Release! The New Getsuga Tenshō

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

3rd Division Lieutenant Izuru Kira aids 9th Division Lieutenant Shūhei Hisagi, who is fighting Kazeshini, while 9th Division Lieutenant Renji Abarai and Ichigo Kurosaki conclude their battles.

Summary
Slashed by Kazeshini, 9th Division Lieutenant Shūhei Hisagi moves away with Shunpo as Kazeshini attacks him once more. As Kazeshini licks his lips, Hisagi appears behind him before collapsing. Noting Hisagi used Shunpo to avoid a direct hit, Kazeshini proclaims he is an idiot for doing so.

Walking over to him, Kazeshini states Hisagi would not be in pain if he died and says it is all the same to him because it is over. As Hisagi raises his head, Kazeshini laughs maniacally and raises his kusarigama over his head before attacking, only to be blocked by 3rd Division Lieutenant Izuru Kira. Leaping back, Kazeshini demands to know who Izuru is, prompting Izuru to note Kazeshini was trying to kill his own master.

As Izuru states he did not think anyone could have such bad taste, Hisagi calls out to him. Meanwhile, Ichigo Kurosaki faces Muramasa, who says Ichigo continues to amuse him. When Muramasa states he never expected to become so invested in a single Shinigami when he began this mission, Ichigo says Muramasa talks a lot for a Zanpakutō and asks him if there is ever a point to his speeches. When Muramasa smiles, Ichigo states he has had enough of this small talk.

Proclaiming it is time to settle this, Ichigo takes a step forward before leaping towards Muramasa, only for Zangetsu to appear in front of him and block his attack. When Ichigo asks him if he is still working for Muramasa, Zangetsu pushes Ichigo's blade away before slashing at him. Jumping back, Ichigo says he will fight to get Zangetsu back even if he has to fight Zangetsu himself. Stating he has made his decision, Ichigo asks Zangetsu what he will do.

Pointing his sword towards Ichigo, Zangetsu says he must find out who is stronger between the two of them. As blue Reiatsu emanates from him, Zangetsu states he is more than willing to cross blades with Ichigo in order to get his answer. In Ichigo's inner world, Hollow Ichigo says Ichigo will not be able to fight as hard as he normally can without Zangetsu's power fueling his blade before revealing he will lend Ichigo his own power for now.

As Hollow Ichigo proclaims Ichigo will not be able to use his full power in exchange for his access to it, Ichigo assumes a battle stance as Zangetsu activates his Bankai, causing his Reiatsu to flare up around him. Elsewhere, Zabimaru hurtles towards Hebi, who leaps away as it crashes into the ground where he was standing and lands on a roof next to Saru, who tells him to be careful. As Hebi states he knows, 6th Division Lieutenant Renji Abarai retracts Zabimaru.

When Hebi wonders out loud if something about Renji changed, Saru smiles and confirms this. Stating he has had enough of this, Renji proclaims Zanpakutō are supposed to be used by their master because this is the way it is. Demanding to know what he just said, Hebi expresses outrage at Renji's arrogant statement and leaps towards him. Pulling Hebi back by his chain, Saru tells him to wait and says this is a very bold thing to say, which means Renji has found the will to fight them.

Stating he has more than will, Renji proclaims he will destroy them with everything he has got. As Saru tells him to not get ahead of himself, Hebi tells him he should watch his mouth. As Renji expresses surprise, Saru says Renji has got another thing coming if he believes he can defeat them with only his will to fight. Breaking free from Saru's grasp, Hebi agrees and states they are always stronger regardless of what Renji does. Smiling, Saru asks Renji if he wishes to see it for himself.

When Renji asks Saru what she is referring to, Saru grins and says she is talking about Renji's blade before leaping down, surprising Renji. Meanwhile, Hisagi clutches his abdomen and asks Izuru what they will do now. Telling Hisagi to stay still and not talk too much, Izuru states his injuries look very bad. Standing up, Hisagi says this will not happen and states he cannot sit here and let Izuru take care of his problem, prompting Izuru to say he would not have planned it this way either.

Stating it is far worse to allow a lieutenant to die before they find a way to resolve this problem, Izuru assumes a battle stance. Saying he is not here only to help Hisagi, Izuru states they must put down the Zanpakutō rebellion at any cost. Leaning against a tree, Hisagi slides down and calls out to Izuru before falling unconscious. Asking Izuru if he is another idiot to kill, Kazeshini raises his kusarigama and says it is fine by him, for he does not care which of them wishes to die first.

Stating his desire is to reap as many lives as possible, Kazeshini licks the blade of his kusarigama. When Izuru sarcastically says Kazeshini is aiming very high, Kazeshini states he might as well take full advantage of his freedom. As Izuru expresses surprise at something, Kazeshini laughs and fires a dark shockwave at Izuru, who destroys it. As Izuru destroys another one, a third, larger shockwave hits his blade. Momentarily struggling with it, Izuru destroys it as well.

As Kazeshini laughs maniacally, one of his kusarigama hurtles toward Izuru. Deflecting it, Izuru deflects the other kusarigama before ducking to avoid a kusarigama flying overhead. Moving back to dodge another one, Izuru deflects another kusarigama. When a kusarigama moves towards him from behind, Izuru leaps onto a nearby tree branch. Laughing, Kazeshini proclaims Izuru is too slow. As Izuru turns around, Kazeshini appears in the air behind him.

Saying he is waiting on Kazeshini, who expresses surprise, Izuru uses '''Bakudō #37. Tsuriboshi'''. As six white Reishi ropes attach themselves to nearby trees, Kazeshini hits the cushion-like center of the Bakudō. Moving to Hisagi with Shunpo, Izuru puts Hisagi's arm over his shoulders and lifts him up. As Kazeshini demands to know what this is, Izuru moves away with Shunpo. Elsewhere, the smoke clears to reveal Zangetsu holding Tensa Zangetsu.

Lifting his blade above his head, Zangetsu tells Ichigo he is coming as black-red Reiatsu swirls around his blade. As Ichigo expresses surprise, Zangetsu fires a Getsuga Tenshō at Ichigo, who is overwhelmed by the blast. As the Getsuga Tenshō travels along the corridor before dispersing, Muramasa looks on as the dust clears to reveal a panting Ichigo. As Muramasa walks forward, Ichigo notes how strong the Getsuga Tenshō was and tells himself it was too close.

Standing up, Zangetsu points his blade at Ichigo, who wonders if he was able to exert this much power. Telling Ichigo to get up, Zangetsu states he is not finished. Getting up, Ichigo says he will do so if this is what Zangetsu wants. Pointing his blade in front of him, Ichigo attempts to activate his Bankai. When nothing happens, Ichigo expresses surprise as Zangetsu apologizes and states Ichigo will not be able to use his Bankai without Zangetsu's power.

As Ichigo says he can see this, Zangetsu fires another Getsuga Tenshō at him. As Ichigo leaps into the air, the Getsuga Tenshō tears through the ground and leaves a fissure in its wake. As Ichigo wonders how he will stand a chance against Zangetsu without using his Bankai, Zangetsu fires another Getsuga Tenshō at him. Preparing to don his Hollow mask, Ichigo remembers Hollow Ichigo stating Ichigo will not be able to use his mask in exchange for access to Hollow Ichigo's power.

Moving his hand away from his face, Ichigo fires a Getsuga Tenshō at Zangetsu's Getsuga Tenshō, creating a large explosion in midair as Muramasa looks on. Meanwhile, Saru runs toward Renji before swinging Zabimaru at him. When Renji extends the segments of Zabimaru towards her, Saru's Zabimaru glows red and disappears. As Renji expresses surprise, Saru leaps away as Hebi lands in front of Renji, who sends a wave through the segments of Zabimaru.

Manifesting Zabimaru in his hand, Hebi slashes at the segments of Renji's Zabimaru and knocks them back before leaping backwards. Landing on a wall, he jumps up to Saru and holds himself up with his tail. As Hebi says this was not bad, Saru states Renji has more fight in him than she though. Asking Saru if she is dense, Renji proclaims he has been training for his entire life. Looking at him, Saru says they have no choice, prompting Hebi to say they will do it.

As Zabimaru glows red and disappears from Hebi's hand, Saru holds her chain in front of her and activates their Bankai. As steam emanates from her hand, Hebi smirks as the steam envelops him. As Hebi's eyes glow red, he transforms behind the steam, shocking Renji. As the steam dissipates, Saru stands with Hihiō Zabimaru around her. Stating Renji looks surprised, Saru says he should have known they were capable of this because they are Zanpakutō spirits.

Gesturing with the hilt of Hihiō Zabimaru, Saru uses Hikotsu Taihō. Opening its mouth, Hihiō Zabimaru fires several small blasts of red energy at the area around Renji before charging at him. Blocking its mouth with Zabimaru, Renji is pushed away. As Renji yells, Hihiō Zabimaru slams him into a building. Elsewhere, Ichigo pants as Zangetsu stands before him. Raising his blade, Ichigo asks Zangetsu if finding out who is stronger is really so important to him.

When Zangetsu asks Ichigo why he is asking, Ichigo states severing their bond is not Zangetsu's main goal if this is so important. Saying his only goal is to make Ichigo more powerful, Zangetsu states Ichigo has surpassed his expectations and there is nothing left for him to teach. Saying Ichigo being able to defeat him in combat is up to Ichigo, Zangetsu states he would be content even if Ichigo died by his blade. When Ichigo asks if this is so, Zangetsu confirms this.

When Ichigo says he has to give this fight everything he has inside of him and prove his strength with or without Zangetsu in order to regain Zangetsu's power, Zangetsu confirms this and tells Ichigo to not hold back. As he tells Ichigo to hit him with everything he has got, Ichigo looks at his blade as Hollow Ichigo tells Ichigo he is much more difficult to handle than Ichigo may think. Looking at Zangetsu, Ichigo states they will go.

Meanwhile, Renji dodges Hikotsu Taihō and runs as Hihiō Zabimaru roars and follows him. Leaping from building to building as Hihiō Zabimaru follows him, Renji turns and sends Zabimaru towards Hihiō Zabimaru. When the attack misses, Renji lands and retracts Zabimaru before leaping away as Hihiō Zabimaru crashes into the ground where he was standing. When Hihiō Zabimaru follows him into the air, Renji sends Zabimaru at it once more.

Moving around Zabimaru, Hihiō Zabimaru catches Renji in its mouth and flies off. As a yelling Renji struggles to free himself, Zabimaru is knocked from his grasp and falls to the ground below as Renji lands on a building. As Renji lies on the ground, Saru looks over her shoulder and says their Bankai is nothing like the one Renji knows, for it has no blind spots. Turning to him, Saru proclaims the game is over and states Renji's Shikai cannot match her Bankai no matter what he does.

As Renji gets up, Saru asks him if he understands and says Renji will never defeat them. Telling her to shut up, Renji stands up and notes Saru is right, for his Shikai cannot hold up against their Bankai. Noting they are reading all of his moves before he makes them, Renji tells himself it makes sense, for they know his usual pattern of attack more than anyone. As Renji wonders what he is going to do, Saru gestures with the hilt of Hihiō Zabimaru, which glows pink and reverts to Hebi.

Telling Renji to not bother trying to think his way out of this, Saru states Renji's lack of intelligence is the most pitiful of all of his weaknesses. Realizing something, Renji looks at his hand and notes it is worth a shot. When Hebi asks Saru what they will do now, Saru says Renji has probably realized it is pointless to continue fighting like this. As Saru turns and begins to walk away, Renji raises his clenched fists in front of him and uses '''Bakudō #4. Hainawa'''.

When yellow Reishi ropes wrap around Saru's right arm and Hebi's tail, they turn around in surprise as Renji, who is holding the ends of the ropes in his hand, states it is not over yet. As Hebi says he never learns, Saru states this is pathetic. Noting they never expect him to use Kidō because he is awful at it, Renji uses '''Hadō #31. Shakkahō'''. Saying Renji is getting creative, Saru notes this is what he was planning and raises her arm.

Stating it is too bad Renji's level of Kidō is so weak, Saru glows with red Reiatsu. As Renji fires the energy blast, the Reiatsu around Saru solidifies, causing the blast to explode upon hitting it without injuring Saru. Leaping into the air, Renji says there is more and fires more energy blasts at them. As the Reiatsu around Saru disperses, she and Hebi jump away as the blasts hit the area where they were standing. Landing in the same area, Renji fires another energy blast.

When Renji attempts to fire another one, it explodes in his hands, prompting him to fire another one through the smoke. Dodging the blasts, Hebi demands to know what Renji is doing and states his Kidō is dangerous to everyone, including himself. As Renji continues to fire energy blasts while running, another one explodes in his hands. Running through the smoke, Renji fires more energy blasts at Saru, who climbs up the side of a nearby building and says Renji is trying out a new technique.

Stating there is no way Renji can beat them with his pathetic Kidō, Saru jumps and lands on the top of the building. As she pulls on her chain, Hebi dodges the energy blasts and flies past Renji before grabbing Renji's Zabimaru. As a laughing Hebi proclaims he has got it, the segments of Zabimaru fall apart, surprising Hebi. Laughing, Saru says Renji's Zabimaru is worthless now and manifests her own Zabimaru as Renji grins.

Pulling Hebi towards Renji, Saru leaps towards him and bids him farewell. Stating this will not happen yet, Renji fires another '''Hadō #31. Shakkahō''' at Hebi. Expressing disdain, Hebi destroys the blast with Renji's Zabimaru. When the cord connecting the segments of Renji's Zabimaru breaks and sends the segments flying away, Hebi expresses shock as Saru wonders what happened. Shielding himself, Renji uses Higa Zekkō.

Glowing red, the segments of Renji's Zabimaru fly towards Saru and Hebi, who scream in pain. Falling to the ground, they glow red before reverting to Zabimaru, which embeds itself into the ground. Elsewhere, Ichigo crashes into the ground. Following him, Zangetsu reverses his grip on the handle of Tensa Zangetsu and crashes into Ichigo. As the dust clears, Zangetsu stands with his blade embedded in a small crater. Running out of the dust, Ichigo attacks Zangetsu, who moves away.

When Zangetsu appears behind him, Ichigo turns and slashes at Zangetsu, who blocks his attack with his blade. When Ichigo slashes at him once more, Zangetsu moves to the side to avoid the attack. As Ichigo notes Zangetsu blocked him again, Zangetsu moves past him. Speeding towards Ichigo, Zangetsu dodges an attack from him before attacking Ichigo. Blocking, Ichigo is sent flying back into a chunk of rock as Zangetsu tells him he must attack him with everything he has got.

When Zangetsu proclaims Ichigo will not stand a chance against him otherwise, Ichigo stands up and says he knows this. As he assumes a battle stance, blue Reiatsu emanates from him. Closing his eyes, Ichigo feels Hollow Ichigo within him. As he opens his eyes, Zangetsu appears in front of him and slashes at him. When Ichigo blocks, Zangetsu expresses surprise. Stating he is getting the hang of it now, Ichigo pushes Zangetsu's blade away and attacks him, forcing Zangetsu to block.

Clashing once more, Ichigo and Zangetsu are pushed away from each other by the force of the clash. Skidding to a halt, Zangetsu raises his blade, proclaims he has grown tired of this skirmish, and says they will settle this. When Ichigo states he is ready when Zangetsu is, Zangetsu raises his blade above his head as black-red Reiatsu swirls around it. Assuming a battle stance, Ichigo yells as blue Reiatsu flares up around him.

As Zangetsu fires a Getsuga Tenshō, Ichigo raises his blade over his head as his Reiatsu expands and takes on the form of a Hollow mask with glowing red eyes. When Ichigo fires a Getsuga Tenshō, the mask roars as it collides with Zangetsu's Getsuga Tenshō. As Ichigo yells, Hollow Ichigo proclaims he cannot let his hopes die as red Reiatsu emanates from him. In the real world, red Reiatsu emanates from Ichigo and infuses itself into his Getsuga Tenshō.

As Ichigo continues to yell, a shocked Zangetsu says this is impossible and notes Ichigo is not even using his Bankai. As Zangetsu notes how powerful Ichigo's Getsuga Tenshō is, Muramasa expresses surprise. As Ichigo and Hollow Ichigo yell in unison, the mask on Ichigo's Getsuga Tenshō opens its mouth and engulfs Zangetsu, who screams. As a column of blue Reiatsu extends into the sky and expands outwards, Rukia Kuchiki wakes up.

As Rukia gets up and looks out of the window, 8th Division Captain Shunsui Kyōraku and 13th Division Captain Jūshirō Ukitake look up as well. In the forest, Izuru and Hisagi look up as the former heals the latter's wounds with healing Kidō. As a panting Ichigo stands in the destroyed corridor, the blade of Tensa Zangetsu lies embedded in the ground. Looking up, Ichigo tells Muramasa he is next. Smiling, Muramasa asks Ichigo if he had any misgivings about destroying his Zanpakutō.

When Ichigo states he did not have any, Muramasa expresses shock. Clenching his fist, Ichigo says he knows Zangetsu better than anyone and knew Zangetsu would not run away from him. Stating he knew Zangetsu would take his attack head-on, Ichigo proclaims this is why there was no way he could run away from a battle and turn his back on Zangetsu. When Ichigo says their bond is their strength, Muramasa states he understands before coughing violently.

When sections of Muramasa's body turn translucent, Ichigo expresses surprise and asks Muramasa what is happening. Saying the bond between Ichigo and Zangetsu being the source of their strength is fascinating, Muramasa coughs again and states it seems he has toyed with Ichigo for too long. When Muramasa says it is best if he moves on, Ichigo demands to know what he is doing. As Muramasa bids Ichigo farewell, his body disperses into green energy.

As Ichigo expresses surprise, the blade of Tensa Zangetsu transforms into a kneeling Zangetsu. When Ichigo asks Zangetsu if he is alright, Zangetsu stands up and confirms this. Stating he will be alright now, Zangetsu reveals Muramasa's mind control is broken, prompting Ichigo to express confusion. Meanwhile, Renji walks up to Zabimaru. Admitting he possesses weakness, Renji says he thinks he will grow stronger as long as he continues to strive for greatness.

Correcting himself, Renji states he knows he will become stronger and walks past Zabimaru. Within the blade, Hebi says Renji is full of himself. As Renji stops walking and expresses surprise, Saru states Renji's last attack hurt a little bit. When Hebi says Renji is actually pretty good, Renji turns around and smiles. As Saru states they came to their senses, Hebi proclaims it is time they put an end to this ridiculous rebellion, prompting Renji to ask them what they mean.

Elsewhere, Zangetsu reveals Muramasa was able to control the Zanpakutō spirits by awakening their darkest instincts and bringing them to the surface of their minds. When Ichigo asks Zangetsu if he is saying all of the other Zanpakutō spirits are under Muramasa's control, Zangetsu admits he cannot be sure, but it is very likely. As Ichigo looks down, Zangetsu says Ichigo was the one who saved him this time, prompting Ichigo to put his hand up to his face and state he cannot take all of the credit.

When Zangetsu asks Ichigo what he will do now, Ichigo asks him if it is not obvious. Saying he will find Muramasa, Ichigo proclaims he will stop him, prompting Zangetsu to state he understands. Meanwhile, a coughing Muramasa kneels as blood trickles from his eyes. Wiping some of it off, Muramasa looks at his hand, which is translucent, and says Ichigo may be the one.

Shinigami Illustrated Picture Book
In the Kuchiki Family Manor, Hanatarō Yamada searches for injured people and comes across a foot buried underneath debris. Lifting it up, he finds a Wakame Ambassador, but mistakes it for a person and anxiously asks it if it is injured, to the confusion of those nearby.

Fights

 * Shūhei Hisagi vs. Kazeshini (concluded)
 * Renji Abarai vs. Zabimaru (concluded)
 * Ichigo Kurosaki & Hollow Ichigo vs. Zangetsu & Muramasa (concluded)

Powers and Techniques Used
Kidō used:
 * '''Bakudō #37
 * '''Hadō #31
 * '''Bakudō #4

Techniques used:

Shinigami techniques used:

Zanpakutō released:

Shikai:

Bankai:

Trivia

 * In the original Japanese version, during the ending theme's animation, Izuru Kira and Wabisuke are seen in place of Ichigo Kurosaki and Zangetsu.