As the group drew within the final stretch of the Spirit King Palace's core area, the high concentration of spirit particles in the air suddenly became active.
This phenomenon meant that at least a Soul Reaper with First Seat Spiritual Power was waiting ahead, enough to draw the spirit particles in the air into instinctive resonance.
Otherwise, Soul Reapers below Lieutenant Captain level would be utterly incapable of affecting the spirit-particle environment within the Spirit King Palace.
Sure enough, the instant Harry stepped onto the central stairs of the spirit-particle forest, five sharp bursts of spiritual pressure suddenly erupted from deep within the forest. Like unsheathed blades, they instantly locked onto him.
The next second, five figures leaped from the shadows of the spirit-particle trees and landed steadily on either side of the stairs.
The five figures stood not far from Harry, the Zero insignias embroidered on their hems glinting with a dark golden sheen beneath the light.
They were the Spirit King Palace's exclusive guard force, Zero Division!
Legend had it that Zero Division even possessed the power to suppress the Thirteen Court Guard Squads!
Kirio Hikifune, at the head of Zero Division, folded her arms. Beneath her fluffy pink hair, her eyes were as sharp as an eagle's as she said coldly, "Outsider, stop. This is forbidden ground within the Spirit King Palace. None but an Oken holder may enter."
Her voice was not loud, yet the surrounding atmosphere instantly fell silent.
Shunsui Kyoraku idly hooked a finger around the tie of his haori, a faint smile spreading through his half-lidded eyes. "No need to be hasty, Miss Hikifune. We're not here to storm the Spirit King Palace."
His gaze returned to Harry, and his smile deepened. "Captain Potter wishes to become the new Spirit King. We merely