Unusual Kido Corps

In the Seireitei, the Kido Corps' area had originally been relatively secluded and quiet, but now faintly echoed with commotion and Spiritual Pressure fluctuations on a greater scale than usual.

When Liu Chuan led Ashido and Starrk through the gates covered in defensive Kido runes, the sight before them made him pause slightly.

The number of young Soul Reapers dressed in brand-new Soul Reaper Robes had clearly increased considerably.

Some headed toward the expanded training grounds in groups of three or five, while others hurried through the corridors carrying thick Kido tomes.

Besides the familiar, subtle Spirit Particle fluctuations left behind by various Kido experiments, the air now carried an abundance of youthful vitality.

Some previously unused squad buildings had been refurbished, while brand-new structures could be seen rising farther away. Clearly, emergency expansion had been undertaken to accommodate the surge in personnel.

"Liu Chuan! You bastard, you finally came back!"

A booming voice filled with hearty laughter rang out, powerful enough to instantly drown out the nearby noise.

Liu Chuan turned and saw a solidly built, broad-faced middle-aged seated officer striding toward him.

It was Shigeyoshi Tōyama, the senior veteran from the squad Liu Chuan had belonged to when he first joined the Kido Corps.

"Senior Tōyama." A genuine smile appeared on Liu Chuan's face. "It has been a long time. You are as impressive as ever."

"Cut that out. You're a big shot in the Zero Division now."

Shigeyoshi Tōyama laughed heartily and gave Liu Chuan's shoulder a heavy slap with his fan-sized palm, using no small amount of force and plainly showing his affection.

His gaze then fell on Ashido and Starrk behind Liu Chuan. When he sensed Ashido's sharp aura, tempered through life-and-death struggles in Hueco Mundo,

as well as Starrk's vast Spiritual Pressure, unfathomably deep