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

In an instant, a simple temporary binding formation was formed. Although it was easily broken by Shiba Isshin, its exquisite control and tactical intentions were remarkable.

"Hado No. 11: Lightning Bolt".

This time, instead of a bolt of lightning, a string of lightning beads connected by tiny spiritual threads scattered in the air.

Like intelligent floating cannons, they fire in bursts from multiple directions. Although the power is not great, it greatly disrupts the space for dodging.

"Hado No. 12: Hidden Fire".

The flames were not sprayed directly, but were pre-planted and delayed at a specific location under Shiba Isshin's feet, although they were easily detected and avoided.

However, this precise control over the "laying" and "triggering timing" of the ghost path once again subverts common sense.

One low-level ghost path after another flowed effortlessly from Liu Chuan's hands, each seemingly ordinary.

Yet it always manages to exhibit unbelievable "special" effects in terms of release methods, trajectory control, shape changes, and combined applications.

He took these fundamental techniques and created dazzling variations, elevating their tactical value to a whole new level.

Shiba Isshin went from initial surprise to later enthusiasm, and eventually gave up on launching an attack.

They happily became the "backdrop" and "moving stakes," dodging and blocking as they went.

He loudly commented, drawing bursts of laughter and exclamations from the audience.

"So binding spells can be used to restrict movement like this!"

"The Hidden Fire can actually predict the location for its placement? Just how strong must its spiritual senses and control be?!"

"Can the Ghost Path cooperate like this?!"

"Senior Yanagawa has thoroughly studied low-level demonic arts!"

"So it wasn't that the Ghost Path was weak, it was that we used it too rigidly!"

The atmosphere reached a new climax. Liuchuan's unique "demonstration of the Kido" did not use any high-level or powerful Kido techniques.

Yet, using the most basic techniques, he demonstrated to everyone the infinite possibilities and depth of the path of the demonic path.

He was like a master craftsman who used the simplest tools to carve the most stunning works of art.

This was not just a performance, but a revolutionary teaching method that opened a completely new door for the Shinigami Academy and even for all the Kido practitioners in the Seireitei.

Finally, Liu Chuan stopped the demonstration. A hush fell over the room; everyone was still reeling from the incredible scenes that had just unfolded, unable to recover for a long time.

"Thank you for your kind offer," Yanagawa said to Shiba Isshin.

"Not at all, it was an eye-opening experience, and I benefited greatly!"

Shiba wholeheartedly praised him and clapped enthusiastically.

"Brother Liuchuan, your Kido skills are truly amazing! From now on, when our Tenth Division holds Kido training, we'll have to invite you to be our consultant!"

As the two finished their movements, the barrier slowly dissipated.

The dean walked excitedly onto the stage, his voice trembling slightly:

"Thank you both! Especially Mr. Yanagawa, for presenting us with such... such an enlightening application of the Kido!"

I believe that what we have witnessed today will inspire countless future generations to bravely explore and continuously improve on the path of the demonic path!

Thunderous applause once again resounded throughout the True Central Academy of Spiritual Arts, lasting for a long time.

In this martial arts demonstration, Liu Chuan not only showcased his unfathomable strength, but also used his revolutionary "special demonic arts".

In the hearts of countless young Grim Reapers, a seed called "innovation" and "exploration" was planted.

Chapter 68 The Missing Vice-Captain

The thunderous applause and cheers had not yet completely subsided, and the air in the martial arts arena, stirred by the duel between the two powerful figures, was still trembling slightly.

Yanagawa and Shiba Isshin had already sheathed their swords and were calming their breathing.

Just as Shiba was about to pat Yanagawa on the shoulder and say a few more jokes, he saw a figure part the excited crowd at the front and walk steadily into the center of the training ground, coming up to them.

It was none other than the top graduate of this year's class, Toshiro Hitsugaya.

"Toshiro Hitsugaya, the top graduate of this year's class, hereby issues a challenge to the lieutenant of the 10th Division!"

Whoosh—!!!

The commotion that had just subsided was instantly reignited!

"Here they come! The chief challenger is the vice-captain!"

"Toshiro is so handsome!"

"Just finished watching the captain's battle, and now it's genius boy vs. beautiful vice-captain? Today was totally worth it!"

"Vice-Captain Matsumoto is one of the pillars of the Tenth Division, and I've heard he's very strong!"

"With Hyōrinmaru, Toshiro-senpai might not lose!"

"Fight! Fight!"

Everyone was excited. According to the tradition of the ceremony, it is the highest honor for outstanding graduates to challenge the vice captain of the entourage, and it is also a touchstone to test their true worth.

In particular, Toshiro Hitsugaya, who carries the name of the strongest ice-type Zanpakuto "Hyorinmaru", has long been a prominent figure both inside and outside the academy, and everyone has been looking forward to seeing him deliver an even more amazing performance.

I just finished watching a captain-level martial arts performance that was nothing short of an art, and what followed was the duel between the genius boy and the sexy vice-captain. It was simply the perfect dramatic climax!

All eyes instantly shifted from Yanagawa and Shiba Isshin, and turned to the 10th Division vice-captain with flowing orange hair and an impressive figure standing at the edge of the training ground.

Even the teachers on the viewing platform wore expectant smiles, ready to enjoy another exciting match.

Shiba Isshin chuckled, nudged Yanagawa beside him, and whispered with a smile:

"Hey, this kid Xiaobai, ...uh?"

Before he could finish speaking, the smile on his face suddenly froze, turning into astonishment.

Because he discovered that right after Toshiro Hitsugaya issued his challenge—

Matsumoto Rangiku, who had been leaning against the railing with a playful smile, suddenly vanished without warning!

The spot where she had just stood was now empty, with only a gentle breeze blowing through the railing and stirring up a few grains of sand.

"Ok?"

"Where is Vice Captain Matsumoto?"

"Where did everyone go?!"

"It was just here!"

The crowd erupted in uproar. The students looked at each other, glancing around, trying to find that orange figure in the crowd or on the sidelines, but to no avail.

Hitsugaya Toshiro was also stunned. A look of surprise flashed in his icy blue eyes. He was still in a challenging stance, but his opponent was gone.

This sudden turn of events plunged the scene into an eerie silence and awkwardness.

The challenger has already left the arena, but the challenged has mysteriously disappeared? What's going on?

Just as everyone was at a loss and discussions were starting to rise, on the viewing platform, the vice president of the True Central Spiritual Arts Academy was...

He coughed twice, picked up the megaphone, and said in a tone as if he were reading a weather forecast:

"Ahem. Just now, the vice-captain of the 10th Division, Matsumoto Rangiku, suddenly felt unwell, suspected of having a relapse of an old illness, and has been rushed to the academy's infirmary for treatment."

The challenge segment was cancelled because the challenged participant was unable to attend.

The vice dean's voice echoed in the training ground, each word like a small hammer striking the question marks in everyone's hearts.

Feeling unwell? Relapse of an old illness? Need emergency medical attention?

You're kidding me! The guy who was so excited watching the captain's martial arts demonstration, his eyes were practically sparkling, and he was practically eating sunflower seeds.

The moment they hear about a challenge, their "old ailment relapses"? And they even need to "seek emergency medical attention"? Could that excuse be any more flimsy?!

The scene instantly shifted from an eerie silence to extreme awkwardness, as if the air itself had frozen.

The students' excitement and anticipation froze instantly, turning into expressions of disbelief and suppressed laughter.

"Pfft—!" Someone couldn't help but laugh out loud first, and then suppressed chuckles spread out.

"Feeling unwell... Hahaha..."

"Vice Captain Matsumoto's 'illness' came at just the right time..."

"Are you afraid of losing face if you can't beat Toshiro?"

"The vice-captain of the 10th Division actually deserted his post?"

"This is just too... embarrassing!"

Shiba Isshin's face went from astonishment to flushed red, and finally turned ashen.

He suddenly covered his forehead with one hand, and his other hand fell limply to his side. He felt that he had never been so humiliated in his life.

The dignified vice-captain of the 10th Division, at such an important occasion as the graduation ceremony of the Shinigami Academy, in full view of everyone, after the top graduate officially issued the challenge...

They actually used such a lame excuse to just slip away?!

If this gets out, what will become of the Tenth Division's reputation?! What will become of Shiba Isshin's reputation?!

"Matsumoto Rankiku—!!!" Shiba Isshin squeezed out the words through gritted teeth, veins throbbing on his forehead, wishing he could rush out immediately, grab the vice-captain who had deserted his post, and rub him to the ground.

Meanwhile, in the spacious and bright student cafeteria of the Shinigami Academy, which was now almost empty.

Matsumoto Rangiku sat comfortably on a bench by the window, with a dish of pickles and half a pot of sake in front of her, which she had just "borrowed" from the food window.

She crossed her long legs, her orange hair shimmering in the sunlight streaming through the window, showing absolutely no signs of "illness".

She took a sip of sake with relish, smacked her lips, and frowned in disapproval.

"Tsk, this wine from the academy? It's nowhere near as good as the team's." But it's better than nothing.

She sipped her drink while gazing in the direction of the martial arts arena. Although she couldn't see it through the buildings, she could almost imagine the awkward scene there. A sly smug glint flashed in her beautiful blue eyes.

"Hmph, do you think I'm stupid?" she muttered to herself, her tone light.

"That little guy, Toshiro Hitsugaya, is obviously a serious guy. The power of Hyōrinmaru is no joke. Fighting him in front of so many people..."

She shuddered at the thought of being overwhelmed or even defeated by a recent graduate.

"What about my authority as the vice-captain? How can I confidently entrust him with those mountains of team documents in the future?"