Byakuya's anger, collapse of the Kuchiki family

 is the two hundred and fifty-sixth episode of the Bleach anime.

A party is being held at the Kuchiki Family Manor when two rogue Zanpakutō spirits, called Tōjū, attack and disrupt the party.

Summary
As dozens of 6th Division members relax at the Kuchiki Family Manor, a Shinigami draws their attention to the arrival of 6th Division Captain Byakuya Kuchiki, who walks over a bridge. As the Shinigami run over to him, Rukia Kuchiki asks 6th Division Lieutenant Renji Abarai why he is not going over to greet Byakuya.

Stating he is fine right here, Renji says he has dealt with Byakuya enough and states it is time for everyone else to have a chance. Admitting this is true, Rukia points out how the 6th Division members look tense and uneasy around Byakuya. Saying this is understandable, Renji states Byakuya is not usually this open.

When Renji notes he never thought Byakuya would let them use his house for a garden party, Rukia says the battles with the Zanpakutō spirits left everyone completely exhausted and states this is Byakuya's way of trying to help the divisions relax. When Rukia proclaims Renji should be grateful that Byakuya cares, Renji tells her to calm down before realizing something. Pointing out how this area was destroyed by Sode no Shirayuki during the fighting, Renji proclaims the 6th Division has not even begun making repairs to their barracks as Rukia says the Kuchiki Clan has money and connections.

As Rukia states it was very easy to repair the area by using the secret techniques which have been handed down over the years, a Shinigami pulls Renji over to Byakuya while saying it is getting awkward. As Renji states Byakuya is just a person like anyone else, Rukia realizes he has left and expresses irritation. Walking to her room, Rukia says this was annoying and notes Renji was not even listening to her. Stating this is unbelievable, Rukia hears a woman scream and looks over her shoulder in surprise. As a large black sword crashes into several trays of food, several female servants run out of a room.

Running to the room, Rukia sees a satyr-like being and a man wielding the black sword attacking the area. When Rukia says this is enough, the man and the satyr look at her. Asking them who they are and what they want, Rukia tells the man and the satyr to explain themselves and reaches for her Zanpakutō, only to discover it is not there. As Rukia realizes she is unarmed, the man rushes forward and smashes his sword into the floor as Rukia leaps over him. As Rukia slides off the end of the floor and onto the ground underneath, the man and the satyr stand over her.

As the man and the satyr point their weapons at Rukia, Sode no Shirayuki uses Tsugi no mai, Hakuren outside of the building. As Rukia leaps away, a torrent of ice crashes through the wall behind her and engulfs the man and the satyr, who struggle to free themselves. As Rukia moves outside with Shunpo, the man and the satyr run through the hole in the wall toward her. Appearing in front of them, Sode no Shirayuki says they are not getting away as Rukia tells her to be careful. When the satyr stabs at her with his claw, Sode no Shirayuki blocks with her sword.

Pushing the satyr away, Sode no Shirayuki assumes a battle stance. When the satyr begins to run away, Sode no Shirayuki states he is not getting away and prepares to use Some no mai, Tsukishiro, only to turn around in surprise as the man raises his sword over his head and prepares to attack her. As blade petals fill the air, Senbonzakura appears with his sword held in front of him as the man falls over. As the man crashes into the ground, Senbonzakura turns around and asks Sode no Shirayuki if she is alright, prompting Sode no Shirayuki to say she is completely unharmed.

As Sode no Shirayuki asks her if she is alright, Rukia stammers and points at them before stating she believed they had both returned to being swords. When Senbonzakura asks her what she is talking about, Rukia expresses surprise as Sode no Shirayuki says she cannot recall either of them making such a promise to Rukia. As Rukia admits this is true, Senbonzakura states Rukia should not blame them for her own false assumptions. As Rukia tells Senbonzakura to hold on, Byakuya asks them what this commotion is about and walks forward from behind a nearby tree and bush.

As Sode no Shirayuki looks down, Byakuya tells them to explain before expressing surprise. As the others turn around, the man emits a large amount of steam before bursting into flames, which dissipate to reveal a Zanpakutō lying on the ground. Later, 12th Division Captain Mayuri Kurotsuchi turns around and says this is very unusual before admitting he was not expecting a visit from Byakuya, Rukia, Senbonzakura, or Sode no Shirayuki, who all stand or sit before him in his office. Stating their Zanpakutō spirits are still manifested, Rukia says they were hoping he could tell them why.

Looking at Senbonzakura and Sode no Shirayuki, Mayuri states there is nothing odd about them remaining manifested. As Rukia expresses shock, Mayuri says he was able to reverse their brainwashing after much research before stating he never said he was returning them to their normal state. Holding up his Zanpakutō, Mayuri tells Rukia to take a look for herself as his Zanpakutō glows and releases a cloud of smoke, which disperses to reveal Ashisogi Jizō. As Rukia expresses surprise, Ashisogi Jizō flies around Mayuri's chair before disappearing in a cloud of smoke.

Saying this is the answer to their question, Mayuri asks them to stop bothering him with their simple questions and states he barely has time to get things done as it is. When Mayuri tells her it is time to get back to work, 12th Division Lieutenant Nemu Kurotsuchi agrees. When Rukia draws his attention, an irritated Mayuri asks her what it is now and says he told her that he was busy. Stating she is sure he is busy, Rukia asks Mayuri if he can help them with one more thing. When Mayuri says he will only help them with one more thing, Rukia states this Zanpakutō has her concerned.

Saying this is interesting, Mayuri states this is a case of a Zanpakutō spirit going out of control after Muramasa manifested it. When Rukia asks him if he was aware of this, Mayuri confirms this and says it is not hard to understand. Stating Muramasa's abilities affected regular division members in addition to captains and lieutenants, Mayuri says some of the Shinigami discovered they had lost their control over their weapons and died as a result before revealing this Zanpakutō spirit was one of many who lost control after the unfortunate death of its master as the man and the satyr cut down their masters.

As Rukia states she was unaware of this, Nemu says a Zanpakutō spirit usually disappears when its owner dies and states they can only assume something abnormal happened here. Saying the Zanpakutō spirits are no longer Zanpakutō spirits, Shinigami, or even Hollows at this point, Mayuri states they are most accurately described as mutants before saying this gives him an idea. Stating he should have though of this before, Mayuri proclaims he shall call them Tōjū. When Byakuya asks Mayuri why the defeated Tōjū lost its manifested appearance, Nemu says they do not know yet.

As Nemu reveals the defeated Tōjū does not possess Reiatsu, Mayuri points out how the satyr Tōjū escaped and states he can run experiments and possibly find an answer to their question if they are somehow able to recapture it. Turning to his computer, Mayuri presses several keys before saying there is one more thing which they should know. Revealing the power of a Tōjū is equal to the power of a Zanpakutō's Bankai, Mayuri states a Tōjū's power is far greater than they think even if it belonged to an unseated Shinigami and says knowing this may help them stay alive if they are going to confront one directly.

Later, Byakuya, Rukia, Senbonzakura, and Sode no Shirayuki walk along a corridor as Rukia states Zanpakutō spirits who have lost their owners and are now out of control sound particularly dangerous. As Byakuya turns to face Rukia, Senbonzakura says the Tōjū caused a great deal of damage to the Kuchiki Family Manor and proclaims their actions are unforgivable. As Sode no Shirayuki agrees, Rukia tells them to give her a break and states they are the one who destroyed most of the mansion. When Sode no Shirayuki wonders how they can capture the Tōjū, Senbonzakura looks down in thought.

Calling out to Byakuya, Renji runs up to them while saying he has been looking for him. When Renji states they need to assign the next Seireitei guard duties, Byakuya confirms this and tells Rukia he is going to leave her in charge of handling this case for now. As Rukia agrees, Byakuya reveals he is going to leave Senbonzakura with her and says Senbonzakura is at Rukia's disposal. When Rukia asks him if he is sure about this, Byakuya confirms this before walking away with Renji. Turning to Rukia, Senbonzakura states he knows exactly how they can proceed.

When Senbonzakura says they will get the attention of the Tōjū by destroying one of the barracks and getting the attention of the entire Seireitei, Rukia states they are trying to rebuild around here and says causing more destruction will not help. Stating she has a better idea, Sode no Shirayuki suggests freezing the entire Seireitei with the Tōjū inside of it and says the buildings will easily thaw out. Expressing anger, Rukia proclaims this is completely out of the question and expresses disbelief at these solutions being the best which Senbonzakura and Sode no Shirayuki can come up with.

Turning away, Rukia tells Senbonzakura and Sode no Shirayuki to think of the trouble which will be caused if they do what they suggest. As Sode no Shirayuki asks her if she is saying this is a problem, Senbonzakura states he is only hearing how they cannot do anything. When Senbonzakura says this is not very helpful and asks her what they can do, an irritated Rukia tells him to suggest something less destructive. Stating she knows what they can do, Sode no Shirayuki says Rukia will have to keep an open mind, prompting Rukia to look over her shoulder at Sode no Shirayuki.

Meanwhile, at the 10th Division barracks, dozens of Shinigami eat and drink as 10th Division Lieutenant Rangiku Matsumoto and Haineko sit before Sode no Shirayuki, who thanks the Shinigami for their hard work. As Sode no Shirayuki tells the Shinigami to raise their glass, Rangiku and Haineko drink sake from the bowls they are holding and sigh with satisfaction. Stating this is impressive, Sode no Shirayuki notes they know how to make the sake disappear, prompting Rangiku to say they have had a bit of practice before stating she never thought the day would come when they would be ordered to throw a party.

As Rangiku says she is very happy, Haineko states she is as well and says this is amazing. Realizing something, Rangiku states she never summoned Haineko and asks her why she is here. As Haineko laughs and asks Rangiku why she thought Haineko would miss this party, she and Rangiku continue to argue as Sode no Shirayuki says it does not matter what form Haineko is in. As Sode no Shirayuki asks Rangiku and Haineko if they are ready for the next round, Rukia stands next to Senbonzakura and is rendered speechless as 10th Division Captain Tōshirō Hitsugaya asks her what the meaning of this is.

Stammering, Rukia tells Hitsugaya it is a party, prompting Hitsugaya to state he figured this out. Revealing he received an order yesterday to let Rukia use this area, Hitsugaya says nobody mentioned she was going to throw a big party and asks Rukia if this is necessary. Revealing the party is meant to draw the Tōjū who escaped, Senbonzakura states they believe it like parties. As Hitsugaya expresses surprise, Senbonzakura says the Tōjū was last seen when it crashed a garden party held by the Kuchiki Clan and states this is why they are throwing another party.

When Hitsugaya expresses disbelief at this being Senbonzakura's justification, Senbonzakura says it seemed appropriate at the time as Hitsugaya states he hopes Senbonzakura is prepared to clean up this mess. Later, as a snoring Rangiku lies on the ground, Rukia says she does not think the Tōjū will show up. When Sode no Shirayuki states this is odd, an incredulous Rukia asks her if she really thinks this is true. When Sode no Shirayuki wonders if they did not party hard enough, Rukia proclaims they partied more than enough and says she hopes this was not just an excuse for Sode no Shirayuki to have some fun.

When Sode no Shirayuki asks him and Rukia if they have seen Senbonzakura anywhere, Hitsugaya states they will find Senbonzakura on his back in the courtyard. As Rukia and Sode no Shirayuki express surprise, a laughing Haineko sits next to Senbonzakura, who lies on his back with a jug in his hand while asking Haineko where the love is. Telling Senbonzakura to be careful, Haineko says his mask is coming off as Rukia expresses disbelief at Senbonzakura having been drinking. When Hitsugaya asks her if she is ready to wrap this party up, Rukia bows and states she is terribly sorry for any trouble which they have caused.

Telling Rukia to not worry about it, Hitsugaya says the 10th Division has been under a lot of pressure ever since the Muramasa incident and admits they needed some time to unwind. As a smiling Hitsugaya states this will certainly give them a breather, Rangiku calls out to him and asks Hitsugaya if he would like a drink. As Rangiku stumbles over with the plate on her head and a jug in her hand, Hitsugaya says she has had enough sake for one night. As Rangiku asks him what is wrong with a drink between friends, Hitsugaya turns to Rukia and states she will have to take care of this mess.

As Rukia says she understands, Hitsugaya turns and walks away, prompting Rangiku to tell him to wait up and state she is reporting for duty. As a surprised Rukia looks at her, Sode no Shirayuki says she is very sorry about this and states it did not work out the way she thought it would despite it sounding like a good plan. Telling Sode no Shirayuki to not blame herself, Rukia says Sode no Shirayuki doing the best she could under the circumstances is the only thing which matters. When Rukia states they were simply unlucky this time around, Sode no Shirayuki looks up.

Smiling, Sode no Shirayuki thanks Rukia. Later, Rukia and Sode no Shirayuki sit on a hill as Rukia says it is nice to talk to Sode no Shirayuki like this every once in a while. When Sode no Shirayuki remains silent, a surprised Rukia asks her if something is wrong. Stating the Zanpakutō are nothing but weapons meant for fighting, Sode no Shirayuki says they may lack heart beneath it all. As a concerned Rukia says her name, Sode no Shirayuki states she always prided herself on the extent of her power and reveals this is why she was so anxious to act on her own for once.

Saying this is how Muramasa was able to worm his way into her heart, Sode no Shirayuki recalls the end of her fight with Rukia and states she was blinded by her ego. Saying she began to believe she could do anything and everything by herself, Sode no Shirayuki states the results of this incident have made her realize how mistaken she was. Saying she is only a weapon with nothing to offer except her power, Sode no Shirayuki states she is only a simple tool of destruction without Rukia's heart to guide her, prompting Rukia to proclaim Sode no Shirayuki is absolutely wrong about all of this.

As Sode no Shirayuki expresses surprise, Rukia says they have always been partners from the very beginning. Recalling her training with Kaien Shiba and the end of her fight against Aaroniero Arruruerie, Rukia states Sode no Shirayuki watched over her through difficult and painful periods of her life. Saying Sode no Shirayuki has been with her through triumph and tragedy, Rukia states she cannot begin to count how many times Sode no Shirayuki's presence has saved her. Saying she was able to stay strong because of Sode no Shirayuki, Rukia tells Sode no Shirayuki to never believe she is just a tool.

Standing up, Rukia grabs Sode no Shirayuki's hand and holds it up. Grabbing Rukia's hand, Sode no Shirayuki says her name, prompting Rukia to smile. As she and Rukia express surprise, Sode no Shirayuki asks Rukia if she senses it. As an explosion occurs, several Shinigami scream in pain. Telling Sode no Shirayuki they should go, Rukia runs off as Sode no Shirayuki agrees and follows her. As Rukia and Sode no Shirayuki arrive at the 10th Division barracks, the satyr Tōjū bursts through the wall and roars. As she and Sode no Shirayuki run forward, Rukia states they have to capture the satyr Tōjū.

As Sode no Shirayuki confirms this, Rukia runs up to the satyr Tōjū as the other Shinigami run away. As the satyr Tōjū expresses surprise, Rukia tells it to stop and puts her hand on her sword. As the satyr Tōjū laughs, violet Reiatsu surges around him before dissipating as he begins spinning around at high speeds. When the satyr Tōjū moves toward her, Rukia attempts to attack him with her sword, only to be sent flying back into a wall as the spinning satyr Tōjū deflects her attack. As Sode no Shirayuki calls out to Rukia, the dust around her clears as the satyr Tōjū stops spinning and stands before her.

As the laughing satyr Tōjū holds up his claw, Sode no Shirayuki tells him to stay away from Rukia and generates snow in her hand before sending it toward the satyr Tōjū. As Rukia runs away, the snow swirls around the satyr Tōjū, who slashes at it. Seeing the end of his claw has been encased in ice, the satyr Tōjū expresses surprise before turning around. Upon seeing Sode no Shirayuki generating the snow, the satyr Tōjū begins spinning around once more, causing the snow around him to dissipate. As the spinning satyr Tōjū moves toward her, Sode no Shirayuki expresses surprise before moving away.

As the spinning satyr Tōjū moves around the courtyard, Sode no Shirayuki reappears and sends a stream of snow toward him. Pushing through the stream of snow, the spinning satyr Tōjū moves past Sode no Shirayuki and cuts off several strands of her hair in the process. Ceasing his spinning, the satyr Tōjū turns around to face Sode no Shirayuki, who looks over her shoulder in surprise as the satyr Tōjū attacks her several times with his claw. Dodging the satyr Tōjū's attacks, Sode no Shirayuki notes the satyr Tōjū is going to destroy her if she does not distance herself.

Raising her hand, Rukia fires '''Hadō #33. Sōkatsui'''. As Sode no Shirayuki moves away, the blast of blue energy hits the satyr Tōjū in the back and sends him flying away. As Sode no Shirayuki appears in front of Rukia, the dust around the satyr Tōjū is pushed away as he yells. When the satyr Tōjū begins spinning once more, Rukia raises her hand in front of her and tells Sode no Shirayuki to do it now before saying she will cover Sode no Shirayuki. Confirming this, Sode no Shirayuki faces the spinning satyr Tōjū and raises her hand in front of her as Rukia charges another '''Hadō #33. Sōkatsui''' in her hand.

As Sode no Shirayuki manifests in Sode no Shirayuki's hand, Rukia fires '''Hadō #33. Sōkatsui''', which hits the spinning satyr Tōjū and sends him flying back. As the Tōjū skids to a halt on the ground, Sode no Shirayuki uses Some no mai, Tsukishiro, causing an icy circle to form under the satyr Tōjū. Leaping into the air, the satyr Tōjū is frozen within a column of ice, which shatters. As Rukia stands up, Sode no Shirayuki tells her she did a good job as a chunk of ice breaks. Realizing something, Rukia leaps forward and pushes Sode no Shirayuki back as one of the satyr Tōjū's claws hurtles past her.

Cutting Rukia's arm and sleeve, the claw embeds itself in the wall behind them as Rukia and Sode no Shirayuki land on the ground. Destroying the ice encasing his legs, the satyr Tōjū leaps out of the pile of ice chunks and begins running toward Rukia and Sode no Shirayuki. Clutching her arm, Rukia attempts to stand up and falls to her knees as Sode no Shirayuki states Rukia is injured. Leaping into the air, the satyr Tōjū crashes into the ground as Rukia and Sode no Shirayuki leap back through a door. As the dust settles, Rukia tells Sode no Shirayuki they have the satyr Tōjū cornered.

When a smiling Rukia holds her hand in front of her, Sode no Shirayuki expresses surprise before realizing something and smiling. As Sode no Shirayuki says she will do what Rukia wishes, she and Rukia stand up and face the hole in the door. When Rukia states they should go and holds her hand out, Sode no Shirayuki agrees and disappears in a burst of white energy as Sode no Shirayuki appears in Rukia's hand. Destroying the rest of the door, the satyr Tōjū runs toward Rukia, who uses Tsugi no mai, Hakuren, causing the satyr Tōjū to be enveloped by a torrent of snow before being encased in a large amount of ice.

Panting, Rukia looks at her sealed Zanpakutō and smiles. The next day, Rukia and Sode no Shirayuki stand before 8th Division Captain Shunsui Kyōraku and 13th Division Captain Jūshirō Ukitake as Sōgyo no Kotowari run around inside the nearby house. Stating he understands, Shunsui asks Rukia what she did with the Tōjū whom she captured. As Rukia reveals she sent it to the Shinigami Research and Development Institute, two Shinigami carry the satyr Tōjū on a pole to Nemu. As Mayuri runs up and laughs maniacally, Shunsui says this was probably the right thing to do.

Turning to Ukitake, Rukia states she wanted to ask him about this Tōjū. Saying this will probably not be the last time they see a Tōjū, Ukitake reveals he has received several reports of such incidents and states they are spreading. As Rukia says this is what she thought, Shunsui states the Zanpakutō spirits are beginning to manifest again and says this means they have not found an effective solution to the problem. Stating it could not happen at a worse time, Ukitake says they must rebuild the Seireitei as fast as possible and admits they may not pull it off.

As Sōgyo no Kotowari continue to run around, Ukitake tells them to cut it out and states they cannot hear themselves over the noise. As Sōgyo no Kotowari agree to do so, Rukia smiles before growing serious as Sode no Shirayuki says it will be alright. As a surprised Rukia turns to face her, Sode no Shirayuki states they will all do what they can to help regardless of the challenges facing them. As Sōgyo no Kotowari run up and hug Ukitake, Rukia says Sode no Shirayuki is right and states she will be counting on her like she has always done as Sode no Shirayuki confirms this.

Arrancar Encyclopedia
Stating he will be talking about the Tōjū today, Gin Ichimaru says Tōjū are rampaging Zanpakutō spirits who have lost their masters and states their name is written with the kanji for "sword" and "beast". when Ichigo Kurosaki walks up and asks him why he is explaining all of this, Gin appears in front of him with Shunpo and says he came in today while thinking he would get some airtime before asking Ichigo to let him do his segment. When Ichigo asks Gin if Ulquiorra Cifer did not give him the news, Ulquiorra notes the information appears to have gotten lost along the way. When it is revealed Ulquiorra told Yammy Llargo, who told Wonderweiss Margela, who told Coyote Starrk, who told Baraggan Louisenbairn, who told Gin, an irritated Ichigo asks him if they are playing telephone.

Powers and Techniques Used
Kidō used:
 * '''Bakudō #61. (flashback)
 * '''Hadō #73. (flashback)
 * '''Hadō #33.

Techniques used:
 * (flashback)
 * (flashback)
 * (flashback)

Shinigami techniques used:

Zanpakutō released:

Shikai: