Trapped by the Flames: Desperate Situation

 is an event taking place during the Zanpakutō Rebellion. It focuses upon Muramasa's true plans coming to light, as well as the origins behind Muramasa and his Shinigami master, Kōga Kuchiki.

Prelude
Running through a tunnel, Ichigo Kurosaki states Captain-Commander Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto must be this way. Upon seeing Minazuki standing in his path, Ichigo notes Yamamoto is not alone and draws Zangetsu before slashing at Minazuki, who disappears. As Minazuki disappears and reappears further away several times, Ichigo tells it to wait and runs after it into a dark entrance. Skidding to a halt, Ichigo arrives in a room with large stone columns. Walking forward, Ichigo stops and looks up. Sensing Yamamoto's Reiatsu, Ichigo says Yamamoto is here and leaps forward.

As Ichigo leaps from column to column, Kazeshini stands on top of one of them and grins. Turning into a disk of swirling wind, Kazeshini hurtles toward Ichigo and envelops him. As Ichigo expresses surprise, chains wrap around his body. As Ichigo falls to the ground, some of the chains turn into Kazeshini's arm as Kazeshini tells Ichigo to die. As Ichigo curses, Kazeshini turns his hand into a kusarigama and states he will not let Ichigo go. As Kazeshini says it is time for him to reap Ichigo's life, Ichigo activates his Bankai, Tensa Zangetsu, creating an explosion of blue Reiatsu.

Pushing Kazeshini out of the Reiatsu, Ichigo clashes with him before slashing Kazeshini across the chest. Falling to the ground below, Kazeshini flips over in midair and throws his kusarigama at Ichigo, who dodges with Shunpo. As Kazeshini expresses surprise, Ichigo fires a Getsuga Tenshō, which slams Kazeshini into the ground, creating an explosion of blue Reiatsu. Afterwards, as Ichigo lands on a pillar, Kazeshini stands in a large crater. Cursing, Kazeshini falls over and reverts to his Shikai form, which breaks. Looking on, Ichigo apologizes to 9th Division Lieutenant Shūhei Hisagi.

The Confrontation
Leaping up, Ichigo arrives in the room with the barrier. Expressing surprise, Ichigo sees Yamamoto sitting in the center as flames line the interior edges of the barrier. When Ichigo walks forward and attempts to touch the barrier, the flames surge forward. Breaking through the barrier, some of the flames burn Ichigo's hand. Yelling in pain, Ichigo stumbles backward and looks at his hand. Stating this was intense, Ichigo raises his sword and says it is up to him before proclaiming he will do this.

As Ichigo prepares to attack the barrier, Muramasa's sword hurtles toward him from behind. Turning around, Ichigo slashes at the sword, sending it flying away. Catching the sword, Muramasa lands on the ground and says he is glad Ichigo could make it. When Ichigo states he knew Muramasa would be here, Muramasa says this was meant to be and notes they appear to be destined to cross blades before asking Ichigo if they should proceed with settling their differences.

Stating this is fine with him regardless of whether or not it is destiny, Ichigo says everyone is expecting him to bring Yamamoto home safely. Stating he intends to do so, Ichigo tells Muramasa to get this over with as red-black Reiatsu flows along the blade of Tensa Zangetsu. As Muramasa says he has waited for this, Ichigo fires a Getsuga Tenshō at him. As the Getsuga Tenshō hurtles toward him, Muramasa holds his blade in front of him. Elsewhere, Yoruichi Shihōin notes she can sense more Reiatsu and realizes Ichigo must have found Muramasa.

As the other Shinigami realize the Zanpakutō Spirits whom they are fighting are holding back from wounding or killing them, Muramasa blocks the Getsuga Tenshō before dispersing it with a slash from his sword. As Ichigo expresses surprise, Muramasa asks him if he understands and says this is not enough to defeat him. Stating Ichigo cannot move on until he defeats him, Muramasa tells Ichigo to hit him with everything he has got. Agreeing, Ichigo tells Muramasa to have it his way as black-red Reiatsu swirls around his blade. As Ichigo dons his Hollow mask, black-red Reiatsu surges around him.

As the other Shinigami realize the Zanpakutō Spirits whom they are fighting have intentionally lured them away from him, Ichigo leaps toward Muramasa, who smiles. Clashing with Muramasa, Ichigo pushes his blade away before striking at Muramasa. Blocking, Muramasa moves to the side. When Ichigo slashes at him, Muramasa appears behind him, prompting Ichigo to attack him. Clashing with Ichigo, Muramasa leaps back and states he thought he told Ichigo to hit him with everything he has got. Telling Ichigo to not hold back, Muramasa tells Ichigo to display his true Getsuga Tenshō.

Meanwhile, as he runs along a passage, 13th Division Captain Jūshirō Ukitake wonders what Muramasa wants with Ichigo and notes Muramasa is not planning to kill him. As Ichigo's Reiatsu surges around him, 8th Division Captain Shunsui Kyōraku notes Muramasa is buying time while Ichigo builds up Reiryoku and can only have one purpose if he is stringing Ichigo along like this. Realizing Muramasa has been leading Ichigo into a trap, Yoruichi expresses surprise before moving away with Shunpo. As Ichigo prepares to attack, Muramasa smiles as Ukitake notes he is just waiting. As Ichigo raises his sword over his head, Shunsui notes Muramasa is waiting to use Ichigo's most powerful attack.

As Yoruichi tells him to stop, Ichigo fires a Getsuga Tenshō. Blocking the attack, Muramasa struggles to hold it back before focusing as he begins to glow red. As Yoruichi appears on a nearby ledge, Muramasa yells as the Reiatsu making up the Getsuga Tenshō surges upward. As Ichigo expresses surprise, Muramasa sees Yamamoto sitting within his barrier and laughs maniacally before forcing the Getsuga Tenshō to the side. As the ground tears up around it, the Getsuga Tenshō crashes into the barrier, creating an explosion which tears up the ground around the barrier as Ichigo shields himself.

As a column of blue light dissipates in the forest outside, Shunsui and Ukitake step through the dust as Ichigo pants on the ground. As Katen Kyōkotsu and Sōgyo no Kotowari look on, the dust clears to reveal a grinning Muramasa standing next to the barrier, which begins to crack. As Yoruichi, Shunsui, and Ukitake expresses surprise, with the latter noting the barrier is cracking, the barrier shatters into pieces around Yamamoto, who opens his eyes in confusion. As Muramasa reaches toward Yamamoto, Ukitake notes it is true. Expressing surprise, Ichigo asks Ukitake what he is talking about.

Subjugated! The Strongest Zanpakutō Unleashed!
When Yoruichi reveals Muramasa's goal was to get Ichigo to use his Getsuga Tenshō while Hollowfied, Ichigo expresses surprise as Shunsui notes Muramasa fused his power with Ichigo's to create a massive explosion. Stating it worked, Ukitake reveals Muramasa wished to destroy Yamamoto's protective barrier with the explosion. Asking Ukitake what he means, Ichigo says Muramasa created the barrier and asks Ukitake why Muramasa would wish to destroy it. As Yoruichi states they have all been greatly mistaken, Muramasa confirms this and appears behind Yamamoto, who opens his eyes and stands up.

Saying Muramasa has taken the upper hand, Yamamoto moves to the Shinigami with Shunpo and reveals Muramasa has relentlessly been trying to gain access to his subconscious. Recalling Muramasa entering his own inner world, Ichigo asks Yamamoto if Muramasa was able to do so and gain access to Yamamoto's Zanpakutō spirit. When Ukitake states all of the events leading up to this point were part of Muramasa's plan to get closer to Yamamoto, Muramasa says Ukitake is a true captain-class Shinigami for being able to figure out the complex so quickly and confirms Ukitake's statement.

Revealing his goal is to gather and learn from all of the memories within Yamamoto's mind, Muramasa states he needed to gain access to the core of Yamamoto's inner world in order to do so. Revealing Yamamoto set up a force field and isolated himself in the barrier when Muramasa found him, Muramasa says Yamamoto entered an unconscious state in order to prevent Muramasa from entering his mind. Stating he had expected this, Muramasa reveals he manifested the Zanpakutō Spirits of many Shinigami in order to cause a distraction within Soul Society and says this was the beginning phase of his plan to destroy Yamamoto's barrier.

Stating he led the Shinigami and Zanpakutō Spirits to believe his goal was to liberate the Zanpakutō Spirits from their masters, Muramasa says he made certain the Shinigami believed he was holding Yamamoto against his will. As Muramasa states he only had to wait for the Shinigami to come to Yamamoto's rescue, Ichigo curses. Saying everything went according to his plan, Muramasa states he would like to thank all of the Shinigami present and says he would like to thank Ichigo especially. When the violet-haired woman asks him what the Zanpakutō Spirits are to him, Muramasa looks at her.

When the violet-haired woman asks him if freeing the Zanpakutō was a lie and he was using them to achieve his own goal, Muramasa states this is what he said and asks her if there is a problem. Confirming this, the violet-haired woman proclaims she has no intention of aiding Muramasa any further as she and the violet-haired girl manifest Katen Kyōkotsu. As one of Sōgyo no Kotowari says Muramasa does not play fair, the other one states Muramasa is a big liar. As Shunsui and Ukitake tell Katen Kyōkotsu and Sōgyo no Kotowari to hold on, Ichigo notes the Zanpakutō Spirits are turning on Muramasa.

As his blade dissipates, Muramasa apologizes and says it is time for him to go. Stating this conversation is over, Muramasa tells Katen Kyōkotsu and Sōgyo no Kotowari they can do whatever they wish and turns around. As the violet-haired woman says they will do exactly this, she and the violet-haired girl move away as Sōgyo no Kotowari run forward. Circling around Muramasa's feet, a bolt of flame floats between Katen Kyōkotsu and Sōgyo no Kotowari. As Ichigo wonders what this was, Ukitake wonders where it came from as Yamamoto recognizes it as Ryūjin Jakka.

Attempting to attack Muramasa, Katen Kyōkotsu and Sōgyo no Kotowari are engulfed in flame. As the hairpieces of Katen Kyōkotsu shatter, the fans of Sōgyo no Kotowari shatter as Sōgyo no Kotowari lose hold of each other. As Ichigo and Ukitake shield themselves from the blazing inferno, Ichigo looks up to see Ryūjin Jakka break through the ceiling of the cave. As Ryūjin Jakka bursts through the ceiling into the forest, creating a large explosion in the process, the Shinigami stand in a clearing within the flames. Stating this is a disaster, Shunsui says Ryūjin Jakka is under Muramasa's control.

Bidding the Shinigami farewell, Muramasa says they will no longer be getting in his way as flame swirls around him. When the flames dissipate to reveal Muramasa is gone, Ichigo expresses anger. When Ukitake asks him how they should proceed, Yamamoto states Muramasa is a very clever Zanpakutō spirit who possesses the power of a tapeworm. Saying Muramasa can speak to an enemy's Zanpakutō spirit and utilize it as he wishes, Yamamoto states Muramasa is very unique before proclaiming Muramasa will be stopped and will fall short of his goal as the Gotei 13 bring him to his knees.

Imprisonment
As Yamamoto, Shunsui, Ukitake, Yoruichi, and Ichigo stand surrounded by Ryūjin Jakka's flames, a tendril of fire arcs toward them, prompting Ukitake to tell everyone else to look out. As the Shinigami leap away, the tendril of fire crashes into the ground. Landing, Shunsui leaps away once more as a tendril of fire crashes into the area where he was standing. As Yoruichi and Ukitake leap away to avoid two more tendrils of fire, the Shinigami regroup in the center as Shunsui states this is frustrating.

As Shunsui says they have gotten themselves into a troublesome situation, Ukitake states Muramasa appears to be using these flames to keep them trapped here. Saying Muramasa is mocking them, Ichigo proclaims this bonfire will not stop him and leaps upward. When two more tendrils of fire form, Ichigo expresses surprise as they extend toward him and create an explosion upon impact. Yelling in pain, Ichigo falls to the ground as Yoruichi calls out to him. Landing, Ichigo states this was close as Ukitake says he did not think Ryūjin Jakka would let them leave so easily.

As Ichigo curses and states they need a plan, Yoruichi turns to Yamamoto and asks him if he has any idea where Muramasa might be headed to next, prompting Yamamoto to reveal Muramasa has gone to Karakura Town. As the others express shock, Yamamoto says the thing which Muramasa seeks is hidden within Karakura Town. Meanwhile, in the Human World, as a Senkaimon appears over Karakura Town and opens, Muramasa, 6th Division Captain Byakuya Kuchiki, and Senbonzakura walk out. As Muramasa notes this is the current Jūreichi, three Jigokuchō fly past the trio.

Telling Byakuya he would not have been able to make it to this important place without Byakuya's skilled guidance, Muramasa thanks him, prompting Byakuya to state he chose to follow his instinct and uphold his self-respect. Walking forward, Senbonzakura says a Jūreichi is a spiritual hotspot and states countless spiritual beings will be drawn to this town at this rate. Saying there is no need for concern, Byakuya states he will make certain nothing gets in their way. Agreeing to let Byakuya do this, Muramasa says he will save his energy so he can relish his victory when this is done.

As Byakuya moves away with Shunpo, Senbonzakura tells Muramasa he will ensure Byakuya keeps his promise. As Muramasa tells him to do this, Senbonzakura moves away. Wondering what Byakuya is truly planning to do, Muramasa clutches his head in pain as parts of his body turn transparent. Noting he does not have much time, Muramasa states he must hurry. Meanwhile, in Soul Society, Ichigo asks Yamamoto if he is sure Muramasa went to Karakura Town. As Ichigo asks Yamamoto what Muramasa would want with Karakura Town, Yoruichi tells him to look out.

As Ichigo turns around to see two tendrils of fire moving toward him, Yoruichi grabs him by the collar and leaps away as the tendrils crash into the ground. As they land, Yoruichi tells Ichigo to focus and says he must get out of here. When Ichigo asks her if she believes they could make it through a nearby hole filled with broken rocks, Yoruichi states it is worth a try. Leaping into the air, Yoruichi activates Shunkō and destroys her over-shirt, revealing her black keisen underneath, before crashing into the broken rocks. As the dust from the impact settles, Yoruichi holds onto a ledge in the hole.

As Yoruichi tells him to bring the others, Ichigo appears next to the hole and tells the others to get moving. As Yamamoto, Shunsui, and Ukitake move to the hole, Yoruichi tells them they must hurry. When three fireballs hurtle toward her from the bottom of the hole, Yoruichi expresses surprise. When an explosion occurs within the hole, Ichigo looks over his shoulder and wonders what it was. As the dust clears to reveal the hole has been filled with broken rocks once more, Ukitake notes it has been blocked.

When Ichigo calls out to her, Yoruichi says she is fine down here as she stands at the bottom of the hole. When three more fireballs hurtle toward her from behind, Yoruichi curses and moves away with Shunpo as the fireballs crash into the rocks next to where she was standing. Afterwards, Ichigo leaps forward and fires a Getsuga Tenshō, which disperses upon hitting the wall of fire. Cutting through the flames, Shunsui moves back as the cut disappears.

Holding out his hand, Ukitake fires '''Hadō #63. Raikōhō''' at the flames, which temporarily recede before surging up once more. As Shunsui notes their attacks are not working at all, Ukitake says there must be a way to break through the flames. As Ichigo curses, Yamamoto states they do not have much time left and says there is not much he can do to force Ryūjin Jakka to submit. As Shunsui, Ukitake, and Ichigo turn to face him, Yamamoto states Muramasa will break through the seal if they do not escape from here soon and says they cannot give him the time to do this.

Dark History
As Ukitake expresses confusion at the mention of a seal, Ichigo asks Yamamoto what he is talking about. When Ichigo asks him if this is why Muramasa has entered the Human World, Yamamoto does not answer, prompting Ichigo to state they have to know. When Ichigo tells him to tell them what Muramasa is trying to do, Yamamoto reveals Muramasa has plans to free Kōga and says Kōga is a Shinigami who was banished long ago. When Yamamoto reveals Kōga was Muramasa's master, Shunsui, Ukitake, and Ichigo express surprise as Yamamoto states Muramasa is a truly unique entity.

Saying Muramasa is a Zanpakutō who can enter another person's inner world and control the Zanpakutō spirit which lives within it, Yamamoto reveals Kōga used this unusual power which Muramasa possesses to organize and lead a rebellion against the Seireitei. Stating Kōga exerted his control of many Zanpakutō, Yamamoto says everyone was caught completely by surprise. Stating the Shinigami were not prepared for the attacks, Yamamoto says they stood no chance to defend themselves in battle without the use of their powers. In the past, several shadowy figures emerge from Shinigami and attack them.

In the present, Yamamoto states Soul Society entered a state of complete chaos. Saying they suffered a tremendous amount of casualties in those battles, Yamamoto states they finally managed to capture and seal Kōga away forever. As Ukitake says it all makes sense now, Ichigo states Muramasa told him something else and reveals Muramasa told him he was the one who cut down Kōga. Saying Muramasa will stop at nothing to reach his goal, Yamamoto states Muramasa has been successful thus far and is aware Kōga is alive within the seal, which Ukitake notes is in Karakura Town.

When Shunsui asks him why he had never heard of this incident before now, Yamamoto says the incident was kept secret for obvious reasons. When Ukitake asks him what Muramasa obtained when he entered his mind, Yamamoto reveals he took information which only Yamamoto possesses and discovered how to free Kōga. When Yamamoto states Muramasa and Kōga will possess enough power between them to annihilate Karakura Town if they reunite, Ichigo says this is his fault.

Ice and Flame
As Orihime calls out to them, Muramasa appears several feet away and notes Orihime brought backup. As Uryū states Muramasa must be their special guest from Soul Society, Sado asks Orihime if she is okay. Meanwhile, Shunsui and Ukitake slice through the wall of fire in opposite directions. Running forward, Ichigo leaps toward the opening and fires a Getsuga Tenshō, which tears through the outer wall of fire. As Ichigo attempts to move through it, the opening closes. Noting he is not going to make it, Ichigo is pushed back by a tendril of fire and yells as he is slammed into the ground.

As Ichigo slides back several feet, Shunsui and Ukitake appear next to him as Ukitake asks him if he is alright. Trying to get up, Ichigo curses and recalls how Muramasa used his Getsuga Tenshō to destroy Yamamoto's barrier. Saying it will be his fault if Muramasa destroys the seal, Ichigo states he has to stop him and says he must try to break through the flames once more. As Ukitake expresses surprise, Ichigo states one more time should do it and dons his Hollow mask before leaping into the air. As several tendrils of fire arc toward him, Ichigo slashes through one.

Slashing through another tendril of fire, Ichigo dodges a third one and continue to move skyward. As several more tendrils of fire move in front of him, Ichigo prepares to attack, only to express when they coil around him in a ball. As Ukitake wonders what this is, all but three of the tendrils of fire disperse before six larger tendrils extend toward the ball and collide with it. As Ichigo shields himself from the intense flames, his mask dissipates. As Ichigo cries out in pain, 10th Division Captain Tōshirō Hitsugaya releases his Zanpakutō, Hyōrinmaru.

As the ice dragon hurtles through the fire, the ball of fire dissipates, leaving Ichigo to fall to the ground. As Hitsugaya and Hyōrinmaru descend, Ichigo calls out to them as Hitsugaya says he came as fast as he could. As Ichigo, Hitsugaya, and Hyōrinmaru land on the ground in front of Yamamoto, Shunsui and Ukitake appear on either side of Yamamoto. When Ukitake asks Hitsugaya if all of his wounds have healed, Hitsugaya confirms this and states he is feeling much better. As Hitsugaya thanks Ukitake, Shunsui says they have been stuck here thanks to Ryūjin Jakka.

As Hitsugaya asks Yamamoto if Muramasa got to his Zanpakutō spirit as well, Hyōrinmaru asks him where Muramasa is. When Ichigo reveals he is gone, Hitsugaya and Hyōrinmaru express surprise and look at Ichigo, who states Muramasa is probably in Karakura Town by now. When Hitsugaya expresses surprise, Ichigo says Muramasa has gone there with the intention of reviving his master. When Hyōrinmaru expresses surprise at the mention of Muramasa's master, Shunsui confirms this and states the situation is terrible. As Hitsugaya curses, Yamamoto says this is an emergency.

When Yamamoto states their top priority is aiding Ichigo in escaping from here, Ichigo expresses surprise and asks Yamamoto why he is the one who must escape. When Yamamoto says it is Ichigo's obligation to bring Muramasa to justice if he feels responsible for the situation, Ichigo expresses surprise before stating he will do so. When Hitsugaya tells him they will go, Hyōrinmaru confirms this. When Hitsugaya activates his Bankai, Daiguren Hyōrinmaru, Hyōrinmaru does the same and transforms into an ice dragon, which soars toward the sky as tendrils of fire extend toward it.

When the tendrils of fire wrap around its body, Daiguren Hyōrinmaru roars, which causes the tendrils of fire constricting it to be frozen solid. Breaking the frozen tendrils of fire, Daiguren Hyōrinmaru fires a beam of ice from its mouth, which freezes Ryūjin Jakka's flames. Flying toward the wall of frozen flames, Hitsugaya uses Ryūsenka, which creates a large amount of ice. As the ice shatters, revealing a hole in the wall of frozen flames, Hitsugaya looks over his shoulder and tells Ichigo this is his chance. Saying he understands, Ichigo dons his Hollow mask once more.

Leaping forward, Ichigo moves through the hole. As flames burst into the hole from behind him, Ichigo soars out of the wall of fire. Wishing Ichigo good luck, Ukitake states they are counting on him. As Yamamoto says it is finally time for him to give Ryūjin Jakka the punishment which it deserves, the wood peels off of his cane to reveal his sheathed sword. Flying away from the wall of fire, Ichigo tells Muramasa to get ready and proclaims he is coming for him.

Aftermath
After Ichigo is freed from Ryūjin Jakka's control, he heads to the Real World to confront Muramasa. In the Real World, Uryū Ishida and Yasutora Sado encounter Muramasa. Meanwhile, the Shinigami are still facing off against their respective opponents, whilst Yamamoto and the other captains are still imprisoned by Ryūjin Jakka. Senbonzakura protects Muramasa, who prepares to release Kōga from his seal. Ichigo arrives too late, as Kōga reawakens before their eyes.