Treatment

That final strike, thrown with the last of their strength and filled with desperation and courage, barely deflected the deadly claws. It did nothing to change the vast disparity in power. The brave students who had stepped forward were flung in all directions like leaves caught in a gale, spraying blood as they fell.

Renji Abarai, who bore the brunt of the impact, crashed to the ground like a kite with its string cut. His breathing was faint, and blood soaked the rubble beneath him. His life hung by a thread.

The senior students and trainees who had survived by luck knelt or lay on the ground, their eyes filled with nothing but bleak despair. The Menos Grande seemed mildly surprised by that insignificant resistance, but their surprise soon turned to even more vicious amusement.

Growling, they raised their claws once more, claws powerful enough to shatter mountains. Gray-white Reiatsu gathered as the shadow of death descended upon them like a solid thing, ready to crush the last of their resistance and their lives.

Just then, at that critical moment when even despair seemed pointless—

"Whoosh—!"

An almost imperceptible shriek, faster than sound itself, came from afar, nearly tearing through the air!

A streak of silver-white light burst from the shadows at the edge of the ruins like a comet splitting the night sky! It was so fast that it had crossed several hundred meters before most of those present, including the Menos Grande, heard a sound!

"Pfft!"

A soft sound rang out, like a hot knife cutting through solidified butter.

The Menos Grande about to deliver the final blow to the fallen Renji Abarai had its raised claw, filled with destructive energy, pierced in an instant, along with the thick white bony armor on its chest! A hole the size of a bowl appeared in the center of its chest, its edges smooth as a mirror and passing all the way through! Gray-purple Reiatsu gushed from the hole like a fountain!

The Menos Grande froze. It looked down at the hole that had suddenly appeared in its chest and roared in pain and confusion. Its enormous body began to sway violently, its Reiatsu rapidly fading.

"Th-that's?!" A senior student managed to raise his head and look in the direction the silver light had come from, his eyes blazing with incredulous delight.

All the survivors, including the wounded who were still conscious, struggled to turn their gazes.

At the entrance to the ruins, two figures in white haori stood quietly. No one knew when they had arrived.

One was tall, with short brown hair and black-framed glasses. He wore a gentle, refined, reassuring smile. He was the Fifth Division Captain, Sōsuke Aizen.

Standing beside him and a little farther back was a slender, silver-haired man with narrowed eyes and a smile that was not quite a smile. He was the Third Division Captain, Gin Ichimaru.

He was slowly withdrawing his outstretched right hand. At the chest of the pierced Menos Grande, a slender "line" gleaming with a silver-white metallic luster rapidly retracted, finally becoming an ordinary-looking short blade in his hand: Shinsō.

That fleeting silver-white light which had instantly dealt the Menos Grande a grievous wound was none other than Shinsō's incredible ability to extend, retract, and pierce!

"It's the captains!!"

"Captain Aizen! Captain Ichimaru!"

"We're saved! We're saved!"

The flame of hope instantly kindled in hearts on the verge of collapse. Faint cheers and sobs rose among the survivors.

Gin Ichimaru's figure flickered like a ghost, and he appeared above the wounded Menos Grande. His eyes were still narrowed, his smile unchanged, but the tip of Shinsō was already aimed at the spot between the eyes of its mask.

"Shoot to kill, Shinsō."

There was no earth-shattering explosion, only an even more concentrated, swifter silver line flashing past.

The Menos Grande's head and mask burst apart like a watermelon struck by a bullet! Its enormous body lost its support and crashed to the ground, dissolving into Reishi that scattered through the air.

Sōsuke Aizen walked toward the surrounded students at an unhurried pace. His steps were not quick, but they carried a peculiar rhythm, as though the fighting and chaos around him could not affect him in the slightest. His smile remained gentle, and his eyes held just the right measure of apology and concern.

"I'm sorry, everyone." Aizen's steady, clear voice reached every shaken student. "There seems to have been a delay in our receiving the request for help. I'm sorry to have kept you waiting and that you had to go through such a dangerous situation. I'm so glad to see you safe." His gaze swept over the wounded and the blood covering the ground, and his apology seemed even more sincere.

