After the battle

"Then the person you're talking about is Ai—" Kaien Shiba blurted out, but Liu Hao cut him off forcefully before he could finish the name.

"Shut up!"

His voice carried unprecedented authority and warning. Kaien Shiba even felt a tangible killing intent brush across his neck, making him fall silent involuntarily.

Liu Hao turned around, his golden-red pupils like burning coals in the night. He took a step closer, his voice extremely low, yet every word was sharp as a blade. "I 'don't know' if it's him—and you need to keep 'not knowing' too. Face everything as you always have. Don't let him sense anything unusual."

He paused, then added, enunciating every word, "Unless you want to become a test subject."

Those last words sent a chill down Kaien Shiba's spine. He remembered the rumors about the Research and Development Institute—the missing Soul Reapers, the failed experiments, and the truths that had been covered up.

"All right." He swallowed, his voice somewhat shaky.

Liu Hao's killing intent slowly receded, but his gaze remained sharp as an eagle's. "Remember, when you go back, act the same as before. Laugh when you should, joke around when you should. You can even show more dissatisfaction with me. But don't deliberately avoid anything. The slightest clue could make someone suspicious."

"Okay, I understand." Kaien Shiba took a deep breath, trying to return to his usual self.

Liu Hao turned around and looked toward the lights of the Seireitei beyond the barrier, continuing to lay out his plans. "Once we're back, I'll go to the Thirteenth Division with Renji and Rukia less often. We need to pretend we don't get along."

He pondered for a moment, as if searching for the best way to describe it. "Hmm... right, as if you 'stole' my friends and I really can't stand you. Arguments, confrontations, coldness when we run into each other—we have to act all of it out naturally."

"Uh..." Kaien Shiba scratched his head, his expression a little strange. "About that... haven't you always disliked me? I don't think you need to act."

Liu Hao froze for a moment, then gave a rare, wry smile. "Really?" He fell silent for a moment, then grew serious. "That's not true. Actually, I admire you a lot: your sincerity toward your subordinates, your deep love for your wife, and the way you shoulder your responsibilities."

He turned around and looked Kaien Shiba straight in the eyes. "It was only because the lives of my friends and me were at stake that I was wary of you. Now that you've taken my advice and are willing to cooperate, naturally I won't be wary of you anymore. Otherwise..."

Liu Hao's voice turned cold. "I'd just find a chance to kill you in secret, rather than lay everything out here."

His words were direct, even somewhat cruel. But Kaien Shiba smiled instead, because he heard the sincerity in them. In a place like Soul Society, full of schemes and plots, such a blunt threat was sometimes more trustworthy than sweet words.

"I see." Kaien Shiba chuckled. "Looks like I'm a decent judge of character."

Liu Hao did not respond to the joke. He turned around again and looked toward the edge of the barrier. "All right, we should head back."

With that, he strode out of the barrier. The Imperial Sword had long since been sheathed, but the scabbard still retained the warmth of battle.

Kaien Shiba immediately followed, but after a few steps, he suddenly realized something and looked back at the Four Symbols Barrier, which was still standing. "Wait, why aren't you taking down the barrier? Are you just going to leave it there?"

Liu Hao kept walking and answered without looking back. "If we take the barrier down now, the signs of our fight will be too obvious. The scorched ground, the melted rocks, the soil that's been dried out—they'll all reveal how intense our fight just now was."

He paused, then added, "After we get out, we still need to 'deal with' it."

"Deal with it?" Kaien Shiba quickened his pace to catch up. "How? You're not going to blow up the whole mountaintop, are you?"

"You'll find out in a moment." Liu Hao's answer was as concise as ever.

The two walked one behind the other to the edge of the barrier. The spatial wall here was translucent, and through it they could see the normal mountain scenery outside—lush vegetation and bright moonlight, a stark contrast to the apocalyptic scene within the barrier.

Liu Hao stopped in front of the barrier wall. He drew the Imperial Sword again, but this time he did not release it, merely pressing its tip lightly against the wall.

"Seal."

As he softly spoke the word, a pale golden ripple spread from the point where the sword tip touched the barrier. It expanded rapidly, soon covering the entire surface.

Then a soft light, like moonlight, flowed from the blade of the Imperial Sword. It traveled along the blade and into the barrier wall, spreading like ink on rice paper and dyeing the once-translucent wall milky white.

Kaien Shiba held his breath as he watched the wondrous sight.

When the entire barrier had turned milky white, Liu Hao sheathed his sword.

"Disperse."

As soon as he spoke, the milky-white barrier began to "dissolve." It did not shatter or dissipate, but melted away bit by bit into the air like foam. The entire process was silent, with only faint ripples appearing on the barrier's surface.

As the barrier disappeared, the scene inside it changed as well.

The scorched ground, melted rocks, and cracked soil... were all gone. In their place was scenery identical to the outside: green grass swayed in the moonlight, moss covered the rocks, and the soil was moist and soft.

It was as if the earth-shaking battle just now had never happened.

Kaien Shiba stared at it all in disbelief. He hurried to the central area where the fighting had been fiercest, crouched down, and scooped up a handful of soil—damp, cool, and carrying the fresh scent of grass and plants.

"This... how did you do this?" He looked up, his voice filled with shock.

Liu Hao walked over to him and explained calmly, "An ability involving time."

"Time?" Kaien Shiba froze.

"Didn't you feel it? Time flowed differently inside the barrier than it did outside." Liu Hao looked up at the night sky. "Two hours inside the barrier were equivalent to a quarter of an hour outside. And when the barrier is released, the 'time' inside quickly synchronizes with the outside—all changes that occurred within the barrier are 'reset' to the state they were in before it was deployed."

Seeing Kaien Shiba's shocked expression, he continued his explanation. "It's an ability of my Zanpakuto. I just can't control time perfectly yet, so I have to use my Zanpakuto to create a barrier and use it within a limited area."

Kaien Shiba drew a sharp breath. "Then you were maintaining this kind of barrier the whole time you were fighting me—isn't that a bit much?! Fighting and controlling time at the same time, the Reiatsu consumption..."

"No." Liu Hao shook his head, interrupting his speculation. "This is a barrier I 'created' in advance with my Zanpakuto. It's like a prepared 'tool' that only needs to be activated when used. I don't need to keep consuming Reiatsu to maintain it during a fight."

He paused, a trace of helplessness in his voice. "Otherwise, we wouldn't have needed to fight at all. The Reiatsu needed just to maintain a time barrier like this would be more than I can handle right now."

"That's still amazing, you know," Kaien Shiba said sincerely. "Being able to create a barrier like this is already far beyond the level of a lieutenant."

Liu Hao, however, sighed. "I spent several months making this barrier. It took a lot of Reiatsu and materials, both as a precaution and in preparation for fighting you."

"Uh..." Kaien Shiba's expression grew a little strange. "You were preparing to fight me several months ago?"

Liu Hao glanced at him, his gaze profound. "I started preparing from the moment Rukia joined the Thirteenth Division. No... I should say I started preparing from the moment I became able to use this time ability."

His voice grew low. "Because I knew she would definitely meet you, and that those things in the 'future' would definitely happen. So I had to prepare in advance to make sure you... wouldn't become part of that future."

Kaien Shiba opened his mouth, wanting to say something. But as the words reached his lips, he remembered Liu Hao's earlier warnings—about memories, surveillance, and secrets that could not be spoken.

In the end, he merely smiled bitterly.

"All right, then..." He was just about to change the subject when Liu Hao interrupted him.

"That's enough. Don't say anything more." Liu Hao's expression grew serious again. "Have you forgotten what I warned you about? From this moment on, everything we talk about has to fall within the bounds of 'normal.'"

He turned and headed down the mountain. "We should leave."

Kaien Shiba nodded and hurried after him. The two walked side by side along the mountain path, their shadows stretched long by the moonlight.

On the way back, they deliberately chatted about trivial matters: amusing incidents in the division, recent missions, and gossip from the Seireitei. Liu Hao still did not say much, but at least he responded. Kaien Shiba, meanwhile, tried to act like his usual self, laughing heartily and speaking in a relaxed tone.

But both of them knew that something had changed.

When they returned to the Seireitei and passed through the Hakutōmon, Jidanbō, who was guarding the gate, greeted them with a smile. "Lieutenant Kaien, you're back this late? And this is... Liu Hao from the Fourth Division?"

"Yeah, we had some things to take care of." Kaien Shiba smiled. "Jidanbō, thanks for your hard work."

Liu Hao merely nodded slightly and said nothing.

After entering the Seireitei, they parted at the first crossroads. Liu Hao turned toward the Fourth Division, and his figure soon disappeared around a corner.

Kaien Shiba stood where he was, looking in the direction Liu Hao had disappeared, not moving for a long time.

"Lieutenant Kaien?"

A familiar voice came from behind him. Kaien Shiba turned around and saw Rukia Kuchiki standing not far away, a hint of concern on her face.

"Rukia." Kaien Shiba immediately put on his usual smile. "What's wrong? Why are you still up so late?"

"I heard you went out with Liu Hao." Rukia walked a few steps closer, her gaze sweeping over Kaien Shiba. "Why didn't he come back with you? You two... nothing happened, did it?"

Kaien Shiba noticed that, besides concern, there was a trace of scrutiny in Rukia's eyes. The girl who usually seemed innocent and earnest was actually quite observant.

"Him? He went straight back to the Fourth Division." Kaien Shiba shrugged, his tone casual. "Did you need him for something?"

"No, I was just asking." Rukia paused, then added, "Oh, right, Renji went back too. He said Squad Six needed him for something."

"Oh, okay." Kaien Shiba nodded, then seemed to remember something. "By the way, have you seen the captain? I have something to report to him."

"He should be in the Captain’s Office," Rukia answered. "He said he had some division business to catch up on."

"Okay, I'll go find him." Kaien Shiba patted Rukia on the shoulder. "Go train, or get some rest early. You have patrol duty tomorrow, don't you?"

"Yes, I do." Rukia nodded. "Then I'll take my leave, Lieutenant Kaien."

"Go ahead."

As he watched Rukia walk away, the smile slowly faded from Kaien Shiba's face. He took a deep breath, composed his expression, and headed for the Thirteenth Division barracks.

The door to the Captain’s Office was slightly ajar, warm light spilling out from within. Kaien Shiba knocked.

"Come in," came Jūshirō Ukitake's gentle voice.

He pushed the door open to find Captain Ukitake sitting at his desk, several documents piled in front of him. Seeing Kaien Shiba, he looked up, a gentle smile appearing on his pale face. "Kaien, you're back."

"Yes, Captain." Kaien Shiba entered the room and closed the door behind him.

Jūshirō Ukitake put down his brush and studied Kaien Shiba carefully. A moment later, he frowned slightly. "Your Reiatsu... you've used up a great deal of it. Did something happen?"

Kaien Shiba's heart tightened. The captain's senses were sharp indeed. But he gave nothing away, merely scratching his head with a somewhat awkward expression.

"Actually... there's something I wanted to discuss with you." He avoided the question about his Reiatsu.

A thoughtful look flashed through Jūshirō Ukitake's eyes, but he did not press the matter. He simply said gently, "What is it? Sit down and tell me."

Kaien Shiba sat in the chair across from the desk, his hands on his knees, looking somewhat nervous. He fell silent for a few seconds, as if gathering his thoughts.

"I'd like... Miyako to step down as Third Seat and take a clerical position in the division."

Jūshirō Ukitake was taken aback. He leaned forward slightly, his brows drawing together. "Why? Miyako is very strong, and she's always performed excellently as Third Seat. Why do you suddenly want her to move to a clerical position?"

Kaien Shiba's gaze began to wander. He did not dare look Ukitake in the eye, his eyes moving around the room. "Well... I want her to help me handle division business. As you know, the paperwork keeps increasing, and I'm having some trouble keeping up on my own."

The reason was obviously insufficient. Jūshirō Ukitake said nothing, merely watching him quietly.

Feeling the pressure, Kaien Shiba continued haltingly, "And... she could also find time to help look after you, Captain. Your health isn't very good, after all, so it would be better to have someone around to take care of you."

Seeing Kaien Shiba's evasive gaze, unnatural posture, and the tone that made it obvious he was making up excuses, Jūshirō Ukitake understood that there was something else behind this.

But he did not expose him.

Jūshirō Ukitake coughed softly a few times, then smiled in understanding. "All right. Actually, I've always felt that Miyako works too hard as Third Seat. Moving to a clerical position would also give her more time for her own affairs."

He paused, a sly glint flashing in his eyes. "Besides, you've been married for so long. It really is time to consider having a child. You'll have much more time once she moves to a clerical position."

Kaien Shiba's face turned red at once. "Thank you, Captain. But as for a child... that still depends on luck."

"Then I wish you good luck." Jūshirō Ukitake smiled. "I'll handle the paperwork. Have Miyako come see me tomorrow."

"All right, thank you, Captain." Kaien Shiba stood and bowed respectfully.

"Go on, get some rest early," Jūshirō Ukitake said gently.

