Only a select few knew of Kyōka Suigetsu's abilities. Known as "complete hypnosis" or "kanzen saimin", it can fully control all five senses to the point where an opponent may misinterpret a person's shape, form, size, smell, mass, and feel to be that of an enemy. However, this sense of manipulation can only work against a foe if they initially see the release of the sword. Because of that prerequisite, those who have not seen it are immune to its powers.

The real question now was, if Enrakyōten was such an incredible Zanpakutō, why did no one other than Tokinada have the courage to use it? That was because Enrakyōten had a terrible price to pay. Anyone who uses the Zanpakutō will have their remaining lifespan permanently reduced for as long as Enrakyōten is wielded by them!

Enrakyōten was a must-have weapon for a person like Silas. He even knew its release command, "Sip the seven seas and don the horizon. Duplicate the world and omit nothing." Upon activation, the sword would emit a brilliant, blinding light. This light would then recover any and all damages received by its wielder. Afterwards, the blade itself would become invisible to the naked eye. These abilities were only a bonus compared to its mimicry powers.

The Zanpakutō also had another power. If called by its fake command and its fake release, "Offer", it demonstrates a different ability: kuten-kyōkoku, an ability that allows the sword to reflect any incoming attack back towards the attacker as if it were a mirror reflecting light. Regarding its mimicry powers, Silas bore witness to almost every Bleach character's Zanpakutō and their release commands, allowing him to use all their powers!

• • •

As Silas walked in the underground passage, he could practically feel his internal organs burning by the second. The pain would subside for a moment, but then reappear every so often.

Awhile ago, he had placed almost every Tsunayashiro guard under a hypnosis before leaving the area. For at least another two days, he would need to keep Enrakyōten released as Kyōka Suigetsu in order to make them believe that the family's precious sword was still in their midst. If word got out that it was taken, Soul Reapers like Aizen would catch wind of it and likely deduce that Silas was the culprit.

Blood dripped from Silas's mouth. He speculated he could live for another month if he chose to use it periodically. Simply having it in his possession was enough to exhaust him. So Silas found a resting area underground and slept there for the night. The moment he thought he was dreaming, he found himself in his inner world.

"What gives, partner? I thought we were supposed to be a team." Zangetsu smiled. He was clearly jealous that Silas had been using other means of fighting. The sword hadn't been brandished in some time. Neither had its powers been fully unleashed. For awhile now, Silas had been calling it a fake name, which wasn't to its liking.

"Your moment will come," Silas said. His tone wasn't even close to being apologetic. He spoke with authority, reminding Zangetsu that he was in charge. Snickering, Zangetsu faded along with the inner world, allowing Silas to get some rest.

His dreams were filled with a grotesque witch with long black hair, covering her face from afar. The witch slowly walked toward Silas, and the closer it got, the more pain he felt in his heart. That witch was none other than the spirit of Enrakyōten.

• • •

The next morning, Silas arose from his sleep and climbed to the surface. He was expecting to hear news and commotion from Uryū, but things seemed calmer than he had hoped.

'What's Aizen waiting for?' he wondered. Then something struck him. Around this time in the story, Ichigo was to fight Renji again. Silas knew where the fight would take place, so he decided to venture there.

Not even close to the tower Rukia was imprisoned in, he felt the spiritual pressures of three strong Soul Reapers. 'I see… That's his game.'

Sunlight painted the outside in bright, saturated colours. Behind three Soul Reapers was a giant staircase that led to a high tower. Two of them bickered back and forth, troubled that their captains had assigned them to guard this area. From their conversation, they had been standing for hours, waiting for someone to relieve them of their duties. They were none other than Momo Hinamori, Izuru Kira, and Shūhei Hisagi—the three lieutenants of squads five, three, and nine.

Momo had black hair pulled into a bun, covered by a cloth. Despite her innocent appearance, she has moderately high spiritual powers. Her Zanpakutō, Tobiume, can release fireballs that explode on impact.

Next to her was Izuru, a blonde Soul Reaper whose shoulder-length hair covered his left eye. His Zanpakutō, Wabisuke, could double the weight of any object each time it struck said object. As for Shūhei's Zanpakutō, Kazeshini, took on the form of two weapons with two scythe blades, each one inverted, giving them the resemblance of pinwheels. In a few years' time, the latter Soul Reaper would achieve his Bankai. But right now, all of them were still at the level of lieutenants.

Silas considered why the likes of these three were present. The fact that these were the only three lieutenants of the only three captains that betrayed the Soul Society, it was reasonable to believe that Aizen would have their captains station them here, knowing full well that Ichigo's goal should be to rescue Rukia.

Originally, it was Renji who was convinced that a conspiracy was unfolding within the thirteen court guard squads. This immediately led him to wish to rescue Rukia, heading over to where he understood that's where Ichigo would go. This time was different. Not once had Silas seen or heard from Renji. And to be fair, for Aizen to have sent not one but three lieutenants only meant that he likely knew of Silas's strength.

As the three were minding their business, they noticed a Soul Reaper approaching them. "Halt," Shūhei' stated. Shūhei' seemed to be in charge of this group, having graduated from the Soul Reaper Academy before Momo and Izuru, giving him seniority. "No one's allowed here without permission."

Silas stopped to stare at his adversaries. Every second that passed, he was measuring their spiritual pressures and recalling all of their techniques and sword skills. Momo became a little flustered when she saw he wasn't responding. This prompted Izuru to ask, "What squad are you from?"

"Squad M.M.I.," Silas responded.

"That's not a squad," Momo corrected, eyes full of doubt.

"Of course it is. It's called me, myself, and I. Now… Pierce the heavens, Zangetsu."