A New Enemy! The Materialization of Zanpakutō

 is the two hundred and thirtieth episode of the Bleach anime.

A mysterious man releases the spirits of many Zanpakutō from their swords and attacks Soul Society.

Summary
In a candle-lit cave, several mysterious beings sit around. Jumping down from a rock, a cat-like woman wonders how long they will have to stay here and states she is bored. As she says she is going to look outside, a white-haired woman steps forward and states this is not a good idea.

As the others express surprise, the white-haired woman says not everyone has arrived yet, prompting the cat-like woman to ask who she means by everyone. As a frog jumps away from a snake-like boy, the white-haired woman states she is not sure.

Laughing, a kusarigama-wielding man proclaims the size of their group does not matter and wonders out loud if he should go outside and handle this himself. As an orange-haired man tells him to shut up and says rushing into things is foolish, a small, hornet-like girl flies past him. Agreeing with him, she proclaims an impatient man is very unattractive as a door opens. As a brown-haired man walks down a flight of stairs towards the group, a brown-haired girl welcomes him as the man states he has brought them a new friend.

Putting his hand on the girl's shoulder, the man tells her to look after him. As he continues to walk down the stairs, the hornet-like girl flies next to the brown-haired girl as the newcomer walks into the light, revealing himself to be a green-haired man with an X-shaped mark on his face. As the hornet-like girl notes he is very attractive, the cat-like woman tells the brown-haired man to be honest with her and asks how long they will be waiting down here.

Saying she will have to wait a little longer, the man reveals the rest of their comrades will be joining them very soon. As the woman protests, the man walks up to her and puts his long-nailed hand up to her face. As she freezes in place, the man curls his fingers and proclaims the era of the Shinigami is coming to an end. Meanwhile, in Ichigo Kurosaki's inner world, Zangetsu calls to Ichigo, who is sleeping on the side of a building.

As Zangetsu asks if Ichigo can hear "it", Ichigo awakens and gets up. As he wonders why he is here, Zangetsu states Ichigo must be able to hear it. When Ichigo asks if Zangetsu is referring to his voice, which he can hear, Zangetsu denies this and says this is not what he means. Expressing confusion, Ichigo looks around and apologizes, stating he cannot hear anything other than Zangetsu. When Ichigo asks what he is talking about, Zangetsu tells him to forget about it.

Expressing confusion once more, Ichigo says he cannot forget about it now. When Zangetsu does not respond, Ichigo tells him to answer him. Elsewhere, 6th Division Lieutenant Renji Abarai leaps into the air. Releasing his Zanpakutō, Zabimaru, Renji attacks his captain, Byakuya Kuchiki. Blocking with his sword, Byakuya moves away with Shunpo as the segments of Zabimaru grind across his blade. Appearing behind Renji, Byakuya slashes at him, forcing Renji to block.

Pushing Byakuya's blade away, Renji attacks him once more. As they struggle in midair, Renji pushes Byakuya away. Falling to the ground below, Byakuya releases his Zanpakutō, Senbonzakura. As the blade petals move towards Renji, several Shinigami watching on the ground express surprise. As the petals push him away, Renji activates his Bankai, Hihiō Zabimaru, creating a large explosion of red smoke as Byakuya lands on the ground below.

As 8th Division Captain Shunsui Kyōraku and Lieutenant Nanao Ise watch from below, the smoke clears to reveal Hihiō Zabimaru, which roars, as Renji lands on the ground. As the other Shinigami encourage Renji, Byakuya activates his Bankai, Senbonzakura Kageyoshi, by dropping his sword, which phases into the ground, and asks if Renji has forgotten. Stating Senbonzakura moves twice as fast if he controls it with his hands, Byakuya says Renji's slow Bankai is no match for it.

As Byakuya states he will attack, the brown-haired man tells someone to hear his voice. When one of the blade petals slashes his wrist, Byakuya expresses surprise as Renji prepares to attack. Seeing this, Byakuya sends Senbonzakura Kageyoshi towards Renji, who leaps into the air. When Byakuya has Senbonzakura Kageyoshi follow Renji into the air, Renji has Hihiō Zabimaru shield him from the blades before using Hikōtsu Taihō, prompting Hihiō Zabimaru to burst through the petals.

As its segments separate, Hihiō Zabimaru fires a red beam of energy at Byakuya, who has Senbonzakura Kageyoshi form several enormous blades in front of him to block the attack. As the beam explodes upon impact, the other Shinigami shield themselves from the shockwave. Landing on the ground, a chuckling Renji rubs his chin and expresses surprise at Byakuya using his Bankai. As Byakuya reforms his sword, Renji walks up to him and asks if something is wrong.

When Byakuya denies this, Renji expresses confusion as Shunsui claps. Approaching them, Shunsui proclaims their sparring session was very enjoyable as 13th Division Captain Jūshirō Ukitake walks up and agrees, saying Renji's skills have improved. As Renji thanks him, Byakuya turns away. When Renji expresses concern, Byakuya looks over his shoulder and states this will be all for today, prompting Renji to thank him and say he appreciates the opportunity to spar with him.

When Ukitake expresses concern, Byakuya asks them to excuse him and walks away. Scratching his chin, Shunsui wonders what is wrong. Elsewhere, as small chunks of ice swirl into the sky, 10th Division Captain Tōshirō Hitsugaya holds his sword in front of him. As the nearby trees freeze solid, the ground under Hitsugaya's feet becomes covered in ice as Hitsugaya utters the name of his Zanpakutō, Hyōrinmaru. As he points his blade to the side, the area around him vanishes.

As a powerful tornado swirls around Hitsugaya, his Zanpakutō dissipates as Hyōrinmaru flies down from the sky. When Hyōrinmaru lands in front of him, Hitsugaya asks him what is wrong. When Hyōrinmaru does not answer, Hitsugaya extends his hand towards him. Leaning towards him, Hyōrinmaru glows brightly and shatters, leaving a shocked Hitsugaya holding his Zanpakutō. As he wonders what happened, the area around him returns to normal as a book is thrown through a nearby window.

When 10th Division Lieutenant Rangiku Matsumoto tells someone to come out, Hitsugaya turns towards the window and expresses irritation. Inside, Rangiku stabs her Zanpakutō into the floor and tells Haineko to come out. Moving around the room, she asks if Haineko is ignoring her and wonders if Haineko thinks she will allow this kind of behavior. As Hitsugaya opens the door and tries to get her attention, Rangiku tells Haineko she should watch herself and asks if she is even listening.

Stating she is mad, Rangiku sits on a couch and proclaims Haineko is lazy, moody, and annoying. As she says Haineko is a useless Zanpakutō, Hitsugaya pops up behind her and yells her name, prompting her to react in shock. When Hitsugaya asks why she is yelling, Rangiku tells him to not scare her like this and states she was having a friendly conversation with her Zanpakutō. As Hitsugaya expresses irritation at this, 4th Division Lieutenant Isane Kotetsu asks them to excuse her.

The door to the library opens, revealing Isane and 5th Division Lieutenant Momo Hinamori, who greets Rangiku and Hitsugaya. As Rangiku greets them in return, Hitsugaya asks why Momo refuses to refer to him as Captain Hitsugaya. When Rangiku asks what brings them here, Momo gives her a piece of paper and says this is a special notice announcing a lieutenants meeting. As Rangiku thanks her, Momo turns to Hitsugaya and asks if something is wrong.

As Hitsugaya asks if she has somewhere to be, Isane looks at Rangiku's Zanpakutō and asks what she was doing in here. Stating she was talking to her Zanpakutō, Rangiku says they have to hone their skills because their enemies are constantly becoming craftier. Expressing irritation at Haineko, Rangiku states she refuses to manifest. As she says Haineko can be very irritating, Momo expresses shock and states Rangiku should not speak of her Zanpakutō like this and must be more forgiving towards it.

Saying Tobiume was concerned about her when she was at her lowest point, Momo reveals this is when she realized she is never alone. When Hitsugaya asks if this means she has been driving her Zanpakutō crazy as well, Isane steps forward and reveals Itegumo has been slow to respond during the past few days. As she states this has never happened before, Hitsugaya's eyes widen in surprise as Rangiku says Isane is lucky it is only happening now, for it is constant with Haineko.

As Isane says she is concerned because it is the first time, Hitsugaya begins to walk away. When Momo asks where he is going, Hitsugaya asks where she thinks he is going and states he is still on-duty. As Momo reveals they brought some sweet baked-bean desserts they received from 4th Division Captain Retsu Unohana, Hitsugaya blushes as Isane fumbles with the box she is carrying. As Rangiku says they should have a tea break, for the desserts are Hitsugaya's favorite treat, Hitsugaya regains his composure and walks away as Rangiku calls after him.

Walking down the hallway, Hitsugaya recalls Hyōrinmaru shattering and wonders what this means. At the center of the Seireitei, two purple-haired girls, a hooded being, and two giggling boys arrive at the 1st Division barracks. As the older girl proclaims they have reached their destination, the younger girl states they should get started.

In his office, Captain-Commander Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto writes at his desk. Looking up, he tells someone to reveal themselves. As the doors open, 1st Division Lieutenant Chōjirō Sasakibe appears behind Yamamoto with Shunpo and nods his head. Standing up, he walks forward with his hand on his Zanpakutō before demanding to know who is there. As Chōjirō looks into the hall, Yamamoto's eyes widen in surprise. Elsewhere, a Jigokuchō flies through the air.

As a second Jigokuchō flies past 2nd Division Captain Suì-Fēng and her lieutenant, Marechiyo Ōmaeda, Unohana notes it is an urgent summons as Isane holds a third Jigokuchō in her hand. As 7th Division Lieutenant Tetsuzaemon Iba asks his captain, Sajin Komamura, what could be happening at this hour of the night, a fourth Jigokuchō flies past 11th Division 3rd Seat Ikkaku Madarame and 5th Seat Yumichika Ayasegawa, the former of whom expresses confusion.

As a fifth Jigokuchō lands on a surprised Rangiku's knee as Hitsugaya looks at it in surprise, a sixth Jigokuchō flies past Byakuya and Renji, who notes they are all being summoned and calls out to Byakuya. As a seventh Jigokuchō flies towards the moon, several Shinigami gather on top of Sōkyoku Hill. As Ukitake tells Komamura he received the same urgent message, Hitsugaya and Rangiku appear in front of them with Shunpo as Hitsugaya asks what he missed.

As Ukitake greets him, Hitsugaya asks if he knows what is going on and why they were called here. Saying he is not sure, Ukitake states it appears no one else knew about this meeting ahead of time. When Ukitake begins to say something, Hitsugaya asks what is wrong before Rangiku notices Rukia Kuchiki. As Rukia turns, Rangiku walks over to her and asks if she was summoned as well. Confirming this, Rukia says she received the call like the others did, though she is not sure why.

Stating it is an interesting group, Shunsui asks Ikkaku and Yumichika if they are filling in for 11th Division Captain Kenpachi Zaraki. As Ikkaku says they have never had to represent Kenpachi before, Yumichika reveals Kenpachi and 11th Division Lieutenant Yachiru Kusajishi are currently away, so they have no choice if Shunsui orders them to stay and listen. When Shunsui asks where Kenpachi and Yachiru went, Yumichika states he is not sure, but it happens frequently.

When 12th Division Captain Mayuri Kurotsuchi asks if none of them know why Yamamoto sent for all of them at such an unreasonable hour, Renji proclaims this is annoying and the fog is a hindrance. As the fog thickens, the ropes on the bridge connecting Sōkyoku Hill to the main building creaks as someone walks across it. As the fog clears, the group turns to see Chōjirō with his arm outstretched. When 3rd Division Lieutenant Izuru Kira asks him what is going on and where Yamamoto is, Chōjirō collapses.

As Izuru, Momo, and 9th Division Lieutenant Shūhei Hisagi run over to Chōjirō, Ōmaeda turns to Suì-Fēng, who tells him to scan the area and remain alert. As Renji looks around, Isane tells Unohana Chōjirō has gone into cardiac arrest. As Unohana tells her to begin resuscitation, the brown-haired man snorts in derision, prompting Ukitake and Hitsugaya to turn around in surprise. As the moonlight reveals his face, the man says Yamamoto will not be joining them tonight.

As Hitsugaya asks the man who he is, Rangiku and 11th Division 3rd Seats Sentarō Kotsubaki and Kiyone Kotetsu appear in front of Ukitake and Hitsugaya. As the man smirks, Komamura appears in front of him and asks how he knows Yamamoto is not coming. As Iba calls out to him, Komamura states they are waiting and asks the man what he did with Yamamoto. When the man does not answer, Komamura puts his hand on his Zanpakutō and proclaims he will beat the answer out of the man.

As Komamura slashes at him, the man leaps back and gestures at them with his hand. As a strong wind surges against the Shinigami, Ikkaku notes this just became interesting. As Yumichika asks him if they should get involved, Iba appears in front of them with Shunpo and tells them to stay back, for Komamura is fighting the man, and they will get hurt if the become involved. Meanwhile, Komamura activates his Bankai, Kokujō Tengen Myō'ō.

As Kokujō Tengen Myō'ō looms over the man, Komamura says they demand Yamamoto and tells the man to reveal his location. When the man states Komamura's attacks will not touch him, Komamura proclaims they shall see and prepares to attack. As Kokujō Tengen Myō'ō raises its blade, Ukitake expresses surprise and yells at Komamura to look behind him. As Komamura looks back, the blade of Kokujō Tengen Myō'ō crashed down upon him as Iba calls out to him.

As the dust clears, Komamura gets up next to the blade as Hitsugaya wonders what happened. As Suì-Fēng says it is impossible for a Zanpakutō to attack its master, Shunsui expresses confusion as Renji wonders what is going on. As Mayuri proclaims this is very intriguing, Komamura stands up as a powerful wind blows through the area. As the man chuckles, the wind stops blowing as Komamura gets to his feet and asks a red-skinned man in front of him who he is.

As fire emanates from the red-skinned man's mouth, Komamura recognizes him as Tenken and begins to ask how he is here before Tenken attacks him, forcing Komamura to block. Pushing Tenken's blade away, Komamura slashes at him, only for Tenken to move away and wrap a fiery whip around Komamura's arm. As a growling Komamura struggles against the rope, Tenken pulls him forward before slashing him with a flaming sword. As the other Shinigami present express surprise, Komamura wonders how this could happen before collapsing.

Calling out to Komamura, Iba begins to run towards him, only for Yumichika to grab his arm and tell him to wait. As Iba tells him to let go, Hitsugaya leaps into the air and releases Hyōrinmaru as Suì-Fēng releases Suzumebachi. As Hitsugaya notices Hyōrinmaru has not entered its Shikai form, Tenken strikes at him with his whip. Dodging, Hitsugaya lands in front of Tenken as Rangiku calls out to him.

Looking at his blade, a confused Hitsugaya notes Shikai does not work as Suì-Fēng confirms this. As the lieutenants draw their Zanpakutō, Renji attempts to release Zabimaru, only to express confusion when nothing happens. As Rangiku fails to release Haineko, Ikkaku slams the sheath and hilt of his sword together and tries to release Hōzukimaru, only for the whirlwind around the hilt and sheath to disperse instead of extend.

As Renji wonders what is wrong with his Zanpakutō and notes there is no more Reiatsu within it, Momo asks Tobiume what is wrong as Mayuri confirms Renji's observation and states the Reiatsu of his blade is absent. When he says the question is why, the brown-haired man smiles and states the Shinigami and their Zanpakutō are no longer united. Putting his hand up to his face, the man proclaims he freed them from the control of the Shinigami.

As Isane asks if this is possible, a tear of blood drips from the man's right eye as he gestures with his arm. When several explosions occur in the Seireitei behind him, Rukia asks what this is as Renji asks him what he is trying to do now. Saying it was not him, the man reveals the Zanpakutō of the Shinigami present are responsible for the destruction. When Momo denies this, the man states it is true and reiterates his statement of the Zanpakutō being released from the control of the Shinigami.

As the man laughs, a bell is rung as several Shinigami try to put out the fire in a burning building. As one of the Shinigami points out someone standing on the rooftop, other Shinigami wonder who it and if he is an intruder. Laughing, the man, revealed to be the kusarigama-wielding man from before, moves to the Shinigami and cuts them down. Laughing manically, he leaps into the air and throws his kusarigama at two more Shinigami, cutting them down as well.

As the Shinigami wonder who the man is and why he is attacking them, the man picks up his kusarigama and proclaims this is too easy before continuing to cut down the Shinigami. As the other Shinigami watch, the brown-haired girl wonders if the man has to be so barbaric. When the Shinigami turn around in surprise, the girl greets them and says they should start running and begins to spin. As she spins around, the bells on her hair burst into flame and hurl fireballs at the Shinigami, who dodge.

Apologizing, the girl states she does not have time to "play" with all of them and moves to the air, where she hurls fireballs at the building below, causing them to burst into flames. Elsewhere, as several Shinigami hold onto a ladder, the orange-haired man grins and tosses them away. As he says the Shinigami do not stand a chance, small chunks of ice float past his face, prompting him to look back, where he sees the white-haired girl standing on a roof.

Telling him they have been summoned, the girl generates a large amount of ice from her outstretched hand. Snorting in derision, the man moves away as the ice encases the Shinigami. At Sōkyoku Hill, the man wipes away the blood on his cheek as he proclaims this was a demonstration so the Shinigami would begin to comprehend the power of his comrades. As he tells them to witness the true forms of their Zanpakutō, the various men and women appear above them.

As Hitsugaya realizes the Zanpakutō managed to manifest themselves, the green-haired man appears next to him and walks forward. As Renji proclaims this is insane, a samurai-like man appears next to Byakuya and walks forward as a baby-sized creature appears next to Mayuri and moves forward. As Ukitake wonders how this is possible, the cat-like woman appears near Rukia and walks forward.

As Shunsui says this is crazy, the cat-like girl walks up to Rangiku and puts her hand on her shoulder. Leaning towards her, the cat-like girl shoves her and tells her to move out of the way. As Rangiku expresses shock at the woman's rudeness, the woman moves away as the men and women above the Shinigami drop to the ground. Walking forward, Byakuya tells the man to reveal his identity. Revealing his name to be Muramasa, the man proclaims this night marks the end of the reign of the Shinigami over the Zanpakutō. Proclaiming the Zanpakutō shall rule over the Shinigami, the man manifests a sword in his hand and stabs it into the ground, causing the ground to rise up in segments, allowing the Zanpakutō spirits to tower over the Shinigami.

Shinigami Zanpakutō Introductions
12th Division Captain Mayuri Kurotsuchi introduces the Zanpakutō of Ichigo Kurosaki, Zangetsu. After going over its Shikai, Bankai, special ability, and spirit form, he asks Ichigo to be of some use in this arc. As he holds up his Zanpakutō, which transforms into its manifested spirit and flies away, Ichigo begins to tell Mayuri something about his role in the arc.

Fights

 * The Rebellion Begins: Rise of Muramasa

Powers and Techniques used
Techniques used:

Zanpakutō released: Shikai:

Bankai: