Bleach: From the moment I was invited by Squad Zero

Captain-Commander Yamamoto's earth-shattering announcement shocked everyone.

But the captains, being at the pinnacle of Soul Society, quickly gleaned deeper logic and clues from this incredible information after the initial shock.

"Zero Squad trainee..."

The captain of the Eighth Division, Kyoraku Shunsui, repeated in a low voice, his fingertips tracing the edge of the karuta. His gaze, hidden beneath his straw hat, swept thoughtfully over Yanagawa, then glanced at Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni, whose expression remained unchanged in the main seat.

"Investigating the twin Zanpakuto... it does make sense for the Zero Division to take over."

His whispers seemed to awaken some of the captains.

Fourth Division Captain Retsu Unohana gently set down her teacup, her warm, spring-like smile unchanged, but a knowing glint flashed in her eyes:

"Indeed, if it involves an anomaly in the fundamental rules of a Zanpakuto, it would be most appropriate for the Zero Division to intervene. After all..."

She paused slightly, her voice soft yet clear, reaching everyone's ears, "That 'Sword God' is also in the Spirit King Palace."

"Sword God," Nimaiya Oetsu! One of the members of the Zero Squad, the legendary creator and forger of all Zanpakuto!

This name was like a key, instantly unlocking the mystery in the minds of some captains: "Why would the Zero Division be interested in this matter?"

The unprecedented phenomenon of "twins" appearing in Zanpakuto has touched upon the very foundation of the Zanpakuto system.

Logically, it is entirely reasonable for the Zero Division, as the founder, to take over this matter; in fact, it could be said to be their duty.

Having figured this out, many captains, such as Komamura Sajin, Ukitake Jushiro, and even the stern-faced Kuchiki Byakuya, quickly had their astonishment replaced by a solemn "I see" look.

Their reverence for the Zero Division and their understanding of its authority and responsibilities made them reluctantly accept the arrangement, although the fact that the executor was an unknown Kido sect member still made them feel extremely uncomfortable.

However, it was precisely this "sense of incongruity" that shifted the attention of the captains from "why the Zero Division intervened" to Yanagawa himself.

Who exactly is this young man who is about to enter the Spirit King's Palace and is given the power to investigate such a major event?

Just then, Gin Ichimaru, who had been silently observing with an unchanging foxy smile on his face, suddenly let out a "Ara" in his characteristic sticky tone, as if he had remembered something interesting.

"Liuchuan...Liuchuan..." He lightly tapped his forehead with his fingertip, as if deep in thought, his narrowed eyes curving into crescents.

"This name... I seem to vaguely remember it. It seems like many years ago, someone from the Shinigami Academy mentioned something like 'genius'? Their grades were frighteningly good, especially their theories on Kido... Isn't that right?"

He seemed to be talking to himself, yet also as if he were reminding everyone present.

After he mentioned it, the captains seemed to vaguely retrieve some information from the corners of their memories.

The best graduates of each year at the Shinigami Academy, especially those who are called "geniuses," will leave an impression on the captains of each division, and be considered as potential candidates for recruitment or attention in the future.

"Yanagawa..." Captain Shiba Isshin of the 10th Division stroked his chin, then exclaimed "Oh!" as if suddenly realizing something.

"I remember now! There was such a person! Their graduation grades were outstanding, almost perfect in the Demonic Path exam? But later..."

He frowned, trying to recall, "I don't think I joined the Gotei 13 later? Where did I go again?"

"Kido-shu." A clear, cold voice replied; it was Byakuya Kuchiki, the captain of the Sixth Division.

His voice was flat and emotionless, as if stating a trivial fact. "After graduation, I joined the Ghost Path Clan, and since then, I've rarely heard from them."

Byakuya Kuchiki's words, like the final piece of a puzzle, outlined a rough contour of Yanagawa's hazy past:

A genius graduate of the Shinigami Academy, with exceptional talent in Kido, she unexpectedly chose to stay away from the core of combat and focus on support and research in the Kido sect.

And then almost disappeared without a trace, until today, when it has re-entered the vision of the highest levels of Seireitei in such a shocking way.

"I see... that genius from back then."

Fourth Division Captain Retsu Unohana nodded slightly, her gaze towards Yanagawa now filled with understanding and appreciation.

Aizen Sousuke maintained that gentle and wise smile throughout, like a tolerant elder looking at an outstanding junior.

At this moment, he adjusted his glasses, smiled, and said, "Yanagawa-kun, congratulations on your promotion. If you need any assistance from the Fifth Division during this investigation, please feel free to ask."

Aizen did pay attention to Yanagawa back then, but unfortunately Yanagawa was too low-key, which is why he is still clueless about why Yanagawa was selected by the Zero Division.

His words were appropriate and tactful, expressing both congratulations and a cooperative attitude, perfectly in line with his usual image.

Liu Chuan nodded slightly to Aizen in response.

Regardless, his status as a "reserve member of the Zero Squad" and his explicit appointment as Captain-Commander have already provided him with an invisible, inviolable layer of protection in handling this incident.

"Then, this matter is settled." Captain-Commander Yamamoto concluded, his piercing gaze sweeping across the entire room.

After Captain-Commander Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni finished his announcement, he did not immediately adjourn the meeting.

His deep gaze fell on Liu Chuan, pausing for a moment, as if observing his reaction to such an honor and responsibility.

Liu Chuan calmly accepted the gaze, his posture impeccable, showing neither ecstasy nor fear, only a serene and focused concentration.

"The Sparrow Division," Captain-Commander Yamamoto said slowly.

"Yes." Chojiro Sasakibe, who had been standing by his side like a shadow, stepped forward in response.

He had somehow acquired a rectangular lacquer tray in his hand, crafted from a special spirit wood, its surface shimmering with a warm luster. On the tray lay a neatly folded garment.

It was a... white haori.

Zero Squad's uniform!

The symbolic meaning of this haori is even more direct and impactful than the verbal appointment made by Captain-Commander Yamamoto just now!

Chojiro Sasaki, carrying a lacquer tray, walked steadily to Yanagawa and stopped, then gently extended the tray forward.

Captain-Commander Yamamoto's aged yet deep voice rang out once more: "This is the uniform of the Zero Division, personally prepared by Lord Shutara Senjumaru, a member of the Zero Division, known as the 'Great Oriole Guardian'."

Originally, it was to be awarded upon formal induction at the Spirit King Palace. However, the matter of the "Twin Hyōrinmaru" is of great importance. Since you have been tasked with handling this matter and are acting on behalf of the Zero Division, you need a corresponding token and symbol.

Shutara Senjumaru! "Oori no Mori," a member of the Zero Division, in charge of the creation and weaving of "Shiha-so" and "Haori"!

Looking at the pure white haori in the lacquer tray, Liu Chuan understood.

Captain-Commander Yamamoto's move was to clear potential institutional obstacles for his next actions.

This haori is not much different in style from the regular captain's haori, except that the logo on the back has become the exclusive logo of the Zero Division.

However, he could sense that the feather robe contained an extremely complex and exquisite spiritual structure, and was by no means just a decoration.

Then, he slowly draped the Zero Division haori over his shihaka.

A white haori, a black shihaka, a tall and slender figure, and calm, unwavering eyes.

At this moment, Liu Chuan stood before all the captains of the Gotei 13, completely transformed.

He was no longer just a member of the Kido Cult, nor just a former genius graduate of the Shinigami Academy.

He is a reserve member of the Zero Squad and a special envoy under the watchful eye of the Spirit King Palace, holding the authority to investigate the "Twin Hyōrinmaru" incident.

"Well then," Captain-Commander Yamamoto finally spoke in a deep voice, breaking the heavy silence, "this matter is settled. Meeting adjourned."