After bringing Orihime out from Karakura Town, Urahara chose to return directly to his shop. Said he had research to discuss with Tessai.
Mayuri immediately recalled the replica of Karakura Town from the World of the Living.
Then he activated the boundary pillars. Directly transferred the real Karakura Town from Soul Society—along with all its residents—back to the World of the Living.
Orihime needed to remain in Soul Society. After helping here, Soul Reapers would escort her back.
When Shigure mentioned this arrangement, it initially met opposition from Ichigo, Uryū, and others.
However, Orihime insisted on agreeing. Said she wanted to help those who had once helped her. Plus, with Rukia and Urahara vouching for it, Ichigo and the others had nothing more to say.
And with that, the Karakura Town battle truly concluded.
Shigure walked leisurely toward the 5th Division barracks with Aning beside him.
Earlier in Karakura Town, seeing how much she liked the World of the Living, Shigure had considered leaving her there directly. But after he mentioned this—
Aning suddenly started staring only at Shigure. Showed complete disinterest in her surroundings. Made Shigure rather amused.
Now, evening had arrived in the Seireitei.
Orange-red sunset light covered the white walls. Made the entire Seireitei seem especially peaceful.
Only the constantly patrolling Gotei squad members showed any sense of the post-war atmosphere.
Shigure walked slowly. His mind remained on the dragon's roar he'd heard earlier in Karakura Town.
This had only happened once before.
That was shortly after he first obtained his Asauchi. During his soul burial training in the World of the Living when attacked by a Hollow—his Zanpakutō had suddenly transmitted a dragon's roar.
Because that moment marked the trigger for releasing its true name.
But now, in peaceful Karakura Town, this sudden roar naturally struck him as strange.
"Karakura Town... Zanpakutō... what could it be..."
Shigure narrowed his eyes slightly. His mind began racing.
After a moment, his eyes suddenly moved. He thought of a highly probable possibility—
Demon Blade Muramasa. Kōga Kuchiki.
Kōga Kuchiki was the son-in-law of the previous Kuchiki family head, Ginrei Kuchiki. A former 6th Division Third Seat. Once a genius who attracted much attention in the Seireitei.
But ultimately, due to factional struggles, he was framed. Led him down the wrong path. Opposing the Seireitei.
His fate was being sealed by Head Captain Yamamoto together with the then-6th Division Captain Ginrei Kuchiki.
And that sealing location... happened to be in Karakura Town, a spiritually significant place in the World of the Living.
Kōga Kuchiki's Zanpakutō, Muramasa—its ability worked specifically on Soul Reapers' Zanpakutō.
If his Zanpakutō's anomaly just now was because Muramasa used its power, that would make sense.
Though Kōga himself remained firmly sealed—
His Zanpakutō, Muramasa, was basically unrestricted by Kōga. Possessed independent thought and action.
Muramasa's constant desire was to free his master Kōga from the seal. Awaken him. Launch a counterattack against Soul Society.
Now, Soul Society had just finished its decisive battle with Hueco Mundo led by Aizen. This was when their strength was weakest.
If Muramasa chose to act now, it would be quite logical...
As Shigure pondered, they'd already reached the 5th Division barracks.
Many squad members saw Aning beside Shigure and grew extremely curious. But didn't dare ask details.
Since there were no special duties currently, Shigure brought Aning straight to his room.
Of course, he wasn't planning to rest.
He intended to enter his Zanpakutō's inner world through sword meditation. Understand the situation.
After entering the room, Shigure immediately enveloped it completely with spiritual pressure. Avoided unnecessary interruptions.
Then he sat on a cushion. Gestured for Aning to sit across from him.
Outside, Aning had been afraid Shigure would leave her behind. Kept clutching his haori.
But now, she seemed to know she'd returned to Shigure's residence. Carefully released her grip. Then ran to sit across from Shigure. Copied his posture on the cushion.
Shigure smiled lightly. Drew his Zanpakutō from his waist. Placed it across his folded knees.
"Aning, can you help me with something?"
Hearing this, Aning nodded almost without hesitation.
Her innate sense of closeness made her trust every word Shigure said.
"I'll be entering a meditative state shortly. I might temporarily not notice what happens outside."
"So if you sense any danger or anything suspicious, remember to touch my Zanpakutō with your spiritual pressure. Understand?"
Shigure quickly finished speaking. Left Aning across from him somewhat dazed.
Clearly, words like "meditative," "spiritual pressure," and "Zanpakutō" confused her a bit.
However, just moments later, her eyes cleared. She seemed to completely understand.
Then she nodded very seriously. Used spiritual pressure transmission to tell Shigure not to worry.
Shigure smiled and patted her head. As he withdrew his hand, he exhaled lightly. Naturally lowered both hands to rest on the blade tip and hilt.
By now, he was already quite skilled at sword meditation.
"..."
Shigure closed his eyes. After a moment, his consciousness shifted. He opened them again.
Sure enough—he was no longer sitting in the barracks. Standing on a vast land. Storms swirled on his left. Lightning danced wildly on his right.
Ahead, the giant dragon still lay coiled on the ground. As if sleeping.
Shigure held an Asauchi in his hand. Slowly walked forward. Said quietly:
"It's been a while, Candle Dragon."
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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