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

Asido's body jolted violently, his eyes widening in disbelief and horror! Captain-Commander Yamamoto?!

That being, like a pillar binding the Soul Society, representing the pinnacle of the Grim Reaper's power and order, was actually the mastermind behind it all?!

There seems to be a more concrete interest in the weight the name carries and the conspiracy it involves.

Tenbei Shusuke's voice was excited:

"My father touched upon the secrets of the Kasumi family and the 'Bakuya-no-Tsurugi,' and Captain-Commander Yamamoto."

To help the Kasumi family cover up this secret that could shake the stability of Soul Society and even involve deeper darkness, they killed my father!

This is the real reason why I have been lying low, enduring hardship, and constantly researching the 'Mo Yao Blade' for so many years, even risking my life and using this evil weapon to gain power—revenge!

"Revenge against Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni, against the Kasumioji family, against all those who cover up the truth! Uncover this darkness!"

He practically roared out his last few words, his chest heaving violently, his wounds reopening, and blood seeping through the bandages again, but he was completely unaware.

She just stared intently at Liu Chuan, her eyes burning with an almost obsessive flame of hatred, as if trying to find the answer in Liu Chuan's face.

However, Liu Chuan's face remained calm.

He did not change color upon hearing the name of Captain-Commander Yamamoto, nor did he show excessive sympathy or indignation towards Amagai Shusuke's "murder of his father".

They didn't even show the slightest shock at the shocking accusation that "the captain might be the mastermind."

He listened quietly, as if he were listening to a story that had nothing to do with him, and rationally analyzed the logic and doubts within it.

As Bei Xiuzhu's angry roar faded into the sandstorm that day, Liu Chuan slowly spoke:

"Captain Tianbei, I understand what happened to you."

The grief of losing a father, the unwavering pursuit of the truth, and the forbearance driven by hatred are all normal.

He abruptly changed the subject, his gaze sharp as a knife: "However, your previous deduction—"

'Captain-Commander Yamamoto killed your father to help the Kasumigaoji family conceal the secret of the Baku sword.'

This conclusion is based on logical deduction from the mostly indirect and implicit clues you have collected over the years.

However, a complete logical chain does not equate to the entirety of the facts.

Liu Chuan stepped forward, his gaze meeting Amagai Shusuke's burning eyes filled with hatred:

"I haven't had much contact with Captain-Commander Yamamoto, but based on my understanding of him and the evaluation of him by the Spirit King Palace."

Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni may be stern, rigid, and even cold at times, but he is an upright man who regards the stability and order of Soul Society as a principle above all else.

He might make seemingly ruthless decisions for the sake of the 'big picture' or the 'rules,' but it's hard to say he would do anything to protect the 'privacy' or 'stain' of a noble family.

And personally murder an innocent Grim Reaper…

Liu Chuan shook his head slightly, his tone resolute: "I don't think he would do that."

This is not in line with his character, nor with the principles and beliefs he has upheld for thousands of years.

Even if the 'Baku-yō-tō' incident did involve significant secrets, given Captain-Commander Yamamoto's style, there would have been a better way to handle it than simply silencing and covering it up.

Tenbei Shusuke's excitement froze instantly, followed by deeper doubt:

"Lord Yanagawa! What do you mean by this? Are you saying that all my investigations over the years, including my father's death, were a hoax?! All the clues clearly point to him!"

"The clues pointing to him don't necessarily mean he's the mastermind or the executor," Liu Chuan calmly analyzed.

"Perhaps it is the Xia Dalu family or other forces that deliberately pointed the finger at the captain to confuse the public and divert attention from the real target."

Or perhaps... there's more to the story. The Captain-General knows part of the truth, but for some more complex reasons that you don't yet know.

They chose a special 'handling method,' which, in the eyes of outsiders, became 'cover-up' or even 'complicity.'

He looked at Amagai Shusuke, his gaze carrying a hint of admonition and a deeper inquiry:

"Captain Tenbei, hatred blinds you, making you see only the 'truth' you want to see."

As if struck by lightning, Tenbei Xiuzhu staggered back half a step.

Liu Chuan's words were like a bucket of ice water poured over his heart, which had been scorched by hatred for countless years.

He had never thought about it from this perspective... Yes, all his investigations ultimately led to Captain-Commander Yamamoto, and all his hatred was concentrated on him.

But what if... what if Yanagawa is right? What if the Captain-Commander isn't the mastermind, or perhaps he was even manipulated or misled?

Then wouldn't all my centuries of forbearance, scheming, and even resorting to evil weapons to gain power have been... a pathetic and futile effort aimed at the wrong goal?

"Then... what should I do?" Tenbei Shusuke's voice carried an almost pleading tone. "The truth about my father's revenge..."

Liu Chuan looked at the expeditionary force commander, who was tormented by both hatred and injuries, remained silent for a moment, and then slowly spoke:

"Now that I am aware of this matter, I will not stand idly by. The 'Mo Yao Dao' involves the noble Xia Dalu family."

This is suspected to be part of a high-level conspiracy, and could even destabilize the Soul Society.

He looked at Amagai Shusuke: "Captain Amagai, as a member of the Zero Division, I promise you: after returning to Seireitei, I will personally intervene to investigate the truth behind the 'Bakuya Sword' and your father's death."

I will investigate the role of the Xia Dalu family in this matter, and I will uncover the truth and bring justice to your father.

A feeling of exhaustion, brought about by the sudden relaxation after a long period of suppression, instantly swept over Tenbei Xiuzhu's entire body.

In the end, he could only bow deeply to Liu Chuan, offering the most solemn bow, and say in a trembling voice:

"Lord Yanagawa! Everything... is in your hands now!"

Chapter 95 Return to Seireitei

Inside the Hueco Mundo camp, the intense yet efficient cleanup work continued for several days.

Tenbei Shusuke's injuries have finally stabilized, but his source of energy is damaged, his spiritual pressure is disordered, and the hidden injuries caused by the Baku Yao sword require a long period of recuperation.

Now that the dust has settled, it's time to go back.

The "black cavity," remotely activated by the 12th Division, slowly opened on the pale sand sea.

Key members of the camp, including Amagai Shusuke and Kasahara Heihachi, as well as many expeditionary force members who were able to leave, came to see them off.

Their gazes fell on the three figures about to step into the dark cavity with complicated emotions—

Yanagawa and Ashido from the Zero Division, and Grey-robed Arrancar Stark.

This trio, no matter how you look at it, exudes a strangeness that defies common sense.

"Lord Yanagawa, take care on your journey! I entrust the investigation to you!"

Tenbei Shusuke bowed solemnly. Although his voice was still weak, his eyes had regained their former determination, but deep inside there was a calm waiting for the truth and absolute trust in Yanagawa.

"Captain Amagai, take care of yourself and wait for news." Yanagawa then said to Kasahara Heihachi and the others, "We are grateful for your help in ensuring the safety of the camp."

"It's our duty!" everyone responded in unison.

Liu Chuan said no more, gestured to Ashido and Stark behind him, and took the lead, stepping into the surging darkness.

Asido followed closely behind, his steps steady.

Stark paused for a moment, his only visible right eye sweeping one last look at the pale desert where he had "lived" for countless years, before he stepped into the black cavity, his figure completely swallowed by the darkness.

The black cavity closed, and the spatial fluctuations gradually subsided.

The sandstorms in Hueco Mundo continued as usual, as if nothing had ever happened, yet things had quietly changed.

……

In the Soul Society, outside the Seireitei, lies a hidden spatial node heavily guarded by multiple barriers.

The air distorted slightly, and a dark crack with unstable edges quietly tore open.

Liuchuan and the others appeared one after another, their figures solidifying under the familiar and gentle sunlight of Soul Society.

When his feet truly touched the ground of Seireitei, Asido's body trembled very slightly.

His face, scarred by time, met the gentle spiritual energy flowing through the Soul Society air... and he closed his eyes.

I took a deep breath.

It lacks the corrosive dryness and deathly stillness of Hueco Mundo, and the murky, decaying, and bloody atmosphere of the Great Hollow Forest.

It is clean, fresh, and carries the scent of grass, trees, and flowing water—the taste of "home."

Although this "homeland" is separated from him by hundreds of years.

He slowly opened his eyes, his gaze somewhat blank, as he slowly swept over the familiar yet unfamiliar plants, trees, bricks, and tiles around him.

The Seireitei in the distance, with its iconic high walls and architectural outlines, seemed... not much different from how he remembered it.

Still solemn, dignified, and orderly, time seems to have stood still here, or perhaps it has only gently passed by, leaving few deep marks on these cold buildings.

"Several hundred years..." Asido murmured to himself, his voice hoarse, filled with an indescribable sense of vicissitude and感慨 (gǎnkǎi, deep emotion).

"This place... seems unchanged. Yet... everything has changed."

He thought of his former training and drinking buddies, those vibrant faces, most of whom had long since vanished into the river of time.

He recalled the bold and unrestrained Captain Kenpachi Kuruyashiki, his hearty laughter still seeming to echo in his ears.

“I’m afraid there aren’t many acquaintances left.” Asido said to Liuchuan beside him with a bitter smile.

He was mentally prepared to face the changes of time and people, and even to be completely forgotten.

Liu Chuan understood his feelings and responded calmly:

"Times change, people change, that's just the way things are. However, there are some names and fates you might want to know." He paused, looking at Asido.

"Your good friend from back then, Kenpachi Kuruyashiki, has also passed away long ago."

"Kenpachi Kuruyashiki?" Ashido repeated his close friend's name, a complex look flashing in his eyes.

Yanagawa added, stating the facts calmly, "He is now buried in the Seireitei Cemetery."

Upon hearing that "Kenpachi Kuruyashiki has passed away," Asido remained silent for a moment.

"Is that so... They've all left." He sighed softly.

"In that case... once I've settled in, I should perhaps visit his grave."

This is more like a remembrance and farewell ceremony for the past years and for departed dear friends.

Unlike Asido, who was immersed in a sense of loss and alienation as time passed, Stark, who was setting foot in the Soul Society and the headquarters of the Shinigami for the first time, was exhibiting a completely different state.

He was still wearing the single eyepatch that suppressed his spiritual pressure, and his right eye, which was exposed, was now carefully observing everything around him with a look full of inquiry and curiosity.