Rukongai, Special Task Force Base.
As the captain of this pacification force, Kuchiki Kōga, despite appearing somewhat travel-worn from the prolonged battles, could not conceal the noble aura he exuded.
To have become the son-in-law of the Kuchiki Clan, one of the Five Great Noble Families, Kōga's appearance was undeniably handsome. Especially striking were the long red scarf draped over his shoulders and the lock of red-streaked hair secured by the Thousand Cherry Blossom Hairpin. In the world of Soul Reapers, where style often equates to combat power, he was clearly no simple character.
This was indeed the truth. Since Kuchiki Kōga was appointed captain of the special force by Captain-Commander Yamamoto, despite some initial setbacks caused by the treachery of Kishita and Shirakura, his subsequent pacification efforts had proceeded smoothly.
Kōga's Zanpakutō, Muramasa, could use his Reiatsu to force an enemy's Zanpakutō to control its wielder's arm, compelling them to commit suicide or attack nearby allies. His Bankai could further materialize the Zanpakutō of nearby Soul Reapers, amplifying their combat instincts to make them rebel against their masters.
Such an ability granted overwhelming dominance on a large-scale battlefield. Moreover, Kōga believed he was fighting for the peace of the Soul Society and was always willing to lay down his life. In every battle, he was the one charging at the forefront.
Powerful on the battlefield and courteous in daily life, Kōga naturally earned the respect of the Soul Reapers under his command.
As a son-in-law of the Kuchiki Clan, Kōga, who deep down yearned for his father-in-law's approval, felt that after this pacification, he should finally earn praise from Kuchiki Ginrei.
After clearing another wave of rebels, Kōga returned to his tent. The moment he sat down, he sensed another presence. Quickly drawing his sword, he turned and slashed towards the spot where his spiritual senses detected the anomaly.
"Such a fiery temper isn't good."
A shadowy figure, its features obscured by a special Kidō, casually caught Kōga's attack. Though its expression was invisible, Kōga could detect a note of mockery in its tone.
"Are you with the rebel army?"
"Which side I'm with is unimportant. What's important is you, the Kuchiki son-in-law."
Kōga's attacks were temporarily ineffective against the shadow, but hearing this, he still frowned and pointed his blade at the figure. It wasn't anger at having his status as a son-in-law exposed, but his next move would depend on what this person said.
"Haha... With a Muramasa that can control other Zanpakutō, do you truly believe you can win the trust of other Soul Reapers?"
The shadow's voice was low, yet carried a strange, seductive quality that wormed its way into Kōga's heart.
"Nonsense!"
A deep purple Reiatsu surged from Kōga's body into Muramasa in his hand. He was about to summon Muramasa's materialized form into reality to attack the enemy.
"Continue to wallow in the false flattery of others, Kuchiki Kōga."
The shadow dissipated like smoke and dust, leaving only a whisper lingering in Kōga's ears.
"I await the day you are betrayed."
Kōga watched the shadow vanish, pondering the meaning of those words. Even if the people around him were merely flattering him, why would they need to betray him?
They mentioned Muramasa... Could it be they think others will shun me because of Muramasa's ability to bewitch Zanpakutō? But if I don't use that ability, Muramasa won't attack on its own.
Realizing his mind was in turmoil, Kōga immediately sat cross-legged on the ground, closed his eyes to focus, and let his consciousness sink into the space belonging only to him and his Zanpakutō.
"Muramasa," Kōga's voice held a trace of hesitation, "did that shadow use some ability to bewitch the mind?"
Though reason told him the other party was spouting nonsense, the words were like a thorn buried deep in his heart, pricking him from time to time. Kōga looked at the tall figure opposite him, clad in a long white coat with purple markings between its eyes.
"Kōga, your heart is troubled," Muramasa's voice echoed in Kōga's ears, offering its usual reassurance. "Pay no heed to such ravings. As long as we two trust each other, the power we generate is limitless."
"I am you, and you are me."
Muramasa's sharp, long fingernail scratched a sideways figure-eight into the ground—the symbol of infinity.
Kōga gazed at Muramasa, and the distracting thoughts in his heart were suppressed. Yes, believing in myself is the means to uphold order.
As long as my power is strong enough, the Soul Society will enjoy an era of peace under my influence.
Kuchiki Kōga emerged from his state of Sword Meditation. As soon as he opened his eyes, he saw the tent flap being gently lifted.
"Captain Kuchiki, did something happen here just now?" A lazy, amused voice drifted into Kōga's ears. "I was sunbathing when I suddenly sensed Reiatsu fluctuations from your direction."
Shunsui Kyōraku sauntered in, wearing a straw hat and a pink haori patterned with flowers draped over his back. His eyes first swept the interior of the tent before settling on Kōga.
"Captain Kyōraku, I apologize for troubling you," Kōga stood up and gave a slight bow. "There was just a minor mishap during my communication with Muramasa."
Kōga's response was flawless. Kyōraku had seen him in a meditative posture upon entering. It would be better to discuss such matters with Father-in-law upon returning.
"Is that so..." Kyōraku smiled, watching Kōga's unchanged expression, his gaze sweeping over the Zanpakutō at Kōga's waist. "That Zanpakutō of yours is truly remarkable. This pacification effort owes much to you, Captain Kuchiki."
"Not at all. I should thank you, both disciples of Lord Yamamoto. Without your assistance, I would have been overwhelmed long ago."
Exchanging compliments is just how nobles greet each other. It's rather meaningless.
As Shunsui Kyōraku's figure disappeared from view, the tent fell silent once more.
Kuchiki Kōga sat on a chair inside the tent, placing Muramasa on the table before him. Gently stroking the blade, he lost himself in thought.
On the other side, the main residence of the Tsunayashiro Clan.
The shadowy figure that had appeared in Kōga's tent now knelt respectfully on one knee, reporting its mission to the head of the clan seated in the place of honor.
"My Lord, the preparations regarding Kuchiki Kōga are complete."
The current head of the Tsunayashiro Clan, Tsunayashiro Jin, sat at the head, continuously stroking an open, exquisite wooden box in his hand. Inside the box lay a bead no larger than a fingernail.
"Excellent. The Kuchiki Clan are also a bunch of fools, allowing a low-born commoner to inherit a noble name. Utterly idiotic," the Tsunayashiro head shook his head in disappointment. "A pity about the fine sword, Muramasa."
Tsunayashiro Jin's fingertips toyed with the azure-blue bead in the box. The spiritual power contained within flowed like water.
The power of the Soul King is truly unfathomable. Merely fusing a few small fragments can create such a miraculous object.
"A commoner who defiles the glory of the nobility must pay the price," Tsunayashiro Jin reluctantly shifted his gaze from the bead and slowly closed the box. "It's just fortunate that old fossil Yamamoto and Kuchiki Ginrei hold him in such high regard recently. As an old friend, I should lend them a hand."
"This subordinate understands."
"Heheh. Once the deed is done, there will be only one true noble family left in the Soul Society."
Tsunayashiro Jin rose from his seat and descended, handing the wooden box to the shadowy figure. The figure carefully accepted it and vanished from the room.
"The Gotei 13, the Royal Guard, the Soul King..." Tsunayashiro Jin chuckled softly, clenching his fist, a fanatical glint appearing in his eyes. "They are merely stepping stones for me to create a new world. Only I am worthy of being the god of the new world."
***
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