Suì-Fēng, Surround the Zanpakutō

 is the two hundred and thirty-seventh episode of the Bleach anime.

11th Division 3rd Seat Ikkaku Madarame and 2nd Division Lieutenant Marechiyo Ōmaeda encounter their Zanpakutō spirits, and Ichigo Kurosaki spots 6th Division Captain Byakuya Kuchiki.

Summary
In the Seireitei, at the 4th Division barracks, Ichigo Kurosaki sits at a table with 13th Division Captain Jūshirō Ukitake, 8th Division Captain Shunsui Kyōraku, and 4th Division Captain Retsu Unohana, who asks Ichigo if Muramasa is the one controlling the manifested Zanpakutō.

Stating it is not this simple based on what he has seen and experienced, Ichigo theorizes Muramasa is not controlling the Zanpakutō spirits with his mind, but has instead stirred up the resentment the Zanpakutō spirits feel towards their masters. Saying Muramasa is using their anger to lead them against the Shinigami, Ichigo recalls what Zangetsu said about being willing to cross blades with him in order to obtain his answer.

Stating there is only one way to get their Zanpakutō back, Ichigo reveals they must fight and defeat them so the Zanpakutō spirits will surrender their power to them once more. Saying he understands, Ukitake smiles and states it appears they have found a way to solve this problem. Telling Ukitake to hold on, Shunsui says it will take time to find their Zanpakutō spirits and make them surrender despite it sounding like a good solution.

Asking Ukitake if he believes Muramasa will sit by while they do this, Shunsui states he does not think so. Looking down, Ichigo says they will have to do so regardless. As the door opens, 6th Division Lieutenant Renji Abarai walks in with his Zanpakutō spirit, Zabimaru. As Ukitake greets him, Renji states he was told the captains want to see him. Confirming this, Ukitake says they were told Renji had forced his Zanpakutō spirit to submit.

As Renji expresses uncertainty over this statement, Ukitake states he called Renji here so he could tell them anything he learned from his battle which could help them. Saying he wishes he could, Renji reveals Saru and Hebi do not remember anything about what happened. As Saru confirms this, Hebi complains about being hungry to Renji, who turns around and states he will get Hebi food later. As Hebi repeatedly says he wants to eat now, Renji demands to know if they are sure they do not remember anything.

When Saru confirms this once more, Renji proclaims they are both stupid. Stating they are his Zanpakutō, an irritated Saru says they take after Renji, who states he think Saru is trying to say he is an idiot. As Hebi leaps onto Renji's shoulders and wraps his arms and legs around Renji's head, Saru sarcastically states Renji catches on fast, prompting an angered Renji to order them to turn into his sword immediately. Expressing confusion, Hebi smirks and says he does not want to do so.

When Hebi states they will not be able to tease Renji if they are in their blade form, Renji tries to grab him. Leaping off of Renji's shoulders, Hebi runs around the room and proclaims Renji will have to catch him if he wishes to have him return to blade form. Chasing Hebi around the room, Renji trips and slides across the table to Unohana, who says he is a bundle of energy. As Renji looks up at her, Unohana says he must not move around like a child in a playground in this room.

Telling him to remember he is in the 4th Division's barracks, Unohana opens her eyes and asks him if this is clear with a menacing look on her face, prompting Renji to sweat in fear. Elsewhere, in a candle-lit cave, Kazeshini and the fat man sit at a table. Walking up to them, the orange-haired man asks them if they heard about Zabimaru losing a battle to a Shinigami. Confirming this, Kazeshini proclaims it is pathetic for any of them to get beaten by a Shinigami.

Asking if Kazeshini thinks he is better than the others because he won his battle, the fat man eats a cracker from his bag and proclaims the Shinigami which Kazeshini fought was a third-rate Shinigami. Stating the fat man's former master was even worse, Kazeshini say he was only the 2nd Division's lieutenant and states he is surprised the fat man worked for a wimp like him. Standing up, the fat man angrily says he did not have a choice.

Slamming his fist on the table, the orange-haired man tells Kazeshini and the fat man this is enough. Stating none of this matters now, the orange-haired man tells them to focus on destroying the ones who ruled them. As Kazeshini snorts in derision, the fat man does the same and sits down. Looking at them, the cat-like woman says she dislikes men who only live to fight very much. Moving to her, the brown-haired girl asks the cat-like woman what makes her better than the three Zanpakutō spirits at the table.

As the cat-like woman snorts in derision, the brown-haired girl holds one of her ribbons up to her mouth and states the cat-like woman is just as confused as they are. When the irritated cat-like woman tells the brown-haired girl to keep saying what she is saying if she wished to get slapped, the brown-haired girl smiles and asks the cat-like woman if she hit a nerve. Stating the brown-haired girl is not cute, the cat-like woman sprays perfume on herself and says this is why men always run away when they see the brown-haired girl.

Stating the cat-like woman is not one to talk, the brown-haired girl pinches her nose and proclaims men would have to cut their noses off in order to come within a half-mile of the cat-like woman because of how putrid the perfume she wears is. Saying the brown-haired girl acts very innocent, the irritated cat-like woman states real men do not fall for this act anymore. Moving up to the cat-like woman, the brown-haired girl proclaims men like their women to be as pure and innocent as she is.

When the brown-haired girl says nobody would want to be with a redhead in a pink cat suit, the angered cat-like woman tells her to shut up and scratches her face, prompting the brown-haired girl to tackle her. As the two scuffle on the ground, the green-haired man watches impassively. Noticing him, the brown-haired girl and cat-like woman stop fighting. As the green-haired man continues to look at them, the cat-like woman pushes the brown-haired girl away and cries out in anguish.

Running to the green-haired man, the cat-like woman grabs onto his sleeve and tells him he must protect her. Referring to the brown-haired girl as Tobiume, the cat-like woman proclaims she is picking on her. Referring to the cat-like woman as Haineko, Tobiume tells her to stop lying as Haineko teases her from behind the green-haired man's back. As Haineko tells the green-haired man Tobiume is a mean person, Tobiume states Haineko needs to go away, for she is annoying the green-haired man.

When Muramasa asks them what is going on here, Tobiume and Haineko stop fighting as Muramasa stands on the stairs. Saying it is nothing, Haineko states they were simply talking. As Tobiume confirms this, the green-haired man walks away as Haineko tells him to wait. Calling out to Muramasa, the orange-haired man says he heard Muramasa let a Shinigami get away and states this is not like him. Asking the orange-haired man if he is referring to Ichigo, Muramasa says Ichigo possesses a special power.

Laughing, Kazeshini proclaims he will peel Ichigo's face off if he shows up. Walking down the steps, Muramasa states he wants Ichigo to be captured alive if possible. As Tobiume says she wishes to help and asks Muramasa how he plans to catch him, the fat man stands up and tells Muramasa to count him in, for it could turn out to be a good challenge. As Haineko states her charms should making catching Ichigo easy, a gaunt man rustles his ball and chain.

As the blue-haired man says the gaunt man is in as well, Muramasa smiles. Meanwhile, at the 4th Division barracks, 4th Division Lieutenant Isane Kotetsu sits next to Rukia Kuchiki, who is lying on a bed. Telling Rukia her actions were reckless, Isane states it may take a while for Rukia to heal and tells Rukia she wants her to take it easy and rest up. Thanking Isane, Rukia looks at Ichigo and apologizes, prompting Ichigo to ask her why she returned alone.

When Rukia looks away, Ichigo says 6th Division Captain Byakuya Kuchiki is strong and will not go down easily. Stating she knows what Ichigo is saying is true, Rukia recalls Byakuya being engulfed by blade petals and tells Ichigo she has a very bad feeling. Promising Rukia they will find Byakuya, Ichigo tells her to get better. As Rukia agrees, 11th Division 3rd Seat Ikkaku Madarame proclaims he finally found Ichigo and asks him if he really got his Zanpakutō back.

As Ikkaku says he wishes to hear all about it, two Shinigami guard an entrance. When one of them yawns, the other one tells him to stop doing so and states he must stay alert. Saying he does not need to tell him, the first Shinigami is hit from behind and collapses. As the other Shinigami expresses shock, a mysterious figure appears behind him with Shunpo and knocks him out with a chop to the neck. As the Shinigami falls over, the figure turns and walks through the entrance.

Meanwhile, 2nd Division Lieutenant Marechiyo Ōmaeda walks along with six Shinigami behind him and states it is ridiculous to make him check out the archive records to see if a Zanpakutō called Muramasa ever existed. Taking a bite of his cracker, he proclaims it is a pain as a Shinigami in the back of the convoy tells the Shinigami across from him Ōmaeda is a whiner, prompting the other Shinigami to say Ōmaeda took Ukitake's offer because he knew investigating the Seireitei would be much more work.

When Ōmaeda looks over his shoulder and asks them if they said something, the two Shinigami turn to him and deny this. As Ōmaeda frowns, his foot catches on something. Flailing his arms, Ōmaeda falls over, causing his bag of crackers to spill its contents on the ground in front of him. As the convoy runs up to Ōmaeda, one of the Shinigami asks him if he is alright. Getting up, Ōmaeda wonders who left a log in the middle of the path before looking down to see one of the unconscious Shinigami.

Expressing shock, Ōmaeda stands up and looks into the courtyard, where he sees several more unconscious Shinigami lying on the ground. As Ōmaeda wonders what happened here, what is going on, and who is responsible for this, the yelling Shinigami are sent flying past Ōmaeda. As the Shinigami land on the ground behind him, Ōmaeda asks their attackers who they are. Noting they were division members, the orange-haired man states this is pathetic and proclaims they were not even good for a warm-up.

Expressing surprise, Ōmaeda and the fat man walk towards each other, each carrying a bag of crackers. Looking at each other, they each take a cracker, eat it, and proclaim it is tasty. When Ōmaeda asks the fat man if he is who Ōmaeda thinks he is, the fat man confirms he is the mighty Gegetsuburi. As they laugh, Ōmaeda pats Gegetsuburi's shoulder and says he understands. Looking over Gegetsuburi, Ōmaeda proclaims he is a stylish man like him, prompting Gegetsuburi to express surprise.

Asking Ōmaeda when he last looked in the mirror, Gegetsuburi proclaims he has seen more hair on a baby's bottom. Expressing surprise, Ōmaeda states he is not going bald and says this is simply the way he styles his hair. Stating this is lame, Gegetsuburi proclaims Ōmaeda is the reason his manifestation is so overweight. When Gegetsuburi says he is lazy, an angered Ōmaeda states Gegetsuburi lacks the basic understanding of what beauty is despite being his Zanpakutō.

As Gegetsuburi expresses anger, his bag of crackers transforms into Gegetsuburi. Asking if he wishes to fight, Ōmaeda draws his sword and proclaims he will make Gegetsuburi surrender to him once they are done. Telling Ōmaeda this is not likely, Gegetsuburi refers to the orange-haired man as Hōzukimaru and tells him to stay out of this. Saying it is not his style to interfere with the battle of other people, Hōzukimaru steps aside as Ōmaeda and Gegetsuburi stare at each other.

As Ōmaeda and Gegetsuburi begin to circle each other, a drop of sweat rolls down their faces. As they yell and prepare to attack, a large chunk of stone is launched from a nearby wall and hits Ōmaeda, who is sent flying away before crashing into a wall. As the portion of the wall Ōmaeda hit falls over, Gegetsuburi and Hōzukimaru express surprise as Ichigo, having kicked the chunk of stone, notes he knocked down the wrong guy, prompting Ikkaku to state it is no big deal because it is Ōmaeda.

Walking into the corridor, Ikkaku says he did not expect to find Zanpakutō spirits here and proclaims this is perfect, for Ichigo will see the results of his training. As Gegetsuburi demands to know who Ikkaku is, Hōzukimaru yells as he runs forward and strikes at Ikkaku with Hōzukimaru. Blocking with his sheathed blade, Ikkaku struggles with Hōzukimaru, who states he has missed Ikkaku. Asking Hōzukimaru what he is saying, Ikkaku expresses surprise upon seeing Hōzukimaru.

Confirming his identity as Ikkaku's Zanpakutō spirit, Hōzukimaru twirls his spear over his head before striking at Ikkaku once more, breaking part of the ground beneath him. As Ikkaku leaps back several feet, Hōzukimaru walks forward as Ikkaku asks him if he is really Hōzukimaru. When Hōzukimaru asks him if he wishes to confirm this, Ikkaku asks him how he would do this, prompting Hōzukimaru to proclaim Ikkaku can do it however he wishes.

Agreeing, Ikkaku says they will do "that" because Hōzukimaru seems ready and willing. When Hōzukimaru asks Ikkaku what "that" is, Ikkaku says Hōzukimaru will be able to keep up with him when they go for it if he is really Hōzukimaru. Chuckling, Hōzukimaru states he understands and says they will go. As Ikkaku states they will do it, Hōzukimaru agrees, and they begin walking on their toes while chanting. Extending their right legs behind them, they hold their weapons in front of them.

Continuing to walk on their toes, they extend their left legs behind them while holding their weapons in front of them. Crossing their feet, they leap into air while chanting and stab their weapons into the ground. Landing on the ground, they hold their weapons in front of them with their legs spread out and finish chanting. As Ichigo and Gegetsuburi watch in confusion, Ichigo asks Ikkaku what they were doing, prompting an enraged Ikkaku to ask Ichigo if he forgot about it.

As Gegetsuburi moves away, Ikkaku proclaims this was his Tsuki-Tsuki Dance and angrily says Ichigo should remember. As Ichigo expresses confusion, Ikkaku tells him to forget about it and turns to Hōzukimaru. Stating Hōzukimaru's dancing was perfect, Ikkaku says this proves he is Hōzukimaru. Stating this is perfect, Ikkaku proclaims all of his Zanpakutō power will once again be his to use after he defeats Hōzukimaru, who asks Ikkaku if he believes he can defeat him.

As Ikkaku says he will give it a shot, Gegetsuburi rushes forward and proclaims he has got Ichigo, who jumps away. As Gegetsuburi crashes into the ground where he was standing, Ichigo lands on a nearby roof as Gegetsuburi groans and states he thought he had Ichigo. When Ichigo asks him what this was about, Gegetsuburi tells Ichigo to not blame him and says Ichigo is the one who needs to pay attention, prompting Ichigo to state Gegetsuburi is a cheater.

Proclaiming winning is the only thing which matters here, Gegetsuburi throws Gegetsuburi at Ichigo, who leaps back as Gegetsuburi crashes into the roof, prompting Gegetsuburi to move away. When Ikkaku states Hōzukimaru should know his rules for fighting because he is Ikkaku's Zanpakutō, Hōzukimaru confirms this and says battles are always fought one-on-one. Unsheathing his sword, Ikkaku confirms this and begins to state whoever dies has no regrets as Hōzukimaru assumes a battle stance and finishes Ikkaku's sentence.

Leaping forward, Ikkaku strikes at Hōzukimaru with his scabbard. As Hōzukimaru blocks, Ikkaku slices at him with his sword before attacking him with his sword and scabbard. Blocking, Hōzukimaru jabs at Ikkaku with Hōzukimaru, which Ikkaku knocks to the side with his sword. Forcing Hōzukimaru back, Ikkaku repeatedly strikes at him with his sword and scabbard, which Hōzukimaru block with Hōzukimaru. As his sword cuts Hōzukimaru's abdomen, Ikkaku continues attacking Hōzukimaru.

As Hōzukimaru's face is cut, Ikkaku continues to attack him and cuts Hōzukimaru's bicep. Continuing to slash Hōzukimaru, Ikkaku demands to know what is wrong with him and proclaims his Zanpakutō would be this weak in a battle. Blocking Ikkaku's strikes, Hōzukimaru tells him to not be so quick to judge and proclaims this battle has only just begun before swiping at Ikkaku with Hōzukimaru, which separates into a sansetsukon.

As the bladed segment of the sansetsukon swings toward him, Ikkaku ducks and knocks the sansetsukon aside with his scabbard before slashing at Hōzukimaru with his sword. As Ikkaku ducks behind him, Hōzukimaru grabs the other segments of his sansetsukon before lunging at Ikkaku, who strikes at him with his scabbard. Blocking, Hōzukimaru swings the tasseled section of the sansetsukon at Ikkaku, who slashes at him with his sword, forcing Hōzukimaru to block.

Stepping backward, Ikkaku leans back to avoid the bladed segment of the sansetsukon. Standing up, Ikkaku dodges two jabs from the sansetsukon before leaping back to avoid a third. Landing, Ikkaku compliments Hōzukimaru on his fighting skills. When Hōzukimaru notes Ikkaku is bloodthirsty, Ikkaku chuckles and says they are both bloodthirsty before proclaiming this is where the real fight starts. Chuckling, Hōzukimaru states he should get serious in this case.

Rejoining the segments of his sansetsukon, Hōzukimaru raises Hōzukimaru above his head and twirls it before slamming its tassel into the ground. As a large amount of steam emanates from the ground and lightning crackles around Hōzukimaru, an explosion occurs, creating a large amount of smoke. Elsewhere, as smoke billows past him, Ichigo wonders what this is as Gegetsuburi moves away. Meanwhile, Ryūmon Hōzukimaru falls from the sky and embeds itself in the ground around Hōzukimaru.

As Ikkaku grins at the sight of his Bankai, Ichigo calls out to Ikkaku and asks him if he is alright. The smoke clears to reveal Gegetsuburi standing behind Ichigo, who turns around in surprise as Gegetsuburi throws Gegetsuburi at him. Moving away with Shunpo, Ichigo lands on a tree branch, only to move away once more as Gegetsuburi crashes through the branch. Appearing in the courtyard, Ichigo proclaims Gegetsuburi only has cheap shots.

Turning around, Ichigo tells Gegetsuburi to stop sneaking around and to fight him. Stating Ōmaeda was pitiful, Gegetsuburi says this is the fighting style he knows because Ōmaeda is in the Onmitsukidō. As Ichigo states he understands, Gegetsuburi appears in the air above him and says he hopes Ichigo is ready. Proclaiming he is taking Ichigo out, Gegetsuburi throws Gegetsuburi at him, prompting Ichigo to draw Zangetsu.

As Gegetsuburi hurtles toward him, Ichigo grabs Zangetsu with both hands and proclaims this will not happen as he fires a Getsuga Tenshō at Gegetsuburi. Cutting through Gegetsuburi, the blast hurtles towards Gegetsuburi before hitting him. Enduring the blast, a dazed Gegetsuburi proclaims this was nothing before being hit in the face by one half of Gegetsuburi. Knocked back, Gegetsuburi is hit in the face by the other half of Gegetsuburi.

As Gegetsuburi crashes into a roof, Ichigo puts Zangetsu over his shoulder as Ikkaku is sent flying past him. As Ikkaku crashes into the stairs in front of him, Ichigo calls out to him. Running to Ikkaku, Ichigo asks him if he is alright. Asking what is wrong, Hōzukimaru stands behind them with Ryūmon Hōzukimaru and asks Ikkaku if this is all he has got. As Ichigo turns to Hōzukimaru and curses, Ikkaku tells him to wait and steps out of the crater.

Walking forward, Ikkaku tells Ichigo to not interfere. Assuming a battle stance, Ikkaku states it is his battle and he will handle this. As Ichigo tells Ikkaku to get Hōzukimaru, Ikkaku pants before leaping forward as Hōzukimaru does the same. Appearing, 2nd Division Captain Suì-Fēng appears and tells them to stop. As Ikkaku and Hōzukimaru express surprise, several Keigun surround them as Ukitake says they have Ikkaku and Hōzukimaru surrounded.

As Shunsui apologizes and states they will have to interrupt, Ikkaku demands to know what they are doing and proclaims it is his fight because it is his Zanpakutō. Hearing something, Ikkaku expresses surprise and turns around to see Ryūmon Hōzukimaru embedded in the ground next to Hōzukimaru, who says it is not much of a fight. When Ikkaku asks him what he said, Hōzukimaru states he is done fighting for today, prompting Ikkaku to proclaim Hōzukimaru cannot quit now.

Grabbing the central segment of Ryūmon Hōzukimaru by the handle, Hōzukimaru yells as the dragon crest on the blade begins to fill. As a strong wind blows through the area, Hōzukimaru continues to yell as he spins Ryūmon Hōzukimaru above his head. Telling the Keigun to not just stand there, Suì-Fēng orders them to bring Hōzukimaru down. Agreeing, the Keigun run towards Hōzukimaru, who slams the central segment of Ryūmon Hōzukimaru into the ground.

As red Reiatsu erupts from the central segment, several Keigun are thrown back as an explosion occurs. When the smoke clears, Hōzukimaru is gone. As the Keigun wonder where Hōzukimaru went, Suì-Fēng orders them to chase him, prompting Ukitake to say it is no use because his Reiatsu is gone. When one of the Keigun calls out to them, Suì-Fēng and Ukitake turn and look up to see two Keigun holding a restrained Gegetsuburi.

As one of the Keigun states they managed to get one of the Zanpakutō spirits, the other one asks Suì-Fēng if they should hand Gegetsuburi over to Ōmaeda. When Suì-Fēng wonders where is, a Shinigami calls out to her and brings her an attention to Ōmaeda, who lies unconscious on the ground. When another Shinigami tries to wake Ōmaeda up, Suì-Fēng tells him to not bother and to leave him. As Ukitake and Shunsui express surprise, Shunsui says Suì-Fēng is very strict.

When Ukitake suggests they hand Gegetsuburi over to the Department of Research and Development for a full investigation, Suì-Fēng turns away and states this is fine before moving away with Shunpo. Realizing something, Ukitake wonders where Ichigo is, prompting Shunsui to say it is obvious where he is. Elsewhere, Ichigo chases Hōzukimaru through a corridor. As Ichigo tells Hōzukimaru to not think he will get away from him, a blade petal cuts his face.

When a mass of blade petals obscures Hōzukimaru and moves towards him, Ichigo draws Zangetsu and slashes at the petals. When the blade petals overwhelm him, Ichigo activates his Bankai, Tensa Zangetsu, and deflects all of the blade petals. Wondering if this was Senbonzakura, Ichigo looks up and sees a figure standing on top of a nearby tower. As the figure moves away with Shunpo, Ichigo recognizes it as Byakuya.

Shinigami Illustrated Picture Book
Finishing his training, 6th Division Lieutenant Renji Abarai walks over to his lunchbox and proclaims there is nothing like a meal after training. As he opens the lunchbox and thinks about what he has in it, a frog leaps and lands on his face. As Renji takes it off his face and wonders what is going on, Hebi angrily tells him to not let his frog get loose. As Saru says he is still very green, Renji demands to know what they did with his food. When Saru reveals the frog ate it, Renji laments the loss of his food as the frog croaks.

Fights

 * Ichigo Kurosaki vs. Gegetsuburi (concluded)
 * Ikkaku Madarame vs. Hōzukimaru (concluded)

Powers and Techniques Used
Techniques used:
 * (flashback)

Shinigami techniques used:

Zanpakutō released:

Shikai:
 * (flashback)
 * (flashback)

Bankai: