Bleach: From the moment I was invited by Squad Zero

Several days passed quietly as Liuchuan shuttled between the Kidoshu repair site and the Fourth Division's kendo dojo.

Until a formal invitation bearing the First Division's exclusive spiritual pressure mark was delivered to him by a special person.

Upon unfolding it, the signature was in the powerful and domineering handwriting of Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni, and the content was simple and clear: "A special invitation to Lord Yanagawa of the Zero Division to attend this year's graduation ceremony at the Shinigami Academy."

Liu Chuan pondered for a moment, and fragments of his memory naturally surfaced.

The Shinigami Academy, the cradle for training Shinigami in Soul Society.

The annual graduation ceremony is indeed an important tradition of the Gotei 13.

As is customary, two captains will be sent to attend: one to review the qualifications of the current year's graduates, deliver a speech, and recruit suitable talents for their squad on the spot.

Secondly, as a deterrent and motivating force, the two captains will conduct a brief, demonstrative sparring match.

The captain-level "top" combat power is shown to the fledglings in a direct way. If there are particularly outstanding graduates, they are even allowed to challenge the accompanying vice captain as a practical test of the highest honor.

Ten years ago, I was one of the students in the audience. I graduated as the top student and then went on to join the Ghost Path team.

Until now... his status has changed, and he has become an invited "honored guest" and "exemplary figure".

As a key figure who has recently stirred up trouble in the Soul Society, Captain-Commander Yamamoto's actions...

It is probably through his unique presence that the young people who are about to join the team will be given a different kind of impact.

Liu Chuan naturally agreed to the invitation. Both publicly and privately, this trip back to school was meaningful, and it would also be a good opportunity to visit some of his former teachers.

Soon after, the First Division received the confirmed arrangements, and the other captain who accompanied them was, unsurprisingly, an old acquaintance—the captain of the Tenth Division, Shiba Isshin.

This forthright and unrestrained head of the Shiba branch family had a close relationship with Yanagawa.

The letter also casually mentions that among this year's graduates, there is a young genius named Hitsugaya Toshiro who possesses "Hyorinmaru" and was involved in the Royal Seal Incident, whom Shiba Isshin is taking advantage of his trip to "pick up" him.

Yanagawa was well aware of this; the decision regarding Toshiro's whereabouts had been made long ago.

On the day of the graduation ceremony, early in the morning, two uninvited guests arrived at the gate of the Ghost Path Sect's residence, which was still under renovation.

The leader, with his black hair still sporting a touch of unruly messiness and a signature cheerful smile, was none other than Shiba Isshin, the captain of the 10th Division.

He stood with his hands on his hips beside the newly erected stone lions of the Ghost Path, surveying the bustling construction site inside, marveling at the scene:

"Wow! That kid Yanagawa's quick on his feet! This Kido Clan is almost as grand as a noble mansion! The Tsunayo family's really going to be in for a big hit this time!"

Closely following behind him was a tall and graceful female Shinigami wearing the epaulets of a lieutenant of the 10th Division.

What's most eye-catching is her long, wavy orange hair that flows down like gold, shimmering in the morning light.

On her delicate face, a small black mole near her lips added a touch of charm and allure.

Her impressive bust, which could not be concealed even under loose-fitting shinbags, was a recognized symbol of the Seireitei.

She is none other than Rangiku Matsumoto, the vice-captain of the 10th Division.

At this moment, Matsumoto Rangiku casually rested one hand on the hilt of her Zanpakuto "Haineko" at her waist, while her other hand held a small, exquisite silver sake gourd.

Taking advantage of the fact that the officials supervising the scene were not paying attention early in the morning, he secretly tilted his head back and took a sip. A blush of satisfaction immediately spread across his face, and he let out a long sigh of relief.

"Ha! Captain, I told you Yanagawa-kun is a big shot now, he even dares to go head-to-head with those old men from Room 46, getting some funding is a piece of cake for him, right?"

She has always been known for her forthright and easygoing personality, and she is not fussy about details. She is also known in the team as a master of slacking off at work.

She would push things away whenever possible. The files in the Tenth Division's captain's office were piled up like mountains, and most of the "credit" should be attributed to her for often dumping official business on Shiba Isshin while she went out to drink and sunbathe.

"Hey, Rangiku, this is someone else's territory, at least behave yourself!"

Zhibo glanced helplessly at her wine gourd, lowered his voice, and said that he was at his wit's end with this capable but lazy deputy.

"When you see Yanagawa later, don't act like a drunkard. We're here today on official business for the 10th Division, to make a good impression at the Shinigami Academy."

"Relax, relax, I know what's important~"

Matsumoto Rangiku chuckled as she put away her sake gourd, patting her ample chest, which nearly tripped a passing Kido-shu (demon sect) porter.

"It's just to go see those kids graduate, and by the way... hehe, bring back that little genius named Hitsugaya Toshiro."

"I've heard you mention it so many times, Captain, the successor to Hyōrinmaru, a genius boy~"

At this point, a sly glint flashed in her blue eyes, and she smiled like a cat that had just stolen some cream:

"I've heard that the kid looks cold, but he's actually incredibly responsible and does things meticulously."

Once he joins our team, Captain, you'll have a much easier time!

Team documents, patrol reports, supply requisitions... you can entrust them all to him!

Let him familiarize himself with the work more. As the deputy team leader, I'll just provide guidance (supervision) from the sidelines.

She had already begun planning how to smoothly hand over the paperwork that was overwhelming Shiba Isshin to the future new team members.

Shiba rolled his eyes, but didn't argue. Instead, he stroked his chin and pondered:

"Now that you mention it... it actually seems plausible? Xiaobai's personality is definitely not like your lazy nature."

But don't go too far, or you'll scare him away. This is a promising talent that even the captain has his eye on.

"Don't worry~ I know what I'm doing." Matsumoto Rangiku blinked, then looked deep into the Kido Clan.

"By the way, is Yanagawa-kun still not better?"

As they were talking, a figure slowly walked out from among the Ghost Path members who were undergoing repairs.

Yanagawa had already changed into the Zero Division haori, with "Tenjho" hanging from his waist, clearly ready.

He glanced at the two bickering by the door, his gaze lingering for a moment on the sake gourd that Matsumoto Rangiku hadn't yet completely hidden, and said calmly:

"Captain Shiba, Vice Captain Matsumoto, we apologize for keeping you waiting. Construction is still underway inside, so we cannot receive you."

"Brother Yanagawa!" Shiba Isshin greeted him with a hearty laugh.

"Let's go, let's go. Those old guys and students at the True Central Spiritual Arts Academy are probably getting impatient. They'd better give me some face today and not be too ruthless during the martial arts demonstration."

Liu Chuan continued, "Now that everyone's here, shall we set off?"

"Alright!" Isshin Shiba waved his hand. "Rangiku, clear the way!"

"Yes~ Yes~ Captain." Matsumoto Rangiku replied in a drawn-out tone, turned around and strode away with her long legs, her orange hair flying in the wind.

He headed towards the True Spiritual Arts Academy, already planning how to use the time during the graduation ceremony.

Let's find a place to have a drink and observe that "genius boy" who's about to join the team.