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 6th Division Lieutenant Renji Abarai and Ichigo Kurosaki conclude their battles.

Summary
Slashed by Kazeshini, Hisagi moves away with Shunpo as Kazeshini attacks him once more. Kazeshini licks his lips as Hisagi appears behind him before collapsing. Kazeshini notes Hisagi used Shunpo to avoid a direct hit.

Proclaiming Hisagi is an idiot for doing so, Kazeshini walks over to him and points out how Hisagi would not be in pain if he died before saying 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 Izuru.

Kazeshini leaps back and demands to know who Izuru is as Izuru notes 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 faces Muramasa, who notes Ichigo continues to amuse him before admiting he never expected to become so invested in a single Shinigami when he began this mission. Ichigo states Muramasa talks a lot for a Zanpakutō Spirit before asking him if there is ever a point to his speeches. When Muramasa smiles, Ichigo states he has had enough of this small talk.

Proclaiming that 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. As Ichigo asks him if he is still working for Muramasa, Zangetsu pushes Ichigo's blade away before slashing at him. Leaping back, Ichigo says he will fight to get Zangetsu back even if he has to fight Zangetsu himself and states he has made his decision before asking Zangetsu what he will do. Zangetsu points Zangetsu at Ichigo before saying he must find out who is stronger between the two of them.

Blue Reiatsu emanates from Zangetsu as 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 before landing on a roof next to Saru, who tells him to be careful. As Hebi tells Saru that he knows this, Renji retracts Zabimaru. Hebi wonders out loud if something about Renji changed, prompting a smiling Saru to confirm 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, prompting an outraged Hebi to demand to know what he just said before leaping towards him. Saru pulls Hebi back by his chain and tells him to wait before noting this is a very bold thing to say.

When Saru says this means that Renji has found the will to fight them, Renji states he has more than will before proclaiming that he will destroy them with everything he has got, prompting Saru to tell him to not get ahead of himself as Hebi tells Renji 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 as a smiling Saru asks Renji if he wishes to see it for himself.

Renji asks Saru what she is referring to, prompting a grinning Saru to reveal she is talking about Renji's blade before leaping down, which surprises 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 notes his injuries look very bad. Hisagi stands up and says this will not happen before claiming that he cannot sit here and let Izuru take care of his problem, prompting Izuru to admit he would not have planned it this way either before pointing out how it is far worse to allow a lieutenant to die before they find a way to resolve this problem.

Assuming a battle stance, Izuru says he is not here only to help Hisagi before stating they must put down the Zanpakutō rebellion at any cost. Hisagi slides down against a tree 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 because he does not care which of them wishes to die first. Kazeshini explains how his desire is to reap as many lives as possible before licking the blade of his kusarigama. When Izuru sarcastically says Kazeshini is aiming very high, Kazeshini points out how he might as well take full advantage of his freedom.

As Izuru expresses surprise, Kazeshini laughs and fires a Shadow Blade at Izuru, who destroys it. Izuru destroys another Shadow Blade, only for a third, larger Shadow Blade to hit his sword. Momentarily struggling with it, Izuru destroys the larger Shadow Blade as well. Kazeshini laughs maniacally as one of his kusarigama hurtles toward Izuru, who deflects it and deflects the other kusarigama before ducking to avoid a kusarigama flying overhead. Moving back to dodge another kusarigama, Izuru deflects another kusarigama with his Zanpakutō.

A kusarigama moves towards Izuru from behind, prompting him to leap onto a nearby tree branch. Laughing, Kazeshini proclaims Izuru is too slow as Izuru turns around. Kazeshini appears in the air behind Izuru, who says he is waiting on Kazeshini, surprising him, before using '''Bakudō #37. Tsuriboshi'''. As six white Reishi ropes attach themselves to nearby trees, Kazeshini hits the center of the ropes. Moving to Hisagi with Shunpo, Izuru puts Hisagi's arm over his shoulders and lifts him up before moving away with Shunpo as Kazeshini demands to know what this is.

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, surprising Ichigo. 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. Muramasa walks forward as Ichigo notes how strong the Getsuga Tenshō was before telling himself it was too close.

Standing up, Zangetsu points his blade at Ichigo, who wonders if he was able to exert this much power with his Bankai. Zangetsu tells Ichigo to get up before stating he is not finished. Getting up, Ichigo says he will do so if this is what Zangetsu wants and holds Zangetsu in front of him before attempting 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. Ichigo says he can see this as 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 the ground in its wake. Ichigo wonders how he will stand a chance against Zangetsu without using his Bankai as 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 and moves his hand away from his face before firing 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, surprising Renji. 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. Hebi lands on a wall and jumps up to Saru before holding himself up with his tail. As Hebi admits this was not bad, Saru states Renji has more fight in him than she thought.

Asking Saru if she is dense, Renji proclaims he has been training for his entire life. Saru looks at Renji and 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, causing steam to emanate from her hand and envelop a smirking Hebi. Hebi's eyes glow red as he transforms behind the steam, which dissipates to reveal Saru stands with Hihiō Zabimaru around her, shocking Renji. Claiming Renji looks surprised, Saru states he should have known they were capable of this because they are Zanpakutō Spirits.

Saru gestures with the hilt of Hihiō Zabimaru before using Hikotsu Taihō. Opening its mouth, Hihiō Zabimaru fires several small blasts of red energy at the area around Renji before charging at him. Renji blocks the head of Hihiō Zabimaru with Zabimaru before being pushed away. As Renji yells, Hihiō Zabimaru slams him into a building. Elsewhere, Ichigo pants as Zangetsu stands before him and raises Zangetsu before asking Zangetsu if finding out who is stronger is really so important to him, which prompts Zangetsu to ask Ichigo why he is asking.

When Ichigo points out how severing their bond is not Zangetsu's main goal if this is so important, Zangetsu says his only goal is to make Ichigo more powerful before stating that 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 admits he would be content even if Ichigo died by his blade. Ichigo asks Zangetsu if this is so, which Zangetsu confirms, prompting Ichigo to say 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 Zangetsu tells him to hit him with everything he has got, Ichigo looks at Zangetsu 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, only for the attack to miss. Renji lands and retracts Zabimaru before leaping away.

Crashing into the ground where Renji was standing, Hihiō Zabimaru follows him into the air as Renji sends Zabimaru at it once more. However, Hihiō Zabimaru moves around Zabimaru before catching Renji in its mouth and flying 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. Renji lies on the ground as Saru looks over her shoulder and says their Bankai is nothing like the one Renji knows because it has no blind spots before turning to face Renji.

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 Saru to shut up, Renji stands up and notes Saru is right because his Shikai cannot hold up against their Bankai. Renji notes Saru and Hebi are reading all of his moves before he makes them and admits it makes sense because they know his usual pattern of attack better than anyone else does. 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, causing Renji to realizes something. Renji looks at his hand and notes it is worth a shot as Hebi asks Saru what they will do now. Claiming Renji has probably realized it is pointless to continue fighting like this, Saru turns and begins to walk away, only for Renji to raise his clenched fists in front of him before using '''Bakudō #4. Hainawa''', causing yellow Reishi ropes to wrap around Saru's right arm and Hebi's tail.

Saru and Hebi 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 claims Renji 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'''. Saru says Renji is getting creative and notes this is what he was planning before raising her arm. Stating it is too bad Renji's level of Kidō is so weak, a grinning 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. Renji lands in the same area and 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.

Renji runs through the smoke and 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 before pulling 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, but Renji states this will not happen yet before firing another '''Hadō #31. Shakkahō at Hebi, who expresses disdain before blocking 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. Renji shields himself before using Higa Zekkō, causing the segments of Zabimaru to glow red before flying at Saru and Hebi, who scream in pain. Falling to the ground, Saru and Hebi glow red before reverting to Zabimaru, which embeds itself into the ground.

Elsewhere, Ichigo crashes into the ground. Following Ichigo, 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. Ichigo runs out of the dust before attacking Zangetsu, who moves away. When Zangetsu appears behind him, Ichigo turns and slashes at Zangetsu, who blocks his attack with Tensa Zangetsu. Ichigo slashes at Zangetsu once more, but 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, who blocks and is sent flying back into a chunk of rock. Zangetsu tells Ichigo he must attack him with everything he has got and proclaims Ichigo will not stand a chance against him otherwise, prompting Ichigo to say he knows this while standing up. As blue Reiatsu emanates from him, Ichigo assumes a battle stance and closes his eyes while feeling Hollow Ichigo within him. Ichigo opens his eyes as Zangetsu appears in front of him and slashes at him, only for Ichigo to block his attack.

Zangetsu expresses surprise as Ichigo notes he is getting the hang of it now and pushes Zangetsu's blade away before attacking him, forcing Zangetsu to block. Clashing once more, Ichigo and Zangetsu are pushed away from each other by the force of their clash. After skidding to a halt, Zangetsu raises his blade and proclaims that he has grown tired of this skirmish before saying they will settle this. When Ichigo states that 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 at him, Ichigo raises his blade over his head as his Reiatsu expands and forms a Getsuga Tenshō with a Hollow mask with glowing red eyes inside it. Ichigo fires the Getsuga Tenshō, prompting the mask to roar 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.

Zangetsu notes how powerful Ichigo's Getsuga Tenshō is as 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. A column of blue Reiatsu extends into the sky and expands outwards as 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 Kaidō.

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. When a smiling Muramasa asks him if he had any misgivings about destroying his Zanpakutō Spirit, Ichigo reveals he did not have any, shocking Muramasa. Ichigo clenches his fist and says he knows Zangetsu better than anyone else does before stating he knew Zangetsu would not run away from him. Noting 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.

Sections of Muramasa's body turn translucent, surprising Ichigo, who asks Muramasa what is happening. Noting 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 before saying it is best if he moves on. As Ichigo demands to know what he is doing, Muramasa bids Ichigo farewell as his body disperses into green energy. Ichigo expresses surprise as the blade of Tensa Zangetsu transforms into a kneeling Zangetsu, whom Ichigo asks if he is alright.

Zangetsu stands up and confirms this before stating he will be alright now because Muramasa's mind control is broken, prompting Ichigo to express confusion. Meanwhile, Renji walks up to Zabimaru and admits he possesses weakness before saying 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. Saru states they came to their senses as 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. Ichigo asks Zangetsu if he is saying all of the other Zanpakutō Spirits are under Muramasa's control, only for Zangetsu to admit he cannot be sure before noting it is very likely.

Ichigo looks down as Zangetsu notes 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 and says he will find Muramasa before proclaiming that he will stop him, prompting Zangetsu to state he understands. Meanwhile, a coughing Muramasa kneels as blood trickles from his eyes. Wiping some of the blood off, Muramasa looks at his hand, which is translucent, and notes Ichigo may be the one.

Shinigami Illustrated Picture Book
In the Kuchiki Family Manor, 7th Seat 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.

Characters in Order of Appearance

 * 1) Shūhei Hisagi
 * 2) Kazeshini
 * 3) Izuru Kira
 * 4) Ichigo Kurosaki
 * 5) Muramasa
 * 6) Zangetsu
 * 7) Hollow Ichigo
 * 8) Zabimaru
 * 9) Renji Abarai
 * 10) Rukia Kuchiki
 * 11) Jūshirō Ukitake
 * 12) Shunsui Kyōraku

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:
 * Shadow Blades

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.