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People with masks.
The moment Kurosaki Ichigo said the word, Su Li knew exactly who Urahara Kisuke meant.
The Visoreds.
Led by Hirako Shinji, eight former shinigami captains and lieutenants who, decades ago, had been forced into Hollowfication by Aizen SĹŤsuke's schemes. Branded as criminals, they had only escaped execution thanks to Urahara and Tessai's intervention, fleeing to the human world to survive in exile.
But why would they seek him out now?
Su Li's brow lifted slightly. "Did he say anything else?"
Ichigo thought for a moment, rubbing his chin, then shook his head. "That's all I remember."
Su Li gave a small nod, eyes lowering in thought.
It was just like Urahara to be several steps ahead. The dust in Seireitei had barely settled, and already he had passed word beyond the Senkaimon. The Visoreds would have heard the full story of the battle against Aizen from him by now.
Which explained the invitation.
What wasn't clear was their aim.
Did they want an alliance sealed in trust? A blood-oath pact? Perhaps Muguruma Kensei simply wanted to measure his strength?
Whatever the reason, it was unlikely to be hostile.
So, a trip to the World of the Living seemed inevitable.
"Alright," Su Li said. "Tell Urahara I'll choose a time to come."
Ichigo nodded. "Got it."
A slow, foxlike smile curved Su Li's mouth. "Oh, and tell him to have a full set of his newest inventions ready for me."
Ichigo blinked, puzzled, but still agreed. "Uh… okay."
Su Li's mood lightened at the thought. Another chance to get the latest gadgets without spending a single kan. Truly refreshing.
"That's it, then. Enjoy your walk—I've got work." He patted Ichigo's shoulder with a laugh and turned away.
Ichigo watched him go, eyes narrowing slightly.
"What kind of person is Su Li-san…? Always so easy to talk to, but his strength is terrifying. No wonder Urahara calls him a smiling tiger."
He absently rubbed his shoulder. "That guy really has a heavy hand."
---
Second Division barracks.
To Su Li's surprise, the news from yesterday's captains' meeting had spread faster than expected. The moment he stepped onto the grounds, he was met with a wave of cheers.
"Captain Su Li! Good morning!"
"Our hero captain is back!"
"Captain! Sign this for me—my son's your biggest fan!"
"Captain! Have you eaten breakfast? Want snacks? Smoke? I've got the best cigarettes!"
"Captain Su Li! Over here! I'm twenty-six, single, here are my height and measurements—"
The members of the Second swarmed him, their faces alight with excitement.
The tale of Su Li's battle with the three traitors—Aizen, Ichimaru, and Tōsen—had swept through every division. Only days ago, many had doubted him, whispering that he might be involved in the conspiracy. Now, the truth had turned their view completely.
A hero who had borne suspicion and scorn in silence, standing alone until the truth emerged. That was the image now etched in their minds. Admiration for him across Seireitei had reached a peak unseen in the division's history.
For the Second Division, the pride was personal. They had endured the rumors alongside their captain, powerless to defend him except by their loyalty. Now the truth vindicated them. Their captain was a hero, and their own reputations rose with his.
In Seireitei, when one man is a hero, the whole squad shares the glory.
The younger recruits were the most fervent. They had once called him "Captain Salted Fish" in jest; now they shouted "Captain Hero" the loudest. Pride radiated from them—being in the Second had never felt so good.
Su Li could only smile helplessly, thinking one quiet word: "Face."
"Make way!"
The shout boomed across the courtyard, silencing the crowd. Even Su Li turned in mild surprise.
Heavy footsteps pounded closer.
A massive figure burst through the line of shinigami, dropping to his knees before Su Li with a thud, and clung to his thigh.
"Caaaptaaaain—!" Ōmaeda Marechiyo wailed, tears streaming. "It's so good to see you again! You don't know how I've suffered these days—scared every day, couldn't even eat snacks! Captain, I'm so happy you're safe—"
The tears and snot hit the ground in a pitiful mess.
Su Li almost laughed. This was exactly the reaction he'd expected. ĹŚmaeda had probably spent the past days convinced his own captain was the mastermind behind everything. Watching his greatest shield become the target of all Seireitei's anger must have been pure torment.
Which meant that the relief now must be just as intense.
"Alright, enough—you've soaked my pants. Go do your job."
ĹŚmaeda leapt up instantly. "Forgive me, Captain! I'll get you a new pair right now!"
Shaking his head, Su Li motioned for the rest to disperse. "Back to work. Ōmaeda, with me—office."
"Yes, sir! Move it, move it!" ĹŚmaeda bellowed, bulldozing a path through the crowd with exaggerated loyalty, throwing back constant fawning smiles at Su Li.
The term "dogleg" fit him perfectly. The others grumbled under their breath but no one dared challenge him.
"Oh, Captain," Ōmaeda said as they walked. "Forgot to mention—someone's waiting for you in the office."
Su Li glanced at him. "Who?"
"Abarai Renji. Vice-captain of Squad Six."
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