"No, Captain Aizen!" The male senior student struggled to stand and salute, but Aizen gently raised a hand to stop him. "You and Captain Ichimaru arrived just in time and saved us! We can't thank you enough!"

"It was our duty. There's no need for thanks." Aizen shook his head slightly and looked toward the other three Menos Grande, who were growling threateningly, unsettled by their companion's sudden death. "Let's deal with the trouble in front of us first. Don't worry, it will be over soon."

With that, he raised his right hand without drawing the Zanpakuto at his waist. Holding his index and middle fingers together, he casually pointed through the air at one of the Menos Grande.

"Hadō #90: Black Coffin."

A deep, clear chant rang out. As its final syllable fell, the space around the targeted Menos Grande abruptly twisted and darkened! Countless pitch-black cubes, seemingly formed from the deepest of sins, appeared out of nowhere and instantly assembled into a massive black cube, swallowing the Menos Grande whole!

There was no scream, no struggle.

A single breath later, the black cube vanished as silently as it had appeared. The Menos Grande was gone without a trace, not even a wisp of Reishi left behind, as though it had been completely erased from the world.

Hadō number ninety! The incantation omitted! Cast in an instant! Yet its power was still so terrifying!

The remaining two Menos Grande were utterly cowed by this incomprehensible power. They roared in instinctive terror and turned, intending to tear open space and flee!

"Trying to leave?" Gin Ichimaru chuckled, his figure blurring once more.

Silver-white blade light crossed through the air like the grim reaper's scythe, weaving a deadly net.

"Pfft! Pfft!"

Two more soft sounds rang out. Both Menos Grande froze, a bloody hole piercing each of them through the neck and another through the heart. Gin Ichimaru reappeared at Aizen's side as though he had never moved, Shinsō already back in its sheath.

The two Menos Grande crashed to the ground, following their companions to the same end.

In the span of a few breaths, the four Menos Grande that had driven the elite students into a desperate situation and inflicted devastating casualties were reduced to nothing by the casual attacks of two Captain-level Soul Reapers. The scattered low-level Hollows summoned by the Menos Grande arrived afterward, only to be wiped out by a few mid-level Hadō Aizen cast with a wave of his hand.

At the center of the ruins, nothing remained amiss apart from the smell of blood and lingering fluctuations of Reiatsu. Only the heavy breathing and muffled sobs of the students who had survived could be heard.

"The Tenth Division patrol and the Fourth Division medical team have been notified. They'll be here soon." Aizen walked among the students and spoke gently, his gaze passing over each of the wounded and lingering a moment longer on Renji Abarai, who lay unconscious and gravely injured, at death's door. "Everyone, hang on. Professional treatment is on its way. Seireitei will thoroughly investigate the cause of this incident and give you an explanation."

His words were like a spring breeze over a frozen plain, carrying the power to soothe their hearts. Soon, the Tenth Division Soul Reapers arrived first and began maintaining order, clearing the scene, and counting the casualties.

The Fourth Division medical team followed shortly afterward, hurrying in under Lieutenant Isane Kotetsu's leadership with numerous stretchers and first-aid supplies. They immediately began emergency treatment for the wounded.

The critically injured were placed on stretchers first and quickly transferred through the Senkaimon to the Fourth Division's General Treatment Center. Those with lighter injuries received preliminary bandaging and stabilization on-site.

Liu Hao had just helped complete a complicated repair of spiritual body tissue and was about to take a short break when he heard an unusual flurry of rapid footsteps in the corridor outside, along with the rumble of stretcher wheels and subdued orders.

"What's going on out there?" Liu Hao asked, stopping a Fourth Division member who had just hurried past the doorway.

The member's face was grave, and he spoke quickly. "Something terrible happened! The Elite Class students who went to the Hollow Hunting Training Ground for practical training had an accident! Apparently, Menos Grande far beyond the specified level got into the training ground! The casualties are severe! Lieutenant Kotetsu has already taken an emergency rescue team there, and the wounded are being brought back now! I have to go help!" With that, he hurried away.

Liu Hao's heart sank as though he had plunged into an ice cellar. It seemed the thing he feared most had happened after all.

He had no time to worry about anything else. He immediately put down what he was holding and rushed out of his treatment room into the General Treatment Center's main corridor. The sight before him made his breath catch.

Stretchers came in a continuous stream! Lying on them were young faces, all wearing Shin'ō Academy uniforms. Some were unconscious, their Reiatsu faint; others groaned in pain, their bodies covered in bloodstained temporary bandages. Only a few appeared less seriously hurt, limping in with their arms over their teammates' shoulders, their faces still showing their fright.

Liu Hao's gaze swept rapidly over the familiar and unfamiliar faces like a scanner, searching for the person he cared about most.

No! Renji Abarai wasn't there!

An ominous foreboding seized his heart. He rushed up to a student who had walked in on his own and grabbed his arm, his voice trembling slightly with urgency. "Kira! Where's Renji? Where's Renji Abarai? How is he?!"

The person he had grabbed was Izuru Kira. Kira was still somewhat pale, and his arm was injured. When he saw Liu Hao, a complicated look flashed in his eyes. "Liu Hao... Renji... he's badly hurt," he said quietly. "He rushed to the front to block a Menos Grande's attack and save a senior student, and took the brunt of it... He just received emergency treatment. He's over there..." He pointed to a stretcher being swiftly pushed toward the critical care emergency area by two Fourth Division members.

Liu Hao followed his finger. The person on the stretcher was wrapped in thick hemostatic bandages and Reiatsu-stabilizing talismans, his face almost impossible to make out. But that familiar red hair, still vivid even when matted with blood, stung Liu Hao's eyes like a red-hot branding iron.

"Renji!" Liu Hao growled and rushed over without a thought, keeping pace beside the stretcher.

As though he had heard his voice, the person on the stretcher moved with difficulty and turned his head slightly. Through a gap in the bandages, Liu Hao saw Renji Abarai's familiar eyes, unfocused now. His lips moved as though he wanted to say something, but he only coughed up a little bloody froth.

"Don't talk! Save your strength!" Liu Hao immediately shouted. At the same time, he reached out and carefully checked the Reiatsu at the surface of Renji's body. Chaotic, weak, multiple organs severely damaged, the Reiatsu pathways ruptured over large areas... His injuries were far worse than Liu Hao had expected. If a pure and powerful external Reiatsu, obviously left by the Soul Reaper who had just given him emergency treatment, hadn't been forcibly keeping him alive, he might have...

Liu Hao's heart clenched, but he forced himself to calm down. This was no time to panic.

The stretcher was quickly wheeled into an Emergency Room that had already been prepared. As a trainee, Liu Hao had no right to enter, but he stood resolutely at the door. The anxiety and determination in his eyes moved even the Fourth Division members responsible for maintaining order there.

Soon, after dealing with several of the most urgent cases, Lieutenant Isane Kotetsu arrived outside the Emergency Room as well. She was slightly startled to see Liu Hao, then understood how he felt.

"Liu Hao," Isane Kotetsu said, her voice tired but still steady, "I know you're worried about your companion. Student Renji Abarai's injuries are extremely serious. He needs immediate deep surgery and advanced Kaidō treatment. You..."

"Lieutenant!" Liu Hao looked up and met Isane Kotetsu's eyes, his gaze filled with unprecedented pleading and resolve. "Please let me take part in his treatment! I know the characteristics of his Reiatsu, and I'm familiar with the condition of his body—his spiritual body! I've treated his training injuries many times before! Let me help, even if it's only observing and learning from the side or handling support work! Please!"

Isane Kotetsu looked at the light in his eyes, then thought of the composure, attentiveness, and talent for Kaidō he had displayed at the treatment center over the past few days, far beyond those of an ordinary trainee. She considered it for a moment. The center was desperately short-handed, and another reliable helper was always welcome, especially one who knew something about the patient's condition.

"All right." Isane Kotetsu nodded. "Come in with me. But remember, you are to follow every instruction from the lead surgeon and me. Do not act on your own!"

"Yes! Thank you, Lieutenant!" Liu Hao perked up and immediately followed Isane Kotetsu. After undergoing strict disinfection and protective procedures, he entered the Emergency Room.

Inside, the atmosphere was tense but orderly. A veteran Seated Officer of the Fourth Division was the lead surgeon, with Isane Kotetsu personally assisting and supervising. Renji Abarai had already been transferred to the operating table. His temporary bandages were carefully cut away, revealing the shocking wounds beneath: his chest had caved in, broken ribs protruded, and his internal organs were severely damaged. Worse, a violent residue of the Menos Grande's Reiatsu clung like a parasite to his bones, continually eating away deep inside his wounds and obstructing his spiritual body's natural recovery and the effects of Kaidō.

The operation began immediately. Liu Hao was assigned to help stabilize the chaotic Reiatsu throughout Renji Abarai's body and stand ready to pass over the necessary purification medicine and special Reishi sutures. He forced down all his worries and emotions and devoted his full attention to assisting. His movements were precise and steady, and his perception of Reiatsu was exceptionally detailed. He was always able to anticipate the surgeon's needs and worked remarkably well with him.

Isane Kotetsu watched from the side, nodding inwardly. This young man was not only exceptionally gifted in medical theory; even under the immense pressure of seeing someone close to him gravely injured, he could quickly compose himself and display such excellent professional competence and a calm mind. It was truly rare.

The operation lasted a long time. Removing the erosion caused by Hollow power, repairing damaged organs, reconnecting broken bones and Reiatsu pathways... every step was fraught with danger. Fine beads of sweat covered Liu Hao's forehead, but his gaze remained focused, and he made no mistakes.

Only when the final wound had been perfectly closed with pale green Reishi sutures and the lead surgeon let out a long breath and announced, "The operation was successful. His vital signs are stable," did Liu Hao feel his taut nerves suddenly relax. His legs went a little weak.

Renji Abarai was transferred to an intensive care ward and connected to instruments monitoring his Reiatsu and vital signs. He was still unconscious, but his breathing was much steadier, and his face was no longer frighteningly pale.

Liu Hao slumped into a chair outside the ward and did not move for a long time. At last, Isane Kotetsu patted him on the shoulder. "You did very well, Liu Hao. You played a major part in helping your companion pull through. Go get some rest. Someone will be assigned to watch over him."

Liu Hao shook his head, his voice a little hoarse. "I'll stay here with him."

Isane Kotetsu glanced at him and did not try to persuade him further. She gave the nurse on duty a few instructions, then hurried off to attend to other matters.

An unknown amount of time later, the door to the ward was gently pushed open. Momo Hinamori and Izuru Kira came in, supporting each other. They were also bandaged, but their injuries were clearly much lighter.

"Liu Hao, Renji..." Momo Hinamori looked at the unconscious Renji Abarai on the bed, and her eyes immediately reddened.

"The operation was successful. His life isn't in danger for now, but he needs time to recover," Liu Hao said briefly, his gaze still fixed on Renji.

"That's good... that's good..." Izuru Kira murmured, his face showing relief. He looked at Liu Hao, his expression complicated. "This time... it was thanks to Captain Aizen and Captain Ichimaru arriving in time. Otherwise, all of us... might have..."

The corner of Liu Hao's mouth twitched almost imperceptibly, and his gaze cooled slightly, though his tone remained even. "Yes, the two captains arrived very... 'promptly.' As the heads of the rescue and support forces, protecting Seireitei's future strength is indeed their duty."

Izuru Kira and Momo Hinamori did not seem to notice the subtle oddness in Liu Hao's words.

Momo Hinamori nodded vigorously, her eyes shining with gratitude and admiration. "Captain Aizen is so gentle and so strong! He not only saved us, he comforted us and said he would thoroughly investigate the incident... One day, I'm definitely going to join the Fifth Division and serve under Captain Aizen to repay him for saving my life!"

Izuru Kira nodded in wholehearted agreement. "Me too. A captain who's so strong and cares about his subordinates is worth following."

Liu Hao listened quietly, but inside he felt cold and understood. Just as I thought... Is it because I know Aizen's true nature that I'm immune to his disguised 'personal charm' and any suggestions he might have secretly used—Kyōka Suigetsu? Psychological guidance? Or is it that these kids, having just faced life and death, are at their most vulnerable and most in need of someone to rely on, making them easier to captivate with that deliberately cultivated 'savior' image?

He did not voice his suspicions. Saying such things now would be meaningless. It would only be seen as an insult to the man who had saved their lives and might even alert the enemy.

"Everyone has their own ambitions," Liu Hao finally said mildly. "As long as you think it's worthwhile, that's enough. I'll watch over Renji. You're both badly hurt too, so go back and get some rest."

Momo Hinamori and Izuru Kira stayed a little longer. Seeing that Renji Abarai's condition was stable, they left, supporting each other.

The ward fell quiet again. Liu Hao sat in the chair beside the bed, looking at Renji Abarai's bandaged, still-unconscious face, his heart filled with mixed feelings.

After an unknown length of time, Renji Abarai gave a faint groan. His eyelashes fluttered, and he slowly opened his eyes. His gaze was vacant at first, but after adjusting to the light, it focused on Liu Hao's face.

"...Liu Hao?" His voice was hoarse and faint.

"Yes, it's me." Liu Hao leaned closer. "How do you feel? Don't move around."

Renji Abarai's lips twitched as though he wanted to smile, but the movement pulled at his wounds, and he sucked in a sharp breath. "I... won't die yet. Looks like... my luck's pretty good." He paused and looked at Liu Hao, relief appearing in his eyes. "But... this time... it's a good thing you didn't go... Otherwise..."

"Otherwise I'd be lying here too, right?" Liu Hao interrupted irritably. "I told you long ago, as long as you're alive, anything is possible! Why did you charge in so recklessly? Do you think you're Captain Zaraki?"

Renji Abarai looked a little sheepish at the scolding, but then his eyes dimmed. "I... I just... couldn't stand by and watch the senior students... And a few of our classmates... didn't make it back... There are a few more who, I heard... had their Reiatsu pathways badly damaged. They might... never be able to become Soul Reapers..."

Liu Hao was silent for a moment, then sighed softly. He reached out and tucked in the corner of Renji Abarai's blanket, his voice low and firm. "This is the path we chose, Renji.

"Fighting, sacrifice, partings... We'll face more of them in the future.

"That's why we have to grow stronger, strong enough to protect the people we want to protect, strong enough to control our own destinies and have fewer regrets like this. What happened this time is both a lesson and a spur. Let's keep working hard together."

"Yeah..." Renji Abarai nodded vigorously. Though he was weak, a flame had rekindled in his eyes. "Let's work hard together!"

He paused, then added, "This time... we really owe Captain Aizen and Captain Ichimaru... They were like gods descending from heaven..."

Liu Hao looked at the undisguised gratitude and admiration in his eyes and felt a slight sting in his heart, but he smiled as though in agreement. "Yes, the captains are exceptionally strong. Once we've grown strong in the future, we must make sure to 'properly repay' them for saving our lives."

Renji Abarai did not hear the coldness hidden deep in Liu Hao's words and simply followed along. "Yeah! I've already decided. Once I graduate from Shin'ō, I'll apply to join the Fifth Division! I'll serve under Captain Aizen and repay him!"

Liu Hao looked at his innocent but determined eyes and sighed inwardly. This fool is grateful to the man who plotted against him... Never mind. As long as he stays alive and grows stronger, the day will come when he sees the truth. As for repaying him... heh, I hope you can still feel that 'gratitude' when the time comes.

He showed none of it on his face, merely shrugging and speaking in a slightly teasing tone. "Do as you like. I'm definitely going to the Fourth Division anyway. But come to think of it, the Fifth Division is the rescue squad, and the Third Division is the support squad. Isn't arriving in time to handle a dangerous situation part of their job? And from what Kira and the others said, wasn't the request for help delayed too? Their rescue response doesn't seem as efficient as people say."

Renji Abarai was taken aback, then shot Liu Hao a somewhat displeased glare. "Hey! Liu Hao, do you... not really want me to join the Fifth Division? Captain Aizen and the others saved our lives!"

"I didn't say that." Liu Hao spread his hands, his tone returning to its usual calm. "I'm only stating how responsibilities are divided among the Gotei 13 divisions. You're free to go wherever you want. It's not my place to stop you. Just don't get yourself killed someday and make saving you a waste of my time."

"You!" Renji Abarai was so angry that he tried to sit up again, only to pull at his wounds once more. He grimaced in pain. "...Forget it. I'm not arguing with you. I've made up my mind anyway."

"All right, all right, you've made up your mind." Liu Hao stopped provoking him and turned to examine the readings on his monitoring equipment.

Over the next few days, Liu Hao scarcely left Renji Abarai's ward, personally handling most of his daily care and supplementary treatment.

Lieutenant Isane Kotetsu also came by often to check on him and give Liu Hao further guidance.

Renji Abarai protested several times, saying he did not want to be a "test subject" for Liu Hao to practice on. But after Isane Kotetsu learned that Liu Hao had frequently treated Renji's minor training injuries and ailments before, with good results, she made her support clear. Renji Abarai could only "humiliatingly" accept reality.

With Liu Hao's attentive care and the Fourth Division's superb medical skills, Renji Abarai recovered at an astonishing rate. Before long, more than half his bandages had been removed. Though still somewhat weak, he could already get out of bed and walk slowly.

That day, Liu Hao helped him sit against the head of the bed. Looking out the window at Seireitei's eternally clear sky, he suddenly said quietly, "I wonder how many more times you'll have to lie here like this in the future."

Renji Abarai immediately stiffened his neck and retorted, "As if! I'll never be hurt this badly again! This time was an accident!"

"Yes, yes, an accident." Liu Hao smiled and did not argue. He merely adjusted the cushion behind Renji. "Don't get worked up. Mind your wounds. Rest and recover, future 'Fifth Division elite.'"

Renji Abarai snorted, but his eyes were full of hope for the future.

Several days later, thanks to the Fourth Division's all-out treatment, the injuries of all the students hurt in the "Hollow Hunting Training Ground incident" had stabilized, and they were out of danger. The severely injured were transferred to ordinary wards to continue recovering, while those with lighter injuries had mostly healed.

Their homeroom teacher, Nakamura Sōya, came to the Fourth Division and gathered Liu Hao and the others participating in the internship together with the practical training students who had had a brush with death and were now able to leave the hospital. He took them all back to Shin'ō Academy.

The atmosphere on the journey back was unusually heavy. Several figures who could never return were missing, and many young faces now bore injuries, with a little more world-weariness and determination in their eyes. The sunlight was as bright as ever, shining on Seireitei's white streets, but it could not dispel the invisible gloom hanging over the group.

Liu Hao and Renji Abarai walked side by side in the group. Renji was still a little weak, and his pace was slow. Liu Hao walked in silence, gazing at the towering white buildings in the distance.

He knew this bloody "accident" was only the beginning. Like a boulder thrown into the long river of fate, the ripples it caused would surely affect the future paths of many people. Aizen's shadow lurked behind the incident, but what exactly was his purpose? Testing? Selection? Or was there a deeper meaning?

As for Liu Hao himself and the companions around him who had just been baptized by life and death, their future paths were destined to be anything but peaceful. Power, greater power, the ability to discern the truth, the resolve to protect what mattered... All of it had become more urgent than ever.

Their three years of study at Shin'ō Academy were about to draw to a close, tempered by blood and fire. And the true storm seemed only just beginning to gather.