Muramasa (Zanpakutō spirit)

is a mysterious man who has the power to release Zanpakutō spirits from their owners.

Character Outline
Muramasa is a soft-spoken man with messy, dark brown hair, as well as pale skin and dark marks surrounding his eyes. He wears a long, white coat, with a thick, white, fur collar, and has extremely long nails. He has yet to elaborate on his powers that allowed him to "free" Zanpakutō spirits from what he calls their "prison." He also appears to be able to bleed from his right eye, making it look as if he is crying blood.

When he comes face-to-face with Ichigo Kurosaki for the first time, he identifies himself as a Zanpakutō.

Synopsis
Muramasa is first seen after arriving in a dark cave surrounded by the Zanpakutō spirits released thus far of the Gotei 13 captains and their lieutenants. When Haineko approaches him and asks him if they could leave that place, he tells her that they are waiting for the rest of their comrades to be free, and proceeds to introduce a new member in their ranks.



After the captains, lieutenants and other Shinigami of the Gotei 13 are summoned by Shigekuni Yamamoto-Genryūsai, Muramasa appears and tells the Shinigami who have gathered at the Sōkyoku Hill that their captain-commander will not be attending and that their spirits are now free of them. After a small confrontation with the gathered Shinigami, he summons a katana and stabs the ground with it, creating purplish flames of energy that erupts and causing the peak of Sōkyoku Hill to rise.

After Ichigo's brief fight with Sode no Shirayuki, Muramasa appears to stop her from reuniting with Rukia and startles Ichigo with his reiatsu showing he is very powerful. It is then revealed that he, too, is a Zanpakutō spirit. He explained that his goal is to free all Zanpakutō from their "enslavement" of Shinigami. Angered by Muramasa's attempt at justifying himself, Ichigo quickly engaged him in battle. While initially the battle was evenly matched, Muramasa used his powers to release Zangetsu from Ichigo's being, who quickly took over the battle for Muramasa.

Muramasa was surprised when Ichigo's inner hollow took advantage of Ichigo's weakened state and lack of Zangetsu's influence. Although the inner hollow proved too powerful for Zangetsu to handle, Ichigo soon took control again and returned to his normal form. As Ichigo fell unconscious, Muramasa began wondering about Ichigo.

Trivia

 * Muramasa was the name of a famous swordsmith from the 16th century. Muramasa's blades were thought to have an unnatural bloodlust, crying out for blood at night, and refusing to be sheathed until they drew blood, even resorting to cutting their owner. This may be the reason behind Muramasa's tears of blood.
 * He most resembles Ulquiorra Cifer in terms of build, hair, pale complexion and near-constant stoic facial expressions. Also, Ulquiorra grew claws in his second release state, much like Muramasa's overgrown fingernails.

Quotes

 * "The Shinigami's control over the Zanpakutō is over. And now... Zanpakutō shall now rule the Shinigami."
 * "The era of Shinigami will end soon."
 * "(To Ichigo Kurosaki) I'm not a Shinigami. I'm... a Zanpakutō."