Joining the Battle! The Strongest Shinigami Army Appears

'''Joining the Battle! The Strongest Shinigami Army Appears''' is the one-hundred ninety-sixth episode of the Bleach anime.

The Gotei 13 come to the rescue of Ichigo and his comrades.

Summary
As Tesra Lindocruz prepares to finish off Ichigo, Kenpachi Zaraki stops the attack. Ichigo is shocked to see the captain and asks if it is really him, to which Kenpachi confirms. He turns to Ichigo, asking whether was beaten so badly that his mind was affected. Tesra then questions who the new arrival is, while Nnoitra Gilga assesses Kenpachi's power level with his Pesquisa. Realizing the strength Kenpachi possesses, he yells a warning to his Fracción that comes too late as Tesra is quickly cut down by Kenpachi.

Ichigo, who was under the impression that Soul Society would not assist in the rescue of Orihime Inoue, inquires the reason for Kenpachi's presence. Kenpachi responds by kicking Ichigo out of his way, prompting Ichigo to ask how he came to Hueco Mundo. Kenpachi explains that Kisuke Urahara was given several orders from the Captain-Commander, one of them being to stabilize Garganta to enable the Gotei 13 captains to come to Hueco Mundo. Yachiru, who also came, adds that Kenpachi came as soon as the Garganta was ready.

At his destroyed lab, Szayel Aporro Granz notices that Mayuri Kurotsuchi has appeared behind him, asking who he is. In the desert near the inner wall of Las Noches the Exequias prepare to finish off Yasutora Sado and Gantenbainne Mosqueda, but stop when they notice Retsu Unohana and Isane Kotetsu in the distance. Zommari Rureaux prepares to kill Rukia Kuchiki, but is interrupted by the arrival of Byakuya Kuchiki. Unohana and Isane introduce themselves to the Exequias, and Zommari does the same to Byakuya, demanding that he return the favor, but Byakuya refuses. Unohana tells Rudbornn that they simply came there to heal everyone’s wounds and that as long as he does not impede their movements, she will not attack.

Meanwhile, Kenpachi and Nnoitra begin their battle, as Ichigo questions what Kenpachi is doing. Kenpachi tells him to back off, prompting Yachiru to playfully kick Ichigo in the face, telling him that he can’t interfere with the battle. Kenpachi and Nnoitra then clash blades, as Kenpachi taunts Nnoitra asking him if that was all he had. Nnoitra retorts, asking Kenpachi his name, prompting Kenpachi states his name and rank, as Nnoitra does the same. Back at Tres Cifras, Rudbornn pulls back his troops, and Isane begins to pursue them, but Unohana tells her that their job is not to draw blood but to stop its flow, and tells her that they should focus upon healing on both Sado and the Arrancar.

Elsewhere in Las Noches, Renji and Uryū are shocked to see Mayuri Kurotsuchi. Szayel then asks Uryū if he is an acquaintance of his, and Mayuri taunts Uryū stating that he doesn’t know anyone from that primitive species. As Mayuri and Uryū begin to argue, Pesche and Dondochakka jump up from under the rubble they were buried under. Pesche begins to argue with Uryū, as Szayel then asks Mayuri what his name is. However, Szayel states that he'd rather not know, because his destiny is to die by his hand. Mayuri retorts that he would be in trouble if Szayel didn’t tell him his name, as it would be difficult to place him in a specimen jar afterwards.

Zommari asks Byakuya why he will not make the first move, telling him that his goal is pointless. Byakuya states that he doesn’t understand what he means by pointless, using Shunpo to appear behind Zommari and attempts to draw his sword. However, Zommari counters with Sonido, appearing behind Byakuya as the two clash blades. Zommari then states that the technique he used is called Gemelos Sonido, and that he possesses the fastest speed amongst all the Espada. Byakuya and Zommari converse briefly before Byakuya rushes up to Zommari with Shunpo, promptly slashing him. However, Byakuya realizes that it is simply a clone, as Zommari appears behind Byakuya. He informs Byakuya that his Gemelos Sonido is not limited to one clone, attempting to kill Byakuya. However, Byakuya states he figured as much, piercing Zommari with Hadō #4 Byakurai through his Captain’s Haori.

Elsewhere Kenpachi and Nnoitra continue their battle, as Szayel and Mayuri begin theirs. After Byakuya shoots Zommari with his Kidō attack, he soon realizes that it too was a clone. Zommari states that he can make up to five clones with Gemelos Sonido, and his clones stab Byakuya all at once. Szayel captures Mayuri and makes a voodoo doll of him, stating that his arrival does not change the outcome of the battle. Zommari farewells Byakuya, stating that he lost due to his arrogant nature. However, Byakuya reveals he had used a hidden technique called Utsusemi, in order to escape Zommari’s attack. He then goes on to tell Zommari that he is the arrogant one. Byakuya continues, stating that he would lose not because of his sheer arrogance, but of the gap between their powers.

Arrancar Encyclopedia
Gin Ichimaru talks about Zommari Rureaux and his ability, Gemelos Sonído. Zommari makes an appearance and briefly demonstrates his skill for holding the self-proclaimed title for the fastest Sonído among all Arrancar, including the Espada. Byakuya Kuchiki then appears, calling on him for being arrogant. The two then attempt to "outspeed" each other, going outside of Las Noches.

Fights

 * Ichigo Kurosaki & Nelliel Tu Odelschwanck vs. Nnoitra Gilga (concluded)
 * Kenpachi Zaraki vs. Nnoitra Gilga
 * Renji Abarai & Uryū Ishida vs. Szayel Aporro Granz (concluded)
 * Mayuri Kurotsuchi vs. Szayel Aporro Granz
 * Byakuya Kuchiki vs. Zommari Rureaux

Powers and Techniques used
Kidō used: Techniques used:
 * Hadō #4:
 * Way of Onmitsu, 3rd of the Shihō:
 * Way of Onmitsu, 3rd of the Shihō:
 * Way of Onmitsu, 3rd of the Shihō:

Hollow techniques: Zanpakutō released:

Resurrección: