"What are you talking about?"
Kuchiki Kōga frowned. "Of course I understand my Zanpakutō's ability."
He removed his Zanpakutō from his waist—scabbard and all—and spoke without holding anything back.
"It's called Muramasa. It can awaken the consciousness of other Shinigami's Zanpakutō and amplify their emotions."
"Just like you said, a Zanpakutō is part of a Shinigami's own power—but at the same time, that power has an independent will."
"As a Shinigami lives with their Zanpakutō, disagreements are inevitable—little frictions you might not even notice."
"Normally, those feelings are harmless and don't affect a Shinigami's ability to use their blade."
"But Muramasa can magnify those emotions endlessly, until the Zanpakutō develops resentment and dissatisfaction toward its Shinigami."
"Then, by feeding it the idea of 'rebelling against its master,' Muramasa can drive it into outright betrayal."
"A Shinigami without their Zanpakutō is essentially stripped of their primary offensive tool. Even a powerful Shinigami can fall because of it."
Kōga didn't hide a thing.
In his mind, Naraku had helped him, recognized him, even taken the initiative to guide him and ease the tension with his father-in-law.
Across all of Soul Society, it would be hard to find another "confidant" who could talk with him so openly.
If he kept secrets about Muramasa after that, it would be a poor way to treat a friend.
Besides, Muramasa's ability wasn't exactly a secret among Soul Society's upper ranks anyway. Kuchiki Ginrei and Captain-Commander Yamamoto both knew it well.
"And also—after Muramasa reaches Bankai, it can invade the enemy's inner world, attack their soul directly, and read their memories."
At that point Kōga hesitated, but his eyes quickly hardened with resolve.
"Of course, there are drawbacks too. If the enemy seals off their inner world in advance, those abilities are much harder to use."
Naraku nodded thoughtfully.
Everything Kōga said matched what Naraku already knew, and he hadn't even held back on Muramasa's weaknesses. It was real sincerity.
But after thinking it over, Naraku suddenly put on a pained, almost heartbroken expression and slapped both hands heavily onto Kōga's shoulders.
"Kōga—your path is wrong!"
Kōga: "?"
Ignoring the change in Kōga's face, Naraku organized his thoughts and spoke plainly.
"Like I told you earlier: Zanpakutō come from the Shinigami's soul. They're part of the Shinigami's power. You agree with that, right?"
Kōga nodded.
That was basic Academy material. As a top graduate, he obviously knew it.
"But the way you described it is backwards."
"In your fights against rebel Shinigami, Muramasa is usually the main driver and you're the supporting role."
"You get results, sure—but have you ever considered this?"
"If someone breaks Muramasa's ability… what do you do then?"
Kōga immediately snapped back without thinking.
"Impossible. My Muramasa is invincible!"
Hearing that, Naraku's eyes lit up with anticipation.
"Since you're so sure, Kōga… why not test Muramasa's limits?"
Kōga looked confused.
Naraku spread his hands, expression sincere.
"For your sake—use Muramasa on me."
Kōga's eyes widened in shock. He never expected Naraku to go that far.
"Naraku—if a Zanpakutō betrays you, it can seriously affect you. You'd have to subdue it again with your own power before it recognizes you."
"If Muramasa has weaknesses, just tell me. I'll believe you. You don't have to sacrifice yourself like this."
Kōga's tone was earnest. In all his years as a son-in-law in the Kuchiki, he'd never met a friend like Naraku—someone willing to open up, even to give.
On instinct, he didn't want to use Muramasa against a friend.
"It's fine."
Naraku drew his own Zanpakutō and smiled with quiet confidence.
"I trust her—just like you trust Muramasa."
"But there's a difference."
"You trust Muramasa's ability."
"I trust myself."
Maybe Naraku's smile infected Kōga, or maybe that confidence moved him. He still didn't fully understand—but he slowly drew his blade anyway.
"Whisper… Muramasa."
As the Shikai release phrase rang out, Kōga's Reiatsu rose. Purple spiritual pressure became a pillar of light that covered the nearby area.
The air churned, dust spiraling up.
In the howling storm of reishi, it was as if a gate between worlds had opened. A figure stepped out from the blade in Kōga's hand.
A tall, thin man with pale skin, wearing a white-striped robe with thick fur at the collar.
Heavy purple eyeshadow framed his eyes—an odd match for Kōga's usual style.
The moment Muramasa appeared, he immediately fixed a wary gaze on Naraku.
He'd heard their entire conversation. And toward the man "poisoning" his master's mind, he couldn't help feeling hostility.
What do you mean "relying too much on a Zanpakutō"?
What do you mean "Muramasa's ability being broken"?
This brat has bad intentions.
He needed to teach this troublemaker a lesson for trying to drive a wedge between him and Kōga.
Even with displeasure simmering underneath, Muramasa maintained proper etiquette.
"Naraku-sama—are you certain you want me to use my ability on you?"
To his surprise, Naraku shook his head. Then he lifted his own Zanpakutō, wearing an earnest "this is for your own good" expression.
"Use it on her."
"If you look at the memories in my head, you'll go insane."
Muramasa: "?"
Even though he didn't understand at all, he chose to respect Naraku's decision. He extended his right hand, spreading his fingers—his long nails strangely eye-catching.
Powerful Reiatsu burst out, like a pebble dropped into still water. Rings of ripples spread forward and covered Naraku's Zanpakutō, whose tip pointed straight down.
In the next moment, Muramasa's world changed completely—
Endless ruins and wreckage stretched out. Gentle flames flickered, spreading and expanding toward the horizon.
Cracks covered an infinite expanse of blackened earth.
The smell of sulfur and ash filled the air. Muramasa, like an uninvited guest, had stepped into an apocalyptic world beyond his understanding.
As a Zanpakutō that could incite other Zanpakutō to betray their masters, he had followed Kōga across countless battlefields and seen the inner worlds of innumerable Shinigami.
But he had never seen an inner world like this—
Desolate.
Under the crimson sky, the same deathly stillness reigned. Stars that should have shone brightly were instead twisted and warped by some force, like melted glass.
A Shinigami's inner world often reflects its owner's character.
Just how terrible was Naraku Sora as a person… for his inner world to look like this?
~~~
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