Waiting for Events to Unfold

After Retsu Unohana's figure disappeared through the door of the Captain's Office, Liu Ziyun turned around and looked at Isane Kotetsu standing to the side. Moonlight shone through the window onto her, illuminating her slightly shy face.

Liu Ziyun stepped forward and gently took her hand.

Isane Kotetsu blushed slightly, hesitated for a moment, but ultimately followed him obediently into the bedroom.

The door closed gently.

First Division, Captain-Commander's Office.

When Retsu Unohana pushed open the door and entered, Shigekuni Yamamoto-Genryūsai was sitting upright in the main seat, leaning on his cane, his unchanging eyes calmly looking at her. The office was brightly lit and filled with the aroma of tea, but the atmosphere was so heavy it was almost palpable.

"Captain Unohana," Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto's voice was deep and authoritative, "What brings you here today?"

Retsu Unohana walked up to him and bowed respectfully. "Captain-Commander, Liu Ziyun has returned with Isane."

Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto's brow furrowed slightly. "What news did he bring back this time?"

Retsu Unohana raised her head, her expression serious. "In a few days, Isshin Shiba's son will bring a few people to Soul Society. Aizen, take this opportunity to defect."

A glint of light flashed in Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto's eyes. "So, Aizen is going to take the Hōgyoku out of Rukia Kuchiki's body?"

Retsu Unohana nodded. "That should be true."

Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto remained silent.

A long silence fell over the office, broken only by the ticking of the wall clock. After a long while, he finally spoke, his voice tinged with resentment. "Are we really... just going to let that Aizen take the Hōgyoku?"

Retsu Unohana looked at him, her eyes filled with helplessness and understanding. "I'm afraid so."

Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto gripped his cane tightly, the force causing it to creak slightly. "I'm truly unwilling to accept this. Knowing everything, yet I had to let that villain run rampant."

Retsu Unohana sighed softly, "Captain-Commander, I'm not reconciled either. But it's all for the sake of the Three Worlds."

Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto closed his eyes and took a deep breath. When he opened them again, his eyes were filled with resentment and helplessness. "Alas... I have served as Captain-Commander for a thousand years, and I have never felt so humiliated. It's truly... I'm somewhat unwilling."

Retsu Unohana looked at him, a complex mix of emotions welling up inside her. She said softly, "It's just like what Liu Ziyun said—knowing everything but not daring to make any changes, only able to watch. That's truly painful."

Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto was silent for a moment, then suddenly laughed. In that laugh were relief, anticipation, and an indescribable fighting spirit. "So be it. After this, I'll have a go at that brat and see just how much he's grown."

Retsu Unohana laughed, "I definitely won't let the Captain-Commander down. But don't let a moment of impulse destroy Soul Society."

A glint flashed in Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto's eyes. "I hope so. In the future, I hope he can take on our heavy responsibility."

Retsu Unohana shook her head. "That's not necessarily true."

Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto raised an eyebrow. "Why?"

A hint of helplessness flashed in Retsu Unohana's eyes. "That guy is incredibly lazy. If it weren't for Isane and me forcing him, he wouldn't even do team duties."

A meaningful smile appeared on Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto's lips, "That's not up to him."

Retsu Unohana chuckled as she looked at him, "Then we'll see what the Captain-Commander does."

A mischievous glint flashed in Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto's eyes. "A disobedient child can be cured with a beating."

Retsu Unohana smiled and nodded, "Okay, I'm looking forward to it too."

She gave a slight bow. "I'll take my leave now, Captain-Commander."

Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto nodded. "Alright, you can go now."

Retsu Unohana turned and left.

Fourth Division, Captain's Office.

When Retsu Unohana pushed open the door, she heard sounds coming from the bedroom. Although the sounds were deliberately kept low, they were exceptionally clear in the quiet Captain's Office.

Her face darkened, and she pushed open the bedroom door.

On the bed, Isane Kotetsu was startled when the captain suddenly appeared and immediately pulled the blanket over herself. Her face was as red as a ripe shrimp, and she wished she could disappear into the ground.

Liu Ziyun looked at Retsu Unohana with a helpless expression, looking as innocent as could be.

Isane Kotetsu exclaimed in alarm, "Captain, you... why did you come in without saying a word?"

Retsu Unohana looked at the two of them, a mischievous glint in her eyes. She teased, "What? Did I interrupt your good time?"

Liu Ziyun said helplessly, "Captain, why don't you... go outside and wait for a while?"

Retsu Unohana glared at him, her face dark. "What? You did something bad to my Lieutenant in my bedroom, and you expect me to go out and guard the door for you?"

Isane Kotetsu panicked even more. "Captain, no! It's just... it's just..."

Seeing her stammering, Retsu Unohana couldn't help but laugh, "Alright, Isane. I know, this guy forced you."

Just as Liu Ziyun was about to explain, he was glared at by Isane Kotetsu with a fierce look. That look carried a warning, a threat, and a sense of "If you dare to say no, I'll cripple you."

Retsu Unohana continued, "Aren't you two getting dressed yet?"

Isane Kotetsu said weakly, "Captain... why don't you go out first?"

Retsu Unohana raised an eyebrow. "What are you afraid of? What part of Ziyun's body haven't I seen? As for you, what are you shy about in front of a woman like me?"

Seeing her "I'm not going out" expression, the two of them could only put on their clothes in front of her. The scene was incredibly awkward.

Seeing that the two were dressed, Retsu Unohana nodded in satisfaction. "Now that you're dressed, come out and help me with team affairs. Anyway, you can't leave here for the next few days."

Isane Kotetsu nodded quickly. "Yes, Captain."

Liu Ziyun said somewhat reluctantly, "Alright, Captain."

Retsu Unohana looked at him, a dangerous glint in her eyes. "It seems you're unwilling?"

Liu Ziyun hurriedly waved his hands, shaking his head vigorously like a rattle-drum. "No, no!"

Retsu Unohana glanced at him, then turned and left the bedroom.

Isane Kotetsu glared fiercely at Liu Ziyun, her eyes filled with resentment, shyness, and a sense of "it's all your fault." Then, she followed Retsu Unohana out of the bedroom.

Liu Ziyun cautiously behind, looking as timid as could be.

In the days that followed, Liu Ziyun and Isane Kotetsu stayed in the Captain's Office, helping Retsu Unohana with team affairs.

Every day, the three of them would sit around the tea table, reviewing mountains of documents. Occasionally, Liu Ziyun would tell a few jokes, making the other two chuckle; occasionally, Isane Kotetsu would secretly pinch Liu Ziyun's waist, retaliating for his previous "misdeeds".

Life was peaceful and warm.

But everyone knows this is just the calm before the storm.

On this day, a piercing alarm suddenly sounded in Seireitei.

The sound pierced the sky and echoed in every corner of Seireitei.

Retsu Unohana stood up and said to Liu Ziyun and Isane Kotetsu, "That alarm... it seems the people you were talking about have arrived. I'm going to the First Division for a meeting."

After saying that, she put on her Captain's Haori and left the Captain's Office.

Liu Ziyun watched her leave, then turned to Isane Kotetsu, his expression turning serious. "Isane, you're in for a lot of work. Go to my secret training Underground Space and stay there for a few days. I'm worried Aizen might come to investigate."

Isane Kotetsu nodded. "Okay."

Liu Ziyun led her to the underground Cultivation Space he had used for nearly a hundred years.

When Isane Kotetsu stepped into this space, she looked around curiously. The space was vast and empty, with complex Kidō Runes carved on the surrounding walls, emitting a faint light in the darkness.

"When did you create this place?" she asked.

Liu Ziyun smiled and said, "About a hundred years ago. It was done to hide our strength back then."

Isane Kotetsu turned around and looked at him with a scrutinizing gaze. "You haven't brought any other women here, have you?"

Liu Ziyun quickly waved his hand. "Only the captain came by when I was cultivating."

Isane Kotetsu reached out and gently pinched his ear. "Why didn't you tell me before that you had such a place?"

Liu Ziyun grinned and said, "We never had the chance before! Besides, we're doing this openly and honestly, we don't need to hide it."

Isane Kotetsu released his grip and snorted, "Fine. You can go now. I'll train here for a few days."

After saying that, she drove Liu Ziyun out of the Underground Space.

Fourth Division, Captain's Office.

Liu Ziyun sat alone at the tea table, waiting for Retsu Unohana to return.

After a long while, Retsu Unohana pushed open the door and entered. Seeing that only Liu Ziyun remained, she asked, "Where's Isane?"

Liu Ziyun replied, "I sent her to my previous Cultivation Space. I was afraid that Aizen would take the opportunity to come here and investigate."

Retsu Unohana nodded. "And you?"

Liu Ziyun stood up. "I'll also go out and find a place to hide, and keep an eye on them while I'm at it."

Retsu Unohana looked at him. "I see. What about me?"

Liu Ziyun smiled and said, "You'll be busy with the team's affairs from now on. You don't need to do anything else."

Retsu Unohana nodded, then suddenly remembered something. "Oh right, we just heard in the meeting that Gin Ichimaru went to intercept them. But they got away."

Liu Ziyun's lips curled into a meaningful smile, "It's just acting. Otherwise, none of those brats would have survived."

Retsu Unohana looked at him. "I see. Then you should leave quickly."

Liu Ziyun chuckled, "No need to be in such a hurry, right? They can only start their operation tonight."

Retsu Unohana looked at him, a dangerous glint in her eyes. "Don't think I don't know what you're thinking. Get lost now."

Liu Ziyun stood up and said helplessly, "Alright."

He walked to the door, then suddenly turned around. Taking advantage of Retsu Unohana's inattention, he grabbed her hand and pulled her into the bedroom.

The door slammed shut.

Only the flickering candlelight and faint laughter remained in the Captain's Office.