Sparring with Hirako

The Visored Base.

When Liu Ziyun appeared at the base entrance, Shinji Hirako was Kensei Muguruma in the training ground. Seeing Liu Ziyun, his eyes lit up, and he sheathed his sword and stepped back. "Oh, Ziyun? What brings you here?"

Liu Ziyun stepped forward, his expression turning serious. "Hirako, things haven't been peaceful outside lately. You guys need to hide well."

Shinji Hirako frowned slightly. "Aizen up to his old tricks again?"

Liu Ziyun nodded. "Yes. This time is more important than yours. So, let him make a scene."

Shinji Hirako was silent for a moment, then said, "A couple of days ago, I sensed two very strong Reiatsu battling. At the time, I thought they were captains from Soul Society, so I didn't come out to investigate."

Liu Ziyun looked at him. "It is indeed a captain from Soul Society. Isshin Shiba, the captain of the Tenth Division, is fighting against one of Aizen's test subjects. Aizen and the other two are also here."

Shinji Hirako's pupils contracted slightly. "Thank goodness you didn't come out."

Liu Ziyun smiled and changed the subject, "How's your training going lately? Want to test your skills?"

Shinji Hirako's eyes lit up. "Great! Let's face off!"

He paused, then added, "But before that, you need to recover your eyes. Otherwise, I won't be able to fight you at all."

Liu Ziyun laughed and pulled off the blindfold covering his eyes, "Alright, let's go!"

Training ground.

When Liu Ziyun and Shinji Hirako entered the training ground, the others were cultivating on their own. Upon seeing the two enter, they all stopped what they were doing and gathered around.

Shinji Hirako clapped his hands. "You all stop for a moment. Koun and I Ziyun practice a bit."

Upon hearing this, everyone else stopped what they were doing, formed a circle, and eagerly prepared to watch the fight.

Shinji Hirako and Liu Ziyun stepped into the Barrier in the center of the training field and stood facing each other.

Both of their Reiatsu were gradually increasing. However, it was clear to anyone with discerning eyes that Liu Ziyun's Reiatsu remained at the same level as Shinji Hirako's, neither exceeding nor falling behind.

Shinji Hirako slowly drew his Zanpakuto. Liu Ziyun his left hand, and the Wristguards on his wrist instantly transformed into a long Tang Dao, which he held in his hand.

The two exchanged a glance.

The next second, they both vanished from their spots.

"Clang--!"

Blades clashed, sparks flying. The two figures crisscrossed in mid-air, their swordplay creating a fierce battle scene.

Outside the Barrier, everyone watched the battle intently.

Hiyori Sarugaki stubbornly retorted, "That bald guy's got some skills, actually managing to fight Hirako to a draw."

Kensei Muguruma gently shook his head. "Are you sure it's a draw? I have a feeling that Ziyun is letting Hirako."

Rōjūrō Ōtoribashi nodded in agreement. "Yes. Ziyun has kept his Reiatsu at the same level as Hirako's. He hasn't been using his full strength."

Love Aikawa pondered, "If Ziyun all out, Hirako might be suppressed instantly."

Mashiro Kuna exclaimed in amazement, "Ziyun is truly amazing!"

Lisa Yadōmaru suddenly spoke, her voice tinged with seriousness. "Watch closely. They're getting serious."

Before the words were even finished, the battle within the Barrier suddenly changed.

Shinji Hirako's Reiatsu surged instantly, and he whispered, "Fall down, Sakanade!"

The moment he was released, a pale pink mist spread out from his body, quickly permeating every corner of the Barrier.

Liu Ziyun immediately held his breath and stepped back.

However, just as he retreated, a red light suddenly shot out from the center of the fog—it was Cero!

Liu Ziyun's eyes narrowed, and he immediately increased his Reiatsu, whispering, "Existence Is to Change Fate — Life-Taker!"

With a flick of his blade, a pale golden vortex instantly appeared before him. The vortex spun, absorbing all the incoming Cero and vanishing without a trace.

Liu Ziyun steadied himself, looking at the figure that was faintly visible in the mist. "Cero... you're using it quite smoothly."

The mist slowly dissipated, revealing Shinji Hirako's figure. He held his Zanpakuto in his hand, and his face was covered by a Hollow mask that concealed the upper half of his face. Beneath the mask, his eyes gleamed with excitement. "Ziyun, it is indeed as you said. We have been training according to your advice and have gained new power."

He paused, then asked, "How is it? Are you satisfied?"

Liu Ziyun looked at him and asked, "Did you suppress your Reiatsu?"

Shinji Hirako was taken aback. "Uh... no."

Liu Ziyun shook his head, a hint of disappointment in his voice. "Then your improvement is a bit small. Your Reiatsu hasn't increased much either."

Shinji Hirako gave a wry smile, "Alright. But you'd better watch out from now on."

As soon as he finished speaking, he drew his knife again and stepped forward.

Just as Liu Ziyun was about to meet the attack head-on, he suddenly sensed something was wrong. Instead of confronting it directly, he rolled forward and then dodged to the left.

Shinji Hirako's sword grazed past his body, but missed.

"Oh dear," Shinji Hirako's voice held a hint of surprise, "You dodged it?"

He asked with a smile, "Isn't it strange that you held your breath? Or were you affected by my Zanpakuto?"

Liu Ziyun stood up and dusted himself off. "Looks like my abilities have improved. Before, I was only affected by smells, but now I'm affected just by contact with the pink mist it emits."

Shinji Hirako was stunned. "You... you knew that?"

Liu Ziyun the kind of look one gives an idiot. "Is it that hard to understand? After your fog dissipated, even though I retreated and held my breath, I was still affected. In the process, I only came into contact with the fog."

He shrugged. "Besides, your previous abilities were related to this fog. It's easy to analyze; it's not that difficult."

Shinji Hirako: "..."

He opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but found himself completely speechless.

Outside the Barrier, everyone burst into laughter.

Hiyori Sarugaki laughed the loudest, "Haha! Hirako, he's looking down on you!"

Kensei Muguruma couldn't help but laugh out loud, "That Ziyun, Koun, really... hits the nail on the head."

In the Mashiro Kuna asked innocently, "So, Captain Hirako's abilities were seen through by Ziyun at a glance?"

Rōjūrō Ōtoribashi nodded with a wry smile, "I'm afraid so."

Love Aikawa remarked, "That Ziyun guy is not only strong, but also quick-witted. He's truly... terrifying."

Lisa Yadōmaru looked thoughtfully at the two people inside the Barrier, without saying a word.