The Man who Hates Shinigami

The Man who Hates Shinigami is the twenty-second episode of the Bleach anime.

Statistics

 * Original Airdate: March 8, 2005
 * English Airdate: February 9, 2007
 * Opening Song: *~Asterisk~
 * Ending Song: Thank You!!
 * Manga Chapters: Chapter 75 through Chapter 77.
 * Kanji: 死神を憎む男
 * Romaji: "Shinigami o nikumu otoko"
 * Arc: Soul Society: The Sneak Entry arc

Summary
Gin Ichimaru, the 3rd Division captain, is blocking the path of Ichigo and his friends into Seireitei. The former slashes the left arm of Jidanbō Ikkanzaka, the gatekeeper, who is holding up the gate. This causes Jidanbō to lose his grip and fall to his knees. Ichimaru remarks that "Being a guardian of the gate doesn't mean you're supposed to open the gate", but rather "When a gatekeeper loses, it means death". Yoruichi realizes that Ichigo, Uryū, Chad and Orihime, while stronger, are still no match for a captain, and when Ichigo steps inside to confront Ichimaru, she calls his name to halt. Overhearing this, Ichimaru realizes Ichigo's identity and steps away from the gate remarking that it is "All the more reason why [he] can't let [Ichigo] pass". He then proceeds to attack Ichigo with his Shinsō's special ability. Ichigo blocks the attack with Zangetsu but is knocked away into Jidanbō, who's still holding the gate on his shoulders, and both of them back into the Rukon district. Having lost its support, the gate closes.

Shook up but unharmed, Ichigo apologizes for allowing the gate to close, though Yoruichi says it could not be helped. Ichigo then asks Orihime to do what she can for the injured Jidanbō. Hearing this, and having witnessed Ichigo's fight with Ichimaru, the souls of the West Rukon realize the Ryoka are kind and offer them their hospitality. As Orihime summons Sōten Kisshun to heal Jidanbō's arm the group is approached by the soul of Yūichi Shibata, who takes Chad to meet his adoptive family.

Yoruichi decides not to try and enter through the gate again but try a different strategy, she asks the district's elder for the whereabouts of Kūkaku Shiba, much to his amazement. Before he can answer an increasing rumble is heard from outside and after a few seconds a strange man is thrown through the door. Seeing Ichigo's Shinigami uniform the man, identified only as Ganju, becomes antagonistic, and demands an explanation from Ichigo. Ichigo responds to the clear provocation by punching the man in the face.

Surprised that the strangers aren't recognizing him, Ganju proceeds to introduce himself using several made up titles, finishing with "#1 Shinigami hater of West Rukon". Hurling another insult, Ichigo provokes Ganju's wrath and the latter attacks him. As the two roll into the the street, Chad, Orihime and Uryū run to assist him but are stopped by Ganju's henchmen.

Ganju attacks an unarmed Ichigo, but Chad throws Zangetsu to him. After several blocked blows, Ganju uses his Seppa to sink Zangetsu's blade into the ground. Ichigo manages to disarm Ganju and the fight proceeds hand to hand. Ganju is about to strike again when a large alarm clock, strapped to one of his henchmen, stops him cold. Realizing the time is 9 o'clock, Ganju and his henchmen decide to make a hasty withdraw.

Characters in order of appearance

 * Gin Ichimaru
 * Jidanbō Ikkanzaka
 * Ichigo Kurosaki
 * Yoruichi Shihōin
 * Yasutora Sado
 * Uryū Ishida
 * Orihime Inoue
 * Elder of the West Rukon
 * Shun'o
 * Ayame
 * Yūichi Shibata
 * Horiuchi Hironari
 * Ganju Shiba
 * Taichi Misemoto
 * Adatomo Saionzi
 * Nehero Isino
 * Sanji Sezushita