Probing

When Kaien Shiba saw Liu Hao pass the question to him, he thought for a moment and understood his intention. As someone who had experienced yesterday's battle firsthand, Kaien was indeed the most suitable person to answer.

He gathered his thoughts and said to Sōsuke Aizen, "Things are all right for now. All the injured members have received treatment, and none of their lives are currently in danger. As for the Hollow, its body has been handed over to the Twelfth Division for research and analysis. I don't know their specific conclusions yet."

It was a conventional answer, explaining the current situation while avoiding the disclosure of too many details.

Aizen nodded, his gentle gaze settling on Kaien Shiba through his glasses. "Vice-Captain Kaien, you fought that Hollow head-on. Did anything in particular stand out to you about it?"

The question seemed ordinary, but there was more to it. As someone who had experienced the battle firsthand, Kaien Shiba's impressions and judgments could often reveal a great deal of deeper information.

Alarm bells rang in Kaien Shiba's mind, but he maintained a naturally puzzled expression. "I just thought that Hollow's abilities were very unusual... If a Zanpakuto touched its tentacles, it would disappear. It could also enter a Soul Reaper's body and take complete control of them. I've never encountered that type of Hollow before."

His answer was cautious and restrained. He described only the most superficial phenomena, without adding any personal speculation.

Aizen raised a hand and gently adjusted the glasses on his nose. The lenses glimmered in the light, obscuring the expression in his eyes. He pondered for a moment before speaking slowly, his tone turning serious. "From your description, it seems... this Hollow's abilities were specifically designed to target Soul Reapers."

At those words, the air in the corridor seemed to freeze for an instant.

Kaien Shiba put on an appropriately shocked expression. "How is that possible? Who would create something like that?!"

His reaction was utterly natural: surprise, confusion, and disbelief, exactly what one would expect from a vice-captain hearing of such a possibility for the first time. Even Liu Hao, standing beside him, had to admire Kaien Shiba's acting.

Aizen's expression grew graver. He lowered his voice as if recounting a forbidden secret. "A hundred years ago, the Gotei 13 suffered a calamity. That incident caused several captains and vice-captains... to undergo Hollowfication."

He paused, watching Kaien Shiba and Liu Hao's reactions. "It was a Hollowfication Experiment on Soul Reapers, and those captains and vice-captains were the test subjects. This time... judging by Metastacia's abilities, it was very likely the reverse experiment: Soul Reaper-ification of a Hollow."

Those words contained a great deal of information. The Hollowfication Incident involving captains a hundred years ago was highly classified within the Gotei 13; ordinary Seated Officers had no way of knowing about it. By bringing it up now, Aizen was both demonstrating the depth of his knowledge and... probing them in some way.

Kaien Shiba cooperated by putting on a grave expression. "Are you referring to... that exiled criminal?"

The "criminal" he referred to was Kisuke Urahara, the former Twelfth Division Captain. According to the official records, Kisuke Urahara was the culprit behind the incident a hundred years ago.

Aizen didn't answer directly. Instead, he continued, "I'm not sure exactly who it is either. But over the years, I've been investigating this matter in secret, and I've discovered that someone seems to be conducting some kind of forbidden research. That person wants to break down the boundary between Soul Reapers and Hollows and create a being that surpasses both."

His gaze swept between Kaien Shiba and Liu Hao, as if observing their reactions.

Kaien Shiba glanced back at Liu Hao instinctively. Aizen caught the subtle movement, but showed no sign of anything amiss.

"Then do you have any leads?" Kaien Shiba asked, his voice carrying an appropriate note of concern.

Just then, Liu Hao suddenly reached out and gave Kaien Shiba's sleeve a gentle tug.

The gesture interrupted Kaien Shiba's questioning. Liu Hao stepped half a pace forward and faced Aizen, his tone respectful but firm. "Captain Aizen, if you have any important theories or evidence, should we pass them on to our captain? If this matter is really as serious as you say, I don't think Vice-Captain Kaien and I are... qualified to concern ourselves with it. We need to report it to our captain and let him handle it."

His words were flawless.

First, he acknowledged the importance of the matter. Second, he stated that they lacked the authority to handle it. Finally, he proposed the most reasonable course of action: reporting it to their captain.

He showed neither excessive curiosity nor indifference, exactly the reaction one would expect from a cautious Seated Officer.

Aizen turned his gaze to Liu Hao. Behind his glasses, his eyes were calm as still water, yet carried an indescribably penetrating quality.

"Fifth Seat Liu Hao," Aizen began slowly, his tone as gentle as ever, "I can sense that your Reiatsu has already reached a considerable level. If I'm not mistaken, you should already possess Captain-level strength."

His words were like a stone tossed into a still lake.

Alarm bells rang in Liu Hao's mind. Aizen had indeed noticed his strength, or rather, had been watching how it changed all along.

But he showed nothing on his face. He merely bowed slightly and said humbly, "You flatter me, Captain Aizen. Although I've been receiving special training from Captain Unohana lately and my strength has improved, I'm at vice-captain level at most. I'm still a long way from Captain-level."

He paused and added, "Besides, during this time, I've had to train the Medical Guard Team as well as cultivate on my own. I really can't spare any more time."

It was both an explanation and an excuse.

Aizen didn't respond immediately. He watched Liu Hao in silence, his gaze seemingly able to pierce every disguise and see what lay at its core. The few seconds of silence seemed especially long.

At last, Aizen nodded gently. "Since Fifth Seat Liu Hao doesn't have the time, never mind."

He turned his gaze to Kaien Shiba. "Vice-Captain Kaien, could you help me investigate?"

Kaien Shiba scratched his head and gave his usual cheerful smile, though there was a trace of helplessness in it. "Captain Aizen, as you know, our captain is in poor health, and his old illness has flared up again recently. I'm handling most of the Thirteenth Division's affairs now, so I really can't get away. I'm sorry."

That reason was equally sound. Jūshirō Ukitake's health was common knowledge, and Kaien Shiba, as his vice-captain, did indeed carry a heavy burden.

Aizen's gaze slowly swept over their faces. It was as gentle as ever, but Liu Hao could sense the scrutiny within it and... a certain indescribable deeper meaning.

"Indeed, Captain Ukitake's health has always been a problem." Aizen nodded, his tone appropriately concerned. "In that case, never mind. However..."

He paused, lowering his voice a little. "I hope neither of you will disclose this information carelessly."

Kaien Shiba showed his confusion at just the right moment. "Captain Aizen, can't we even tell our captain?"

It was a natural question. As subordinates, withholding important intelligence they had discovered from their superiors was against the rules.

Aizen shook his head slightly. "I do trust Captain Ukitake and Captain Unohana. But apart from the two captains, don't disclose it to anyone else for the time being, so we don't alert the enemy."

The explanation was reasonable. After all, if some faction really was conducting forbidden experiments in secret, revealing information about the investigation too early could indeed put them on guard.

"All right, we understand, Captain Aizen." Kaien Shiba nodded in agreement.

Liu Hao also bowed slightly. "We'll keep it confidential."

Just as Aizen was about to leave, Liu Hao suddenly spoke. "Captain Aizen, there's something I'd like your help with."

Aizen stopped and turned slightly. "Oh? What is it?"

Liu Hao's tone became earnest. "It's like this. Since the Medical Guard Team was established, we've been inviting members with extensive combat experience to give us instruction. But considering that the Fifth Division will probably be our main partner in the future—after all, the Fifth Division is a dedicated rescue force..."

He paused, then continued, "I was wondering if you could arrange for some experienced Fifth Division members to come and instruct the Medical Guard Team, Captain Aizen? That would improve our practical combat ability and give both sides a chance to practice working together in advance."

The request was reasonable and consistent with Liu Hao's duties as captain of the Medical Guard Team.

Aizen considered it for a moment, then nodded slowly. "Mm, you have a point. When carrying out rescue missions in the future, cooperation between the Medical Guard Team and the Fifth Division will indeed be crucial."

He looked at Liu Hao, his tone gentle. "Certainly. I'll arrange for some experienced members to come over. If I can find the time, I'd also like to come and see for myself... I wonder if Fifth Seat Liu Hao would welcome me?"

There was a hint of probing in his words, as well as a certain indescribable implication.

Liu Hao immediately put on a flattered expression. "That would be wonderful! It would be our honor to have you come and instruct us personally, Captain Aizen."

He turned to Momo Hinamori beside Aizen and bowed slightly. "Sorry for the trouble as well, Vice-Captain Hinamori."

Momo Hinamori hurriedly waved a hand, a gentle smile appearing on her face. "It's no trouble, Fifth Seat Liu Hao."

Aizen instructed Momo Hinamori, "Hinamori, select some experienced members later and have them report to Fifth Seat Liu Hao and follow his arrangements."

"Yes, Captain Aizen," Momo Hinamori replied respectfully.

Aizen looked at Liu Hao and Kaien Shiba again, his customary gentle smile on his face. "All right, I'll head back now. Carry on."

"All right, Captain Aizen. Take care," Liu Hao and Kaien Shiba said, bowing at the same time.

Aizen nodded slightly, then turned and left with Momo Hinamori. Their footsteps gradually receded down the corridor, finally disappearing around the corner.

Only when he could no longer sense Aizen's Reiatsu at all did Kaien Shiba let out a long breath. He looked at Liu Hao and opened his mouth, wanting to say something.

But Liu Hao spoke first, his tone calm. "I'm going to check on the injured. Vice-Captain Kaien, you should get back to work too."

He was clearly stopping him from continuing their earlier conversation.

Kaien Shiba understood what Liu Hao meant and could only nod awkwardly. "All right, I'll head back first. There really are quite a few things I need to handle in the division."

With that, he turned and left, his steps somewhat hurried.

Liu Hao stood where he was, watching Kaien Shiba leave, a multitude of thoughts running through his mind.

He really is a lot like Ichigo Kurosaki... No wonder Byakuya Kuchiki told Rukia in the original story, "That man is a lot like Kaien." Now that I see him, it's not just his appearance. His personality, his bearing, that cheerful yet stubborn quality—they're all extremely similar.

He shook his head, cast those stray thoughts aside, and turned toward the ward area.

There was still plenty of work to do.

Several days later, Sōsuke Aizen arrived at the Medical Guard Team's training grounds as promised.

He had not come alone. Vice-Captain Momo Hinamori accompanied him, along with several other experienced Fifth Division members. These members had all been carefully selected; they were experienced in combat and disciplined in their conduct.

When Aizen appeared at the entrance to the training grounds, Liu Hao immediately went to greet him and bowed respectfully. "Captain Aizen, Vice-Captain Hinamori, welcome to the Medical Guard Team's training grounds."

"Fifth Seat Liu Hao, there's no need to be so formal." Aizen smiled and waved a hand. "We'll need to work together in the future, and it's good for our Fifth Division too if the Medical Guard Team gains stronger practical combat skills."

His tone was gentle and sincere, and he looked every bit the captain concerned with the bigger picture.

Liu Hao nodded. "Then, Captain Aizen, everyone, sorry for the trouble."

"It's no trouble," Aizen said, walking toward the center of the training grounds.

The Medical Guard Team members had already lined up, every one of them wearing a serious, focused expression. Being personally instructed by the Fifth Division Captain was both an honor and a source of pressure for them.

Aizen stood before the formation and began explaining the Fifth Division's experience as a rescue force. His explanation was well organized and focused on the key points. From the basic principles of rescue, battlefield assessment, and teamwork to the essentials of cooperating with medical teams, he explained every part thoroughly and accessibly.

From time to time, he posed questions to prompt the members to think. He also had the Fifth Division members demonstrate certain tactical maneuvers, allowing the Medical Guard Team members to learn by watching.

The entire process was professional and efficient.

Liu Hao stood to one side, watching quietly. He could see that Aizen was taking the instruction seriously—or rather, that he was serious and professional on the surface, at least.

But Liu Hao remained on guard.

He knew all too well what kind of man Aizen was. Every action, every word, and even every smile from this man could conceal a deeper intent.

During a pause in Aizen's explanation, Momo Hinamori quietly walked over to Liu Hao.

"Liu Hao," she said softly, with a hint of the warmth of meeting again after a long separation, "it's been a long time. There were too many people at the General Treatment Center last time, so it wasn't convenient to talk much. When I came this time, I specifically asked Captain Aizen if I could have a private chat with you."

Liu Hao turned to look at Momo Hinamori. The Fifth Division's vice-captain wore a gentle smile, and her eyes were clear. She looked every bit a warm and friendly colleague.

But he knew that Momo Hinamori's admiration for Aizen bordered on blind devotion. In her eyes, Aizen was a perfect captain, a leader worth following. Any suspicion of Aizen was unacceptable to her.

"What did you want to talk to me about?" Liu Hao asked mildly.

Momo Hinamori smiled. "After things went wrong during our field training, you helped look after the injured in the Fourth Division. A lot of our classmates benefited from your care. Whenever they mentioned you afterward, they all said how grateful they were."

She paused, a hint of regret in her voice. "Later, everyone organized several class reunions, and they had Renji ask you to come, but you didn't go to a single one. Everyone was pretty disappointed."

Her words were heartfelt and sincere. Indeed, ever since graduation, Liu Hao had almost completely cut off contact with his classmates from Shin'ō Academy. Partly, it was because he had to hide his strength and avoid attracting attention. Partly, it was also because he knew too many secrets about the future, and getting too close to his former classmates might not be good for either side.

"Oh, the reunions," Liu Hao said with a wry smile. "Renji did mention them to me a few times. But I've really been too busy. Look, you and Kira are already vice-captains now, and Renji will soon be promoted to Squad Six Vice-Captain too."

He paused, adding with a suitable touch of self-deprecation, "Although I haven't managed to become a vice-captain, I still want to work hard and become the division's Third Seat, so... I really don't have much time."

His words explained the reason without seeming too deliberate.

Momo Hinamori nodded understandingly. "That's true. Everyone's pretty busy. But I still hope we can all get together if there's a chance in the future. After all... it was fate that brought us together to graduate from Shin'ō Academy."

"Yeah." Liu Hao nodded in agreement, but he knew in his heart that he would probably find it hard to attend such a gathering.

The two stood at the edge of the training grounds, chatting on and off. Their topics ranged from former classmates to their respective work in their divisions, then to some inconsequential matters.

It seemed like an easygoing chat, but Liu Hao remained on guard throughout.

He could feel that although Aizen was instructing the members, his attention occasionally swept over them. It was like being watched by some invisible gaze. Though gentle, it sent a chill down his spine.

He knew that Aizen had sent Momo Hinamori to "catch up" with him for far more than a simple reunion.

He was probing, observing, and gathering information.

And what Liu Hao had to do was act natural and normal, like an ordinary Fourth Division Fifth Seat busy with his work.

"Oh, right," Momo Hinamori said, suddenly remembering something. "Kira mentioned you a few days ago. He said you've changed quite a lot, that you're much quieter than you used to be."

Liu Hao's heart stirred, but his face remained impassive. "Really? Maybe I've been in the Fourth Division so long that I've gotten used to a quiet working environment."

"Maybe." Momo Hinamori smiled. "But I think you're still the same as before. You seem very quiet, but you actually have a lot on your mind."

Liu Hao's heart sank slightly at her words.

Momo Hinamori's intuition was sharper than he had imagined.

But he showed no sign of anything unusual and merely smiled faintly. "Maybe."

In the center of the training grounds, Aizen brought his explanation to a close. He had the Fifth Division and Medical Guard Team members split into groups for sparring practice, while he walked over to the side of the grounds.