A ripple of faint purple spiritual pressure radiated outward from Muramasa's ten fingers, spreading across the surroundings.
In the next moment, Sōjun and Byakuya felt their zanpakutōs trembling uncontrollably in their hands. The sharp blades seemed to be rebelling, attempting to turn against their wielders.
Even Makoto, standing at the farthest distance, sensed an unusual disturbance from his zanpakutō, Shinro Banshō, still sheathed at his side.
Is this an indiscriminate interference targeting all zanpakutō within range?
Realizing that Kōga had completely sided with the enemy, Sōjun made a swift decision. Desperately restraining his rebellious zanpakutō, he shouted an order.
"Send a warning to the Seireitei and arrest Kuchiki Kōga immediately!"
"Yes, sir!"
Without hesitation, the ten or so attendants armed with sealing rods rushed to encircle Kuchiki Kōka, attempting to subdue him.
"Don't you dare approach my master."
Although these attendants didn't possess zanpakutō and were unaffected by Muramasa's ability, the manifested zanpakutō itself moved into action. Demonstrating power comparable to that of a captain-level combatant, Muramasa effortlessly dismantled the encirclement.
Within moments, the attendants lay defeated on the ground as Muramasa knelt before Kōga, reporting his success.
Kōga's face twisted with madness and satisfaction. He stepped on the fallen attendants, one by one, his expression growing more deranged as he approached Sōjun and Byakuya.
Picking up a discarded binding rod, Kōga drove it into Sōjun's neck, pinning him against the edge of the Senkaimon. His voice was dripping with triumph.
"Sōjun, do you see now? My power is unparalleled! Any Shinigami or zanpakutō stands powerless before me."
Under this interference, Sōjun, who had been barely able to restrain his zanpakutō with one hand, lost control completely. The blade twisted and pierced into his body.
Even so, Sōjun showed no fear. Glaring unwaveringly at Kōga, he retorted, "Stop masking your inner fear with arrogance, Kōga. If you weren't afraid of Father or Captain-Commander Yamamoto's power, why would you resort to fleeing the Seireitei through the Senkaimon?"
For a moment, Kōga's expression shifted, a mix of fury and alarm betraying the truth of Sōjun's words.
Fear...
Yes, it was fear. No matter how much Kōga lied to himself, he couldn't deny the fear he felt towards Kuchiki Ginrei and Yamamoto Genryūsai, memories of their overwhelming power seared into his mind.
"No! I've mastered Bankai! I'm on equal footing with any so-called captain. Those decrepit bodies of theirs—do they really think they can stand against me?" Kōga roared, his anger exploding.
Byakuya, his hands tightly gripping his zanpakutō, sneered. "Then why don't you go face Captain-Commander Yamamoto and Grandfather?"
Kōga's gaze snapped to Byakuya, and Muramasa responded instantly. With a swift movement, the manifested zanpakutō struck Byakuya, sending him flying.
"Byakuya, have you forgotten the teachings of the Kuchiki family? When elders are speaking, it's not your place to interrupt."
Despite being knocked down and rolling several times, the young Byakuya refused to yield. Rising to his feet, he glared defiantly at Kōga and shouted, "Afraid to confront your own fear, Kōga?"
Kōga's rage boiled over. He turned to Muramasa and commanded, "Kill him."
"As you wish, Master."
Without hesitation, Muramasa moved. In an instant, he appeared before Byakuya, his razor-sharp claws aimed at the young man's throat.
At the critical moment, Makoto stepped in, placing himself between Muramasa and Byakuya. Drawing Shinro Banshō, he intercepted Muramasa's strike.
"Clang!"
The clash of their weapons rang out, a sharp, piercing sound cutting through the air.
Makoto turned to the struggling Byakuya behind him and remarked with a touch of exasperation, "Byakuya, you're really a mess right now."
Muramasa didn't grant them time for banter. He lunged at Makoto again, his hands a blur of deadly strikes.
"Sorry, but I'm not exactly built for close combat..." Makoto muttered, stepping back.
As he spoke, Makoto released Shinro Banshō. Green grass and towering trees erupted, creating a natural barrier between him and Muramasa.
"Makoto! Don't release your zanpakutō!" Byakuya's urgent voice cut through the chaos. "Muramasa's ability allows him to communicate with zanpakutō spirits and manipulate them to betray their masters. The more a zanpakutō is released, the easier it is for him to locate its spirit and corrupt it."
Hearing this, Makoto glanced at the spirit form of Shinro Banshō hovering nearby.
Sensing his gaze, the spirit—a petite, energetic figure with wide, sparkling eyes—grinned and reassured him, "Don't worry, Master! There's no way I'd betray you. Fight, fight, fight!"
The spirit's words, though cheerful, did little to inspire confidence.
Makoto sighed. He had a habit of listening to advice—not from his zanpakutō's mischievous spirit, but from others. Without hesitation, he sealed Shinro Banshō again. Grabbing Byakuya, he prepared to retreat.
"Makoto, wait!"
Kōga's voice rang out, stopping them. His gaze locked onto Makoto as he sneered. "Are you willing to leave Sōjun to die?"
Byakuya's anger flared. "Kōga, what are you trying to accomplish?"
"It's simple..." Kōka's hand clenched and opened, as if grasping something intangible.
"I despise the Seireitei. I loathe the Gotei 13. And I've had enough of this so-called noble society."
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