The Sixth Division Has Arrived

As Isane Kotetsu's voice rang out in the night sky, Liu Ziyun's gaze remained fixed on the fierce battle in the distance. Ichigo Kurosaki and Uryū Ishida were surrounded by a sky full of Hollows, the two back to back, struggling to withstand attacks from all directions.

"Who did this?" Isane Kotetsu asked, his eyes filled with doubt.

Liu Ziyun shook his head slightly, a thoughtful gesture in his voice. "Who knows? It could be Aizen, or it could be Kisuke."

Isane Kotetsu was even more puzzled. "If it were Aizen, it would be understandable. But why, Urahara- san?"

A meaningful smile appeared on Liu Ziyun's lips, "I hope Ichigo grows up quickly."

No sooner had the words left his mouth than a familiar figure suddenly appeared on the battlefield.

Kisuke Urahara, leading a small group, appeared like divine warriors, instantly wiping out the horde of ordinary Hollows surrounding Ichigo Kurosaki and Uryū Ishida. He turned around, pointing his signature folding fan at the massive Gillian in the distance. "Mr. Kurosaki, leave these ordinary Hollows to us. Your target is that one."

Ichigo Kurosaki and Uryū Ishida followed his finger and looked down. When they saw the terrifying behemoth, their pupils contracted simultaneously, and their faces were filled with shock.

But the shock lasted only a second.

Ichigo Kurosaki charged forward first, only to be kicked back by Gillian.

The arrows shot by Uryū Ishida were as ineffective as tickling that enormous body.

At this moment of despair, a voice suddenly flashed through Ichigo Kurosaki's mind.

That was a phrase Liu Ziyun had said countless times, "Power that cannot be concentrated is powerless."

He took a deep breath and closed his eyes. When he opened them again, his eyes were filled with determination.

He began to concentrate his Reiatsu, focusing all his power on the blade. Under his exquisite control, the Reiatsu steadily rose, growing stronger and more condensed, eventually forming a layer of visible light on the blade.

He charged forward again, leaped high into the air, and slashed down with his sword.

Gillian opened its massive maw, and a Cero erupted forth.

The blade flashed and the Cero collided.

"Boom--!"

Amidst the deafening explosion, Ichigo Kurosaki's sword shattered the Cero and struck Gillian squarely in the body. A deep wound was cleaved into the massive creature, emitting a piercing scream. It struggled, finally opening its Garganta and disappearing back into the void.

On a distant rooftop, Liu Ziyun watched this scene with a satisfied smile. He said to Isane Kotetsu beside him, "Look at this kid. I've taught him so many times before, but he couldn't remember. He got a beating last time, and this time he's learned it."

Isane Kotetsu chuckled at him, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Why are you still holding a grudge against a child? But Ichigo's ability to defeat Gillian this time proves he's still very strong."

Liu Ziyun sighed, a hint of hurt in his voice. "So many years of teaching, and it's all for nothing compared to a beating. It's heartbreaking."

Isane Kotetsu covered her mouth and laughed when she saw his expression.

Liu Ziyun's joking expression vanished, his gaze turning serious. "Next, Soul Society are coming."

Isane Kotetsu was taken aback. "Who could it be?"

Liu Ziyun slowly uttered two names: "Sixth Division Captain, Byakuya Kuchiki, and Lieutenant, Renji Abarai."

A hint of worry flashed in Isane Kotetsu's eyes. "Won't Ichigo be in danger?"

Liu Ziyun shook his head. "No. But let's go and say hello to them later."

Isane Kotetsu became even more worried. "You're still wanted by the police, aren't you afraid they'll take action against you?"

Liu Ziyun smiled, a smile radiating confidence and composure, "It's alright. I have a history with them, and they know a thing or two about it."

The two talked as they returned to the Martial Arts Hall.

Isane Kotetsu poured a cup of tea for Liu Ziyun. When she returned with the tea, she saw Liu Ziyun sitting in the courtyard, stroking his Zanpakuto.

Under the moonlight, his figure appeared somewhat lonely, yet also... expectant.

Liu Ziyun looked down at his Zanpakuto and murmured, "Life-Taker, Tulu. Don't rush, it's coming soon. We will finally shine in this world. Let's make a scene this time."

Isane Kotetsu stood quietly behind him, watching him. She could sense that although Liu Ziyun appeared happy on the surface all these years, he had always been very repressed inside. That repression was like a flame suppressed underwater, burning continuously but unable to be released.

But now, she could sense that the raging fire in Liu Ziyun's heart had calmed down. It wasn't extinguished, but rather the calm before the storm, peaceful yet containing boundless power.

Liu Ziyun sheathed his Zanpakuto, turned around, and saw her, his eyes filled with tenderness. "Isane, we'll be returning to Soul Society soon."

Isane Kotetsu smiled and walked to his side, gently leaning on his shoulder. "As long as I can be with you, it doesn't matter where we are."

Liu Ziyun out and gently pulled her into his arms. "Me too. As long as you're by my side, I'm content."

The moonlight shone on the two of them, illuminating their warm yet resolute figures.

A few days later.

Ichigo Kurosaki, accompanied by Rukia Kuchiki, arrived at the Martial Arts Hall.

Liu Ziyun was sitting in the courtyard drinking tea when he saw the two of them enter. He slowly put down his teacup and looked at Ichigo Kurosaki with a knowing gaze. "Ichigo, how did you end up bringing this huge problem here with you?"

Ichigo Kurosaki paused for a moment, then asked, "Sensei, who's the troublemaker?"

Rukia Kuchiki blinked. "Are you talking about me, sir?"

Liu Ziyun nodded. "Besides you, who else could it be?"

Ichigo Kurosaki quickly said, "Sensei, please don't say that. We've come to ask for your help."

Liu Ziyun raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Is there anything I can help you with?"

Rukia Kuchiki stepped forward, her eyes filled with pleading. "Sir, I've been unable to regain my Soul Reaper powers, and I don't know why. Ichigo said you might have a way."

Liu Ziyun looked at her, his eyes filled with profound meaning. "You're rejecting your own power because of your own heart. Therefore, I can't solve this problem."

Rukia Kuchiki was stunned. "How is this possible..."

Liu Ziyun his hand, interrupting her, "Alright, you can leave now. We'll see each other again soon."

Ichigo Kurosaki panicked. "Sensei..."

Liu Ziyun looked at him, his eyes serious and meaningful. "Don't say anything more. Soon you'll know why I said that."

Ichigo Kurosaki fell silent. He looked at Liu Ziyun and finally nodded. "Okay, teacher. Let's go."

He left the Martial Arts Hall with Rukia Kuchiki.

The following evening.

Liu Ziyun was meditating in the courtyard when suddenly he opened his eyes. His spiritual sense detected two extremely strong Reiatsu moving rapidly through Karakura Town.

He said to Isane Kotetsu beside him, "Isane, people from Soul Society have arrived. Let's go see what's going on."

The two donned Black Cloaks and silently arrived at the location where the Reiatsu was emanating.

Under the moonlight, they saw Rukia Kuchiki trying to escape the clutches of a red-haired man, Renji Abarai, the Lieutenant of the Sixth Division.

Just then, a bespectacled boy carrying a shopping bag strolled over leisurely.

Uryū Ishida.

He adjusted his glasses and spoke to Renji Abarai in an extremely arrogant tone.

Liu Ziyun said to Isane Kotetsu, "This child is going to get a beating too."

Isane Kotetsu looked at him with concern. "Aren't you going to lend a hand? You've been teaching me for so many years."

Liu Ziyun shook his head, a hint of coldness in his eyes. "They're all so arrogant. How can we let them not see their own strength? So, they need to take a beating."

Before he could finish speaking, Uryū Ishida had already been knocked to the ground by Renji Abarai.

Liu Ziyun sensed the situation and said to Isane Kotetsu, "That silly boy Ichigo won't be here for Ichigo. Let's go tell them something."

After he finished speaking, an astonishing Reiatsu suddenly erupted from his body.

The Reiatsu was so tangible that it instantly pinned Renji Abarai, who was about to continue attacking Uryū Ishida, to the ground. Renji Abarai lay there, unable to move, his eyes filled with terror.

Liu Ziyun slowly emerged from the shadows.

Renji Abarai saw his face, his eyes widened instantly. His expression was as if he had seen a ghost.

Even the usually expressionless Byakuya Kuchiki turned around in surprise to look at the person who had suddenly appeared.

Rukia Kuchiki was completely stunned, never expecting to see him here.

Uryū Ishida lay on the ground, looking at Liu Ziyun with a somewhat bewildered expression. Isane Kotetsu came to his side and began to give him simple treatment using the Kaidō.

Liu Ziyun looked at Byakuya Kuchiki and a faint smile appeared on his lips, "Captain Byakuya, it's been a long time."

Byakuya Kuchiki's face regained its composure, but a complex glint flashed in his eyes. "Liu Ziyun, the Fifth Seat, a sinner of Soul Society. What are you doing here?"

Liu Ziyun didn't answer his question, but instead said, "A silly kid is coming later. It's okay if you hit him a little too hard, just don't kill him."

Byakuya Kuchiki frowned slightly. "Why should I listen to you?"

Liu Ziyun looked at him, his eyes carrying a deeper meaning. "You understand."

He paused, then added, "Oh, right, just destroy his Saketsu and his Hakusui."

As he spoke, he winked at Byakuya Kuchiki.

Then, he turned around and looked at Renji Abarai was lying on the ground. "This is your punishment for injuring my disciple."

He walked up to Uryū Ishida and knocked him unconscious with a single blow. Then, he picked up Uryū Ishida, took Isane Kotetsu with him, and disappeared into the darkness once more.

Under the moonlight, only Byakuya Kuchiki, Renji Abarai, and Rukia Kuchiki remained.

Renji Abarai struggled to his feet, his face still filled with terror. "Captain, that person... that person is..."

Byakuya Kuchiki looked at him, a hint of seriousness in his eyes. "I know."

His gaze shifted into the darkness, his eyes filled with complex emotions. "What... what is he trying to do?"

No one answered him.

A night breeze blew by, bringing a chill.

In the darkness, Liu Ziyun, carrying Uryū Ishida and with Isane Kotetsu, slowly walked towards the Martial Arts Hall.

Isane Kotetsu asked softly, "Ziyun, why did you let them break Ichigo's Saketsu and Hakusui?"

Liu Ziyun smiled. In that smile were expectation, profound meaning, and an indescribable tenderness. "Because only in this way can he truly grow."

He raised his head, gazing at the bright moon in the night sky. "Isane, true strength is never about smooth sailing, but about being able to stand up again after experiencing pain."

Isane Kotetsu looked at him, her eyes full of tenderness. "Just like you?"

Liu Ziyun paused for a moment, then smiled, "Yes, just like me."