu Hao's hand was already pressed against the red light.

Apply force with all five fingers.

The Cero shattered like a fragile bubble. The red energy exploded in his palm, yet it couldn't even harm his skin.

Bull-Head Ichigo's severed arm had High-Speed Regeneration. Instead of retreating, he used his newly grown arm to form a claw and thrust it straight at Liu Hao's chest. His fingertips were sharp as knives, carrying a power capable of piercing steel.

Puff--

The fingertip pierced Liu Hao's chest.

But it only managed to pierce the skin.

Liu Hao glanced down at the sharp claw pressed against his chest, then looked up at Bull-Head Ichigo. There wasn't even a mark left on his Mysterious Robe, as if the attack had been nothing more than a gentle caress.

For the first time, confusion appeared in Bull-Head Ichigo's eyes—why was this creature's defense so powerful?

But he had no time to think, because Liu Hao's sword had already fallen.

A flash of sword light.

Bull-Head Ichigo was severed, and he fell from the sky. At the same time, a diagonal wound appeared across his body, extending from his left shoulder to his right waist. White liquid gushed out like a fountain, turning into specks of light in the air.

The excruciating pain caused Bull-Head Ichigo to let out a deafening roar. The roar was filled with anger, resentment, and a barely perceptible hint of... fear.

He clenched his fists tightly, and his Reiatsu erupted once more. The Tensa Zangetsu and the severed arm that Liu Hao had tossed aside simultaneously transformed into Reishi, which dissipated and then reformed in his hands.

The roar ceased. Bull-Head Ichigo, stared at Liu Hao, the red light in his eyes burning even brighter. He raised Tensa Zangetsu and swung it repeatedly at Liu Hao.

One, two, three... countless black Getsuga Tenshō flew out from the blade, forming a dense barrage that covered all possible angles from which Liu Hao could dodge.

Meanwhile, Bull-Head Ichigo followed behind the crescent-shaped barrage, preparing to launch a fatal blow while Liu Hao was defending.

The crescent-shaped barrage is about to hit Liu Hao.

Bull-Head Ichigo's figure suddenly disappeared from behind the comments.

The Sonído.

He appeared behind Liu Hao, Tensa Zangetsu high, preparing to launch a sneak attack from behind while Liu Hao was dealing with the attacks from the front.

But as soon as he appeared, he froze.

Because Liu Hao was facing him directly.

Liu Hao didn't even glance at the incoming crescent-shaped bullets. He had already turned around the instant Bull-Head Ichigo disappeared, and was now calmly watching his opponent who was attempting a sneak attack.

"You think," Liu Hao said softly, "That I can't see it?"

Before he could finish speaking, the crescent-shaped barrage of projectiles behind him slammed into his back. Boom! Boom! A series of explosions followed, and the black Reiatsu completely engulfed Liu Hao.

But Bull-Head Ichigo could sense that those attacks hadn't harmed Liu Hao in the slightest.

He had no time to be shocked, because Liu Hao's sword had already blocked his knife. The two blades clashed, producing a crisp metallic sound.

Bull-Head Ichigo's other hand immediately thrust out, aiming straight for Liu Hao's face.

But Liu Hao was faster. He raised his foot and kicked Bull-Head Ichigo in the chest.

Bang--

Bull-Head Ichigo flying backward, flipping in mid-air before landing on his feet. He regained his balance and was about to roar again, preparing to launch an even more ferocious attack.

But the moment he opened his mouth, his body suddenly froze.

The roar abruptly stopped.

Bull-Head Ichigo look of bewilderment appearing in his eyes for the first time. His Hollow characteristics—the white bone armor covering his entire body, the ferocious bull-head mask, and the eyes burning with red light—all began to crumble.

The armor shattered into fragments, scattering in all directions.

The mask developed cracks and then shattered completely.

The red light in his eyes gradually dimmed and eventually went out.

As the illusory characteristics dissipated, the Tensa Zangetsu also began to crumble, transforming into countless black Reishi that drifted in the air. These Reishi did not disappear but instead gathered together, forming a huge, shimmering ball of Reishi.

The Reishi cluster floated in the air, emitting a warm light. It moved slowly, eventually covering Ichigo Kurosaki like an invisible blanket.

Ichigo Kurosaki's body was completely enveloped by the Reishi energy, and then he slowly fell to the ground.

He lay there, breathing steadily, his expression peaceful, as if he were simply asleep.

As Liu Hao watched this scene, his Mysterious Robe began to recede. The deep black gradually faded and eventually disappeared completely, returning him to his usual ordinary Shihakushō. The Imperial Sword was also sheathed, and its terrifying presence vanished without a trace.

Peace returned to the barrier. Only the traces of the battle on the ground proved that what had just happened was not an illusion.

Ichigo Kurosaki's body suddenly trembled.

He opened his eyes, scrambled to his feet, and gasped for breath. His gaze swept around, finally settling on Liu Hao, who was standing not far away.

Liu Hao was still standing there, but his Mysterious Robe had disappeared and his Imperial Sword was sheathed. If it weren't for the bloodstain on his forehead that hadn't fully healed, the terrifying battle just now would seem as if it had never happened.

"Liu Shu," Ichigo Kurosaki said, his voice filled with confusion, "When did you change your clothes?"

His gaze swept over Liu Hao, as if to confirm whether he was seeing things.

Liu Hao couldn't help but laugh as he looked at the silly boy who had just woken up from his Hollowfication rampage and whose first words were about his clothes.

"If it weren't to suppress you, would I have bothered changing my clothes?" He shook his head, a hint of helplessness in his voice. "Now that you're awake, it seems you've temporarily gained his approval?"

Ichigo Kurosaki paused for a moment, then scratched his head and gave an embarrassed smile, "Well, I barely won."

This answer deepened Liu Hao's smile. He knew what "barely winning" meant—it was the first time Ichigo Kurosaki truly faced the Hollow within himself, the first time he was no longer afraid, and the first time he truly understood the existence he had been running away from.

Just then, the barrier began to dissipate.

Hachigen Ushōda removed the five layers of barriers, Shinji Hirako walked in first, followed closely by Isshin Kurosaki and Masaki Kurosaki. The three of them came to Liu Hao and Ichigo Kurosaki, looking at the boy who had just experienced a life-or-death battle.

Masaki Kurosaki wanted to say something, but seeing that her son was safe and sound, she simply held his hand tightly. Isshin Kurosaki stood to the side, looking at Liu Hao with a questioning gaze.

Liu Hao turned to Isshin Kurosaki: "Isshin, give Asauchi Ichigo."

Isshin Kurosaki nodded and took out the Asauchi from his pocket—the very same Asakasa that Liu Hao had given to Ichigo Kurosaki earlier. He handed the Asauchi to Ichigo Kurosaki with solemn gestures, as if conveying some important mission.

Ichigo Kurosaki took the Asauchi and examined the seemingly ordinary sword. He felt the patterns on the blade and the faint warmth it exuded, then looked up at Liu Hao: "Liu Shu, how do I use this?"

"Infuse your soul and Reiatsu into it," Liu Hao's voice became serious, "Not only your Soul Reaper Powers, but also your Hollow power and Quincy power, all of them must be infused into it."

Ichigo Kurosaki frowned. "I know how to inject Reiatsu, but how do I inject a soul?"

"First, infuse your Reiatsu into it," Liu Hao explained. "As for your soul, you need to keep your sword with you at all times. This will unconsciously imprint your soul into this Asauchi. Once it awakens into the form of Zanpakuto, you can try practicing Tōzen. After gaining the approval of the two people within you, you can regain your Zanpakuto."

After listening, Ichigo Kurosaki nodded and sat down cross-legged. He placed the Asauchi on his lap, closed his eyes, and began to infuse his Reiatsu into it, following Liu Hao's instructions.

Time passed by, second by second.

A few minutes later, Ichigo Kurosaki opened his eyes, scratched his head, and looked confused. "I don't seem to be able to distinguish between the Soul Reaper Powers and the Quincy power within me..."

This question also stumped Liu Hao. He thought for a moment, then helplessly shrugged. "To be honest, I don't know how to distinguish your power forms. However, I think they are all your power, and injecting all your Reiatsu into them should be enough."

He paused, then continued, "By the way, in the coming days, you'll need to learn Hollowfication combat techniques from the Visored. Also, have your mother teach you Quincy abilities—you don't have to learn offensive skills like archery, but you should at least learn what Blut Vene is, and how to forcibly draw Reiryoku from the outside world using the Sklaverei."

Ichigo Kurosaki looked at his mother, Masaki Kurosaki nodded gently.

In the days that followed, Ichigo Kurosaki began his arduous training.

During the day, he trained in Hollowfication combat with the Visoreds. Shinji Hirako taught him how to stay conscious while Hollowfication, Hiyori Sarugaki taught him how to use the power of Hollowfication to enhance his attacks, Kensei Muguruma taught him how to switch freely between Hollowfication and normal state. Every training session was arduous, and every time he was covered in wounds, but Ichigo Kurosaki never backed down.

At night, he followed his mother to learn Quincy abilities. The Blut Vene —how to integrate Reishi into the blood to enhance defense; the Sklaverei —how to forcibly draw Reiryoku from the outside world, allowing him to fight even in environments lacking Reiryoku. These abilities were completely foreign to Ichigo Kurosaki, but he learned them quickly, as if that knowledge had always been in his blood.

He always carried that Asauchi with him. Whether training or resting, eating or sleeping, he never let it out of his sight. He could feel that Asauchi was changing little by little, a subtle and slow change, but it was definitely happening.

Meanwhile, at Kurosaki Clinic, Liu Hao and Isshin Kurosaki began another conversation.

The two sat on the balcony on the second floor of the clinic, watching the city lights gradually illuminate the distance under the setting sun. Night was approaching in Karakura Town, and the number of pedestrians on the streets was decreasing, with only the occasional passing vehicle breaking the tranquility.

Isshin Kurosaki picked up his teacup, took a sip, and then looked at Liu Hao with deep worry in his eyes. "Liu Hao, do you think Aizen will be the same as you saw him this time?"

Liu Hao leaned back in his chair, gazing at the distant horizon. The afterglow of the setting sun dyed the sky orange-red, like a burning flame. He didn't answer immediately, but simply watched the fiery clouds in silence.

After a long silence, he finally spoke, his tone as calm as if he were discussing the weather. "Who knows? We'll do our best and leave the rest to fate. Even if we lose, we still have the Zero Division."

Isshin Kurosaki sighed. Zero Division —that was the strongest force in the Guardian Soul King Palace, each member possessing strength surpassing that of an ordinary Captain. But if they were truly needed to take action, it meant that Soul Society was on the verge of life and death.

"Sigh," Isshin Kurosaki put down his teacup, his voice heavy, "Then Soul Society might suffer heavy losses. And at that time, Karakura Town probably won't be able to be saved either."

Aizen's goal is to create the Oken, and creating the Oken requires Spiritually Dense Land — Karakura Town has been Spiritually Dense Land for a hundred years. If Aizen really takes action here, the entire city could be razed to the ground, and the lives of hundreds of thousands of ordinary people would be threatened.

Liu Hao turned his head, looked at Isshin Kurosaki, and a mysterious smile suddenly appeared on his lips, "It's nothing. He just wants to create the Oken, right? I'll help him create it, that way we can save Karakura Town."

Isshin Kurosaki was stunned. He stared wide-eyed at Liu Hao, as if he had heard something unbelievable.

"You..." His voice was filled with disbelief, "You can create the Oken?"