Muramasa's smile froze.
That eerie curve just hung there. His hand stopped mid-air, completely rigid.
His mind went blank.
The spiritual pressure from these captains and lieutenants wasn't enough to affect him directly.
But he held his breath anyway.
He was stunned.
His plan had barely started. The second phase hadn't even begun. Yet the Gotei 13 had arrived in full force!
How did they find this place?
How did they pinpoint the location so fast?
No. They didn't search at all. They just appeared here!
Muramasa's mouth twitched.
After leaving Sōkyoku Hill last night, he'd been certain the Gotei 13 had fallen into his trap.
All he needed was to proceed step by step.
Now the Gotei forces had appeared without warning. His second phase—ruined!
But after a moment, something flashed in Muramasa's deep purple eyes.
He exhaled slowly. Calmed instantly.
He lowered his hand. The smile melted back into place like ice flowing.
Looking at the Zanpakutō spirits, Muramasa chuckled and muttered:
"Tsk... The Gotei 13's efficiency exceeds my expectations."
"They locked onto our position this quickly. Mobilized without hesitation."
"Even without Captain-Commander Yamamoto... they've maintained extreme cohesion and execution..."
He narrowed his eyes. Looked upward.
After a moment, he murmured:
"Is it you... Segawa Shigure...?"
"Looks like you saved me some tedious steps..."
That eerie curve returned to his lips.
He turned toward the massive pyramid barrier ahead. Yamamoto within it.
Raising his right hand toward the Zanpakutō spirits, he announced:
"Since the Soul Reapers arrived early... we change plans!"
"Let's give them a big surprise."
"Next—"
BOOM!!!
Muramasa's words cut off. A violent explosion erupted from above!
The ceiling collapsed!
CRASH!!!
Rubble flew. Dust scattered. Daylight poured in.
Spiritual pressure flooded down like a torrent!
White and black figures appeared throughout the cave using Flash Step!
They didn't descend together!
Each person landed precisely beside one Zanpakutō spirit!
Almost immediately, they pressed blades against the Zanpakutō's vital points!
Their own Zanpakutō!!
?!!
Not just the captured spirits—even Muramasa froze completely.
His mind went blank.
What?!
What's happening?!
Didn't they consider traps or ambushes...?
Why charge down so recklessly...
Why could they avoid the central barrier and lock onto their Zanpakutō so precisely...?
Muramasa's pupils contracted. He scanned rapidly.
His mind raced through every possibility.
But he still couldn't understand!
Just then, the final figure descended from above, backlit—landing precisely between the pyramid barrier and Muramasa!
The moment he touched down, the dust dispersed!
An invisible shockwave rippled out. Muramasa's white robes fluttered. His dark brown hair danced.
Muramasa's eyes narrowed.
The instant he saw clearly, his expression changed.
Segawa Shigure.
Though he'd anticipated this, seeing it still stirred emotions beyond his control.
Just as he looked over, Shigure raised his eyes.
The cave fell silent. Two men faced each other across six feet.
Their expressions differed. Muramasa looked tense. Shigure smiled faintly.
Hands behind his back, chin raised, Shigure laughed lightly:
"Muramasa, you look surprised."
"Our arrival wasn't in your plan, was it?"
"Which means this time, you won't escape using your previous methods."
As Shigure spoke, Muramasa's expression darkened.
Meanwhile, the captains and lieutenants gazed at the pyramid barrier. At Yamamoto within.
Their eyes held surprise. Disbelief.
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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