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 Captain Byakuya Kuchiki a test of loyalty. Afterwards, he invades the Sixth Division barracks and is forced to defeat Lieutenant Renji Abarai.

Summary
Ichigo Kurosaki tells Renji that Byakuya has joined forces with Muramasa, but Renji refuses to believe it. Captains Retsu Unohana, Jūshirō Ukitake, and Shunsui Kyōraku, reflect upon the most recent events of the Zanpakutō Rebellion. Ukitake says that while Captain 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. Lieutenant Nanao Ise suggests that it would be best to limit knowledge of Byakuya's betrayal to the captains, but Shunsui argues against it, as rumors will be difficult to control. Ukitake decides that he should be the one to break the news to Rukia Kuchiki.

Meanwhile, in the Zanpakutō Spirits' 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's 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, however, both Renji and his Zanpakutō are outmatched.

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 Captain Suì-Fēng, as well as 3rd Seat Ikkaku Madarame, 5th Seat Yumichika Ayasegawa, Lieutenant Izuru Kira, and Ichigo.

Shinigami Illustrated Picture Book
Lieutenant Isane Kotetsu opens the door to Hitsugaya's room and discovers that several objects have been frozen. She also sees his Zanpakutō, Hyōrinmaru, sitting in a chair beside his master, and realizes that he's responsible. Isane tells the Zanpakutō that a patient's room must always be kept warm as she thaws out the frozen objects and removes an ice sculpture of him and Hitsugaya. After she's finished, Hyōrinmaru then freezes the entire room much to Isane's surprise.

Fights

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

Powers and Techniques Used
Kidō used:
 * Hadō #4
 * Bakudō #61
 * Hadō #31
 * Bakudō #4

Techniques used:

Zanpakutō released:

Shikai:

Bankai: