Shūhei Hisagi vs. Kazeshini

Shūhei Hisagi vs. Kazeshini is a fight that takes place during the Zanpakutō Rebellion between the lieutenant of the 9th Division and his Zanpakutō spirit.

Prelude


Lieutenant Shūhei Hisagi of the 9th Division stands guard outside of a gate in Soul Society with two of his subordinates. His subordinates wonder where the Zanpakutō spirits have disappeared to, to which Shūhei theorizes that they may have actually reverted to their sword forms. He berates his subordinates, telling them to be on guard, as he notices the wind rustling. Suddenly, a rapidly moving form appears, proceeding to cut down Shūhei's subordinates. He watches on in surprise, as the pools of blood form around their bodies.

Shūhei tells the form to wait, as he recognises the nature of the wounds delivered to his subordinates. As the form begins to dissolve, he curses Kazeshini's wily nature, to which he confirms it, praising Shūhei's observation.

Battle
Shūhei dodges a strike from Kazeshini, who pursues him across a building. Shūhei comments upon the speed of Kazeshini's blade, as his Zanpakutō uses this as a diversion to cross in front of him. He notices the fast moving blades, dodging promptly, as he lands on the ground safely. However, he stumbles, as Kazeshini's numerous blade thrusts dealt him severe wounds. Kazeshini cackles wickedly, commenting that he finally cut his Shinigami master. He reverts back to his materialised form, stating that Shūhei is nothing without him. Shūhei refutes Kazeshini's statement, telling him that his power comes from him. As Kazeshini proceeds towards him, he explains that he doesn't know what his instincts are, to which Shūhei asks him why he left his master.

Kazeshini tells him he heard a voice, a voice that told him to follow his instincts. He goes as far as to say that his master doesn't know what he desires. Kazeshini taunts him, telling him that his blades are perfect for reaping lives. Later, Shūhei is running through a dense forest, as Kazeshini continues to pursue him, taunting from overhead, stating that running is all he is capable of. Kazeshini then hurls his sword at him, who uses Shunpo to dodge the attack, landing on a nearby tree branch. Shūhei states that Kazeshini has almost discerned his location, to which the Zanpakutō wonders whether he has time for such a long break. He hurls his blade at Shūhei once more, this time successful in his onslaught, as he manages to cut his forearm, much to the Shinigami's surprise. He lands in the middle of the clearing, and questions Kazeshini's sneaky way of fighting, to which he states that he doesn't care how he fights. Kazeshini asks him what that has to do with life and death, when Shūhei tells him it is not how he does things.

Kazeshini explains his sole purpose to Shūhei, and that he doesn't care how his ex-wielder fights. Shūhei tells him that he always thought Shinigami and Zanpakutō were meant to work together, as Kazeshini throws his sword at him once more, which he deflects. However, the second segment of the blade shoots out from the right, catching him off-guard, sending him to the ground. He gets up, as Kazeshini tells him that he ends lives, and that he made a contract with Shūhei so he would be used for that end.

Shūhei finally resolves himself, believing that Kazeshini is beyond help. He states that he does not care if his Zanpakutō gets broken and Kazeshini disappears forever. Kazeshini agrees, appearing suddenly behind Shūhei, sending his blade hurtling at his former master. Shūhei gets dealt a major blow to his chest, but he dodges the fatal blow at the last second, collapsing to the ground, as Kazeshini licks his lips greedily.

Aftermath
Kazeshini berates his fallen master, raising his blade over Shūhei's body. He tells him that an instant death would have been painless, as he prepares to deal the killing blow, cackling wildly. However, his blade is stopped by that of Izuru Kira, who tells him that he doesn't like the idea of Zanpakutō killing their masters.