Bleach: From the moment I was invited by Squad Zero

Bipolar Hill.

This is a very special place within the Seireitei, and it is rarely used.

A solitary, steep stone mountain, as if cleaved by a giant axe, rises abruptly from the ground. Its summit is flat and open, barren of vegetation, with only the ancient instrument of torture—the Bipolar—standing in the center.

It consists of two parts: one side is a base that is bound and fixed by countless black chains, and from the center of the base extends a straight spear that is tens of meters long, with the tip pointing straight to the sky.

On the other side was a tall rack.

This is the manifestation of the most cruel form of torture in Soul Society.

When fully unleashed, the spear will transform into the legendary giant bird "Destroyer King," carrying destructive energy said to be equivalent to the combined power of a million Zanpakuto, piercing through the sinner and completely erasing their existence from the soul level.

Today, this hill, usually sealed off by a barrier and rarely visited by people, has gathered almost all of the Seireitei's high-ranking combat forces.

Members of the covert mobile unit formed several tight security lines, prohibiting any unauthorized personnel from approaching.

The team leaders stood scattered around the mountainside and the summit platform.

The energy released during the Bipolar Liberation is so terrifying that even with special barriers to limit it, the aftershocks could still damage the Seireitei.

Therefore, it is necessary for all the captains to be present, using their powerful spiritual pressure to form a joint defense and ensure that the execution process is foolproof.

Captain-Commander Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni stood alone on a protruding rock closest to the two poles, his eyes slightly closed and his hands resting on an ancient-looking cane.

It seemed to blend into its surroundings, but the spiritual pressure, like a molten core, subtly enveloped the entire hill, becoming the most stable "stabilizing force".

Liu Chuan also stood on the edge of the mountaintop platform, not as a protector, but as a witness as a party involved in the case.

At the same time, he was indeed curious about the legendary "Shuangji" and its "Destroyer King," which was said to have the destructive power of a million Zanpakuto.

Not far from him stood Retsu Unohana, the captain of the Fourth Division.

This female captain, renowned in the Soul Society for her gentleness, tranquility, and superb medical skills, wore her usual warm and gentle smile.

Gazing quietly into the distance, it was as if what was about to happen was not a cruel execution, but an ordinary ceremony.

"Captain Unohana." Yanagawa withdrew his gaze from Sōkiku and turned to the woman beside him, taking the initiative to speak.

His voice was calm, with a hint of casual conversation.

"Yanagawa-kun." Unohana Retsu turned her head and smiled gently at Yanagawa, her smile warm and her eyes clear.

"It's quite a rare occasion to see the Zero Division Commander today."

"After all, they're involved, so I came to take a look," Yanagawa said. He paused, his gaze lingering on Unohana Retsu for a moment, as if casually mentioning it.

"Speaking of which, I've heard some seniors mention that Captain Unohana was... the first Kenpachi of the Gotei 13?"

Upon hearing this, the ears of the surrounding team leaders seemed to twitch slightly, but no one turned their heads, maintaining their respective postures.

Retsu Unohana's smile remained unchanged, still gentle and serene. She nodded slightly, her tone carrying a hint of wistful reminiscence:

"That was all a long time ago, old news, not worth mentioning. Now, I'm just the captain of the Fourth Division, an ordinary healer."

"An ordinary doctor?" Liu Chuan raised an eyebrow slightly.

He had heard about Unohana Retsu's past from Kirinji Tenjiro, and knew about the seemingly frail woman before him.

He was once the first Kenpachi, who stood at the pinnacle of swordsmanship in Soul Society, was known as the master of the "Yachiru" style, and enjoyed fighting and killing.

This extreme contrast is itself full of storytelling potential.

"When we were at the Rei-o Palace, Kirinji Tenjiro-senpai also mentioned you."

Yanagawa continued, his gaze calmly fixed on Unohana Retsu.

"He praised your talent for healing, but he was also somewhat curious... Why did you, as the first Kenpachi, choose to put down your Zanpakuto and instead focus on healing and medicine?"

This is a rather sensitive and profound question, almost touching on the core of Unohana Retsu's transformation.

Unohana Retsu stared at Yanagawa for a few seconds. In the depths of those eyes, which were always filled with gentleness, a faint, extremely deep light seemed to flash by, so quickly that it seemed like an illusion.

Then, her smile deepened, taking on a mysterious and enigmatic quality. She raised a slender index finger and gently pressed it to her lips, making a "shush" gesture.

"It's a secret, Yanagawa-kun."

She didn't explain, but simply brushed the question aside with a slightly playful gesture and a vague answer.

That composure and mystery seemed incongruous with her gentle appearance.

Liu Chuan didn't press further, but simply nodded to indicate his understanding.

Everyone has their own past and choices, and if the other person doesn't want to talk about it, he naturally respects that.

However, this topic reminded him of something else.

He looked down and glanced at the "Tianzhen" sword hanging from his waist.

This Zanpakuto has been with him for a long time. In his previous battles, he relied more on Kido (the way of the devil) and spent very little time training in the "Kendo" (the way of the sword) of the Zanpakuto itself.

This has resulted in his current level of swordsmanship being merely "mediocre," or even a weakness.

And standing before him was the first Kenpachi, who once claimed to have mastered all the schools of swordsmanship and reached the pinnacle of swordsmanship.

Although the other party has now transitioned into a doctor, their knowledge and insight are far from ordinary.

After a slight pause, Liu Chuan spoke again, his tone frank:

"Captain Unohana, to be honest, I was focused on the Kido (Demon Path) before, and I have indeed neglected my training in the Kendo (Sword Path) for a long time."

"I wonder... if I might have the honor of asking the captain a question?"

He asked Unohana Retsu to teach him kendo.

Upon hearing this, a hint of surprise flashed in Unohana Retsu's eyes, but it was quickly replaced by a gentle smile.

She looked closely at Yanagawa, the young member of the Zero Division, who had recently stirred up trouble in the Soul Society; she was naturally aware of it.

He single-handedly forced the 46th Chamber into a sorry state.

Interesting, really interesting.

She already had some curiosity about Liuchuan, and this curiosity was amplified by this sudden request.

"Since Yanagawa-kun is interested in swordsmanship..." Unohana Retsu tilted her head slightly, her smile still gentle, her voice clear and firm.

"No problem. Although I have put down my Zanpakuto for many years, I may still be able to share some of my insights on swordsmanship with Yanagawa-kun."

Just as the two were agreeing on their initial teaching intentions, heavy and orderly footsteps and the grating sound of chains being dragged came from down the mountain.

The time for the execution has arrived.

Everyone's gaze, including that of Yanagawa and Unohana Retsu, was drawn to the winding mountain road.

A group of executioners escorted Tsunayoshiro, bound by murderous stone shackles, his mouth stuffed with a rag, his eyes completely lifeless, step by step toward Sougoku.