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 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 fights Ichigo and gains the upper hand. Retsu Unohana tends to Sajin Komamura's wounds when Isane Kotetsu delivers a message from the Twelfth Squad; 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, 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. Hollow Ichigo begins to dominate Zangetsu. Muramasa tries to blindside him, but the attack is ineffective. However, Ichigo regains control and removes his mask, collapsing after wards.

Characters in order of appearance

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

Powers and Techniques Used
Hollow Techniques:
 * Regeneration
 * Cero(虚閃 (セロ), sero; Spanish for "Zero", Japanese for "Hollow Flash", 'Doom Blast' in the Viz translation)

Techniques used:
 * Shunpo(瞬歩, Flash steps)
 * Getsuga Tenshō(月牙天衝, Moon Fang Heaven-Piercer)
 * Ichigo's Hollow form

Zanpakutō released: Bankai:
 * Tensa Zangetsu(天鎖斬月, Heavenly Chain Moon Cutter or Heavenly Chain Cutting Moon)