Chapter 2: Inspector Senbonzakura

We can't do anything about it now. Let's go back to our patrols.

We don't need to go look for the Sword Beast?

We're not gonna find it just by roaming around with no clues. That, and we shouldn't leave our post.

Are you sure the culprit is a Sword Beast? Where's the reasoning behind that theory?

The thing about these incidents is that the fires go up at the same time in specific locations that have been destroyed.

Sightings of the culprit didn't resemble a Soul Reaper or any local resident, which means it's probably a remnant Sword Beast.

Neither Soul Reaper nor resident... I see. However, wouldn't it be careless to limit the range of suspects to Sword Beasts only?

What if it's someone's Zanpakuto?

When Muramasa controlled our minds, he targeted our dissatisfaction towards our masters. Most of it was in our subconscious.

If these incidents were the result of such behavior, then the culprit could possibly be a Zanpakuto.

Would anyone really do something like this subconsciously?

Just the other day, you said you ate your master's lunch without knowing so.

That's because Snake was half asleep.

You're the one who ate my lunch?!

Your lunch is not the issue right now. I'm talking about the arsonist that's been causing these fires!

I have my thoughts on this suspect. Let's go.

Hey, wait! Where are you going?

So, you think Wabisuke is the one causing the recent fires?

That's correct.

Why him? He doesn't look like he's acting subconsciously.

No one is sure of the reason why Wabisuke was mind-controlled by Muramasa.

Therefore, there is a possibility that he still retains dissatisfaction for his master in his subconscious and is causing these fires.

That's...pretty dark.

Actually, I already know the exact reason for Wabisuke's dissatisfaction. It's just that you don't.

Either way, we were out on a mission until just earlier, so we have nothing to do with the fires or the incident from today.

Ooh, that's like an alibi, right?!

It was wrong for us to rely on Senbonzakura's reasoning skills.

I never relied on it to begin with. I just followed him because leaving him on his own would cause more trouble.

Grh.

Then tell us the details of your mission. I don't recall there being any important orders for Squad 3 today!

We went to help Squad 4. I was asked personally to help with their relief efforts, so the mission isn't tied to the squad.

But you're a member of Squad 3. Why would you be requested for help?

Izuru used to be in Squad 4. He's pretty good with Kaido too.

You don't need to tell him that, Renji.

If you don't believe me, just ask someone there and they'll tell you the same thing.

But we're talking about the fire incident, right? How does that relate to us?

Wabisuke's power is to double the weight of whatever he cuts. He might be able to destroy a building, but he can't set it on fire at the same time.

There's a possibility that the culprit intentionally lit the fire after destroying the building.

Seriously? You've been given so many reasons and you still won't give up on your theory?

Why would Wabisuke do that anyway?

Someone with an urge to destroy and burn everything to the ground...

I know someone who matches that description.