Byakuya and Renji, the 6th Division Returns

Byakuya and Renji, the 6th Division Returns is the two hundred and fifty-fourth episode of the Bleach anime.

Statistics

 * Original Airdate: January 19th, 2010
 * English Airdate:
 * Opening Song: Anima Rossa
 * Ending Song: Sakurabito
 * Manga Chapters: None
 * Kanji: 白哉と恋次、六番隊再び
 * Romaji: "Byakuya to Renji, roku ban tai futatabi"
 * Arc: Zanpakutō Unknown Tales arc

Synopsis
Renji Abarai apologises for being late. The Ryoka are confused as to who the Zanpakutō spirits are, and Rukia Kuchiki asks what's going on. Sode no Shirayuki explains that Mayuri Kurotsuchi restored them. Tobiume then declares it's time for them to repay the Shinigami for the trouble they've caused, and go on the offensive. Soifon tries to attack the mass that Muramasa has become, but is stopped by a volley from Uryū Ishida, believing that doing so could destroy Karakura Town.

Tōshirō Hitsugaya decides the Menos Grande should be dealt with first. Despite their efforts, Tōshirō notes there are still too many of them, and Soifon that they can't afford to wait for the other zanpakutō to arrive. Byakuya Kuchiki and Senbonzakura join them, which the other spirits are far from happy about. Momo Hinamori and Ruri'iro Kujaku tell them to focus on the task at hand. Renji reunites with Byakuya, leading an awkward exchange between them.

Marechiyo Ōmaeda and Gegetsuburi argue and end up attracting a large number of Menos, but are saved by Sajin Komamura. The rip in the sky widens and Menos start pouring in inexorably. Byakuya and Senbonzakura lead efforts to seal the Garganta using spiritual energy, and eventually they succeed. However, the mass is still growing, and with no way of helping him available, Ichigo Kurosaki is on his own.

Shinigami Illustrated Picture Book
Shuhei Hisagi is asleep; Kazeshini wakes him up so he can fight too, apologizing for beating him up. He says he'll be good from now on, and the two embrace. Actually, Kazeshini's lying, and proceeds to stick his Kusarigama into Shuhei's shoulder.

Characters in Order of Appearance

 * 1) Rukia Kuchiki
 * 2) Uryū Ishida
 * 3) Yasutora Sado
 * 4) Sode no Shirayuki (spirit)
 * 5) Renji Abarai
 * 6) Nemu Kurotsuchi
 * 7) Mayuri Kurotsuchi
 * 8) Haineko (spirit)
 * 9) Tobiume (spirit)
 * 10) Zabimaru (spirit)
 * 11) Hōzukimaru (spirit)
 * 12) Hyōrinmaru (spirit)
 * 13) Suzumebachi (spirit)
 * 14) Gegetsuburi (spirit)
 * 15) Tenken (spirit)
 * 16) Ikkaku Madarame
 * 17) Yumichika Ayasegawa
 * 18) Soifon
 * 19) Tōshirō Hitsugaya
 * 20) Byakuya Kuchiki
 * 21) Senbonzakura (spirit)
 * 22) Momo Hinamori
 * 23) Rangiku Matsumoto
 * 24) Marechiyo Ōmaeda
 * 25) Gegetsuburi (spirit)
 * 26) Izuru Kira
 * 27) Sajin Komamura
 * 28) Wabisuke (spirit)

Powers and Techniques used
Zanpakutō released

Shikai: Bankai: Techniques used Other powers
 * (recap)
 * (recap)
 * (recap)
 * (recap)
 * (recap)