Shinigami and Zanpakutō, Total Sortie

Shinigami and Zanpakutō, Total Sortie is the two-hundred forty-second episode of the Bleach anime.

The Shinigami arrive to confront Captain Byakuya Kuchiki and the Zanpakutō Spirits.

Summary
With Lieutenant Renji Abarai and Zabimaru defeated, Byakuya tells Rukia Kuchiki to stay out of the rebellion, and attempts to walk off. However, several Zanpakutōs arrive and ask Byakuya why he didn't kill them. As the Zanpakutōs prepare to attack, they are quickly surrounded by members of the Onmitsukidō, led by Captain Suì-Fēng, as well as Ikkaku Madarame, Yumichika Ayasegawa, Lieutenant Izuru Kira, and Ichigo Kurosaki. Suì-Fēng informs them that they are under arrest, and instructs everyone to ensure they cannot escape, additionally forcing them to submit.

However, the Zanpakutō spirits quickly attack the members of the Onmitsukidō, easily defeating them. As the numbers of the Onmitsukidō dwindle, Izuru attempts to stop Kazeshini, while Ikkaku resumes his previously interrupted duel with Hōzukimaru. Suì-Fēng chases after Gonryōmaru, but is attacked by Tenken, forcing her to take on both of them at once. Yumichika identifies his Zanpakutō, Ruri'iro Kujaku, drawing him away from the others so that nobody would witness his abilities.

Meanwhile, Ichigo tries to make sure that Rukia and Renji are alright. Rukia tells him she's fine, but that Renji is injured, though he tries to dismiss it as nothing. Telling the two to get back, Ichigo attempts to take on Byakuya and Senbonzakura. Senbonzakura, however, decides to fight Ichigo on his own, telling Byakuya that he must return to Muramasa. Though Ichigo tries to stop Byakuya from leaving, Senbonzakura attacks and the two clash, with neither giving way to the other. As Byakuya attempts to leave, Renji appears in front of him, saying that he will stop his captain, even if he dies. With this, Zabimaru gets up as well, saying that they're not done fighting yet.

As Ichigo continues to battle Senbonzakura, the Zanpakutō spirit activates its Shikai, which is easily dealt with by Ichigo. Realizing that Shikai won't be enough, Senbonzakura activates its Bankai. In response, Ichigo activates his own Bankai and counters Senbonzakura Kageyoshi with Getsuga Tenshō. At the same time, Yumichika is preparing to battle Ruri'iro Kujaku, who begins commenting on his appearance. When Yumichika expresses his surprise, the Zanpakutō Spirit begins offering advice and suggests Yumichika replace the feathers in his hair with his own, which he quickly refuses. Angered over what he thinks is his Zanpakutō Spirit mocking him, Yumichika berates him as he is told not to regret bringing them so far away as to keep his abilities a secret.

Meanwhile, as the fighting rages on, Suì-Fēng successfully dodges Gonryōmaru's lightning, appearing behind him and kicking him down to the ground. Suddenly, Tenken attacks as well, which Suì-Fēng dodges, eventually coming face-to-face with the spirit who quickly cuts her down. As the dust settles, Suì-Fēng appears from behind, revealing Tenken to have cut an illusion. As Gonryōmaru returns, Suì-Fēng asks him whose Zanpakutō he is, and is surprised to learn he's the Zanpakutō of Lieutenant Chōjirō Sasakibe, lieutenant of the First Division, as she had no idea who he was. As Suì-Fēng asks if Gonryōmaru betrayed Sasakibe since the latter never stood out, the Zanpakutō spirit angrily attacks with his lightning, creating a cloud of dust which begins to cover the area.

At the same time, Izuru battles against Kazeshini, narrowly dodging the latter's attacks. Kazeshini berates him for running away, calling him a coward, but Izuru states that one must assess their current situation. Kazeshini voices his disagreement, causing Kira to ask if he's really Lieutenant Shūhei Hisagi's Zanpakutō and state that if he is, he's born from Hisagi's frustration, angering Kazeshini, who immediately denies this and attacks. Izuru fires Hadō #31, Shakkahō at the incoming scythe, stopping it from progressing. Izuru states Hisagi is his friend and that he'll avenge him.

Meanwhile, Hōzukimaru punches Ikkaku into a nearby pond, only for him to emerge moments later, successfully activating his Shikai. He remarks that Ikkaku can use his powers again, as he pushes Hōzukimaru away. As the fight progresses, Ikkaku is able to wound Hōzukimaru and forces his Zanpakutō spirit on the defensive. However, Hōzukimaru unleashes his Bankai, easily overwhelming Ikkaku and eventually pushing him back into the pond. An angry Ikkaku then gets out charges at him, but is knocked onto the ground quickly. Ikkaku stands up to face him again, stating that his pride is what motivates him and notes he cut a fragment from his Bankai. Ikkaku repeatedly drives his Shikai's blade into Hōzukimaru's blade, eventually cracking it. Hōzukimaru then causes crimson Reiatsu to envelop his body. Ikkaku momentarily releases Reiatsu of a similar color, as they charge at each other, triggering a tremendous explosion. As the dust clears, a victorious Ikkaku stands over the defeated Hōzukimaru, before collapsing himself.

Elsewhere, Lieutenants Isane Kotetsu and Tetsuzaemon Iba meet and prepare to head to the 6th Division barracks to assist in the battle. However, they are soon altered to the presence of Ashisogi Jizō, much to Isane's surprise.

Shinigami Illustrated Picture Book
Ruri'iro Kujaku tells Yumichika that Ikakku should change his uniform, suggesting it to be made into a red kimono that matches the markings around his eyes. He adds how Ikakku can add a red ribbon on his head or even yellow feathers on his eyes, like Yumichika's. Yumichika agrees with his Zanpakutō and suggests adding a flower print to the kimono. As they continue talking, Ikakku then sneezes and wonders what happened.

Fights

 * Ichigo Kurosaki vs. Senbonzakura
 * Suì-Fēng vs. Tenken & Gonryōmaru
 * Izuru Kira vs. Kazeshini
 * Ikkaku Madarame vs. Hōzukimaru: Final Fight (concluded)

Powers and Techniques Used
Kidō used
 * Hadō #31,

Techniques used

Zanpakutō released

Shikai:

Bankai: