Zangetsu Becomes an Enemy

Muramasa sends Sode no Shirayuki away, and Ichigo asks why he wanted the zanpakuto to gain independence over the Soul Reapers. Although he does not give the reason, Muramasa replies that zanpakuto can separate themselves away regardless of being the soul of a Soul Reaper, and he is a good example of one. Ichigo cannot accept this view and attacks him. Muramasa uses illusions to overwhelm Ichigo and pins him to the ground, where he proceeds to drag Zangetsu out of him. Once Zangetsu manifests, he immediately attacks Ichigo. Meanwhile, Mayuri begins experimenting on himself in order to research the zanpakuto's manifestation. After Zangetsu seemingly defeats Ichigo, Ichigo transforms into his hollow form and strikes back, putting Zangetsu on the defensive. Muramasa tries a sneak attack but the hollow immediately regenerates and attacks him. Before the hollow form can do anything else, Ichigo manages to return to his Soul Reaper form and falls unconscious at Muramasa's feet.