1-4 Byakuya Vanishes

Renji and I got separated right after that. I escaped to the world of the living through a Senkaimon while fighting off my Zanpakuto.

So the Zanpakuto are resisting their Soul Reaper's will and turning on them.

How strange. I've never heard of something like this happening before.

What doesn't add up is a Zanpakuto's true form exists within their Soul Reaper's inner world.

How 'bout the Seireitei? Is everyone all right?

Just calm down. I'll tell you everything I saw.

The Seireitei was in a terrible state.

It was daytime, so I could clearly see the damage that had been done and that the battle had ended. Many buildings were demolished and many Soul Reapers were injured.

Let me get this straight. These renegades did all this damage in a few hours, and then just quickly disappeared?

Without a trace, yes.

So many were injured in the Seireitei.

They tore this place apart. Starting with Squad 1's barracks, they burned down a lot of our buildings right to the ground.

The only good news we have is that, luckily, they left the relief center untouched.

Squad 2 and 12's compounds are also still intact. Captain Soi Fon and the rest of the Stealth Force already headed out. They're going to try to track down the Zanpakuto.

And Captain Kurotsuchi's already investigating to find out what's behind all of this.

For now, let's use Squad 4's barracks as our command center.

With Genryusai Yamamoto missing, I think all of us know that we need to pull together.

Ichigo, have you noticed any changes with your Zanpakuto?

No, it hasn't changed at all.

How 'bout that? So what we have here are numerous reports from Soul Reapers over in the Soul Society complaining about all the trouble they're having controlling their Zanpakuto.

And like Ichigo, I've had no problems with my Benihime either.

So you're inferring that whoever the enemy is, their ability to exert control over Zanpakuto appears to work only in the Soul Society and it has no effect here in the world of the living.

Is the enemy's power unable to reach the world of the living, or is there another reason for this dynamic?

I'd say we won't know until we take a deeper look into all of this.

Alright. Tomorrow morning, I'll head back to the Soul Society again.

Yoruichi. My brother?

Well, I was told they've confirmed the whereabouts of all the squad captains, lieutenants, and high-ranking officers.

The only one still classified as missing is your brother.

I knew it.

Don't worry. Byakuya's gotta be okay. Do you really think they could take down someone as strong as he is?

Never.

Bad news, Ichigo!

Why are you here this late?!

It's Rukia! She's disappeared!

She what?!

It sure looks like a Senkaimon's been opened. Guess Rukia must've gone back to the Soul Society.

Kisuke, open up a Senkaimon. I'll go get her.

With the current situation, I'd say it's too dangerous. Before you go there, we need to have more info.

We can't wait around! We may not have that much time!

I'd think twice.

I say you let him go. I'll be heading back to the Soul Society in a few hours myself.

Don't you think I'll be able to get a lot more done if someone else went with me?

C'mon, Kisuke!

Alright. Looks like I can't stop you, so go on.

Ichigo, let's go.

(Just stay calm, Rukia. Don't do anything crazy.)

Alright. Like Kisuke told us, we have got to stay alert here.

Right.

If you sense any change in Zangetsu, retreat.

Don't worry. Zangetsu will be fine.

I know that Zangetsu is special. I know he means a lot to you.

But the same can be said for all Soul Reapers. Everyone thinks their Zanpakuto is special.