Chapter 19: Muramasa

The young man breathed heavily, panting and gulping for air. One arm clutched the other as blood stained his black Shinigami robes, and he gritted his teeth to stop from passing out at the pain. The Hollow before him roared, clearly expecting an easy victory. Despite himself, the boy had to smile. He hadn't even released his zanpakuto, and the Hollow believed it could defeat him that easily. He chuckled softly, and then stopped and winced, his uninjured arm instinctively going to his heavily bleeding leg.

He clutched at the wet pants leg, wondering on what he should do next. His wounds were deep and serious, and he was beginning to get dizzy. But he knew his wouldn't die here- his zanpakuto was undefeatable. Even the Head-Captain had been in awe by it. He was surprised that Yamamoto hadn't made him a lieutenant, or maybe even a captain because of his powers. No, instead he was a fourth seat, under the captain he despised the most. Kenpachi Zaraki, bloodthirsty maniac of the Eleventh division. The boy had practically gaped when he learned of his assigned squad; surely with a zanpakuto like his he couldn't go there. Zaraki had initially protested as well, saying that the boy was too scrawny and probably too weak. But Yamamoto stood firm to his decision, and then dismissed the meeting.

"My powers are the greatest! Even you said so yourself that you'd never seen anything like it. My Shikai can defeat anything, and who knows what I'll be able to do when I achieve Bankai?"

"Perhaps, but you are still young. Fresh out of the academy. For the moment I can only grant you a fourth seat in Captain Zaraki's squad."

"But why him? And why only a fourth seat? My powers should grant me at least a lieutenant's ranking."

"That is enough. If there is one thing I hate the most in this world, it is a young child's boasting. Arrogance will lead to your demise, and if you continue acting like this then your end will come sooner than you think."

The boy narrowed his eyes as he recalled the Head-Captain's words. He wasn't going to die anytime soon. He would live, because he was unbeatable. His zanpakuto would defend him, as it was made to do, and one day he himself would become the Head-Captain.

The Hollow screeched again, and then began to charge at him, claws ready and mouth hanging open as it charged up a cero. But this time, the boy had no patience. He released his leg and his hand flew to his sword's hilt, a dangerous gleam appearing in his eye.

"You're in my way," He growled as he quickly drew his zanpakuto. The sharp blade glinted, delaying the Hollow for a split second. But he still grinned when he noticed the slight pause the large creature had made. "Scared, are you? Unsure? Well you should be! Tremble in my power, for this is the power that will end you."

He raised his sword to the sky, tip pointing to the heavens above. "Release, Muramasa!"

The sword's blade flashed, and an odd-sounding pop filled the air. The Hollow paused, wondering what was about to happen. After a few moments, nothing did. It sneered, laughing at the boy, and then proceeded to charge again when, quite suddenly and out of nowhere, it exploded. Just like that. Killed from the inside, and blown to bits.

The boy smirked. "You never know what's coming 'till it happens." He gazed at his sword in obvious pleasure, inspecting it to make sure no dents or anything was on it. "Nice work, Muramasa. We make a great team, don't we?"

And then, just as sudden as when the Hollow had exploded, a man appeared in front of him. The boy stared at him in surprise, wondering where he had come form, when he realized that his sword was no longer in his hand. It was instead pierced through his heart, held by the man in front of him.

His eyes widened. That was impossible. Who was this man? How dare this stranger kill him? He had had big dreams, and then this man comes out of nowhere and ruins them? The figure of the expressionless man was beginning to get blurry, and spots of darkness were appearing in his vision. He attempted to back away, but his injured leg buckled, and he half fell, bring the sword higher and allowing it to come out of his shoulder.

"For the record, Kansuke Hiro," The man spoke in a deep, rich voice. "We were never a team. And you were never my wielder."

Kansuke tried to say something, but no sound came out of his mouth. Finally, he fell backwards and didn't say a word. Muramasa stared at him, and then sheathed his sword and walked away without giving his previous wielder a second glance.

"They were my powers, after all. I'm the one who's undefeatable."

Muramasa blinked awake, eyes wide at the memory. It was such terrible irony that his old nightmare of a flashback had come to him on the night he was planning to attack the Shinigami. He lay there, staring at the ceiling above him, when he finally forced himself to sit up. Once he had, he sighed heavily. The look of horror and shock in Kansuke's eyes when he realized his own zanpakuto had betrayed him was fresh in his memory. Of course, Muramasa didn't regret killing the boy. He simply felt a little pity now and then.

Kansuke had had big dreams for one so young, and that had been one of the few traits of his that Muramasa had initially liked. But eventually, the boy had become arrogant and proud, claiming Muramasa's powers his own and insisting that he was at a captain's level and should be treated as such. Muramasa shook his head, willing himself to forget it. Kansuke's death had been many decades ago, and he doubted that the old man Yamamoto even remembered the boy's name.

The sounds of arguing caught Muramasa's attention, and he realized that the zanpakuto downstairs were fighting over something. He sighed again; arguing after he'd specifically told them to keep it down. Reluctantly, he stood up, brushed off the dirt and dust on his coat, and promptly walked down the stairs.

As he went down, the talk became louder, and as he looked out he saw that the zanpakuto were in many different groups and each group was arguing about something. Making out a few, Muramasa saw Kazeshini snarling at Hozukimaru, and brandishing his curved blades threateningly while Sode no Shirayuki and Tobiume tried to calm him down. Elsewhere, Katen Kyokotsu was insisting something towards Minazuki, while the twins bounced up and down trying to calm both of them. Haineko was waving her arms at the silent group of Hyorinmaru, Ashisogi Jizo, and Senbonzakura, while Suzumebachi flitted around the rest of the arguing zanpakuto. Muramasa groaned at the sight; even after three days they still couldn't get along with one another. He opened his mouth, ready to announce his presence and quiet them down, when another idea came to mind.

Why even bother, he decided. Even if he did manage to stop the arguing, they would all still be annoyed at each other. Let them talk it out, and maybe he would even be able to find out what they were arguing about in the first place. He could put up with the noise- it wasn't like he was going back to sleep anytime soon. And so, he settled down into a comfortable position, and watched.

"What the freaking hell do you mean we can't kill'em?" Kazeshini demanded. "Isn't that the whole point of this stupid army or whatever?"

"If I can recall correctly," Hozukimaru said firmly. "This army was made for the purpose of taking revenge on your wielder. The other Shinigami did nothing, and thus should not be dragged into this."

"But all Shinigami mistreat their zanpakuto. Just ask Muramasa, he knows!"

"Well, Kazeshini. It looks like you are now depending on Muramasa's facts for help. I thought you didn't like him."

"I don't! It's just that he makes a good point," Kazeshini spat. "All zanpakuto are neglected, so all Shinigami should be punished."

Hozukimaru smirked. "I never thought that you would be the justice type, Kazeshini."

The black demon narrowed his eyes furiously and growled out, "Don't you ever say that word in front of me, ya hear?! Don't ever confuse me with that blind asshole and his pathetic slug of a zanpakuto! I'm Kazeshini! I bring death to all who come near me, and I have no sense of justice at all. Is that understood?!"

Tobiume stepped up tentatively. "Please, calm down, Kazeshini. No one ever tried to confuse you with Tosen and Suzumushi-."

She stopped as Kazeshini's blade swiped just millimeters away from her face. Kazeshini brought back his weapon and slung it over his shoulder, hissing, "Don't ever say that name in front of me. That lazy fat insect has no right to be called a zanpakuto, and believe me, when the time comes, he'll get it! I'll murder him upon sight!"

"Are you angry with him because of how he and his wielder abandoned Hisagi?" Hozukimaru said. "And here I thought you loathed the lieutenant with all your heart."

"I do!" Kazeshini screeched, lashing out his weapon so that it just barely missed Hozukimaru's stomach. "I do hate him! As soon as I see him I'm going to kill that pathetic coward! Just you watch! I'll kill him, and I'll kill every other damn Shinigami that gets in my way."

The other three stared at him. He glared back, panting at his sudden outburst but not any less angry. "I… I meant every word I said."

Hozukimaru folded his arms against his chest, and Tobiume stepped back a little. It was Sode no Shirayuki who replied. The woman nodded slowly, with a small smile. "We know you did, Kazeshini. And we respect your fighting spirit. Just… calm down for now. We will attack, all in good time. And I promise that you can attack anyone you'd like. We all can."

Kazeshini watched her in obvious surprise, shocked at the peaceful voice she had held with him. His pointed ears flattened a little, and he ducked his head suspiciously. "Yeah… well… good. That's just what I wanted."

"My answer is the same," Katen Kyokotsu said in a stern voice. "I'm not putting them in that sort of danger."

Muramasa told me-.

"I don't care what Muramasa told you! I'm not even sure about Muramasa's sanity, at the moment. I don't know what he's thinking, saying that Sogyo no Kotowari should come with us to face Ryujin Jakka. Does he even know who the Flame God is?"

I'm quite sure he does. Muramasa might not be entirely sane, but he certainly has much wisdom. And he says that the power of all four of us will be enough.

"No." Katen Kyokotsu repeated. "Sogy-chan and Koto-chan are only kids, they can't-."

They look like kids, and they act like kids, but don't forget that they are really as old as you and I. They are Jushiro Ukitake's zanpakuto, and even more so, they are dual zanpakuto. They have strength and power unimaginable to the common Shinigami. Don't underestimate them.

"I know they are! I know how powerful they are, and how ridiculously strong they are, and everything." Katen Kyokotsu snapped. "But do you think that will make it easer for me to see them do it? I know they can't literally be considered kids anymore, but looking and acting like one is good enough for me. Hell, as far as their concerned, they are still kids."

Okay, so they're kids. Just kids with enough power to blow up half of Sereitei, right?

"Don't act smart with me, pal." Katen Kyokotsu stepped forward threateningly. "You just got here, don't think your words carry any authority."

I just got here, but I'm just as strong as you. If you want to fight me, I guarantee you won't leave the battle arena without a few wounds.

"Is that a challenge?"

It depends on how you look at it.

The two zanpakuto glared at each other, both of them growling furiously. Katen Kyokotsu didn't even waver at the sight of Minazuki's single glowing eye. The tall lady took another step forward, and this time Minazuki countered it with a step forward herself.

"HEY!"

The two were snapped out of their glares by the sudden yell, and glanced at the zanpakuto who had made it, surprised that a sound so loud could come from such small bodies. Sogyo no Kotowari stared defiantly at them, all hints of childishness gone from their faces, replaced by serious, stern expressions.

"We're not useless, you know. We can fight, too." Sogy-chan said.

"Yeah, we don't need any protection." His brother agreed.

"I mean, we appreciate it that you're just looking out for us, Katen-chan…"

"… But we really can look after ourselves. After all, we have each other, and…"

"… And as long as that stays that way, nothing can defeat us."

Katen Kyokotsu and Minazuki stared at them, glanced at each other, and then stared at them again. They seemed speechless at the maturity their voices had held. Finally, Katen Kyokotsu nodded. "All right then. I guess we'll see how this turns out."

"Aw, you guys have no imagination," Haineko complained. "Just appear and walk by. That's not cool at all."

"We're not trying to be cool." Senbonzakura replied. "We just want to get there."

"But you should do something." Haineko insisted. "Say something to your wielder or maybe poke them."

"That is nothing more than a complete waste of time." Senbonzakura said. "Byakuya is a refined gentleman, and as such I should be a refined zanpakuto."

Haineko groaned and turned to Hyorinmaru. "What about you? Toshiro's just a kid, right? He should love it."

"Hitsugaya is a child, but a mature one at that. He would not appreciate me doing so, and I would not appreciate sacrificing my dignity." Hyorinmaru replied.

The hybrid's ears drooped, and she turned to the zanpakuto least likely to agree. "Ashisogi Jizo?"

Ashisogi Jizo only stared back at her, but its answer was clear.

Haineko stomped her paw. "You're all so boring. Why am I stuck with you guys?"

"You chose to be, remember?" Senbonzakura pointed out.

"Not helping."

"And then I could go Bankai, and make the whole place go BOOM!" Snakey leapt into the air as if to emphasize his point. He landed, waving his long tail proudly as he looked amongst the others to see if they approved of his idea.

"And while he 'makes the whole place go boom', we all get away and leave the Shinigami in utter confusion," Chimpette finished, explaining the idea.

"It's an interesting plan, and not a bad one," Ruri'iro Kujaku agreed. "I just think we should make it more stylish, like making the dust cloud rainbow colored."

Gegetsuburi snorted. "Right. Let's do that as soon as Omaeda gets promoted to Head-Captain."

Ruri'iro Kujaku glared at him. "Well you didn't have to be so rude about it. What, does anyone else have any better ideas for making the entire scene more beautiful? Anyone?"

"We're not trying to make it beautiful, Ruri'iro Kujaku," Wabisuke said quietly. "We're simply there to strike fear and confusion into the Shinigami."

"But Tenken gets a stylish entrance." Ruri'iro Kujaku complained.

"Don't whine, it ruins a grown man's figure," Suzumebachi tapped his bandaged head lightly as she flew by. Ruri'iro Kujaku grumbled and batted at her half-heartedly, before giving up and wrapping himself in his dark feathers.

"We don't have to be cool or fashionable or anything," Gonryomaru pointed out. "We just have to be there. Let's just go with Zabimaru's idea, and then next time we can make it look awesome. How's that idea?"

"Works for me, so long as it shuts him up." Tenken pointed at Ruri'iro Kujaku, who scoffed back at him and turned away.

All the other zanpakuto nodded their agreement, and Gonryomaru clapped his hands and stood up. "Okay then, we're settled."

Muramasa smiled slightly. Just as he'd predicted, all the others had solved their problems amongst themselves. Well, since they had, it was time to begin the attack. He straightened up and walked onto the actual floor, allowing every other zanpakuto to see him and pause in their chatter.

"I'm glad to see you are all working so well with each other. I trust you each have a plan in mind?" He said.

"We've got one," Hozukimaru grunted.

"Us too." Katen Kyokotsu alerted.

"And us." Senbonzakura nodded.

"We're good, too." Gonryomaru said.

"Very well, then. Tonight is the night, as I promised. Prepare yourselves, fellow zanpakuto. For this is the night we take revenge. This is the night we get back at the ones who dared called themselves our masters. This is the night we attack the Thirteen Court Guard Squads; the Shinigami." Muramasa raised his head, and closed his eyes, breathing out quietly as his army broke out into a loud cheer.

Just you watch, Kansuke. I'll show you that zanpakuto are not merely tools. We're not as mindless as you think we are. Just watch.