The long awaited... Kenpachi appears!

The long awaited... Kenpachi appears! is the two-hundred forty-fourth episode of the Bleach anime.

Statistics

 * Original Airdate: November 03, 2009
 * English Airdate:
 * Opening Song: Anima Rossa
 * Ending Song: Sakurabito
 * Manga Chapters: None
 * Kanji: 満を持して…剣八登場
 * Romaji: "Man o jishite... kenpachi toujou!"
 * Arc: Zanpakutō Unknown Tales arc

Summary
As Wabisuke prepares to finish Izuru Kira, the building they are on top of is ripped apart by the release of Reiatsu from Kenpachi Zaraki, who was inside the building, causing Wabisuke to free Kira. Soifon questions why Zaraki is making such a dramatic entrance, and why is he late. Zaraki simply says that he got there as quickly as he could so he could join in the fighting. Wabisuke attacks Kenpachi, but is unable to cut him. Zaraki slashes and defeats Wabisuke, who transforms into Kira's sealed, but broken, Zanpakutō. Soifon points out to the other Zanpakutō spirits that the same fate awaits them if they are defeated by anyone other than their former master.

Elsewhere, Ruri'iro Kujaku tells Yumichika Ayasegawa that he dislikes Zaraki and talks about the similarities between the Zanpakutō spirit and his former master, before beginning to drain Yumichika of his Reiryoku. Gonryōmaru asks Zaraki where he has been hiding. Yachiru Kusajishi explains that they were in Rukongai fighting Hollow. When word reached them about the rebellion of the Zanpakutō, they rushed back to Seireitei, but lost their way.

Kenpachi then sets his sights on Byakuya Kuchiki, but Senbonzakura steps in to defend his master and attacks the 11th Division captain instead. In response to Senbonzakura's Bankai, Zaraki removes his eye-patch. The resultant release of Reiatsu and clash with the Zanpakutō blows everyone else away, clearing away much of the debris. Upon sensing Zaraki's actions, Yumichika releases a large quantity of his Reiatsu and attacks the vines of Ruri'iro Kujaku's Shikai with a mid-level Hadō, freeing his arm. He then grabs his sword and cuts through the remaining the vines and attacks Ruri'iro Kujaku.

As Zaraki replaces his eye-patch, he once again targets Byakuya, this time succeeding in engaging the rogue captain in battle. Having been forced away from Zaraki, Senbonzakura resumes his battle with Ichigo Kurosaki. Suzumebachi also resumes her attack on Soifon. As Byakuya and Zaraki continue to fight, Yumichika taunts his Zanpakutō into using his Shikai on him again. As he does so, Yumichika uses a low-level Bakudō to bind the vines, and uses the opening to Shunpo behind Ruri'iro Kujaku and defeat him. Yumichika then collapses.

Characters in order of appearance

 * Izuru Kira
 * Kazeshini
 * Wabisuke
 * Kenpachi Zaraki
 * Ichigo Kurosaki
 * Senbonzakura
 * Byakuya Kuchiki
 * Rukia Kuchiki
 * Renji Abarai
 * Gonryōmaru
 * Tenken
 * Suzumebachi
 * Soifon
 * Ikkaku Madarame
 * Yumichika Ayasegawa
 * Ruri'iro Kujaku
 * Zabimaru
 * Yachiru Kusajishi

Powers and Techniques used
Kidō used
 * Hadō #58 Tenran (闐嵐, Orchid Sky)
 * Hadō #31 Shakkahō (赤火砲, Shot of Red Fire)
 * Bakudō #4 Hainawa (這縄, Crawling Rope)

Zanpakutō released

Shikai:
 * Kazeshini (風死, Wind Death)
 * Wabisuke (侘助, Miserable Man)
 * Tenken (天譴, Heavenly Punishment)
 * Suzumebachi (雀蜂, Hornet)
 * Ruri'iro Kujaku (瑠璃色孔雀, Azure Peacock)
 * Senbonzakura (千本桜, "Thousand Cherry Blossoms)

Bankai:
 * Tensa Zangetsu (天鎖斬月, Heavenly Chain Moon Cutter or Heavenly Chain Cutting Moon)
 * Senbonzakura Kageyoshi (千本桜景厳, Vibrant Display of a Thousand Cherry Blossoms)