6-3 The Never Ending Incident

You know, I must say, it's nice to be able to talk to you like this every once in a while.

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

Something wrong?

Truth is, we Zanpakuto are truly nothing but weapons meant for fighting. Maybe beneath it all, we actually do lack heart.

Don't you see? I always prided myself on the extent of my power. The fact is that's why I was so anxious to act on my own just one time. That's how Muramasa was able to worm his way into my heart.

I was blinded by my ego. I started thinking I could do anything and everything myself.

But the results of this incident have made me sit up and realize how mistaken I was.

I really am only a weapon with nothing to offer except my power. Without your heart to guide me, I'm just a simple tool of destruction.

You're wrong about all of that! Absolutely wrong!

Huh?

You and I have always been partners, right from the beginning.

You watched over me through difficult and painful periods of my life, through triumph and tragedy.

I couldn't begin to count the number of times your presence has saved me.

In the end, I was able to stay strong because of you. Don't ever believe you're just a tool.

Lady Rukia...

Do you sense that?

Let's go!

You! Stop right there!

Grahhhh!

Ngh! (If I don't distance myself, he's going to destroy me!)

Hado 33: Sokatsui!

Sode No Shirayuki! Do it now. I'll cover you.

Right!

I see. And what did you do with the Zanpakuto you captured?

I sent it to the Department of Research and Development.

Well, that was probably the right thing to do.

Captain Ukitake, I wanted to ask about that Sword Beast.

Yes. That probably won't be the last time we'll see one. I've received several reports of such incidents. They're spreading.

I thought so.

And the Zanpakuto have begun to manifest again. I guess that means we still haven't found an effective solution to the problem.

It couldn't happen at a worse time. We're forced to rebuild the Seireitei as fast as possible, and frankly, we may not pull it off.

It will be all right. No matter what challenges are facing us, we'll all do what we can to help.

Yes, you're right. And I'll be counting on you, just as I have been all these years.

Right.