Shinigami in the Ninja World

Byakuya Kuchiki drew his sword, thrusting it into the sky.

The "key" turned, opening a traditional Japanese-style gate.

A group of individuals from the World of the Living walked through, arriving in a vast square.

"Seireitei looks the same as always," Shinji Hirako remarked, glancing around at the unchanged architecture from over a hundred years ago. His hands were in his pockets, and he spoke quietly.

Naruto approached him: "This time is a special situation."

"Once this is over, whether you stay or leave, I won't stop you."

Shinji Hirako turned, his voice half mocking: "Has Naruto grown so strong that he can now handle those old folks from Central 46?"

Naruto smiled, leading the way. "Aizen made many mistakes."

"But there was one thing he didn't get wrong."

Naruto shook his head. "He made them realize that the so-called authority granted by the 'Spirit King' isn't as unshakable as they thought."

"And also, he made them see just how merciful the Captain-Commander has been all these years."

Shinji Hirako seemed to understand.

"The Gotei 13 is in a good place now," Naruto continued. "They have the power to oversee and warn."

"But it's different from before."

"The Captain-Commander and the captains, those responsible for the day-to-day matters, now hold the real decision-making power."

Shinji Hirako chuckled. "Is that so?"

"How impressive Aizen was."

The last line was sarcastic, just like how he used to talk to Aizen back when Hirako was still the captain of the 5th Division and Aizen was his lieutenant.

As they walked toward the First Division headquarters, Rōjūrō Otoribashi, formerly the captain of the 3rd Division, with his signature golden wavy hair, asked, "What does Seireitei think of hollowfication now?"

"It's just another form of power," Naruto explained. "Like the regulations on 'Substitute Shinigami.'"

"Since it was something forced upon you, of course, you won't be punished for it, and you're allowed to use it."

"Are you thinking of returning?" Naruto tilted his head, looking at him.

Ōtoribashi hesitated for a moment but then nodded. "I heard that a member of the Shiba family is preparing for the captain's exam."

"He's more interested in joining the 5th Division." Naruto glanced at Shinji Hirako. "After all, in the 13th Division, he's mostly been covering for others." РАΝỐ฿Ęŝ

Shinji Hirako scoffed and turned his head away, gazing into the distance.

Kaien Shiba was taking over.

Although Hirako was already the former captain, for some reason, whenever the topic of becoming the 5th Division captain came up in front of him, he always felt a bit embarrassed.

"Is there no suitable candidate for the 3rd Division?" Ōtoribashi asked again.

Naruto thought for a moment and shook his head.

Renji Abarai's training for "Bankai" had not gone smoothly. His Zanpakutō was special, and even though it was a single sword, its soul had two consciousnesses. One part had accepted him, but the other hadn't.

Ikkaku Madarame had mastered "Bankai," but he believed deeply in his roots. It was known that during the war Aizen had instigated, he would rather die than use his Bankai in front of others.

Regardless of his abilities, his personality wasn't suited to leading a division.

"If Captain Ōtoribashi is willing to return, the position of 3rd Division Captain is yours," Naruto added.

Ōtoribashi said nothing further.

Seireitei hadn't changed.

Though some buildings were damaged, the 13th Division was busy with repairs. Along the path to the 1st Division's headquarters, not many structures were destroyed, but with the soldiers standing tall, it was easy to imagine how they had looked when intact.

But many things had changed.

Few familiar faces walked among the Shinigami passing by.

A few names were mentioned in conversations.

Some had died in battle, sacrificed, while others had retired to enjoy the final centuries of their lives.

It left them feeling lost. Seireitei was still Seireitei, but as time passed and people came and went, it no longer belonged to them, and they no longer belonged to it.

This trip had solidified the decision for many of them—they would not be returning to Seireitei.

Compared to this place, they had grown more accustomed to life in the World of the Living.

They reached their destination.

Inside the 1st Division's headquarters, the captains, former captains, and Ichigo Kurosaki had gathered in the meeting room.

"If the Captain-Commander saw this, he'd probably be furious," Shunsui Kyōraku remarked teasingly, his gaze sweeping over the assembled group.

Including Rukia and Kaien, there were a total of nineteen people.

In all his years as a captain, Kyōraku had never seen so many gathered in this room.

Even when all the captain seats were filled, it was rare to have thirteen present—since Ukitake's health didn't allow him to attend unless it was important.

"Captain Kurotsuchi, have you found where that guy is?" Naruto asked, not stopping as he glanced at one of his shadow clones.

Mayuri Kurotsuchi raised the device in his hand. "I thought he would be a more interesting opponent."

"But unfortunately, the truth is disappointing."

"I had prepared three different countermeasures in case he discovered me, but none were needed."

"He's in Northern Rukongai, coordinates here."

He tapped the device lightly, and a projection appeared, displaying the coordinates.

"Hiding in the Soul Society?" Kenpachi Zaraki grinned, his voice eager. "Naruto, let's head out right now!"

Naruto waved his hand. "No need to rush. Two things first."

"First, the Captain-Commander might not have been sealed by Muramasa." Naruto spoke calmly.

The other captains turned, their expressions shifting.

"But the Captain-Commander certainly..." Tōshirō Hitsugaya frowned.

Naruto gestured dismissively, his tone steady. "Kurama and I fought Muramasa."

"His power doesn't force control."

"Instead, he invades the inner world, hypnotizes the Zanpakutō, and brainwashes them through suggestion."

He paused for a moment. "Muramasa must have talked to other Zanpakutō and learned that I can discern truth from lies, so he avoided answering my question directly."

"My guess is that the Captain-Commander sealed his own mind to prevent Muramasa from invading."

"After all, if *Ryūjin Jakka*'s power were unleashed, it would be quite troublesome."

Shunsui Kyōraku chuckled bitterly.

To Naruto, it was only "troublesome"?

To the rest of them…

It was far more than just troublesome.

"So, if we find the Captain-Commander, don't be in a hurry to break his seal," Naruto concluded. "Focus on defeating Muramasa first."

"Deal with him, then we'll consider removing the seal."

Naruto continued. "The second thing is that Muramasa's power doesn't control—it brainwashes."

The captains were intrigued.

Their Zanpakutō had all been influenced by Muramasa.

"The Zanpakutō were only misled by Muramasa, causing a rift between you and them," Naruto said quietly. "As long as you mend that rift, you can regain control of your Zanpakutō."

Shunsui Kyōraku lowered his hat. "You're saying we need to undergo 'Bankai' training again?"

He summarized succinctly.

Naruto nodded and smiled. "That's right."

He paused, thinking for a moment. "So this time, I want Shinji Hirako and the Visoreds to stay in Seireitei with the 4th, 9th, and 12th Divisions."

"And Ichigo, that includes you."

Ichigo Kurosaki nodded. "Of course, no problem."

Shinji Hirako and the others agreed as well; it was hard to refuse a request from Naruto.

"The remaining captains, follow me." Naruto said, "Muramasa was injured by Kurama, so he's currently weak."

"This is the best time to reclaim your Zanpakutō."

Kurotsuchi raised his hand, still holding the device. "His location hasn't changed much; he's still in that spot."

In Northern Rukongai, inside an underground cave.

"Muramasa?" The Zanpakutō gathered at the base level gasped in horror upon seeing him. "What happened to you?"

Muramasa looked pitiful, his chest wounded and scarred, with a devastating mark left by Kurama's Tailed Beast Bomb. His flesh was burned, and his bones were exposed.

He sat down weakly by a table. "I encountered Naruto Uzumaki in the World of the Living while trying to recruit more allies."

"We fought."

"He's a formidable opponent…"

"Completely in control of his Zanpakutō. I trusted my companions' strength too much and got ambushed."

"I was lucky to escape. Unfortunately, Sode no Shirayuki was captured."

A purple-haired woman with an eyepatch over her right eye lazily sat down and waved her hand. "You didn't escape; you were let go."

Muramasa flinched, turning his gaze toward her.

This was "Katen," from Shunsui Kyōraku's Zanpakutō, "Katen Kyōkotsu."

"Naruto wouldn't have gone easy on you," Katen continued, her voice slow and taunting. "That wound on your chest—it's from that fox, Kurama, isn't it?"

Muramasa nodded. "What of it?"

"That's from a technique called the Tailed Beast Bomb." Katen shook her head. "Kurama once used that move to destroy all of Las Noches with ease."

"You should be cautious... Is your body stronger than Las Noches?"

Muramasa's expression shifted as he looked down at his body.

As a sensory-type Zanpakutō, it didn't take him long to find the problem.

He reached out, rummaging through his ribcage, and pulled out a small device, barely smaller than a fingernail.

"This is..." He could only mutter two words in confusion.

Katen raised an eyebrow and smiled slightly. "Oh dear, that's unfortunate."

"That's a tracking device from the 12th Division."

"We've been exposed."

Muramasa braced himself on the table, standing up despite his injuries.

"Don't bother trying to escape," Katen shook her head, tapping the table lightly. "Naruto's sensory ability is incredibly strong. It's likely he's already traced us by now."

She teased further, clasping her hands behind her head. "I was told his range of detection is at least 50 kilometers."

Muramasa gritted his teeth, his expression shifting between rage and frustration. "We can't let them achieve their goal so easily."

"If they're coming and there's no escape, then we'll fight."

"This battle was inevitable, so there's no harm in starting early."

"Without their Zanpakutō, the only one to really worry about is Naruto Uzumaki."

"As for the others..."

He trailed off, pausing.

"Minazuki, I need you to heal me," he called, searching among the Zanpakutō souls for a figure in a hooded cloak, whose appearance and gender were indistinguishable.

The figure nodded silently and stepped forward, revealing its true form.

Its power activated, and a massive manta ray flew out, swallowing Muramasa whole.

In the dark space within, Muramasa thought.

Naruto must have figured out that the Captain-Commander wasn't sealed by Muramasa, but by the Captain-Commander himself.

Even if he wasn't completely certain.

Naruto probably wouldn't recklessly break the seal, especially after their battle, knowing that Muramasa's power had no effect on his Zanpakutō. Naruto would be confident in his victory.

It seems the plan to use the Captain-Commander as a trump card has failed.

What to do now...

…

Back in Seireitei, in the 12th Division's underground training grounds.

"Ms. Kuchiki, are you sure you don't need my help?" Mayuri Kurotsuchi asked, watching two figures—one black, one white—duel in the training arena. "I am quite the expert when it comes to Zanpakutō research."

"Even Naruto consults me on these matters."

Rukia shook her head, her gaze fixed firmly on the beautiful figure in front of her. "No, thank you, Captain Kurotsuchi. This is my Zanpakutō."

"I need to do this myself."

She stared ahead unwaveringly. "Wasn't it nice being protected all the time?"

"But now I finally want to rely on my own strength."

Rukia gripped her sword tightly. "Captain Naruto once told me, never to trust appearances so easily."

"Whether they show goodwill or malice."

Her eyes softened, her voice calm. "Sode no Shirayuki, you say you hate me."

"But I don't feel the kind of hatred that would make me tremble."

"Enough with the nonsense!" Sode no Shirayuki waved her sleeve, frost and ice spreading, forming glaciers and snow. "If you choose to face me directly, be ready to die by my hand!"

"You..."

"You never valued me at all."

Mayuri Kurotsuchi leaned his head on his hand, lightly tapping as a transparent spiritual barrier descended, protecting him.

…

Back at the entrance of the cave in Northern Rukongai.

"Is this the place?" Shunsui Kyōraku surveyed the area. "To pick a place like this..."

He hadn't finished speaking.

Kenpachi Zaraki burst out laughing, swinging his sword and dragging the pink-haired little girl on his shoulder as he took a giant leap forward into the cave.

"Let's move." Naruto shook his head, smiling helplessly. He finally understood how the Captain-Commander must have felt.

A subordinate like Kenpachi Zaraki...

Was never easy to manage.

They entered the cave one after another. Upon reaching a fork in the path, they didn't hesitate, quickly discussing before splitting into two groups. The enemy was strong, their Zanpakutō possessing strength comparable to their masters, but no more than that. Their power wasn't extraordinary beyond the norm.

Shunsui Kyōraku and Jūshirō Ukitake paired up.

As they descended to the next level, four spiritual pressures were already waiting for them.

"Katen, Kyōkotsu," Shunsui Kyōraku recognized two of them immediately, lowering his hat with a resigned smile. "Let's not make this harder than it has to be."

Katen leaned forward, a teasing smile on her lips. "You bad man, you abandoned me after you were done with me."

She pulled Kyōkotsu close. "Don't end up like Shunsui, okay?"

Shunsui Kyōraku sighed. "Zanpakutō don't grow up."

"How cold," Katen snorted. "Leaving you was clearly the best choice."

"This situation is special, so don't be stubborn," Kyōraku said softly. "After this is over..."

Katen raised her hand, snapping her fingers. "Then let's play a game."

"As long as you don't lose, I'll go back."

Shunsui Kyōraku nodded, unsurprised. He had anticipated this.

Jūshirō Ukitake focused on the two small boys beside Katen Kyōkotsu, dressed as yin-yang priests.

They exchanged few words.

The boys giggled and ran forward, playing as they circled around him.

Ukitake sighed. He knew what was coming and immediately used *shunpo* to chase after them.

…

At the bottom of the cave.

Muramasa emerged from Minazuki's body.

"What's the situation?" he asked eagerly before he even touched the ground.

"The Gotei 13 has arrived," a tall, slender man with a house-like ornament on his back reported. "They've entered, and Katen Kyōkotsu and Sōgyo no Kotowari have already engaged Shunsui Kyōraku and Jūshirō Ukitake."

This was "Gonryōmaru," the Zanpakutō of Lieutenant Chōjirō Sasakibe of the 1st Division.

"And Naruto Uzumaki?" Muramasa asked again.

Gonryōmaru shook his head: "No sign of him yet."

"Suzumebachi, Gonryōmaru, and Ruri'iro Kujaku—I need your strength."

"Come with me."

In the corner of the room, a handsome man with long blue hair, dressed in peacock-like attire, stepped out and nodded in response.

He waved his hand, leading the way, followed by the three Zanpakutō.

They reached the deepest part of the cave.

A green triangular chain bound the Captain-Commander, who sat meditating with his sword in hand inside a barrier.

Muramasa stared at the barrier, his voice calm: "As I told you and the Shinigami, I sealed Yamamoto Genryūsai."

"And that is indeed the case."

"But…"

He reached out, moving closer, and a wave of flames suddenly surged from within the barrier, lashing out at him.

Muramasa was prepared and dodged to the side: "This seal was set by Yamamoto Genryūsai himself."

"He wanted to continue controlling *Ryūjin Jakka*, but couldn't manage its will."

"So, he used himself as a wedge to seal *Ryūjin Jakka*."

The three Zanpakutō were shocked.

Even though they had been deceived, they weren't angry. For the strongest Shinigami to have done this, it was only natural. It made more sense than Muramasa claiming to have sealed the Captain-Commander with his own power, which had seemed unbelievable.

"I had originally planned to wait for Naruto Uzumaki's two Zanpakutō to join us, and then use their power to break the barrier and free *Ryūjin Jakka*." Muramasa continued, "But it seems that's no longer possible."

"So, I'll need your strength instead."

Muramasa turned to face the three Zanpakutō behind him: "Your abilities are unique and perfectly suited for this task."

"Ruri'iro Kujaku..."

"I need you to absorb the spiritual pressure of the barrier."

Suzumebachi agreed readily, "You have the strongest offensive ability. Once the barrier is weakened by Ruri'iro Kujaku, try to break it."

"Against Naruto Uzumaki, we can only rely on *Ryūjin Jakka*."

The three Zanpakutō complied.

Ruri'iro Kujaku extended his hand, his whip unfurling, thorns sprouting from his palm like vines that wrapped around the barrier.

His ability activated, absorbing the spiritual pressure of the barrier as easily as drinking water.

The deep green barrier began to thin visibly, its powerful spiritual pressure slowly weakening.

Suzumebachi raised her hand, stepping forward with her right hand poised like a scorpion's tail, straight as a missile.

Gonryōmaru extended both arms, the house on his back exploding as a thick cloud gathered in the cavern, filled with flashes of lightning.

Their spiritual pressure swelled, preparing for the strike.

Once Ruri'iro Kujaku reached his limit and the barrier's strength was reduced by more than half, the two Zanpakutō launched their attack.

The missile fired, lightning struck down, and a thunderous boom shook the entire cave.

…

In the lower level of the cave.

Kurama's ears perked up: "An explosion."

"Who's fighting now, causing such a ruckus? Aren't they afraid of waking us up here?"

It said this in a lighthearted tone, clearly not worried at all.

"Not a battle," Naruto shook his head, looking ahead. "It's the power of a few Zanpakutō."

"Remember my earlier theory?"

"The Captain-Commander wasn't sealed by Muramasa, but by himself."

"Muramasa must have known I'd figured out his plan, so instead of attacking Seireitei while I was away, he's trying to manipulate my Zanpakutō or use the power of other Shinigami to break the seal on the Captain-Commander."

"Now that he knows I've caught onto him, he's trying to use other means to break the seal."

"But without the power of *Ryūjin Jakka*, what's he going to do against me?"

Kurama nodded, shaking his fur.

That was good news—their spiritual pressure was giving away their position clearly.

Following the trail of spiritual pressure, they arrived a short while later.

Naruto appeared, immediately drawing the attention of four Zanpakutō.

"The barrier doesn't seem to be broken?" Kurama muttered.

The triangular chain barrier was still intact, and inside, the old man remained in meditation.

There was no light except for the faint glow reflecting from the barrier, casting an eerie shadow over Muramasa's face.

"Not broken?" Muramasa chuckled, his once-handsome face now twisted with malice. "What are you talking about?"

"This is the combined power of the three most suited Zanpakutō."

"Even Yamamoto Genryūsai's barrier..."

He moved closer, reaching out to touch it lightly.

The barrier's self-defense mechanism didn't activate. Instead, a crisp cracking sound echoed.

The barrier shattered into pieces, scattering glowing fragments.

"Will be broken." Muramasa said quietly, his eyes filled with greed as he extended his hand. "Naruto Uzumaki, you're too late."

His ability activated.

"Mukōjōchū Muramasa!"

He grasped Yamamoto Genryūsai's mind.

"Even if you figured out my plan, so what? I've already gotten what I wanted." Muramasa grinned, his smile wide and triumphant.

The barrier was broken.

Yamamoto Genryūsai opened his eyes, looking at Naruto and the three Zanpakutō beside him: "Naruto, you've returned."

"The barrier is broken after all?"

"Be careful, Muramasa..."

Naruto spoke calmly: "Captain-Commander, I've already fought him once. His ability doesn't work on my Zanpakutō."

"Is that so?" the Captain-Commander muttered softly.

Muramasa was still smiling as he slashed through the air, tearing open a Garganta: "We don't need to keep fighting."

"Wait! Muramasa, what are you doing?" Suzumebachi's eyes widened in disbelief, "You're leaving?"

"But the barrier is broken."

"Ryūjin Jakka can be our ally too."

"Now is the time to defeat Naruto Uzumaki and achieve our goal."

The Captain-Commander rebuked: "Who do you serve? How can you have such foolish thoughts?"

Suzumebachi was stunned, blinking in confusion.

"Muramasa's goal was never to lead the Zanpakutō in rebellion against the Shinigami," Naruto continued. "I believe he has a different purpose altogether."

The Captain-Commander narrowed his eyes: "He intends to invade my mind."

"To find... a way to break a certain seal."

Muramasa smiled sweetly: "Exactly. Even though you went so far as to seal yourself to stop me, it was in vain."

"In the end, I succeeded."

"Goodbye, Shinigami."

"Goodbye, Zanpakutō."

Gonryōmaru's eyes widened: "You used us."

"Such harsh words. Why not use a more pleasant term?" Muramasa shrugged and said softly, "I simply made use of your strength from a different angle."

Suzumebachi gritted her teeth, her gaze fierce as she raised her fist and struck at Muramasa.

Naruto clapped his hands.

"Adamantine Sealing Chains."

Golden chains shot out, also aiming for Muramasa.

Muramasa raised his hand and lightly waved: "I have no interest in playing with you."

"Let him handle it instead."

As he spoke, flames suddenly erupted from the ground, forming a towering wall of fire that blocked Suzumebachi's path. Another wave of fire coiled around the chains, melting them into spiritual energy before evaporating into steam.

This was the power of Ryūjin Jakka.

"Jōkaku Enjō."

This technique, which the Captain-Commander had once used in the battle against Aizen, now flared before them once more.

Muramasa chuckled and stepped into the Garganta.

This time, his escape was even more leisurely and carefree than his previous one when fleeing from Naruto.

Within the wall of flames, a figure resembling the Captain-Commander appeared.

But it was taller, younger in appearance, and wielding a charred sword.

Kurama's eyes widened in shock: "That's… Enma!"

Naruto turned, confused.

"The first time I saw that image was in a painting in the old man's command tent," Kurama explained. "He said it was Enma, a being who wreaked havoc in Soul Society for a long time."

"In the end, the Captain-Commander personally sealed him."

"Turns out…"

It turned its head toward Yamamoto Genryūsai.

Back then, Kurama had thought Enma was some terrifying, powerful enemy that haunted the Captain-Commander's thoughts.

But now it seemed that Enma was the Captain-Commander himself.

It was his Zanpakutō, Ryūjin Jakka.

~~~

Enma means Flame Demon, so long ago there's a Flame Demon that wreaked havoc in Soul Society but little did they know that it's Captain-Commander himself…

Damn?!

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