For the Sake of Pride! Byakuya vs. Renji

'''For the Sake of Pride! Byakuya vs. Renji''' is the two-hundred forty-first episode of the Bleach anime.

Muramasa gives Byakuya a test of loyalty. Afterwards, he invades the Sixth Division barracks and is forced to defeat Renji.

Summary
The episode begins with Renji Abarai reacting incredulously to Ichigo Kurosaki's news that Byakuya Kuchiki has joined forces with Muramasa. Captains Unohana Retsu, Jūshirō Ukitake and Shunsui Kyōraku, reflect upon the most recent events of the Zanpakutō rebellion. Ukitake says that while Tōshirō Hitsugaya has regained his Zanpakutō, he may be out of commission for a while. Captain Unohana reports the news from the 12th Division that if anyone other than a Zanpakutō's master defeats and destroys it, the sword is unlikely to ever return to normal. Nanao Ise suggests that it would be best to limit knowledge of Byakuya's betrayal to the captains, but Shunsui argues against it, as rumours will be difficult to control. Ukitake decides that he should be the one to break the news to Rukia Kuchiki.

Meanwhile, in the Zanpakutō spirit's hideout, the gathered Zanpakutō, including Senbonzakura, question why Byakuya has defected. Haineko and Tobiume reveal that Byakuya set them free from the prison carriage. To prove that he really has turned against the Shinigami, Senbonzakura tells Byakuya to kill his sister's Zanpakutō, Sode no Shirayuki. Most of the Zanpakutō summon their weapons in anticipation of his refusal. Byakuya, however, attacks Sode no Shirayuki.

As the two duel, Sode no Shirayuki seems to have the upper hand, but is soon defeated after being caught in a Kidō spell. Byakuya kills her, saying that there is nothing he will not kill in order to defend his pride. Muramasa then appoints a task to Byakuya. With Renji's permission, Rukia searches Byakuya's office for a clue, but falls asleep at his desk. She awakens to find that the 6th Division barracks has been attacked by her brother. Senbonzakura gives her the remains of Sode no Shirayuki. Byakuya tells his sister to stay away from him, while Senbonzakura attacks her. He is interrupted by Renji, who informs Byakuya that he is under arrest for aiding the rebellion and attacks him. When Renji tries to activate his Shikai, Byakuya tells him that he cannot do so due to his recent use of Higa Zekkō, but Zabimaru materializes and ends up fighting Senbonzakura, allowing Renji to continue against Byakuya.

With Renji and Zabimaru defeated, Byakuya tells Rukia to stay out of the rebellion, and attempts to walk off. However, several Zanpakutō arrive with the intention of killing Rukia and Renji. Before they can attack, though, they are surrounded by members of the Onmitsukidō, led by Suì-Fēng, as well as Ikkaku Madarame, Yumichika Ayasegawa, Izuru Kira and Ichigo.

Fights

 * Byakuya Kuchiki vs. Sode no Shirayuki (concluded)
 * Renji Abarai & Zabimaru vs. Byakuya Kuchiki & Senbonzakura (concluded)

Powers and Techniques Used
Kidō used:
 * Hadō #4, Byakurai (白雷, Pale Lightning)
 * Hadō #61, Rikujōkōrō (六杖光牢, Six Rods Prison of Light)
 * Hadō #31, Shakkahō (赤火砲, Shot of Red Fire)
 * Bakudō #4, Hainawa (這縄, Crawling Rope)

Techniques used:

Zanpakutō released:

Shikai:

Bankai: