Aizen's Attention

Time passed silently, like clouds drifting across the sky above Seireitei.

Over the next few years, life in Seireitei seemed as peaceful as ever. The divisions carried out their duties as usual, and Soul Reapers patrolled, exterminated Hollows, trained, and handled paperwork. But a heavy weight remained in Kaien Shiba's heart.

During his many missions, he encountered similar Hollows more than once: white masks, multiple arms, and antennae. Every time, his heart leaped and his Reiatsu instantly surged to its peak as he killed them as cautiously and swiftly as possible.

Yet after examining each one carefully, he would discover, with disappointment—or perhaps relief—that it was merely an ordinary Hollow with a slightly similar appearance. The orange eyes were wrong, the antennae were the wrong color, or the mask was subtly different in shape.

It was not Metastacia.

The repeated tension and release kept Kaien Shiba's nerves taut. Several times, he wanted to ask Liu Hao exactly when that threat would appear. But whenever he met Liu Hao in public and tried to bring up the "unusual Hollows encountered out on missions," Liu Hao would skillfully change the subject.

More noticeably, Liu Hao began deliberately visiting the Thirteenth Division less often.

At first, the intervals between his visits simply grew longer. Later, he hardly ever came of his own accord. Even when official business occasionally required him to visit, he deliberately avoided direct contact with Kaien Shiba. When they met in a hallway, Liu Hao would give him a slight nod and walk briskly past, his gaze as calm as if he were looking at a stranger.

For a time, this made Kaien Shiba wonder whether everything Liu Hao had told him before had been an elaborate deception. Had those words about the future, a conspiracy, and a deadly threat all been lies made up to achieve some purpose?

But he soon dismissed the idea.

Liu Hao's strength was real. The battle inside the barrier on the mountaintop, his nearly overwhelming power, and his terrifying ability to manipulate fire and time had all been real. If Liu Hao had truly wanted his life, he could indeed have taken it "without effort" inside the barrier, when Kaien had been completely unprepared.

Besides, Liu Hao's demands had seemingly restricted him and Miyako, but he had not asked them to do anything against their principles or hurt anyone. He had only asked them to withdraw from frontline combat and take up relatively safe administrative work.

That kind of "protection" was entirely different from "exploitation."

So, despite his doubts and unease, Kaien Shiba chose to honor his agreement with Liu Hao. He buried their conversation deep in his heart, deliberately avoiding even thinking about it. Only in the dead of night would he gaze at the moon outside his window and quietly piece together those scattered clues.

A few years were enough to change many things.

In the Fourth Division, Liu Hao's abilities gradually gained recognition. He was still a man of few words who rarely initiated conversations, but the precision and efficiency he displayed in medical treatment impressed everyone, including Captain Retsu Unohana and Lieutenant Isane Kotetsu.

He could quickly assess injuries and devise the most effective treatment plans. In emergencies, his composure and decisiveness often saved dying squad members. He also had distinctive methods for treating complex internal injuries and disrupted Reiatsu.

More importantly, he never claimed credit. After every successful treatment, he would quietly step aside and give credit to the entire medical team. His modest, unassuming attitude earned him even more respect.

Thus, a few years after joining, Liu Hao was formally promoted to Fifth Seat of the Fourth Division.

The promotion ceremony was simple and solemn. Captain Unohana personally pinned the Seated Officer's badge on him, while Lieutenant Isane Kotetsu and several veteran Seated Officers witnessed it. Liu Hao merely bowed and offered his thanks calmly, showing little joy and not a trace of nervousness.

It was as though all of this were only natural.

After his promotion, Liu Hao maintained his low profile. He was mainly responsible for treating the division's wounded and providing medical training, and he rarely went out on missions. When he occasionally had to provide medical support to other divisions, he always went and returned quickly, spending as little time away as possible.

This almost reclusive lifestyle gave him a very low profile in Seireitei. Apart from his colleagues in the Fourth Division and a few old acquaintances such as Rukia and Renji of the Thirteenth Division, most Soul Reapers were not even sure of the Fourth Division's Fifth Seat's name.

And that seemed to be exactly what Liu Hao wanted.

Yet peaceful days were bound to be disturbed.

One day, the Fourth Division Barracks received an unusual visitor.

When that gentle, cultured figure appeared at the Captain’s Office door, even Lieutenant Isane Kotetsu, who had seen her share of major events, could not help looking slightly startled. She quickly straightened her appearance and bowed respectfully. "Captain Aizen, hello. How may I help you?"

Sōsuke Aizen—the Fifth Division Captain, recognized throughout the Gotei 13 as a "model captain." Wearing his usual gentle smile, he spoke in an even, sincere tone. "Hello, Vice-Captain Kotetsu. I would like to visit Captain Unohana. There are some matters I wish to discuss with her. Would now be a convenient time?"

"Please wait a moment. I'll let her know right away." Isane Kotetsu hurried into the inner room.

A moment later, she returned to the door and stepped aside. "The captain will see you now."

"Thank you." Aizen nodded slightly and entered the Captain’s Office.

Retsu Unohana sat behind her desk, a steaming cup of tea in front of her. Seeing Aizen, she looked up with a gentle but distant smile. "Captain Aizen, welcome. Please sit."

Aizen sat down in the chair across from the desk, graceful and composed. His gaze swept around the room before settling on Unohana's face. "Sorry to intrude, Captain Unohana. I came today because there is a matter I would like to discuss with you."

"Please go ahead." Unohana picked up her teacup and took a small sip.

"It's like this." Aizen folded his hands on his lap, his tone sincere. "As a rescue division, the Fifth Division often encounters severely injured squad members while providing frontline support. Although we send the wounded to the Fourth Division as soon as possible, some still fail to receive timely treatment while waiting or being transported, and..."

He paused, just the right amount of regret showing in his eyes. "So I was thinking that if we had some squad members with medical skills to administer emergency treatment during rescue operations, we might greatly reduce frontline casualties."

Unohana set down her teacup and looked calmly at Aizen. "That's a good idea. If necessary, the Fourth Division can send a medical team to accompany the Fifth Division on rescue missions. That should resolve the problem you raised."

"That is certainly one option." Aizen nodded, then shifted direction. "But that would require sending additional squad members to protect the medical team. In a fierce battle, that could divert the Fifth Division's rescue forces."

He leaned forward slightly, a certain persuasiveness in his voice. "So I was wondering... could we establish a special unit whose members have both medical skills and a certain level of combat ability? That way, they could provide emergency treatment and defend themselves during missions, without needing additional protection."

Unohana tapped her fingers lightly on the desk, a thoughtful look in her eyes. "Your idea is very creative, Captain Aizen. But such members would need training in both medicine and combat. I'm afraid they would not be easy to develop."

"Quite right." Aizen nodded in agreement. "So I thought that rather than train people from scratch, it would be better to select them from our existing members. I hear the Fourth Division's Fifth Seat... Liu Hao, is not only an outstanding healer but also quite accomplished in combat."

At last, he had revealed the true reason for his visit.

A barely perceptible light flashed in Unohana's eyes. She was silent for a few seconds before asking slowly, "So what you mean, Captain Aizen, is..."

"I would like to invite Fifth Seat Liu Hao to join the Fifth Division." Aizen's voice was gentle but firm. "With him as its core, we could establish such a special rescue and medical team. I believe it would bring positive changes to the entire Gotei 13's rescue system."

The room fell quiet for a moment.

Unohana picked up her teacup again, but did not drink. She simply watched the tea leaves floating in it. After a long while, she spoke. "I'll need to consider your proposal, Captain Aizen. Fifth Seat Liu Hao is an important member of the Fourth Division, after all, and his transfer would affect our division's medical system."

"Of course." Aizen rose and bowed politely. "In that case, I'll take my leave. I look forward to your reply."

"Take care." Unohana nodded slightly.

Aizen turned and left the Captain’s Office, his footsteps gradually fading.

After the door closed, a long silence settled over the office. Unohana remained seated, the tea in her cup already cold, though she seemed not to notice.

Her eyes narrowed to slits, and a thoughtful light flickered deep in her pupils.

"He wants to establish a unit capable of both healing and combat... why did he specifically ask for Fifth Seat Liu Hao?"

She murmured so quietly that she was barely audible.

After a long while, she looked up at Isane Kotetsu, who had been standing quietly beside her. "Isane, please go and fetch Fifth Seat Liu Hao."

"Yes, Captain." Isane Kotetsu answered and hurried out of the office.

Shortly afterward, Liu Hao entered the Captain’s Office behind Isane Kotetsu. He wore the Fourth Division's white haori, and the Fifth Seat badge on his chest gleamed silver in the light. His expression was as calm as ever, without the slightest ripple in his eyes.

"Captain, you wanted to see me?" Liu Hao bowed slightly.

Unohana looked at the young man before her. Over the past few years, Liu Hao had become more reserved. His composure, so at odds with his age, sometimes even struck Unohana as slightly... incongruous.

"Sit down." Unohana gestured to the chair across from her.

Liu Hao sat as instructed, his posture proper but not stiff.

"Captain Aizen was just here." Unohana got straight to the point. "He wants you to join the Fifth Division and serve as the core of a rescue team capable of both medical treatment and combat."

She watched Liu Hao's expression closely.

Liu Hao's eyebrows moved almost imperceptibly. It was not surprise, joy, or resistance—it was more like the understanding of someone who had expected this. His gaze remained calm, but something seemed to flash deep in his pupils.

"Captain, I don't want to join the Fifth Division." Liu Hao's answer was direct and clear.

"Oh? Why not?" Unohana asked with interest. "Captain Aizen's proposal has considerable merit. If it succeeds, it could change the entire rescue system. And as a core member, you would have greater opportunities for advancement."

Liu Hao was silent for a moment, seemingly gathering his thoughts. Then he said, "I joined the Fourth Division because I wanted to devote myself to studying medical techniques. I do have some combat training, but I'm far from outstanding. Why would Captain Aizen think I'm suited to such a role?"

It was a skillful counterquestion, tossing the issue back to her.

Unohana did not answer. Instead, she continued, "Then just how capable are you in combat?"

Liu Hao looked up and met Unohana's gaze. "I should have lieutenant-level strength."

He said it calmly, as though stating the most ordinary of facts. But the weight of his words made Isane Kotetsu's eyes widen slightly.

Lieutenant-level meant that Liu Hao's strength already surpassed that of most Seated Officers, and he might even be as strong as some of the weaker lieutenants. In a division like the Fourth, which focused primarily on medicine, combat ability at that level was almost inconceivable.

Unohana's gaze deepened. "Is that so? If you have that kind of strength, why not consider advancing in a combat division? If you're willing, I can recommend you for a lieutenant's position in another division."

It was a probe.

Liu Hao shook his head. "Captain, if I wanted to leave the Fourth Division, I don't think you would stop me. But I've never had that idea, and I don't want to leave."

His tone was sincere. "The Fourth Division has given me room to learn and grow, and the atmosphere here suits me. I hope to remain here and do my part to treat the wounded."

Another silence followed.

Unohana tapped her fingers lightly on the desk, producing a soft, rhythmic sound. After a long while, she spoke slowly. "Very well. I'll decline Captain Aizen's request for you."

"Thank you, Captain." Liu Hao bowed slightly.

"However..." Unohana changed direction. "What do you think of Captain Aizen's idea for a rescue unit capable of both medical treatment and combat?"

Liu Hao considered it briefly before answering, "The idea itself has merit. But the Fifth Division doesn't necessarily have to be the one to put it into practice."

He raised his eyes, his gaze clear. "As a medical division, the Fourth could train a group of members who focus on combat and assign them to the various medical teams. That way, when we provide frontline support, our medical teams would be able to defend themselves without relying on protection from other divisions."

It was a skillful response, affirming Aizen's idea while incorporating it into the Fourth Division's framework.

A trace of approval flashed in Unohana's eyes. "But if we do that, wouldn't we be 'stealing' what Captain Aizen wanted to do?"

"No, Captain." Liu Hao's tone was calm. "First, we're a medical division, and supporting the front lines is one of our duties. But we can't expect a rescue division like the Fifth to happen to be accompanying us on every mission. So establishing our own medical escort unit is a necessary step toward improving our ability to operate independently."

He paused, then added, "That doesn't conflict with the Fifth Division's rescue function. The Fifth can continue carrying out its rescue missions, while we focus on protecting ourselves during medical support operations. The two have different priorities and can operate alongside each other without conflict."

The logic was clear, and the reasons sound.

Unohana nodded. "Yes, that's a very good suggestion. I'll consider it."

She looked at Liu Hao and asked one last question. "Is there anything else?"

"No, Captain." Liu Hao stood. "Then I'll take my leave."

"Go ahead."

Unohana watched Liu Hao leave, and as the Captain’s Office door slowly closed, the gentle smile gradually faded from her face. She leaned back in her chair, her eyes narrowing slightly, a complicated light flickering deep in them.

"One wants to recruit the other... the other wants desperately to avoid him..."

She murmured so quietly that only she could hear.

"What secrets are there between you two?"

After a long while, she looked up at Isane Kotetsu, who had been standing quietly beside her. "Isane, investigate all of Liu Hao's records since he joined the Fourth Division. His mission history, medical records, dealings with others... everything."

She paused, then added, "Also, look into his records from his time at Shin'ō Academy. Focus on... any possible contact he had with Captain Aizen."

Isane Kotetsu looked slightly startled, but answered at once, "Yes, Captain."

She turned to leave, but when she reached the door, she hesitated and looked back. "Captain, Fifth Seat Liu Hao... he's usually quiet, but he's highly regarded in the division. He's treated many of our members, and everyone respects him. He also performed exceptionally well when he was on my medical team before."

There was a hint of protectiveness in her words.

Unohana glanced at her, her gaze softening somewhat. "I know. Go and look into it first."

"Yes." Only then did Isane Kotetsu leave.

Silence returned to the Captain’s Office. Unohana sat alone, gazing out the window. The sky over Seireitei was a clear blue, white clouds drifting leisurely across it. Everything looked so peaceful.

But her heart was no longer calm.

If there was nothing wrong with Liu Hao, why had Aizen specifically requested him? If there was nothing wrong with Aizen, why was Liu Hao avoiding him so obviously?

And then there were the events of a hundred years ago... Kisuke Urahara's accusation, Shunsui Kyōraku's testimony, and those truths that had been covered up...

"Kyōka Suigetsu..."

She spoke the name softly, a sharp light flashing in her eyes.

Meanwhile, Liu Hao did not return to his post immediately after leaving the Captain’s Office.

He went to a courtyard behind the Fourth Division Barracks, a place few people usually visited, where several cherry trees swayed gently in the breeze. He stood beneath the trees and looked up at the sky, his expression calm, though complicated emotions churned deep in his eyes.

Just as I thought... he's set his sights on me after all.

He thought to himself.

Is it because I deliberately avoided every one of his Shikai demonstration classes at Shin'ō Academy? Or because I've kept a low profile and avoided every opportunity to come into contact with him these past few years?

Liu Hao closed his eyes, memories flooding back.

During his days at Shin'ō Academy, he had practically become a "leave-taking specialist." Whenever Aizen came to teach, especially when he demonstrated his Shikai, Liu Hao always "happened" to have some reason to be absent. Fever, injury, family matters... the excuses varied, but the result was always the same: he had never seen Kyōka Suigetsu's Shikai with his own eyes.

