The Boss Arrives (1)

The years in Seireitei are like the wind chimes under the eaves of the Gotei 13, chiming softly and rhythmically in the gentle breeze of time. Since Liu Ziyun began his Complete Shikai training, another five years have quietly passed.

For the past five years, Liu Ziyun's life in the Fourth Division seemed uneventful. As an ordinary member, his daily work was mundane and routine: assisting senior Seated Officers in treating wounds, preparing basic medicines, managing medical supplies, and occasionally accompanying the team to Rukongai for free medical consultations. In the eyes of others, this taciturn and conscientious young man was just an inconspicuous member among the hundreds of ordinary members of the Fourth Division.

However, only a very few people know what secrets are hidden behind this "ordinary team member".

"Ziyun, this is the list of medicinal herbs that need to be replenished today." Tazawa Kentarō — the Fifth Seat Fourth Division, and also Liu Ziyun's most trusted friend in the Seireitei —handed him a piece of paper with a gentle smile. "Captain Unohana specifically instructed that the quality of this batch of herbs is very high. Please check it carefully. Oh, and by the way, the key to the third warehouse."

Liu Ziyun took the list and keys, smiling and shaking his head, "Kentaro, you don't need to be so polite every time. We've known each other for so many years, why are you being so formal?"

"We still need to follow the proper procedures." Ta Ze blinked and lowered his voice. "Although I know your skills far exceed those of an ordinary team member, we still have to follow the rules in front of outsiders."

"By the way," Tadashi Kentaro glanced around to make sure no one was around, then lowered his voice even further, "At a recent exchange meeting with other teams, I heard that the Fifth Division has recently received a batch of graduates from the Shin'ō Academy. One of them is Sōsuke Aizen, who is said to be exceptionally talented, and Captain Hirako values him highly."

Liu Ziyun's hand, which was recording the list of medicinal herbs, paused almost imperceptibly for a moment.

"Aizen... Sousuke." He repeated the name, his voice calm and even. "The fact that the Fifth Division can recruit such talented individuals is a good thing for the Gotei 13."

Ta Ze carefully observed his friend's reaction. Years of friendship allowed him to perceive even the most subtle emotional changes in Liu Ziyun —although he appeared calm on the surface, he knew that the name had touched a sensitive nerve in Liu Ziyun.

"What's so special about this person?" Ta Ze asked tentatively.

Liu Ziyun remained silent for a moment before slowly speaking, "Kentaro, there are some things I can't say right now. But you can remember this name— Sōsuke Aizen. He will be an extraordinary figure in the future. Keep a proper distance and be wary of him."

Ta Ze's expression hardened. He knew Liu Ziyun and knew that the other party was not someone who made judgments easily. Such a reminder must have a deeper meaning.

"I understand." Taz nodded solemnly. "Is there anything I can do?"

"Not for now." Liu Ziyun head. "But... if you hear any news about him in the future, please let me know. Especially his performance in the Fifth Division, his relationship with Captain Hirako, and whether someone named Gin Ichimaru has appeared around him."

"Gin Ichimaru?" Tatsuzawa noted the name down. "Okay, I'll keep an eye out."

"Furthermore," Liu Ziyun down his pen and looked directly into Tazawa's eyes, "Kentaro, listen carefully to what I'm about to say. From today onwards, we need to be even more careful to maintain our distance in front of outsiders. You are still the Fifth Seat of the Fourth Division, and I am still an ordinary member. Our interactions must be more discreet, and we must not let anyone perceive the special relationship of trust between us."

Ta Ze frowned. "What happened?"

"Some storms are brewing." Liu Ziyun's voice was soft, yet carried a heavy weight. "And I don't want to drag you into it. You're my friend, and I don't want you to be in danger because of me."

"Ziyun-- " Ta Ze wanted to say something, but Liu Ziyun raised his hand to stop him.

"Let me finish." Liu Ziyun's expression was unusually serious. "I know what you want to say. But this time is different. What I'm about to do... is very dangerous. If it succeeds, it might change the fate of many people; if it fails, it could lead to unpredictable consequences. In any case, I can't let you get too involved."

Ta Ze remained silent for a long time, then finally sighed, "I understand. But remember—no matter what happens, I will always be your friend. If you need help, just ask."

"I know." Liu Ziyun smiled, a warm smile from the bottom of his heart, "That's why I dare to tell you all this."

After exchanging a few more words about everyday matters, Ta Ze left. As the Fifth Seat, he still had a lot of work to do.

Liu Ziyun watched his friend's departing figure, a complex mix of emotions welled up within him. Tazawa Kentarō was one of the few true friends he had in this era, and this friendship was invaluable. Precisely because of this, he was even more determined to protect him and prevent Tazawa from being implicated because of him.

[Sōsuke Aizen...] Liu Ziyun tidying up the list of medicinal herbs, locked the office door, and his mind was racing. [The first-stage boss has appeared. The greatest traitor in Soul Society in a thousand years, the master of Kyouka Suigetsu, the creator and pursuer of the Hōgyoku...]

[According to the original plan, he should have just joined the Fifth Division, his Reiatsu is probably at the Lieutenant level, but his actual combat strength far exceeds that of an ordinary Seated Officer. The Hōgyoku Project... the exact start time is unknown, but it should be after he becomes Lieutenant. The addition of Gin Ichimaru, the Hollowfication Experiments, the Hollowfication Incident involving Shinji Hirako and others...]

Liu Ziyun stopped in front of the warehouse door and took out a key from his waist. The click of the metal key into the lock was particularly clear in the quiet corridor.

[Shouldn't we take this opportunity to see what this 'most charismatic villain' really looks like?]

Once this thought arises, it can no longer be suppressed.

That night, the moon was hidden and the stars were few.

Liu Ziyun into a dark-colored casual outfit, his Reiatsu almost completely concealed. After years of training, his control over his Reiatsu had reached a level of perfection; even Captain-level sensory expert would find it difficult to detect his deliberate concealment from a distance.

He moved through the streets of Seireitei like a shadow, avoiding the patrols, and silently approached the Fifth Division Barracks.

The Fifth Division's barracks are located in the Seireitei, with an elegant and solemn architectural style. It is already late at night, and most of the members have already rested, with only a few on-duty members patrolling the courtyard.

Liu Ziyun crouched in the shadow of a rooftop, closed his eyes, and expanded his senses.

The Reiatsu spread like invisible ripples in the night. He could sense dozens of Reiatsu fluctuations within the Fifth Division Barracks — the Seated Officers ' were stronger, the ordinary soldiers' were weaker, and Captain-level Shinji Hirako's Reiatsu was as obvious as a lighthouse...

Then, he sensed it.

It was a Reiatsu as calm as a deep pool, seemingly gentle, but actually unfathomable. The intensity of the Reiatsu was indeed at the Lieutenant level, but the texture and density contained within it far exceeded what should be the level at this level. What was even more alarming was that this Reiatsu faintly revealed a peculiar "hollowness," as if something was being deliberately hidden.

[Kyouka Suigetsu...] Liu Ziyun thought warily, [Has it already begun? No, it shouldn't be fully under control yet. But that dangerous aura hidden beneath the calm... there's no doubt, it's him.]