Byakuya, Disappearing with the Cherry Blossoms

Byakuya, Disappearing with the Cherry Blossoms is the two-hundred thirty-first episode of the Bleach anime.

Ichigo battles Sode no Shirayuki who arrived in The Human World chasing after Rukia.

Statistics

 * Original Airdate: August 4, 2009
 * English Airdate:
 * Opening Song: Shōjo S
 * Ending Song: Mad Surfer
 * Manga Chapters: None
 * Kanji: 白哉、桜と共に消ゆ
 * Romaji: "Byakuya, sakura totomo ni shō yu"
 * Arc: Zanpakutō Unknown Tales arc

Summary


Ichigo Kurosaki senses a large Reiatsu while on patrol, and sees a Senkaimon open, and an injured Rukia Kuchiki fall out of it, followed by Sode no Shirayuki. Ichigo engages the renegade Zanpakutō spirit, while trying to find out who it is he's fighting. He recognizes several of her techniques, but it's Rukia who confirms her identity as Sode no Shirayuki for him after Sode no Shirayuki has gone back to Soul Society through a Senkaimon. Ichigo regroups with his friends at Urahara's Shop and has Orihime Inoue heal Rukia's wounds. Rukia informs the others as to what has happened in Soul Society, especially the disappearance of Byakuya Kuchiki while he was in the process of fighting Senbonzakura, his Zanpakutō. Yoruichi Shihōin‎‎ informs the group of the situation in Soul Society, having talked with Retsu Unohana and the other senior captains. From what is known, the Zanpakutō in the real world appear to have not been affected. Ichigo reassures Rukia of Byakuya's safety, but is disturbed in his bed later by the Mod-souls, informing him that Rukia has run away. Kisuke Urahara is able to determine that she has returned to Soul Society, so Ichigo and Yoruichi follow her.

Arrancar Encyclopedia
The topic covered is Resurrección.

Fights

 * Ichigo Kurosaki vs. Sode no Shirayuki
 * Rukia Kuchiki vs. Sode no Shirayuki
 * The Rebellion Begins: Rise of Muramasa (concluded)
 * Byakuya Kuchiki vs. Senbonzakura

Powers and Techniques Used
Kidō used:
 * Bakudō # 61, Rikujōkōrō (六杖光牢, Six Rods Prison of Light)

Techniques used:
 * Getsuga Tenshō (月牙天衝, Moon Fang Heaven-Piercer)
 * Some no mai, Tsukishiro (初の舞・月白, First Dance, White Moon)
 * Tsugi no mai, Hakuren (次の舞・白漣, Next Dance, White Ripple)
 * Hikōtsu Taihō (狒骨大砲, Baboon Bone Cannon)

Zanpakutō released:

Shikai:
 * Sode no Shirayuki (袖白雪, Sleeve of the White Snow)
 * Hyōrinmaru (氷輪丸, Ice Ring)
 * Tenken (天譴, Heavenly Punishment)
 * Senbonzakura (千本桜, Thousand Cherry Blossoms)
 * Suzumebachi (雀蜂, Hornet)
 * Kazeshini (風死, Wind Death)
 * Hōzukimaru (鬼灯丸, Demon Light)
 * Gegetsuburi (五形頭; Five-Formed Head)

Bankai:
 * Konjiki Ashisogi Jizō (金色疋殺地蔵, Golden Leg-Cutting Jizō)
 * Hihiō Zabimaru (狒狒王蛇尾丸, Baboon King Snake Tail)