The Arrival of Zero Division (4)

Ichibē Hyōsube had somehow appeared beside Tenjirō Kirinji. His thick arm was casually draped over Tenjirō Kirinji's shoulder, yet it contained an irresistible force. His face still wore that gentle smile, but within that smile lay an unyielding authority.

"Oh! That's enough!" Ichibē Hyōsube temple bell, echoing in the air for a long time.

His tone carried the patience of an elder advising a younger person, as well as an undeniable decisiveness. "I know it's been a long time since we've all seen each other! There's a lot to say, a lot to reminisce about. But let's chat later."

He patted Tenjirō Kirinji on the shoulder, the force neither too light nor too heavy, yet it made the arrogant "Hot Spring Demon" shrink back a few feet. Tenjirō Kirinji glanced at Ichibē Hyōsube, the arrogance and provocation in his eyes vanishing instantly, replaced by submission and awe. He took the toothpick out of his mouth, put it in his pocket, and obediently stood aside, saying nothing more.

Ichibē Hyōsube's gaze swept over everyone present, his eyes calm yet profound, as if he were looking at a group of children, or perhaps scrutinizing something. A smile played at the corners of his lips, a smile carrying an indescribable meaning.

"Gentlemen," he began, his voice not loud, but clearly reaching everyone's ears, "We have important business to attend to here. We can catch up later, after we've finished our business."

Then his gaze finally settled on one person, Liu Hao, who was standing not far behind Retsu Unohana.

Ichibē Hyōsube's gaze lingered on Liu Hao for a moment, a look that seemed to hold some deeper meaning. Then, he looked away and turned his gaze back to everyone present.

"This time, the Soul King gave us a mission: to bring Liu Hao to see him at all costs," said Ichibē Hyōsube, his voice calm and composed, yet brooking no refusal.

As soon as he finished speaking, everyone's eyes were focused on Liu Hao. Only Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto and Unohana, who had known about this beforehand, kept their gazes fixed on the Zero Division.

The leader of the Zero Division paused, then looked in another direction. A meaningful smile appeared on his lips as he continued, "At the same time, Ichigo Kurosaki needs to accompany us to the Soul King Palace."

All eyes turned to Ichigo Kurosaki. The orange-haired boy stood in the crowd, an expression of disbelief on his face. His eyes were wide, his mouth slightly open, and he pointed a finger at his nose, looking like a student suddenly called on by the teacher, completely bewildered by what had happened.

"Why do I have to go too?!" Ichigo Kurosaki's voice was filled with obvious confusion and surprise. His brows were tightly furrowed, and his face was full of questions like, "What does this have to do with me?"

His gaze shifted back and forth between the Zero Division and Liu Hao, trying to find some answers in their expressions. But Ichibē Hyōsube's face only held that unfathomable smile, while Liu Hao's expression was as calm as if he had known this all along.

However, Liu Hao didn't wait for Ichibē Hyōsube to answer Ichigo Kurosaki's question. His voice rang out while everyone was still processing the news, neither too loud nor too soft, but clearly reaching everyone's ears. "Is it just the two of us? Aren't you bringing a few more people?!"

This question was asked directly and frankly, without any beating around the bush.

Ichibē Hyōsube's smile deepened upon hearing Liu Hao's words. His eyes narrowed slightly, and the string of Buddhist prayer beads on his chest swayed gently, making a soft clinking sound. He looked at Liu Hao with a playful, scrutinizing gaze, as well as the tolerance and appreciation of an elder looking at a junior.

"Oh?" Ichibē Hyōsube's voice held a hint of amusement, as if Liu Hao's reaction amused him. "Who else do you want to take?"

This question, neither an agreement nor a refusal, simply threw the problem back at Liu Hao. Ichibē Hyōsube wanted to see what kind of request this young man would make.

Liu Hao seemed to have already thought of his answer, and spoke almost without hesitation, his voice clear and decisive. "I want to bring Renji Abarai and Rukia Kuchiki; the others don't matter."

The moment Liu Hao uttered that name, Renji Abarai and Rukia Kuchiki were stunned for a moment. Renji stood in the crowd, his expression shifting from shock to confusion, and then from confusion to a complex, indescribable emotion.

He opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but found himself unable to utter a sound. It was as if something was blocking his throat, preventing him from making a sound. A glimmer of light flashed in his eyes, a light that contained emotion, surprise, and a warmth that even he himself did not realize.

Rukia's reaction was more restrained. She stood there, her expression still calm, but her purple eyes widened slightly, and her eyelashes trembled a few times.

When Ichibē Hyōsube heard Liu Hao's answer, he was first taken aback, then burst into hearty laughter. The laughter was deep and loud, like the sound of a temple bell, echoing in the air for a long time.

His laughter contained no mockery or sarcasm, only a heartfelt joy and appreciation. He laughed heartily, genuinely, until tears almost streamed down his face.

"Hahaha..." Ichibē Hyōsube's laughter echoed in the air, making the ears of those around him ring. He laughed for a while before finally stopping, but he still couldn't help but smile. He wiped away the tears of laughter from the corners of his eyes, looked at Liu Hao, and his eyes held an indescribable light.

"Shouldn't we bring Byakuya Kuchiki along?" Ichibē Hyōsube asked, his voice tinged with a mischievous glint. His question was clearly a jab at Liu Hao.

Liu Hao shrugged casually, his expression conveying a sense of "what's so strange about this?" A sly smile played on his lips, revealing a youthful cleverness and wit.

"That's not something I can decide," Liu Hao said, his voice carrying a hint of innocence and slyness. "I'm just asking if I can bring two of my friends. As for whether Captain Byakuya should go, that's the Soul King's business, not mine. Besides, even if I said I wanted to bring Captain Byakuya, you might not agree."

Ichibē Hyōsube chuckled again, a laugh carrying a hint of "you little rascal." He shook his head, his eyes full of admiration. This young man was far smarter than he had imagined. He not only knew what he wanted, but also how to get it. This sense of proportion, this wisdom, was not something everyone possessed.

"What a little rascal," Ichibē Hyōsube said, his voice carrying a hint of indulgence and approval. His words were both a tease and an affirmation of Liu Hao.

He paused for a moment, then continued, his voice becoming more formal but still carrying a smile, "The three of them can indeed come along. The Soul King said you might offer to take them with you; if you do, we should agree."

As soon as these words were spoken, the entire room fell silent once more. But this silence was different from the previous one. The previous silence was due to shock, while this silence was due to an indescribable emotion spreading through the air.

"The Soul King said..." These four words struck everyone's heart like four heavy hammer blows. The Soul King —a being who never communicated with the outside world—had actually spoken up for a young man. This in itself was a signal, a signal that no one could ignore.

Upon hearing this, Liu Hao's expression finally changed slightly. His eyebrows rose slightly, and a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes, but he quickly regained his composure. A faint smile appeared on his lips, a smile with an indescribable meaning.

He nodded, said nothing more, and simply said, "Thank you."

Ichibē Hyōsube looked at Liu Hao, a hint of approval flashing in his eyes. This young man was indeed extraordinary. His strength, his wisdom, and his mentality far surpassed those of his peers. No wonder the Soul King wanted to see him, no wonder the Soul King made an exception for him.

"Alright," said Ichibē Hyōsube, his voice regaining its calm and composed tone. "Now, you can prepare. We'll be returning to the Soul King Palace in two days."