Unfortunately, as soon as Zangetsu enters Carnival grounds, the Athenaeum's magic dissipates and takes his bankai form with it. The slender sword again becomes an oversized knife, and his clothes return to normal -- albeit tattered because of how worn out he is. His mask, too, flakes away into nothing, and his long hair turns into white wisps.

Oh well, it felt amazing while it lasted. Even if it was a fake completeness, he could feel Ichigo there with him.

(He'll never admit he misses Ichigo.)

He lands in front of the Ringmaster's tent and announces himself loudly. The giant worm-arm, held upwards instead of letting it drag on the ground, has an unsettlingly toothy smile. And a weird lump in the middle.

"Ringmaster!! I got somethin' for ya. ... It's not pretty."