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. He also revealed to have killed his former Shinigami partner long ago.

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. Deciding to investigate, Muramasa used the fact that he is a Zanpakuto to enter Ichigo's inner world. When Ichigo refuses to answer Muramasa's questions about the unique powers that defeated Zangetsu, Muramasa uses his powers to paralyze Ichigo and then forcibly summons Hollow Ichigo. The inner Hollow finds amusement in this development.

As Muramasa noted that Hollow Ichigo's powers aid Ichigo considerably and greatly resemble a Hollow, he asks what he is beyond another side to Ichigo's soul. Hollow Ichigo merely said he is Ichigo's purest instincts. Muramasa decided to "free" the inner Hollow the same way he did with the other Zanpakuto, by forcing them to accept their inner desires. To Muramasa's shock, Hollow Ichigo is completely unaffected by the spell and instead attacks him.

Powers & Abilities
As a Zanpakuto 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 unsual ability to release other Zanpakuto spirits from their spiritual bonds to their Shinigami partner by forcibly unleashing their inner desires. At any time, Muramasa can manifest a sword that (presumeably) 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 created 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.

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.

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, even down to his tears of blood, which resemble the 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 not a Shinigami. I'm... a Zanpakutō."