Zangetsu Becomes an Enemy

Muramasa sends Sode no Shirayuki away, and Ichigo asks why he wanted the zanpakutou to gain independence over the Soul Reapers. Although he does not give the reason, Muramasa replies that zanpakutou 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 Kurotsuchi begins experimenting on himself in order to research the manifestation of the zanpakutou. After Ichigo is seemingly defeated by Zangetsu, Ichigo transforms into his inner hollow form and strikes back, putting Zangetsu on the defensive. Muramasa tries a sneak attack but the inner hollow immediately regenerates and attacks him. Before his inner hollow can do anything else, Ichigo manages to regain control of his body, falling unconscious at Muramasa's feet.