Bleach: From the moment I was invited by Squad Zero.

Liu Chuan fundamentally cannot understand or agree with this; in his researcher's value system, it is an extreme and unnecessary waste of resources.

A tragedy held hostage by narrow traditions, especially against the backdrop of a potential major crisis in the future.

“Captain Unohana,” Yanagawa broke the silence, his voice steady yet carrying an undeniable seriousness.

"Regarding what the captain said about 'Kenpachi's destiny'... please forgive my bluntness, but this kind of becoming stronger for the sake of one person..."

The idea that sacrificing another valuable fighting force is, in my view, logically flawed and emotionally unacceptable.

Unohana Retsu's gaze flickered slightly, seemingly somewhat surprised that Yanagawa would so directly question her final decision.

She wasn't angry; she just looked at him quietly, waiting for him to continue.

"Since you say that breaking the seal requires an opportunity, it also requires technology."

Liu Chuan abruptly changed the subject, his eyes flashing with confidence and a sharp glint of "problem-solving" intent.

"So, if one day a crisis comes, and I—have a way to restore Kenpachi Zaraki's power?"

Having said that, before Unohana Retsu could respond, Yanagawa raised his right hand.

With palms facing upwards and fingers slightly spread, a surge of pure spiritual energy instantly converged.

He did not use any particularly profound techniques; he simply let the power flow through his hands, transforming it into several extremely fine threads of spiritual particles, each containing a profound understanding of the structure of the spiritual body.

Like living things, they intertwine, recombine, and simulate the complex process of healing.

This move, executed with effortless ease, was nothing short of a thunderclap to experts.

A fleeting look of undisguised surprise flashed across Unohana Retsu's usually gentle and calm eyes.

She was a master of the Dao, and she could see at a glance the precision of spiritual particle control behind Liu Chuan's seemingly simple demonstration.

Her understanding of the nature of spirits has reached an extremely high level, and in some aspects, it presents a more direct and efficient approach that is completely different from any other school of thought she knows.

“Yanagawa-kun, you…” Retsu Unohana couldn’t help but sigh softly.

"I never expected you to have such an extraordinary, no, a unique and profound mastery of the Dao."

Liu Chuan dispersed the spiritual energy in his hand and slowly said, "This is my answer. So, Captain Unohana, please consider this from a different perspective:"

If a powerful enemy does emerge in the future, shouldn't we cherish and maximize the use of every piece of high-end combat power we possess?

His logic was clear and went straight to the point:

"A swordsmanship master like Captain Unohana, your strength should be used in more crucial areas—"

Instead of suffering losses in internal strife, we should directly confront those powerful enemies who threaten the very existence of Seireitei.

I believe that the so-called "Kenpachi's destiny" should be prioritized after the "Seireitei's overall crisis".

In other words, we should first work together to resolve external threats, and then discuss internal succession.

Liu Chuan paused, pointed to himself, his confidence carrying a convincing sharpness:

"As for the task of helping Kenpachi Zaraki awaken, you can leave that to me."

I'm sure Captain Unohana has seen from our training sessions these past few days that my learning and adaptability are sufficient to take on this responsibility in a critical moment.

I am confident that I can find a safe way to help him break free from his shackles.

Unohana Retsu fell silent; she had to admit that Yanagawa's words were impeccable.

From a strategic perspective, her combat strength should not be wasted on internal battles on the eve of the decisive battle.

The terrifying talent and powerful mastery of the Dao that Liu Chuan displayed made her unable to underestimate the possibility of his promise.

Entrusting the unsealing of Kenpachi Zaraki to this young man who always manages to create miracles might actually be a good idea...

The dojo remained silent for a long time, reflecting the intense internal struggle within her.

On one hand, there is her unwavering belief that she has held onto for hundreds of years and the destiny she has chosen for herself;

On the other hand, there is a new path proposed by Yanagawa that is more rational and more beneficial to the Soul Society as a whole.

Finally, her fingers, which were tightly gripping the wooden sword, slowly loosened their grip a little.

A long, complex sigh escaped her lips and dissipated into the night.

She raised her head and looked at Liu Chuan. Although the resolute will to die in her eyes had not completely disappeared, it was covered by a layer of complex hope.

“…You’re right.” Retsu Unohana finally spoke slowly, her voice lower than usual, but with a hint of relief and compromise.

"Faced with the survival of Seireitei, personal destiny... should indeed take a backseat. I was too persistent and almost forgot that as a captain, my responsibility to protect is greater than my personal desires."

She nodded slightly, which was considered a formal acceptance of Liu Chuan's proposal:

"Alright, if that day ever comes, I'll leave the unsealing of Kenpachi Zaraki to you, Yanagawa-kun."

And I... will, as a member of the Gotei 13, point my sword at the true enemy.

What was originally destined to be a brutal and tragic showdown was quietly reversed thanks to Liu Chuan's rationality and strength.

Although the future remains uncertain, at least the Soul Society may retain a crucial peak fighter as a result.

Looking at Unohana Retsu, who had finally let go of her obsession, Yanagawa secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

Chapter 64 Graduation Ceremony

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 session.

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 identity 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 the "Hyōrinmaru" and was involved in the Royal Seal incident. Shiba Isshin is taking advantage of this 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 his 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! Yanagawa's quick on his feet! This Kido Clan is almost as grand as a noble mansion! The Tsunayo family is really going to suffer a huge loss 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 the loose-fitting Shiba Inu, 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 before that Yanagawa-kun is a big shot now. He even dares to confront those old men from the 46th Chamber. 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, you'll have a much easier time, Captain!

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

Let him familiarize himself with the procedures 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 to work? 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.