Ichigo Kurosaki vs. Senbonzakura

Ichigo Kurosaki vs. Senbonzakura is a fight taking place in the Zanpakutō Rebellion. It focuses upon the conflict between Substitute Shinigami Ichigo Kurosaki and the Zanpakutō of the 6th Division captain, Byakuya Kuchiki.

Prologue


As the Zanpakutō run amok in the 6th Division barracks, they are met with the Onmitsukidō, who proceed to trap them, causing them to go on the move. As the fights go on in the remains of the barracks, Ichigo comes to the assistance of Renji Abarai and Rukia Kuchiki, who are still facing off against Byakuya Kuchiki and Senbonzakura. Ichigo approaches them, as Senbonzakura blocks his path, telling Byakuya to go to Muramasa's side.

Battle
As Senbonzakura prevents him from moving forwards, the two clash, as Ichigo tells him to stay out of his way. They fight on par with each other, until Senbonzakura releases his Shikai, which Ichigo destroys easily with his own Zanpakutō. Senbonzakura then realizes that his Shikai will be insufficient to defeat him, to which he releases Bankai, prompting Ichigo to release his own sword's final state.

Senbonzakura's blades then turn into swirling petals, which Ichigo disperses the attack with a head on Getsuga Tenshō, with both attacks colliding together. After this, Ichigo is constantly getting immersed by the numerous petals, as he noticed the rapid decrease in reiatsu from both Ikkaku and Yumichika. Ichigo releases another black Getsuga, which Senbonzakura dodges in its entirety, as the two return to stable footing once more.

Whilst Izuru Kira is subdued by his Zanpakutō spirit, Ichigo calls out to him, attempting to go to his side. However, Senbonzakura blocks his path, as they continue to fight. He tells him to get out of his way, but Senbonzakura simply refuses to budge. However, their battle is momentarily interrupted by the arrival of 11th Division Captain, Kenpachi Zaraki. As he sets his eyes on Byakuya, Senbonzakura comes to his defence, releasing his Bankai in an attempt to defeat the captain.

However, Kenpachi simply removes his eye patch, as the tremendous reiatsu blows away all of the petals. Senbonzakura is overpowered by the sheer reiatsu exuded by Kenpachi, that, one he recovered, he was already in front of the Zanpakutō, much to his surprise, and slams his sword down upon Senbonzakura, resulting in an explosion that immersed the entire area. Due to the explosion, both Ichigo and Senbonzakura were sent flying. As they emerged, the two prepare to fight once again, as Senbonzakura proclaims that he will not allow anyone to stand in Byakuya's way.

Ichigo then tells him that none of them ever learn from past mistakes, as they charge at each other once more. As they charge, Ichigo tells him to move out of his way, to which Senbonzakura states he will not pass, sending several attacks hurtling at him. Ichigo is able to evade most of them, but is unable to get any closer to Senbonzakura. He then releases a Getsuga Tenshō attack, effectively dispersing the attack, knocking Senbonzakura into the ground.

As Ichigo lands safely onto the ground, he turns around and notices Senbonzakura's absence, proceeding to move onwards. However, as he runs towards Renji and Rukia, he notices Ashisogi Jizō releasing its poison mist, wondering what that is. Byakuya appears before him, much to his surprise, as an aggravated Senbonzakura charges at him from behind, sending him hurtling into the poisonous mist.

Aftermath
As Ichigo plunges into the thick mist created by Ashisogi Jizō, he stands up instantly. He notices Byakuya and Senbonzakura observing him, shortly before leaving. He tries to leave in pursuit after them, but the poison has already taken effect, causing him to collapse moments later.