Getting Some Gear for Future Schemes (3)

Three months have passed in the blink of an eye.

On this day, Yoruichi Shihōin once again visited the Fourth Division.

Without giving prior notice, she appeared directly in Unohana's Captain's Office, just like last time. When Liu Ziyun was called over, she had already been sitting there for a while, chatting casually with Unohana.

"Liu Ziyun, your things are ready." Yoruichi Shihōin took out a neatly folded black package from her bosom and handed it to Liu Ziyun.

Liu Ziyun the package, opened it, and found a pitch-black cloak inside. The cloak's fabric looked ordinary, but it had a peculiar texture to the touch—soft yet tough, light yet heavy. Even more amazingly, when he infused the cloak with his Reiatsu, faint silver patterns appeared on the surface of the fabric. These patterns flowed like living things, eventually forming a complex array of Kidō arts.

"This is..." Liu Ziyun carefully examined the cloak's structure, "Multi-layered Reishi shielding, a composite Kidō array, and... a spatial distortion effect? Mr. Urahara is indeed impressive; he managed to integrate so many complex technologies into a single cloak."

A hint of surprise flashed across Yoruichi Shihōin: "You can actually see so much? It seems your understanding of Kidō and Reishi Technology is quite impressive."

Liu Ziyun smiled, offered no explanation, and simply put on the cloak. The cloak fit perfectly, and when he pulled the hood up, he was completely enveloped in darkness.

Then, he activated the cloak's concealment function.

In an instant, Liu Ziyun's presence vanished.

It wasn't that he had weakened, nor that he had hidden himself; it was that he had truly "disappeared." Unohana and Yoruichi Shihōin simultaneously sensed that Liu Ziyun was as if he had merged into the air. Not only was his Reiatsu completely imperceptible, but even his presence had become extremely faint. If they hadn't seen him standing there with their own eyes, they would have even doubted that there was anyone there at all.

"Captain, can you sense my Reiatsu?" Liu Ziyun's voice came from under the cloak, tinged with a hint of smugness.

Unohana carefully sensed it for a moment, then slowly shook her head. "Indeed, I can't sense even a trace of Reiatsu. Not only Reiatsu, but even your life force has become extremely weak. The effect of this cloak... exceeds expectations."

Yoruichi Shihōin nodded in agreement. "Kisuke may be unreliable most of the time, but the things he makes are undeniably amazing. He said this cloak can block the Reiatsu perception of those below the Captain-level, and even Captain-level would have a hard time detecting it unless they were deliberately and carefully investigating."

Liu Ziyun unfastened his cloak, revealing a satisfied smile, "Let's try again tonight to see if we can see his figure. We'll be relying on this treasure for causing trouble in the future, otherwise, if we get caught red-handed, we'll be targeted."

Unohana frowned. "What are you up to?"

"Uh... that's just what I said," Liu Ziyun quickly explained, "The main purpose is to rescue people, but we can't reveal our whereabouts and let the 'BOSSes' find out. After all, it's not time for them to know about me yet."

Yoruichi Shihōin looked at him curiously. "If you want to save someone, you can just tell us directly. Why are you being so secretive? Is there someone in Seireitei that we can't protect?"

Liu Ziyun head. "No, if you get involved, all my efforts will be wasted. Some things must be done by specific people at specific times in specific ways. Premature intervention or changing the method could lead to unpredictable consequences."

He changed the subject again, carefully examining the cloak. "Mr. Urahara's work is indeed of high quality. But... there aren't any surveillance devices installed, are there? It wouldn't matter if they were, as long as they don't expose me."

Yoruichi Shihōin rolled her eyes at him. "I don't know anything about surveillance, but we can still keep your information confidential. Kisuke may like to pull some tricks, but he can still distinguish right from wrong when it comes to important matters."

"That's good." Liu Ziyun carefully folded the cloak and put it into his pocket, then looked at Yoruichi Shihōin, "By the way, Captain Yoruichi, there's one more thing I need to tell you in advance."

"What's up?"

"If you and Mr. Urahara go to the World of the Living in the future, I might come looking for you." Liu Ziyun's tone became serious. "Don't turn me away then. In exchange, when you secretly return to Soul Society, you can come to me for help, and I can keep it a secret."

Yoruichi Shihōin's eyes immediately sharpened. "Why did we go to the World of the Living? And why did we sneak back? What exactly is going to happen?"

Liu Ziyun smiled wryly, "I can't say that. If you don't believe me, you can ask Urahara Captain Unohana. This is all I can say—please continue living and working the way you want, and don't try to change anything because of what I said today. When we meet in the World of the Living, I will explain everything to you."

Yoruichi Shihōin stared at him for a long time, seemingly trying to find the answer in his face. But Liu Ziyun's expression remained calm, and his empty eyes showed no emotion whatsoever.

Finally, Yoruichi Shihōin sighed, "Do you have to be so mysterious... Fine, I won't ask anymore. But if you don't explain yourself clearly later, I might leave you in the World of the Living and not let you come back."

Liu Ziyun smiled, "No problem. Also, please remember—from now on, have nothing to do with me anymore. After today's meeting, pretend none of this ever happened. Once you've arrived in the World of the Living, I will personally go and explain everything to you."

Yoruichi Shihōin nodded. "Alright, then I'll head back now. See you in the World of the Living later... bye-bye, mysterious guy."

She stood up, nodded to Unohana, then opened the door and disappeared again at the end of the corridor.

After the door closed, Unohana looked at Liu Ziyun: "Are you really sure they'll go to the World of the Living? And that they'll 'sneak back'?"

Liu Ziyun didn't answer directly, but looked at the Black Cloak in his hand and said softly, "Captain, some things are better left unknown. You'll understand everything in time. Right now... all I need is this cloak and this knife."

He gripped the Life-Taker Tulu at his waist, a resolute glint in his eyes.

His Silent Blade has finally gained the ability to operate in the shadows.

Next, it's just a matter of waiting for the right opportunity.