Toshiro's Hyorinmaru had always been called the Strongest Ice-type Zanpakuto, and Yamamoto's Ryujin Jakka the Strongest Fire-type Zanpakuto.
But who was truly the strongest Zanpakuto had never been conclusively decided. Now that Hyorinmaru had defeated Ryujin Jakka, in Kyoraku's view, didn't that mean Hyorinmaru was stronger than Ryujin Jakka?
And since the power of other Shinigami's Zanpakuto couldn't compare to Hyorinmaru and Ryujin Jakka, and Hyorinmaru had defeated Ryujin Jakka, didn't that make Hyorinmaru the strongest Zanpakuto?
However, Yamamoto did not directly answer Kyoraku's question. Instead, he pondered how to respond.
"Hyorinmaru, the strongest Zanpakuto? Perhaps yes, perhaps no. It's not a certain thing."
Yamamoto gave an ambiguous answer.
"Huh? What does that mean, Old Man Yama? Yes is yes, no is no. Don't be so ambiguous."
Kyoraku was puzzled.
"Because the so-called 'Strongest Zanpakuto' is not absolute. And moreover, what aspect does 'strongest' refer to?"
"If 'strongest' refers to strength, then the current Hyorinmaru might indeed be called the 'strongest'."
"But a Zanpakuto's strength is closely related to its master, not completely dependent on the Zanpakuto itself."
"The stronger the Zanpakuto's master, and the deeper their development of the Zanpakuto, the greater the power the Zanpakuto can exert."
"Conversely, if the master does not value the development of their Zanpakuto, no matter how great the Zanpakuto's potential, it cannot exert much power. Take Zaraki, for example. Even if his Zanpakuto has greater potential than anyone else's, encountering a Shinigami like Zaraki who doesn't value his Zanpakuto, how much power could it exert?"
"So, the strength of a Zanpakuto itself is not entirely its own merit. It mainly depends on the master's development. Therefore, the 'strength' of Hyorinmaru's power is mainly due to Toshiro, not because Hyorinmaru herself is inherently the 'strongest Zanpakuto'."
"And if the so-called 'strongest Zanpakuto' refers to the Zanpakuto's talent, then Hyorinmaru is indeed infinitely talented, born much stronger than many Zanpakuto. But this only means Hyorinmaru's starting point is higher than others. The ultimate achievement still depends on various other reasons."
"So, the 'strongest Zanpakuto' is not absolute. If a Shinigami is talented and gifted enough, they can also develop their own Zanpakuto into the 'strongest Zanpakuto'."
"Furthermore, it's difficult to compare different types of Zanpakuto. For example, Captain Unohana's biological-type Zanpakuto Minazuki and Aizen's illusion-type Zanpakuto Kyoka Suigetsu, as well as other healing-type Zanpakuto and various other types."
"If we're talking about attack power, naturally a Zanpakuto like Hyorinmaru is stronger. But for healing ability, healing-type Zanpakuto are naturally stronger."
"So, if the 'strongest Zanpakuto' refers to which one can play a greater 'role', it's also difficult to say that Hyorinmaru is definitely the 'strongest Zanpakuto'."
Yamamoto explained to everyone.
Ukitake pondered for a moment: "So there is no absolute 'strongest Zanpakuto'. It mainly depends on how well the Shinigami develops their Zanpakuto, and its application in various situations and occasions."
"Exactly. If a Shinigami's strength is great and their development of their Zanpakuto is more excellent than others, then their Zanpakuto can naturally exert greater power, and thus naturally become the 'strongest Zanpakuto'."
Yamamoto said solemnly.
"My, my, Old Man Yama, you've said so much, but I didn't understand a word. However, I did gather three things..."
"One, Hyorinmaru, as the Strongest Ice-type Zanpakuto, is born much more powerful than other Zanpakuto, with high talent and great potential."
"Two, as Hyorinmaru's master, Toshiro is highly skilled and has developed Hyorinmaru more excellently than other Shinigami. Therefore, Hyorinmaru can exert greater power than other Zanpakuto."
"Three, regarding 'role', I think a Zanpakuto like Hyorinmaru can play the greatest 'role'. After all, having strength is necessary to maintain the peace of the Soul Society. I think this plays a greater role than healing-type and other types of Zanpakuto. So, in summary..."
"Hyorinmaru is the 'strongest Zanpakuto'!"
"Strong talent, strong development, strong strength, strong role. Excelling in all aspects, if Hyorinmaru isn't the strongest Zanpakuto, then what is?"
Kyoraku said matter-of-factly.
"Cough, cough. Well, if you put it that way, it is indeed the case."
Yamamoto coughed lightly and said seriously.
"Honestly, if that's the case, Old Man Yama, why didn't you just say Hyorinmaru is the 'strongest Zanpakuto', stronger than Ryujin Jakka? Why bother saying all that meaningless stuff about 'being and not being the strongest Zanpakuto'?"
Kyoraku muttered.
Yamamoto said nothing more, his face just turning a shade darker.
"Hey, Shunsui, Ryujin Jakka lost to Hyorinmaru, so Genryusai-sensei's reputation doesn't look too good. Give him some chance to protect his reputation and don't talk about the 'strongest Zanpakuto' topic."
Seeing Yamamoto's darkened expression, Ukitake quickly reminded Kyoraku in a low voice.
"I see... So that's why he said so much nonsense..."
...
Living World, on the outskirts of Karakura Town.
Muramasa stood alone before a massive tree, several people could join hands to encircle it, his expression extremely excited.
Originally, when Muramasa came to the Living World, he had brought Byakuya and Senbonzakura. But unexpectedly, they encountered Orihime, Uryu, and Chad. So Byakuya and Senbonzakura stayed behind to block them, while Muramasa came alone to the location of Kuchiki Koga's seal.
"Koga... I've finally made it here. Wait for me, just wait, I'll rescue you right away!"
Muramasa said excitedly.
Then he extended his right hand aiming at the tree before him and began to chant: "Cleanse with the black soul, gather the supreme one at the altar of blood and covenant! The most beloved offering from above the black heavens, unveil the holy grail that unseals the vengeful spirit, take up the six keys passed down from antiquity, now open! The vanished coffin!!"
Purple Reiatsu blossomed from Muramasa, rushing towards the tree before him.
Crack… Bang!!!
The surrounding scene developed cracks like a mirror, then shattered. The tree before Muramasa disappeared, and the surrounding scenery drastically changed, completely different from before.
And most importantly, a black coffin entwined with chains and spears appeared in the void before Muramasa.
Sizzle, sizzle...
Purple lightning raged on the black coffin, and the chains wrapped around it snapped one by one.
Boom!!
The black coffin shattered, and Koga's figure appeared in the void.
Thus, the seal was released, and Kuchiki Koga is finally free!