Gin Ichimaru's Temptation, Resolution Shattered

Gin Ichimaru's Temptation, Resolution Shattered is the fifty-third episode of the Bleach anime.

Statistics

 * Original Airdate: October 4, 2005
 * English Airdate: March 2, 2007
 * Opening Song: Ichirin No Hana
 * Ending Song: Life
 * Manga Chapters:
 * English Name: Gin Ichimaru's Temptation, Resolution of Destruction
 * Arc: Soul Society: The Rescue arc

Summary
Rukia senses Renji's spirit pulse disappears and stops walking in shock. She looks around trying to sense him but can't and asks why he had to die. She turns to see Captain Ichimaru walking toward her.

She thinks about how she hates him because of the way he acts and how it always feels like she had a hand on her throat.

He talks for a bit then comments that Renji is not dead yet. She looks and senses that his spirit pulse is weak but it is there. Ichimaru asks her if she wants him to save her and Renji. At this the guards with Rukia are afraid and they ask him what he means. Rukia does not understand either.

Ichimaru then walks up to her and says he lied before walking away. Rukia screams because Ichimaru destroyed her resolve and made her want to live. He gave her doubts and she could not stand it.

Somewhere in Seireitei, Captain Komamura and Captain Tousen attack Captain Zaraki. They attack at the same time, but Zaraki blocks and throws them off onto the ground. He tells them to stop being shocked every time he blocks and tells them to at least show him a bankai before they die.

Komamura says a bankai is not needed for a traitor, however Tousen stops him and says that he will finish Kenpachi. He explains the different ways to become a captain and then says that he has felt uneasy since Kenpachi became a captain. Shouting that Kenpachi is unforgivable because he is destroying the peace and causing chaos, Tousen unleashes his bankai: Suzumushi Final: Enma Kourogi.

Summoning 9 rings that spread out and surround the battlefield, Tousen creates a pitch black dome that negates all use of a person's senses.

Inside, Tousen explains his bankai as he walks around slashing at Kenpachi every once in a while. Suddenly Kenpachi lunges smashing his sword into the ground close to where Tousen was standing. Tousen says that Kenpachi really is a demon since he has no fear of the dark to begin with.

Meanwhile, Ichigo continues to train by battling with Zangetsu. Yoruichi watches but says that there is no time left. At the Soukyoku, Rukia realizes that her resolve was not as strong as she thought. Yumichika is still in battle with Lieutenant Hisagi of 9th Squad (Tousen's squad) when Hisagi notices Tousen's bankai and wants to go help, Yumichika says that the fight is not over. Hisagi says that a 5th seat can't ever beat a lieutenant but Yumichika's Fujikujaku glows and he explains that his zanpakutou's true ability is a secret from everyone. Hisagi's eyes widen with shock.

Renji wakes up to see Hanatarou healing him. He also sees Rikichi, a boy in 6th squad standing nearby. Rikichi snuck Hanatarou out to heal Renji since he also tried to save Rukia and would be willing to help. Hanatarou comments that most of Renji's woulds were treated when he arrived. He says that only one person could have done it.

Renji remembers the shadow he saw when he woke up and concludes that Captain Unohana did it. Hanatarou tells Renji not to worry because Ichigo will save Rukia.

Tousen is still fighting Kenpachi but he is out of breath because of Kenpachi's increasing luck at guessing his location. Tousen cannot understand how he is doing it. Kenpachi is waiting for the blade to hit so he can move and dodge it and then he slashes where the blade came from.

Gradually he is getting better and knowing this he tries to come up with a strategy to find Tousen. He has an idea and lets Tousen stab him on the next hit. Then he grabs the sword so he can see and slashes Tousen across the chest. Tousen gasps and Kenpachi says he knows how to defeat Tousen now. He then lets go of the sword.

Tousen has a flashback of a friend who wanted to become a Shinigami and she did but she died. Tousen charges wanting to finish the fight but Kenpachi catches Tousen before he can make contact with the blade. Kenpachi slashes Tousen again and the Bankai collapses.

Tousen stands panting and dripping blood. Kenpachi says he quits because he does not want to fight a half dead opponent. Tousen does not listen and attacks Kenpachi from behind. Kenpachi turns and raises his blade to kill Tousen but as the blade falls, Komamura jumps in front of it blocking it with his armored hand and helmet.

Komamura says that Tousen's feeling will not get through to Kenpachi and his mask falls away to reveal that he is a wolf. Noting that Kenpachi is not surprised Komamura says he will take over the fight. Kenpachi says that looks have nothing to do with fighting. Komamura turns and powers up as he releases his Bankai. A shadow falls over Kenpachi and his eyes widen as he says "Oh..." Komamura shouts: "Kokujō Tengen Myō'ō!"

A giant armored soldier appears behind Komamura in the same position as he is. Shouting that this battle is a killing match Komamura charges and Kenpachi laughs as the battle begins.

On Soukyoku Hill, Captain Commander Yamamoto says that the ceremony will begin. Captain Soifon notes that so few people have gathered. Only 1st squad, 2nd squad and 8th squad have both captain and lieutenant present.

Just then Captain Kuchiki arrives and takes his place in the line. Rukia looks at him but he turns to look away. Yamamoto asks Rukia if she has any last words and she replies that she has one thing to say.