Senbonzakura's Bankai! Offense and Defense of the Living World

 is the two hundred and forty-ninth episode of the Bleach anime.

11th Division Captain Kenpachi Zaraki faces off against Tenken's Bankai, Kokujō Tengen Myō'ō, as Muramasa frees his master, Kōga.

Summary
In Soul Society, a panting 11th Division Captain Kenpachi Zaraki stands before Kokujō Tengen Myō'ō and tells it to makes its next move. As 11th Division Lieutenant Yachiru Kusajishi expresses concern for Kenpachi, Kokujō Tengen Myō'ō remains still.

Telling Kokujō Tengen Myō'ō to do it, Kenpachi yells and leaps toward it. When Kokujō Tengen Myō'ō swings its blade toward him, Kenpachi attempts to block, only to be sent flying into a wall by the force of the impact. As Yachiru calls out to him, Kenpachi crashes into the ground in front of her.

As the dust clears, Kenpachi sits up and tells Yachiru to not worry. Rubbing the back of his head, Kenpachi cracks his neck and states Kokujō Tengen Myō'ō is tougher than he thought. Moving to the ground in front of Kokujō Tengen Myō'ō, Kenpachi says this battle is getting tough as Kokujō Tengen Myō'ō raises its sword over its head. Proclaiming this is his kind of fight, Kenpachi laughs as Kokujō Tengen Myō'ō brings its sword down upon him. Blocking the sword with his own sword, Kenpachi is pushed into the ground.

As the dust settles, a laughing Kenpachi tells Kokujō Tengen Myō'ō this was a good attack and proclaims it will have to do better in order to defeat him. As yellow Reiatsu emanates from him, Kenpachi pushes the sword of Kokujō Tengen Myō'ō back. As Kokujō Tengen Myō'ō reels back, Kenpachi leaps toward it. Jumping off of the wrist of Kokujō Tengen Myō'ō, Kenpachi cuts off one of its horns as he hurtles past it. Landing behind Kokujō Tengen Myō'ō, Kenpachi turns around and proclaims he is not done yet. Meanwhile, Yoruichi Shihōin dodges one of Tobiume's bells.

As Tobiume pulls her bell back, Haineko proclaims Yoruichi is going down and sends a cloud of ash toward her. As the ash swirls around her, Yoruichi activates Shunkō, which envelops Yoruichi in a column of wind before blowing away the ash around her. As Haineko expresses surprise, Yoruichi moves away with Shunpo. As Haineko wonders where she is, Tobiume draws her attention to the area behind her. Looking over her shoulder to see Yoruichi behind her, Haineko curses and slashes at Yoruichi, only for her sword to pass through empty air as Haineko expresses surprise.

Appearing in the air next to her, Yoruichi tells Haineko she leaves herself wide open and states Haineko apparently pays too much attention to boys and clothes. When Yoruichi says Haineko does not spend enough time training, Haineko tells her to shut up and slashes at her, only for Yoruichi to move away with Shunpo once more. Appearing on a pillar of rock next to Haineko, Yoruichi states she was giving Haineko a piece of advice from one cat to another. Leaping toward Yoruichi, Tobiume proclaims she is not getting away and slashes at her.

When Yoruichi moves away with Shunpo, Tobiume expresses surprise. Putting her hand on Tobiume's head, Yoruichi sits in the air behind her and says Tobiume should quit while she is ahead before kicking Tobiume away. As Tobiume stops in midair, Yoruichi lands on the pillar of rock and laughs and states they call her the Flash Goddess for a reason. When Yoruichi says they could not catch her in a hundred years, Haineko expresses anger as Tobiume states they cannot afford to lose this fight regardless of how fast Yoruichi is, which prompts Yoruichi to say they are too naive to realize Muramasa has tricked them.

When Tobiume asks her what she is talking about, Yoruichi confirms her previous statement before revealing Katen Kyōkotsu and Sōgyo no Kotowari have already been destroyed by Muramasa. Calling her a liar, Haineko proclaims they will not fall for this, prompting Yoruichi to state she must do this the hard way. Meanwhile, Captain-Commander Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto, 8th Division Captain Shunsui Kyōraku, 10th Division Captain Tōshirō Hitsugaya, 13th Division Captain Jūshirō Ukitake, and Hyōrinmaru stand surrounded by Ryūjin Jakka's flames.

When Shunsui says they should focus their energy on regaining control of Ryūjin Jakka, Hitsugaya states this is a good idea. As Ukitake notes it will not be easy to capture Ryūjin Jakka with this ring of fire, Hyōrinmaru draws Hitsugaya's attention and says they are facing the most powerful fire-type Zanpakutō. Stating this is a very worthy opponent, Hyōrinmaru asks Hitsugaya if it would be alright for Hyōrinmaru to lend him his power. When Hitsugaya remains silent, Hyōrinmaru asks him what is wrong, prompting Hitsugaya to say there is no need to be so formal with him.

As Hyōrinmaru expresses surprise, Hitsugaya tells him he can put his mind at ease and states there are four captains with Hyōrinmaru. When Hitsugaya says this fight will be a routine exercise, Shunsui states he makes a good point and says they do not have time to waste. As Shunsui states they can catch up with Ichigo Kurosaki afterward, Ukitake says they can count him in. As Yamamoto remains silent, Hitsugaya tells them to move out. Meanwhile, in the Human World, Uryū Ishida and Yasutora Sado stand across from Orihime Inoue and Muramasa, with Uryū aiming Ginrei Kōjaku at Muramasa.

When Orihime calls out to them, Uryū asks her if she is alright. As Orihime confirms this, Uryū expresses surprise at Muramasa's Reiatsu and notes he does not resemble a Shinigami or an Arrancar. As Uryū wonders who he is, Sado breathes heavily. When Muramasa attempts to move, Uryū tells him to not move, prompting Muramasa to ask him who he is. When Muramasa asks them if they are friends of the Shinigami, Uryū states he is not a Shinigami and says he is a Quincy. Raising his sword, Muramasa asks Uryū what a Quincy is before rushing forward.

When Uryū fires a Heilig Pfeil at him, Muramasa leaps into the air to avoid it before slashing at Uryū and Sado, who dodge and move away. Running toward Muramasa, Sado yells and punches at him, prompting Muramasa to lean back in order to avoid the attack. When Uryū tells him to move out of the way, Sado punches at Muramasa twice more before turning around and running away from Muramasa. When Uryū uses Licht Regen, Muramasa leaps to the edge of the lake as the dozens of Heilig Pfeil rain down on the area where he was standing.

When a yelling Sado runs toward him, Muramasa expresses anger and moves away as Sado fire El Directo at him. As the blast of energy crashes into the water, Uryū moves to the edge of the lake with Hirenkyaku and calls out to Sado. Appearing next to a nearby tree, Muramasa notes this is the worst kind of timing and proclaims Uryū and Sado have wasted enough of his time. Stating he must get going, Muramasa raises his hand as the air around it distorts. Expressing surprise, Uryū turns around to see four silhouettes of Muramasa standing behind him.

As Uryū prepares to attack the silhouettes, Muramasa appears several feet away from him and runs toward Uryū from behind with his sword drawn. Leaping out of the water, Sado calls out to Uryū before firing El Directo once more. As Uryū moves away with Hirenkyaku, the blast of energy hurtles toward Muramasa, who moves back to avoid it. As Sado appears next to Uryū, Muramasa curses and wonders why Uryū and Sado must interfere when he is so close. When Uryū tells him to attack Muramasa from the other side, Sado confirms this as they begin running toward Muramasa on either side.

When Sado fires El Directo at him once more, Muramasa moves away as the blast of energy tears through the area where he was standing. When Muramasa leaps into the air, Uryū asks him where he is going and uses Licht Regen once more. As the dozens of Heilig Pfeil hurtle toward Muramasa, a wall of blade petals forms in front of him and protects Muramasa from the Heilig Pfeil. As Uryū expresses surprise, Sado notes this was 6th Division Captain Byakuya Kuchiki's Senbonzakura. As Senbonzakura says this was a nice try, Muramasa lands behind him.

As Uryū arrives, Senbonzakura tells Muramasa to leave Uryū and Sado to him. As Uryū notes Senbonzakura is one of the rebellious Zanpakutō spirits, Senbonzakura says his release command and sends a flurry of blade petals at Uryū, who leaps back. As Sado calls out to Uryū, Senbonzakura moves away as Muramasa raises his hand once more. As the area around Sado begins to distort, Muramasa tells Sado he should spend less time worrying about his friends. As Sado's eyes widen, the area around him transforms into a town, which he recognizes as his home in Mexico.

Looking over his shoulder, Sado sees Oscar Joaquín de la Rosa standing behind him. As Sado greets him, Oscar punches him in the stomach. Grunting in pain, Sado coughs up liquid and falls to his knees as Muramasa stands in front of him. Expressing derision, Muramasa states Sado is obviously not a Shinigami because it was far too easy to beat him before turning around. When Muramasa begins to walk away, Sado grabs his arm. Looking over his shoulder at Sado, Muramasa notes he can still move and tells Sado to die before gesturing at him with his hand.

Reeling back, Sado clutches at his throat and chokes before falling on the ground in the real world. Expressing derision, Muramasa walks away. When Orihime runs up to Sado and asks him if he is okay, Muramasa looks over his shoulder and tells Orihime her help is useless before saying Sado has fought his final battle. As Orihime asks Muramasa how he could do this, a nearby tree falls over as Orihime says Uryū's name. Meanwhile, Senbonzakura flies past several trees before moving away when Uryū appears in front of him and uses Licht Regen once more.

Expressing anger, Senbonzakura sends a stream of blade petals toward the oncoming Heilig Pfeil. As the blade petals and Heilig Pfeil collide, Uryū expresses anger and aims his bow upward before using Licht Regen once more. As Senbonzakura sarcastically states he is over here, the Heilig Pfeil fall toward him. Expressing surprise, Senbonzakura holds his sword out to the side and activates his Bankai, Senbonzakura Kageyoshi. As several giant rise up around him in a circle, they disperse into a whirling mass of blade petals, which shield Senbonzakura from the Heilig Pfeil.

As Uryū expresses surprise, Senbonzakura Kageyoshi flattens before rising up and surging toward him. Assuming a battle stance, Uryū moves away with Hirenkyaku as the blade petals surge through the area where he was standing. When Uryū appears several feet away from Sado, Orihime stands up and calls out to him as Senbonzakura appears next to Muramasa. When the area around Muramasa's hand begins to distort once more, Orihime holds her hands over her ears and uses Santen Kesshun, which forms a triangular shield in front of Uryū as the area around it distorts.

When the area returns to normal, Santen Kesshun disappears as Muramasa expresses surprise. Turning to face Muramasa and Senbonzakura, Orihime asks Muramasa why he is doing this and expresses sadness. As Muramasa's expression softens, Orihime says she can tell Muramasa is burdened with a deep sadness and states she saw it the moment she looked into his eyes. As Orihime asks Muramasa why he is doing this, Uryū says her name as Orihime asks Muramasa who he really is and what his purpose here is. Expressing irritation, Muramasa tells Orihime to not pretend to understand him.

As Orihime expresses surprise, Muramasa asks her what makes her believe she could know anything about him. As Muramasa says his name is Muramasa and his sheer power will alter this world, black-red Reiatsu begins to radiate from him, creating a strong wind which blows through the area. As Orihime expresses surprise, Rukia Kuchiki fires '''Hadō #33. Sōkatsui''' at Muramasa. Turning around as his black-red Reiatsu dissipates, Muramasa slashes through the blast, which explodes. As Orihime and Uryū shield themselves, Rukia lands next to them.

When Rukia asks them if they are doing alright, Uryū states they are fine as Orihime says Sado is hurt. As Rukia asks them what happened, Sado groans in pain. When Senbonzakura asks Rukia how she found them, Rukia reveals she followed Byakuya's Reiatsu. When Uryū asks her if Byakuya is here as well, Rukia says she will explain it later. Stating they need to be careful, Rukia reveals Muramasa is the one who manifested the Zanpakutō spirits and left the Seireitei in chaos. As Orihime expresses surprise, Uryū asks Rukia why Muramasa is in the Human World.

