Training the Soul Reapers Stationed in the World of the Living (3)

Yumichika Ayasegawa, standing rooted to the spot. The vines that had been dancing wildly lost control and fell to the ground with a rustling sound.

He remained silent for a moment, then slowly Zanpakuto, bowed his head, and said, "I surrender."

Liu Ziyun withdrew his Life-Taker, the blade tracing an elegant arc in the air before vanishing from his hand. He looked at the silent, head bowed, Yumichika Ayasegawa and said calmly, "You think everything you've done is magnificent, but to me, it's nothing more than childish whims."

Yumichika Ayasegawa raised his head, a complex expression flashing in his eyes.

Liu Ziyun continued, "Your ability is unique, that's undeniable. Kidō-type Zanpakuto absorbs the opponent's Reiatsu is extremely rare even in Soul Society. But you're showing it off, deliberately mispronouncing the Release Phrase to suppress its power... That's incredibly foolish."

He walked up to Yumichika Ayasegawa, looking him straight in the eye. "Do you know what Kenpachi Zaraki and Ikkaku Madarame did?"

Yumichika Ayasegawa slightly taken aback.

"Kenpachi Zaraki, that battle maniac, can seal his power and suppress his strength in order to enjoy the thrill of battle. But when he encounters a truly worthy opponent, he will not hesitate to unseal his power. Because he knows that if he dies because he has sealed his power, that would be a true loss... a loss of life, a loss of all future joy in battle."

Liu Ziyun's voice was calm yet powerful. "Ikkaku Madarame, for the sake of the thrill of battle, is willing to risk his life. He chose to follow Kenpachi Zaraki, even at the cost of his own life. Therefore, he concealed the fact that he could Bankai... not because he was afraid to show it, but because he didn't want to be forced to leave Kenpachi Zaraki's side for this reason. But once everyone knows his beliefs, knows his choice, no one will force him to leave. At that time, he will use Bankai without hesitation."

He paused, his gaze sharpening further. "And you? What are you afraid of? Are you afraid your companions will look down on your abilities?"

Yumichika Ayasegawa and remained silent.

Liu Ziyun sighed, his tone tinged with helplessness and admonition. "Your thinking is wrong. As true comrades, no one would despise another's strength. Kenpachi Zaraki wouldn't, Ikkaku Madarame wouldn't, not a single member of the 11th Division would. They only value one thing... whether you dare to fight, whether you're willing to risk your life for your comrades. As for what ability your Zanpakuto has, that's completely unimportant."

Yumichika Ayasegawa's body trembled slightly.

"So the path you've chosen was wrong from the very beginning." Liu Ziyun patted him on the shoulder. "Try to communicate with your Zanpakuto. Its abilities are truly remarkable. Don't let those potentially nonexistent concerns deny you, and even more importantly, don't let your hesitation and indecision cause your comrades to lose their lives in crucial battles."

He turned to leave, but after a few steps, he stopped and said without turning back, "Once Ikkaku Madarame has recovered, tell him... if he doesn't go all out in his next fight against me, I'll really kill him."

After saying that, he opened the door to the cultivation room and walked out.

Yumichika Ayasegawa stood alone, gazing at the scattered, multicolored vines on the ground, and at the Zanpakuto in his hand, now restored to its original state. A thousand thoughts surged within him. He closed his eyes, gently stroking the blade, and whispered in a voice only he could hear, "I'm sorry... for making you endure so much with me."

The Zanpakuto trembled slightly, as if in response to his apology.

Outside the training room, Liu Ziyun had only taken a few steps when he saw Isane Kotetsu approaching. Her face showed concern, and upon seeing Liu Ziyun, she quickly stepped forward, her tone tinged with reproach. "Ziyun, didn't you go too far? Ikkaku's injuries are quite severe. When I treated him, I found several fractures and some internal injuries..."

Liu Ziyun sighed, rubbed his temples, and said with a hint of helplessness, "Sigh, they're all problematic guys. They all like to hide their true abilities, but don't they ever think about whether their strength is really worth hiding? No matter how well you hide it, when you encounter a strong enemy, won't they still be easily killed? What's the point of hiding it?"

Isane Kotetsu paused for a moment, then understood what he meant. She nodded slightly and said nothing more.

In the following days, a strange calm prevailed in the Martial Arts Hall. Isane Kotetsu treated Ikkaku Madarame every day, using the Fourth Division's Kaidō technique to gradually repair his damaged body.

Yumichika Ayasegawa, on the other hand, locks himself in his room all day, engaging in deep communication with his Zanpakuto. Occasionally, low voices can be heard coming from his room, as if he is talking to someone.

Liu Ziyun, however, turned his attention to another target— Tōshirō Hitsugaya.

On this day, Liu Ziyun found Tōshirō Hitsugaya was temporarily staying at Orihime Inoue's house. The young captain of the Tenth Division was practicing swordsmanship in the courtyard. When he saw Liu Ziyun arrive, he stopped and looked at him with a mixture of wariness and confusion.

Liu Ziyun up to him, his face bearing his signature teasing expression. "Shiro-chan, your current strength is a bit lacking."

Tōshirō Hitsugaya's brows furrowed instantly, and a vein throbbed on his forehead, but he still suppressed his anger and said, "I know my own strength. But since you put it that way, do you have a way to help me improve my strength?"

Liu Ziyun tilted his head, feigning a thoughtful expression. "I don't know if it'll work well. How about we find a place to try it out?"

Tōshirō Hitsugaya was silent for a moment, then asked, "Where to?"

Liu Ziyun and said, "Let's go to Kisuke's place. My one is still healing, and the other is withdrawn and has nowhere to go. There's a decent Training Ground downstairs at Urahara Shop; it'll be enough for us to practice."

Tōshirō Hitsugaya nodded, sheathed his Zanpakuto, and followed Liu Ziyun to Urahara Shop.

When the two arrived at the store, Kisuke Urahara was dozing behind the counter. Hearing footsteps, he immediately opened his eyes, a signature smile appearing on his face, "Oh my, oh my, Mr. Liu and Captain Hitsugaya, what brings you to my store? What a rare treat!"

Liu Ziyun waved his hand and got straight to the point, saying, "We'd like to borrow your place to cultivate for a while."

Upon hearing this, Kisuke Urahara's eyes flashed with interest. He put down his fan, stood up, and said, "No problem, come with me."

He led the two through the back door of the store to a hidden underground entrance. After descending the stairs for a long time, the view suddenly opened up—a huge Underground Space appeared before them. This was Kisuke Urahara's secret Training Ground, spacious and sturdy enough to withstand the aftershocks of Captain-level battle.

The Training Ground was already in use. Renji Abarai and Yasutora Sado were engaged in intense sparring in a corner. Upon seeing Liu Ziyun and Tōshirō Hitsugaya arrive, they both stopped and cast curious glances their way.

Liu Ziyun and Tōshirō Hitsugaya found a relatively open area and stood facing each other.

With Liu Ziyun conjured the Life-Taker Blade in his palm. The blade was long and slender, shimmering with an eerie light, and exuded a strange aura.