At first, he had only wanted to avoid being controlled. Knowing the future plot, after all, being hypnotized by Kyōka Suigetsu would mean placing his life entirely in Aizen's hands.

But he had not expected his deliberate avoidance to draw Aizen's attention instead.

Why would an ordinary student be so "uninterested" in a captain's classes? Especially when that captain was someone as gentle and cultured as Aizen, who was so popular with the students?

In Aizen's eyes, perhaps that abnormality had become a "special trait" worth watching.

I originally thought avoiding Kyōka Suigetsu was the safest choice. Who could have imagined that someone standing at the pinnacle of the Soul Reapers would set his sights on an ordinary Soul Reaper student over such a "small matter"?

Liu Hao smiled bitterly.

Perhaps he just wants to see why this ant is deliberately avoiding him. Or perhaps... he's worried I'll affect his plans, so he wants to keep me under his nose, where he can watch and control me.

He opened his eyes, his golden-red pupils glimmering faintly in the shadows.

My own strength still isn't enough... If I had Captain-level strength, or even greater power, how could I be in such a passive position?

A breeze swept past, scattering cherry blossoms through the air. A few petals landed on his shoulders. Liu Hao raised a hand and brushed them away, his movements graceful and unhurried.

But in his heart, he had already prepared for the worst.

If Aizen truly insisted on transferring him to the Fifth Division, how should he respond? If Captain Unohana yielded to the pressure and agreed, what choice should he make?

Resist? That would mean directly exposing his strength and intentions.

Comply? That would mean walking into the tiger's den.

It seems... I can only take things one step at a time.

Liu Hao took a deep breath and calmed the turmoil in his heart. He straightened his haori and turned toward the medical room. His steps were steady and his back straight, as though none of those thoughts had ever crossed his mind.

But where no one could see, his fingers tightened almost imperceptibly.

Several days later, Isane Kotetsu presented the results of her investigation to Unohana.

In the Captain’s Office, Unohana leafed through the records page by page, her gaze focused and sharp. Her eyes lingered on several key pieces of information, her brows alternately furrowing and relaxing.

"During his time in the Fourth Division, there have been no problems..." she read softly. "He's simply kept a low profile, rarely going out except on division business. Occasionally, he visits the Thirteenth Division to see Rukia Kuchiki and Renji Abarai..."

When she reached the Shin'ō Academy records, she slowed down.

"At first, he never took leave... then Captain Aizen began teaching at the academy, and he started taking leave... afterward, to avoid attracting attention, he began taking leave frequently at irregular intervals... but skillfully missed every class in which Captain Aizen demonstrated his Shikai..."

Her fingers brushed lightly over the paper, a thoughtful light flashing in her eyes.

"Is he afraid of Captain Aizen's Shikai?" she said to herself. "Kyōka Suigetsu... its publicly known ability is to manipulate water vapor to create illusions and make enemies fight one another. What is there to fear about that?"

She paused, her gaze deepening.

"No... in the Hollowfication Experiment on the captains a hundred years ago, Kisuke Urahara accused Aizen of being responsible. But Shunsui Kyōraku personally 'saw' Aizen in Seireitei... so his Shikai must have another ability."

Unohana slowly raised her head and looked out the window. Sunlight streamed through the window frame, casting dappled light and shadows on the floor.

"So that's why Liu Hao fears his Shikai... but the question is, how did Liu Hao learn any of this? How could a student who had only just graduated from Shin'ō Academy know a secret that even the captains might not be aware of?"

She closed her eyes and pondered for a long time.

When she opened them again, her gaze was clear and resolute.

"It seems I'll have to keep an eye on Liu Hao," she said softly, a certain resolve in her voice. "If there's a problem with him, I'll deal with him. If the problem is Captain Aizen..."

She paused and spoke each word deliberately:

"Then I'll have to protect Liu Hao."

Outside, the bells of Seireitei rang out, long and solemn. A new day had begun, but certain undercurrents hidden beneath the surface had already begun to stir quietly.

And all of this was only the beginning.