5-3 Souls Reapers and Zanpakutos

I see. So you have your Zangetsu by your side once again.

Now I understand what he was trying to say.

What?

Recognizing and accepting each other's existence. That's the foundation of the relationship between a Zanpakuto and a Soul Reaper.

But I bet you already knew that.

What do you know about anything?!

Why won't you just accept it?!

Ichigo, we must leave this place.

There is a maelstrom of deep-seated anger here, driven by the Hollows that Muramasa consumed for all those years.

And at any moment, they will rise up and destroy him.

We don't have much time, Ichigo!

I know.

*Pant* *Pant* Grh...

Muramasa, why can't you just let this go?

It's none of your business.

Come on, he told you that he didn't need you anymore. So just give up already!

Koga's abilities were so immense that he could rule over the entire Soul Society.

I was always so proud of that. He possessed amazing power!

That's why I will never stop.

What the hell is wrong with you?!

What about your whole mission to free the Zanpakuto from captivity?

Hmph. You'll believe almost anything, won't you? That was all just a phony ploy to trick you idiots.

Is that the truth?!

You even told us you killed your master. But when it comes right down to it, your master never saw you as anything but his weapon!

You knew that. But you still struggled to exist, all for the sake of freeing Koga from his seal.

Face it. You did all that because you wanted Koga to appreciate you, just once!

It was a lofty goal. It wouldn't have lasted long.

Arg...!

Hey!

Ichigo, time is running out.

If he becomes a Hollow, the pockets of Reishi in the world of the living would become dangerously unbalanced, and Karakura Town could be destroyed.

Don't worry. He won't become a Hollow.

Muramasa! My Zanpakuto and I, we're gonna be together to the end!

And not only me. All my friends and even the captains.

To Soul Reaper and Zanpakuto alike, they're each special and irreplaceable to one another!

You knew that better than anyone else. So how could you betray the honor you once fought for?!

You have no right to stand there and judge me! I knew what I was doing all along.

Taking what you want when you want it isn't the way to treat a Zanpakuto!

Ah...!

The Zanpakuto should have free will, just like the Soul Reaper!

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

Well, it appears that my time has finally come.

I know. Let's end this!