Byakuya's Betrayal

 is the two hundred and fortieth episode of the Bleach anime.

Ichigo Kurosaki attacks Muramasa, but Senbonzakura, and later 6th Division Captain Byakuya Kuchiki, shows up to protect him.

Summary
Running along a forest path in Soul Society, Ichigo expresses surprise upon seeing a fork in the road. Stopping, Ichigo looks at both paths before closing his eyes and concentrating. Opening his eyes, Ichigo notes he cannot sense any Reiatsu.

As Ichigo runs along the left path, Senbonzakura watches him from a plateau on the right path. Meanwhile, at the Shinigami Research and Development Institute, 2nd Division Lieutenant Marechiyo Ōmaeda yells in anger and proclaims this is outrageous before demanding to know what 12th Division Captain Mayuri Kurotsuchi is planning to do. Stating it is nothing which affects Ōmaeda at this point, Mayuri tells him to be silent.

Saying he is going to run some tests on a bound and gagged Gegetsuburi in order to figure out what caused the Zanpakutō rebellion, Mayuri extends his hand to 12th Division Lieutenant Nemu Kurotsuchi, who hands him a large saw. As Gegetsuburi struggles in fear, Mayuri leans toward him and states they will begin. Telling Mayuri to wait, Ōmaeda says they should talk about this and states Mayuri may wish to rethink this. When Ōmaeda asks Mayuri what will happen to Gegetsuburi if he cuts him up, Mayuri notes this is a very good question.

Saying he does not have the answer, Mayuri states they can test to find out and prepares to begin the examination once more. Grabbing Mayuri's arm, Ōmaeda tells him to stop. Looking at Ōmaeda, an irritated Mayuri asks him what is wrong now. Saying Gegetsuburi may be a lab sample to Mayuri, Ōmaeda states he is the only Zanpakutō Spirit whom they have captured. Telling Mayuri to think about what he is doing, Ōmaeda says Gegetsuburi is all they have got and states they should treat him better than this as Gegetsuburi nods in agreement.

Saying Ōmaeda is beginning to annoy him, Mayuri stands up and states they have no choice before saying Nemu's name. Raising her arm as it spins like a drill, Nemu attacks Ōmaeda, who dodges and demands to know whom Nemu is aiming at. When Nemu expresses surprise, Ōmaeda says Nemu is a crazy girl for stabbing at him like this and states she is supposed to be cutting up Gegetsuburi and not him. When an angered Gegetsuburi states Ōmaeda was going to save him, Ōmaeda says the deal is off and states it is better for Gegetsuburi to get cut up than him.

Proclaiming this is amazing, Mayuri notes Ōmaeda can understand what Gegetsuburi is saying despite the latter being gagged and states the connection between a Shinigami and their manifested Zanpakutō Spirit is more intricate and complex than they ever imagined. Admitting this is true, Ōmaeda says it is not easy to comprehend them and states Mayuri could research them for many years and still not know everything. When Ōmaeda says it would be a waste of time and energy to experiment on them as Gegetsuburi agrees, Mayuri states this is not necessarily true.

When Mayuri snaps his fingers, Ōmaeda and Gegetsuburi express confusion before looking to the side to see Nemu's arm spinning like a drill once more. As Nemu raises her arm, Ōmaeda and Gegetsuburi scream in terror as the SRDI shakes. Afterwards, as a blue substance leaves the mouth of a completely white Gegetsuburi, Mayuri notes he is dead. Saying the same thing, Ōmaeda demands to know what Mayuri means by this and what Mayuri is going to do about Gegetsuburi, prompting Mayuri to state a Zanpakutō Spirit reverts to its sword form upon being killed by its owner.

As Ōmaeda acknowledges this, Mayuri turns and says this will not happen this time because a different set of rules apply when a Zanpakutō is killed by someone other than its owner. Telling Mayuri to wait, Ōmaeda states he is Gegetsuburi's owner. Stopping Ōmaeda by holding her arm in front of him, Nemu tells Ōmaeda he must be quiet in the laboratory. Asking Nemu why she keeps pointing her arm in his face, Ōmaeda demands to know why he needs to be quiet. Telling Ōmaeda to be quiet once more, Nemu spins her arm like a drill again.

As Ōmaeda says this is dangerous and tells Nemu to get away from him, Nemu tells him to be quiet again as Ōmaeda screams in terror. Ascending to his computer, Mayuri sits down and notes he is going to have a lot of difficult and intriguing work ahead of him. Elsewhere, as Haineko and Tobiume sit in a cage on a cart, Haineko says they want to get out. Stating 5th Division Lieutenant Momo Hinamori and 10th Division Lieutenant Rangiku Matsumoto are mean and nasty women, Tobiume asks them how they can keep their Zanpakutō Spirits locked up in a cage.

As Haineko agrees, Rangiku sighs and says she was hoping Haineko and Tobiume would be quiet after they caught them. Turning to a nearby Shinigami, Momo tells him to take Haineko and Tobiume away and deliver to the 4th Division's barracks. Stating this is no problem, the Shinigami says they will get Haineko and Tobiume to the 4th Division barracks safely. As other Shinigami begin to pull the cage away, Haineko asks Momo and Rangiku what they are doing and states they cannot let her and Tobiume be taken away like this.

As Tobiume says they are cruel and heartless monsters, Rangiku puts her hands over her ears and loudly proclaims she cannot hear what Haineko and Tobiume are saying. When Momo states they should go as well, Rangiku agrees and says they should not waste any more time here. When Rangiku asks Momo if she is ready, Momo confirms this, and the two move away with Shunpo as a Shinigami dashes away from a nearby tree. As Momo and Rangiku run along, Momo states she is not sensing anything, prompting Rangiku to say she knows what Momo is saying.

Noting she cannot sense 10th Division Captain Tōshirō Hitsugaya's Reiatsu either, Rangiku wonders where Hitsugaya is before telling Momo they should hurry. As Momo agrees, Ichigo runs out in front of them. As Ichigo stops, a screaming Rangiku crashes into him as Momo looks away. As Rangiku admits she was not expecting this, Momo asks her if she is okay. Confirming this, Rangiku states she feels very comfortable. Being sat on by Rangiku, Ichigo says he is glad she is comfortable and tells Rangiku to get off of him.

Noticing Ichigo, Rangiku greets him and states she was wondering what happened to him. As Rangiku says this explains why she was not hurt, Ichigo asks her if she would mind moving and states Rangiku is not a lightweight. Saying this is rude, Rangiku tells Ichigo to not speak to a lady like this and punches him. Later, Ichigo rubs his head and asks Rangiku and Momo if they are talking about Hitsugaya. Confirming this, Rangiku asks Ichigo if Hitsugaya is alright. Confirming this, Ichigo smiles and states Rangiku does not have to worry.

In the past, as a column of icy wind disperses the storm clouds above, Hyōrinmaru's dragon form shatters as a smiling Hyōrinmaru drifts to the ground with Hitsugaya in his arms. Saying Hitsugaya hit him with all of his strength, Hyōrinmaru states this took a toll on Hitsugaya in addition to restoring his memories and tells Ichigo to let Hitsugaya rest for a while. In the present, Rangiku says Hitsugaya is hopeless. Confirming this, Momo states Hitsugaya must be relieved now and says this is good for him.

As Rangiku expresses surprise at something, a Garganta opens nearby. Stumbling out of it, Muramasa falls to his knees and pants heavily before coughing violently. Recalling standing over the humanoid Hollow, Muramasa notes his body is still not accustomed to Vasto Lordes. Wiping his mouth, Muramasa expresses surprise and turns to see Ichigo, Rangiku, and Momo standing behind him. When Ichigo states they meet again, Muramasa says he knew Ichigo would come looking for him, prompting Rangiku and Momo to put their hands on their swords.

When Ichigo asks Muramasa what this is supposed to mean, Muramasa stands up and states he and Ichigo are linked to one another regardless of whether Ichigo chooses to believe it or not. When Ichigo asks Muramasa if he believes they are linked, Muramasa confirms this and says Ichigo's power will be very valuable in helping Muramasa achieve a long-term goal. Stating he is sure Ichigo knows what he means, Muramasa says Ichigo's excess power has nowhere to go, prompting Ichigo to ask him what he is talking about.

Putting his hand on the tang of Zangetsu, Ichigo states he knows one thing and draws Zangetsu. Assuming a battle stance, Ichigo says he is determined to defeat Muramasa and states this is the only business he has with Muramasa. Smirking, Muramasa says this is foolish and turns to face Ichigo. When Muramasa extends his hand in front of him, Ichigo wonders if he is trying to take control of Zangetsu again. In Ichigo's inner world, Zangetsu tells Ichigo to not worry and states Muramasa no longer has any control over his mind.

Saying Muramasa speaks directly to one's subconscious, Zangetsu states Muramasa's corruption will not have any effect on him because he knows Muramasa's voice. Saying he is immune to Muramasa's influence, Zangetsu tells Ichigo to let Muramasa try and see how far he gets, prompting to Ichigo smile in the real world. Stating this is strange, Muramasa notes Ichigo is no longer afraid of facing him and says this will be a fatal mistake before coughing. As Rangiku notes something is wrong with Muramasa, Momo notes his Reiatsu is unstable.

As Muramasa states he is not as incapacitated as they think, the area around his hand distorts as a wave of air rushes over Ichigo, Rangiku, and Momo. Cursing, Ichigo notes it is the same attack from before as Rangiku wonders what Muramasa did. Wondering what happened, Momo notes she cannot move. As Ichigo tries to move his arm, Muramasa says it is useless before coughing violently. As Rangiku, Momo, and Ichigo regain the ability to move, Rangiku wonders what is going on as streams of blood trickle from Muramasa's eyes.

Opening his eyes, Muramasa notes this power is not enough to sustain him. Assuming a battle stance, Ichigo charges at Muramasa. Leaping into the air, Ichigo slashes at Muramasa, only for Senbonzakura to block with his sword. As Ichigo and Muramasa express surprise, Ichigo sees Senbonzakura and begins to ask him if he is a Zanpakutō Spirit. As Rangiku finishes Ichigo's sentence, Momo states it appears Rangiku is correct. As Muramasa smiles, Ichigo struggles with Senbonzakura.

When Senbonzakura forces him away, Ichigo lands and demands to know whose Zanpakutō Spirit Senbonzakura is. When Senbonzakura raises his sword in response, Ichigo smiles and notes Senbonzakura is refusing to answer him. Saying Ichigo will find out soon, Senbonzakura holds his sword in front of him and says his release command. As Rangiku notes Senbonzakura's powerful Reiatsu, Senbonzakura rotates his sword until it is facing down, prompting Ichigo to recognize him as Senbonzakura.

When Senbonzakura drops his sword, it phases into the ground as two rows of enormous swords rise up on either side of Senbonzakura. As Ichigo recognizes it as 6th Division Captain Byakuya Kuchiki's Bankai, Senbonzakura Kageyoshi, the blades separate into blade petals, which rush forward. Raising her sword in front of her, Momo uses '''Bakudō #39. Enkōsen''', forming a large spinning disk of yellow Reiatsu in front of her. As Senbonzakura Kageyoshi collides with the disk, Rangiku tells Momo to watch out.

As Rangiku grabs Momo, they are engulfed by Senbonzakura Kageyoshi. As Muramasa and Senbonzakura look on, a Getsuga Tenshō tears through Senbonzakura Kageyoshi, which separates to reveal Ichigo in his Bankai, Tensa Zangetsu. Stating he has not forgotten this power, Ichigo acknowledges Senbonzakura as Byakuya's Zanpakutō Spirit, prompting Senbonzakura to note Ichigo remembers him. Meanwhile, the Shinigami continue to transport Haineko and Tobiume to the 4th Division barracks.

As the Shinigami pushing the cart expresses surprise, another Shinigami says he senses it as well and states there was a rise in Reiatsu. As he says he has felt this Reiatsu before, a third Shinigami runs up to them and states he has felt it as well. As he says he recognizes the Reiatsu, the Shinigami pushing the cart states it must be Byakuya. Putting his hand up, the other Shinigami tells them to look, prompting the third Shinigami to apologize and say they did not know Byakuya was here.

Appearing in front of them with Shunpo, Byakuya knocks them out with a single strike each. As the last Shinigami falls over, Haineko wonders what is happening. As Tobiume asks Haineko what she believes Byakuya is here for, Haineko asks Byakuya why he is doing this. Elsewhere, Momo holds Rangiku up as they retreat into the forest. When Senbonzakura tells Muramasa to stand back, Muramasa smiles. Stating it all makes sense now, Ichigo says Senbonzakura's Reiatsu is the same as Byakuya's.

As Senbonzakura Kageyoshi swirls around Senbonzakura, Ichigo recalls seeing Byakuya after fending off Senbonzakura Kageyoshi and states this means Senbonzakura is the one who attacked him last night. When Senbonzakura remains silent, Ichigo notes Senbonzakura does not wish to give him an answer and says this is fine with him before leaping toward Senbonzakura. Snorting in derision, Senbonzakura sends Senbonzakura Kageyoshi toward Ichigo, who is pushed back by the blade petals.

As Senbonzakura walks forward, Senbonzakura Kageyoshi clears to reveal Ichigo is not there. Looking up, Senbonzakura sees Ichigo in the air above him. As Ichigo yells and prepares to attack, Senbonzakura appears behind him and asks Ichigo if he believed he could defeat Senbonzakura with such a cheap trick as Senbonzakura Kageyoshi swirls around him. Blocking Senbonzakura Kageyoshi with the blade of Tensa Zangetsu, Ichigo states this is not the case before falling to the ground below as Senbonzakura Kageyoshi follows him.

Landing, Ichigo leaps back as Senbonzakura Kageyoshi crashes into the ground where he was standing. As Muramasa watches, Senbonzakura sends Senbonzakura Kageyoshi toward Ichigo, who moves away with Shunpo. As Senbonzakura expresses surprise, Ichigo appears next to him. Turning, Senbonzakura says this is not very impressive and sends Senbonzakura Kageyoshi toward Ichigo once more. Blocking with the blade of Tensa Zangetsu, Ichigo is forced back by the blade petals.

Slashing Senbonzakura Kageyoshi away, Ichigo is forced to dodge several times as Senbonzakura Kageyoshi crashes into the ground around him. As Ichigo continues to slash away Senbonzakura Kageyoshi, Senbonzakura looks on as Ichigo creates several afterimages of himself as he moves around Senbonzakura. As Senbonzakura expresses surprise, Ichigo appears in front of him and prepares to attack, prompting Senbonzakura to gesture with his hand. As Senbonzakura Kageyoshi blocks Ichigo's strike, Ichigo smiles.

Stating it brings back memories, Ichigo recalls his final fight with Byakuya and jumps back. As Muramasa narrows his eyes, Ichigo leaps into the air and fires a Getsuga Tenshō at Senbonzakura. Expressing surprise, Senbonzakura has Senbonzakura Kageyoshi block the Getsuga Tenshō. Struggling to hold back the blast, Senbonzakura is pushed back. As Muramasa shields his face, the Getsuga Tenshō slams into a wall, kicking up a large amount of dust. As Ichigo pants, the dust clears to reveals a panting Senbonzakura.

Saying Ichigo is good, Senbonzakura states they will test his ability and uses Gōkei. As the blade petals swirl around a surprised Ichigo and form a sphere, Senbonzakura says Senbonzakura Kageyoshi has a billion blades which surround the enemy in a sphere and cut in every direction. As Senbonzakura states this is likely the first time Ichigo has had to deal with this, the sphere expands before contracting to a smaller sphere. As the sphere collapses and explodes, Senbonzakura says he has Ichigo now.

As Rangiku calls out to Ichigo, the blade petals disperse as Senbonzakura expresses surprise. The blade petals sink into the ground, revealing Ichigo wearing his Hollow mask. Admitting he is impressed, Senbonzakura states Ichigo is still standing after this attack. Noting he does not have a choice, Ichigo tells himself Senbonzakura will kill him if he does not kill Senbonzakura. Apologizing to Byakuya, Ichigo says he has to destroy Senbonzakura and asks Byakuya to forgive him as he prepares to attack.

Asking Ichigo why he is hesitating, Senbonzakura states he will attack if Ichigo does not. When Ichigo says he is not hesitating, Senbonzakura uses Senkei, causing four rows of swords to rotate around them. Summoning two swords to his outstretched hands, Senbonzakura crosses them in front of him. Leaping toward Senbonzakura, Ichigo fires a Getsuga Tenshō, prompting Senbonzakura to slash at Ichigo with his blades. As the Getsuga Tenshō collides with the blade petals, Muramasa looks on from outside.

As Ichigo and Senbonzakura yell, the Getsuga Tenshō pushes through the blade petals. As a shockwave of blue Reiatsu radiates outward, Momo and Rangiku shield themselves from the blast as smoke engulfs the surrounding area. As the smoke clears, Senbonzakura stands up as Ichigo pants. When Ichigo's Hollow mask dissipates, Senbonzakura reveals he gathered enough Reiryoku to withstand Ichigo's attack while Ichigo was hesitating, prompting Ichigo to state he would not be too sure about this.

Cracking, a portion of Senbonzakura's mask shatters. Expressing surprise, Senbonzakura holds his hand over his exposed eye and says it cannot be. Apologizing to Senbonzakura, Ichigo admits he is not sure this would have happened if Senbonzakura and Byakuya had come at him together and states Senbonzakura's Reiryoku is not strong enough without Byakuya to defeat him. Looking up, Senbonzakura lowers his hand and says Ichigo has humiliated him. Proclaiming he will make Ichigo regret doing so, Senbonzakura extends his hand as another sword falls into it.

When Ichigo states Senbonzakura does not give up, Senbonzakura tells him to not be condescending before stopping mid-sentence. Expressing surprise, Senbonzakura turns to see Byakuya holding his wrist. As Byakuya says this is enough, Ichigo calls out to him as Momo and Rangiku express surprise. As Senbonzakura narrows his eyes, Momo calls out to Byakuya. Noting Byakuya has been missing for a long time, Rangiku wonders where Byakuya has been as Senbonzakura lowers his sword.

Apologizing to Byakuya, Ichigo states he decided to take care of Senbonzakura because Byakuya was gone. Turning to face Ichigo, Byakuya tells him to step aside. Expressing surprise, Ichigo asks Byakuya if he wishes to fight Senbonzakura himself. As Ichigo admits it makes more sense for Byakuya to fight Senbonzakura because he is Byakuya's Zanpakutō Spirit, Byakuya says Ichigo is misinterpreting his intentions, prompting Ichigo to ask Byakuya what his intentions are.

Raising his hand in front of him, Byakuya fires '''Hadō #33. Sōkatsui''' at Ichigo, who dodges as the blast of energy crashes into the ground where he was standing. As Rangiku calls out to Byakuya and Momo asks him what he is doing, Ichigo lands and demands to know what is going on. Seeing Muramasa standing behind Byakuya and Senbonzakura, Ichigo expresses confusion as Byakuya states he will not allow Ichigo to decide the fate of the Zanpakutō Spirits.

Wondering what Byakuya is thinking, Ichigo stands up and asks Byakuya if he has joined forces with Muramasa or surrendered to Senbonzakura. Saying he will never surrender to a Zanpakutō Spirit under any circumstances, Byakuya states he has made this decision after a great deal of thinking. Saying Ichigo and many other Shinigami have seen the Zanpakutō Spirits release themselves, Byakuya states the Zanpakutō Spirits made their own goals and followed them.

Saying he understands their motivation, Byakuya states he is free to follow his desires wherever they take him. As Ichigo expresses surprise, Muramasa chuckles and says Byakuya has said some very interesting things. Asking Byakuya what his desires are, Muramasa states there may be one stronger than the others and says he is wondering which one motivates Byakuya the most. Stating it is very simple, Byakuya says his desire is to uphold his self-respect.

As Ichigo expresses surprise, Byakuya puts his hand on his sword and states Ichigo will not interfere with Muramasa. Drawing his sword and pointing it at Ichigo, Byakuya tells Ichigo to be prepared to die if he cannot live with this. Swirling around Byakuya, Senbonzakura, and Muramasa, Senbonzakura Kageyoshi dissipates to reveal they are gone. As a blade petal floats to the ground in front of him, Ichigo yells Byakuya's name.

Shinigami Illustrated Picture Book
As Tobiume and Haineko are being transported, they begin talking about their masters. Stating she wishes they were attractive men instead of crabby old hags, the latter statement drawing Tobiume's attention, Haineko begins talking about Momo, but Tobiume elbows her and say Momo is not a hag. When Tobiume proclaims she will not forgive Haineko if she insults Momo again, Haineko and asks Tobiume why she does not return to Momo if she likes her so much.

Fights

 * Byakuya's Betrayal: Revealed

Powers and Techniques Used
Kidō used:
 * '''Bakudō #39.
 * '''Hadō #33.

Techniques used:

Zanpakutō released:

Shikai:
 * (flashback)
 * (flashback)

Bankai:

Other powers:

Trivia

 * In the ending sequence, Senbonzakura is shown with a fractured mask, matching the damage inflicted by Ichigo Kurosaki during the episode, whereas the ending showed an intact mask in previous episodes.