Graduation

Liu Hao's gaze, as if drawn by a magnet, remained fixed on the Zanpakuto in Imperial Princess's hand, which had completed its transformation into its final form.

The dark-gold, Eight-Sided Chinese Sword bore majestic purple-and-gold dragon reliefs along its blade. Against the starry sky, it radiated a strange charm: ancient and weighty, yet supremely magnificent and lethally sharp. It was no longer merely a weapon, but seemed more like a sacred relic embodying laws and authority.

"Eight-Sided Chinese Sword..." Liu Hao repeated softly, undisguised appreciation and admiration in his eyes. "Good, very good. This design has both the elegance and swiftness of a sword and the weight and imposing presence of a saber. It balances hardness and softness, and radiates righteous dignity. It's very... much to my taste."

At that, a faint smile touched Imperial Princess's lips, though her tone retained its characteristic pride. "I'm glad you like it. But even if you didn't, there would be nothing you could do. After all, this is the form born from the essence of your own soul, the nature of your power, and the desires in your heart. It is the manifestation of Liu Hao's power. This is what it was always meant to look like."

Liu Hao nodded without arguing. He closed his eyes and carefully recalled the solemn release command Imperial Princess had recited when she declared the sword's true name and released the Zanpakuto. It had seemed to contain some ancient rite. Every syllable was as clear as if it had been engraved in his mind.

He took a deep breath, then slowly opened his eyes, his gaze intensely focused. He was not deliberately imitating her. Instead, he followed the newly awakened pulse in his heart that resonated with his Zanpakuto and recited each word in a low, clear voice:

"The Imperial Princess at My Side—"

(The instant the words fell, he seemed to feel a faint, illusory trace of Reiatsu flash beside him, bearing a sense of reverence and protection.)

"Present the sword before the throne—"

(The Tang Dao-shaped Zanpakuto in his hand seemed to answer its sovereign's summons. The inscriptions along its blade lit up one after another, and it gave a pleasant, gentle hum, as if paying homage.)

"The Emperor Grows Wrathful—"

(A power and will unlike anything before, seemingly from the deepest source of his soul, began to awaken and seethe like a slumbering dragon roused from sleep! A vast, domineering "wrath" instantly filled Liu Hao's body, as though it would pass judgment on every injustice in the world and sweep away every obstacle. It was not emotional rage, but an instinctive resistance and will to judge on a higher level, directed against the trampling of "laws" and the disruption of "order"! Deep in his pupils, a noble purple-and-gold gleam flashed beyond his control!)

"—Imperial Sword, unsheathe!!"

"Clang—hum—!!!!"

A sword cry, higher and clearer than the one that had accompanied Imperial Princess's release, erupted from Liu Hao's hand like a dragon's roar across the heavens! It rang not only through his own soul space, but also faintly shook his spirit body in the real world!

Amid brilliant purple-and-gold light, the Tang Dao in his hand rapidly changed shape, stretching and reforming!

The light faded.

An Imperial Sword, identical to the one in Imperial Princess's hand yet seemingly more substantial and perfectly fused with Liu Hao's own Reiatsu, rested firmly in his grasp!

The red-and-black patterns on the hilt seemed to come alive, fitting snugly against his palm; the red Chinese Knot at the guard stirred without wind; and the dragon reliefs on the dark-gold, eight-sided blade seemed ready to burst free, radiating an awe-inspiring majesty and sharpness. The air around the blade warped slightly, as though unable to bear the "weight" and "edge" inherent in its very existence.

Liu Hao felt the immense power and distinct will transmitted through the hilt, as though they were connected to him by blood. This power had not been poured into him from outside. It was his own source power, fully awakened and united and condensed by the true name "Imperial Sword·Dragon Emperor." He gave the sword a gentle swing, leaving a faint purple-and-gold trail that lingered where the edge had passed, as if even space had been marked.

"So this is... the power of Shikai?" Liu Hao murmured, his eyes full of wonder and astonishment. He could feel that, compared with before he held his Shikai, there was a world of difference in the "quality" of his Reiatsu and his "control" over it. It was as if an army once scattered had been united by a wise sovereign, forming a truly unstoppable force.

He looked up at Imperial Princess, eagerness shining in his eyes. "Then next... shouldn't you teach me how to use Imperial Sword's specific abilities? Like that dragon-shaped sword energy you unleashed just now? Are there other moves? Or what do the specific meanings of release commands like 'The Imperial Princess at My Side' and 'The Emperor Grows Wrathful' mean for the forms of power they correspond to?"

Seeing how impatient he was, Imperial Princess's eyes betrayed a nearly imperceptible trace of helplessness, but more than that, they showed the understanding of someone whose expectations had been confirmed. She shook her head, her tone returning to its usual coolness.

"More haste, less speed. First, take the time to feel, familiarize yourself with, and master Imperial Sword's basic state.

"Shikai is not merely the acquisition of a new form and greater power. It is also a deeper bond and resonance with your own soul.

"You need time to adapt to this change, understand the nature of this power, and hone the understanding between you and Imperial Sword.

"Moves? Abilities? When you truly understand Imperial Sword's essence and the will symbolized by the 'emperor' and the 'Dragon Emperor,' you will gradually comprehend and develop them yourself. Forcing them on you through instruction might instead limit your possibilities."

She paused, and seeing that Liu Hao still seemed somewhat unwilling to accept this, added, "Remember, Imperial Sword is your Zanpakuto, an extension and manifestation of your power. Its strength is rooted in your own strength and understanding. Take the time to experience this power and the way it resonates with your soul. When you need it, it will answer you."

With that, she gave Liu Hao no chance to press her further. She raised a hand and waved it in his direction, seemingly at random.

A gentle but irresistible force enveloped Liu Hao's consciousness.

"All right, that's enough 'communication' for today. It's time for you to go back."

The starry sky, platform, throne, and Imperial Princess's figure rapidly blurred and receded. Liu Hao felt a slight dizziness, and his consciousness was forcibly "pushed" out of the depths of his soul.

In the real world, in his dormitory.

Liu Hao's eyes snapped open, and he emerged from his deep state of Tōzen. He gasped for breath, fine beads of sweat on his forehead, his heart still pounding from the upheaval on the level of his soul and the roaring power he had just experienced.

Then he immediately noticed something unusual about his body.

A powerful Reiatsu, originating from him but bearing the distinctive "mark" of his Zanpakuto, was acting like an invisible, close-fitting "inner armor" or "seal." It tightly restrained and suppressed the fluctuations of Reiatsu inside him that, awakened by Shikai, instinctively sought to burst forth and announce their presence!

This suppressive force did not come from outside. It arose spontaneously from deep within his soul, from his resonance with Imperial Sword. Precise and gentle yet extraordinarily effective, it locked the terrifying fluctuations of his Captain-level Shikai Reiatsu, which had nearly burst out of his body, firmly inside him without the slightest leakage.

Liu Hao understood at once.

Just now... in my consciousness space, when my Reiatsu rose violently on its own because of my sudden insight and Shikai, and nearly burst out of control... Imperial Princess... was guiding me in merging with my power while also helping suppress the fluctuations leaking out! Warmth welled up in his heart.

The seemingly arrogant, sharp-tongued Imperial Princess, who would cut people down at the slightest provocation, had silently protected him at a critical moment with such meticulous care. She had kept his sudden, uncontrollable surge in power from drawing unnecessary attention, especially... prying eyes that might be hidden in the shadows.

This protective intent hidden beneath her stern exterior gave Liu Hao a more complex and affectionate understanding of his companion, the "embodiment of his power."

He slowly exhaled and tried moving his arms and legs. His body felt fuller and stronger than ever before. Reiatsu surged ceaselessly within him, yet obeyed him like his own limbs, docile and immense. He extended a hand and gave a slight thought.

"Imperial Sword," he called softly.

There was no release command, only a thought. Purple-and-gold light flashed in his palm, and the dark-gold Eight-Sided Chinese Sword quietly appeared in his hand, as if it had always belonged there. The blade was cool, its weight moderate, and its compatibility with his soul was perfect.

He swung it gently a few times, feeling the smoothness with which its edge cut through the air and the precision with which it transmitted his power. A satisfied smile appeared on his face. Then, with another thought, the Han sword turned into specks of purple-and-gold dust, vanished from sight, and returned to the depths of his soul.

"Control... will still take time," Liu Hao said to himself, though his eyes were full of confidence. He stood up and gave a long stretch, feeling full of energy.

He glanced out the window. It was still early. Remembering that Renji Abarai was still hospitalized in the Fourth Division, he decided to visit him.

The Fourth Division's General Treatment Center, intensive care ward.

When Liu Hao pushed open the door, he saw Renji Abarai lying on the bed, bored out of his mind. Some of the bandages wrapped around him had been removed, but he still looked like a hefty "rice dumpling," with only his head and parts of his arms exposed. He was glaring at the ceiling, muttering something unintelligible.

"Hey, how's our 'seriously wounded patient' feeling today? Do you feel like your recovery rivals a cockroach's?" Liu Hao approached, teasing him.

Renji Abarai's eyes lit up at the sound, but his face promptly fell. "Liu Hao! You finally came! I feel like I'm almost completely better now! Really! I'm full of strength from head to toe! But these Fourth Division people absolutely refuse to let me get out of bed, let alone leave the hospital! Lying here every day, I feel like my bones are going to rust! Come on, check me over and talk to them. Get me out of here sooner! I promise I'll rest properly when I get back!"

Liu Hao went to the bedside but did not answer immediately. Instead, he first carefully sensed the state of Renji's Reiatsu. Yes, it was indeed much steadier and stronger than it had been a few days ago. The traces of Hollow power erosion were almost imperceptible, and the repair of his internal organs was going smoothly. But... certain nodes in his Reiatsu circuits were still slightly sluggish and unstable, clearly signs that his serious injuries had only recently healed and had yet to be fully stabilized.

"The medical Soul Reapers of the Fourth Division have their reasons for not letting you leave." Liu Hao sat down beside the bed, his tone calm but firm. "They can see things more clearly than you can. Feeling 'full of strength' now might just be an illusion caused by your injuries improving, or a natural rebound after your Reiatsu recovered. But some deeper damage, especially hidden injuries to your Reiatsu circuits, needs time and care to stabilize and heal completely. If you rush out now and leave some hidden problem that affects how far you can grow in the future, who are you going to cry to?"

Seeing Renji's somewhat unconvinced expression, he spoke more emphatically. "Don't forget, why are we working so hard to get stronger? It's so we can protect the people and things important to us, so we can go farther and stand higher, not so we can enjoy a moment's satisfaction and destroy our future possibilities. What you need now isn't impulsiveness, but patience."

Renji Abarai was left speechless. He opened his mouth, then finally sank back onto the bed in defeat and muttered, "All right, all right, you're right... I'll listen to you. But... lying here every day is just too boring..."

"Boring?" Liu Hao raised an eyebrow. "I told you before, cultivation isn't just fighting and killing and working up a sweat. Calming your mind, looking inward, honing your state of mind, and putting yourself in order are equally indispensable parts of cultivation. Now that you can't move around, isn't this the perfect chance to practice stillness and try a deeper Tōzen with your Zabimaru? From what I can see, your sword is close to awakening too, isn't it? Take this opportunity to have a good 'talk' with it."

Renji Abarai's eyes brightened slightly, but his face fell again. "I tried... but you know me, Liu Hao. I'm impatient. I can't sit still or calm down... After a little Tōzen, my mind starts wandering, or I fall asleep..."

"That's exactly why you need more practice," Liu Hao said matter-of-factly. "Patience and concentration are part of strength themselves. You have plenty of time now, so take it slowly. Start by holding out for five minutes, then ten minutes, half an hour... You'll make progress eventually."

Renji Abarai looked at Liu Hao's serious expression, so plainly meant for his benefit. Though he thought Liu Hao was right, he still felt helpless and could only sigh. "All right... I know. I'll try..."

The two chatted a while longer about amusing things at the academy and their plans for the future, and the atmosphere in the ward grew much more relaxed.

Just then, someone knocked softly on the ward door and pushed it open. A petite figure with short purple hair, dressed in a simple, elegant kimono, entered.

"Rukia?!" Liu Hao and Renji Abarai cried out in pleasant surprise at the same time.

Rukia's face showed the joy of seeing them again after a long separation, along with a barely perceptible, composed air polished by noble life. She hurried to the bedside, her violet-gray eyes examining Renji Abarai with concern. "Renji! Liu Hao! I heard something happened during your field training, and I've been worried sick! Later, Big Brother Byakuya told me neither of you was in serious danger, but Renji was hurt more badly and needed to stay in the hospital. Only then did he agree to let me come see you."

"You even need his permission to come out?" Renji Abarai blurted out instinctively, a hint of displeasure in his voice.

Liu Hao glanced at him and explained for her. "That's only natural. Rukia is a noble lady of the Kuchiki Clan now. Everything she says and does represents the Kuchiki Clan's dignity and rules, so she can't be as carefree as she was in Rukongai. Captain Kuchiki allowing her to visit old friends like us, who 'came from Rukongai,' is already a great exception and an act of tolerance. We should understand."

Though Renji Abarai still felt uncomfortable about it, he knew Liu Hao had a point. He muttered under his breath, "Nobles have so many rules. What a pain..."

"Hey, Renji." Liu Hao looked at him with the hint of a smile. "Rukia's a noble now too. Are you saying Rukia's a pain?"

"How could I possibly be talking about Rukia?!" Renji Abarai retorted at once like a cat whose tail had been stepped on, though he was clearly less than confident.

Watching the two bicker, Rukia could not help covering her mouth and giggling, dispelling the slight awkwardness from before. She went to the bedside, carefully examined the bandages on Renji Abarai, and asked softly, "Renji, are you... really all right? Does it still hurt?"

"Ah, I'm fine, I'm fine!" Renji Abarai hurriedly waved his hand, trying to look relaxed. "I really don't feel much anymore. They just insist I stay in bed a few more days to consolidate the treatment. Liu Hao says the same thing."

"That's good." Rukia breathed a sigh of relief, a genuine smile appearing on her face.

The three gathered around the hospital bed and talked about their lives since they had parted. Rukia briefly described her days studying noble etiquette, literature and history, and receiving Kendo and Reiryoku instruction arranged by the Kuchiki Clan. Though some of it was dull, she had learned a great deal and broadened her horizons considerably.

Liu Hao and Renji Abarai shared amusing stories about their studies at Shin'ō Academy, insights from their cultivation, and their hair-raising experience in the recent field training. Liu Hao left out his suspicions about Aizen. The atmosphere was warm and harmonious, as though they had returned to their days in Rukongai, difficult though they had been, yet full of warmth and hope.

In the days that followed, the three went their separate ways again, though they continued to care about one another. Rukia carried on fulfilling her duties and training as a noble young lady in the Kuchiki Clan;

After making a full recovery in the Fourth Division, Renji Abarai returned to Shin'ō Academy and threw himself into all kinds of field training with even greater diligence, almost desperately so. He seemed determined to turn all the frustration of his injury and his longing for power into motivation to move forward;

Liu Hao followed his own pace, completing his regular academy coursework while interning regularly with the Fourth Division to improve his Kaidō and medical skills. At the same time, during his nightly Tōzen, he spent day after day growing accustomed to and exploring Imperial Sword, becoming increasingly proficient in controlling his Shikai power.

Time flew, and the years sped by.

The dust of Rukongai, the sweat shed at Shin'ō Academy, the lights of the Fourth Division's treatment center, and the ever-growing convictions and goals in their hearts together traced the course of their growth.

In the blink of an eye, Liu Hao and Renji Abarai had become sixth-year graduates of Shin'ō Academy, about to face a crucial moment that would determine their future paths: applications and assignments to the Gotei 13.

By convention, sixth-year students had to submit their preferred divisions before graduation. The academy would make the final assignments based on the students' overall performance and specialties, the needs of each division, and the captains' wishes.

Renji Abarai had originally been set on joining the Fifth Division to repay Aizen for "saving his life." But after Liu Hao repeatedly offered seemingly casual yet pointed reminders and analysis—emphasizing that the 11th Division was better suited to his wild fighting style, would help him improve his combat ability faster, and that Captain Kenpachi Zaraki's straightforward personality might suit his temperament better—Renji gave it careful thought. In the end, he changed his preference and applied to join the 11th Division, renowned for its battle maniacs and formidable strength.

On this day, the Gotei 13's list of new recruits for the year was officially posted in Shin'ō Academy's central plaza. The plaza was packed. The soon-to-graduate sixth-year students crowded around the list, nervous, expectant, and apprehensive as they searched for their names and assignments.

Liu Hao and Renji Abarai stood among the crowd as well.

"Fourth Division... Liu Hao... found it!" Liu Hao spotted his name at a glance. His assigned unit was indeed the Fourth Division, just as he had expected.

"11th Division... Renji Abarai... there it is!" Renji Abarai quickly found his name too. Seeing the words "11th Division," he clenched his fist, fierce fighting spirit blazing in his eyes. He seemed eager to show what he could do in the place known as the "strongest combat division."

The two exchanged smiles, both relieved and happy for each other.

The next day, Shin'ō Academy held a grand and solemn graduation ceremony.

The ceremony took place in the academy's largest auditorium. The venue had been decorated with solemn grandeur.

What shocked and honored all the graduates and faculty was that, apart from the Twelfth Division's captain, Mayuri Kurotsuchi, who was said to be occupied with some confidential research and unable to leave, all twelve of the Gotei 13's other captains had personally attended! It was an extremely rare occurrence in the entire history of Shin'ō Academy.

The captains sat in division order on specially arranged seats atop a platform at the front of the auditorium. Captain-Commander Shigekuni Yamamoto-Genryūsai sat in the center like an unwavering pillar, radiating a suffocating majesty.

The other captains were variously stern, gentle, languid, or wild, each with a different bearing. But every one of them represented the pinnacle of Soul Society's martial strength and the will of a vast division. Their very presence was the most direct deterrent and inspiration to the young Soul Reapers below, who would soon become fresh blood under their command.

The academy principal presided over the ceremony. After a series of proceedings, Captain-Commander Yamamoto slowly rose and delivered a brief but weighty address, urging the graduates to remember the duties of Soul Reapers, protect order, forge ahead, and contribute their strength to Seireitei's peace.

Once the address ended, it was time for the most important part: the on-site assignment of new members and their reception by the captains.

Holding a roster, the academy's director of instruction began calling names one by one in the order on the list. Each graduate whose name was called had to step out and walk to the center of the auditorium, where the captain or representative of the assigned division would briefly confirm and receive them.

The atmosphere was solemn and a little tense. One young figure after another stepped out and approached their future commanding officers, submitting to those decisive, scrutinizing gazes.

When "Liu Hao—Fourth Division" was called, Liu Hao calmly stepped out of line and walked toward the center of the auditorium. His gaze naturally turned to the black-haired female captain seated on the platform, wearing a gentle smile and possessing a bearing as tranquil as water: Retsu Unohana.

However, just as Liu Hao was about to reach his designated place, another figure came before him first, gentle as a spring breeze yet leaving no room for objection.

It was the Fifth Division Captain, Sōsuke Aizen.

Wearing his trademark smile, as welcoming as a spring breeze, he adjusted his glasses and regarded Liu Hao gently. His clear, magnetic voice was loud enough for everyone nearby to hear.

"Student Liu Hao, congratulations on your graduation. I learned from your teachers that your performance at the academy has been exceptional. In particular, you have shown extraordinary talent in Reiatsu control, the use of Kidō, and combat potential. For someone of your talent to devote yourself solely to a medical and logistical unit and remain in the relatively safe rear would be... something of a waste."

He paused, his tone becoming more earnest, like an elder sincerely looking out for a junior. "As a rescue division, the Fifth Division also needs strong combat and adaptive abilities. It can expose you to battles and events closer to the front lines. For a young man like you, it might be a better place to put your talents to use and grow more quickly. I, Sōsuke Aizen, hereby formally invite you to join my Fifth Division. What do you say?"

This sudden personal invitation from a captain, made in front of all the captains and graduates, had undoubtedly placed Liu Hao at the center of attention. Many people looked at him in surprise, envy, or curiosity.

Liu Hao sneered inwardly. So here it comes? Using an 'appreciation for talent' as a pretext to recruit—or control—me. Too bad your Kyōka Suigetsu has no effect on me.

He was just about to refuse when a gentle female voice, carrying an unquestionable force, spoke first.

"Captain Aizen, you certainly have a discerning eye."

Retsu Unohana had quietly risen and come to Liu Hao's side at some point. She still wore that gentle smile that seemed capable of embracing everything, but her gaze was clear and firm as she met Aizen's eyes directly.

"However, student Liu Hao's performance during his internship with the Fourth Division left a very deep impression on me, particularly his talent and patience in Kaidō medicine, and the composure and compassion he showed while treating the wounded. Though the Fourth Division is a Medical Corps, it also needs outstanding members like him, who possess both combat skills and medical talent, to go deep into the front lines at critical moments and save more of our comrades' lives. So..."

She turned slightly to look at Liu Hao, her tone gentle yet carrying a peculiar, irresistible warmth and strength. "Captain Aizen, I ask that you let this talented young man join my Fourth Division."

Two captains—one a gentle and refined rescue captain of unfathomable strength, the other a highly respected healing captain at the pinnacle of the medical system—were openly "competing" at the graduation ceremony for a student who had just graduated! The sight silenced the entire auditorium, and everyone watched with bated breath.

The smile on Aizen's face did not change in the slightest, as though he had expected Unohana to intervene. He turned to Liu Hao, his tone still gentle. "Captain Unohana makes a good point as well. However, the final choice remains yours, student Liu Hao. After all, it concerns your future path. Which... would you prefer?"

He passed the choice back to Liu Hao, seemingly showing respect while actually exerting invisible pressure. In front of the two captains, Liu Hao's choice would, to some extent, also be his response to their "invitations."

Liu Hao took a deep breath and raised his head. He first gave Retsu Unohana a grateful and resolute look, then turned to Sōsuke Aizen. His voice was clear and steady, without the slightest hesitation.

"Thank you for your kindness and appreciation, Captain Aizen. I, Liu Hao, will always remember the debt I owe you for saving my life at the river in Rukongai. But—"

His tone grew more solemn. "It was thanks to Captain Unohana and Lieutenant Kotetsu saving me when I was on the verge of death that I survived and gained the opportunity to study at Shin'ō and change my fate. I have no way to repay this kindness that gave me a new life. Joining the Fourth Division, serving under Captain Unohana, and using what I have learned to heal and protect more comrades has long been my wish. It is also the way I believe I can best repay that kindness. So my choice is—to join the Fourth Division."

His words were sincere and resolute. They expressed his gratitude, on the surface, for Aizen's "life-saving kindness" while making clear his determination to repay Unohana. His reasons were sound, and his position unmistakable.

Sōsuke Aizen listened quietly, his smile still flawless, as though Liu Hao's refusal had been expected and had not caused the slightest ripple in his eyes. He nodded gently, his tone still mild. "I see. Remembering kindness and seeking to repay it is an excellent quality. Since you have made up your mind, student Liu Hao, I naturally respect your choice. Captain Unohana, congratulations on gaining an outstanding member."

"You're too kind, Captain Aizen." Unohana inclined her head slightly, her smile unchanged.

Aizen said no more. He turned and walked at an unhurried pace toward his next target: Renji Abarai, whose name had just been called and who had been assigned to the 11th Division.

This time, however, he encountered a more direct "obstacle."

Before Aizen could approach, a tall, wild figure radiating astonishing killing intent and pressure had already blocked Renji Abarai's path like an iron tower. Kenpachi Zaraki, captain of the 11th Division, swept his one remaining eye over Aizen and bared his teeth in a fearsome grin. His voice was booming and blunt.

"Hey, four-eyes, the list says this guy's in the 11th Division, so he's mine! What are you trying to do? Poach him? Did you ask the sword in my hand?"

He gave Aizen no chance to extend an "invitation," directly asserting his claim in the most overbearing way possible.

The smile on Aizen's face seemed to stiffen for an instant, but it quickly returned to normal. He adjusted his glasses, his tone still gentle. "Captain Zaraki, you misunderstand. I was only..."

"Only what?!" Kenpachi Zaraki interrupted impatiently, waving his large hand. "I don't care about your schemes! Once someone walks through the 11th Division's door, they're mine! Want to take him? Fine, beat me first! What, does the Fifth Division Captain want to have a go with the 11th Division Captain right here?"

Undisguised fighting spirit and provocation flashed in his eye, and his hand was already on the hilt of the battered-looking Zanpakuto at his waist, which no one dared underestimate.

The atmosphere instantly became explosive. The nearby graduates and teachers were so frightened they hardly dared breathe.

Aizen looked deeply at Kenpachi Zaraki, then at the red-haired youth behind him, Renji Abarai, whose gaze was just as unruly. At last, an exceedingly slight, almost imperceptible crack appeared in his perfect smile. He clearly had not expected Kenpachi Zaraki to be so uncompromising, even willing to turn hostile on the spot.

Before Kenpachi Zaraki's "reasoning," built purely on strength and a desire to fight, any tactful explanation or carefully crafted argument seemed feeble.

"...You jest, Captain Zaraki," Aizen finally said slowly, his tone betraying neither pleasure nor anger. "Since you value this student so highly, it would naturally be inappropriate for me to say more. May the 11th Division gain another formidable warrior."

With that, he lingered no longer and returned to his seat. To some observers, however, his retreating figure seemed just a fraction stiffer than when he had left Liu Hao.

Not far away, Third Division Captain Gin Ichimaru, who had been watching the show with narrowed eyes, appeared silently beside Aizen like a ghost. Wearing his foxlike smile, he spoke in a voice only the two of them could hear, his mockery undisguised.

"My, my, it seems you've suffered one setback after another this time, Captain Aizen. One little fellow unaffected by Kyōka Suigetsu, with thoughts that are hard to read, and one reckless boy whom that beast Zaraki is guarding so fiercely... How do you intend to 'deal with' them?"

Sōsuke Aizen did not answer immediately. He raised his eyes slightly, as though looking through the auditorium's dome toward some unreachable place. His expression returned to that unfathomable calm and gentleness.

"It doesn't matter." His voice was flat, as though he were stating some trivial matter unrelated to him. "They're only two slightly unusual 'little insects' outside the plan. If they get in the way, I'll simply swat them dead."

"Oh? You're just letting them go like that?" Gin Ichimaru's smile broadened, though a probing look flashed in his eyes.

"Unohana is watching closely." Aizen's tone remained indifferent. "It seems she truly values that child called Liu Hao and sees him as someone important to nurture for the Fourth Division's future. Moving against him now would cost more than it gained and draw unnecessary attention. As for the other one..." His gaze almost casually swept over Renji Abarai in the distance, whose shoulder was being patted by Kenpachi Zaraki and whose face showed excitement mixed with a little confusion. The corner of Aizen's mouth seemed to curve ever so subtly.

"The other one..." Aizen's voice dropped, taking on an almost cold amusement. "Originally, I merely thought that bringing him to my side and watching him gradually come into opposition and conflict with his old friends, Liu Hao for example, because of their positions, ideals, or 'misunderstandings,' until they ultimately drew their swords against one another... The struggles, pain, and choices human nature reveals under the hand of fate might have provided some... amusement to observe."

He withdrew his gaze and looked again at the parade formation proceeding before him, as though that brief disturbance had never happened.

"Since Zaraki is interested in taking him, he can have him. Two insignificant little insects cannot present any meaningful obstacle to our 'future.' Let them... continue to struggle and grow along the paths they chose for themselves. Perhaps, at some point in the future, they might even provide some unexpected... 'embellishment.'"

After listening, an indescribable gleam flashed through the narrow slits of Gin Ichimaru's eyes. He asked no more, merely nodding with a grin, as though he fully agreed with Aizen.

The ceremony continued. One graduate after another was assigned to a division and walked toward an unknown future full of possibilities.

Standing in the Fourth Division's ranks, Liu Hao could feel Captain Unohana's gentle, faintly approving gaze on him. He also saw Renji Abarai in the distance with the 11th Division, being "battered" by Kenpachi Zaraki's rough, booming voice and fan-sized hands, yet with the excitement and fighting spirit of someone who had found where he belonged shining on his face.

Across the crowd, the two met each other's eyes from afar. In each other's gaze, they saw encouragement, good wishes, and the bond that had endured through hardship without ever changing and would continue in a new form in the future.

A new chapter was about to unfold simultaneously on their different stages in the Gotei 13. And the shadow lurking beneath the light continued patiently weaving its web. No one could know what the future held. But at least for now, the young Soul Reapers set out on their own journeys, carrying their respective convictions and dreams.