7-2 Hanataro in Danger

Ikkaku went and sacrificed himself just to save us!

Don't worry.

A Zanpakuto and its master have separate bodies, but they both share one heart. Trust me, he's not dead.

Thanks, Hozukimaru.

Wait a minute. Do you smell something?

What?

Hmm? I do smell it. Where's it coming from?

Who's been camping here? Huh?

Ah! Wait a minute! It can't be! Did somebody make kebabs with my chickens?!

Noooooooo!!!

Wait, I recognize this sake.

This bottle was stolen from my captain!

So, what are you telling me? That all these things are items that the thief stole from the barracks?

Yes, it would seem so.

Hey, come back here, you little thief!

I am so sorry!

Wait a minute! You're...

Do you know him, Yamada?

Fraid not. How 'bout you?

Stop confusing us with inappropriate reactions!

Sorry for misleading you.

But since you brought up the subject, I have to admit, there's something awfully familiar about him.

Who are you and why are you here?

I'm sorry!

Cut it out! Can't you say anything but "I'm sorry?"

That is enough of that! You'd better come clean with us, or things are gonna get ugly for you!

I'm really sorry!

Graaaahhhhh!

It's about time you showed yourself!

Ahh! That's a huge Sword Beast!

You're responsible for this! Don't even try to deny it!

I'm sorry!

Hahhhh!

Wahhhh!

Ikkaku!

You protect the others. I'll take care of that beast!

Right!

Seventh Seat Yamada! We need your help! You'll have to fight, too!

Uh, what?

You're a Soul Reaper! What's the matter with you?! Get on your feet and attack this monster with your Zanpakuto!

Well, I would, Lieutenant, but my Zanpakuto is mainly used for healing and so... I...uh...

What are you saying?

I thought I wouldn't need it for this search, so I guess I... I kinda left it back at the barracks.

You're kidding.

Grh... Ngh!

Lieutenant Ise! What now? How do I fight without a weapon? This is horrible! What do I do?

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

Gah!

Wait! What are you doing? Stop that! You're going to cripple Ikkaku!

What?!

Hold on! I know that Zanpakuto. Are you...?

So, from what I understand...

...you're saying the thief was the manifested form of Seventh Seat Yamada's Zanpakuto. Are you absolutely sure about that?

Yes, sir.

Wait! If you knew that, then why didn't you say so at the time?

Sorry. He looked so different that I didn't recognize him at first.

Hmm. I guess that's not such an unusual story for you, Seventh Seat Yamada.

According to Hisagomaru, he was manifested by Muramasa, just like all of the other Zanpakuto.

However, he had no complaints against his master, and when he realized what had happened, he immediately tried to return to sword form. Despite his best efforts, he was unable to do so.

Eventually, he got depressed. He thought his master had rejected him, and he went to live like a hermit.

What? You mean the reason I'm not able to return to my original form isn't because my master hates me?

That's right. As you can see, we've all been affected. None of us have been able to return to our original form.

All this time, I thought it was something I did!

So, did you ever find out about those grilled chicken kebabs?

What? Those aren't mine! I could never kill something then eat it!

Then, where did that chicken come from?

They were prepared dishes from the camp kitchen.

Your chickens are right here.

Ah! Hanamaru! Hanae! Hanakichi! And Hanaemon!

So, why did you take the chickens in the first place?

After my master had rejected me, I decided I was going to live alone. But I was still lonely and wanted some company.

Hisagomaru.

It's all right. I can promise you, you're not alone. You have me now, and I swear to you, I'll always be your partner.

Master...

Hisagomaru.

Master!

Hisagomaru!

Hold on a minute.

Something in all this isn't clear to me.

Where is Hisagomaru, the one who was at the center of your little drama?

Well, you see. We kinda...got separated.

He took one turn, we took another, and we couldn't find him again.

*Sob* Where did everybody go?