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 black hair, pale skin and dark marks surrounding his eyes. He wears a white coat with fur around the neck 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 bleed from his right eye, making it look as if he is crying blood. Strangely, the sclera of his right eye is a deep red, while the left one is normal.

When he comes face-to-face with Kurosaki Ichigo for the first time, he calls himself a zanpakutō.

Synopsis
Muramasa is first seen after arriving in a dark cave surrounded by the thus far released spirits of the Gotei 13's and their lieutenant's Zanpakutō. 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 the Commanding General, Muramasa appears and tells the Shinigami who have gathered at the Sōkyoku Hill that their Commander will not be attending and that their spirits are now free from them. After a small confrontation with them, he summons a katana and strikes the ground creating flames and causing the ground to rise.

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 always depressing 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."