One-on-one! Ichigo vs. Senbonzakura

 is the two hundred and forty-third episode of the Bleach anime.

As the Shinigami battle the Zanpakutō spirits, 3rd Division Lieutenant Izuru Kira defeats Kazeshini, only to be attacked by Wabisuke. Meanwhile, 11th Division Captain Kenpachi Zaraki arrives at the battlefield.

Summary
Upon seeing the baby-like creature, 7th Division Lieutenant Tetsuzaemon Iba wonders what it is, prompting 4th Division Lieutenant Isane Kotetsu to theorize it is Ashisogi Jizō. When Iba asks her how she can tell, Isane tells him to look at it and states she has never seen anything like it.

When Ashisogi Jizō makes high-pitched noises, Iba wonders if it is talking to them before saying they have a Zanpakutō spirit before them regardless of how strange it looks. When Iba proclaims they will capture it and begins to move forward, Isane stops him by putting her hand on his shoulder and states they should not do so yet, prompting Iba to express surprise.

When Ashisogi Jizō emits purple gas from its mouth, Isane notes it appears to be poison. Expressing shock, Iba runs over to the Shinigami on the ground nearby and tells him he must get out of here. As Iba picks the Shinigami up by the collar and throws him away from Ashisogi Jizō, Isane uses '''Hadō #1. Shō''', sending Ashisogi Jizō flying back. As Ashisogi Jizō crashes into a crate, Iba draws his sword and runs forward before slashing at the building. As the top half of the building slides forward, Iba moves back with Shunpo.

When Iba tells her they should inform 12th Division Captain Mayuri Kurotsuchi immediately, Isane agrees as Haineko states she is not going to let them do this. As Isane and Iba look around in confusion, Haineko and Tobiume stand on top of a nearby roof. When Isane asks them who they are, Haineko winks. Meanwhile, as rain begins to fall, 2nd Division Captain Suì-Fēng looks up and notes it is raining. Saying thunder and lightning are his allies, Gonryōmaru proclaims he can display the powers which make him great in this rain.

When Suì-Fēng stifles her laughter, Gonryōmaru demands to know what is so amusing. Telling Gonryōmaru to correct her if she is wrong, Suì-Fēng asks him if his friend is Tenken. When Suì-Fēng states she does not believe it would be a good idea to get Tenken wet, the flames emanating from Tenken's mouth flare up as Gonryōmaru tells Suì-Fēng to not worry. When Gonryōmaru says there is no chance of Tenken's flames of hell being put out by even a torrential rain, Tenken blows fire out of his mouth as Suì-Fēng says she is not convinced.

When Suì-Fēng states Gonryōmaru does not sound very confident himself, Gonryōmaru expresses surprise. When Tenken blows flames out of his mouth once more, Gonryōmaru says he understands and states Tenken is saying these rain clouds are nothing more than a means to reinforce Gonryōmaru's technique. When Gonryōmaru states Tenken is saying Gonryōmaru has nothing to worry about even if this rain appears to be weak, Tenken nods and blows more flames out of his mouth. Stating he feels unworthy, Gonryōmaru says he allowed himself to be tricked by Suì-Fēng's flawed logic.

As Gonryōmaru states he is shamed, Suì-Fēng asks him how he is able to communicate with Tenken. As Suì-Fēng asks him if he has a code like smoke signals, Gonryōmaru tells her to be silent and proclaims Tenken can be shy and reserved, for he usually keeps to himself. Saying Gonryōmaru is weak, Suì-Fēng asks him if he is sure he is a captain-level Zanpakutō spirit. Telling Suì-Fēng to shut up, Gonryōmaru proclaims she will not belittle them and gestures with his pike. As electricity crackles in the clouds above, a purple lightning bolt arcs downward.

As Suì-Fēng moves away, the lightning bolt crashes into the section of the roof where she was standing. Telling Suì-Fēng to feel his wrath, Gonryōmaru gestures with his pike once more. As another purple lightning bolt crashes into the ground, Suì-Fēng moves away with Shunpo and asks Gonryōmaru if this is the extent of his power. Asking Suì-Fēng if she wants power, Gonryōmaru points the end of his pike at her as lightning surges from the end of it. When Suì-Fēng moves to the side in order to avoid the lightning, Gonryōmaru expresses surprise.

As Suì-Fēng falls from the sky with her sword raised over her head, Tenken's bola hurtles toward her. Expressing surprise, Suì-Fēng blocks the bola with her sword and is sent crashing into the ground. Running out of the dust, Suì-Fēng moves to Tenken with Shunpo and kicks him in the face. Leaping off of Tenken's face, Suì-Fēng lands on the ground and blocks Tenken's sword with her own. As Suì-Fēng looks up, Tenken raises his sword over his head before attacking Suì-Fēng once more, sending Suì-Fēng sliding back several meters until she crashes into a building.

Proclaiming Suì-Fēng is done, Gonryōmaru sends a blast of lightning toward the resulting cloud of dust as a lightning bolt strikes at the same location. As the two collide in a large sphere of crackling energy, Suì-Fēng holds back the sphere while using Shunkō. As electricity crackles around it, the blast turns into a column of energy which extends into the sky. As the storm clouds above dissipate, Gonryōmaru wonders how Suì-Fēng did this before expressing surprise upon seeing the dissipating storm clouds.

Appearing on a nearby roof, Suì-Fēng runs forward. As Gonryōmaru swings his crackling pike at her, Suì-Fēng dodges it and punches Gonryōmaru, sending him flying away. When Tenken swings his blade at her, Suì-Fēng turns to him and catches his blade with her hand. When Tenken pushes his blade against her, Suì-Fēng notes he has some power. Struggling to hold Tenken's sword back, Suì-Fēng notes this will not be easy. As Suì-Fēng looks to the side to see Gonryōmaru getting up, the hornet-like girl proclaims she has got Suì-Fēng.

Expressing surprise, Suì-Fēng pushes Tenken's blade away and moves to another roof. As a Hōmonka forms on Suì-Fēng's back, the hornet-like girl expresses disappointment and notes this was close. As the hornet-like girl states she was sure she could strike Suì-Fēng a second time, Suì-Fēng expresses anger as the hornet-like girl asks her if this was the first time Suì-Fēng was ever struck by her own technique. As Suì-Fēng expresses surprise, the hornet-like girl expresses happiness as Suì-Fēng asks her if she is Suzumebachi.

Confirming this, Suzumebachi proclaims Suì-Fēng is correct. Appearing in front of Suì-Fēng, Suzumebachi asks her what she thinks of Suzumebachi's appearance. Saying she did not like Suì-Fēng's lame style, Suzumebachi states she went for it and says she always told herself she would create her own fashion statement to look very sharp if she was ever freed from Suì-Fēng. As Suzumebachi proclaims she is very happy at being able to manifest herself in the appearance she wanted, Suì-Fēng expresses surprise, prompting Suzumebachi to ask her if she has a problem with this.

Proclaiming Suì-Fēng always wastes her time doing something she herself would never do, Suzumebachi states Suì-Fēng is dumb for always worshiping Yoruichi Shihōin and says Suì-Fēng should use this time to pay more attention to herself. Stating Suì-Fēng needs a change, Suzumebachi tells her to find a real man. Expressing surprise, Suì-Fēng expresses disbelief at Suzumebachi being her Zanpakutō spirit. Noting Suì-Fēng does not believe this, Suzumebachi assumes a battle stance and proclaims another strike with her stinger may convince Suì-Fēng.

Elsewhere, as the top of a pillar is destroyed, 11th Division 5th Seat Yumichika Ayasegawa sits against the pillar and pants. Walking in front of him, Ruri'iro Kujaku says Yumichika talks big and states he is a weakling. Proclaiming Ruri'iro Kujaku is very irritating, Yumichika gets up and runs forward before attacking. Blocking with his sword, Ruri'iro Kujaku moves to the side before attacking Yumichika, who blocks, before pushing him back. Sliding several feet away before stopping, a panting Yumichika curses.

As Ruri'iro Kujaku says Yumichika looks very mad, Yumichika proclaims he will never forgive Ruri'iro Kujaku. Stating he did not expect Yumichika to do so, Ruri'iro Kujaku points his sword at him and asks Yumichika why he does not give up, for Ruri'iro Kujaku would be willing to let him live if he did so. When Yumichika assumes a battle stance and proclaims he will never give up to him, Ruri'iro Kujaku sighs and asks Yumichika if he notices this Reiatsu before noting 11th Division 3rd Seat Ikkaku Madarame's Reiatsu disappeared earlier.

Grinning, Ruri'iro Kujaku says the Shinigami have no chance of winning against them with their level of ability. Stating Ikkaku did not lose, Yumichika points out how Hōzukimaru's Reiatsu disappeared as well. Theorizing Hōzukimaru lowered his power level to match Ikkaku's, Ruri'iro Kujaku notes Hōzukimaru and Ikkaku are very similar before saying he and Yumichika are very different. Stating Yumichika always tries to hide his true power, Ruri'iro Kujaku proclaims he is proud to display his power anywhere, prompting Yumichika to express surprise.

As Yumichika rushes toward Ruri'iro Kujaku and begs him to not do this, Ruri'iro Kujaku says he will do so and holds his blade out to his side before uttering his release command. As Yumichika expresses surprise, Ruri'iro Kujaku's blade glows green before splitting into four curved blades in a burst of green light. Extending from the blades, four multicolored vines wrap around Yumichika's arms and waist before pushing a screaming Yumichika into a wall. As the dust settles, Ruri'iro Kujaku asks him how it feels to be struck by the power which he hates.

As the vines tighten around his body, Yumichika states he does not want everyone to know about this power because he would not be able to stay in the 11th Division. Asking Yumichika if he is still saying this, Ruri'iro Kujaku says Yumichika is very stubborn before pulling the hilt of his blade back. Yelling in pain, Yumichika is yanked forward by the vines. As his sword embeds itself in the ground next to him, Yumichika proclaims he must stay in the 11th Division. When Ruri'iro Kujaku expresses irritation, Yumichika tells him to shut up.

When Yumichika refers to him as Fuji Kujaku once more, Ruri'iro Kujaku states he understands before expressing anger. Expressing surprise, Yumichika cries out in pain. Meanwhile, when Tobiume throws a fireball at them, Isane and Iba leap back as the fireball crashes and explodes. As Haineko sends an ash cloud toward them, Isane prepares and fires '''Hadō #31. Shakkahō''', which crashes into the ash cloud and explodes. As Iba apologizes to Isane, Haineko asks Tobiume what this was all about, prompting Isane and Iba to express surprise.

As Isane and Iba turn, Haineko tells Tobiume it is her job to keep Isane in check because Isane is her target. When Tobiume says she does not understand why she has to back Haineko up and slams her bell into the roof, Haineko expresses surprise before stating this is how it works. Proclaiming they lost their previous battle because Tobiume did not hold up her end, Haineko kicks Tobiume's bell out of the roof. Catching the bell, Tobiume asks Haineko if this is so before stating she recalls them losing because Haineko is an idiot.

As Iba wonders what they are doing, Isane says it is weird. Dismissing Haineko and Tobiume's arguing, Iba tells Isane they should move out while they still can. As Isane and Iba begin to run, Tobiume tells them to stop and throws another fireball at the ground near them. As the fireball explodes, Isane shields herself from the blast before looking up. As Iba looks up as well, Tobiume proclaims they are not going to get away as Haineko tells Ashisogi Jizō to show itself, prompting Iba and Isane to express surprise and turn toward the destroyed building.

As an explosion occurs in the wreckage, Ashisogi Jizō emerges from the dust. As Iba laments this, Isane prepares and fires '''Hadō #31. Shakkahō'''. As the sphere of red energy explodes, Ashisogi Jizō appears in front of Isane. As Isane expresses surprise, Ashisogi Jizō extends blades from its chest, forcing Isane to block with her sword. As Iba curses, Isane is sent flying back several feet by the force of the attack before stopping. As Isane looks up, Iba begins to run over to her and asks Isane if she is okay as Haineko lands in front of him.

As Iba assumes a battle stance, Haineko does the same and proclaims she will not allow Iba to aid Isane. Getting to her knees, Isane turns around and prepares to attack before noticing her right foot has been damaged. As Isane notes she cannot move, Tobiume appears behind her and asks Isane if she does not know about the power of Ashisogi Jizō. Saying Ashisogi Jizō's ability deprives its victims of the ability to move their limbs, Tobiume states Isane has lost the user of her legs because she was stuck by Ashisogi Jizō's attack.

As Tobiume says Isane is like a little bird who has just had its wings clipped, Isane expresses anger. Meanwhile, at the 4th Division barracks, Hyōrinmaru stands at the bedside of 10th Division Captain Tōshirō Hitsugaya. Bolting up, Hitsugaya wonders where he is before recognizing Hyōrinmaru. When Hitsugaya clutches his abdomen and groans in pain, Hyōrinmaru tells Hitsugaya he should not strain himself. Stating Hitsugaya needs to get some more rest, Hyōrinmaru says the ordeal Hitsugaya went through to get him back almost killed Hitsugaya.

When Hitsugaya asks him what will happen now, Hyōrinmaru reveals Muramasa and the Zanpakutō spirits staged an all-out attack and the Shinigami are currently fighting them. Stating he understands, Hitsugaya says he cannot stay in bed any longer and attempts to get out of his bed, only to groan in pain. Extending his arm, Hyōrinmaru tells Hitsugaya to have faith. As Hitsugaya looks up at him, Hyōrinmaru states Hitsugaya's friends are strong. Saying they will not go down very easily, Hyōrinmaru states Hitsugaya showed him this strength when he reclaimed Hyōrinmaru.

Elsewhere, Iba tells Haineko to stand aside and slashes at her with his sword. Blocking, Haineko moves to the side and proclaims it is no use as Iba attacks her once more. When Haineko slashes at him, Iba blocks with his sword before forcing Haineko away. As Iba and Haineko continue to clash, Isane tightens her grip on her sword and slashes at Tobiume, who leaps away. As Tobiume lands and prepares to throw a fireball at Isane, 5th Division Lieutenant Momo Hinamori appears next to her and attacks Tobiume's bell with her sword.

Expressing surprise, Tobiume moves away as Momo slashes at her. When Isane calls out to her, Momo looks over her shoulder and asks Isane if she is okay. When Tobiume appears on a nearby rooftop, Haineko demands to know what she is doing up there as she blocks Iba's attack. Holding her blade next to Haineko, 10th Division Lieutenant Rangiku Matsumoto greets those present. As Haineko moves to her, Tobiume says Iba and Rangiku are in trouble, prompting Rangiku to proclaim they will not let Haineko and Tobiume get away this time.

Stating this is what she was going to say, Haineko says Momo and Rangiku were lucky last time, for they caught Haineko and Tobiume with their guard down. When Haineko calls her an old lady, an irritated Rangiku assumes a battle stance and proclaims she will knock this rudeness out of Haineko. When Iba tells her to look behind herself, Rangiku turns to see Ashisogi Jizō floating behind them. As Rangiku and Iba express surprise, Ashisogi Jizō opens its mouth as a bright pink sphere begins to form within.

As Rangiku states they should get out of here, she and Iba turn and run away. As Ashisogi Jizō closes its mouth and expels purple gas, Haineko says Rangiku is the one who is running now. Meanwhile, as a stream of blade petals swirls around him, Ichigo Kurosaki fires a Getsuga Tenshō to disperse it. When more blade petals engulf him, Ichigo moves away with Shunpo, only to dodge another stream before being engulfed by more blade petals. Breaking free by attacking the blade petals, which disperse, Ichigo moves away once more.

As Ichigo continues to attack and avoid the blade petals, 6th Division Captain Byakuya Kuchiki stands on the ground nearby. Running up to 6th Division Lieutenant Renji Abarai, who is lying on the ground next to Saru and Hebi, Rukia Kuchiki calls out to him. As Renji groans, Rukia begs Byakuya to make all of this stop. As Byakuya remains silent, Ichigo continues to attack the blade petals and notes Ikkaku's Reiatsu disappeared. Noting Yumichika is in danger as well, Ichigo fires another Getsuga Tenshō.

Looking up, Senbonzakura expresses surprise before moving away as the Getsuga Tenshō crashes into the ground. As the blade petals swirl around the area, Senbonzakura appears as Ichigo lands on the ground. Holding his hand in front of him, Senbonzakura reforms his sword as Ichigo assumes a battle stance. Elsewhere, Kazeshini throws his kusarigama at 3rd Division Lieutenant Izuru Kira, who deflects it with his sword. Deflecting another kusarigama, Izuru dodges two more before deflecting a third.

Seeing a kusarigama coming at him from behind, Izuru moves to the side to avoid it. As a laughing Kazeshini pulls on its chain, the kusarigama hurtles toward Izuru, who uses '''Bakudō #39. Enkōsen''', which forms a spinning disk of yellow energy in front of him. Colliding with the disk, which shatters, the kusarigama returns to Kazeshini, who curses and admits Izuru has good reflexes. Proclaiming Izuru cannot change where this battle is taking place, Kazeshini states Izuru can feel the Reiatsu which is around him.

Grinning, Kazeshini says Izuru senses the Zanpakutō spirits are overwhelming the Shinigami. When Izuru does not respond, an exasperated Kazeshini states he is getting sick of looking at Izuru's glare and says he will gouge Izuru's eyes out. When Izuru asks him if he believes it is a good idea to continue making so many direct attacks, Kazeshini expresses confusion and asks Izuru what he means. When Izuru states Kazeshini should know what the power of Izuru's Zanpakutō is, Kazeshini asks him what significance this has before expressing shock.

Assuming a battle stance, a sweating Kazeshini asks Izuru if he is saying he regained his Shikai. When Izuru grins, Kazeshini expresses surprise before telling Izuru to answer him. Saying Kazeshini cannot really expect him to answer this question, Izuru states there must be something wrong with Kazeshini. Noting Izuru continually fended off his attacks when they were fighting, Kazeshini realizes Izuru has not tried to attack him at all before wondering why Izuru would have done all of this if he could have used his Shikai.

Believing Izuru is bluffing, Kazeshini grins and spins his kusarigama behind his head, prompting Izuru to ask him what is wrong. Telling Izuru to shut up, Kazeshini throws his kusarigama at him. When Izuru moves away with Shunpo, Kazeshini expresses anger and notes Izuru dodged it again. Appearing behind him, Izuru attracts Kazeshini's attention, prompting Kazeshini to turn around and throw his kusarigama at him. When Izuru smiles and raises his sword, Kazeshini expresses surprise before pulling his kusarigama at.

Appearing in front of Izuru, Kazeshini says Izuru cannot use his Shikai and prepares to attack. As Kazeshini tells himself he will shred Izuru into pieces even if Izuru has regained the ability to use his Shikai, a grinning Izuru pulls off the band on his arm and lets go of it before moving away. As Kazeshini expresses surprise, the band glows brightly and explodes as Izuru appears several feet away. Turning to the blast, Izuru spins his sword in front of him before grabbing it and using '''Hadō #58. Tenran''', creating a large tornado-like blast.

As the smoke clears, Kazeshini sees the blast hurtling toward him and is engulfed by it. As a screaming Kazeshini is spun around in the tornado, Izuru stops generating the tornado and moves away with Shunpo. As the wind spinning Kazeshini around dissipates, Izuru appears in front of Kazeshini with his sword raised over his head. Expressing fear, Kazeshini is slashed by Izuru. Falling to the roof below, Kazeshini lands and slides down the roof as Izuru appears next to him. As Kazeshini looks up, Izuru states he will put Kazeshini's mind at ease.

Revealing he has not regained his Shikai yet, Izuru proclaims Kazeshini was destined to lose as soon as he let himself get caught in his maze of self-doubt. As Kazeshini angrily says he knew it, Izuru uses '''Bakudō #63. Sajō Sabaku''', which binds Kazeshini's arms to his sides with glowing yellow chains. As Izuru states he should leave to aid the other Shinigami, the gaunt man tells Izuru his back is open to an attack. Expressing surprise, Izuru turns around and sees the gaunt man, whom he recognizes as Wabisuke, standing behind him.

When Wabisuke gently touches Izuru's sword with Wabisuke several times, Izuru curses and falls as the increased weight of his sword drags him down. When Wabisuke slashes him, Izuru collapses as several chunks of the roof are sent flying. As the dust clears, Izuru attempts to get up, prompting Wabisuke to step on his back. Holding Wabisuke next to Izuru's head, Wabisuke says Izuru is finished. Meanwhile, as Ichigo calls out to Izuru, Senbonzakura appears in front of him and asks Ichigo what he is looking at.

Telling Senbonzakura to get out of his way, Ichigo slashes at Senbonzakura, who blocks, As Ichigo and Senbonzakura clash, Senbonzakura strikes at Ichigo, who blocks by holding Tensa Zangetsu with both hands in front of him. When Senbonzakura pushes him down, Ichigo moves to the ground with Shunpo and begins to run forward. When Senbonzakura appears in front of him once more, Ichigo tells Senbonzakura to get out of his way and strikes at him several times as Wabisuke continues to hold Wabisuke next to Izuru's head.

Elsewhere, as a column of yellow Reiatsu extends into the sky, rain begins to fall as a ring of dust floats around the Reiatsu. As the building which the column of Reiatsu is extending from begins to break apart and float upward in pieces, 11th Division Captain Kenpachi Zaraki stands in the center and laughs maniacally.

Shinigami Illustrated Picture Book
As 13th Division Captain Jūshirō Ukitake and 8th Division Captain Shunsui Kyōraku play a board game together, Ukitake wins. As he and Shunsui decide to play another game, Ukitake breaks into a coughing fit. When Shunsui goes outside to find someone to help, no one is there. When Ukitake collapses, Shunsui cries out for help.

Fights

 * Ichigo Kurosaki vs. Senbonzakura
 * Suì-Fēng vs. Tenken & Gonryōmaru (concluded)
 * Yumichika Ayasegawa vs. Ruri'iro Kujaku
 * Isane Kotetsu & Tetsuzaemon Iba vs. Ashisogi Jizō
 * Izuru Kira vs. Kazeshini (concluded)

Powers and Techniques Used
Kidō used:
 * '''Hadō #31.
 * '''Hadō #1.
 * '''Bakudō #39.
 * '''Hadō #58.
 * '''Bakudō #63.

Techniques used:

Shinigami techniques used:

Zanpakutō released:

Shikai:

Bankai:
 * (flashback)
 * (flashback)
 * (flashback)