Bleach: From the moment I was invited by Squad Zero

After leaving the 13th Division barracks, Yanagawa's conversation with Jushiro Ukitake, which touched upon the secrets of the world's origin, left him with a heavy heart.

The "stillness" power in the Soul King's right arm, the coexistence of destiny and shackles in Ukitake's life, the uncertainty of the future and the possibility of sacrifice...

As Liu Chuan walked back to the Ghost Path Clan's encampment, his mind was in turmoil.

With his current abilities, he cannot find a safe way to help Ukitake.

That force of "stillness" was already deeply intertwined with the life of the bamboo; forcibly intervening would be extremely risky.

Perhaps only when his control over magic reaches a higher level will he be able to find a safe point of intervention.

"The road ahead is still long," Liu Chuan murmured to himself.

Returning to the Kidoshu's residence in a relatively secluded area of ​​Seireitei, the familiar buildings and spiritual atmosphere made Yanagawa feel a little more relaxed.

Pushing open the door engraved with demonic runes, I stepped into the slightly dim, yet familiar, corridor.

"Yanagawa? Yanagawa is back?!"

"It really is him!"

"Yanagawa-kun! You're back?!"

Several members of the Ghost Path Sect who were organizing files or adjusting experimental equipment looked up at the sound and were taken aback when they saw Liu Chuan walking in. Then, their faces showed surprise and curiosity.

They were all Liuchuan's colleagues over the past ten years, although Liuchuan was introverted and did not communicate with others frequently.

However, his solid foundation in demonic arts and his occasional ingenious ideas for improvement still earned him the respect and goodwill of many people.

"Everyone, it's been a long time." Liu Chuan nodded slightly to several familiar faces.

Returning to a familiar environment and seeing familiar people always brings a sense of peace.

"Yanagawa-kun, what brings you back this time...?"

An older member of the Kido sect, who had previously worked with Yanagawa, put down his work, stepped forward, and spoke with a questioning tone, but more so with concern.

They all knew that Yanagawa had been chosen by the Zero Division and that he had gone to the Spirit King Palace, but his return so quickly was truly unexpected.

"I might be stationed permanently in Seireitei from now on," Yanagawa explained simply, without revealing any further details.

"A permanent posting? That's great!" Upon hearing this, the smiles on the faces of several colleagues widened even further.

Although Yanagawa's current status is different, it is undoubtedly a good thing for the Kido Cult to have a member of the Zero Division who comes from the Kido Cult "permanently" residing in the Seireitei.

After all, the Kido Clan had been in a slump, with only a handful of members, making them essentially the lowest-ranking Shinigami in the Seireitei.

With Yanagawa, a member of the Zero Division, now in charge, it's time for the Kidoshu members to finally have a chance to shine.

They wisely refrained from pressing for details about the Zero Division or the Spirit King Palace, and simply exchanged a few warm greetings.

Liu Chuan declined the other arrangements, saying he would handle it himself, and returned to his residence.

The interior furnishings remained the same, covered with a thin layer of dust. He cleaned it up briefly, then stood by the window, gazing at the Seireitei, which was gradually being enveloped by nightfall.

However, what Yanagawa was unaware of was that news of his return to the Seireitei was spreading far faster than he had imagined, eventually reaching the very core and darkest corner of Soul Society's power—

Central Room 46.

A huge, spacious underground council hall.

Forty "Sages" and "Inquisitors," dressed in magnificent robes and representing the highest wisdom and power in Soul Society, sat solemnly around the circular council seat.

The air was thick with a sense of oppression, and a barely perceptible hint of... annoyance.

At the heart of the issue was Yanagawa, who had just returned to Seireitei, and his special identity—a member of the Zero Division.

"Bang!"

A sage slammed his hand heavily on the jade table in front of him, making a dull thud.

He was the one who was suppressed to the ground and lost face by Yanagawa, who was in the Zero Division and had strong spiritual pressure during the "Twin Hyōrinmaru" incident.

His face was ashen, his eyes burning with humiliation and rage, and his voice was shrill with agitation:

"What does Zero Squad mean?! As royal agents, their duty is to guard the Spirit King's Palace and serve the Spirit King!"

Since ancient times, members of the Zero Division have rarely set foot in the Soul Society unless they have a special mission!

Now, this Liu Chuan, having just been promoted, has swaggered back, claiming to be a 'permanent resident'?!

Where does this place the authority of my Central 46?! Where does it place the order of Soul Society?!

He suffered a great loss in front of Liu Chuan last time, not only losing all his prestige but also being secretly ridiculed by his colleagues afterwards, and he already hated Liu Chuan to the core.

Seize the opportunity now and strike first.

"That's right! That makes sense!" The judge, equally dissatisfied with Yanagawa's disregard for the orders of Chamber 46, immediately echoed, his tone cold.

"During the Hyōrinmaru incident last time, he used his status as a member of the Zero Division to forcibly intervene and force us to change our decision. It's outrageous!"

Now, without prior notice, they have returned and are staying for an extended period! Even though the Zero Squad holds a superior position, they must still abide by basic rules and etiquette!

Such behavior is nothing short of the greatest provocation and contempt for my 46th Chamber!

"Exactly! The Soul Society operates according to its own laws and rules! The Zero Division exists to protect the Soul King and the balance of the three realms, not to interfere with our governance or disrupt the established order!"

Complaints, doubts, and angry voices rose and fell, echoing in the empty hall.

Clearly, in the previous "Twin Hyōrinmaru" incident, Yanagawa slapped the face of the 46th Chamber in an almost tyrannical manner, forcibly saving Hitsugaya Toshirō and Kusakabe Sōjirō, and ultimately revealing the truth of the incident.

This had already severely damaged the dignity of these wise men and judges who were used to being high above and giving orders.

Liuchuan's "unconventional" return has reignited their pent-up anger and unease.

The Central 46, which they represent, is nominally the highest judicial and decision-making body in Soul Society. Even Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni, the captain of the Gotei 13, must obey them in most matters.

Throughout the ages, has there ever been an existence that disregards them and even manages to suppress them?

Liuchuan's appearance was like a thorn, deeply embedded in their inviolable authority and sense of superiority.

Although they were well aware of the Zero Division's superior status and knew that directly attacking the members of the Zero Division was extremely risky.

But Yanagawa's "youth," "inexperience," "unconventionality," and his "unorthodox" return gave them an excellent excuse to vent their dissatisfaction and try to re-establish their "authority."

Amidst numerous complaints and suspicions, the meeting's theme gradually slid towards a core issue—

The Soul Society cannot tolerate such a powerful figure!

Especially since this person is so young and so unpredictable.

"We must find a way to restrain him!"

"At the very least, we need to make him understand who's in charge in Soul Society!"

"In Soul Society, you must abide by its rules!"