Gin Ichimaru's Shadow

 is the twentieth episode of the Bleach anime.

Ichigo Kurosaki and his friends depart to Soul Society to rescue Rukia Kuchiki.

Summary
After delivering his message to Rukia, Captain Byakuya Kuchiki, leaving, is confronted by Captains Gin Ichimaru and Kenpachi Zaraki. As both of them praise his coldness in just standing there and letting his sister die without even trying to defend her, Byakuya asks why they are there without their lieutenants. When Kenpachi asks if Byakuya wants him to kill Rukia for him, an angry Byakuya, keeping his composure, tells Kenpachi a commoner like him has no right to talk about nobility. As Kenpachi, irritated by this, tries to challenge him, Gin uses Kidō, tying him up, and drags him away, apologizing to Byakuya.

Meanwhile, as Ichigo and Kisuke Urahara continue their battle, Ichigo realizes because he is a Shinigami, no blade aside from a Zanpakutō or a Hollow can hurt him. Revealing his sword is actually a Zanpakutō, Urahara, releasing it, makes short work of Ichigo's broken sword. As he begins to chase and attack him, Ichigo, running away in fear, is once again confronted by the mysterious stranger. Knowing who he is, Ichigo decides to stop running. When the stranger tells Ichigo to call his name, Ichigo, yelling "Zangetsu", finally releases his Zanpakutō. Ichigo uses a powerful, unknown attack on Urahara, which knocks his hat off, forcing him to counter with Chikasumi no Tate. Urahara admits to himself if he had not done so, he might have lost an arm.

Elsewhere, Uryū Ishida finally masters his training while Yasutora Sado manages to summon his right arm's special power. In the process, Sado accidentally blows a hole in the building they are training in, forcing them to abandon it. Impressed with them for being able to willingly activate their powers in such a short time, Yoruichi Shihōin, stating they have become capable individuals, retracts this after hearing Orihime Inoue state Sado has fallen down the stairs.

A week later, Ichigo, his family, and his friends go to a fireworks show. Here, Tatsuki Arisawa and Orihime share a moment together. Not understanding what is bothering her, Tatsuki, wishing her good luck and a safe journey in the future, reveals she finished second in the Martial Arts Championship because of her broken arm. After being contacted in a very odd way by Urahara, Ichigo, heading over to his shop, learns Sado, Uryū, and Orihime all plan on coming with him, meeting the talking cat Yoruichi for the first time. As they go inside, Ichigo asks Orihime if she knows exactly what is going on, which she confirms. Opening the Senkaimon, Urahara states it is a special conversion type gate which will allow all of them to travel safely through, but they only have four minutes to make it all the way through, so they must hurry. As they depart, Urahara reaches out and touches the gate, only for his hand to be burned.

Kon-sama's Ultimate Shinigami Illustrated Guide
The featured character is Captain Jūshirō Ukitake.

Powers and Techniques Used
Techniques used:

Fullbring used:

Zanpakutō released:

Shikai: