On the Eve of the Zero Division's Arrival (II)

In the Captain’s Office, Retsu Unohana sat upright in the center. She wore a simple kimono, her long hair cascading down her back like a waterfall, exuding a calm and elegant aura. In front of her was a cup of tea, its fragrance rising slowly in the air. Her expression was serene, but her deep eyes seemed to contain boundless wisdom and power.

Isane Kotetsu entered the Captain’s Office and stood in front of Unohana. A blush still lingered on her face, and her breathing was a little rapid. Unohana looked up, her gaze sweeping over Isane Kotetsu before landing on Liu Hao, who had followed her in.

Seeing Isane Kotetsu's shy expression and Liu Hao's smiling face, Unohana immediately understood what was going on. Her brows furrowed slightly, and her expression turned somewhat unfriendly. She looked at Liu Hao, a sharp glint flashing in her deep eyes.

"Isane, did Liu Hao harass you?" Unohana's voice was calm and indifferent, but the pressure it contained made the temperature in the entire room drop a few degrees.

Isane Kotetsu was startled by her Captain's words and hurriedly waved her hands, explaining, "No... no! Liu Hao didn't harass me! Really! He just... just..." She stammered, trying to explain, but found herself completely at a loss for words. Should she say, "He just called me Isane- chan"? Should she say, "He just looked at me like that"? How could she possibly say those things?

Seeing Isane Kotetsu's embarrassed look, Liu Hao quickly stepped in to help, "Captain, don't talk nonsense. How could I possibly harass Vice-Captain Isane?" His tone carried a hint of grievance, as if he had truly been wronged.

But his eyes betrayed him—they swept back and forth between Unohana and Isane Kotetsu, a hint of ambiguity in their gaze.

"I only admire you," Liu Hao added, a hint of a smile in his voice.

Upon hearing those words, Isane Kotetsu's face flushed even redder. It was a red that seemed almost to drip blood, a burning, dazzling red. She lowered her head, staring at her toes, never daring to look at Liu Hao. Her heart was pounding so hard it felt like it would leap out of her chest, her mind a complete blank, utterly unsure of what to say or do.

Unohana noticed Liu Hao's ambiguous gaze. She saw his eyes lingering on Isane Kotetsu Liu Hao, his nonchalant smile, and his undisguised admiration. Her brows furrowed even deeper, and a dangerous glint flashed in her eyes.

"Take your disgusting look away." Unohana's voice remained calm, but the chill within it sent shivers down one's spine. "Otherwise, I'm afraid I might accidentally chop you up."

She said it so casually, as if she were just talking about something perfectly ordinary. But Liu Hao knew that Retsu Unohana never spoke empty words. When she said "I accidentally cut you," she was definitely not joking.

This Fourth Division Captain appears gentle and kind on the surface, but in reality, she is one of the most terrifying beings in the Gotei 13. Her swordsmanship, her strength, and her killing intent are beyond the imagination of ordinary people.

Seeing Unohana's expression, Liu Hao immediately knew that his Captain was probably really angry. He quickly dropped his nonchalant look and his face returned to a serious and earnest expression. He knew that it was best not to provoke Unohana at this time. Otherwise, getting killed would be a huge loss.

"Captain, are the Zero Division members coming down?" Liu Hao changed the subject, his voice carrying just the right amount of curiosity.

Unohana Liu Hao had dropped his lewd expression, Unohana's expression softened slightly. She nodded, stood up, and said gracefully and calmly, "Okay. You and Isane, come with me. The other Captains should be here soon."

After saying that, Unohana took the lead and walked towards the door. Her steps were calm and unhurried, each step steady and firm, as if nothing in this world could make her flustered.

Isane Kotetsu quickly followed, her head down, a blush still lingering on her face, but much better than before. Liu Hao followed at the back, his expression had returned to normal, but the corners of his mouth still couldn't help but turn up slightly.

The three walked through the streets of Seireitei, heading towards Rukongai. Along the way, they encountered many other Soul Reaper who were also on their way to their destination. Some nodded to them, some stopped to exchange a few words, and some simply passed by in a hurry.

Everyone knows what day it is today, and everyone knows what the arrival of the Zero Division means. They are the highest level of existence in Soul Society, a height that ordinary people can never reach in their entire lives.

Before long, the three arrived near Kūkaku Shiba's stronghold. Liu Hao looked around and saw that the Captains of the Gotei 13, along with their respective Vice-Captains, had already arrived.

Shunsui Kyōraku was still as lazy as ever, wearing his straw hat askew and dozing off against the wall.

Jūshirō Ukitake stood there with a gentle smile on his face, coughing occasionally.

Kenpachi Zaraki stood there with his arms crossed, looking impatient, with Yachiru Kusajishi beside him.

Tōshirō Hitsugaya remained expressionless, while Rangiku Matsumoto stood behind him with her signature smile.

Mayuri Kurotsuchi stood alone to one side, a chilling smile on his face.

Those members of the Visored who remained in Soul Society to hold positions were also present.

Shinji Hirako stood at the front with a half-smile on his face, flanked by Kensei Muguruma and Rōjūrō Ōtoribashi.

Ichigo Kurosaki was also brought by Rukia and stood behind Jūshirō Ukitake.

When everyone saw Unohana arrive with Liu Hao and Isane Kotetsu, they all greeted them. Ichigo Kurosaki took the opportunity to run behind Liu Hao.

Shunsui Kyōraku raised his hand and waved lazily. "Yo, Unohana, you've arrived."

Jūshirō Ukitake smiled and nodded.

Kenpachi Zaraki glanced at Liu Hao, a meaningful smile playing on his lips.

Liu Hao responded to everyone's greetings, a gentle smile always on his face. His gaze swept across the crowd, seeing many familiar faces as well as some unfamiliar ones.

He knew that everyone present was an elite member of Soul Society, a pillar of the Gotei 13. And today, they had gathered together to welcome those who had descended from the heavens.

After exchanging greetings, everyone fell silent, standing there and looking up at the sky. No one spoke, no one moved, and all eyes were focused in the same direction—the vast blue sky.