On the Eve of the Zero Division's Arrival (1)
Two days passed silently, like flowing water. The sky over Soul Society remained as clear as ever, and the streets of Seireitei remained as tranquil as ever, as if nothing had happened, as if the earth-shattering battle was merely a nightmare from the previous night.
But for everyone who experienced that battle, that duel with Aizen, that battle that almost shook the Three Worlds, has become a memory etched deep into their souls, one that can never be erased.
The morning sunlight streamed through the eaves of Seireitei, bathing the ancient city of Soul Reaper in a soft golden glow. A gentle breeze carried the faint scent of herbs, wafting from the direction of the Fourth Division Barracks.
Liu Hao wandered around the General Treatment Center as usual. His steps were leisurely and casual, as if this was not a place to treat the wounded, but his own backyard. He was wearing his familiar Shihakushō, with the Imperial Sword hanging at his waist, and he looked energetic and radiant.
After two days of rest, his body has almost recovered. Although he cannot use Bankai for the time being, his basic combat abilities are still there, his medical skills are still there, and his composure and confidence have not diminished in the slightest.
He walked down the corridor of the treatment center, occasionally stopping to push open the door of a ward and check on the condition of the wounded. Some of the wounded were injured in the battle against Aizen, some were injured in the subsequent cleanup work, and some were old injuries that had recurred.
Liu Hao would carefully examine each person's injuries and then treat them with his superb medical skills. His technique was skillful and precise, every burst of Reiryoku was just right, and every step of the treatment was meticulous. Those who were treated by him were all grateful to him.
"Lord Liu Hao, thank you so much." A wounded man grasped Liu Hao's hand, his eyes filled with tears of gratitude. "If it weren't for you, I might have lost this hand."
Liu Hao patted his shoulder with a smile and said in a relaxed tone, "Don't worry, I'm here, your hand will be fine. Get some rest, you'll be discharged in a few days."
This scene has happened countless times in the past two days. Liu Hao seems to have inexhaustible energy, always appearing in the most needed place when needed most. His smile is always so warm, and his words are always so reassuring.
He was like a ray of sunshine, illuminating the treatment center filled with pain and groans, bringing hope and strength to every injured person.
But no one knew that Liu Hao's heart wasn't as relaxed as it appeared. His mind was constantly occupied with what was about to happen— the Zero Division, the Soul King Palace, and the legendary Soul King.
He didn't know what awaited him, what demands those people would make of him, or whether he would be able to return safely. But he didn't show these worries on his face, because he knew that in this world, some roads can only be walked alone, and some burdens can only be borne alone.
Just as Liu Hao finished treating a seriously injured team member and was about to move on to the next ward, a series of hurried footsteps echoed in the corridor. The footsteps grew clearer and louder as they approached, standing out prominently in the quiet treatment center.
Liu Hao raised his head and looked in the direction of the sound, only to see Isane Kotetsu walking quickly toward him.
The Fourth Division's Vice-Captain, Retsu Unohana's right-hand woman, was dressed in a neat Shihakushō today, with a white haori over it. Her long hair was tied back in a simple ponytail, making her look capable and refreshing. There was a hint of urgency on her face, and her steps were much faster than usual, clearly indicating that something important had happened.
"Liu Hao!" Isane Kotetsu walked up to Liu Hao, slightly out of breath, her voice tinged with nervousness, "The Captain sent me to inform you that Zero Division is arriving soon, and we need to go and greet them."
"Zero Division?" Liu Hao raised an eyebrow slightly, a glint of light flashing in his eyes. Of course he knew what Zero Division was; it was the Soul King's direct guard, one of the most elite forces in Soul Society.
Their power far surpasses that of ordinary Captain-level Soul Reaper. Their duty is to protect the Soul King Palace and maintain the balance of the Three Worlds. They rarely leave the Soul King Palace, and even less often do they come into contact with the Seireitei. This time, however, they have not only come, but they have also mobilized as a group, which in itself demonstrates the seriousness of the matter.
Liu Hao quickly suppressed the glint in his eyes and reappeared his signature smile. He looked at Isane Kotetsu, his tone relaxed and casual, as if the arrival of the Zero Division was nothing out of the ordinary. "Okay, Isane. I'll go with you now."
The moment the name "Isane- chan" was uttered, Isane Kotetsu's cheeks immediately turned red. It was a red that ran from her ears all the way down to her neck, as beautiful and captivating as cherry blossoms in full bloom in spring.
She looked at Liu Hao, at his smiling face, at his clear and bright eyes, and a feeling she couldn't quite describe welled up inside her. There was shyness, joy, anticipation, and a flutter of excitement that she herself couldn't quite put her finger on.
Liu Hao's gaze lingered on Isane Kotetsu for a moment, his eyes filled with admiration, tenderness, and a hint of ambiguity. That kind of gaze was incredibly alluring to a young girl just beginning to experience love.
Isane Kotetsu felt her heart racing, her face flushing, and she felt completely at a loss.
"Then... let's go quickly." Isane Kotetsu stammered, then turned around abruptly and strode towards the other end of the corridor.
Her steps were hurried, even unsteady, as if something terrifying was chasing her from behind. Her hands were clenched tightly together, her fingertips turning slightly white from the force. She dared not turn around to look at Liu Hao, because she knew that if she did, Liu Hao would see her burning red face.
Looking at Isane Kotetsu's shy expression, Liu Hao's smile deepened. His eyes curved into crescent shapes, and his face held a smug look of someone who had successfully pulled off a prank. He strode along behind Isane Kotetsu at a leisurely pace, as if he were taking a stroll rather than rushing.
The two walked one after the other through the streets of Seireitei. Isane Kotetsu walked quickly ahead, never daring to look back; Liu Hao followed slowly behind, smiling as he watched the shy figure ahead. This scene formed a unique sight on the streets of Seireitei, attracting the attention of passing Soul Reaper.
Before long, the two arrived at the door of the Fourth Division's Captain’s Office. Isane Kotetsu took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down, and then pushed the door open.