Meeting the Quincy

The moment Liu Ziyun Senkaimon, the night in the World of the Living was deep. The lights of Karakura Town twinkled in the distance, like stars fallen to earth. Instead of heading straight for Urahara Shop as usual, he strolled leisurely through the streets, wearing Black Cloak.

A night breeze blew by, lifting the hem of his clothes. The streetlights cast a dim, yellowish glow, stretching his shadow long. He walked aimlessly, his gaze sweeping over the familiar shops, streets, and pedestrians—scenes he had seen countless times in anime, now vividly unfolding before his eyes.

[This is the city where Ichigo will live.] He thought to himself, [That orange-haired boy, that Child of Destiny who will change everything...]

Just then, a familiar figure came into his line of sight.

That's Isshin Shiba. No, he should be called Isshin Kurosaki now. He was carrying shopping bags, walking out of a convenience store, with that gentle smile typical of a family man on his face.

The two locked eyes.

Isshin Kurosaki paused for a moment, then quickly stepped forward, his eyes filled with wariness and doubt. "How did you end up in the World of the Living?"

Liu Ziyun looked at him, a faint smile playing on his lips, "I've come to see your newborn child."

Isshin Kurosaki's vigilance deepened. He frowned, his eyes scrutinizing, wary, and carrying a hint of "What are you up to now?": "What are you up to now?"

Liu Ziyun sighed helplessly. He spread his hands, his gesture filled with innocence and sincerity. "Mr. Isshin Kurosaki, what can I do? I haven't done anything wrong. Why are you so wary?"

Isshin Kurosaki shook his head, his tone firm. "If you didn't have a purpose, you definitely wouldn't have come to the World of the Living. The last few times you just came to watch the excitement. What will happen to us this time?"

Liu Ziyun found his alarmed expression amusing, but he didn't laugh out loud. Instead, he said seriously, "Oh, nothing will happen. We're just checking if your child has any unusual symptoms. Don't worry, it's just a check."

Isshin Kurosaki asked, half-believing, "Really?"

Liu Ziyun nodded, then suddenly changed the subject. "By the way, have you been in contact with Ryūken Ishida?"

Isshin Kurosaki frowned even more deeply. "There's a connection. What are you planning? Although he's Quincy, he hasn't made a move. You can't cause him trouble."

Liu Ziyun waved his hand. "I'm not looking for trouble. I just have something to tell you."

He paused, then asked, "Has his baby been born yet?"

Isshin Kurosaki shook his head. "Not yet. What's wrong?"

Liu Ziyun nodded thoughtfully. "It's nothing serious, just asking."

He glanced around and lowered his voice, saying, "By the way, since you're in contact with him, you're in charge of contacting him. We'll meet at the Urahara Shop; it's safer there. I'm worried your house might be under surveillance."

Isshin Kurosaki's pupils contracted slightly. "Who's spying on me?"

Liu Ziyun looked at him with a hint of pity in his eyes. "Aizen, of course. You and your wife killed someone else's test subject and even merged into your wife's soul. Who else could be spying on you?"

Isshin Kurosaki's expression turned serious. "What is his purpose?"

Liu Ziyun shrugged. "What purpose could there be? They just want to see the experimental results."

He patted Isshin Kurosaki on the shoulder. "Alright, don't worry. Everything's fine for now. I have something else to tell you. I'll wait for you at Urahara Shop."

After saying that, he didn't give Isshin Kurosaki any time to react, and turned and disappeared into the night.

Isshin Kurosaki stood there, looking in the direction where Liu Ziyun disappeared, his heart filled with questions.

What exactly is he trying to say? Why is he looking for Ryūken?

He shook his head and quickly walked home.

Isshin Kurosaki pushed open the door and saw Masaki Kurosaki sitting in the living room, holding a sleeping baby. The baby had soft orange fur and an angelic peace on its face.

Masaki Kurosaki looked up and, seeing the seriousness on his face, quickly asked, "What's wrong? What happened?"

Isshin Kurosaki sat down beside her and said in a low voice, "Liu Ziyun here. He said he wants to see me and Ryūken to discuss some things."

Masaki Kurosaki paused for a moment. She remembered the man who was always so mysterious, the things he had said that night, and his unfathomable gaze.

"He shouldn't be a bad person," she said softly. "Although he said he was watching us the whole time, judging from Urahara's demeanor, it seems like he was the one who provided the method to save me."

Isshin Kurosaki nodded. "Yes, but I don't know what his purpose is. This time, I'll try to find out what he has to say."

Masaki Kurosaki looked at him with concern in her eyes. "Should I contact my cousin Ryūken?"

Isshin Kurosaki nodded. "Yes. Let him go with you."

Masaki Kurosaki responded, took out her phone, and dialed Ryūken Ishida's number.

An hour later, Ryūken Ishida arrived at the Kurosaki Family. He still maintained his aloof demeanor, with his signature glasses perched on his nose, exuding an aura that kept strangers at bay.

"Why did you call me here so urgently? Has something happened?" His voice was cold and calm.

Isshin Kurosaki looked at him seriously. "Someone has come to Soul Society. That person specifically asked to meet with you and me. Moreover, the method used to save Masaki was likely told to Kisuke Urahara by that person. So I've asked you to discuss whether we should go see him."

Ryūken Ishida frowned slightly. "Who is it? Why do they want to see me?"

Isshin Kurosaki shook his head. "That person keeps a low profile in Soul Society, but seems to know a lot. I don't know exactly why he wanted to meet you and me together."

Ryūken Ishida was silent for a moment, then nodded. "Then let's meet him. Whatever it may be, I'm not made of clay."

Isshin Kurosaki stood up. "Okay. Let's go to Urahara Shop then."