Zanpakuto: The Alternate Tale Part 2, 5-1

Hado 63: Raikoho!

Oh, great. No effect. Our attacks aren't working at all.

There must be a way to break through all of these flames.

Damn it! Karakura Town is in danger as we speak.

We don't have much time left here. At this point, there isn't much I can do to force Ryujin Jakka to submit.

If we cannot find a way to escape from this place soon, Muramasa will have broken through the seal. We cannot give him the time to do that.

What are you talking about?

Is that why Muramasa has entered the world of the living?

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

We have to know! Tell us what exactly Muramasa is trying to do!

Muramasa has plans to free Koga.

Koga is a Soul Reaper that was banished long ago. At the time, he was the master of Muramasa.

Huh?

Muramasa is a truly unique entity. He is a Zanpakuto that can enter another person's inner world and control the Zanpakuto that lives within it.

Koga used this unusual power he possesses to organize and lead a rebellion against the Seireitei.

He exerted his control over many Zanpakuto. Everyone was caught completely by surprise. The Soul Reapers were not prepared for the attacks and without the use of their powers, they stood no chance to defend themselves in battle. The Soul Society became a state of complete chaos.

We suffered a tremendous amount of casualties in those battles, but finally, we managed to capture and seal Koga away forever.

Muramasa's Soul Reaper master, huh?

It all makes sense now.

He told me something else. He said that he was the one that cut down his master back then.

He will stop at nothing to reach his goal. He has been successful thus far and is well aware that his master is alive within the seal.

And that seal's located in Karakura Town?

Sir, please tell us. What exactly did Muramasa obtain when he entered your mind?

He took information that only I have. He found out how to free Koga.

Kh... This is my fault.

If Muramasa destroys the seal, it'll be my fault. I have to stop him!

Reign over the frosted heavens, Hyorinmaru!

Toshiro! Hyorinmaru!

I came as fast as I could!

Captain Hitsugaya! Have all your wounds healed?

They have. I'm feeling much better. Thank you.

We've been stuck here, thanks to Ryujin Jakka.

He got to your Zanpakuto as well, Head Captain?

Where's Muramasa?

He's gone.

By now, he's probably in Karakura Town.

Karakura Town?!

He's gone there with a plan to revive this Soul Reaper who was once his master.

His Soul Reaper master?

Yeah. Let's just say the situation is terrible.

Damn him.

This is an emergency.

At this point, our first priority is to quickly aid Ichigo Kurosaki in escaping from this place.

What? Wait a sec. Why me?

If you feel responsible for this situation, it is your obligation to bring Muramasa to justice.

And I will!

Let's go!

Bankai! Daiguren Hyorinmaru!

Bankai!

Now's your chance! Quickly!

Got it!

Haaahhhhhhh!!!

Good luck, Ichigo. We're counting on you.

Now, then. Since we have him on his way, it is finally time for me to give my sword the punishment it deserves.

We should probably focus our energy on regaining control of Ryujin Jakka.

But with this ring of fire, capturing him isn't going to be an easy task.

Excuse me, Master Hitsugaya.

We are facing the most powerful fire-type Zanpakuto, a very worthy opponent.

Will it be okay for me to lend you my power?

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

What is wrong?

There's no need to be so formal with me now, Hyorinmaru.

Uh?

What I'm saying is you can put your mind at ease. There are four captains with you, after all. This fight will be a routine exercise.

Captain Hitsugaya makes a pretty good point.

We haven't got time to waste. Let's wrap this up. Afterwards, we can catch up with Ichigo.

Well, count me in.

Let's move out.

(Get ready, Muramasa...)

(...because I'm coming for you!)