When Uryū realizes something and asks Rukia where Ichigo is, Muramasa says Ichigo should be burning to death in Ryūjin Jakka's flames. When Rukia asks him if he is saying he gained control of Yamamoto's Zanpakutō spirit, Muramasa confirms this. Stating this is impossible, Orihime proclaims she knows Ichigo will come back. Asking Orihime if this is so, Muramasa breaks into a coughing fit. When Senbonzakura expresses concern, Muramasa says he is alright and states he does not have much time left. When Muramasa's black-red Reiatsu begins to expand outward, Orihime wonders what he is doing.

When a Hollow emerges from the Reiatsu, Uryū expresses surprise. As more Hollows emerge, Muramasa's Reiatsu dissipates as several large Hollows stand behind him and Senbonzakura. As Orihime says she knew there was something Hollow-like about Muramasa's Reiatsu, Rukia asks Muramasa why Hollows are here and states he told the Shinigami he was a Zanpakutō before asking Muramasa if he cares to explain what is going on here. As blood trickles from his eyes, Muramasa says he did not lie and states he is a genuine Zanpakutō spirit with the power to change the entire world.

Saying he is only trying to release himself from this long, lonesome, and cursed battle, Muramasa tells Senbonzakura to take care of this before moving to the air. When Uryū prepares to attack him, Senbonzakura moves in front of Muramasa. Expressing surprise, Uryū uses Licht Regen, prompting Senbonzakura to send a stream of blade petals toward him. As the Heilig Pfeil and blade petals collide, Senbonzakura lands and states Uryū is not getting past him before rushing forward. As Uryū and the Hollows move forward, Rukia tells Orihime to take Sado and hide somewhere safe.

As Orihime agrees to do this, Rukia fires '''Hadō #33. Sōkatsui''' at one of the Hollows, which dissipates. Meanwhile, on the island in the center of the lake, Muramasa walks toward the trees in the center and notes he is almost there. Saying it will not be very long now, Muramasa smiles and says Kōga's name. As dozens of Jigokuchō fly off of the trees, Muramasa states he has made it all this way before coughing. Raising his hand, Muramasa begins to chant an incantation. Meanwhile, Orihime sits Sado up against a tree and tells Rukia they will be okay here.

When Rukia asks her if she is sure, Orihime says Muramasa is being consumed by the sadness which she sensed inside of him earlier and states Rukia has to stop him. When a Hollow roars, Rukia notes they are here and runs off as Orihime expresses surprise. When a large Hollow leap into the air and falls toward them, Orihime calls out to Rukia, who tells her to watch out. Groaning in pain, Sado fires a point-blank El Directo at the Hollow, which dissipates. When Rukia asks him if he is alright, Sado says he will be okay as Rukia sees four more large Hollows approaching.

When Sado tells her to go, Rukia expresses surprise before stating she understands. As Rukia moves away with Shunpo, Orihime states Rukia must hurry. Meanwhile, Uryū tells Senbonzakura to come on and uses Licht Regen once more, prompting Senbonzakura to send a stream of blade petals at Uryū. As the blade petals and Heilig Pfeil collide, Uryū expresses anger before looking toward the island in the center of the lake to see it crackling with blue electricity. As Muramasa continues to chant the incantation, Uryū curses and says he must do something quickly.

Appearing in the air above Uryū, Senbonzakura proclaims this is the worst time to be distracted and attacks Uryū. Turning around, Uryū blocks Senbonzakura's sword with a Seele Schneider, prompting Senbonzakura to state this is impossible. Meanwhile, Muramasa finishes chanting the incantation and glows with purple Reiatsu. As the island cracks and shatters like glass, Rukia notes the tree was just a barrier. Clashing twice, Senbonzakura and Uryū cross blades as Senbonzakura says he never knew of a Quincy who used a sword and proclaims Uryū cannot win with a weapon he is not skilled with.

When a shockwave blows him back, Uryū slides across the ground before stopping. Raising his sword over his head, Muramasa bids Uryū farewell. When his sword disperses into blade petals, Muramasa expresses confusion. Standing up, Uryū states a Seele Schneider is not a sword and reveals it is a tool which weakens the bond between Reishi. As Uryū says this process makes it easier for him to steal the Reishi, the blade petals condense and flow into the Seele Schneider. As Senbonzakura states he does not believe, Uryū fires the Seele Schneider at him.

As part of his mask breaks, Senbonzakura is sent flying backward as Uryū moves away with Hirenkyaku. Meanwhile, the mist clears to reveal Kōga's prison in front of Muramasa, who smiles. As Muramasa tells Kōga he has arrived at last, Rukia fires '''Hadō #33. Sōkatsui''' at him. Manifesting his sword, Muramasa cuts the blast in half. When Rukia appears before him with Shunpo and prepares to attack him, Muramasa moves to her and grabs Rukia's arms. As Rukia grunts in pain, Muramasa tells her to not interfere. Calling out to Rukia, Uryū prepares to attack Muramasa.

Appearing behind Uryū, Senbonzakura tells him to not even try it. Turning around, Uryū uses Licht Regen once more as Senbonzakura sends a stream of blade petals toward him. When the blade petals and Heilig Pfeil collide and cancel each other out, Uryū expresses surprise as a panting Senbonzakura stands with the mouth of his mask gone. As Uryū pants as well, Senbonzakura yells and rushes toward him. Meanwhile, Rukia asks Muramasa what is inside of the seal and what he intends to do with it, prompting Muramasa to reveals Kōga is trapped inside of the seal.

Saying Kōga is the most powerful Shinigami ever, Muramasa reveals he tried to seize control of Soul Society. As Rukia expresses surprise, Muramasa states his only wish is to revive Kōga and closes his eyes. Saying everything he has done was for this moment, Muramasa opens his eyes as his irises glow purple. As blue electricity crackles around the seal, the chains binding it break apart. As Rukia expresses surprise, the seal glows purple as large cracks appear in it. As blue light shines through the cracks, the seal shatters as its pieces are sent flying away.

As one of the spears which were embedded in the seal embeds itself in the ground, another one clatters to the ground in front of Rukia and Muramasa. As a third spear embeds itself in the ground nearby, the dust clears to reveal Kōga. Throwing Rukia to the side, Muramasa raises his arms and greets his master. Telling Muramasa to hold it, Ichigo falls from the sky and attacks Muramasa, who pushes him to the side. As Rukia calls out to him, Ichigo lands on the ground nearby as Muramasa turns to face him. As Uryū calls out to Ichigo, Orihime tells him to be careful.

As Muramasa expresses irritation at his arrival, Ichigo stands up and apologizes to Rukia for being late. As Rukia states it is about time, Muramasa asks Ichigo how he could have made it past Ryūjin Jakka's blockade. When Ichigo says he is going to put a stop to whatever Muramasa is doing, Muramasa asks Ichigo if this is so and states this is too bad. Saying Ichigo is too late, Muramasa turns to the floating Kōga, who crackles with blue electricity, and laughs before stating the wish which he has had for an eternity has been granted. As Ichigo curses, Kōga opens his eyes.

Shinigami Illustrated Picture Book
Within Ryūjin Jakka's flames, as Daiguren Hyōrinmaru blows an icy wind at the flames, Captain-Commander Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto states Ryūjin Jakka has always been there for him. Recalling how Ryūjin Jakka helped him heat up the oven, stay warm, and bake sweet potatoes, Yamamoto says Ryūjin Jakka was always there to help him. As Yamamoto proclaims he will free Ryūjin Jakka from Muramasa's brainwashing, 8th Division Captain Shunsui Kyōraku tells 10th Division Captain Tōshirō Hitsugaya and 13th Division Captain Jūshirō Ukitake Ryūjin Jakka may have gotten tired of doing chores.

Fights

 * Kenpachi Zaraki vs. Tenken & Gonryōmaru (concluded)
 * Uryū Ishida & Yasutora Sado vs. Muramasa & Senbonzakura (concluded)

Powers and Techniques Used
Kidō used:
 * '''Hadō #33.

Techniques used:
 * Muramasa's Illusions
 * Muramasa's Illusions
 * Muramasa's Illusions
 * Muramasa's Illusions
 * Muramasa's Illusions

Shinigami techniques used:

Fullbring used:
 * (second form)

Zanpakutō released:

Shikai:

Bankai:

Other powers: