In Soul Society, as Byakuya, Nanao, and Ukitake stand around the wounded Shunsui, Ukitake started speaking about his condition.
Ukitake: "I can't believe that i'm usually the one lying on a hospital bed surrounded by visitors."
Byakuya: "That may be that but something about this bothers me."
Ukitake: "About what??"
Byakuya: "The time of the Hyōrinmaru attacks, the search party can clearly feel Hitsugaya's reiatsu on the real world from time to time."
Byakuya: "The last report before the attack said the Hitsugaya was still in the real world and within 10 minutes the attack happened."
As Nanao and Ukitake express surprise, Byakuya states the time between the attacks was insufficient to travel between the two worlds.
Ukitake: "So the one who truly attacked wasn't Hitsugaya but Kusaka??"
Byakuya: "It might also be the reason the Commander didn't take any extreme orders."
Ukitake: "It's possible."
At the 12th Division, Captain Mayuri Kurotsuchi started looking for records of a twin Zanpakutō. He knew through research that a Zanpakutō is born directly from the consciousness of the Shinigami, and the Shikai is like a binding contract between the two.
He knew it is impossible for a Zanpakutō to be tied to more than one Shinigami at a time and would not even be a Zanpakutō by definition, As he began to theorize how it could have two owners. he realized something, and started murmuring he now understands why they are here.
As he left from his position and walking through a certain place Mayuri arrived in a run down place that was full of computers. Mayuri turns to the computer and sneaked into the inner recesses of the Daireishokairō archives.
He pressed several keys, causing the Daireishokairō to light up, Mayuri then found something.
At the same time in a canyon, a figure was standing there remembering the past. In the past, Kusaka and Hitsugaya stand in a misty canyon next to a river. As the two recognize each other, the canyon fades to reveal the Central 46 assembly hall around them.
Stating the Central 46 has reached a decision, a voice proclaims two Shinigami are not allowed to wield the same Zanpakutō, and Hitsugaya and Kusaka shall duel to determine the rightful master.
Hitsugaya: "Is a fight to the death is the only way."
A man stated it is the council's decision, and a woman says it is to see who is deserving. Stating Hyōrinmaru is strong and requires such a test, another man tells them to consider it an honour.
Hitsugaya: "I would rather surrender Hyōrinmaru than kill Kusaka."
At his denial, he is told it is an ancient law which has been in place since the beginning of time, and he cannot disobey the law.
As they entered the fight with Hitsugaya hesitation an ice-covered Kusaka stood before him as he shrugs the ice off.
Then several Onmitsukidō members appear around them and begin walking towards Kusaka. When Kusaka asks why they are interfering, one of them reveals the council has decided Hitsugaya shall be the one master of Hyōrinmaru.
As Kusaka states the fight is not over and he is the rightful master of Hyōrinmaru, the Onmitsukidō member says it is the decision of Central 46.
As the Onmitsukidō members raise their blades, Kusaka begs them to give him one more chance before being stabbed by several of them.
As two Onmitsukidō members restrain Hitsugaya, he calls out to Kusaka, who asks why they have done this and why he must die before another Onmitsukidō member slashes him.
Panting, Kusaka states he dedicated his life to Soul Society as Hyōrinmaru fades from his hand. As Kusaka falls down, Hitsugaya screams his name while running to him.
Kusaka: "Che, my eyes and scar have started to become itchy."
Kusaka: "Even thought i knew Hitsugaya is not at fault, i have no choice, as all the Families at Central 46 will have to die."
Kusaka: "If he stands in my way again i will use everything to kill him."