Zangetsu Becomes an Enemy

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

Statistics

 * Original Airdate: August 18, 2009
 * English Airdate:
 * Opening Song: Shōjo S
 * Ending Song: Mad Surfer
 * Manga Chapters: None
 * Kanji: 敵となった斬月
 * Romaji: "Teki to natta Zangetsu"
 * Arc: Zanpakutō Unknown Tales arc

Summary
Senbonzakura is watching the Seireitei when Hōzukimaru and Ruri'iro Kujaku appear and try to have 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, then frees Ichigo's Zanpakutō from him. Zangetsu fights Ichigo, with Zangetsu gaining the upper hand. Retsu Unohana tends to Sajin Komamura's wounds when Isane Kotetsu delivers a message from 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 informed of Ichigo's fight. As the fight continues, his Hollow self takes over. Muramasa is curious as to what he is, so Zangetsu enlightens him. Zangetsu manages to injure Ichigo several times, but his Hollow regeneration heals the wounds, and he quickly assumes his full Hollow form, and begins to dominate Zangetsu. Muramasa tries to blindside him, but the attack is ineffective. However, Ichigo regains control and removes his mask, collapsing afterwards.

Characters in order of appearance
Senbonzakura (spirit)

Hōzukimaru (spirit)

Ruri'iro Kujaku (spirit)

Ichigo Kurosaki

Muramasa

Sode no Shirayuki (spirit)

Rukia Kuchiki

Zangetsu (spirit)

Retsu Unohana

Sajin Komamura

Isane Kotetsu

Nemu Kurotsuchi

Mayuri Kurotsuchi

Hollow Ichigo

Powers and Techniques Used
Shunpo

Getsuga Tenshō

Ichigo's Hollow form

Zanpakutō released

Bankai


 * Tensa Zangetsu

Hollow Techniques

Regeneration

Cero