Bleach: From the moment I was invited by Squad Zero

Deep within the Spirit King's Palace, in a special meeting space.

There are no fixed tables and chairs here, only a few floating platforms made of pure energy.

The five members of Squad Zero are gathered here at this moment.

Hyosube Ichibei sat cross-legged on the main platform and told the other four people in detail about Yanagawa's refusal to use the power of the Spirit King to reshape his body and his unwillingness to become the "King Key".

The atmosphere became somewhat stagnant for a moment, with only the faint humming sound emanating from the surrounding fragments of rules flowing around.

"Hahaha!" The first to break the silence was Nimaiya Oetsu. He was still wearing that uniquely styled short jacket, and his eyes behind his sunglasses seemed to light up for a moment. He slapped his thigh hard, letting out a loud laugh.

"As expected! No wonder he thought of using his Transcendental Body to directly 'chat' with Hyōrinmaru! His thinking is truly different from ordinary people! Refusing the Spirit King's power? The Spirit King's choice this time is indeed extraordinary!"

He showed no dissatisfaction with Yanagawa's "unorthodox" ways; on the contrary, he showed great interest and appreciation.

"Indeed...unexpected."

Shutara Senjumaru's cool voice rang out. She sat on the other side of the platform, her body shrouded in a pale halo that seemed to be woven from bones and threads. Her voice carried a rational detachment.

"However, from a rational perspective, his choice not to become the 'King Key' may not be a bad thing, especially considering that his main area of ​​activity in the future will be the Soul Society, rather than the Soul King Palace."

Her slender, pale fingers gently brushed over a drooping strand of silk, continuing her calm analysis:

"The fact that 'Wang Jian's' body is deeply bound to the Spirit King Palace certainly brings convenience and power, but it also means that he himself has become a clear 'coordinate' and 'channel' connected to the Spirit King Palace."

"If he stays in the Spirit King Palace, there will be no problem. But if he stays in the Soul Society for a long time... there is a chance that some villains might use special means to try to locate, interfere with, or even infiltrate the Spirit King Palace through him."

"Although the possibility is extremely low, we must still take precautions."

Her analysis, based purely on pros and cons and risks, without personal feelings, hits the nail on the head.

Liu Chuan's unusual location amplifies the potential security risks posed by "Wang Jian's" identity.

"Hmph, whether he becomes Wang Jian or not is his own choice."

Kirinji Tenjiro stood on his platform, arms crossed. He was tall, with an impatient expression but sharp eyes.

"But he will eventually have to walk that path. Indeed, what Lao Tzu meant was 'not entering the path of enlightenment'!"

He looked at Hyosube Ichibei, his tone resolute:

"Every member of the Zero Division, regardless of their previous status or power, must walk the 'Path of No Entry' alone before they are officially recognized and can fulfill their duties."

"Break through your own limits on that path, truly touch and adapt to the rules and pressures of the Spirit King Palace. This is an ironclad rule, a trial, and also... a baptism."

"Without walking the Path of No Entry, even if the Spirit King personally appoints him, he cannot be considered a true member of the Zero Division! His strength and character must be proven on that path!"

"The Path of No Entry"... The final trial that all members of Squad Zero must undergo. Its danger and difficulty far exceed ordinary people's imagination, and it is the key to selection and sublimation.

Upon hearing this, Kiryuki's face showed obvious worry.

"Tenjiro is right, not entering the path of meditation is an inevitable path."

"But... back then, we all barely withstood the pressure on that path and finally broke through after our bodies were reshaped by the power of the Spirit King and we received a fundamental improvement."

"Yanagawa... he refused the power of the Soul King, relying solely on his current Shinigami body and his own strength... can he really complete that path?"

"What if we can't hold on halfway, get torn apart by the turbulent rules there, or our souls collapse under the pressure..."

She didn't finish her sentence. In her view, the reshaping by the power of the Spirit King was an important guarantee for safely passing through the Path of Non-Entry.

By abandoning his insurance, Liu Chuan is essentially putting himself at great and unnecessary risk.

Hyobu Ichibei listened quietly to the opinions of his four colleagues.

Nimaiya Oetsu's appreciation and interest, Shutara Senjumaru's rational risk analysis, Kirinji Tenjiro's adherence to principles, and Hikifune Kiryu's concerns about safety.

Each viewpoint has its own merits, and they all analyze the potential impact and problems of Yanagawa as a "special case" from different angles.

He remained silent for a moment, his wise eyes gleaming as if he were weighing endless possibilities.

Finally, he spoke slowly, his voice loud and steady, carrying an undeniable determination:

"In that case, let's do as he says."

"Since that kid Liuchuan firmly believes in his own power, we will respect his choice. The matter of reshaping his body with the power of the Spirit King can be cancelled. He doesn't have to become 'King Key'."

Upon hearing this, the members reacted with varying expressions, but none of them voiced their opposition.

Hyosube Ichibei continued, his tone becoming more forceful:

"However, Kirinji is absolutely right. The trial of 'not entering the path of enlightenment' is an ironclad rule for members of the Zero Division, and it is the final test to verify their strength, character, and qualifications."

"He must pass this hurdle, and he absolutely must succeed."

His gaze swept over the crowd, finally settling on Kiryu Hikifune and Tenjiro Kirinji:

"Since he has given up the 'shortcut' and 'guarantee' of the power of the Spirit King and chosen to rely on himself, then before embarking on the path of non-entry into the realm of enlightenment, he needs to be in the best possible condition to face this trial."

"Yizhou, Kirin Temple." Ichibei, the commander of the army, called by name.

"Yes," the two replied.

"Before Yanagawa officially challenges the 'No-Entry Path,' the two of you will be responsible for 'taking care of' him."

Hyonbu Ichibei's choice of words was subtle: "Yakifune, the support work is now in your hands."

"Understood, I will do my best," Kiryu replied solemnly.

"Kirin-ji Temple," Hyosube Ichibei said, looking at Tenjiro.

"With your 'Spring Demon' abilities, use your 'White Bone Hell Hot Spring' and healing techniques to cleanse his spiritual channels, temper his physique, and unleash his potential, ensuring that his body and spiritual pressure are at their peak."

"Since he believes in his own strength, then let him hone his strength to the fullest extent possible."

"Hmph, leave it to me. I'll make sure to thoroughly 'clean' him inside and out, squeezing out every last drop of his potential!"

Kirinji Tenjiro licked his lips, as if he couldn't wait to throw Yanagawa into his hot spring and "cook" him up.

"As for not entering the path of meditation itself..." Hyosube Ichibei's gaze deepened.

"That will be the ultimate test of his 'confidence.' If he can make his way through that path on his own and break through the limits of death, then his unwillingness to become Wang Jian will no longer be a weakness."

"If he fails..." He didn't finish his sentence, but the meaning was clear.

Failure means insufficient strength and mental fortitude; it may result in serious injury, irreparable damage, or even... worse.

At that time, not only will the Zero Division have no place to stand, but its "confidence" will also become a laughing stock.

"Alright, the decision has been made," Hyosube Ichibei concluded.

"Yes!" everyone responded in unison.