"Cough, cough…"
Muramasa's blood flowed ceaselessly; he clutched his mouth tightly with one hand, the echoing voices in his mind completely drowning out Yoriichi Tsugikuni's words.
Drops of blood seeped through his fingers, blooming like crimson plum blossoms on his clothes.
A look of utter disbelief was plastered across his face.
At this moment,
Muramasa felt only one thing:
Pain.
His body ached, but his heart ached even more, nearly suffocating him.
How could this be!
In Muramasa's understanding, anyone could harm him, but Kuchiki Kōga was the one exception.
They had been partners for centuries; even when Kuchiki Kōga was framed and imprisoned, Muramasa still deeply trusted him.
But now…
Bang!
Muramasa endured the piercing pain, suddenly slamming his fist into the nearby wall, as unwilling and confused emotions surged within him.
"Why? I've never done anything to betray you, Kōga. Why attack me?"
He asked himself in silence but never found an answer.
For a moment, he even suspected that Kōga was no longer Kōga, but had been replaced by someone else, whose purpose was to lure him in.
But the resonance of their souls would not deceive him.
Muramasa knew in his heart that it was indeed Kuchiki Kōga, no one else; it was just that this sudden betrayal was truly difficult for him to accept.
It was like working hard outside to earn money and support the family, only to come home and find his wife had run off with someone else.
And to conceal the secret, his wife even wanted to silence him…
Hiss… exhale…
The pain surged again, wave after wave.
Muramasa gritted his teeth, lowered his gaze to the wound on his chest, took a deep breath, and finally came back to his senses.
His gaze turned towards Kuchiki Kōga.
Just then, Kuchiki Kōga also looked over, his eyes devoid of any past affection, filled only with coldness and ruthlessness.
He flashed a sinister smile at Muramasa, his words dripping with profound malice:
"Oh, you're not dead yet, Muramasa."
"How dare you appear before me again…"
"Traitor."
The two words Kuchiki Kōga uttered struck Muramasa like a heavy hammer, leaving him dazed.
In that instant, he suddenly felt as if it wasn't he who was hurt, but Kōga…
Otherwise, why would he be the traitor?
Muramasa tried to straighten his back, opening his mouth to explain. He felt that Kōga must have misunderstood something, and misunderstandings could be resolved…
However,
Before he could speak, Yoriichi Tsugikuni's voice softly echoed in his ear again.
"Don't you understand yet, Muramasa…?"
The voice carried an unmistakable sense of regret, each word heavy.
This time, Muramasa heard it clearly.
"Kuchiki Kōga's heart is already filled with anger and hatred."
"He cannot hear your voice, nor will he believe what you say."
"Zanpakuto are born from the soul."
"Back then, it was because his temperament changed drastically, which in turn affected you, preventing him from using Muramasa and ultimately leading to his sealing."
"In his eyes, your inaction is what led him to his current predicament…"
"That is probably why he calls you a traitor."
Muramasa froze, his face filled with disbelief.
He found it hard to accept this cruel truth, his lips trembling slightly, his voice becoming flustered and urgent:
"No, how could this be? I've always believed in Kōga, and I believe Kōga has always trusted me. He couldn't possibly doubt me over such a small matter…"
"Small matter? This is no small matter."
Yoriichi Tsugikuni gently shook his head,
"Zanpakuto have no concept of age. A hundred years, a thousand years, to you, it's no different from a day or two."
"But for a Shinigami, two hundred years is enough to change everything."
"He lost everything: power, love, family, and strength…"
"In his eyes, all this misfortune was caused by you."
"Otherwise, how could he be so ruthless? How could he be so heartless towards you?"
Yoriichi began to retort, stating a cold, hard truth,
"Are you still deceiving yourself, even now?"
"The Kuchiki Kōga you remember is long gone. The current him is merely a shell filled with malice and resentment."
Muramasa's emotions grew more agitated, like a desperate gambler still frantically struggling even when cornered.
