For the Sake of Pride! Byakuya vs. Renji

 is the two hundred and forty-first episode of the Bleach anime.

Muramasa has 6th Division Captain Byakuya Kuchiki perform a test of loyalty. Afterwards, Byakuya invades the 6th Division barracks and is forced to fight his lieutenant, Renji Abarai.

Summary
In the Seireitei, 6th Division Lieutenant Renji Abarai grabs Ichigo Kurosaki by the collar. Telling Ichigo to watch his mouth, Renji states this kind of talk will get Ichigo in trouble around here, prompting 8th Division Captain Shunsui Kyōraku to tell Renji to take a deep breath.

Turning to Shunsui, Renji apologizes and says he finds 6th Division Captain Byakuya Kuchiki betraying them to be inconceivable. When Renji states there must be a plausible reason for Byakuya's actions, Ichigo says he does not know what Byakuya's reasoning is and reveals Byakuya is working with his Zanpakutō Spirit, Senbonzakura. Shocked by this news, Renji turns and walks over to a nearby window as Ichigo sits down in a chair.

As Ichigo, Renji, Shunsui, 8th Division Lieutenant Nanao Ise, 4th Division Captain Retsu Unohana, and 13th Division Captain Jūshirō Ukitake silently contemplate Byakuya's betrayal, Shunsui sarcastically states this is great, for Captain-Commander Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto has yet to be found and now Byakuya has turned against them, and wonders what other surprises are waiting for them out there. As Nanao expresses concern, Ukitake says 10th Division Captain Tōshirō Hitsugaya being able to recover his Zanpakutō, Hyōrinmaru, after a long ordeal is the only good news they have.

As 10th Division Lieutenant Rangiku Matsumoto and 5th Division Lieutenant Momo Hinamori visit Hitsugaya in the Sōgō Kyūgo Tsumesho, with Rangiku placing flowers on a bedside table, Ukitake states the battle cost Hitsugaya, who will not be able to fight for some time. Saying they now know how to reclaim their Zanpakutō, Ukitake states they cannot afford to risk such injury in every fight. Saying she must share more distressing news from the 12th Division regarding the subject, Unohana reveals there would be serious consequences if a Zanpakutō Spirit were destroyed by anyone other than its master.

When Unohana reveals Zanpakutō Spirits could be permanently lost if this were to occur, Ukitake and Shunsui express surprise. Standing up, Ichigo asks Unohana what they are supposed to do when fighting another Shinigami's Zanpakutō Spirit. When Shunsui states they will have to go easy on them, Ichigo asks him how they would do this, for they are barely beating them now. Sitting back, Shunsui admits Ichigo is correct and says this is a tough one to figure out. As Shunsui states the enemy's plan appears to involve the Shinigami destroying their own Zanpakutō Spirits, Nanao draws his attention.

When Nanao suggests they keep Byakuya's betrayal a secret to everyone except the captains, Shunsui opposes this and says rumors will circulate and affect troop morale if they begin keeping secrets now. As Renji looks out of the window, Shunsui states it is not easy to keep people from talking. When Renji asks Shunsui how he thinks they should explain this to Rukia Kuchiki, Ukitake stands up and says he will take care of this. Stating Rukia will be fine, Ukitake says she will have to accept the truth as they have.

Later, at the Sōgō Kyūgo Tsumesho, Rukia expresses shock at Byakuya's actions. Confirming it is true, Ukitake, who is sitting next to Rukia's bed, states Byakuya has joined the rebellious Zanpakutō Spirits. When Rukia sighs, Ukitake says they should not jump to conclusions and states Byakuya could simply be trying to handle the matter on his own. Saying this could be the case, Rukia looks out of the window and says Byakuya's name to herself.

Meanwhile, in a cave, as Hōzukimaru, Sode no Shirayuki, the blue-haired man, the brown-haired man, the baby-sized creature, Haineko, Tobiume, Tenken, the hornet-like girl, Kazeshini, and the gaunt man express surprise, Muramasa faces a pool of water as Byakuya walks down the steps and stands in front of the Zanpakutō Spirits. As Kazeshini recognizes him, Hōzukimaru asks Muramasa what Byakuya is doing here as the hornet-like girl asks Muramasa what is going on.

As the blue-haired man asks Muramasa what the meaning of this is, Senbonzakura asks Byakuya why he helped Senbonzakura. As Sode no Shirayuki greets him, Senbonzakura tells Byakuya to explain why a captain like him betrayed the Shinigami. As Hōzukimaru notes Byakuya turned on his own people, the blue-haired man realizes Byakuya is on their side now. When Byakuya states the reason he came to this decision is strictly based on his own pride, Kazeshini laughs and says he does not believe Byakuya at all.

Stating Byakuya's actions prove it, Tobiume reveals he helped her and Haineko escape. In the past, Byakuya appears near the cage Tobiume and Haineko are imprisoned in and knocks out the three Shinigami guards. As Haineko wonders what this is and Tobiume asks her what she believes Byakuya is here for, Byakuya approaches the cage as Haineko asks him why he is doing this. In the present, the blue-haired man says they are all here because they have grown weary of their Shinigami and states it would go against everything they have fought for to accept Byakuya into their group.

Agreeing, Hōzukimaru says Byakuya could be a spy. When Senbonzakura states Byakuya must do something to prove he is serious about defecting from the Shinigami, Byakuya asks Senbonzakura what he wants him to do. Looking over the assembled Zanpakutō Spirits, Senbonzakura tells Byakuya to kill Sode no Shirayuki here and now, prompting Sode no Shirayuki to express shock. As Haineko tells Senbonzakura to hold on and asks him what he is talking about, the hornet-like girl expresses disbelief at Senbonzakura wanting Byakuya to kill one of them.

Saying a Zanpakutō Spirit killed by someone other than its wielder never returns to its original form, Senbonzakura states this would show them where Byakuya's true loyalties lie. As Kazeshini laughs and says this will be good, the blue-haired man states Byakuya cares for Rukia more than anyone. Saying the blue-haired man is saying Byakuya would never kill Sode no Shirayuki, Hōzukimaru manifests Hōzukimaru as the blue-haired man manifests his Zanpakutō. As the gaunt man manifests Wabisuke and Kazeshini manifests Kazeshini, Tobiume realizes the Zanpakutō Spirits never intended to let Byakuya join them. As Kazeshini confirms this, Senbonzakura states this farce ends here and tells Byakuya it is time to settle this.

When Byakuya asks Senbonzakura if he wants Sode no Shirayuki to be killed now, Senbonzakura expresses shock as Byakuya moves away with Shunpo. Manifesting her Zanpakutō, Sode no Shirayuki blocks Byakuya's attack. When Byakuya slashes at her, Sode no Shirayuki leaps onto a nearby rock as Byakuya jumps toward her. When Sode no Shirayuki leaps away, Byakuya lands on the rock and jumps after her. As Sode no Shirayuki and Byakuya clash in midair, the other Zanpakutō Spirits look on. As Hōzukimaru notes Byakuya appears to be serious, Byakuya lands on the side of a rock before leaping off of it and clashing with Sode no Shirayuki once more.

As the force of Byakuya's attack slams her into a wall, Sode no Shirayuki grunts in pain. When Byakuya prepares to stab her, Sode no Shirayuki puts her hand in front of her mouth and blows an icy wind at Byakuya, who jumps back. Generating icicles, Sode no Shirayuki throws them at Byakuya, who deflects and destroys them with his sword in midair. Appearing on the ground behind Byakuya, Sode no Shirayuki uses Tsugi no mai, Hakuren, engulfing Byakuya in a large amount of cold air. When Byakuya uses '''Hadō #4. Byakurai''', Sode no Shirayuki leaps away to avoid the bolt of lightning. Appearing behind her, Byakuya slashes at Sode no Shirayuki.

Evading, Sode no Shirayuki is forced to block another attack from Byakuya while upside-down. As they clash several times in midair, Sode no Shirayuki moves away, prompting Byakuya to follow her. As Senbonzakura realizes Byakuya is going to kill her, Sode no Shirayuki says Byakuya does not have the strength to defeat her in his current condition even if he truly wishes to kill her. When Sode no Shirayuki uses Some no Mai, Tsukishiro, Byakuya moves back to avoid being trapped in the ice pillar. Moving back to avoid several more ice pillars, Byakuya lands on a rock outcrop. As Sode no Shirayuki uses Some no Mai, Tsukishiro once more, an icy circle forms on the wall behind Byakuya.

As a horizontal ice pillar forms before breaking apart, Sode no Shirayuki stands on one of the falling segments. Appearing behind Sode no Shirayuki with Utsusemi, Byakuya uses '''Bakudō #63. Rikujōkōrō''', immobilizing Sode no Shirayuki with six yellow bands. As Byakuya begins to move toward her, Sode no Shirayuki states this cannot be. Raising his sword, Byakuya says there is nothing he will not destroy if it is for the sake of his pride. As Sode no Shirayuki expresses shock, Byakuya cuts through her.

As Sode no Shirayuki reverts to her sword form, which snaps in two, the rest of the ice pillar crashes into the water as the broken sword lands on top of one of the segments. Proclaiming he does not believe it, Senbonzakura moves to the broken sword as the other Zanpakutō Spirits run to the edge of the cliff. As Senbonzakura picks up the broken sword, the other Zanpakutō Spirits express shock. When Byakuya appears next to them, Kazeshini demands to know if Byakuya has lost his mind.

Denying this, Byakuya states Kazeshini could never begin to comprehend his mind. Expressing anger, Kazeshini asks Byakuya if he is mocking him and begins to advance toward Byakuya. Stopping him by putting his hand in front of Kazeshini's face, Muramasa says this is enough. Closing his hand into a fist, Muramasa states they all know a Shinigami who has lost their Zanpakutō is as good as dead. Turning, Muramasa walks toward Byakuya and says he snapped Rukia's sword without hesitation despite knowing this.

Stating Byakuya is free to join them, Muramasa says he accepts Byakuya's resolve. When Kazeshini demands to know what is going on, the blue-haired man tells him to relax. As Hōzukimaru states they need to accept Muramasa saying it is alright, Senbonzakura turns and tells Byakuya he will slay him without hesitation if Byakuya wavers at any time and proclaims he will always be watching Byakuya's every move. As Byakuya looks at Senbonzakura, Muramasa states there is a certain matter he wants Byakuya to take care for him if he is to join the Zanpakutō Spirits.

Meanwhile, at the 6th Division barracks, Renji opens the door to Byakuya's office. Walking inside, Rukia thanks Renji, who tells her to not mention it and says he was thinking of doing the same thing. Stating Byakuya may have left some clues in his office, Renji tells Rukia he is sure Byakuya will return soon and says Byakuya is too good of a man to betray them. Agreeing, Rukia states she believes this as much as Renji does. As Renji smiles, a Shinigami runs up behind them and tells Renji they are ready to change shifts.

Telling the Shinigami this is good and he will be there as soon as possible, Renji turns to Rukia and tells her to not work too hard. As Rukia agrees and thanks him, Renji bids her farewell and leaves. Later, Rukia walks past Byakuya's bookshelf while looking around his office. Arriving at his desk, Rukia looks at Byakuya's chair and notes Byakuya always sat alone. Wondering what Byakuya was thinking, Rukia recalls reporting her day to Byakuya in his room. Later, Rukia sleeps in Byakuya's chair. Waking up, Rukia realizes she must have dozed off. Noting she is worn out, Rukia rubs her eyes before feeling an immense Reiatsu.

Recognizing it as Byakuya's, Rukia gets up and runs off. Running through a hallway filled with torn windows and defeated Shinigami, Rukia expresses surprise upon seeing Byakuya standing in the middle of the hallway. Smiling, Rukia begins to walk toward Byakuya and calls out to him. When Byakuya says her name, Rukia stops and notices the defeated Shinigami lying on the ground nearby. Beginning to ask Byakuya if he did this, Rukia states it has been a long time and asks Byakuya what he is doing here and where he has been. When Byakuya does not answer, Rukia demands to know why he will not answer her.

Holding the broken Sode no Shirayuki next to Rukia's head, Senbonzakura says this is Byakuya's answer. Leaping back, Rukia demands to know who Senbonzakura is. Tossing the broken Sode no Shirayuki aside, Senbonzakura throws its blade to the ground as well. Kneeling, Rukia notes she cannot sense the Reiatsu of Sode no Shirayuki and wonders if Byakuya actually killed her. As Senbonzakura states Rukia has no way of fighting them with Sode no Shirayuki gone, Rukia says this is impossible and clutches the blade and hilt of Sode no Shirayuki to her chest as Byakuya tells her to stay out of their way. Turning to face him, Rukia asks Byakuya what he has done.

Raising his sword over his head, Senbonzakura states he will be glad to show Rukia. As Rukia turns, Senbonzakura strikes at her, only for Renji to block his attack with his sword. As Rukia calls out to him, Renji forces Senbonzakura back and slashes at him. When Senbonzakura moves away, Renji curses and turns to face Byakuya as Senbonzakura appears beside him. Saying he needs to know what happened to Byakuya, Renji asks Byakuya if he is really on the Zanpakutō Spirits' side. When Byakuya turns and looks at him, Renji raises his sword and states he must detain Byakuya as a material witness in the Zanpakutō rebellion.

Telling Renji to stand aside, Byakuya says Renji will suffer the consequences of obstructing his path if he does not do so. Proclaiming he will not do so, Renji yells and runs forward, prompting Byakuya to move to Renji with Shunpo and attack him. Blocking Byakuya's attack, Renji forces Byakuya's blade away and strikes at him. Blocking, Byakuya pushes Renji back as they clash once more. When Byakuya traps Renji's blade by pinning it under his own, Renji curses and tries to release his Zanpakutō. When Renji's sword does not enter its Shikai, Byakuya states he knows Renji cannot release his Shikai because he used Higa Zekkō in a previous fight.

When Saru asks him who cannot use their Shikai, a surprised Byakuya moves away with Shunpo as the section of the wall next to them is destroyed. As Byakuya appears next to Senbonzakura, Zabimaru hurtles out of the dust, prompting Senbonzakura to deflect it. As Zabimaru retracts, the dust clears to reveal Saru and Hebi standing in front of Renji, the former of whom says Renji being unable to release his Shikai does not matter here because they have manifested. As Hebi agrees, Senbonzakura states he will take care of this and tells Byakuya to return to Muramasa. Asking Senbonzakura if he is ready to take them on, Saru says they can finally settle their unfinished business.

Stating he would not be so confident if he were Saru, Senbonzakura says they will be lucky to survive with their level of skill. As Hebi notes Senbonzakura is underrating their abilities, Saru states they will do it. As Hebi agrees, Saru throws him at Senbonzakura, who blocks Hebi's strike with his sword. Pushing Zabimaru away, Senbonzakura slashes at Hebi, who moves behind him before attacking. When Senbonzakura blocks and forces Hebi back, Hebi slashes at him with Zabimaru. As Senbonzakura deflects the blade segments, Saru runs up and kicks him through a wall.

Bursting into an outside corridor, Senbonzakura leaps back as Hebi slashes at him. Telling Hebi to wait, Saru runs through the hole in the wall. As Rukia asks Byakuya to not leave, Renji appears in front of him and attacks, forcing Byakuya to block. When Renji tells Byakuya they are not yet finished, Byakuya says he does not have the time to explain all of this to Renji. As Renji struggles with him, Byakuya states it is clear talking to Renji will not work and forces him back. Yelling, Renji runs toward him as Byakuya does the same.

Elsewhere, Hebi and Senbonzakura clash. Sliding along a roof, Senbonzakura pushes Hebi away before appearing in front of Saru and striking at her. When Saru blocks with her chain, Senbonzakura attacks her once more, only for Saru to evade and pull Hebi toward them. As Hebi attacks, Senbonzakura blocks with his sword before jumping to avoid a punch from Saru. Flipping back, Senbonzakura kicks Saru, who is sent flying into a nearby entrance as Renji and Byakuya smash through a roof.

As he and Byakuya clash twice in midair before separating, Renji lands on the roof before leaping toward Byakuya, who lands on another roof. Preparing '''Hadō #33. Shakkahō''' in his hand, Renji crashes into Byakuya, creating a large explosion. As Byakuya jumps back, Renji appears behind him and attacks, forcing Byakuya to block. Moving behind Byakuya, Renji slashes at him, prompting Byakuya to move behind Renji and attack. As Renji blocks, Byakuya notes this is how Renji blocks when he cannot release his Shikai.

When Byakuya says it will not be good enough to defeat him, Renji agrees and states it may work well enough for him to capture Byakuya before forcing Byakuya back. Meanwhile, as Zabimaru disappears from Hebi's hand, Saru leaps out of the rubble as Senbonzakura expresses surprise. Manifesting Zabimaru in her hand, Saru rushes toward Senbonzakura and clashes with him. As their blades grind across each other, Zabimaru disappears from Saru's hand, prompting Senbonzakura to express surprise.

Falling behind Senbonzakura, Hebi manifests Zabimaru in his hand and spins around before slashing at Senbonzakura, who blocks and crashes into a wall. As the segments of Zabimaru retract, Senbonzakura leaps out of the dust and sends Senbonzakura at Saru and Hebi, who leap away as the blade petals crash into the ground where they were standing. As Senbonzakura rushes forward, Senbonzakura follows Saru and Hebi into the air.

Elsewhere, Renji runs along a roof and fires several more '''Hadō #33. Shakkahō''' at Byakuya, who moves from building to building as the energy blasts hit the areas where he is standing. As Renji stops and prepares to fire another blast, it explodes in his hand. Seeing this, Byakuya prepares to fire '''Hadō #4. Byakurai''', only to stop upon seeing Renji is no longer on the roof. Appearing behind Byakuya, Renji uses '''Bakudō #4. Hainawa''', creating a tendril of yellow energy which begins to wrap around Byakuya, who destroys it by slashing at it.

Appearing behind Byakuya, Renji attacks, forcing Byakuya to block by holding his sword above his head. As they fall towards a building, Renji says Byakuya will tell him everything and states he wishes to know what could have caused Byakuya to betray all of them. As Byakuya pushes Renji away, they land on the roof and clash once more. Jumping past them, Senbonzakura sends Senbonzakura at Saru and Hebi. As Hebi says it is his turn, Saru throws him at Senbonzakura, who forms a shield of blade petals in front of himself.

Striking at the blade petals, Hebi is pushed back and calls Senbonzakura a jerk before being caught by Saru, who runs around a corner as Senbonzakura follows them. Smashing through a door, Saru runs down a hallway as Senbonzakura continues to pursue them. When Senbonzakura follows them and states there is nowhere to run, Saru asks him if he is referring to himself. As Senbonzakura expresses surprise, Saru and Hebi turn around and activate their Bankai, Hihiō Zabimaru, causing a whirlwind to envelop Zabimaru before clearing to reveal Hihiō Zabimaru.

Meanwhile, Renji clashes with Byakuya several times and says Byakuya needs to explain why he has done this. Pushing Byakuya's blade away, Renji strikes at Byakuya and dodges a stab from his blade while proclaiming he will force Byakuya to explain his actions to Ichigo and all of the captains. As Byakuya dodges and blocks Renji's attacks, Renji states Byakuya will explain his actions to all of the 6th Division's members and to Rukia, prompting Byakuya to narrow his eyes. Elsewhere, Saru uses Hikotsu Taihō. As its segments separate, Hihiō Zabimaru opens its mouth and generates a large ball of red energy.

As Senbonzakura swirls in front of it, Hihiō Zabimaru fires a beam of red energy through it at Senbonzakura, who is sent flying away as the building explodes. As the beam of red energy dissipates, Renji is shaken by the shockwave from the explosion. Appearing behind him, Byakuya begins to fire '''Hadō #4. Byakurai'''. Meanwhile, as Saru expresses surprise, the smoke clears to reveal Senbonzakura activating his Bankai, Senbonzakura Kageyoshi, before having the rows of blades separate into blade petals. As Renji blocks '''Hadō #4. Byakurai and is sent flying away, Saru and Hihiō Zabimaru are engulfed by Senbonzakura Kageyoshi'''.

As Senbonzakura Kageyoshi blasts through the side of the building, an unconscious Saru and Hebi fall to the ground below. Shielding herself from the smoke, Rukia sees Renji fall to the ground in front of her and calls out to him. Running over to him, Rukia asks Renji if he is alright as Byakuya lands in front of them. As Rukia calls out to him, Byakuya says this is Rukia's final warning and tells her to stay out of their way. As Byakuya begins to walk away, Rukia demands to know why he is doing this. As Byakuya continues to walk, Kazeshini asks him if he is not going to kill Rukia and Renji.

As Kazeshini, Tenken, the brown-haired man, Hōzukimaru, and the blue-haired man appear in front of Byakuya, Hōzukimaru states he believes Byakuya is having fun. Appearing next to Byakuya, Senbonzakura demands to know what they are doing here. Asking Senbonzakura if this is any way to greet them, the blue-haired man reveals Muramasa told them to aid Byakuya and Senbonzakura, so they came to help out. Laughing maniacally, Kazeshini walks forward and tells Byakuya to beat Rukia and Renji to death right now. As Rukia and Renji express surprise, Kazeshini asks Byakuya what is wrong and asks him if he is not going to do so.

Spinning the blade of his kusarigama, Kazeshini says they are happy to do it for Byakuya if he is not going to do so himself. As Tenken and the brown-haired man appear next to Rukia and Renji, Hōzukimaru and the blue-haired man chuckle as they each assume a battle stance. Telling Rukia to leave, Renji states he will stay here and hold the Zanpakutō Spirits off. As Rukia tells him to not be ridiculous and Renji tells her to go, Kazeshini says this is enough talking. Stating their lives will soon be over and there will be two less Shinigami to deal with, Kazeshini stops mid-sentence as he senses a powerful Reiatsu. As dozens of Keigun appear around them with Shunpo, Kazeshini wonders what this is as 2nd Division Captain Suì-Fēng tells them to not move.

As the Zanpakutō Spirits express surprise, Suì-Fēng stands on top of a nearby roof and repeats her statement. Drawing the Zanpakutō Spirits' attention, 11th Division 3rd Seat Ikkaku Madarame crouches on top of another roof and asks them who they are going to beat to death. As the blue-haired man expresses surprise and turns around, 11th Division 5th Seat Yumichika Ayasegawa appears on a roof behind him with Shunpo and smiles. As Kazeshini curses, 3rd Division Lieutenant Izuru Kira walks forward on another roof. Appearing next to Suì-Fēng with Shunpo, Ichigo asks Rukia if she is alright. When Byakuya looks at him, Ichigo angrily says Byakuya's name.

Shinigami Illustrated Picture Book
Opening the door to Hitsugaya's room, Isane discovers several objects have been frozen. Sees Hitsugaya's Zanpakutō Spirit, Hyōrinmaru, sitting in a chair beside him, Isane realizes he is responsible. Telling Hyōrinmaru a patient's room must always be kept warm, Isane thaws out the frozen objects and removes an ice sculpture of him and Hitsugaya. When Isane finishes, Hyōrinmaru freezes the entire room even more, prompting Isane to express surprise.

Fights

 * Byakuya Kuchiki vs. Sode no Shirayuki (concluded)
 * Renji Abarai & Zabimaru vs. Byakuya Kuchiki & Senbonzakura (concluded)
 * Byakuya's Betrayal: Revealed (concluded)

Powers and Techniques Used
Kidō used:
 * '''Hadō #4.
 * '''Bakudō #61.
 * '''Hadō #31.
 * '''Bakudō #4.

Techniques used:

Shinigami techniques used:

Zanpakutō released:

Shikai:

Bankai: