1-2...

All right, do you have any last words?

Unfortunately, there's no one here worth leaving my words to. That includes you, Shunsui Kyoraku.

Okay, then. Let's go.

You're quiet. Rather unusual for you.

Or are you afraid that a conversation with me will spark change in a Soul Reaper's loyalty? Say, like Kaname.

You'd better take that back!

Or what, are you saying that it was your words that made Captain Tosen change his beliefs?!

That's a strange thing to say, Shuhei Hisagi. You weren't there the moment Kaname decided to have a change of heart.

By the time you became a Soul Reaper, Kaname was already my loyal subject.

Listen, you may have fought alongside Ichigo to defeat Yhwach.

But no matter what you do, I'll always blame you for Captain Tosen.

You should refrain from using the word "always" so lightly.

Remember, even Kaname's faith didn't last forever.

Kh...! You're one to talk!

There is something you don't seem to understand.

I did not kill Kaname as punishment for being a defeated soldier.

In fact, it was my way of showing him mercy.

Mercy? Seriously? How much more do you intend to insult Captain Tosen?!

If Kaname had continued to live as he was, he would eventually have had to accept the overwhelming despair that was upon him. His heart would have withered and rotted.

He was a man with a beautiful resolve. I couldn't let him suffer further anguish that would have strangled him to death.

That is why I granted him mercy as a final tribute to my most loyal subject. Really, that's all there is to it.

Kh...

"The only time a captain ever swings his sword is when it is clearly his duty. Swinging a sword out of hatred is nothing more than mindless violence."

Those were the words that Toshiro Hitsugaya once said to me.

Gh...

There's no need for you to worry, though. That feeling you have within is not hatred.

It is merely your sentiments for Kaname, who is no longer here, and the footsteps he left behind.

Remember this. No matter how strong you think your determination is...

...it is impossible to defeat a powerful foe with only your sentiment.

............

In time, you will all come to appreciate this.

You will realize how fragile an illusion the Soul Society and the existence of Soul Reapers are formed upon.

All right, that's enough. Didn't you say none of us were worth your final words?

If you hope to see any truth, you must be willing to sacrifice your body and soul. You will have to struggle through to find it.

At least that was what Kaname was trying to do. But I'm sure you were aware of that.