Bleach: From the moment I was invited by Squad Zero

Just as Yanagawa had calmed Hinamori Momo down and was about to discuss the next steps with Renji, Hinamori Momo, and the others, a slightly abrupt yet hearty laugh, accompanied by the appearance of a tall figure, broke the tense atmosphere in the small group.

"Oh dear, it seems I've arrived just in time!"

Everyone looked in the direction of the sound and saw that the captain of the 10th Division, Shiba Isshin, had silently circled around to their vicinity at some point.

He wore his signature, slightly mischievous, cheerful smile, but his movements were a bit furtive. He first peeked around to make sure the other captains who had left earlier were far away before striding over to Liu Chuan.

"Captain Shiba?" Yanagawa was slightly surprised, but his expression remained calm.

Renji Abarai, Momo Hinamori, and the others quickly bowed, wondering why their captain had returned.

"Don't be so formal, Brother Liuchuan."

Shiba Isshin chuckled and scratched his slightly messy black short hair.

"I heard everything in the meeting!" he said readily, then immediately got to the point, lowering his voice and speaking with a mix of familiarity and urgency, as if it were his own business.

"That Toshiro Hitsugaya, he's one of the main characters in this incident, that white-haired genius kid. He actually agreed to join my 10th Division after graduation! I even secretly prepared a draft of his application! He's someone I have high hopes for, a future asset!"

He paused, glanced around at Renji, Hinamori Momo, and the others present, then looked at Yanagawa. The smile on his face faded slightly, replaced by the concern and responsibility a captain would show to a reserve member:

"So you see, he's not just your old classmate's childhood sweetheart; in a way, he's also a member of my Tenth Division. If something happens to him, I, as the designated captain, can't just stand by and watch, can I?"

This reason is reasonable, even quite straightforward.

He not only clarified his connection with Toshiro Hitsugaya, but also pointed out the legitimacy of his involvement.

"So—" Shiba Isshin clasped his hands together again, waved them at Yanagawa, and put on that cheerful smile that made it impossible for anyone to get angry.

"Lord Yanagawa, could you count me in for this operation? Don't let my current appearance fool you. Although the Shiba family has declined, it's still a branch family of one of the five great noble families. As the head of this branch family, I still have some influence in Seireitei. I might be able to help with some inquiries and smoothing things over! Besides, I'm not bad at fighting!"

He patted the Zanpakuto at his waist, brimming with confidence.

Although his words sound like boasting, considering his position as the captain of the 10th Division and the background of the Shiba family, it was not an exaggeration.

Even though the Shiba family is not as prominent as the Kuchiki or Shihōin families, its ancient aristocratic heritage and extensive network of connections can indeed play an unexpected role at certain times.

More importantly, Shiba Isshin, who seems carefree, is actually meticulous despite his rough exterior. He is generous and righteous, and is well-liked in the Gotei 13. His joining will undoubtedly bring many benefits.

Liu Chuan looked at the captain in front of him who was very informal and directly stated his purpose.

Shiba Isshin's personality was indeed different from many of the Grim Reapers he had met. He had less of the aristocratic affectation and the airs of a captain, and more of the straightforwardness and enthusiasm of a江湖 (jianghu, a term referring to the world of martial arts and chivalry).

This kind of personality is exactly what Liu Chuan doesn't dislike. It's not that he dislikes socializing, but he just hates hypocrisy and tedium.

Shiba's straightforwardness actually makes people feel relaxed.

Moreover, as Shiba Isshin said, he can indeed provide considerable assistance.

The official assistance of a current captain carries far more weight than that of several adjutants and officers, especially when dealing with other squads or even subordinate agencies of the Central 46.

The Shiba family's background can also provide shelter or access to information on certain levels.

Yanagawa barely considered the implications. He needed help anyway, and Shiba had offered himself up, possessing the necessary strength, status, and motives, and his personality suited him perfectly. There was no reason for him to refuse.

"Captain Shiba, you flatter me," Yanagawa said calmly.

"Since Toshiro Hitsugaya has a pact with the 10th Division, it's only natural that the captain is concerned about this matter. With the captain's help, this operation should go much more smoothly."

"Haha! That's great! That's satisfying!" Shiba Isshin slapped Yanagawa on the shoulder hard, grinning from ear to ear.

"I knew you weren't that rigid! I like that kid Xiaobai too, I'm glad he can be of help! Don't call me captain anymore, it's too formal, just call me Yixin!"

He casually put his arm around Yanagawa's shoulder, then winked at Hinamori Momo, Renji, and the others who were still a little dazed:

"And you little rascals, don't worry, with me and Brother Liuchuan here, we'll definitely get your little ones out safe and sound!"

Shiba Isshin's arrival was like a warm current, instantly dispelling the heaviness and unease brought about by the dramatic change in Yanagawa's identity and the events themselves.

His optimistic and bold aura inspired everyone present.

After watching Renji, Hinamori Momo, and the others leave, only Yanagawa and Shiba Isshin remained at the scene.

"Well then," Yanagawa looked at Shiba Isshin and cut straight to the point.

"As planned, we will first meet with the two parties involved. Hitsugaya Toshiro and Kusakabe Sojiro should be detained separately in the Central 46 Room."

Upon hearing this, Shiba Isshin's cheerful smile faded slightly. He stroked his chin and nodded, saying:

"Yeah, as soon as the 'Twin Hyōrinmaru' thing came out, the True Central 46 took over and carried out 'protective' detention and interrogation, which is standard procedure. Tsk, calling it protection is almost like being in jail."

He paused, looked at Yanagawa, his expression becoming somewhat subtle, and began to introduce the information about this highest judicial body in Soul Society, his tone carrying an undisguised sense of sarcasm:

"Central Chamber 46 consists of forty 'Sages' and six 'Judges.' Those guys... well, they're not easy to deal with."

"Each of them prides themselves on being the embodiment of the wisdom and law of Soul Society, looking down on everyone else and incredibly arrogant."

"Besides those outdated rules and the so-called stability of the overall situation, there's probably nothing else on his mind."

"Spending all day in a dark underground council chamber, deciding other people's fates based on mountains of files and assumptions."

He pursed his lips and continued, "However, Yanagawa, you're different this time. You're here representing Squad Zero."

He pointed to Liuchuan's white haori, "It's the biggest pass and talisman. No matter how arrogant those old fogies are, as long as they're not completely senile, they would never dare to openly obstruct or defy the will of the Spirit King Palace. They don't have the guts for a direct confrontation."

"However," Shiba Isshin changed the subject, a glint of shrewdness and disdain flashing in his one eye.

"They're good at pulling strings behind the scenes, being outwardly compliant but inwardly defiant, creating obstacles in procedures, or concealing key information... these are their specialties."

"Those people value their authority and that rigid set of procedures above all else."

"I bet if the Zero Division hadn't explicitly intervened this time, putting pressure on them, given their usual style, they probably would have already conducted a private assessment and quietly made some kind of compliant but not necessarily fair decision."

His analysis was incisive, clearly dissecting the nature of Central 46, possible coping strategies, and the hidden obstacles that Yanagawa might face on his trip.

Liuchuan listened quietly; what Shiba Isshin said was basically in line with his previous speculation.

The Zero Division's identity is like a tiger's skin, capable of intimidating on the surface, but unable to eliminate undercurrents.

Those sages and judges who control the interpretation of the laws of Soul Society and have some power over life and death have become extremely arrogant due to their lust for power and their high status.

Although Liuchuan represents the Zero Division, he is far too young, and those old guys might try something underhanded.

"A game of power and rules..." Yanagawa muttered to himself.

"I understand, thank you for reminding me, Captain Yixin."

"Don't mention it!" Shiba waved his hand, reverting to his usual hearty manner.

"We're on the same side now! Come on, I'll lead the way! Let's go meet those arrogant old fogies!"