As he watched Kaien Shiba leave, the smile slowly vanished from Jūshirō Ukitake's face. He leaned back in his chair, his gaze growing pensive.

Something's wrong with Kaien. He's used up far too much Reiatsu; he's clearly been through an intense battle. And he avoided my gaze when he spoke. He's obviously hiding something.

Jidanbō reported earlier that he left with Liu Hao from the Fourth Division. Could that boy have told him something? But what kind of conversation would need to be settled with a fight?

And... he wants Miyako to step down as Third Seat. That's not like Kaien. He's always respected Miyako's choices and wouldn't make a decision like that for her without consulting her.

Jūshirō Ukitake sighed softly, tapping his fingers lightly on the desk.

Never mind. Knowing Kaien, if he won't tell me now, he won't say anything even if I ask. Perhaps he has his own reasons. When he wants to talk, he'll tell me himself.

He picked up his brush again and began reviewing the documents. But his mind was no longer on the paperwork.

Meanwhile, Kaien Shiba returned to the room he shared with Miyako.

Shiba Miyako was mending a haori by lamplight. Hearing the door open, she looked up with a gentle smile. "You're back? Why are you so late today?"

"I had some things to take care of." Kaien Shiba sat down beside her and hesitated before speaking. "Miyako, just now... I discussed something with the captain."

Shiba Miyako put down her needle and thread and looked at him seriously. "What did you discuss?"

"I want you to step down as Third Seat and take a clerical position."

The room fell silent for a few seconds.

The smile gradually disappeared from Shiba Miyako's face, replaced by confusion and bewilderment. "Why? Kaien, this is work I love. You know I can help everyone in battle, that I can protect—"

"I know." Kaien Shiba interrupted her, a pleading note in his voice. "I know all of that. But... please listen to me this time, okay?"

Shiba Miyako stared at her husband's face. She saw guilt and unease in his eyes, and a trace of something she could not understand—fear?

"Then why didn't you discuss it with me first?" Her voice was soft, but sounded hurt.

Kaien Shiba guiltily looked away. He thought, If I'd discussed it with you first, I was afraid you wouldn't agree, so I could only act first and tell you afterward.

But what he said aloud was, "Miyako, I'm sorry. It was wrong of me not to discuss it with you first. Please don't be angry."

He took his wife's hand, his voice growing low and earnest. "There are some things... I can't tell you right now. But I hope you'll believe that I made this decision to protect you... to protect us."

Shiba Miyako watched him quietly. After a long time, she sighed softly.

"All right, I agree." She clasped her husband's hand in return. "But if anything comes up in the future, tell me first. Don't let me be the last person to know, okay?"

A warm feeling surged through Kaien Shiba's heart, along with a wave of guilt. He pressed his palms together in a pleading gesture. "Don't worry, I promise... I'll never make decisions on my own like this again."

Shiba Miyako smiled, her smile full of tolerance and understanding. "Then it's a deal. But what reason will we give for the transfer? We can't just use such a selfish reason as 'the lieutenant wants his wife to have an easier time,' can we?"

Kaien Shiba thought for a moment and said, "We'll say... you need to make time to look after Ganju. That brat's been getting more and more mischievous lately, and he needs someone to keep him in line. And..."

He paused, a blush spreading across his face. "And it's time we thought about having a child."

Shiba Miyako's face turned red as well. She gave her husband a gentle punch. "You can actually bring yourself to use that as a reason?"

"Anyway, the captain's already agreed." Kaien Shiba smiled and wrapped his arms around his wife. "So that settles it."

It was late at night.

In the Thirteenth Division barracks, the lights in most rooms had already gone out. But in the Captain’s Office, Jūshirō Ukitake still sat by the window, gazing at the half-moon in the night sky, not moving for a long time.

Meanwhile, Liu Hao's room in the Fourth Division barracks was brightly lit. He sat at his desk with a blank sheet of paper spread out before him, his brush hovering in the air, yet he did not set it down for a long time.

After a long while, he put down the brush and walked to the window.

In the distant Thirteenth Division barracks, only a few scattered lights remained on. One of them belonged to Kaien Shiba's room.

Liu Hao stood there quietly, a complex light flickering in his golden-red pupils in the darkness.

The first step of the plan was complete.

But the road ahead was still long.

And it was full of thorns.

He slowly raised his hand, palm up. A tiny wisp of golden-red flame ignited in his palm, leaping and burning as if heralding something.

Then he closed his hand.

The flame went out.

Darkness once again covered everything.