3-1 The Instinct Within

Why am I here?

Zangetsu! Zangetsu! Where are you?! Zangetsu?!

Wait a minute. Everything about him leaving my body... It was true?

Exactly. It seems you finally understand.

This is all supposed to be inside my mind, so how the hell can you be here?

Did you forget that I am a Zanpakuto?

And if I wish, I can use my Zanpakuto powers to enter the mind of a Soul Reaper at any time with no effort at all.

What are you planning? What are you trying to do here? What is your master thinking? Why has he put you up to this?

My master's gone. I've eliminated him.

What are you talking about? You killed him? But how?

With my will, it was quite easy to wipe him out.

And Ichigo Kurosaki, I've taken quite an interest in you as a Soul Reaper.

What is that power you possess? What is the source that changes you and gives you your power?

You think I'd answer to someone like you? Think again.

You really don't get it. Your power is nothing compared to mine. I'm afraid it's not even close.

Your defiance is pointless. Just answer my question.

And if I refuse?

You die.

Kh... I can't move my body!

Let's go. Time to release the instinct inside you.

Now, manifest it! Show your inner self. Let it come out!

Ahhhhh!!!

Hey, you. Did you call for me?

What now? What kind of game is he playing? And what is HE doing here again?

Interesting.

A glimpse into the inner world of a Soul Reaper and the other Ichigo Kurosaki who appeared from it, exuding the Spiritual Pressure of a Hollow.

Just what are you?

Me? Well, in simple terms, I'm his real self. You could also call me his basic true instinct.

Interesting. It makes sense now.

Now, it's my turn to ask you some questions. Just who the hell are you anyway?

I am the Zanpakuto Muramasa. I am here to free all of the Zanpakuto.

Zanpakuto respond to my voice, and I possess the power to awaken their true instincts.

Now prove to me that you are Ichigo Kurosaki's true power. Don't waste any more of my time.

Let's have some fun.

Impressive. I didn't anticipate that you would be so capable.

It's true. You are a Hollow.

Thanks to Zangetsu being released from Ichigo Kurosaki, you were left to run free inside of him.

If you're his inner Hollow, that helps explain the strange transformation that Ichigo went through at that time. Am I right?

And so what if you are?

I have one more thing to say.

Now that I know the secret behind your tricks, it's clear there's no need for me to waste any more time.

Zanpakuto and Soul Reapers come together through communication and synergy.

But now I see there are exceptions to this, like you. Some forces must remain suppressed.

You are a very interesting subject.

Hey! I let you speak your mind and you go putting me down like that?

Did you just say that he's been keeping me suppressed?

Am I wrong?

Oh, yeah. Dead wrong.

Then explain it to me.

Now why should I do that for you?

Besides, what's got you so interested in Ichigo? You're sure curious about us both. So what's your game here?

You'll know in time.

Oh, yeah? Well, I don't know or care what you're planning, but listen up. You won't get your way! Not with me here.

I'll devour Ichigo and then take control of this body! You see, that is my true instinct.

I see. So you're saying you intend to stand in my way. I have no choice, then. I'll wipe you out from this existence.

Not sure what you have up your sleeve, but... Gh?!

C-Can't move!

What's the matter? That all you got?

Damn you! Shut up!

This is what happened to me.

What is that?

Could that be how he...?

You are nothing but a Hollow. You do not possess the power that I am seeking.

Therefore, you are expendable.

Grh...

Damn you.

That's it. I can't just let you take what you want.

(He escaped my spell in such a short time. How is it possible?)

What an interesting sight this is. You're choosing to protect the Hollow?

What the hell's so strange? So what if he's a Hollow? All that matters at this moment is that he's a part of me.

I'm good with that because I'm the guy in charge here.

But I don't intend to let you get away with whatever the hell you want!

Ichigo Kurosaki, just what exactly are you?

What you described is hardly the relationship between a Soul Reaper and a Hollow.

Listen to me, Muramasa. You're wrong about one thing.

You haven't realized this, but I'm not a Soul Reaper. I'm a human!