"What on earth... are you talking about!"
Kuchiki Kōga looked at Naraku Sora in shock, completely unable to grasp the meaning behind his words. Moreover, compared to a moment ago, why did this guy's entire vibe suddenly change? Was he triggered by something?
"What am I saying? Don't tell me you don't understand the meaning of that sentence, Kōga? It's a perfect description of your current situation."
Naraku Sora felt a bit of regret that he didn't have any hair gel on hand. Otherwise, he could have pulled off that hair-slicking move like Aizen; it probably would have made him more persuasive.
"Lord Ginrei bestowed the Kuchiki surname upon you, allowing you to leap from being a commoner in the Rukongai to becoming a member of the Five Great Noble Houses. He gave you a platform to showcase yourself, enabling you to become the Third Seat of the Sixth Squad in an incredibly short time."
"When people see you, they naturally grant you respect, even looking at you with admiration."
"Because Lord Ginrei changed your destiny, you crave his recognition. You hope for his praise. You are filled with admiration for the Head of the Kuchiki family."
"But it is precisely because of this admiration that you are unable to understand Lord Ginrei."
Kuchiki Kōga furrowed his brows, a hint of contemplation flashing in the depths of his eyes. After a moment of silence, he looked up and said in a heavy voice, "Naraku, are you saying that my father-in-law is actually doing this for my own good?"
Upon hearing this, Naraku Sora curled his lip in disdain.
"See? I told you that you wouldn't understand."
"Which word or sentence gave you the impression that I meant that?"
Kuchiki Kōga frowned in confusion, his face a mask of bewilderment. Seeing him like this, Naraku Sora found the patience to explain.
"Actually, when it comes down to it, it's not that Lord Ginrei is doing it for your own good, nor is it that he doesn't acknowledge you. As an observer, no one would think you aren't excellent enough."
"How many people in history have mastered Bankai while still a student at the academy?"
"But it is precisely this excellence that led Lord Ginrei to have excessively high expectations for you."
"A mature temperament, perfection in everything."
"He doesn't even hesitate to use an abnormally strict attitude to demand things of you, scolding you for the slightest mistake."
"But he never considered that the reason humans are human is because of that very imperfection."
"Add to that the Kuchiki family's ancestral habit of speaking in riddles, and it's perfectly normal for a rift to form between you and him."
Naraku Sora shook his head, showing a look of pity.
The reason Kuchiki Kōga had this mindset now, aside from Kuchiki Ginrei's own refusal to speak plainly, involved one other crucial point.
That was the Zanpakutō, Muramasa.
As a Zanpakutō that was eccentric and brainlessly loyal, it would sacrifice everything for Kuchiki Kōga, even its own life.
But what does a sword know about anything?
Whenever Kuchiki Kōga was reprimanded by Kuchiki Ginrei, this fellow would jump out in his heart and use unimaginable flattery to make him regain his confidence.
It was effective.
But was this approach truly right?
To put it simply, Kuchiki Kōga had lost himself amidst a constant stream of praise, leading to a delusional level of self-confidence that evolved into arrogance. In the end, he could no longer listen to anyone else.
In short, no one was innocent.
Kuchiki Ginrei was too strict, Muramasa provided pure indulgence, and Kuchiki Kōga's own mindset was somewhat paranoid. With these three factors combined, Kuchiki Kōga became prone to swings of insecurity, burying the seeds for his future fate.
Now, after Naraku Sora's series of verbal blows, he had managed to bend him back a little. As for whether he could truly achieve enlightenment, it would depend on the man himself.
Kuchiki Kōga was lost in thought.
However, at that moment, a voice echoed within his heart—
'Kōga, please do not let your thoughts wander. I sense the confusion deep within your heart. Although it sounds logical, Lord Naraku's words are not necessarily correct.'
'Please remember, I will always stand by your side. We are the Soul Reaper and Zanpakutō destined to meet.'
'Trust me, and trust yourself...'
While he was deep in thought, Naraku Sora suddenly leaned in close and grinned. "Is your Zanpakutō bluffing you again?"
Hearing this, Kuchiki Kōga's eyes widened instantly, filled with both shock and anger.
His communication with Muramasa took place within his soul; it was impossible for others to hear it. Did this guy have mind-reading powers?
Kuchiki Kōga remembered that Muramasa could also read the memories of others.
"I don't have mind-reading powers."
Naraku Sora spread his hands and said candidly, "It's just that you wear your thoughts on your face, Kōga."
"Do you remember what I just said?"
"Admiration... is the emotion furthest from understanding."
"You can ask your own Zanpakutō if it holds the emotion of admiration toward you."
The moment these words were spoken, Kuchiki Kōga did not hesitate. He immediately sank his consciousness into his inner world and relayed this question to Muramasa, who was waiting on a stone pillar.
'Admiration?'
Muramasa answered without a second thought, 'Of course. I am your Zanpakutō. Is it not natural for me to hold feelings of admiration for my Soul Reaper?'
Kuchiki Kōga stared silently at the figure before him for a long time without saying a word.
Muramasa thought he had said something wrong and was about to defend himself when he realized that Kuchiki Kōga had already vanished from the inner world.
"You guessed right."
Kuchiki Kōga shifted his attention back to the real world, a hint of helplessness appearing on his face.
"Kōga, honestly, there's no need for a person to constantly seek the recognition of others."
Naraku Sora reached out and patted Kuchiki Kōga's shoulder, speaking with deep sincerity.
"No one is perfect."
"You only need to keep becoming better. Be patient; I believe Lord Ginrei will see the changes in you."
Kuchiki Kōga lowered his gaze, a hint of reflection flashing in his eyes. After a moment of silence, he looked up with a grateful expression.
"I understand. Thank you, Naraku."
After a conversation that felt like a heart-to-heart, Kuchiki Kōga felt much better. The stifling feeling that had been clogging his chest completely disappeared, and his whole being felt lighter.
Perhaps it was because they were both sons-in-law that Naraku Sora understood his thoughts so well.
Though it was a bit strange, being able to gain such a confidant in the Shino Prison was a rare treasure.
Naraku Sora waved his hand dismissively. "Oh, don't mention it. I was just talking."
"By the way, Kōga, there's one more thing I forgot to mention."
Kuchiki Kōga was startled. "What is it?"
Naraku Sora pulled back his smile and said solemnly, "As everyone knows, the shape, state, and abilities of a Zanpakutō are forged with the Soul Reaper's own soul as the prototype."
"Therefore, it can also be classified as the Soul Reaper's own power."
"However, from what I've observed, you seem to rely a bit too much on your Zanpakutō."
As Kuchiki Kōga's brow furrowed tighter, Naraku Sora flashed a kind smile.
"Kōga, do you truly understand your own power?"