Sode no Shirayuki vs. Rukia! Delusion of the Heart

 is the two hundred and thirty-second episode of the Bleach anime.

Rukia Kuchiki and Ichigo Kurosaki battle Sode no Shirayuki, and Muramasa is revealed to be a Zanpakutō Spirit.

Summary
In the heavily damaged Seireitei, Rukia Kuchiki runs into the 6th Division barracks as several Shinigami shout orders to one another. Running through a hall, she bursts through a set of double doors into a room filled with books, believing 6th Division Captain Byakuya Kuchiki is inside.

Instead, she sees 6th Division Lieutenant Renji Abarai, who greets her. Walking over to her, Renji shakes her by the shoulders and states he was worried about her, but she is here now. As he tells her she looks great, an irritated Rukia tells him to stop it.

When Renji says Rukia has recovered from the damage inflicted on her by Sode no Shirayuki, Rukia punches him in the face and tells him to stop it. As Renji sits on the ground and holds his face, Rukia states she is still shaky from what happened and tells Renji to not touch her. Saying he understands, Renji states he is glad to see she made it back and reveals most of the captains are here now.

When Rukia asks him about Byakuya, Renji reveals they have a search party looking for him, but they have not heard from them yet. As Rukia looks down in sorrow, Renji tells her to not worry and says Byakuya would never get killed in a small fight like this one. Smiling, Rukia states he is right. Later, Rukia walks through the Seireitei and recalls what happened last night. In the past, Muramasa stabs his blade into the ground.

As an energy wave radiates outward and splinters the ground, Muramasa proclaims tonight marks the end of the reign of the Shinigami over the Zanpakutō as a red light shines on top of Sōkyoku Hill. As explosions engulf the Shinigami and several buildings burn, Muramasa proclaims the Zanpakutō shall rule over the Shinigami. As Rukia falls on a roof, a brown-haired man prepares to attack her, only to be immobilized by '''Bakudō #61. Rikujōkōrō'''.

Looking up, Rukia sees Byakuya standing on a tower. Telling her to leave, Byakuya says he will not repeat himself and attacks Senbonzakura, who releases his Zanpakutō and engulfs Byakuya with the blade petals before smashing him into a building as Rukia calls out to him. In the present, Rukia thinks to herself Byakuya must be alive. When snowflakes float past her, Rukia looks up to see ice covering a nearby entrance, with two Shinigami encased in ice.

Hearing a scream, Rukia runs inside as an icy wind blows, encasing several more Shinigami in ice. As a smiling Sode no Shirayuki holds her hand out, more Shinigami are frozen. Running towards her, Rukia tells her to stop and leaps into the air. Flipping in midair, Rukia lands on the other side of Sode no Shirayuki and tells her this is enough. As they stare at each other, Sode no Shirayuki states she will no longer tolerate Rukia's demands, prompting Rukia to ask if this is true.

Elsewhere, Ichigo Kurosaki and Yoruichi Shihōin appear with Shunpo as Yoruichi tells Ichigo they must stay alert here. When she tells him to retreat if he senses any change in Zangetsu, Ichigo touches his Zanpakutō's tang and says Zangetsu will be fine. Stating she knows Zangetsu is special and means a lot to Ichigo, who confirms this, Yoruichi says this is true for all Shinigami. When she states everyone thinks their Zanpakutō is special, Ichigo expresses surprise.

Telling him to be extra careful, Yoruichi says she is going to see how the Onmitsukidō is doing and moves away with Shunpo as Ichigo bids her farewell. Putting his hand up to his Zanpakutō's tang once more, Ichigo expresses concern. Meanwhile, Rukia and Sode no Shirayuki stare at each other as the latter states Rukia no longer controls her. Saying she is free now, Sode no Shirayuki states regardless of whether or not Rukia believes it, she cannot keep her from doing anything.

Saying she understands, Rukia asks why Sode no Shirayuki is using her power to hurt others who are innocent if she is free. Stating she will do as she pleases from now on, Sode no Shirayuki proclaims she will not spare the life of anyone who gets in her way. Saying she has no desire to fight with Sode no Shirayuki, Rukia tightens her grip on her Zanpakutō and begins to explain why she will anyway, only for Sode no Shirayuki to disappear and reappear in front of her.

Generating icy wind in her hand, Sode no Shirayuki throws it at Rukia, who dodges as the ground where she was standing is covered with ice. Leaping into the air, Rukia attempts to release Sode no Shirayuki, but nothing happens. Landing, she looks at her blade and notes the reports of Shinigami being unable to perform Shikai is true. Confirming this, Sode no Shirayuki states her energizing spirit no longer lives within Rukia's sword.

As Rukia expresses surprise, Sode no Shirayuki says Rukia had the ability to harness her power as a Zanpakutō whenever she wished, and she graciously allowed Rukia to do so. When she states the Zanpakutō allowed it because they never had a choice in the matter, Rukia admits she never thought of it this way. Manifesting her released Zanpakutō, Sode no Shirayuki proclaims things will be very different from now on and says it is time to use her power for herself.

As Rukia expresses surprise, Sode no Shirayuki states Rukia thought all of her power came from within and believed all of her power came from herself. Saying she is sadly mistaken, Sode no Shirayuki proclaims Rukia cannot do anything without her. As Rukia states she never thought all of her power came from herself, Sode no Shirayuki uses Some no mai, Tsukishiro. Seeing an icy circle forming under her, Rukia leaps away as a pillar of ice is created.

As Rukia says this is impossible, for the range of Some no mai, Tsukishiro should not be so large, Sode no Shirayuki states it should only be the area between the earth and sky within range of its blade. As Rukia lands on a nearby Roof, Sode no Shirayuki asks if this is what Rukia thought and slashes at her again, forcing Rukia to dodge as another ice pillar forms on the roof. When Sode no Shirayuki appears behind her in midair, Rukia tells her she must stop.

Blowing an icy wind at her, Sode no Shirayuki sends Rukia crashing into the ground. Panting, Rukia says Sode no Shirayuki really believes Rukia cannot do anything without her. Getting to her feet, Rukia chants the incantation for and uses '''Hadō #33. Sōkatsui'''. As the blast hits Sode no Shirayuki and creates an explosion, Rukia expresses surprise when the blue energy dissipates to reveal a spike-shaped barrier of ice, which shatters to reveal an unharmed Sode no Shirayuki.

As Rukia asks how she did this, Sode no Shirayuki notes she looks shocked and asks if Rukia is surprised by her possessing so much power. Stating she will gladly display her full capabilities since Rukia continues to underestimate her, Sode no Shirayuki appears behind Rukia and slashes at her. Blocking, Rukia is knocked back as Sode no Shirayuki appears above her and sends a wave of ice shards at her. As Rukia dodges, Sode no Shirayuki generates more ice shards.

Continuing to dodge the ice shards, Rukia thinks about Sode no Shirayuki and notes she is one of the most beautiful beings in all of Soul Society, yet is filled with hatred. Thinking about how Sode no Shirayuki wishes to destroy life and has nothing but venom for her, Rukia wonders if they have not always existed as one. As she wonders if they have not done so peacefully, in the past, Rukia holds up her newly-achieved Shikai while Kaien Shiba smiles and claps.

When Rukia uses Some no mai, Tsukishiro for the first time, Kaien smiles broadly. When Rukia uses Tsugi no mai, Hakuren and encases a nearby tree in ice, Kaien ruffles her hair and grins happily, causing Rukia to blush and smile. In the present, Rukia wonders if she has monopolized Sode no Shirayuki's power and caused her to suffer. When Sode no Shirayuki disappears, Rukia skids to a halt and looks around as Sode no Shirayuki says Rukia leaves herself open for an attack whenever she reflects on the past.

As Rukia notices Sode no Shirayuki standing behind her, the two slash at each other, creating an explosion of ice and snow. As Sode no Shirayuki leaps onto the roof of a nearby building, a panting Rukia stands in the middle of an icy platform before falling to her knees. As Rukia continues to pant, Sode no Shirayuki uses Tsugi no mai, Hakuren and sends an avalanche of cold air towards Rukia. As a large amount of ice is created by the attack, Sode no Shirayuki expresses surprise.

As black-red Reiatsu crackles in the center of the ice, two Bankai-enhanced Getsuga Tenshōs hurtle towards Sode no Shirayuki, who moves away as they crash into the building she was standing on. As the dust clears, Ichigo stands in front of Rukia in his Bankai, Tensa Zangetsu. Asking why Ichigo is here, Rukia states it is too dangerous to be here when they still do not know enough about why the Zanpakutō are turning against them.

Telling her to shut up, Ichigo asks if Rukia thinks he could simply sit back and wait. As Rukia expresses surprise, Ichigo looks over his shoulder and tells her to not worry, for even though they may not know the reason yet, they will definitely find the answer. As Rukia smiles and says she hopes so, Sode no Shirayuki lands in front of them and greets Ichigo. When Rukia states Sode no Shirayuki is strong and tells Ichigo to be careful, Ichigo says he knows this.

Raising his sword, Ichigo states Sode no Shirayuki is Rukia's Zanpakutō, so it is not surprising, and moves to Sode no Shirayuki, who fires ice shards at him. Dodging with Shunpo, Ichigo lands on a roof behind Sode no Shirayuki, who fires a crescent-shaped blast of ice at him. As the blast crashes into the roof, Ichigo moves to the ground behind Sode no Shirayuki. As the two stare at each other, Sode no Shirayuki asks Ichigo why he is holding back.

When Ichigo does not answer, a smirking Sode no Shirayuki says Ichigo is doing so because she is Rukia's Zanpakutō, so Ichigo has decided to go easy on her. Stating this is a poor choice, Sode no Shirayuki manifests her Zanpakutō once more and proclaims she will make Ichigo regret this. Moving back, Sode no Shirayuki uses Some no mai, Tsukishiro. As Ichigo expresses surprise at the icy circle underneath him, Rukia tells him to get away from there.

When ice begins to cover his left leg, Ichigo breaks it with his fist and leaps away as a column of ice forms. As he appears in the air next to the column, Sode no Shirayuki appears behind him and attacks, forcing him to block. As she smiles, ice begins to form on the blade of Tensa Zangetsu and covers Ichigo's hand. Leaping back, Ichigo breaks the ice once more, only for Sode no Shirayuki to appear in front of him and blow an icy wind at him.

As Ichigo is sent crashing into the ground, Rukia expresses concern for him before looking at Sode no Shirayuki, who looks over her shoulder and smiles, prompting Rukia to express surprise. As the dust clears, Ichigo stands with fragments of ice on his arm and a chunks of ice covering the right side of his face and his right shoulder. Asking if the ice hurts, Sode no Shirayuki says Ichigo has come to Soul Society to protect Rukia, prompting Ichigo to ask why this matters to her.

When Sode no Shirayuki states he is a fool, Ichigo asks if she thinks so and breaks the ice covering his face. As blood drips down the right side of his face, Ichigo grabs his wrist with his left hand and prepares a Getsuga Tenshō. When Sode no Shirayuki says it is hard to imagine what Ichigo can do with a frozen left arm, for he is still hesitant about killing her, Ichigo tells her to shut up. Smiling, Sode no Shirayuki states she shall teach him how such indecisiveness results in death.

As several currents of icy wind emanate from a glowing Sode no Shirayuki, Ichigo expresses surprise upon seeing Rukia attacking her from behind. As Ichigo expresses concern for her, Rukia slashes at Sode no Shirayuki, only for the latter to nonchalantly block the attack without looking. As they look at each other, Sode no Shirayuki pushes Rukia away. Landing in front of Ichigo, who calls out to her, Rukia looks over her shoulder and tells him to stay out of this.

As Ichigo expresses surprise, the Getsuga Tenshō in his blade dissipates as Sode no Shirayuki asks why Rukia has interfered. When Rukia tells Sode no Shirayuki to direct her hatred towards her if she has any, Sode no Shirayuki says Rukia is correct and proclaims she hates Rukia, which is why Ichigo must die. When Ichigo expresses surprise and prepares to move forward, Rukia stops him as Sode no Shirayuki states killing Ichigo is the best way to make Rukia truly suffer.

Proclaiming she will take away everything Rukia holds dear - her friends, her family, and her pride as a Shinigami - Sode no Shirayuki says Rukia will only be able to watch as this happens. Stating she understands, Rukia says Sode no Shirayuki truly is her Zanpakutō, for she can hurt Rukia deeper than anyone else can because she knows her so well. Telling Sode no Shirayuki she is beautiful, Rukia states this always filled her with pride.

When Rukia says having such a beautiful Zanpakutō for her sword made her smile, an angered Sode no Shirayuki proclaims she is not one of Rukia's belongings. Stating she is right, Rukia says she is now free, prompting Sode no Shirayuki to express surprise. As Ichigo expresses concern for her, Rukia proclaims she now releases Sode no Shirayuki, who expresses shock. Telling her it is time to put away her anger, Rukia looks up and thanks Sode no Shirayuki for the time they have shared.

As Rukia states the time they spent as one was great, Sode no Shirayuki asks if Rukia is saying she will continue without her. When Rukia confirms this, Sode no Shirayuki lands on the ground as Rukia states she will do so even if going on without Sode no Shirayuki causes her to lose everything and be forced to return to Rukongai. Walking forward, Rukia begins to chants the incantation for '''Hadō #73. Sōren Sōkatsui''' as Sode no Shirayuki asks if she truly intends to destroy her.

As Rukia begins to chant the incantation for '''Bakudō #61. Rikujōkōrō''', a surprised Sode no Shirayuki asks if Rukia really believes she can live and survive without Sode no Shirayuki being here. When Rukia continues to chant the first incantation, a shocked Sode no Shirayuki surrounds herself with an orb of icy wind. Walking into the orb, Rukia uses '''Bakudō #61. Rikujōkōrō''', which binds herself and Sode no Shirayuki together.

As Sode no Shirayuki expresses surprise, Rukia says she cannot forgive anyone who attempts to destroy what she must protect. As ice begins to encase her body, Rukia states she is not afraid to lose and let go of anything. As Sode no Shirayuki asks if she is willing to do this, Rukia says she shall let go of her anger, hatred, and sadness, for she and Sode no Shirayuki are separate. As Sode no Shirayuki tells her to not do this, Rukia states she releases her to be free.

Putting her hand on Sode no Shirayuki's chest, Rukia says she lets go of Sode no Shirayuki's beauty, the power she gave Rukia as a Shinigami, the memories of what they achieved together, and everything in their past, for all of what they shared has become a burden to her and to Sode no Shirayuki. As Sode no Shirayuki tells her she must stop, Rukia generates blue energy between her hand. As Sode no Shirayuki expresses terror, Rukia tells her she is now free forever and uses Hadō #73 Sōkatsui.

As an orb of blue energy expands outward, Ichigo watches as the orb of icy wind glows before exploding. Shielding himself, he calls out to Rukia as she and Sode no Shirayuki are sent flying away from each other. Wondering how Rukia could do this, Sode no Shirayuki states she never thought Rukia would possess the strength to let go of her. Saying a Shinigami cannot go into battle fearing what they could lose, including their Zanpakutō, Rukia bids farewell to Sode no Shirayuki.

Expressing shock, Sode no Shirayuki grabs for Rukia's hand and calls out to her, only to have her wrist grabbed by a gray, manacled hand as a voice asks if Sode no Shirayuki really intended to die begging like this, prompting her to express surprise. Meanwhile, as the smoke clears, Ichigo calls out to Rukia, who lies in the middle of a large crater. Sliding down the side, Ichigo runs towards her and asks if she is okay.

Continuing to runs towards her, Ichigo stops upon sensing an enormous amount of Reiatsu. Standing behind him, Muramasa states this was quite a spectacle. Looking over his shoulder, Ichigo sees Muramasa standing next to Sode no Shirayuki. Admitting he did not expect Rukia to risk so much, Muramasa says this will prove useful for future reference. When Ichigo asks who he is, Muramasa stops exerting his Reiatsu and introduces himself. Asking what he wants, Ichigo states he has never seen Muramasa before. When Ichigo asks if he is a Shinigami, Muramasa smirks and reveals he is a Zanpakutō spirit, prompting Ichigo to express surprise.

Arrancar Encyclopedia
Instead of Gin Ichimaru, Ichigo Kurosaki hosts the Arrancar Encyclopedia, due to Gin wanting to show him how rough it can be. He introduces Coyote Starrk, Baraggan Louisenbairn, and Tier Harribel and asks which numbers they are, but they do not answer. When Gin states he told him it would be tough, Ichigo says he did not think this is what Gin meant by tough.

Characters in Order of Appearance

 * 1) Rukia Kuchiki
 * 2) Renji Abarai
 * 3) Muramasa
 * 4) Gonryōmaru (flashback)
 * 5) Byakuya Kuchiki (flashback)
 * 6) Senbonzakura (flashback)
 * 7) Sode no Shirayuki
 * 8) Yoruichi Shihōin
 * 9) Ichigo Kurosaki
 * 10) Kaien Shiba (flashback)

Fights

 * Rukia Kuchiki vs. Sode no Shirayuki (concluded)

Powers and Techniques Used
Techniques used:

Kidō used:
 * Bakudō #61 (flashback)
 * Hadō #33
 * Hadō #73

Zanpakutō released:

Shikai:

Bankai: