4-4 The Bladeless Zanpakuto

How is it, Shunsui? It is what you have been waiting for, the Enrakyoten. Do you have anything to say?

(It doesn't have a blade? No, this ominous Spiritual Pressure...)

(There certainly is a Zanpakuto at the end of that handle.)

(But I don't see a blade.)

It doesn't look like a basic Zanpakuto. Would you care to tell me what its ability is?

Do you really think I would tell you?

I suppose not.

Don't worry. You will find out soon enough.

In exchange for your life, Shunsui Kyoraku.

That sounds threatening. I was hoping to end this as peacefully as possible.

You are hoping for peace this late in the game?

Of course. If this could just end with a trial, I couldn't ask for anything better.

If you were to die, some important nobles might cause a ruckus.

Either way, judgment will be made against the head of the Tsunayashiro Clan, the top figure among the Four Great Noble Clans.

If I want to protect over a million years of Soul Society history, I can't afford to make a single mistake.

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

I will enact my judgment carefully, so accept it without worry.

I'll bring out the truth, even if it takes a million years.

Mu, ha, ha, ha! So is that how it is?! Are you hoping to make me question my own identity with such nonsense? Shunsui!

Members of the Four Great Noble Clans have their identities taken from them the moment they are born.

In exchange for a tremendous amount of power, they must offer themselves as linchpins, as pillars of support for not just the Soul Society, but the three realms.

Would the descendants of those who have only received favors without ever dirtying their hands say that?

Sure they would. There are people who share your status who agree with me, after all.

What?

*Gasp*

This conversation has been going on far too long. I couldn't stop myself from butting in.

Bankai, Tekken Tachikaze!

What?!

Oh, that was beautifully done. Good teamwork, considering it was last-minute.