"What are you saying?"
Kuchiki Kōga frowned. "Of course I understand my Zanpakutō's abilities."
He removed the Zanpakutō from his waist, sheath and all, and spoke without reservation. "Its name is Muramasa. It can awaken the consciousness of other Soul Reapers' Zanpakutō and amplify their emotions."
"Just as you said before, a Zanpakutō is a part of a Soul Reaper's own power, but similarly, this power possesses an independent consciousness."
"In the process of a Soul Reaper coexisting with their Zanpakutō, disagreements or subtle, unnoticed frictions are inevitable."
"Normally, these kinds of emotions wouldn't cause any issues, nor would they affect the Soul Reaper's ability to use their Zanpakutō."
"But Muramasa can infinitely amplify these emotions, causing the Zanpakutō to develop resentment and dissatisfaction toward the Soul Reaper. Then, by instilling the idea of 'rebelling against the master,' it causes them to defect completely."
"A Soul Reaper who has lost their Zanpakutō effectively loses their primary means of offense. Even the most powerful Soul Reaper would meet a tragic end because of this."
Kuchiki Kōga did not hide a single detail.
In his eyes, Naraku Sora had helped and recognized him so much, even taking the initiative to counsel him and ease the conflict between him and his father-in-law. Looking across the entire Soul Society, it would be difficult to find another confidant who could engage in such heart-to-heart communication.
If he continued to keep his Zanpakutō's abilities a secret, he would be failing as a friend.
Furthermore, Muramasa's ability was no secret among the high-ranking officials of the Soul Society; both Kuchiki Ginrei and Head Captain Yamamoto were well aware of it.
"In addition, after Bankai, Muramasa can invade the enemy's inner world, launch attacks on their soul, and read their memories."
At this point, Kuchiki Kōga hesitated for a moment, but his eyes quickly regained their resolve.
"Of course, there are weaknesses. If the enemy closes off their heart in advance, the aforementioned abilities will have difficulty taking effect."
Naraku Sora looked thoughtful.
What Kuchiki Kōga said was consistent with what he knew; even Muramasa's weaknesses weren't withheld. This truly counted as baring his soul.
However, after a moment of contemplation, Naraku Sora put on a look of deep regret and placed both hands heavily on Kuchiki Kōga's shoulders.
"Kōga, you've taken the wrong path!"
Kuchiki Kōga: "?"
Ignoring the change in Kuchiki Kōga's expression, Naraku Sora organized his thoughts and said candidly, "As I said before, the Zanpakutō originates from the Soul Reaper's soul and is part of their power. You admit this, right?"
Kuchiki Kōga nodded. This was basic curriculum at the Spiritual Arts Academy; as an outstanding graduate, he naturally understood it.
"But your description is the exact opposite."
"In battles against rebellious Soul Reapers, you usually let Muramasa take the lead while you play a supporting role. Although your battle record is illustrious, have you ever considered one problem—"
"Once Muramasa's ability is countered by someone, how will you respond?"
The moment those words left his mouth, Kuchiki Kōga didn't even think before immediately retorting, "Impossible! My Muramasa is peerless under heaven!"
Hearing this, Naraku Sora's eyes gleamed with anticipation.
"Since you say so, Kōga, why not test Muramasa's limits?"
Kuchiki Kōga looked confused.
Naraku Sora spread his hands and said with total sincerity, "For your sake, use Muramasa on me."
Kuchiki Kōga looked shocked; he never expected Naraku Sora would go to such lengths.
"Naraku, if a Zanpakutō rebels, it will have a serious impact on you. You would have to personally subdue it again to regain its recognition."
"If Muramasa has any flaws, just tell me directly. I'm willing to believe you. There's no need for such a sacrifice."
Kuchiki Kōga's attitude was extremely earnest. Having been the Kuchiki family's son-in-law for so long, this was the first time he had met a friend like Naraku Sora who was willing to share his heart and even make sacrifices. Subconsciously, he was unwilling to use Muramasa's ability on his friend.
"It's alright."
Naraku Sora drew the Zanpakutō at his waist and smiled confidently. "I believe in her, just as you believe in Muramasa."
"The difference is, you believe in Muramasa's ability, while I believe in myself!"
Perhaps Naraku Sora's smile was infectious, or perhaps his confidence was moving; though he still couldn't understand, Kuchiki Kōga slowly drew his Zanpakutō—
"Whisper, Muramasa."
As the Shikai release command echoed, the Spiritual Pressure on Kuchiki Kōga's body gradually surged. The purple Spiritual Pressure transformed into a pillar of light, instantly enveloping the surrounding area.
The air current surged, stirring up clouds of dust.
Amidst the whistling Reishi storm, as if a Senkaimon had been opened, a figure stepped slowly out of the blade in Kuchiki Kōga's hand.
It was a tall, thin man with pale skin, wearing a white striped robe with a thick fur collar. There was heavy purple eye shadow on his face, which seemed slightly at odds with Kuchiki Kōga's style.
The moment Muramasa appeared, he looked at Naraku Sora with a wary gaze.
He had heard their entire conversation. Therefore, he couldn't help but feel a sense of rejection toward this man who was "bewitching" his master.
'What do you mean by over-reliance on a Zanpakutō?'
'What do you mean by Muramasa's ability being countered?'
'This kid has bad intentions!'
He felt the need to teach this guy—who was trying to drive a wedge between him and Kuchiki Kōga—a lesson.
Despite his dissatisfaction, Muramasa maintained the proper etiquette. "Lord Naraku, are you certain you want me to use my ability on you?"
To his surprise, Naraku Sora shook his head. He then raised his Zanpakutō and spoke with a sincere "this is for your own good" expression.
"Just use it on her."
"If you see the memories in my head, you'll go insane."
Muramasa: "?"
Though deeply confused, he chose to respect Naraku Sora's choice. He extended his right hand, fingers spread; his long nails were particularly striking.
A powerful Spiritual Pressure erupted, like a stone dropped into a calm lake. Ripples spread forward, enveloping the Zanpakutō whose tip was pointed straight at the ground.
In the next moment, the world before Muramasa's eyes underwent a massive transformation—
Amidst boundless ruins and wreckage, scorching flames leapt gently, continuously spreading and expanding toward the horizon. On the vast, charred earth, countless cracks were visible.
The scent of sulfur and ash filled his nostrils. Muramasa entered this doomsday-like world like an uninvited guest, the scene before him completely exceeding his understanding.
As a Zanpakutō capable of instigating others to defect, he had followed Kuchiki Kōga through countless battles and seen the inner worlds of numerous Soul Reapers.
But he had never seen an inner world like the one before him—
Desolate.
Above the flaming red vault of the sky, there was an equally undeniable silence. The stars, which should have been brilliant, had become twisted and winding due to some force, looking like molten glass.
A Soul Reaper's inner world usually reflected their master's personality to some extent.
Just how twisted was that guy Naraku Sora's personality for his world to turn into something like this?