Even knowing he was in an abyss, he still tried to find a glimmer of hope, no matter how slim, in the darkness.
"No, it's not like that! Kōga isn't that kind of person! I believe he trusts me too!"
"As long as everything is made clear, it's just a misunderstanding, yes, just a misunderstanding! I didn't betray him!"
Muramasa spoke rapidly, as if trying to convince himself.
Unfortunately, this state didn't last long before Kuchiki Kōga interrupted him.
Kuchiki Kōga seemed to have heard Muramasa's murmuring and immediately became enraged:
"Muramasa, what on earth are you talking about? Are you planning to kill me by bringing these Zanpakuto here?"
"Just as I thought, I knew you had ill intentions!"
"I knew it back then, you're an ungrateful bastard! How dare you refuse my summons at such a critical moment…"
"If you've got the guts, come on!"
"Mere Zanpakuto…"
Kuchiki Kōga's words were like adding fuel to the fire, and the successive blows made Muramasa's already unstable mind even more disoriented.
The pain from the wound was like a surging flood, relentlessly assaulting Muramasa's fragile spirit.
His body flickered in and out of sight, his emotions on the verge of collapse.
For a moment, even the several Zanpakuto beside Yoriichi Tsugikuni couldn't help but show solemn expressions.
This was too tragic.
While they resented their masters due to Muramasa's influence, if they put themselves in his shoes, they probably wouldn't be able to withstand such a blow either.
Thump.
Hinagiku stood with her hands on her hips, looking at Kuchiki Kōga with a gaze usually reserved for trash, and scolded him indignantly:
"Hey, you! Your personality is too awful! What's wrong with being a Zanpakuto? Do Zanpakuto not have hearts?"
"This is blatant discrimination, and I despise you."
"You have no idea how much effort Muramasa put into saving you."
"Now, with a casual remark, you've negated all his efforts…"
"You are one of the most disgusting people I've ever met."
Being despised by a Zanpakuto, Kuchiki Kōga laughed.
But then, his face instantly darkened, like the sky before a storm, his emotions completely out of control, as he charged forward furiously.
His stance suggested he wanted to tear everything in front of him to shreds.
However, he hadn't gone far before he was restrained by the sealed stone chains.
Clang, clang, clang—!
The harsh clanking of chains echoed in his ears, Kuchiki Kōga's face contorted with rage, his murderous impulses growing stronger:
"What do you know, you piece of trash? You and Muramasa are both useless!"
"What right do you have to speak about me, you who can only materialize through his power?"
"Are all Zanpakuto as arrogant as you now?"
The more Kuchiki Kōga spoke, the angrier he became. Blinded by hatred, he no longer trusted anyone:
"Save me? What a joke! If you really wanted to save me, why didn't you act back then?!"
"Don't you think it's too late to say it now?!"
Hinagiku's contempt had changed the subject, and the resulting sense of belonging allowed Muramasa's agitated emotions to calm down slightly.
Hearing Kuchiki Kōga's retort, Muramasa took a deep, trembling breath, as if gathering immense courage to speak the following words:
"I did act back then, Kōga. It was you who closed your heart and refused my help…"
… …
At this moment,
Behind Kuchiki Kōga, Yamamoto Genryusai and Kuchiki Ginrei were momentarily silent.
They instinctively slowed their steps. Although they knew Muramasa would set an ambush here, they hadn't expected such a situation.
No… to be precise, this was also within their expectations.
It was just that the current tense and contradictory scene was far more extreme than they had anticipated.
Kuchiki Kōga completely distrusted Muramasa, and by extension, he launched a broad attack.
This caused those Zanpakuto who had seemingly been willing to follow Muramasa to begin to reject Kuchiki Kōga.
This was originally a rather good start, however…
Why were those Zanpakuto with Yoriichi Tsugikuni?
What exactly did Yoriichi Tsugikuni do during the Forty-Six Chambers' judgment?
Could it be that he had turned them all against Kōga?
Yamamoto Genryusai slightly narrowed his eyes.
Although no change in expression could be seen on his aged face, through the subtle movements of his muscles, one could still discern his inner delight.
Good, well fought, well said.
Say more. They won't even need to intervene; Kuchiki Kōga and Muramasa will completely break ties.
This would also save them time in suppressing those Zanpakuto.
However, what they didn't expect was that before the two had completely broken ties, or rather, just as they were on the verge of breaking ties, a new variable appeared.
Several Zanpakuto rushed to provide support.
These Zanpakuto were unaware of what had transpired between Muramasa and Kuchiki Kōga.
They only remembered their agreement with Muramasa: to eliminate all Shinigami and make the world a dominion for Zanpakuto…
Thus, one Zanpakuto brazenly launched an attack towards Yamamoto Genryusai.
He didn't recognize Yamamoto Genryusai, only thinking that this old man looked very old, full of wrinkles, and appeared frail, so he should be weak.
He unhesitatingly unleashed a Kido slash.
The slash carried a fierce momentum, whistling towards Yamamoto Genryusai, even encompassing Kuchiki Kōga within its attack range.
"Hmph."
This scene, witnessed by Kuchiki Kōga, further solidified his belief that Muramasa was trying to harm him.
He let out a heavy snort, his voice filled with disdain and anger:
"You still say you haven't betrayed me, Muramasa? Have your intentions become so undisguised? And those several Zanpakuto…"
Just as Yamamoto Genryusai crushed the slash with his bare hands and effortlessly sent the attacking Zanpakuto flying, Kuchiki Kōga looked towards Yoriichi Tsugikuni's side,
"Why are these guys with a Shinigami, Muramasa? Do you want to explain?"
"One or two is fine, but three or four? Do you take me for a fool?"
"Or do you want to say they were subdued by this Shinigami? Don't be ridiculous."
"He didn't even use a Zanpakuto, winning against four Zanpakuto bare-handed in just a few minutes… Is he the Captain-Commander?"
Kuchiki Kōga's tone was undisguisedly contemptuous.
He was once a genius himself, and he knew it well.
Even if a talented Shinigami were born, in just two hundred years, no matter how powerful, they couldn't surpass or even rival the Captain-Commander.
Seeing someone so young…
It must be an act.
"…" Muramasa was speechless.
This scene perfectly illustrated how people cannot imagine things beyond their comprehension.
Heaven knows why they were defeated so quickly.
The four of them combined, their strength and abilities were far superior to a Captain's.
Without the use of their Zanpakuto, they could even contend with the Captain-Commander for a while…
…
…
The unexpected turn of events once again changed the situation.
Muramasa quietly watched Kuchiki Kōga.
By observing his words and actions and recalling past events, he roughly understood why Kōga had become like this.
Perhaps, it was to maintain his last shred of self-respect.
Analyzing from Kōga's perspective:
Once he admitted that Muramasa came to save him, it would mean that Muramasa's betrayal was baseless.
In other words, the primary responsibility for that incident years ago would fall on himself.
One must know that deep down, Kuchiki Kōga had always viewed Muramasa as the culprit who led him to this predicament.
Once the stance shifted, the attribution of fault would also reverse.
It was just like how people are always accustomed to shirking responsibility; once they have to bear the blame themselves, their hearts are bound to be extremely unwilling and resistant in every way.
Kuchiki Kōga was precisely like this.
Muramasa couldn't help but feel weary.
He could never wake someone who was pretending to sleep, even if that person was his master.
"I'm sorry."
Thinking of this, Muramasa sighed softly. He suddenly felt Kuchiki Kōga was so unfamiliar, leading to a negative shift in his mindset.
"Though I really don't want to admit it, the truth is just as you said."
"This kid did indeed defeat them bare-handed, and his strength is indeed comparable to, or even surpasses, the Captain-Commander."
"I wasn't deceiving you, Kōga. I already understand your attitude."
"If you think it's all my fault, then let it be my fault."
"You're right, I am indeed a good-for-nothing. I can't even save you…"
Muramasa no longer refuted Kuchiki Kōga's hurtful words.
He knew in his heart that when people commit irreparable mistakes, they always need some comfort, what is called psychological solace.
Like, if only something, then something else wouldn't have happened…
Even though they clearly knew that even if given another chance, the result might still be failure, they still firmly believed they could succeed.
This is what a miracle is.
In Kōga's heart, he probably saw himself as an outlet for his emotions…
For his master… no, for his former master, being misunderstood was nothing.
Anyway…
Everything could not go back to how it was before.
Upon hearing this, Kuchiki Kōga was momentarily stunned, his expression, originally full of hatred, instantly froze on his face.
A moment later, he regained his senses, feeling a faint tightness in his chest.
It was as if something extremely important was quietly slipping away from his life…
Muramasa was expressionless, though his complexion was slightly pale, likely due to his injuries.
His aura was also somewhat weak, lacking its usual arrogance and swagger.
He turned to look at Yoriichi Tsugikuni and the few Zanpakuto beside him, and only after realizing that his previous actions were completely wrong, did he slowly speak:
"Shinigami, although you won, I didn't lose either."
"When you captured Kōga, I was secretly looking for an opportunity to contact your Zanpakuto."
"No matter who bears the primary responsibility for the incident years ago, all I know is that you framed him. Kōga originally had a bright future."
"Now you have two choices before you: one is to release Kōga, and I will go with you."
"What you said before, you must have wanted to recruit me, right?"
"After all, my ability is very useful for Shinigami's Shikai Zanpakuto."
"I know very well that it was precisely because of this ability that the Kuchiki Clan recruited Kōga back then."
"Otherwise, even if Kōga mastered Bankai, he wouldn't have been so highly valued by the upper nobility."
Indeed, as soon as Muramasa finished speaking, Kuchiki Ginrei, not far away, secretly nodded.
Mastering Bankai while still in school was certainly a sign of genius, but the degree of genius depended on age.
At that time, Kuchiki Kōga was no longer young, roughly the same age as his daughter, over two hundred years old.
Shinigami who mastered Bankai at over two hundred years old were not uncommon.
What allowed Kuchiki Kōga to stand out among the many geniuses was precisely his Zanpakuto.
—Through hypnosis, it could deepen a Shinigami's communication with it, making Shikai effortless.
If it weren't for the many hidden dangers of hypnosis, and Kōga's lacking temperament.
Muramasa, this Zanpakuto, might have had the potential to become the strongest illusion-type Zanpakuto in a thousand years, even surpassing Kyōka Suigetsu.
Unfortunately…
…
"Let him go?"
Muramasa's words puzzled Yoriichi Tsugikuni. He was somewhat surprised by where Muramasa got such confidence.
Moreover, Kuchiki Kōga had already become like this…
He treated his Zanpakuto as a tool, even thinking that all Zanpakuto were useless, yet Muramasa still supported him so desperately…
Is something not quite right?
But soon, Yoriichi suddenly understood Muramasa's intention.
This was probably Muramasa trying to trade his own freedom for Kuchiki Kōga's freedom, the last thing he could do for him.
After that, he would have no further connection with Kuchiki Kōga.
This loyalty was touching, but unfortunately, it was meaningless.
Kuchiki Kōga would not be happy with Muramasa's actions; he would only feel that his dignity had been offended.
At the same time, Yamamoto Genryusai and Kuchiki Ginrei would also not be pleased with this.
They would not tolerate such disregard for the law; neither Shinigami nor Rukongai residents should do such things.
So, Muramasa spoke of the second option.
"Maintain the judgment. I know you Shinigami will not casually kill Shinigami, as long as you give me a chance to visit him every once in a while."
"Unless absolutely necessary, I truly don't want to fall out with you Shinigami, because things are already clear."
"You also don't want to see a rebellion break out in Seireitei every once in a while, do you?"
At these words, not only Yoriichi Tsugikuni but also Yamamoto Genryusai frowned.
"Are you threatening us?"
"No."
Muramasa's voice was weak as he slightly raised his head, "I'm merely stating facts. I can't die, unless you can find my true body."
"But I've hidden my true body in the Human World, with no spiritual pressure fluctuations. How will you find it?"
"Moreover, if I want to leave, you can't catch me. The sealed stone has no effect on me."
"I just want to coexist peacefully with you, just as that Hinagiku said."
"Zanpakuto also have hearts."
Seeing Muramasa mention Hinagiku, everyone's gaze turned towards her.
Hinagiku looked a little embarrassed.
Fortunately.
Everyone's gaze didn't last too long before Yoriichi regained his composure and retorted:
"I see. Can I interpret your words as, Zanpakuto also hope to gain rights corresponding to Shinigami?"
"No." Muramasa gently shook his head. He knew in his heart that his own strength was not enough to support such a grand plan.
Although he wanted to create a world where Zanpakuto dominated Shinigami, that was ultimately just a delusion.
Muramasa could only say:
"I just hope that you Shinigami can understand the hearts of Zanpakuto more."
"Don't blame everything on Zanpakuto, and don't think that Zanpakuto's thoughts are always wrong."
"Because, in a sense, that is the Shinigami's other self."
"These are all my requests."
"Shinigami, this shouldn't be too much, right?"
It was indeed not too much. Ultimately, all these were Muramasa's heartfelt expressions, influenced by the incident with Kuchiki Kōga.
In this incident, the Zanpakuto was indeed a victim, and Yoriichi Tsugikuni could not make a judgment that distorted the truth.
If it weren't for the infighting among Shinigami, Muramasa would not have been betrayed by Kuchiki Kōga.
Muramasa probably made these requests because he didn't want to see similar incidents happen again…
Yoriichi Tsugikuni looked at Muramasa, then at Yamamoto Genryusai and Kuchiki Ginrei.
Yamamoto Genryusai was expressionless, his voice steady and powerful: "Why are you looking at this old man? Make your own decision."
"As long as it doesn't betray the original intention of becoming a Shinigami, as long as it doesn't betray the justice in your heart, and the justice of the world."
"No matter what decision you make, this old man will support it."
Kuchiki Ginrei nodded slightly, ignoring Kuchiki Kōga's hateful, almost murderous gaze, and softly said:
"This old man shares the same view as Lord Yamamoto Genryusai. The primary responsibility for this incident lies with Kōga, not Muramasa."
"As long as Muramasa is willing to reform… well, I think most Shinigami would welcome him."
He would definitely be welcomed. After all, his existence meant being able to accelerate Shikai.
Even without hypnotic influence, but by materializing the Zanpakuto, one could skip the process of sword meditation, indirectly saving several years of time.
Yoriichi Tsugikuni pondered for a moment and made the most appropriate decision:
"First, lift the hypnosis. Seven minutes have passed since the chaos began."
"If there are many Shinigami casualties, even if we are willing to accept you, those Shinigami probably won't agree."
"Let us see your sincerity, Muramasa."
"As it should be." Muramasa responded. After receiving the Shinigami's affirmative reply, the hypnotic effect he had placed on many Zanpakuto was instantly lifted.
Hinagiku was slightly stunned, and a complex expression immediately appeared on her face.
As for Hyōrinmaru…
"I remember…"
Before Hyōrinmaru could say what he remembered, Muramasa continued:
"This is my sincerity, Shinigami. It's your turn."
"As the strongest, you wouldn't go back on your word, would you?"
These words were truly impolite. Yamamoto Genryusai couldn't help but snort softly again, but he said nothing, just quietly watching Yoriichi Tsugikuni.
Yoriichi nodded gently: "Of course, but before that, Kuchiki Kōga must first be transferred to Muken."
"As for your arrangements, we will decide after the matter is completely concluded."
"These Zanpakuto must also be returned to their rightful owners."
"Myōō, and also, Hyōrinmaru."
"Who are your masters?"