Zanpakuto were, after all, extensions of the souls that had nurtured them. But honestly, they only reflected their Soul Reapers' inner selves. Most weren't especially bright or emotionally mature, as the fools before her made abundantly clear.
Muramasa, though, had shown surprising nerve. If Yuko hadn't known he was a Zanpakuto, she might almost have taken him for a human.
As Byakuya had just said, this was a deal—one both sides understood without spelling it out.
Whether Byakuya could hold up his end after the seal was broken was his own problem.
If a Zanpakuto could show that much nerve, Yuko certainly wasn't about to back down. A hint of amusement entered her eyes.
"Sure. Where's Old Man Yama? I'll take care of him for you."
"Please wait a moment."
Muramasa's face remained expressionless as he headed deeper into the cave.
Someone with that much nerve probably wouldn't try anything behind her back. Having just agreed to work together, Yuko decided to show him some respect and not barge in.
But as soon as Muramasa left, the Zanpakuto crowded around her.
Sode no Shirayuki drifted down behind her, bringing a faint chill. Her snowy brows drew together, and her expression was complicated. "What exactly are you thinking?"
"Hm?"
Yuko turned around with a soft sound of surprise. "Oh, it's you, Sode no Shirayuki. I heard you and Rukia broke up? The poor girl cried her eyes out. She clung to my leg, sobbing that she couldn't bear to lose you."
"..." Sode no Shirayuki was silent for a moment. "Rukia wouldn't do that."
"Who says she wouldn't? Rukia really does miss you."
"No. I mean she wouldn't cling to your leg and cry."
"...Don't get hung up on the details. The point is, she's really sad."
Sode no Shirayuki fell