Release! The New Getsuga Tenshō

'''Release! The New Getsuga Tenshō''' is the two-hundred thirty-sixth episode of the Bleach anime.

Lieutenant Izuru Kira aids Lieutenant Shūhei Hisagi while the latter is faced off against Kazeshini. At the same time, Lieutenant Renji Abarai and Ichigo Kurosaki both conclude their fights with victory.

Summary
As Hisagi is running through the forest, a voice asks him if running is the only thing he's capable of. Suddenly, a scythe appears through the trees and nearly hits Hisagi, who narrowly jumps out of the way in time. As he jumps, his arm is cut in a surprise attack. Angrily asking if he will continue his cowardly attacks, Hisagi is suddenly attacked from behind as a scythe breaks through a tree and attacks him, which he blocks with his Zanpakutō, but to no avail as he is cut across his back. Kazeshini soon appears and strikes Hisagi, who is cut, but barely manages to avoid a fatal injury. As Kazeshini is about to deal the final blow, Izuru intervenes.

Elsewhere, Ichigo faces off against Muramasa, who comments on how intriguing Ichigo is. As the latter gets tired of chatting, he moves in to attack, but his blow is blocked by Zangetsu. Breaking off the confrontation, Ichigo claims that he'll do anything he must to get Zangetsu back while the Zanpakutō Spirit expresses his wish to know which of them is stronger. Ichigo's inner Hollow begins talking to him, saying that he'll lend his power to him as Zangetsu activates Bankai.

Meanwhile, Renji's fight with Zabimaru continues and Zabimaru comments on how Renji now seems to be fighting seriously. As Renji states that he's going to defeat him, Zabimaru claims it's time to test his Zanpakutō.

At the same time, Hisagi is surprised at Kira's arrival, who tells him to stay still due to his wound. Though Hisagi says he can't expect Kira to fight his battle, the latter tells him that as a lieutenant, he can't die before the situation is even known, after which he faints. As Kazeshini and Kira exchange banter, the former moves in for the attack with his shockwave blades, which Kira blocks. To avoid Kazeshini's incoming scythes, Kira jumps into the trees, where Kazeshini attacks. However, Kira activates Bakudō #37, binding the Zanpakutō Spirit and allowing him to take Hisagi and escape.

As Ichigo fights Zangetsu, he struggles when Zangetsu activates Bankai and uses his Getsuga Tenshō, engulfing Ichigo. As he recuperates, he wonders about Zangetsu's true power. Ichigo attempts to activate his Bankai, but finds himself unable to due to Zangetsu's unwillingness to give him his power. As the latter unleashes another Getsuga Tenshō, Ichigo evades and wonders if he can really win without his Bankai. As another Getsuga Tenshō is fired at him, Ichigo's remembers his inner Hollow's offer to give him power and counters with his own Getsuga Tenshō.

Meanwhile, Renji continues his battle against Zabimaru, who comments that he wields his Zanpakutō well. Renji comments that he has trained for a long time, at which point Zabimaru activates Bankai. Zabimaru fires Higa Zekkō and clashes with Renji, who holds it off with his sword. At the same time, Ichigo confronts Zangetsu, asking why he cares which of them is stronger. Zangetsu tells him that he wants Ichigo to get stronger and that how he does it is up to him. Realizing he needs to show Zangetsu his strength, Ichigo prepares to attack his Hollow's help.

As Zabimaru pursues him, Renji flees by using the surrounding buildings. While attempting to fight, Renji finds himself in the mouth of his Bankai. Though he attempts to use his sword to keep it from closing on him, he soon drops it and is flung to the ground. Zabimaru taunts him, claiming his Bankai to be superior to Renji's and telling him there's no way he can win. As Renji analyzes the situation, Zabimaru taunts him, calling his simple mindedness his weakness. As Renji ponders this, Zabimaru turns to leave, at which point Renji uses Hainawa to bind Zabimaru. With his Zanpakutō bound, Renji uses Shakkahō. Telling Renji he can't win with just Kidō, Hebi grabs Renji's Zanpakutō, which appears broken just as Saru materializes its own and both head down to attack. However, Renji unleashes Higa Zekkō, breaking his own Zanpakutō and then using the shards to attack, defeating Zabimaru.

Meanwhile, Ichigo continues his battle with Zangetsu, clashing swords, but finding himself unable to inflict any injuries. Working together with his inner Hollow, Ichigo manages to surprise Zangetsu by blocking his attack. Having decided to end the battle, both combatants use Getsuga Tenshō, their attacks colliding. With the help of his Hollow, Ichigo manages to overpower and defeat Zangetsu with a new Getsuga Tenshō forcing Muramasa to retreat. After the battle is over, Zangetsu soon reveals that he is now free of Muramasa's influence.

Elsewhere, Renji claims that he will grow stronger as he stares at his Zanpakutō. Just as he walks away, Zabimaru praises his strength and claims that they have come to their senses, telling Renji they won't fight him again. Zangetsu explains that Muramasa is using a technique to awaken the Zanpakutō's instincts and by doing so, he can control their mind. Having realized that Muramasa is in control of the Zanpakutō, Ichigo decides to go after him.

Shinigami Illustrated Picture Book
In the Kuchiki Family Manor, Hanatarō Yamada searches for injured people and comes across a foot buried underneath debris. Lifting it up, he finds a Wakame Ambassador, but mistakes it for a person, anxiously asking it if it's injured, to the confusion of those nearby.

Characters in Order of Appearance

 * 1) Shūhei Hisagi
 * 2) Kazeshini
 * 3) Izuru Kira
 * 4) Ichigo Kurosaki
 * 5) Muramasa
 * 6) Zangetsu
 * 7) Hollow Ichigo
 * 8) Zabimaru
 * 9) Renji Abarai
 * 10) Rukia Kuchiki
 * 11) Jūshirō Ukitake
 * 12) Shunsui Kyōraku

Fights

 * Shūhei Hisagi vs. Kazeshini (concluded)
 * Renji Abarai vs. Zabimaru (concluded)
 * Ichigo Kurosaki & Hollow Ichigo vs. Zangetsu & Muramasa (concluded)

Powers and Techniques Used
Kidō used:
 * Bakudō #37
 * Hadō #31
 * Bakudō #4

Techniques used:

Zanpakutō released:

Shikai:

Bankai:

Trivia

 * During the Ending Theme's animation, Kira and his Zanpakutō Wabisuke are seen in place of Ichigo Kurosaki and Zangetsu.