Bleach: From the moment I was invited by Squad Zero

When Yanagawa, Shiba Isshin, and Matsumoto Rangiku appeared near the path to the Shinigami Academy.

Countless eyes that had been waiting in the square at the main gate of the college, on both sides of the main road, and even in the windows of nearby buildings were instantly drawn together as if by a magnet.

Inside the college, the graduating students were already waiting.

Further out, there were even more younger students, huddled together, excitedly whispering to each other.

They were eager to catch a glimpse of the legendary captain, especially the legendary senior who had recently stirred up a storm in Seireitei.

"They're here! It's Captain Shiba!"

"That's Vice-Captain Matsumoto next to her! She's so beautiful..."

"Look! The one walking in the middle! It's Yanagawa-senpai! Yanagawa-senpai from Zero Squad!"

"It really is him! He's even younger than I imagined!"

"I heard he was our academy's top student ten years ago, a genius in the Ghost Path!"

"I wonder if we'll get to see Yanagawa-senpai make a move today..."

The murmurs rose like waves carried by the wind, initially suppressed whispers, but gradually grew louder as the three approached.

It gradually turned into uncontrollable exclamations, praises, and heated discussions filled with admiration and curiosity.

Almost all the students' eyes were eventually fixed on Liu Chuan, who was walking steadily.

Adoration, awe, longing, curiosity... a variety of emotions intertwined on the young face.

For these young Shinigami trainees who are about to join the Gotei 13 and yearn for power and glory.

Liuchuan's existence is a living legend in itself, a benchmark that breaks countless conventions and stands at the boundaries of their imagination.

He is not only a proud senior of the college, but also one of the "peaks" that they may look up to or even try to catch up with in the future.

In contrast, while veteran captain Shiba Isshin was also highly respected, the students were more familiar with him.

Matsumoto Rangiku's beauty and reputation as the "sake-loving vice-captain" were widely known, but the sensation she caused was far less than Yanagawa's first appearance back at school.

Shiba Isshin was clearly used to this scene and even quite enjoyed the feeling of being the center of attention.

As he walked, he waved to several familiar graduates, eliciting a small cheer.

Rangiku Matsumoto maintained the capable demeanor expected of a vice-captain, her long orange hair gleaming in the sunlight.

Their gazes, however, had already begun searching among the graduates for that silver-haired target—Toshiro Hitsugaya.

Liu Chuan seemed oblivious to the thunderous stares and whispers around him, continuing to walk with steady steps.

His gaze swept calmly over the young faces.

He came across several elderly men dressed in teachers' uniforms—his former teachers in the Ghost Path and White Strike departments.

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He greeted the teachers and chatted with them for a while.

Finally, his gaze fell on the boy who stood out even in the crowd because of his unique hair color and aloof temperament—Toshiro Hitsugaya.

Toshiro was also looking at him, his icy blue eyes swirling with emotions—gratitude towards Yanagawa and an instinctive fighting spirit towards the strong.

Their eyes met briefly in the air. Yanagawa nodded almost imperceptibly, while Toshiro subconsciously clenched his fist and then slowly relaxed it.

Just then, the vice dean of the academy, a highly respected old man, came to the three of them.

"Captain Shiba, Lord Yanagawa, Vice-Captain Matsumoto, it is an honor to have you here! We are so sorry for not greeting you sooner!"

The old dean's voice was loud and clear, filled with joy, "The entire academy is proud of these three! The ceremony is about to begin; please proceed to the viewing platform!"

Following the dean's words, the group walked onto the stage.

On the main stage, Yanagawa, Shiba Isshin, and Matsumoto Rangiku were already seated.

After a brief address by the college dean, reviewing the graduates' academic achievements and encouraging them for the future, the dean announced loudly, following the ceremony's agenda:

"Now, please welcome Captain Isshin Shiba, Commander of the 10th Division of the Gotei 13, to deliver a speech for this year's graduates!"

Shiba Isshin stood up and walked to the amplified Kido Crystal at the front of the podium.

He cleared his throat, his usual nonchalant demeanor vanishing, replaced by a serious and infectious expression.

He didn't take any notes; his gaze swept over the young and energetic faces below the stage, and his voice, transmitted clearly through the technique, resonated throughout the entire audience:

"Congratulations, everyone! From this day forward, you are no longer students of the Shinigami Academy, but members of the Gotei 13, officially recognized Shinigami who protect the Soul Society and maintain the balance of the three worlds!"

The opening remarks were direct and powerful, causing a stir of excitement among the graduates.

"I know that many of you admire the captain's power, dream of becoming heroes, and achieving unparalleled feats."

Shiba's tone shifted abruptly, becoming sincere.

"That's good! Dreams give you motivation! But don't forget, the power of death is never for personal glory, but for protection!"

He clenched his fist and pounded his chest: "Protect your loved ones behind you, protect your comrades' backs! With greater strength comes greater responsibility!"

"After joining the squad, there will be tedious training, tedious squad duties, dangerous missions, and powerful enemies and difficult choices that you can't even imagine now."

Shiba Isshin's eyes were piercing. "But remember, you are not fighting alone! Your comrades, your seniors in the squad, and the entire Gotei 13 are all your support!"

The doors of the Tenth Division are always open to those with ambition!

He didn't forget to give his squad a final "GG" with a grin, which eased the serious atmosphere somewhat.

Zhibo's speech, drawing on his own experiences, was simple yet powerful, offering both encouragement and admonition, and won enthusiastic applause from the audience.

Many graduates, especially those aspiring to join combat squads, were deeply moved and applauded enthusiastically.

"This guy, when he gets serious, he's actually quite convincing." Matsumoto Rangiku muttered to Yanagawa, chuckling softly.

Shiba Ichishin retreated to his seat, wiped away non-existent sweat, and winked at Yanagawa:

"Your turn, Brother Liuchuan, don't fall too far behind me."

Liu Chuan calmly stood up and walked to the front of the stage.

The moment he stood still, without even needing to speak, the cheers that had subsided slightly after Shiba Isshin finished his speech instantly rose again, turning into a thunderous roar of cheers and shouts!

"Yanagawa-senpai!!"

"Look here! Senior!!"

The voices mainly came from lower-grade students and some excited graduates, especially those from the Kido Department and those who admired Yanagawa's legendary experiences.

They waved their arms vigorously, their faces flushed, their eyes gleaming with an almost fanatical light of worship.

Liu Chuan's experiences—top student at the academy, a genius in the art of demonic arts, and the youngest member of the Zero Division—are all enough to make him a legend.

All of this combined made him the pinnacle and idol that countless young Grim Reapers looked up to.

His appearance and speech were undoubtedly the most anticipated part of the ceremony.

The cheers lasted for a full minute before gradually subsiding at the dean's signal, but the excited trembling in the air still lingered.