Meeting Ikkaku Madarame

When Liu Hao arrived at that area, Ganju Shiba had already fled, with Yumichika Ayasegawa in hot pursuit. Meanwhile, Ichigo Kurosaki was engaged in a fierce battle with Ikkaku Madarame, the Third Seat of the 11th Division.

From the very beginning of the battle, the situation was one-sided. Although Ichigo Kurosaki was powerful, he lacked combat experience, and each of his attacks appeared crude and direct. In contrast, Ikkaku Madarame easily parried, dodged, and counterattacked as if toying with his prey, leaving one wound after another on Ichigo Kurosaki's body.

Liu Hao observed from the shadows, his brow furrowed slightly. [This is completely amateurish fighting style; he has power but doesn't know how to use it.] he thought to himself. [Although Kisuke Urahara taught him the basics, he still lacks practical combat experience.]

The battle lasted for a while, and Ikkaku Madarame was clearly just "warming up." It wasn't until Ichigo Kurosaki mentioned that Kisuke Urahara was his mentor that Ikkaku Madarame's eyes changed—the light of interest that had been truly ignited.

"Stretch out, Hōzukimaru!"

With the release command, Ikkaku Madarame's Zanpakuto transformed into a spear composed of three sections. The pace of the battle suddenly quickened, and Ichigo Kurosaki began to endure even fiercer attacks, his wounds multiplying.

But Liu Hao noticed that Ichigo Kurosaki was adapting to combat at an astonishing speed. Every injury made his movements more precise; every defeat made his judgments sharper. This was a testament to both talent and willpower.

After Ichigo Kurosaki's arm was injured, he tightly wrapped the ribbon on the hilt of his Zangetsu sword around the wound and then charged at Ikkaku Madarame again. This attack was far more powerful than the previous one. Although Ikkaku Madarame managed to dodge it, the blade shattered the wall beside him, sending shards of stone flying.

Liu Hao couldn't help but complain, "They have strength, but they don't know how to control it. They use so much force to break through a wall. Isn't that a waste of their strength?"

Even so, a hint of approval flashed in his eyes. Ichigo Kurosaki was growing in battle, transforming from an "ordinary person with power" into a "true warrior."

The battle gradually turned around. Ichigo Kurosaki began to gain the upper hand, his attacks becoming more ferocious and his defenses more solid. When Ikkaku Madarame unleashed a fierce slash, Ichigo Kurosaki actually caught the blade with his bare hands!

This action stunned Ikkaku Madarame instantly—in the 11th Division, no one had ever dared to catch his attack with their bare hands.

Seizing that fleeting opening, Ichigo Kurosaki swung his sword down. Zangetsu tore through the air, leaving a deep wound on Ikkaku Madarame's chest. Hōzukimaru was severed, and Ikkaku Madarame staggered back, his Shihakushō stained with blood.

The final charge was easily thwarted by Ichigo Kurosaki, Ikkaku Madarame collapsed to the ground, unconscious.

After the battle, Ichigo Kurosaki's performance impressed Liu Hao. Not only had he defeated his opponent, but after the victory, he also took a hemostatic medicine from the hilt of Ikkaku Madarame's sword, applied it to himself first, and then treated Ikkaku Madarame's wounds. Then, he just sat there, waiting for his opponent to wake up.

"Not bad," Liu Hao murmured to himself, "Although a bit naive, the opponent isn't a real enemy after all. This kind of pure duel between warriors might just be what he needs."

When Ikkaku Madarame awoke, Ichigo Kurosaki asked about Rukia Kuchiki before leaving to search for Ganju Shiba. Ikkaku Madarame was left alone in the ruins, struggling to support himself as he examined his injuries.

Just then, Liu Hao emerged from the shadows and stood before Ikkaku Madarame.

Upon seeing this person who suddenly appeared, whose face was hidden by a hood, Ikkaku Madarame immediately became alert. "Who are you?!"

Although his voice was weak, it still carried the instinctive alertness of a soldier.

"Ikkaku -senpai is really willful," Liu Hao said with a teasing tone. "He clearly knows how to use Bankai, but he suppresses his strength and gets defeated by a rookie. I wonder what Captain Zaraki would think if he knew this."

Ikkaku Madarame's pupils suddenly contracted. His Bankai was a secret, known even to very few within the 11th Division. This stranger not only knew his secret, but his tone also carried a sense of familiarity...

"Who are you? What do you want?!" Ikkaku Madarame tried to stand up, but the sharp pain from his wounds made him fall back to the ground.

"Oh dear, it's heartbreaking that Senior Ikkaku can't even recognize my voice!" Liu Hao said as he slowly lifted his hood, revealing his face.

Upon seeing that familiar face, Ikkaku Madarame, and he pointed at Liu Hao: "It's you! How dare you come back?!"

The movement aggravated the wound, and blood gushed out again. Ikkaku Madarame grimaced in pain, but still stared intently at Liu Hao.

Liu Hao looked at the wound that Ikkaku Madarame had torn open in his excitement and shook his head. "Ikkaku- senpai, do you have a death wish? You've torn your wound open."

"Damn it, I'm going to die, I'm going to die..." Ikkaku Madarame hurriedly withdrew his hand to cover his wound, muttering to himself, but his eyes never left Liu Hao.

Liu Hao was amused by his reaction. "Haha, Senior Ikkaku is really humorous."

Ikkaku Madarame couldn't manage a smile. He looked up at Liu Hao, his voice low and deep. "Humorous, isn't it? But it seems my time has come to an end with you."

"What are you saying?" Liu Hao walked over and squatted down beside him. "I just came out to catch up with Ikkaku Ichikaku. Besides, I've already come out, how can I let Senior Ikkaku stop here?"

Ikkaku Madarame asked, puzzled, "Weren't you supposed to come out and deliver the final blow?"

"Ikkaku, you jest," Liu Hao shook his head. "I have no grudge against you, and I even owe you a favor from the past. How could I possibly do such a thing?"

"A debt of gratitude?" Ikkaku Madarame paused for a moment, then recalled some events from many years ago—when Liu Hao was still a rookie and almost lost control during combat training, it was Ikkaku Madarame who intervened in time to stop him and prevent an accident.

Liu Hao continued, "If it weren't for your help back then, I might have made a terrible mistake. I'll always remember that kindness."

Ikkaku Madarame's expression became complicated. "Alright, since you came out to save me, there must be something else going on. Tell me, what do you want?"

"It's nothing," Liu Hao said frankly. "Just gave him some quick first aid. After all, even if I hadn't come out, Ikkaku -senpai wouldn't have died—that kid Ichigo Kurosaki knows his limits."

Ikkaku Madarame stared at Liu Hao: "You're being so kind? You and Utsuki attacked a Captain together!"

These words caused Liu Hao's smile to fade slightly. He looked at Ikkaku Madarame, his tone becoming serious. "Ikkaku -senpai, rest assured, the truth will be revealed in the future. For now, just pretend I was never here."

After speaking, Liu Hao drew the Imperial Sword from his waist. Ikkaku Madarame watched him warily, but his injuries prevented him from making an effective defense.

To Ikkaku Madarame's surprise, Liu Hao gently pierced his body with the Imperial Sword —not as an attack, but by placing the tip of the sword against the wound.

Ikkaku Madarame glanced at Liu Hao, then at the Imperial Sword piercing his body, and smiled bitterly, "Are you toying with me before killing me?"

"Senior Ikkaku is really joking," Liu Hao laughed. "I'm not that kind of person."

As soon as he finished speaking, the Imperial Sword emitted a soft, milky-white light. The light, like warm spring water, flowed throughout Ikkaku Madarame's entire body. To his surprise, he discovered that his wounds were healing at a visible speed, the pain was rapidly lessening, and his strength was returning.

"This..." Ikkaku Madarame in disbelief at the changes in his body.

"My Zanpakuto's ability is rather unique," Liu Hao explained simply, "Besides combat, it's also adept at healing. After all, I used to be the Captain of the Medical Guard Team."

The treatment lasted about a minute. By the time Liu Hao pulled out the Imperial Sword, Ikkaku Madarame's injuries had mostly healed. Although he hadn't fully recovered, he was at least no longer in danger of death and could move freely.

"Senior Ikkaku, please rest well from now on," Liu Hao stood up. "Although I helped you treat your injuries, I didn't fully heal you. After all, it wouldn't be easy to explain if you weren't injured—there needs to be an explanation for your defeat at the hands of the Ryoka."

Ikkaku Madarame understood what Liu Hao meant. If he had fully recovered from his injuries but reported being defeated by the Ryoka, it would indeed arouse suspicion.

"You..." Ikkaku Madarame wanted to ask something, but ultimately didn't.

Liu Hao turned to leave, but then stopped and turned back, saying, "By the way, Senior Ikkaku, please keep my affairs a secret for now. When the time is right, the Big White will naturally come out."

After saying that, he put his hood back on, and his figure gradually disappeared into the night.

Sitting amidst the ruins, Ikkaku Madarame gazed in the direction Liu Hao had disappeared, his mind a jumble of thoughts. [He really is healing me. I originally thought your Zanpakuto was only for combat, but I didn't expect it could also heal injuries. Truly worthy of being the former Captain of the Medical Guard Team.]

He touched his wound, which had mostly healed, and continued to ponder: [But what exactly is your purpose? Are you trying to take advantage of this Ryoka to fish in troubled waters?]

Ikkaku Madarame recalled his several encounters with Liu Hao. When they first met, Liu Hao was a newcomer who had just joined the Gotei 13, but Ikkaku Madarame sensed a special aura about him—a calm exterior concealing abyssal power and secrets.

[Sigh, whatever you do is beyond my control.] Ikkaku Madarame finally gave up on investigating further. [After all, your strength far surpasses mine. Besides, my Captain is only Isshin on fighting. You'll definitely pique Captain interest...]

He propped himself up, checked his remaining injuries, and then headed towards the 11th Division. Although he was somewhat unwilling to be defeated by Ichigo Kurosaki, the battle had also shown him the young man's potential.

"Ryoka..." Ikkaku Madarame muttered to himself, "Looks like there's going to be some excitement in Seireitei."

After leaving Ikkaku Madarame, Liu Hao immediately headed towards the location of Uryū Ishida and Orihime Inoue. When he arrived, he saw that Uryū Ishida had just defeated Jirōbō Ikkanzaka, and the two quickly found a secluded spot to hide.

Liu Hao didn't disturb them. He simply observed them from the shadows for a while, and after confirming their safety, he left again.

His next destination was the White Tower —the symbolic building of the Seireitei and the place where serious criminals were imprisoned. Liu Hao knew that the battle between Ichigo Kurosaki and Renji Abarai would take place there; it would be a crucial showdown that would determine the fate of their relationship.

After arriving near the White Tower, Liu Hao found a spot where he could observe the battle without being easily discovered, and began a long wait.

A day passed, Seireitei was in a state of tension due to the invasion of the Ryoka, with each squad intensifying its search. Liu Hao, like a rock blending into its environment, waited quietly.

The following evening, Renji Abarai appeared near the White Tower. He had clearly also chosen this place as his battlefield and was searching for a suitable location for battle.

When Liu Hao saw Renji appear, a complex mix of emotions welled up inside him. This former friend might now become an enemy—at least on the surface.

Just then, the Imperial Princess's figure quietly appeared beside Liu Hao. She did not materialize; only Liu Hao could see her semi-transparent figure.

"If you're worried, go down and see him," the Imperial Princess said softly.

Liu Hao shook his head. "Forget it. This battle is crucial for them to advance first, and I can't interfere. However, I will ensure that nothing unexpected happens to them."

"Are you worried that Renji might harm Ichigo because of you and Rukia?" The Imperial Princess astutely asked, voicing Liu Hao's concerns.