Ichigo Kurosaki vs. Senbonzakura

Ichigo Kurosaki vs. Senbonzakura is a fight within the Zanpakutō Rebellion focusing upon the conflict between Substitute Shinigami Ichigo Kurosaki and the Zanpakutō spirit of the 6th Division Captain, Byakuya Kuchiki.

Prelude
As the Zanpakutō spirits run amok in the 6th Division barracks, they are confronted by the Onmitsukidō, who proceed to trap them, causing them to go on the move. As the fights go on in the remains of the barracks, Ichigo comes to the assistance of Lieutenant Renji Abarai and Rukia Kuchiki, who are still facing off against Captain Byakuya Kuchiki and Senbonzakura. As Ichigo approaches them, Senbonzakura, blocking his path, tells Byakuya to go to Muramasa's side.

Battle
As Senbonzakura prevents Ichigo from moving forwards, the two clash, with Ichigo telling him to stay out of his way. They fight on par with each other until Senbonzakura releases his Shikai, which Ichigo easily defeats with his own Zanpakutō. Senbonzakura, realizing his Shikai will be insufficient to defeat him, releases Bankai, prompting Ichigo to release his own Bankai.

As Senbonzakura's blades turn into swirling petals, Ichigo disperses them with a Getsuga Tenshō, both attacks colliding. Ichigo, continually getting immersed in the numerous petals, notices the rapid decrease in reiatsu from both 3rd Seat Ikkaku Madarame and 5th Seat Yumichika Ayasegawa of the 11th Division. As Ichigo releases another black Getsuga Tenshō, which Senbonzakura dodges in its entirety, the two return to stable footing once more.

While Lieutenant Izuru Kira is subdued by his Zanpakutō spirit, Ichigo, calling out to him, attempts to go to his side, but Senbonzakura blocks his path, and they continue to fight. He tells him to get out of his way, but Senbonzakura refuses to budge. Their battle is momentarily interrupted by the arrival of the 11th Division Captain, Kenpachi Zaraki. As he sets his eyes on Byakuya, Senbonzakura, coming to his defense, releases his Bankai in an attempt to defeat the captain.

When Kenpachi removes his eye patch, the tremendous reiatsu blows away all of the petals, overwhelming Senbonzakura in the process. Once he recovers, Kenpachi, already in front of him, much to his surprise, slams his sword down upon Senbonzakura, creating an explosion which immerses the entire area and sends both Ichigo and Senbonzakura flying. As they emerge, the two prepare to fight once again as Senbonzakura proclaims he will not allow anyone to stand in Byakuya's way.

As Ichigo tells him none of them ever learn from past mistakes, they charge at each other once more. As they charge, Ichigo tells him to move out of his way, and Senbonzakura, stating he will not pass, sends several attacks hurtling towards him. Ichigo, evading most of them, is unable to get any closer to Senbonzakura. He releases a Getsuga Tenshō attack, dispersing the attack, which knocks Senbonzakura into the ground.

Aftermath
As Ichigo lands safely onto the ground, he, turning around, notices Senbonzakura's absence and moves away. As he runs towards Renji and Rukia, he, noticing Ashisogi Jizō releasing its poison mist, wondering what it is. As Byakuya appears before him, much to his surprise, an aggravated Senbonzakura, charging at him from behind, sends him hurtling into the poisonous mist. Ichigo, plunging into the thick mist created by Ashisogi Jizō, stands up and notices Byakuya and Senbonzakura observing him shortly before leaving. As he tries to leave in pursuit after them, the poison, having already taken effect, causes him to collapse moments later.