The Zanpakuto's Backdoor

Nimaiya Oetsu had noticed Ichigo's broken blade long ago. Hearing Lu Li's words, he laughed. "Lu Li, why should I listen to you and forge a blade for Ichigo Kurosaki?"

He thought Lu Li had gone mad. It was true that Ichigo Kurosaki was descended from nobility, but the Shiba Clan had already fallen into decline. Besides, he did not see how restoring Ichigo Kurosaki's power would benefit the Spirit King Palace or the Three Realms.

"This kid wants to defeat Yhwach and protect the Soul Society. Are you really not going to lend a hand?"

Lu Li spoke expressionlessly, giving no indication of anger or joy.

"This is the Spirit King Palace. Figure out where you are. Protecting the Soul Society is the Gotei 13's responsibility. Just because you can run wild in the Seireitei doesn't mean you can do whatever you please in the Spirit King Palace."

As Oetsu spoke, he snapped his fingers, dismissing all the beauties within Phoenix Palace. He sensed that Lu Li had come with ill intent. Or rather, ever since they had labeled Lu Li a defector, the two sides had ceased to be on the same path.

"Great-Grandmaster..."

Ichigo Kurosaki wanted to persuade him. He felt that fighting in the Spirit King Palace was a bad idea, especially when Yhwach was still causing chaos below. If they started fighting now, wouldn't that be an internal war?

"Ichigo, it seems you've forgotten something."

Lu Li gave him a reminder, and Ichigo immediately came back to his senses.

Ichigo's expression turned grave. Looking at Oetsu, he asked not about reforging a blade, but something else. "Where's Inoue? Why didn't you let her return?"

When Ichigo Kurosaki mentioned Inoue, Oetsu's expression briefly became unnatural. "The Living World and the places below are unsafe now, aren't