Final Chapter·Zanpakutō Unknown Tales

Final Chapter·Zanpakutō Unknown Tales is the two hundred and fifty-fifth episode of the Bleach anime.

Ichigo defeats Muramasa and the Zanpakutō spirits return to their original form.

Statistics

 * Original Airdate: January 26th, 2010
 * English Airdate:
 * Opening Song: Anima Rossa
 * Ending Song: Sakurabito
 * Manga Chapters: None
 * Kanji: 終章・斬魄刀異聞篇
 * Romaji: "Shūshō·Zanpakutō Ibun Hen"
 * Arc: Zanpakutō Unknown Tales arc

Summary
As the dome grows unstable and the Shinigami fight the Gillians outside, Ichigo takes on Muramasa within his inner realm, which is collapsing from the grudges of the hollows he consumed to sustain himself. Ichigo questions Muramasa's devotion to Kōga in spite of his apparent motives for freeing the Zanpakutō, and insists that he should know what a true bond between a Shinigami and a Zanpakutō is.

Soon, Muramasa begins to mislead Ichigo with his unique abilities. Zangetsu aids Ichigo by becoming his eyes, as Ichigo is easily overpowering Muramasa back. The leader of the Zanpakuto Rebellion soon begins to form part of his Hollow Mask. Zangetsu continues to warn Ichigo, as he and Muramasa decide for one final clash. Ichigo defeats Muramasa, as he is sinking into the water of Koga's inner world. Muramasa figures it's ironic that he can hear ichigo's voice as Ichigo takes hold of his hand, causing the two to leave his inner world.

Muramasa, still gripping Ichigo's hand is given advice that you can fix your mistakes and move on. Muramasa decides to do just that someday and dies in Ichigo's arms after realizing the error of his ways. As Muramasa fades away, Rukia and Orihime come over to the island in the middle of the lake, as Byakuya flash steps over as well. As it begins to rain, the materialized Zanpakutō spirits all feel strange and fade in the same fashion, returning to their original forms. Byakuya marks it as his second time sincerley thanking Ichigo and Shunpos away, as Ichigo appreciates the thanks.

Shinigami Illustrated Picture Book
Ulquiorra and Nel tell Ichigo that the series won't be going back to the Hueco Mundo arc just yet. Ichigo is most upset to be the last person to know of this, being the main character. Ulquiorra asks the viewers to bear with them.

Powers and techniques used
Techniques used:
 * Muramasa's unnamed Illusion technique
 * Muramasa's unnamed Energy wave technique
 * Muramasa's unnamed Spiritual Threads technique
 * Muramasa's unnamed Spiritual Threads technique
 * Muramasa's unnamed Spiritual Threads technique

Zanpakutō released:

Shikai:

Bankai:

Other Powers: