We're Here to Rescue Someone, Not to Die

Deep within Las Noches, in the enormous conference room, the atmosphere was heavy and subtle. Around the long conference table, the Espada sat down, each with a different posture and Reiatsu, but every figure exuded a suffocating sense of oppression.

Sōsuke Aizen sat at the head of the table, his signature gentle smile on his face. He gently set down his teacup, his gaze sweeping over each of the Espada present, before slowly speaking, "Don't underestimate them. The first three were once known as 'Ryoka,' daring to intrude into Soul Society with just four people and even challenge the Gotei 13."

These words were like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, creating ripples. The Espada exchanged glances; some were disdainful, some were wary, and some seemed thoughtful.

Zommari Lulu—the 7th Espada, a man with dark skin and a peculiar headdress—frowned slightly and asked, "Four people? Then one is missing. Who is the other one...?"

Ulquiorra Cifer replied expressionlessly, "The other one is Orihime Inoue."

Szayelaporro Granz—the 8th Espada, a man with long pink hair, elegant yet unsettling—leaned back in his chair, a playful smile playing on his lips, "Trying to save your comrades? But you don't seem that strong."

"Didn't you hear what Lord Aizen said?" A deep female voice rang out. Tia Tier Harribel — the 3rd Espada, a tall, cold-faced woman—sweeped her gaze like a knife towards Szayelaporro, "Don't underestimate them."

Aizen's smile deepened, and he nodded, his tone carrying a hint of approval. "Yes, don't underestimate them. You all know Ichigo Kurosaki — Grimmjow was once defeated by him."

All eyes immediately turned to Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez.

The former Sixth Espada sat at the end of the conference table, his face terrifyingly grim. He felt the gazes upon him, the scrutiny, mockery, and curiosity they held. His fingers tapped lightly on the table, his knuckles turning white from the force.

In the end, he simply turned his head to one side, spat, and said nothing.

Aizen ignored his reaction and continued, "That Liu Hao successfully escaped when Tōsen and Nnoitra joined forces to attack him."

This time, all eyes turned to Nnoitra Gilga.

The Fifth Espada, a tall man wearing a strange helmet, looked visibly unsure of himself. He coughed and explained, "I simply didn't know his abilities, which is why I let him escape."

Standing behind Aizen, Kaname Tōsen spoke expressionlessly, "Liu Hao is indeed not to be underestimated. Although he is not Captain, his strength ranks among the top of the Gotei 13 Captains."

Nnoitra's face flushed slightly as she retorted defiantly, "Hmph, it's just that his abilities are rather troublesome. He can teleport, otherwise he wouldn't have escaped so easily last time."

Kaname Tōsen's tone remained calm, but his words carried a ruthless revelation. "If it weren't for Lord Aizen ordering me to save you last time, you would have been killed by him."

A brief silence fell over the meeting room.

Szayelaporro's smile grew even more playful as he looked at Nnoitra with interest, "Oh? Is he that powerful?"

Nnoitra's expression darkened further. He gritted his teeth, his voice tinged with exasperation. "It's just that his abilities are rather disgusting! He can manipulate space and fire, and summon cumbersome weapons through spatial abilities. Otherwise, he would have been dead by my scythe long ago!"

"Is that so?" Szayelaporro's eyes narrowed slightly, a dangerous glint in them. "Spatial abilities... they've piqued my interest a little."

Aizen watched the minor argument without changing his smile. He picked up his teacup, took a small sip, and then put it down.

"Alright, everyone." His voice remained gentle, yet carried an undeniable authority. "While their strength should not be underestimated, only Liu Hao deserves our attention. The others are not worth worrying about too much."

He stood up, walked slowly to the window, and looked out at the eternally illusory sky. "Now, return to your posts and act as usual. Don't be arrogant, don't be impatient, just wait for the enemy to come to you. There's absolutely nothing to be afraid of—"

He turned around, his gaze sweeping over each of the Espada present, a confident smile playing on his lips, "No matter what happens, as long as you're with me, there are no enemies before us."

Meanwhile, in the pitch-black passageways of Las Noches.

Liu Hao and his group had been walking for a long time. The passage seemed endless, with smooth stone walls on both sides and unseen darkness overhead. Only the Reishi orb in Liu Hao's hand illuminated the path ahead.

Finally, the passage came to an end.

A room appeared before them—not too big, not too small, square and empty. The only striking feature was the five doors lined up on the other side of the wall.

Every door was exactly the same: black panels, silver handles, no markings, no difference whatsoever.

Uryū Ishida adjusted his glasses, his gaze sweeping back and forth between the five doors. "There are five doors here. How are we supposed to find them?"

Rukia Kuchiki stepped forward, carefully observing the doors. "Looks like we'll have to split up. Let's arrange the groups."

"What nonsense are you spouting?!" Ichigo Kurosaki practically jumped up, yelling at Rukia Kuchiki, "They're Espada! It's safer to stick together! They might not appear alone; if we split up—"

Before he could finish speaking, Renji Abarai had already stepped in front of Rukia Kuchiki, blocking his view. The red-haired Vice-Captain's expression was serious and cold. "Enough. Being afraid to die on the battlefield is an insult to a soldier."

Ichigo Kurosaki was stunned. He looked at Renji Abarai, at those eyes burning with fighting spirit, and for a moment he didn't know how to refute him.

Just then, Liu Hao spoke up.

His voice was calm, yet carried an indescribable power, instantly overwhelming everyone's arguments. "We're here to rescue people. Why are we going to the battlefield?"

Everyone looked at him.

Liu Hao's gaze swept over everyone, then he slowly said, "Here, we are the invaders, not some battlefield where troops are deployed. Here, we can use any means necessary to rescue them—that's our purpose in coming here."

Renji Abarai frowned, looking at Liu Hao in disbelief. "Liu Hao! You..."

Ignoring his shock, Liu Hao continued, "I used to be Squad Lieutenant the Fourth Division's Medical Guard Team. On the battlefield, our duty was to protect the Medical Squad, and we could also serve as Medical Squad ourselves."

His voice grew deeper, carrying the weight of memories. "And when I formed the Medical Guard Team, I said that we would only treat them when they were out of combat and needed our treatment."

Otherwise, even if he dies in battle before us, the Medical Guard Team must not be allowed to intervene in the fighting to rescue others. Because the Medical Guard Team's dereliction of duty could very likely result in casualties among non-combat members of the Medical Squad and other wounded soldiers.

He paused, his gaze sharpening further. "The current situation is exactly as I described. We're here to rescue people, not to send you to your deaths as warriors. If you sacrifice your lives to save others—do you think Orihime Inoue will still have the courage to live?"

These words were like a bucket of cold water poured on everyone's hearts.

They fell silent.

Yes, they came here to save Orihime. Not to fight to the death with the enemy, not to prove their strength, not for revenge or glory. Just to bring her back.

Ichigo Kurosaki lowered his head and gripped his twin swords tightly. Renji Abarai's expression became complicated; he opened his mouth but said nothing. Uryū Ishida pushed up his glasses, lost in thought. Yasutora Sado remained silent as usual, but a certain light flickered in his eyes.

Rukia Kuchiki broke the silence, her voice calm and rational. "So there are five paths, which one should we choose?"

Liu Hao looked at her, a faint smile playing on his lips, "Any path is fine. Anyway, once we enter this area, we'll be under their surveillance."

Uryū Ishida's body trembled slightly. "Then what do we do?"

"It doesn't matter." Liu Hao shook his head. "They might try to separate us. Before that, I'll give you their information."

The crowd nodded and gathered around.

Liu Hao began to recount the abilities, personalities, Espada weaknesses of the Espada. He explained every name, every number, and every detail that needed attention. He also introduced those Arrancar who had been kicked out of the Espada and were now reduced to three digits.

After he finished speaking, everyone remained silent for a moment, digesting the information.

Then, Liu Hao turned around, randomly chose a door, and pushed it open to enter.

The group exchanged glances and followed.

A new passage, a new darkness. But this time, they didn't stay there for long.

Soon, the passage came to an end again. Before them lay a vast, empty space, consisting of three interconnected rooms. High ceilings, massive stone pillars, and an eerie atmosphere.

At the top of the three tallest stone pillars, three figures stood proudly.

Liu Hao stopped and looked up at the three figures. Moonlight shone through an unseen gap, illuminating their silhouettes.

"Oh?" Liu Hao's voice held a hint of amusement. "You three Arrancar, what are your numbers?"

The one with horns on his head spoke first, his voice rough and confident. "I am Dordoni Alessandro Del Socaccio, number 103."

A female Arrancar followed closely behind, her voice clear and alluring. "I am Tirute Sandervich, ID 105."

The last Arrancar, with an Arrancar head of orange hair, spoke in a deep, gruff voice. "I am Gantenbainne Mosqueda, number 107."

Liu Hao nodded, his tone calm. "Everyone, could you please let us through?"

Dordoni —the horned Arrancar —grimaced, revealing sharp teeth. "I'm afraid that won't work."

Liu Hao's expression remained unchanged as he continued, "Oh? You want to defeat us and reclaim your position as one of the Espada?"

Dordoni's laughter echoed in the empty space, "I suppose so. But we also want to see—your strength."

The words had barely left his mouth when Ichigo Kurosaki took a step forward. He gripped his twin swords tightly, his eyes burning with fighting spirit. "Liu Shu, let me handle this."

Renji Abarai walked to Liu Hao's side and stepped forward as well. "Ichigo, let me do it."

Uryū Ishida adjusted his glasses, his gaze sweeping over the three figures. "There are three opponents here; we can send out three people."

Liu Hao looked at them and remained silent for a moment. Then, he nodded. "Ichigo, you're in charge of that Dordoni. He'll be perfect for testing your strength."

Ichigo Kurosaki nodded, his gaze fixed on the Arrancar with horns on its head.

"Tirute is yours now, Uryū. Let's see your new bow."

Uryū Ishida didn't speak, but silently took the Reishi Bow from his back. The bow began to glow under his Reiatsu, condensing into a brand new, more formidable form.

"I'm leaving Gantenbainne to you, Chad. Let's see how Renji's training has gone."

Yasutora Sado nodded, and his right arm began to change. White bone armor covered his arm, exuding a dangerous aura.

Battle is imminent.

Liu Hao, along with Rukia Kuchiki, Renji Abarai Nel, and the others, retreated to the side and quietly watched the battle that was about to begin.

His gaze swept over the three figures, a faint smile playing on his lips.

Is it a three-digit number with Arrancar?

Let these young people get some practice.