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

Shiba Isshin chuckled and scratched his slightly messy black short hair.

"I heard everything in the meeting!" he said readily, then immediately got to the point:

"That Hitsugaya Toshiro is one of the main characters in this incident, that white-haired genius kid. He actually agreed to join my 10th Division after graduation!"

I even secretly prepared a draft of his application to join the team! He's someone I have high hopes for, a future key player!

He paused, his smile fading slightly, replaced by a captain's concern and responsibility for the reserve team members:

"So you see, he's not just your old classmate's childhood sweetheart, but in a way, he's also a member of my Tenth Division. If something happens to him, I, as the designated captain, can't just stand by and watch, can I?"

This reason is reasonable, even quite straightforward.

"So—" Shiba Isshin clasped his hands together again, waved them at Yanagawa, and his face broke into that cheerful smile that made it impossible for anyone to get angry.

"Brother Liuchuan, could you count me in for this operation?"

Don't let my current state fool you. Although the Shiba family has declined, it is still a branch family of one of the five great noble families.

As the head of a branch family, I still have some influence in the Seireitei. Perhaps I can help with some inquiries or smoothing things over! Besides, I'm not bad at fighting!

He patted the Zanpakuto at his waist, brimming with confidence.

Although his words sound like boasting, considering his position as the captain of the 10th Division and the background of the Shiba family, it was not an exaggeration.

Even though the Shiba family is not as prominent as the Kuchiki or Shihōin families, its ancient aristocratic heritage and extensive network of connections can indeed play an unexpected role at certain times.

More importantly, Shiba Isshin, who seems carefree, is actually meticulous despite his rough exterior. He is generous and righteous, and is very popular among the Gotei 13. His joining will undoubtedly bring many benefits.

Liu Chuan looked at the captain in front of him who was very informal and directly stated his purpose.

Shiba Isshin's personality was indeed different from many of the Grim Reapers he had met. He had less of the aristocratic affectation and the airs of a captain, and more of the straightforwardness and enthusiasm of a江湖 (jianghu, a term referring to the world of martial arts and chivalry).

This kind of personality is exactly what Liu Chuan doesn't dislike. It's not that he dislikes socializing, but he just hates hypocrisy and tedium.

Shiba's straightforwardness actually makes people feel relaxed.

Moreover, as Shiba Isshin said, he can indeed provide considerable assistance.

The official assistance of a current captain carries far more weight than that of several adjutants and officers, especially when dealing with other squads or even subordinate agencies of the Central 46.

Yanagawa didn't hesitate much. He needed help anyway, and since Shiba had offered himself up, he had no reason to refuse.

"Captain Shiba, you flatter me," Yanagawa said calmly.

"Since Toshiro Hitsugaya has a promise with the 10th Division, it is only natural that the captain is concerned about this matter. With the captain's help, this operation will surely go much more smoothly."

"Haha! That's great! That's satisfying!" Shiba Isshin slapped Yanagawa on the shoulder hard, grinning from ear to ear.

"I knew you weren't that rigid! I like that kid Xiaobai too, I'm glad he can be of help!"

He casually put his arm around Yanagawa's shoulder, then winked at Hinamori Momo, Renji, and the others who were still a little dazed:

"And you little guys, don't worry, with me and Brother Liuchuan here, we'll definitely get your little ones out safe and sound!"

Shiba Isshin's arrival was like a warm current, instantly dispelling the heaviness and unease brought about by the dramatic change in Yanagawa's identity and the events themselves.

His optimistic and bold aura inspired everyone present.

After watching Renji, Hinamori Momo, and the others leave, only Yanagawa and Shiba Isshin remained at the scene.

“Well then,” Yanagawa looked at Shiba Isshin and cut straight to the point.

"As planned, we will first meet with the two parties involved. Hitsugaya Toshiro and Kusakabe Sojiro should be detained separately in the Central 46 Room."

Upon hearing this, Shiba Isshin's cheerful smile faded slightly. He stroked his chin and nodded, saying:

"Yes, as soon as the 'Twin Hyōrinmaru' incident came out, the Central 46 took over and carried out 'protective' detention and investigation, which is standard procedure."

"Tsk, calling it protection is practically like being in jail."

He paused, looked at Yanagawa, his expression becoming somewhat subtle, and began to introduce the information about this highest judicial body in Soul Society, his tone carrying an undisguised sense of sarcasm:

"The Central Forty-Sixth Chamber consists of forty 'wise men' and six 'judges.' Those guys... well, they're not easy to deal with."

"Each of them prides themselves on being the embodiment of the wisdom and law of Soul Society, with their eyes on the top of their heads, and they are incredibly arrogant."

"Besides those outdated rules and the so-called overall stability, there's probably nothing else in his mind."

"They spend all day in a dark underground council chamber, deciding other people's fates based on mountains of files and assumptions."

He pursed his lips and continued, "However, Yanagawa, you're different this time. You're here representing Squad Zero."

He pointed to Liuchuan's white haori, "It's the biggest pass and talisman. No matter how arrogant those old fogies are, as long as they're not completely senile."

They would never dare to openly obstruct or defy the will of the Spirit King's Palace, nor would they dare to confront it head-on; they simply didn't have the guts.

“However,” Shiba Isshin’s tone shifted, a hint of disdain flashing in his one eye.

"They're good at pulling strings behind the scenes, being outwardly compliant but inwardly defiant, creating obstacles in procedures, or concealing key information... these are their specialties."

“Those people value their authority and that rigid procedure above all else.”

"I bet if the Zero Division hadn't intervened explicitly this time and put pressure on them, given their usual style, they probably would have already conducted a private assessment and quietly made some kind of compliant but not necessarily fair decision."

His analysis was incisive, clearly dissecting the nature of Central 46, possible coping strategies, and the hidden obstacles that Yanagawa might face on his trip.

Liuchuan listened quietly; what Shiba Isshin said was basically in line with his previous speculation.

The Zero Division's identity is like a tiger's skin, capable of intimidating on the surface, but unable to eliminate undercurrents.

Those sages and judges who control the interpretation of the laws of Soul Society and have some power over life and death have become extremely arrogant due to their lust for power and their high status.

Although Liuchuan represents the Zero Division, he is far too young, and those old guys might try something underhanded.

"A game of power and rules..." Liu Chuan murmured to himself.

"I understand, thank you for reminding me, Captain Yixin."

"Don't mention it!" Shiba waved his hand, reverting to his usual hearty demeanor.

"We're on the same side now! Come on, I'll lead the way! Let's go meet those arrogant old bastards!"

Chapter 14: Ichibei, the Chief of the Army

The Soul King's Palace, suspended high above the Soul Society, is a sacred realm shrouded in eternal tranquility and a soft glow.

The spiritual energy here is rich and pure, as if the pulse of the world's fundamental rules is within reach.

A seemingly simple open-air platform.

The creator of the Zanpakuto, a member of the Zero Division, and the "Sword God" Nimaiya Oetsu, was sitting on the ground without any regard for his image, fiddling with several fragments that shimmered with a strange metallic luster.

He had dark skin, white hair tied in a high ponytail, wore sunglasses, and dressed in a uniquely styled short jacket, which seemed somewhat out of place with the sacred and solemn surroundings.

"Hey, monk." Nimaiya Wang Yue didn't even look up, tapping the ground with the shard in his hand, making a crisp clinking sound, his tone filled with undisguised suspicion.

"Are you sure it's okay to let that brat named Yanagawa handle this kind of trouble?"

His words echoed across the empty platform, yet strangely, they did not break the silence of the place.

Hyosube Ichibei's massive body twitched slightly, as if a mountain were stretching its limbs.

He slowly turned around, the dark prayer beads around his neck making a soft tinkling sound.

He didn't answer immediately, but instead a smile that seemed out of place with his imposing appearance spread across his lips.

"Oh dear, Wang Yue, you're already worried about your own work?"

Hyosube Ichibei's voice was still loud, but his tone carried an almost leisurely ease, as if he were chatting with an old friend about what snacks to have for afternoon tea.

"Or are you actually more worried that if that kid actually figures out something, it will make you, the 'God of Blades,' seem less than perfect when you forged it?"

"Huh?!" Nimaiya Oetsu nearly jumped up like a cat whose tail had been stepped on, his eyes behind his sunglasses glaring at Hyosube Ichibei.

"What a joke! Every Zanpakuto crafted by my Nimaiya Oetsu is a unique work of art! It has nothing to do with whether it's perfect or not!"

Hyosube Ichibei burst into laughter, his deep, joyful laugh echoing across the platform.

Just kidding.

He waved his large, fan-like hand, his tone still relaxed, but a hint of wisdom flickered deep in his eyes.

He paused, his gaze sweeping down to the Seireitei below, obscured by clouds, as if he could see Yanagawa walking towards the Central Chamber of Forty-Six. His tone became somewhat meaningful, but the smile on his face remained unchanged:

"Besides, wouldn't it be good to let him try it out? First, to test its quality; second..."

He blinked, a gesture that looked somewhat comical on his massive face, yet also revealed a cunning and all-knowing shrewdness.

“That young man will be settling down here in the future, so we need to let him get acquainted with the neighborhood and his neighbors, especially those… well, those old neighbors who have a lot of rules and are very arrogant.”

"It would be interesting to get to know him beforehand, to see if he can get along well with the neighbors, or if he will turn their carefully maintained yards into chaos."

"Neighbor? Central Room 46?" Wang Yue of the Two-Piece House scoffed, rearranging the fragments once more.

"Those old fogies, if that kid Yanagawa goes there with the Zero Squad identity, it will definitely work on the surface, but it's hard to say what will happen behind the scenes."

“So,” Hyosube Ichibei interjected, his tone light as if discussing an interesting play about to begin.

"Isn't this perfect? ​​Let's take a look at this rather special young man who has caught the eye of Lord Spirit King."

How do you deal with people who treat rules and power as their lifeblood, and how do you get things done smoothly and beautifully?

Or will it escalate into a situation where we old folks have to go down and break it up? Either way, wouldn't it be quite a spectacle?

He stroked his smooth chin, his eyes sparkling with a joyful and profound light.

As Nimaiya Oetsu listened to Hyoninbe Ichibei's seemingly casual yet subtly witty remarks, he couldn't help but click his tongue and shake his head.

"Fine, fine, you just love making things worse." He picked up the fragments and stood up.

"Anyway, I made the knife, and I'm genuinely curious about what happened. If that kid can figure it out, then he's got some skills."

After saying that, he ignored Hyōjube Ichibei and swayed towards the Phoenix Palace, muttering to himself about his metals again.

Hyosube Ichibei watched his departing figure, the relaxed and cheerful smile on his face slowly fading, but the insightful and pleased glint in his eyes did not disappear.

"Then, Yanagawa-kun..." The silent whisper carried a hint of anticipation and amusement.

"Let us see what's so special about the young man that Lord Spirit King is paying attention to."

Chapter 15 Room 46

Deep within the Seireitei lies an area with an extremely solemn architectural style.