Teaching Ichigo Bankai

After Liu Ziyun's figure disappeared from the vicinity of the Senzaikyū, he silently followed the trail of Yoruichi Shihōin like a true ghost.

He was incredibly fast, yet made no sound. His Black Cloak completely concealed his Reiatsu and aura, allowing him to stay close behind "Flash Goddess" without being detected.

Yoruichi Shihōin carried Ichigo Kurosaki, darting swiftly between the rooftops of Seireitei. Her speed was astonishing; each leap covered a distance of tens of meters, leaving blurry afterimages in the moonlight.

Liu Ziyun followed behind her, secretly admiring her. Even after many years without using her full strength, this "Flash Goddess's" speed was still astonishing. If his strength hadn't undergone a qualitative leap, he probably would have been left far behind long ago.

Finally, Yoruichi Shihōin led Ichigo Kurosaki to the entrance of a hidden Underground Space. Far from the center of Seireitei and concealed by dense forests, it was a perfect hiding place.

Liu Ziyun followed her underground, arriving at her and Kisuke Urahara's former secret Base.

This is a huge Underground Space that has been meticulously modified. The walls are covered with intricate Kidō Runes that emit a faint glow. Various cultivation equipment and medical devices are placed in the center of the space, and there is even a small Living Area in one corner.

Liu Ziyun around and exclaimed sincerely, "Yoruichi, this place is quite nice."

Yoruichi Shihōin placed Ichigo Kurosaki on the ground, turned around, and her cat-like eyes were filled with shock. "How did you know about this place?"

Liu Ziyun smiled and said, "I said goodbye to Byakuya and Ukitake at the Senzaikyū, and then I came here with you."

Yoruichi Shihōin's pupils contracted slightly. She looked at him in disbelief. "How is this possible? You can catch up with me?"

Liu Ziyun looked at her, his eyes filled with a mischievous yet serious expression. "You haven't trained in a long time, have you? Otherwise, how could your speed have decreased so much? Although I consider myself pretty good at Shunpo, I'm not so arrogant as to think I can catch up with 'Flash Goddess'."

Yoruichi Shihōin was silent for a moment, then sighed, "Alright. I haven't trained in a long time. I didn't use my full strength this time either."

Liu Ziyun nodded. "I knew it would be like this."

He pointed to Ichigo Kurosaki lying on the ground. "I'm here to treat this little guy."

Looking at the shocking wounds on Ichigo Kurosaki's body, Yoruichi Shihōin then turned to Liu Ziyun: "Did you know he would go to the Senzaikyū if you didn't treat him before?"

Liu Ziyun laughed, a sly smile playing on his lips, "Yes. With your boastful nature, he'll definitely find a way to take advantage of you. I'll also take this opportunity to warn Byakuya. Otherwise, if he holds back when Ichigo fights him, it won't serve the purpose of training Ichigo."

A hint of approval flashed in Yoruichi Shihōin's eyes. "You really have a lot of confidence in your student."

Liu Ziyun sighed, his tone tinged with both helplessness and pride. "Sigh, he's a Cheat B. You can't help but have faith in him."

With that, he flicked his left hand, and the Wristguards on his wrist instantly transformed into a slender Tang Dao — the Life-Taker. A platinum-gold light flowed across the blade, making it appear exceptionally sacred in the dim space.

Liu Ziyun stroked the blade and murmured, " To Existence Is to Change Fate — to Life-Taker."

The light on the blade became even more dazzling. He silently uttered "Heal!" and lightly slashed at Ichigo Kurosaki with his sword.

A pale golden blade flashed past.

White smoke began to emanate from the wounds on Ichigo Kurosaki's body. The smoke seemed to be alive, moving around on his body. A few seconds later, the shocking wounds healed at a speed visible to the naked eye, and his skin became smooth as before, as if he had never been injured.

Yoruichi Shihōin watched this scene and took a deep breath. Her eyes were filled with amazement. "What a... convenient ability."

Liu Ziyun sheathed his Zanpakuto and said casually, "It's alright."

Just then, Ichigo Kurosaki slowly woke up. He opened his eyes and saw a strange man standing in front of him, and subconsciously asked, "Who are you?"

Liu Ziyun didn't answer, but turned to look at Yoruichi Shihōin. His face wore a "see?" expression, his tone full of helplessness. "Look at this heartless brat. Rukia can recognize me at a glance, but he can't."

Yoruichi Shihōin helplessly raised her hands, a gesture that conveyed, "I can't help it."

Upon hearing that familiar voice, countless images flashed through Ichigo Kurosaki's mind. He sat bolt upright, his eyes wide. "You are... Sensei?!"

Liu Ziyun then turned to look at him. "Who else could it be but me?"

Ichigo Kurosaki scratched his head, his face showing surprise and confusion. "Sensei, when did you come to Soul Society?"

Liu Ziyun and said, "A few days earlier than you. After all, I used to live here."

Ichigo Kurosaki looked down at his body and was surprised to find that all his wounds had disappeared. He looked up at Yoruichi Shihōin, his eyes filled with gratitude. "Huh? My wounds are all healed! Miss Yoruichi, you're amazing!"

Upon hearing this, Yoruichi Shihōin couldn't help but cover his mouth and laugh. His laughter contained teasing, mischief, and a hint of schadenfreude.

Liu Ziyun looked at Yoruichi Shihōin with a helpless expression, his eyes conveying a "see?" meaning. "I really want to kill him. That kid, he's so heartless."

Seeing their reactions, Ichigo Kurosaki finally realized what was happening. He turned to Liu Ziyun, his face flushed with embarrassment, "Was it... was it you, Sensei, who treated me?"

Liu Ziyun looked at him, his eyes filled with disappointment. "Didn't you hear about my identity from Ikkaku Madarame?"

A phrase from Ichigo Kurosaki Ikkaku Madarame Ichigo's mind—"Former Fifth Seat the Fourth Division, Liu Ziyun." He suddenly realized, "That's right! Sensei, you're the Fifth Seat the Fourth Division! I heard Hanatarō say that the Fourth Division is a medical unit!"

Liu Ziyun sighed, his tone full of helplessness. "You still know? Sigh, look at you, injured like this, you've forgotten everything I taught you."

Suddenly remembering something, Ichigo Kurosaki asked, "Sensei, you saw me fighting Ikkaku Madarame? Then why didn't you come out?"

Liu Ziyun glanced at him. "You're not going to die, what would I do if I went out? Didn't you hear about me from him? If I go out, won't I just attract all the captains of Soul Society to your side?"

Ichigo Kurosaki froze. He recalled what Ikkaku Madarame had said—"He severely injured the Captain of the Seventh Division with a single blow and escaped unscathed despite being surrounded by two captains." A complex emotion flashed in his eyes. "Then... did you do all those things he mentioned?"

Liu Ziyun didn't answer directly, but instead asked, "Do you think I did it?"

Ichigo Kurosaki fell silent. He looked at Liu Ziyun, his eyes filled with trust. "I'm not sure. But even if you did it, there must be a reason."

Liu Ziyun turned helplessly to Yoruichi Shihōin, his eyes conveying a "see for yourself" attitude. "Look, this kid is a wicked disciple. Should I just kill him?"

Yoruichi Shihōin smiled and shook her head, "Are you willing to do that? You even tried to matchmake his parents for him."

Liu Ziyun sighed, "I regret it now."

Yoruichi Shihōin's smile faded, and she said seriously to Ichigo Kurosaki, "When this happened, Ziyun was in the World of the Living saving your mother and Uryū Ishida's mother. He was framed."

A flicker of surprise, and then a hint of guilt, flashed in Ichigo Kurosaki's eyes. "So that's how it is... Ah! Sensei, you even saved my mother!"

Liu Ziyun glanced at him, his eyes conveying a "you're only just realizing this" attitude. "You heartless bastard. You should have saved your mother back then, left you there, and let that lizard kill you."

Ichigo Kurosaki, his voice filled with sincere apology. "I'm sorry, Sensei. I shouldn't have doubted you."

Liu Ziyun waved his hand, the gesture casual yet slightly mischievous. "Alright, it doesn't matter whether you believe me or not. Anyway, I only acted because there are some things I can't tell you. Others can tell you, but I can't. Aren't you angry?"

Ichigo Kurosaki: "Uh..."

Yoruichi Shihōin burst into laughter, the sound echoing through the space, "Alright, Ziyun, you still have such a twisted sense of humor. You did the same thing to Isshin back then."

Liu Ziyun's joking expression vanished, replaced by seriousness. "Alright, enough joking. Next, he'll teach you, Yoruichi. You must complete your Bankai training within three days."

He turned to Ichigo Kurosaki: "I'm leaving now, to check on Uryū and Orihime."

After saying that, he turned and left.

Ichigo Kurosaki called out from behind him, "Sensei! How are they?"

Liu Ziyun didn't turn around, but simply waved his hand, then used Shunpo to disappear into the darkness.

Yoruichi Shihōin looked in the direction Liu Ziyun had left, then turned to Ichigo Kurosaki and said, "Don't worry. Your opponents aren't bad people. Besides, with Ziyun watching over them, no one can kill them. At most, they'll just get hurt."

Ichigo Kurosaki stood up, his eyes filled with urgency. "Then let's go rescue them! With Teacher here, we should be able to rescue them easily!"

Yoruichi Shihōin shook her head. "Not now. If possible, your teacher could save Rukia herself. But that's the worst-case scenario. So, you'll have to save her yourselves."

Ichigo Kurosaki, puzzled, "Why?"

Yoruichi Shihōin looked at him, his eyes filled with meaning. "Have you forgotten? Your teacher is wanted by Soul Society. We need you to lure out the person who framed him."

Ichigo Kurosaki fell silent. He lowered his head, his hands clenched into fists.

After a long while, he finally raised his head, his eyes filled with determination. "I understand. I will become stronger. Strong enough... to help my teacher clear his name."

Yoruichi Shihōin nodded in satisfaction. "Alright. Your teacher has already given instructions on the rest of your training. Do you have any questions?"

Ichigo Kurosaki and asked, "What is Bankai?"

Yoruichi Shihōin patiently explained, "Zangetsu has two stages of release. The first stage of release is called 'Shikai'. The second stage of release is called 'Bankai'."

She paused, then continued, "It's not just Zangetsu that has two stages of release. Every Zanpakuto has two stages of release. And one of the necessary conditions to become the captain of the Gotei 13 is Bankai."

Ichigo Kurosaki exclaimed in surprise, "Is it a necessary condition?!"

Yoruichi Shihōin nodded. "Yes. That is to say, with one exception, all the other captains have mastered Bankai."

Ichigo Kurosaki asked curiously, "An exception?"

A complex emotion flickered in Yoruichi Shihōin's eyes. "Yes. It's Kenpachi Zaraki."

She said slowly, "In the long history of Soul Society, there is only one person who not only didn't learn Bankai, but also didn't even know the name of his Zanpakuto, yet was able to become a captain. You've fought him, you should understand."

The image of Kenpachi Zaraki's crazed face, his beast-like eyes, and his terrifying strength flashed through Ichigo Kurosaki's mind. He nodded. "I understand."

Yoruichi Shihōin continued, "The fighting power of the Shikai and Bankai of the same Zanpakuto can differ depending on a person's aptitude and training. Typically, the difference is five to ten times."

Ichigo Kurosaki's eyes widened. "Ten times?!"

Yoruichi Shihōin nodded. "The rate of improvement is astonishing, isn't it? So, even talented individuals need to spend more than ten years training from Shikai to Bankai."

Ichigo Kurosaki panicked. "Hey! Isn't this taking too long? We don't have that much time!"

Yoruichi Shihōin's lips curled into a mysterious smile, "Of course I know that. However, although it's somewhat risky, I will let you learn Bankai in three days in a completely different way."

Ichigo Kurosaki was stunned.

Three days?

Learn to Bankai?

Is this possible?

But looking into Yoruichi Shihōin's confident eyes, a sense of conviction welled up within him.

[My teacher believes I can do it. Miss Yoruichi also believes I can do it. Then... I must believe in myself too!]

He took a deep breath and nodded solemnly. "Okay! I'm ready!"