Bleach: From the moment I was invited by Squad Zero

Chapter 90 Asido's Choice

Asido fell silent.

His plans? This was a question he had considered during his centuries of solitude.

But each time, it was overshadowed by a more pressing need for survival, an instinctive hunting of the unseen, and perhaps an "obsession" that even he himself had not fully understood.

What is the meaning of staying here? Initially, perhaps it was to avenge the teammates who died back then, to clean up this breeding ground for wickedness, and to prevent more tragedies from happening.

Later, cleaning up virtual groups became a habit, an instinct ingrained in his bones, and the only "reason" for his existence in this underground place.

However, just now, he witnessed a battle that was completely beyond his comprehension.

This young Shinigami, who calls himself Zero Squad, and that strange and powerful Quincy, the power they release with every move they make.

They could easily wipe out large areas, with many Void beings being affected and destroyed in the crossfire of their battles.

The terrifying crater in the center of the battlefield, along with the lingering power fluctuations, will inevitably become a "forbidden zone" in the Great Void Forest, a place that even the Void instincts fear and dare not approach.

What is the meaning of my centuries of perseverance and fighting?

Is it really just an endless, self-comforting "guardianship" being carried out in this eternal darkness?

Asido's silence lasted longer, his eyes flashing with intense emotions.

Finally, he slowly raised his head and looked at Liu Chuan, his voice low and tinged with a rare sense of confusion and weariness: "I—I don't know."

He gripped the knife in his hand, its blade reflecting the faint light from the edge of the distant pit: "I've been here—for too long, so long that—I've almost forgotten what the sky outside looks like. Hunting Hollows—it seems—it's not very meaningful anymore."

Liu Chuan listened quietly, without urging or judging.

He could understand the shock and confusion in the Grim Reaper's heart at that moment.

It's perfectly normal for a person's beliefs to waver after centuries of solitary perseverance.

"In that case," Liu Chuan stepped forward, his gaze calm and honest as he met Asido's, "why don't you come with me and leave this place?"

Asido's body trembled slightly, and his gaze behind the mask suddenly focused on Liuchuan's face.

"I currently reside in the Soul Society's Seireitei, as a member of the Kido Clan. Why don't you join the Kido Clan as well?"

Liu Chuan continued, speaking in a casual tone, as if inviting the other party to have tea, "Although the Kido Clan mainly focuses on researching Kido and Spirit Particle Technology, it also needs members with rich practical experience and strong will."

You've lived in Hueco Mundo for hundreds of years; your understanding of Hollows, your combat experience, and your survival skills are all extremely valuable assets. And—”

He paused, looking at the ancient-looking sword in Asido's hand: "Your Zanpakuto may also yearn to resonate anew in a wider world, facing different enemies."

It's better than being trapped forever underground, endlessly wasting time and energy fighting against the void.

Join the Oni-do Clan?

This proposal was completely unexpected by Asido.

He had long been accustomed to being with the void and accompanied by solitude, and had almost forgotten words like "team" and "mission" that belonged to the normal life of a Grim Reaper.

The Ghost Path Clan—he remembered that it seemed to be a department that focused on research and logistics, which seemed incompatible with his purely practical approach as a Grim Reaper.

But Liu Chuan's words subtly touched a long-dormant corner deep within his heart.

A wider world—different scenery—and leaving this hell that had imprisoned him for hundreds of years.

Can he really—return to the normal ranks of Grim Reapers?

Will I be able to adapt to life in Seireitei?

Would the Ghost Path accept such a "wild man" like him, an "old relic" who has been fighting against the void for hundreds of years?

Asido fell silent again, but this time, his gaze was no longer just one of confusion, but rather one of deep contemplation and weighing of options.

He looked at Yanagawa, the young man who had just killed a Quincy with absolute power, and saw in his eyes a powerful confidence that he had never seen in a young Shinigami before.

The other party's invitation was not out of pity or a whim, but more like a recognition of his value.

"The Demon Path Sect—" Ashido repeated in a low voice, as if savoring the meaning of the word.

Finally, he slowly raised his head, meeting Yanagawa's calm and waiting gaze. His hoarse voice carried a hint of determination: "I—am not skilled in the Kido, I only know how to use a sword to kill Hollows."

"It's alright." A barely perceptible smile appeared on Liu Chuan's lips. "The Kido Clan needs researchers, guardians, and—practical testers."

Your experience and your sword will find their place among the demons.

Asido remained silent for a moment, and finally, he nodded heavily, slowly putting the long, narrow blade that had been with him for hundreds of years back into the damaged scabbard at his waist.

This simple gesture seems to symbolize both a farewell and a new beginning.

"Okay." He uttered a single word, firm and clear.

As the two passed through the enormous rift and stepped once again onto the boundless, pale sea of ​​sand on the surface of Hueco Mundo, Asido couldn't help but stop and look up.

Although the sky of Hueco Mundo is always a lifeless, pale white, it is still better than the oppressive and gloomy dome of the Great Hollow Forest.

The "open" view and the much "brighter" daylight still made his eyes, which had been accustomed to the darkness underground for hundreds of years, feel a little uncomfortable.

But it also brings a long-lost, almost unfamiliar sense of "freedom".

Yanagawa stood beside him, then looked at Asido and said calmly, "Let's go back to the expeditionary force camp first, and then we'll return to Seireitei."

Asido nodded without saying anything more.

Since we've decided to leave with Liuchuan, our next actions will naturally be dictated by Liuchuan.

Without further delay, Liu Chuan determined the direction and began to walk towards the location of the expeditionary force's camp.

Liu Chuan did not use high-speed movement, but walked at a normal speed. He had already achieved his goal for this trip to Hueco Mundo, so he was not in a hurry.

Asido walked with a steady and experienced gait. Although he had not been active on the surface for centuries, some of his ingrained instincts had not faded.

He would naturally avoid certain seemingly flat but actually loose sandy areas where it is easy to sink.

This survivalist attitude, which was almost integrated with the Hueco Mundo environment, made Yanagawa nod in approval.

The two left two shallow footprints on the vast sea of ​​sand, one after the other, which were soon quietly buried by the ceaseless sandstorm.

However, not long after they started walking, Liuchuan, who was walking ahead, suddenly stopped without warning.

He tilted his head slightly, directing the light towards the northeast.

Almost simultaneously, Asido, who was following behind him, noticed something was wrong. His body tensed instantly, his right hand instinctively gripping the hilt of his sword. Following Yanagawa's gaze, he asked in a low voice, "What's wrong?"

Liu Chuan did not answer immediately. He closed his eyes, as if he was focusing more intently on "feeling" something.

After a few breaths, he slowly opened his eyes, with an expression of interest.

"A powerful surge of spiritual pressure."

Liu Chuan's voice was calm.

"It is spreading in one direction — continuously."

",