The Zero Division Descends (Part Two)

Senjumaru Shutara's face showed obvious reluctance; her lips were slightly pursed, and her brows were furrowed gently, as if she was annoyed by the performance but had no choice but to do it. Her gaze swept coldly over the crowd, her eyes devoid of any enthusiasm, only a polite perfunctory attitude.

The five members of the Zero Division stepped out and faced the Gotei 13. Sunlight shone on them, casting long, long shadows.

A subtle atmosphere filled the air—a confrontation between powerful figures, a meeting between the beings of the Soul King Palace and the guardians of the Soul Society. Everyone fell silent at this moment, all eyes fixed on the five figures from the heavens.

Tenjirō Kirinji was the first to break the silence. He slung the Zero Division flag over his shoulder, dangled the toothpick in his mouth, and flashed a smug smile.

His voice was loud and high-pitched, with a deliberate exaggeration, echoing in the air. "Hey! We're here! We're here! We're here! Zero Division Leader is here--!"

He deliberately drew out his words, like an actor on stage trying to make sure everyone in the audience noticed him. His gaze swept across the crowd with a condescending scrutiny, as if he were inspecting an army.

"Long time no see, you little brats of the Gotei 13," Tenjirō Kirinji continued, his voice laced with a mocking tone. "Have you been eating and sleeping well? Have you grown up healthy? Let me see if you little guys have gotten any stronger?"

His words were full of mockery and irreverence, as if he were talking to a group of children rather than the most elite Soul Reaper force in Soul Society. This attitude caused many people present to frown.

Which of the Captains of the Gotei 13 isn't a seasoned veteran? Which of them hasn't faced countless life-or-death trials? Being addressed like that would make anyone feel uncomfortable.

As expected, Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto was the first to react. Although the Captain-Commander was advanced in years, his authority remained. His brows furrowed slightly, and his eyes, which were usually hidden by his eyebrows, seemed to open a little, revealing a sharp light. He snorted coldly, and although the sound was not loud, it carried an undeniable authority that made the atmosphere of the entire scene freeze.

"Is this brat talking about me?!" Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto's voice was deep and powerful, each word like a heavy hammer striking an anvil, producing a clanging sound. His tone carried a hint of dissatisfaction, as well as a hint of warning.

How could this old man who had lived for thousands of years, this legend known as "Genryūsai," the creator of the Gotei 13, tolerate being treated with such contempt?

Upon hearing Tenjirō Kirinji 'Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto words, Kirinji Tenjiro's arrogant smile froze for a moment. He knew, of course, the weight of Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto; he knew that although this old man was not a member of the Zero Division, his status and strength were unmatched in the entire Soul Society.

He gave an awkward laugh, a laugh tinged with embarrassment, embarrassment, and a hint of reverence for his senior. He scratched his head, shifting his gaze away from Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto, avoiding eye contact with those imposing eyes.

"No... no... How could the Captain-Commander be a little brat...!" Tenjirō Kirinji muttered under his breath, his voice several decibels lower than before, and his arrogance had subsided considerably. He shifted the toothpick in his mouth, pretending to look away nonchalantly, as if he hadn't said those words at all.

Shinji Hirako stood in the crowd, watching the various postures of the five members of the Zero Division, his expression becoming somewhat subtle. He tilted his head, his gaze sweeping over Ichibē Hyōsube, Kirio Hikifune, Ōetsu Nimaiya Tenjirō Kirinji, and Senjumaru Shutara, a hint of helplessness flashing in his eyes.

"Why are there some guys who are not what I expected?!" Shinji Hirako muttered under his breath, his voice carrying a hint of amusement and exasperation.

His mind flashed back to his previous image of the Zero Division —a majestic, sacred, and aloof entity, unapproachable like gods. But the people standing before him now were all stranger and more casual than the last, completely shattering his understanding of the Zero Division.

The bald monk looked quite dignified, but what was that guy doing making a peace sign and shouting "Yo ho?"? And what was that guy with the toothpick in his mouth, holding a flag, and calling everyone "little brat"? The chubby woman with the shovel stuck in her hair looked like an ordinary middle-aged woman.

The woman with eight mechanical arms on her back, reluctantly playing her instrument, looked more like an artist forced to perform than a member of the Zero Division.

Before Shinji Hirako could even react, a chubby hand slapped him hard on the head.

A crisp, clear "smack" echoed through the air. The force of the slap was just right—enough to make Shinji Hirako feel pain without actually injuring him. But the sudden blow still left Shinji Hirako momentarily stunned.

"Ouch..." Shinji Hirako cried out in pain, instinctively covering his head. His face showed pain, his brows were tightly furrowed, and his mouth was slightly open, making a hissing sound.

Shinji Hirako whirled around, wanting to see which fool dared to hit him. However, when he saw the person standing behind him, the anger on his face instantly turned into surprise.

Kirio Hikifune was standing behind him, the hand that had just patted his head still in her hand. Her face wore that kind smile, her eyes narrowed into slits, making her look like a smiling Maitreya Buddha. But this Maitreya Buddha had just slapped him without any politeness.

"Why did you hit me?" Shinji Hirako asked, covering his head with a wronged expression. His voice carried a hint of confusion, a hint of dissatisfaction, and a familiarity that even he himself did not realize.

Looking at the plump woman in front of him, Shinji Hirako felt a sense of déjà vu about her smile, her tone of voice, and her movements, but he couldn't quite place where he had seen her before.

Seeing Kirio Hikifune Shinji Hirako's aggrieved expression, Kiryu's smile deepened.