Confrontation?! Amagai vs. Gotei 13

'''Confrontation?! Amagai vs. Gotei 13''' is the one hundred seventy-ninth episode of the Bleach anime.

Yamamoto orchestrates a Menos Grande attack on the Soul Society to help him decide on Amagai's proposal to have joint training between the Divisions.

Summary
The Third Division members assemble at the training compound, as Kano comments that he had knowledge of this area, but had never actually been here before. Aida agrees with his sentiment, stating that it is rarely used these days. He explains that Third Seat Makoto Kifune requested usage of the facility, as Lieutenant Izuru Kira and Third Seat Kifune appear before them, apologizing for their lateness. Kano asks them where Captain Shūsuke Amagai is, to which Kibune starts to explain.

As Amagai attends the captains meeting, he asks for the other captains to divert their attention towards him. Captain-Commander Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto asks what he wants, to which he asks them to hear him out. Yamamoto grants him permission, as Amagai explains the lack of co-ordination between the Divisions of the Gotei 13 can be exploited by an intruder, using the incident in the Dangai as a prime example of this disparity. Amagai suggests a joint-training exercise in order to promote outer-Division activities.

However, despite the approval of his plan by Captain Ukitake, the proposal is rejected. Later, at the bar, he confesses to Kyōraku and Ukitake that his idea was a failure. However, they tell him not to get too depressed, claiming that such an idea takes time to get fully implemented. He accepts their sentiments, finally motivated to follow through with his plan. He drinks a cup of sake, shortly before collapsing. Renji Abarai is informed of Amagai's objective by Tōshirō Hitsugaya, who thinks that it is a waste of time.

As Renji and Rangiku argue, he notes that Kyōraku and Ukitake support Amagai's idea, hoping that it doesn't cause dissension between the Division captains. Back at the Third Division barracks, Izuru informs the other members that the joint-training principle has been rejected, as Aida states that their days of menial chores are far from over. They comment upon each other's stories, and go into a state of despair once it is revealed that they have sunk lower than the 4th Division, who were notorious for their chore duties. However, Kifune appears, notifying them that things are not as bad as they seem.

Upon the 3rd Seat's arrival, Kira thinks back to their brief conflict within the underground chamber. He then tells Kifune that he saw him enter the Kasumiōji compound, leaving the others surprised. Kifune states that he probably mistook him for someone else, as Kira ponders the possibility that he was incorrect. However, they are interrupted by a Jigokuchō, which informs them that Menos have been detected within Seireitei, organising all divisions. The 3rd Division members are enthusiastic and jump at the opportunity, regardless of their captains' absence.

However, Kira prevents them from leaving, stating that waiting for the captain is the best decision they can do right now. However, Kifune disagrees, stating that they should be able to handle themselves efficiently after their training session. The other members take this as a sign that Kira doesn't trust them, as Kifune proceeds to lead the 3rd Division into the field. Meanwhile, the other Divisions begin a scrabble to get to the Menos first, resulting in dissension between respective groups. The 10th Division also begins a routine search, as Captain Tōshirō Hitsugaya comments that there hasn't been a single sighting reported yet. He lets his lieutenant take lead, whereupon Rangiku Matsumoto comes across a barricade set up by the 12th Division.

Captain Mayuri Kurotsuchi restricts their access, proclaiming that he will capture it for research. The Shinigami are updated with news that the Menos are within the north-eastern sector, with all Divisions proceeding in that direction. However, the 3rd Division are puzzled by the latest report, as they are currently in the north-eastern section of Seireitei. Kira appears before them, once again repeating that they should pull back. However, the 3rd Squad states that their reputation will increase if they defeat the Menos, as Kifune questions why he is here, considering that he was the first to suggest staying put.

Meanwhile, Captain Shunsui Kyōraku is informed by a messenger that all searches for Menos have turned up empty. He asks his lieutenant, Nanao Ise what she thinks, to which she reveals that it is strongly reminiscent of a trick. Kyōraku agrees, telling her to go back to bed. However, Nanao reiterates that there is a Menos invasion going on, prompting Kyōraku to ask whether there truly are any Menos to begin with. Captain Hitsugaya arrives on the scene, revealing that he feels the same way.

Captain Jūshirō Ukitake reveals that it is highly likely the entire incident was a ruse, much to their surprise. He explains that they have only received reports of Menos, and yet not a single Menos has been seen. He comments that many Shinigami have begun falling out with one another, and that this incident serves as a prime example of how easy it is to make the Gotei 13 fall into disorder. Ukitake wonders who the mastermind behind this ruse is, as Captain-Commander Yamamoto appears, confirming that he was the orchestrator. Meanwhile, Izuru draws his Zanpakutō in an attempt to stop them from moving forwards. Kifune does the same, but is stopped by the untimely appearance of their captain.

Amagai apologises for being late, informing Kifune that Kira is in charge when he isn't around. Kifune apologises, as Amagai tells Kira to have more faith in his abilities. Kira notices several Menos appearing before the group, as the other Divisions run past the 3rd Division. The Divisions quickly fall into disrepair, once they come across a dead-end. Yamamoto reveals that they merely look like Menos, and that his aim was to see how the Gotei 13 divisions would perform during a "real" crisis. He states that it has gone as he expected, wondering what Amagai will do to alleviate the situation.

Amagai tells his subordinates not to panic, stating that they will handle it like their usual training sessions. He tells his subordinates to inform the other Divisions about their routine, as he releases his Zanpakutō, plunging it into the ground. This creates a bright green light rippling into the sky, attracting the attention of the other Divisions. Amagai tells the other Divisions to follow the 3rd Division's explicit instructions, proceeding to pull back. He retracts his Zanpakutō, telling each one of his subordinates to co-ordinate the movements of one Division. In the end, this joint-training exercise proves successful, and the Menos dummies are successfully destroyed.

After the incident, Kira notices Kifune reading information underneath his glasses. Chōjirō Sasakibe reports to Captain-Commander Yamamoto the success of his initiative, stating that the 3rd Division's methodology was entirely responsible for such quick reactions. Yamamoto hereby approves of the compulsory joint-training sessions for all 13 Divisions. Back at the 3rd Division, the members are celebrating, as they believe that they are finally freed from the shadow of Gin Ichimaru. They ask Amagai for his opinion, only to realize he has fallen asleep in his chair. Meanwhile, Izuru Kira trails Makoto Kifune, watching the 3rd Seat release a cupped Jigokuchō from his hands.

Shinigami Illustrated Picture Book
Misato Ochi is seen informing her class of the "brave" people selected to attend the following supplementary lessons, as Keigo is seen stressing over his name being on the list. Ichigo mocks him, telling him to study hard, but is approached by Ochi, who states he is on the list also. He complains to her, telling her that he did alright on the last test. She smacks him repeatedly on the head with a book, saying he is constantly late, leaves class early and makes a habit of being away, as it is shown his name is at the very bottom of the list.

Powers and Techniques Used
Zanpakutō released:

Shikai:
 * (flashback)
 * (flashback)

Bakkōtō used: