Over the next few days, Liu Chuan quietly shuttled between the Kido Corps renovation site and the 4th Division dojo.
Until a formal invitation bearing the First Division's exclusive Spiritual Pressure seal was personally delivered to him.
When he opened it, the signature bore Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto's vigorous, domineering handwriting. Its contents were simple and clear: Zero Division's Lord Liu Chuan was specially invited to attend this year's graduation ceremony at Shin'ō Academy.
Liu Chuan pondered for a moment, and fragments of memory naturally surfaced.
Shin'ō Academy, the cradle where Soul Society trained Soul Reapers.
The annual graduation ceremony was indeed an important Gotei 13 tradition.
By custom, two captains would attend. One would inspect the graduates' qualifications, deliver a speech, and recruit suitable talent for their own division on the spot.
The other purpose was intimidation and encouragement. The two captains would engage in a brief demonstration spar.
It gave the fledglings a direct glimpse of captain-class "top-tier" strength. Particularly outstanding graduates were even permitted to challenge the accompanying vice-captains as the highest-honor practical assessment.
Ten years ago, he too had been one of the students below the stage. He had graduated first in his class before eventually joining the Kido Corps.
And now... his status had changed. He had become an invited "guest of honor" and "demonstrator."
As the focal figure who had recently stirred up the Seireitei, the Head Captain's move—
Was likely meant to use his unusual presence to give the young people about to join the divisions a different kind of impact.
Naturally, Liu Chuan accepted the invitation. Whether for public or personal reasons, this return to the academy held meaning. It was also a good opportunity to visit several of his former teachers.
Not long after, the First Division sent over the final arrangements.