Gin Ichimaru's Shadow

is the twentieth episode of the Bleach anime.

Ichigo and his friends depart to the Soul Society to rescue Rukia.

Summary
After delivering his message to Rukia Kuchiki, Byakuya Kuchiki leaves and is confronted by two other captains outside: Gin Ichimaru and Kenpachi Zaraki. Both of them praise his coldness in just standing there and letting his sister die without even trying to defend her. Byakuya asks why they are there without their Lieutenants, but instead of answering, Kenpachi asks if Byakuya wants him to kill Rukia for him. Byakuya becomes angry, telling Kenpachi that a commoner like him has no right to talk about royalty. Kenpachi is irritated by this, and tries to challenge him, but Gin, using Kidō, ties him up and drags him away, while apologizing to Byakuya.

Meanwhile, Ichigo Kurosaki and Kisuke Urahara continue their battle. Ichigo realizes that because he is a Shinigami, no blade aside from a Zanpakutō or a Hollow can hurt him. However, Kisuke reveals that his sword is actually a Zanpakutō, and releases it. Kisuke makes short work of Ichigo's broken sword and begins to chase and attack him. Ichigo, running away in fear, is once again confronted by the mysterious stranger. However, this time Ichigo knows who he is and decides to stop running. The stranger tells Ichigo: "Abandon your fear. Turn and face your enemy, don't give an inch. Now advance, never stop. If you retreat you will age. Be afraid and you will die. Now shout out my name!" Ichigo calls out Zangetsu, and finally manages to release his Zanpakutō. Shortly after, Ichigo uses a powerful, unknown attack on Kisuke which knocks his hat off, forcing Kisuke to counter with his Blood Mist Shield. Kisuke admits to himself that if he had not done so, he might have lost an arm.

Elsewhere, Uryū Ishida finally masters his training, while Yasutora Sado manages to summon his right arm's special power. In the process, Chad accidentally blows a hole in the building, forcing them to abandon it. Yoruichi Shihōin is impressed with them for being able to willingly activate their powers in such a short time and mentions that they have become capable individuals, but retracts this at once after hearing Orihime shouting that Chad has fallen down the stairs.

A week later, Ichigo and his family and friends go to a fireworks show. Here, Tatsuki and Orihime share a moment together. Tatsuki, not understanding what is bothering her, wishes her good luck and a safe journey, in the future. Tatsuki also reveals that she finished second in the Martial Arts Championship because of her broken arm. Ichigo is contacted in a very odd way by Kisuke, so he heads over to his shop. Here, Ichigo learns that Chad, Uryū, and Orihime all plan on coming with him. He also meets the talking cat Yoruichi for the first time. As they go inside, Ichigo asks Orihime if she knows exactly what is going on, to which she replies with a firm yet kind yes. As Kisuke opens the Senkaimon, he explains that it is a special conversion type gate that will allow all of them to travel safely through. However, Ichigo and company learn they only have four minutes to make it all the way through, so they must hurry. As they depart, Kisuke reaches out and touches the gate, only for his hand to be burned.

Kon-sama's Ultimate Shinigami Illustrated Guide
The featured character is Jūshirō Ukitake.

Fights
None.

Powers and Techniques Used
Techniques used:
 * Getsuga Tenshō (月牙天衝, Moon Fang Heaven-Piercer)
 * Chikasumi No Tate (血霞の盾, Blood Mist Shield)

Zanpakutō released:

Shikai:
 * Benihime (紅姫, Crimson Princess)
 * Zangetsu (斬月, Moon Cutter or Cutting Moon)

Other Powers:
 * Brazo Derecha de Gigante (巨人の右腕 (ブラソ・デレチャ・デ・ヒガンテ), Right Arm of the Giant)