Muramasa (Zanpakutō spirit)

is a mysterious Zanpakutō spirit who has the power to release other Zanpakutō spirits from their owners, and is the chief antagonist of the Zanpakutō Unknown Tales filler arc.

Character Outline
Muramasa is a soft-spoken man with messy, dark brown hair, as well as pale skin and dark purple marks surrounding his eyes. He wears a long, white coat, with a thick, light purple, 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. He also revealed that he killed his former Shinigami partner long ago. Muramasa has also shown himself to be very mysterious person, as his supposed agendas seem to only hide a deeper goal that not even his allies are aware of.

Synopsis
Muramasa is first seen after arriving in a dark cave surrounded by the Zanpakutō spirits released thus far of the Gotei 13, gradually gathering more Zanpakutō allies before making his move. Later, he gathers all the Shinigami who previously had Zanpakutō partners come to Sōkyoku Hill under the belief they were summoned by their captain-commander. After making his presence known, he reveals that he has sealed way Captain Yamamato and released all the awakened Zanpakutō spirits from their spiritual bonds with Shinigami, quickly unleashing them on the Seretei..



Desiring to “free” all the Zanpakutō spirits, he allows Rukia to escape the living world to get Ichigo Kurosaki and his Zanpakutō. Muramasa then reappears in time to stop Sode no Shirayuki, from reuniting with Rukia and then revealed that he, too, is a Zanpakutō spirit. He explained that his goal is to free all Zanpakutō from their "enslavement" of Shinigami. Muramasa then used his powers to release Zangetsu from Ichigo's being, who quickly engaged Ichigo.

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 and decided to investigate by entering Ichigo’s inner world. Inside, Muramasa paralyzed Ichigo and then forcibly summons Hollow Ichigo. While Muramasa notes how much the inner hollow’s power aids Ichigo and asks what he is, Hollow Ichigo merely says he is Ichigo's purest instincts. Hollow Ichigo quickly engages Muramasa after his failed attempt "free" the inner Hollow the same way he did with the other Zanpakutō. During which, Hollow Ichigo quickly showed himself too powerful for Muramasa to fight directly. After realizing that Hollow Ichigo was out of his power to control, he instead decided to destroy him with assistance from his invisible powers. Surprisingly, Ichigo recovered and saved the inner hollow. Muramasa was then given an even greater surprise when Ichigo forced Muramasa out of his inner world through sheer will.

Outside, Zangetsu reappeared and once again faced Ichigo. After Ichigo was able to defeat Zangetsu, Muramasa voices his surprise at Ichigo's resolve to fight his partner. Ichigo explained he did this to honor his partner and their bond. Suddenly, Muramasa became immensely ill and transparent, making him retreat, saying he wasted too much time. While alone, Muramsa said to himself Ichigo may be something of importance. He then resolved to capture Ichigo by any means necessary to use Ichigo's unique powers. He then goes off to the Forest of Menos in Hueco Mundo in search of something, killing several Gillian-class Menos along the way. His search eventually leads him to a mysterious hollow, which he soon defeats and absorbs its power, stating that it will do for now.

Powers & Abilities
As a Zanpakutō spirit, Muramasa has the ability to see into one's true nature, even enter their very subconscious (i.e. inner world). He also has an unusual ability to release other Zanpakutō spirits from their spiritual bonds to their Shinigami partner by forcibly unleashing their inner desires. However, these desires are warped to make the target care only about satisfying these desires, regardless of what may happen in the process. A Shinigami with a strong enough will can still access Shikai but not Bankai. Should the manifested Spirit be defeated they will revert to sword form. So far the only way shown to snap them out of this desire is to defeat them in a battle. At any time, Muramasa can manifest a sword that (presumably) is his previous solid form. It is a short sword, roughly the size of a wakizashi with a purple hilt-wrapping and a guard in a shape similar to the Kidō Corps' emblem. This sword is shown able to unleash considerable energy waves, capable of creating huge fissures if struck in the ground.

Master Swordsmanship Specialist: As seen from his short skirmish against Ichigo, Muramasa has considerable sword skills, as he was able to fight on even grounds with Ichigo with a single hand.

Enhanced Speed: Muramasa has shown to be quite fast, as he is able to keep up with a Shunpo expert like Ichigo. During his battle against Hollow Ichigo in its inner world, while forced on the defensive Muramasa was able to successfully dodge all of Hollow Ichigo's flail-like attacks from his sword.

Immense Spiritual Energy: Muramasa apparently has considerable spiritual energy, as evident from Ichigo being very startled by it.

Force Manipulation: In battle, Muramasa has demonstrated a unique invisible power (possibly telekinesis) that can manipulate people's bodies, and even paralyze and bind a person to the ground. Recently it has been strongly implied through Ichigo's inner world that this power is actually summoning and controlling multiple invisible spiritual threads. If something passes between Muramasa and his target to cut the thread then they are freed from Muramasa's control.

Energy Absorption: By grabbing on to a target, Muramasa is able to absorb the target's reitsu (presumeably to replenish his own power).

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. This could also be referenced by the fact that Muramasa (the Zanpakutō) killed his wielder.
 * He most resembles Ulquiorra Cifer in terms of build, hair, pale complexion and near-constant stoic facial expressions, even down to his tears of blood, which resemble the teal cyan lines running down the face of the Espada. 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... a Zanpakutō."
 * "My wielder? My wielder died by my hands"
 * (To Ichigo Kurosaki) "The strength of you is the strength of ties ... How interesting!"
 * (To Hollow Ichigo) "The relationship of the Shinigami Zanpakutō is talk and sympathy. But ... There are exceptions, just like you. You really are interesting."
 * (To Ichigo when he rescues his Hollow Side) "Hmm... Interesting. Did you just save your Hollow spirit?"

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Muramasa