Gin Ichimaru's Shadow

Ichimaru Gin's Shadow is the twentieth episode of the Bleach anime.

Statistics

 * Original Airdate: January 26, 2007
 * English Airdate: February 22, 2005
 * Opening Song: *~Asterisk~
 * Ending Song: Thank You!
 * Manga Chapters: Chapter 65, Chapter 66, Chapter 67, Chapter 68, Chapter 69, Chapter 70.
 * Kanji: 市丸ギンの影
 * Romaji: "Ichimaru Gin no kage"
 * Arc: Agent of the Shinigami arc

Synopsis
After Byakuya Kuchiki delivered his message to Rukia Kuchiki, he leaves and once outside he is confronted by two other Captains: Gin Ichimaru and Kenpachi Zaraki. 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, but Kenpachi asks if Byakuya wants him to go ahead and kill Rukia for him. Byakuya becomes angry, telling Kenpachi that such a commoner like his has no right to talk about Royalty. Kenpachi also becomes irritated and tries to challenge him, but Gin, using Kidō, ties up Kenpachi and drags him away, while simultaneously apologizing to Byakuya.

Meanwhile, Ichigo Kurosaki and Kisuke Urahara continue. Ichigo realizes that being a Shinigami, that no blade aside from a Zanpakutō or a Hollows can hurt him. However, Kisuke reveals that his sword is actually a Zanpakutō and in front of Ichigo he releases it. Kisuke makes short work of Ichigo's broken sword and begins to chase and attack him. Ichigo, while running in a pathetic and frightened manor, is once again confronted by the mysterious stranger. However, this time Ichigo knows who he is and decides to stop running. The stranger tells Ichigo: "Abandon you're fear. Turn and face you're enemy, don't give an inch. Now advance, never stop. If you retreat you will age. Be afraid and u will die. Now shout out my name!" Ichigo calls out Zangetsu and finally manages to release his Zanpakutō. Shortly thereafter, Ichigo uses a powerful, unknown attack on Kisuke which knocks his hat off. In fact Kisuke had to counter with his Blood Mist Shield. Had he not, Kisuke might have lost an arm.

Elsewhere, Uryu Ishida finally masters his training and Yasutora Sado manages to summon his right arms special power. In the process, Chad accidently blew a hole in the building and the two of them were forced to leave out the back. Yoruichi Shihōin comments on how impressed he is with them for being able to willingly activate their powers in such a short time. He says they have become capable individuals, but retracts this once he hears Orihime shouting that Chad has fallen down the stairs.

A week later, Ichigo and his family and friends go to a fireworks show. Here Tatsuki and Orihime share a precious and possibly, a last moment together. Tatsuki, not completely understanding what is bugging her, wishes her good-luck and a safe journey, in the future. Tatsuki also reveals that she finished second in the Martial Arts Championship cause of her broken arm. Ichigo is contacted in a very odd way by Kisuke, so he heads over to his shop. Here, Ichigo learns that Chad, Uryū, and Orihime all plan on coming with him. He also meets the talking cat Yoruichi for a very surprising first time. As they go inside, Ichigo asks Orihime if she knows exactly what is going on, to which she replies with a firm yet kind yes. As Kisuke opens the Senkaimon he explains that this is a special conversion type gate that will allow all of them to travel safely through. However, Ichigo and company learn they only have four minutes to make it all of the way through, so they must hurry. As they depart, Kisuke reaches out and touches the gate, only for his hand to be burned.

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

Characters in order of appearance

 * 1) Byakuya Kuchiki
 * 2) Rukia Kuchiki
 * 3) Gin Ichimaru
 * 4) Kenpachi Zaraki
 * 5) Tessai Tsukabishi
 * 6) Jinta Hanakari
 * 7) Ichigo Kurosaki
 * 8) Kisuke Urahara
 * 9) Ururu Tsumugiya
 * 10) Zangetsu
 * 11) Uryū Ishida
 * 12) Orihime Inoue
 * 13) Yasutora Sado
 * 14) Yoruichi Shihoin
 * 15) Keigo Asano
 * 16) Mizuiro Kojima
 * 17) Isshin Kurosaki
 * 18) Karin Kurosaki
 * 19) Yuzu Kurosaki
 * 20) Tatsuki Arisawa