Break the Mirror's Boundary! Ichigo's Captivity

'''Break the Mirror's Boundary! Ichigo's Captivity''' is the one hundred seventy-fourth episode of the Bleach anime.

Ichigo faces off against the assassin Hanza Nukui.

Summary
Hanza, the leader of the assassins, asks Kumoi why he allowed Rurichiyo to return to the Human World with Ichigo. Kumoi explains that if they act rashly they will be discovered by the Gotei 13, which is the last thing they want. Kumoi gives Hanza a Bakkōtō and after it binds itself to Hanza's arm, Kumoi orders him to go to the Human World and kill Rurichiyo and anyone else who gets in the way.

Meanwhile, Shū Kannogi, who is sitting by the window, wonders what Rurichiyo is doing. He then receives a summons from Kumoi. In the Human World, Ririn and the other Mod Souls argue with Enryū, who won't let them enter Urahara's Shop. Rurichiyo is playing with Jinta & Ururu. Inside, Ichigo is talking with Tessai, Urahara, Sado, Rukia, Orihime, Yoruichi, Kenryū and Uryū. Ichigo mentions that they got back easily, without any surprise attacks. This leads Uryū to suspect that they will be attacked in Karakura Town and Urahara agrees with him.

That night, Hanza, and the other assassins arrive in Karakura Town, and Hanza reveals that he wishes to see how good Ichigo really is. While walking home, Ichigo and the others feel some strong spiritual pressure. Ichigo tells Rukia and Orihime to escort Rurichiyo home, while he, Sado and Uryū investigate this. Back in Soul Society, Kumoi has made a declaration to the other mambers of the Kasumiōji Clan. He wishes to make Shū the head of the family. This is met with resistance by three members who oppose the idea, which angers Kumoi. So Kumoi rewords his statement and says that he only wants to make Shū the leader until Rurichiyo returns. However, this too is opposed by the other clan members, irritating Kumoi even further.

Back in Karakura, Ichigo, Sado, and Uryū feel the enemy disperse, so they decide to split up and try to cut off them before they get to Rurichiyo. Ichigo is the first to be confronted, facing off against Hanza. Meanwhile, Uryū and Sado have their hands full dealing with some of the other assassins, while Rukia and the others fend off four more assassins. Ichigo and Hanza's fight begins, and Ichigo recognizes the Bakkōtō Hanza is using, but mistakes it for a Zanpakutō. Confused as to why two people could have the same Zanpakutō, Ichigo demands some answers, but Hanza avoids the question. Hanza's power increases and his Bakkōtō engulfs more of his arm. Remembering the power of the last time Ichigo fought this weapon, Ichigo shields the attack, but underestimates Hanza's strength and is trapped.

Back in Soul Society, some Kasumiōji members have decided that Kumoi is trying to take over the clan, so he must be arrested. However, the lights go out and it is heard that they are killed. While in Karakura, Uryū, Sado, Rukia, and Orihime are having difficulty dealing with the powerful assassins, mostly due to being outnumbered. Ichigo finds himself paralyzed, and in a strange dimension. Hanza smugly tells him not to bother trying to move, saying that his mind has been trapped by his Bakkōtō, while keeping the name Bakkōtō, Saiga, a secret from Ichigo and the others.

Hanza explains that his blade is different than the last time Ichigo saw it. Hanza says that its strength increases depending on how much spirit energy is used for it to feed on. Hanza declares he will kill Ichigo, but Ichigo begins to resist the Bakkōtō's powers. Hanza decides to attack Ichigo before he can completely break free, but Ichigo is saved by Yoruichi. Hanza wishes to continue fighting, but Yoruichi tells him he should reconsider, since his subordinates have been defeated. Sado and the others have successfully beaten the other assassins. Hanza realizes his loss and retreats.

Back in Soul Society, the Kasumiōji Clan meets again. However, many of them are missing. Kumoi declares Shū the 18th head of the family, to which the others bow. However, Shū doesn't seem to be happy about this new development.

Arrancar Encyclopedia
Szayel is seen discussing the Fraccion, explaining that the Espada may choose them at will to become their subordinates. He goes on to say that the number of Fraccion each Espada has varies, commenting upon the unique nature of his own Fraccion, who are seen jumping around in the background. He says that he can heal himself by eating his Fraccion, as Gin walks in, claiming that he can't take over his segment. Szayel offers his Fraccion to Gin, who says that he doesn't eat raw meat.

Fights

 * Battle of the Kasumiōji Assassins

Powers and Techniques Used
Techniques used:

Zanpakutō released:

Shikai:

Bakkōtō used:

Other powers: