Zangetsu Becomes an Enemy

Zangetsu Becomes an Enemy is the two-hundred thirty-third episode of the Bleach anime.

Muramasa releases Zangetsu. Ichigo fights him as Hollow Ichigo begins to take control.

Summary
Senbonzakura is watching the Seireitei when Hōzukimaru and Ruri'iro Kujaku appear and try to start a conversation with him. Meanwhile, Ichigo Kurosaki is confronted by Muramasa. He explains that he has come to free Zanpakutō from Shinigami oppression, though Rukia Kuchiki disagrees with his claim. The two battle, though Ichigo is unable to make much progress. Muramasa uses his telekinesis to restrain Ichigo and then frees Ichigo's Zanpakutō from him. Zangetsu attacks as Ichigo questions him if he is serious. Zangetsu quickly gains the upper hand over Ichigo who is at first unwilling to attack. Zangetsu uses Getsuga Tensho and sends Ichigo crashing through a wall and knocking him unconcious. Retsu Unohana tends to Sajin Komamura's wounds when Isane Kotetsu delivers a message from the 12th Division; Nemu Kurotsuchi informs them that, thanks to research data gathered by Mayuri Kurotsuchi's experiments on himself, he has come to the conclusion that the Zanpakutō have become independent of their Shinigami. They are then informed of Ichigo's fight. As the fight continues, Ichigo's Hollow self easily takes control and emerges from the dust from the destroyed wall with the left side of his face covered by his hollow mask. Muramasa is curious as to what he is, so Zangetsu enlightens him. Zangetsu fends off Ichigo's attacks and manages to injure Ichigo several times, but his Hollow regeneration heals the wounds and he begins to assume his full Hollow form. Hollow Ichigo begins to overwhelm Zangetsu, who is struggling to keep up with the furious attacks. Hollowfied Ichigo knocks Zangetsu back and fires a Cero at him. After seemingly defeating Zangetsu, Muramasa tries to blindside him, but the attack is ineffective due to the instantaneous regeneration. Hollow Ichigo turns to face Muramasa, but before he can start on Muramasa, Ichigo regains control. Unwilling to let his inner hollow have control of his body, he manages to rip off the mask. The full hollow form then breaks apart and Ichigo emerges as a Shinigami. Ichigo, exhausted and confused, collapses to the ground.

Characters in Order of Appearance

 * 1) Senbonzakura
 * 2) Hōzukimaru
 * 3) Ruri'iro Kujaku
 * 4) Ichigo Kurosaki
 * 5) Muramasa
 * 6) Sode no Shirayuki
 * 7) Rukia Kuchiki
 * 8) Zangetsu
 * 9) Retsu Unohana
 * 10) Sajin Komamura
 * 11) Isane Kotetsu
 * 12) Nemu Kurotsuchi
 * 13) Mayuri Kurotsuchi
 * 14) Hollow Ichigo

Fights

 * Ichigo Kurosaki vs. Zangetsu

Powers and Techniques Used
Techniques used:

Hollow Techniques:
 * High-Speed Regeneration
 * High-Speed Regeneration

Zanpakutō released:

Bankai:
 * Tensa Zangetsu (天鎖斬月, Heaven Chain Slaying Moon)