Heading to the World of the Living Again
At first, Isane Kotetsu struggled, trying to push him away, but Liu Ziyun's embrace was like an iron band, preventing her from breaking free. Gradually, her struggles weakened and became more powerless, until they finally stopped completely. Her hands unconsciously wrapped around his waist, and she began to clumsily respond to this sudden kiss.
An ambiguous atmosphere filled the air, and the temperature seemed to be rising steadily.
Just then--
"Knock knock!"
A sudden, urgent knocking sounded like a thunderclap, startling the two people who were lost in passion.
Liu Ziyun was stunned. Taking advantage of the moment, Isane Kotetsu pushed him away, jumped to the side, and began to straighten her disheveled clothes, her face flushed. Her heart was pounding like a drum in her chest; her cheeks were burning hot, as if they were about to burst into flames; her breathing was rapid, and she was in a state of panic.
"You bastard!" she hissed, her voice a mixture of shyness, anger, and a hint of inexplicable sweetness. "You forced a kiss on me! And your hands were so restless! You heartless philanderer!"
Looking at her flushed face, Liu Ziyun felt a sweet surge in his heart. That sweetness, like honey, slowly melted in his heart and spread throughout his body.
But he had no time to respond, because another voice came from outside the door. "Lieutenant Kotetsu? Fifth Seat Liu Ziyun? Are you there? The captain sent me to find you!"
Liu Ziyun quickly went to open the door. A young team member stood outside, his face filled with anxiety. Seeing Liu Ziyun, he hurriedly said, "Liu Ziyun, Fifth Seat! The captain asked me to find you and tell you to go to the Captain's Office. It seems there's something urgent, and he wants you to go quickly!"
Liu Ziyun and Isane Kotetsu exchanged a glance, both seeing seriousness in each other's eyes. Without further hesitation, they immediately rushed towards the Captain's Office.
Captain's Office.
Retsu Unohana sat upright at the tea table, several urgent documents spread out in front of her. Her brows were slightly furrowed, and her expression was serious, quite different from her usual calm and composed demeanor.
Seeing the two of them running in, panting, she looked up and her gaze fell directly on Liu Ziyun: "Actually, I mainly wanted to get you here Ziyun. I just received news that the Tenth Division Captain, Isshin Shiba, secretly opened Senkaimon and went to the World of the Living."
Liu Ziyun's expression instantly turned serious, the previous romantic atmosphere vanishing completely. "Then I'll go too. It shouldn't be that urgent; the incident happens at night. I can find him now, and I don't need to contact him. Aizen and the others will be there too, so I just need to monitor from a distance."
Retsu Unohana nodded. "Okay, then go ahead."
Liu Ziyun replied, "Okay, I'm leaving."
He turned to leave, and before he did, he winked at Isane Kotetsu. In that look, there was farewell, reluctance, and a hint of deep affection that was hard to describe.
Isane Kotetsu's face flushed slightly, but she said nothing, only nodding slightly.
Liu Ziyun's figure disappeared outside the door.
Seeing Liu Ziyun leave, Isane Kotetsu turned to Retsu Unohana, her eyes filled with shock and barely concealed worry. "Captain, Ziyun just said... Aizen will be going too? Is it Captain Aizen?"
Retsu Unohana looked at her, her expression turning serious, her eyes filled with both warning and concern. "Yes, that's right. But for now, just pretend you know nothing. This isn't something you can handle. So it's best to pretend you know nothing, understand?"
A storm raged in Isane Kotetsu's heart. She had never imagined that the ever-gentle, humble, and friendly Fifth Division Captain would actually be... But she also knew that the captain was right; this was not something she could interfere with.
She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself, and then nodded solemnly. "Okay, I understand."
North District 80.
Liu Ziyun, cloaked in Black Cloak, moved silently through the most chaotic and dangerous area of Soul Society, like a true ghost. The streets here were dilapidated, filled with abandoned buildings and wandering souls, and the air was thick with a stench of decay.
Without alerting anyone, he went directly to an abandoned building completely different from the one he had been to before. Far from the hustle and bustle, and surrounded by deserted people, it was the ideal place to open the Senkaimon.
He took out the Senkaimon Badge and infused it with Reiatsu.
A deep blue vortex slowly unfolded in the darkness, like an entrance to an unknown world. On the other side of the door lay the night of the World of the Living —a brightly lit city, bustling streets, and an aura of "life" completely different from that of Soul Society.
Liu Ziyun a deep breath and stepped into the vortex.
In the World of the Living, Karakura Town.
Liu Ziyun out of the Senkaimon, he immediately sensed the unique flow of Reishi in the World of the Living, mixed with the scent of smoke and fire. This aura was completely different from that of the Soul Society, making him feel a sense of novelty every time he came to the World of the Living.
Without pausing, he headed straight for the Urahara Shop. In the darkness, his figure moved like a ghost, silently traversing the streets, avoiding pedestrians, and finally arriving at the familiar general store.
When he pushed open the door of Urahara Shop, Kisuke Urahara was sitting behind the counter, holding an unidentified research report in his hand, his signature fisherman's hat still completely covering most of his face.
Upon seeing Liu Ziyun, he paused for a moment, then put on a professional smile, "Oh, Mr. Liu? What brings you here again?"
Without exchanging pleasantries, Liu Ziyun went straight to the point. "Kisuke, could you help me locate the Tenth Division Captain, Isshin Shiba? He should be arriving in the World of the Living soon. Today is a crucial day."
Kisuke Urahara's smile vanished, replaced by a serious expression. He put down the report in his hand and stood up, "Okay. But it'll take some time. I need to activate the Reiatsu tracking system; that thing takes a long time to warm up each time it's activated."
Liu Ziyun nodded. "No problem."
He paused, then asked, "By the way, did you find the Ishida Family, the Quincy you were asked to find before?"
Kisuke Urahara, a complex glint in his eyes. "Found him. Sōken Ishida, currently the head of the Ishida Family. Their family holds a high position among the Quincy, and despite the tragedy of that year, they still maintain considerable strength."
He paused, a hint of worry in his voice. "However, what are you going to do with them? I'm afraid they won't listen to you. Quincy have always been prejudiced against Soul Reaper, especially 'exiled' Soul Reaper like us."
Liu Ziyun pondered for a moment, a sly glint in his eyes. "They shouldn't need my arrangements. However, if they don't show up, I'll steal the woman out and dump her there. She definitely won't stand idly by."
Kisuke Urahara paused for a moment, then gave a wry smile, "You really do stop at nothing."
Liu Ziyun looked at him, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes. His gaze held helplessness, weariness, and an indescribable determination. "Do you think I want this? I cannot allow my actions to alter fate. I truly cannot guarantee the safety of the Three Worlds in the future."
Kisuke Urahara remained silent.
He stood up and walked towards the back room. "I'll go prepare the positioning device. Please wait a moment."
Liu Ziyun nodded, sat down in the chair, closed his eyes, and began to adjust his state of mind.
He knew that what was about to happen would affect the fate of countless people.
He had to ensure that everything proceeded according to the predetermined path.
Meanwhile, in a corner of Karakura Town, a man dressed in Shihakusho stood on a rooftop, gazing at the city below. His face was solemn, and his eyes gleamed with determination.
He is Isshin Shiba, captain of the Tenth Division.
Unbeknownst to him, countless eyes were watching him from the shadows.