Renji Abarai vs. Tetsuzaemon Iba

 is a small fight between the high ranking Gotei 13 members during the Kasumiōji Conspiracy. Each having opposing views on how to properly handle the situation. Iba and Hisagi believing that the situation involving Ichigo should be handled by the rule of law while Renji and Ikkaku are in support of Ichigo freely acting to do what he considers right.

Prelude
Ōmaeda is resting outside the 2nd Division barracks, whereupon he is approached by a Shinigami who tells him that the security team is in position, and asks for further orders. The Shinigami is surprised when Ōmaeda tells him to stand down, as there are other Divisions taking action, particularly the 3rd Division. Ichigo Kurosaki questions Amagai's motives in helping them, to which he says that he has his own reasons.

As they run off, two Shinigami from the 7th Division observe Amagai's involvement with the Substitute Shinigami, and immediately leave to report this to their captain. Later, Captain-Commander Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto is informed of the 7th Division's observation by a messenger, and decrees that Amagai must be apprehended at all costs. Lieutenant Tetsuzaemon Iba and his search squad are seen patrolling around Seireitei, as he tells his subordinates that they are within their rights to capture the criminals, as they were the first to see them.

Iba wonders why Captain Amagai would betray the Gotei 13, as he comes across the lieutenant of the 6th Division, Renji Abarai, who has assembled his own search squad. Iba asks Renji why he is here, stating that he's a long way away from the 6th Division's territory. Iba tells him to leave at once, but Renji and his squad merely walk past Iba, as Renji tells him not to stop him. Meanwhile, several 11th Division troops are seen running down an alleyway, declaring that they have the right to apprehend the criminals. However, they are stopped by the lieutenant of the 9th Division, Shūhei Hisagi, who tells them to return to their barracks. Contrary to his instructions, the 11th Division members prepare to engage in combat with Hisagi, only for the 3rd Seat of the 11th Division, Ikkaku Madarame, to interrupt, stating that he'll be his opponent.

Renji questions Iba's judgement, stating that he knows Ichigo and Rukia better than him. Iba agrees with this, but states that he is under strict orders, and he will force Renji to leave if he has to. Renji then draws his sword to Iba, who does the same, stating that he doesn't need the assistance of his subordinates.

Battle
Captains Shunsui Kyōraku and Jūshirō Ukitake are seen walking down a corridor, whereupon they are informed by Shunsui's Lieutenant Nanao Ise that fights are breaking out all across Seireitei. Renji and Iba clash, releasing their Shikai, as they comment upon each other's strength. As Renji moves to attack again, he asks Iba if following orders is so important to him, to which he agrees. Meanwhile, 3rd Seat Ikkaku Madarame clashes with Hisagi, stating that all the lieutenant is good at is defending. Ikkaku splits Hōzukimaru into five sections, causing Hisagi to momentarily falter, before clashing once again in midair. Iba and Renji move out to a rooftop, where Renji releases his Shikai once more, extending his Zanpakutō's ligaments, which are knocked back with a single strike from Iba's sword. Iba asks him whether he doesn't care about how this makes him look, to which Renji counters, saying that he is the one blocking his path. Renji tries to plead with Iba once more, saying that Ichigo and Rukia wouldn't do something so reckless without good reasons, as Iba stares emotionlessly at him.

Ikkaku swings his Zanpakutō at Hisagi once more, who backs off, telling him to return to his Division's designated area. Ikkaku disregards his order, saying that Ichigo is doing this because he knows something that they don't. As they each exchange blows with their sword, they continue arguing their case. Iba explains that it is not just them fighting, that everyone's Reiatsu was fluctuating. He goes on to explain that Yamamoto's order was the main factor toward this chaos. Renji begs Iba, telling him to let him go, saying that he will prove their innocence.

Iba sheathes his sword upon Renji's explanation, stating that he has no choice but to agree with Renji's point of view. Iba tells him that he's not the only one and that most of the Gotei 13 trust Ichigo, but he still has to follow his orders to capture them and bring them to Yamamoto. Ikkaku states that once he fights with Ichigo, he'll understand his motives, but until then, he vows not to let another Shinigami touch him. Iba then asks Renji what he will do if Ichigo really has changed sides, to which both Ikkaku and Renji say that they will kill him.

Aftermath
After their brief fights, Hisagi is seen directing his search squad into four groups. A member of the squad asks him whether they should patrol another area, but Hisagi states that that area belongs to the 8th Division. He continues, stating that they'll just continue getting in fights with other divisions if they enter their territory. As they split up, Iba and Ikkaku are seen redirecting their troops, as Lieutenant Chōjirō Sasakibe reports back to Yamamoto, stating that most of the rebellion has been quelled.