"..."
The Soul Reapers stared upward in a daze.
Though from Shigure and Muramasa's conversation earlier, they'd already learned of Candle Dragon's manifestation.
But now, truly seeing this form, they couldn't help being shocked.
First, Shigure had said Muramasa couldn't control Candle Dragon, yet now... Candle Dragon had suddenly appeared.
Not just appeared, but in a manner that single-handedly dominated the entire scene.
Her purpose became intriguing.
Second, Candle Dragon's manifested appearance also truly puzzled them.
A Zanpakutō possessing such tremendous power... after manifesting, would actually be such a gentle-looking girl...
Though they tried connecting this appearance to the blade Shigure once held, no matter how they thought about it, their hearts filled with dissonance.
But in truth, not just them.
Right now, Shigure himself, Candle Dragon's master, felt utterly helpless.
When realizing his Zanpakutō had been turned, he'd actually already imagined what form Candle Dragon might take.
But no matter what, he never expected this.
After all, in his memories, Candle Dragon in the Zanpakutō space was a half-awake, half-asleep giant dragon.
Most times, it was somewhat irritable and arrogant.
Just like when Shigure first met it, that lofty appearance.
Though at certain later times, it would show extremely relaxed expressions and chat with Shigure about strange things.
But no matter how you looked at it, it didn't seem like a female dragon...
Just as he thought this, high above, Candle Dragon flew downward.
As she descended, the surrounding air seemed instantly displaced, creating waves of pressure.
Yet her face remained turned toward one person: Segawa Shigure.
As for the Soul Reapers and Zanpakutō watching her intently nearby, to her, they seemed completely nonexistent.
Her attention, quite obviously, stayed entirely on Shigure.
Just then, she suddenly stopped three meters from Shigure. Her smile grew even brighter.
"Shigure, your current expression is more..."
"Interesting than I imagined. Hehe... hahaha..."
Her clear laughter, like silver bells, echoed across Sōkyoku Hill's night sky.
Yet no one else dared make a sound.
Even Muramasa now wore a grim expression, on full alert. His hands were no longer casually pocketed but gripping his blade tightly.
Because of the 'Heavenly Authority' effect in Candle Dragon's soul, he fundamentally couldn't see through this barrier into Candle Dragon's thoughts.
Much less have any influence on her mind.
Therefore, he couldn't judge the current situation.
Why exactly did Candle Dragon appear at this moment?
Just then, Shigure also collected his thoughts, looked up at Candle Dragon, and smiled lightly:
"Your appearance is also quite different from what I imagined."
The words fell. Candle Dragon's smile immediately grew even brighter. Even her eyes opened slightly.
In her slightly opened eyes, starlight glimmered.
Looking at Shigure, she laughed softly:
"Hehe, is that so..."
"I thought that if it were you, you might have anticipated this..."
"Speaking of which... Shigure, I'm suddenly very curious—what exactly did you imagine me to be?"
Candle Dragon spoke gently while her body began floating downward, moving even closer to Shigure.
Under the moonlight, Shigure looked up slightly, Candle Dragon looked down slightly.
The two smiled lightly, chatting with each other.
The tense atmosphere that had surrounded Sōkyoku Hill just moments ago completely vanished.
They were like old friends who hadn't met in ages, discussing trivial matters.
After listening, everyone nearby froze completely.
What situation was this?
This manifested Zanpakutō 'Candle Dragon' was actually chatting with her master?
Wasn't she turned by Muramasa to achieve manifestation?
With such tremendous fanfare, after suppressing the entire scene... just to see her master's surprised expression?
This moment, even the Zanpakutō who'd already seen manifested Candle Dragon were completely stunned.
And Muramasa's expression froze even more.
His mouth corner began twitching slightly.
Then, in his purple eye sockets, the grim gaze slowly grew violent.
His hand gripping the Zanpakutō unconsciously tightened. Even his entire arm trembled.
After a moment, he suddenly lowered his head, gritting his teeth, speaking incoherently in a somewhat crazed tone:
"Hey, hey... what kind of joke is this?"
"This situation... are you mocking me?!"
"You...!!"
"Are you mocking me?!!"
By the end, he jerked his head up, staring fixedly at Shigure and Candle Dragon, growling through clenched teeth.
Just then, from his right pupil, a deep red blood tear began flowing.
This blood made his already pale face look even more terrifying.
And just then, spiritual pressure actually began erupting around him.
Seeing this, Shigure's eyes also moved slightly as he looked over.
The Soul Reapers' gazes also turned over, expressions grave.
Since Muramasa's appearance, he'd basically never used his own power, always commanding the Zanpakutō in battle.
But now... was he going to act personally?
Though currently, Shigure had already arrived, and his Zanpakutō Candle Dragon showed no unusual situation.
But Muramasa's power remained unknown. They wouldn't be careless.
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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