Clash! Kenpachi Zaraki vs. Maki Ichinose

'''Clash! Kenpachi Zaraki vs. Maki Ichinose''' is the ninety-eighth episode of the Bleach anime.

Statistics

 * Original Airdate: October 4, 2006
 * English Airdate: January 24, 2009
 * Opening Song: Rolling Star
 * Ending Song: Baby It's You
 * Manga Chapters: None
 * Kanji: 激突！更木剣八VS一之瀬真樹
 * Romaji: "Gekitotsu! Zaraki Kenpachi VS Ichinose Maki"
 * Arc: Bount Assault on Soul Society arc

Summary
As Toshiro Hitsugaya begins his fight with Maki Ichinose, Ichigo Kurosaki and Uryu Ishida arrive on the scene. Shortly thereafter they are shortly joined by Yasutora Sado, Orihime Inoue, Renji Abarai, and Rangiku Matsumoto. All of them quickly realize that none of the Bounts are there and Ichinose confirms this, saying that Kariya had him stay behind to finish off Ichigo and his friends. Ichinose tells them Kariya and the others have gone to wipe out the Seireitei. While the others wonder how such an army managed to get by them, Chad and Rangiku realize the truth. They remember the Bount Sawatari and his ability to travel through a different dimision and they inform the others. Ichinose directly challenges them all and using his Zanpakuto's special ability manages to gain the advantage on all seven of them.

Ichinose prepares to finish Chad, but is caught off guard by a familiar face. Kenpachi Zaraki arrives and with one attack shatters his illusion and brings Ichinose to his knees; a feet that left Uryu in a stae of awe. Initially Kenpachi says he isn't there to stop Ichinose and tells him that it isn't his wish to fight with him; unless Ichinose decides to stand up and challenge him directly, thereby letting Ichigo and the others go, which would be a direct violation of Kariyas orders. In the end Ichinose chooses to fight Kenpachi.

As the fight begins Ichinose is clearly outmacthed as most of his attacks connect, but Ichinose's attacks lack the power to hurt Kenpachi. Kenpachi expresses his disappointment in Ichinose, saying that after all of these years he hasn't changed a bit. Kenpachi decides to end the fight, but Ichinose suddenly grows stronger and reveals his Zanpakutos final form. With his speed and strength increased he manages to wound Kenpachi and catches him in his most powerful attack. Believing the fight over, Ichinose goes to leave and assist Kariya. He is however stopped by Yachiru Kusajishis constant questions and statements. Yachiru continueously tells him that Kenpachi isn't dead and Ichinose, having lost his patience threatens her. Just then, he hears Kenpachi yell out and a massive explosion shatters Ichinose's attack, revealing Kenpachi has survived.

Faced with this Ichinose loses his demeanor and begins to frantically attack Kenpachi. Kenpachi easily dodges and lands a crippling blow to Ichinose. Kenpachi calls him a fool and an idiot. He reminds Ichinose about what he is really fighting for. Having remembered his former captain and the dream they once shared, Ichinose summons all of his strength for one final attack. Kenpachi matches his power and the two collide. Yet, in the end, Ichinose's sword breaks and Kenpachi deals him a mortal wound. Ichinose collapses. Kenpachi is approached by Yachiru and she asks him for the truth. Kenpachi tells her he didn't hold back and Yachiru knows that means Ichinose is finished. Yachiru pays her respects to the fallen warrior and the two head back to the Seireitei.