Deceived Shinigami! The World Collapse Crisis

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

As Yoruichi Shihōin, 8th Division Captain Shunsui Kyōraku, 11th Division Captain Jūshirō Ukitake, and 11th Division Captain Kenpachi Zaraki continue to fight against the Zanpakutō spirits, Ichigo Kurosaki frees Captain-Commander Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto, only to learn this was all part of Muramasa's plan.

Summary
As ash swirls toward her, Yoruichi Shihōin leaps into the air, only to be engulfed by the ash. As Haineko proclaims she got her, Yoruichi appears in front of her. As Haineko expresses surprise, Yoruichi kicks her into a wall. Leaping into the air, Tobiume says her release command and throws a fireball at Yoruichi.

Leaping back to avoid the fireball, which explodes upon hitting the ground, Yoruichi lands a few feet away as Haineko appears on top of a nearby rock. Rubbing her face, Haineko states she cannot believe Yoruichi kicked her in the face, prompting Yoruichi to say this was just a warm-up. Meanwhile, 8th Division Captain Shunsui Kyōraku blocks several attacks from the violet-haired girl.

As Shunsui and the violet-haired girl cross blades, the violet-haired woman states this is embarrassing and says she had hoped for more of a challenge. When the violet-haired woman asks him if she is supposed to believe this is all he has got, Shunsui tells her to not be ridiculous and states it is not his nature to get rough with women. When Shunsui says he is a gentleman, the violet-haired woman asks him if this is so and states she sees no reason to match Shunsui's gentlemanly pace. As the violet-haired woman says she has no problem with using full force against Shunsui, the violet-haired girl narrows her eyes.

As a drop of water falls from a stalagmite, the violet-haired woman steps forward and slashes at Shunsui, who leans back to avoid her attack. Cutting the drop of water in half, the violet-haired woman tells Shunsui to pay attention and proclaims she is coming before attacking him. Blocking the swords of Katen Kyōkotsu, Shunsui states pleasing a woman is not easy, prompting the violet-haired woman to smirk. Elsewhere, Sōgyo no Kotowari laugh and run as they hold hands. Telling them to slow down, 13th Division Captain Jūshirō Ukitake runs after them.

Declining to answer, Sōgyo no Kotowari tell Ukitake to run faster and catch them if he can. As one of Sōgyo no Kotowari says he bets Ukitake cannot do so, Ukitake states it is dangerous to run around with those weapons before almost tripping. When Ukitake says he will not keep playing if Sōgyo no Kotowari do not listen to him, Sōgyo no Kotowari stop running. As Ukitake stops running as well, Sōgyo no Kotowari turn around as one of them asks Ukitake if he is talking about their fans, which they hold up. Confirming this, Ukitake kneels and asks Sōgyo no Kotowari to give them to him.

Stating they can play any kind of game Sōgyo no Kotowari would like if they do so, Ukitake holds out his hands and asks Sōgyo no Kotowari to give their fans to him once more. Looking at each other, Sōgyo no Kotowari turn back to Ukitake as one of them asks him if he is going to play with them if they do this. Confirming this, Ukitake says Sōgyo no Kotowari have to hand the fans over to him first. Walking up to him, Sōgyo no Kotowari ask Ukitake if he will really play with them. Confirming this, Ukitake tells them to be good children and give the fans to him.

As Ukitake smiles, one of Sōgyo no Kotowari states Ukitake must promise. As Ukitake expresses surprise, Sōgyo no Kotowari lock their pinkies together and tell Ukitake to make it a pinkie promise. As Ukitake smiles and confirms it is a pinkie promise, Sōgyo no Kotowari hold their fans out to him. As Ukitake says they are good children and prepares to take the fans, Sōgyo no Kotowari smile as electricity crackles at the end of their fans. As a surprised Ukitake ducks, two streams of electricity hit the ceiling behind him as Sōgyo no Kotowari run off and proclaim Ukitake fell for it.

Stating Sōgyo no Kotowari are bad children, Ukitake wipes his brow and sighs. Meanwhile, a yelling 11th Division Captain Kenpachi Zaraki blocks Tenken's attack. Smiling, Kenpachi forces Tenken's blade back. As flames emanate from Tenken's mouth, Kenpachi says it is time for Tenken to die and slashes at him. As the tips of the stalactites in front of Kenpachi are cut off, Tenken lands on a nearby platform as Kenpachi expresses surprise. When Gonryōmaru runs forward while his pike crackles with electricity, Kenpachi turns around and slashes at him, sending Tenken flying away with a blast of yellow Reiatsu.

As Gonryōmaru lands, Kenpachi asks him what is wrong and states he believed he was going to have a lot of fun with Gonryōmaru. As Kenpachi asks Gonryōmaru if this is the best he can do, 11th Division Lieutenant Yachiru Kusajishi pokes her head out from behind a stalagmite and tells Tenken they are not going to defeat Kenpachi if all they do is defend against his attacks. When Kenpachi tells her she should try keeping her mouth shut, Yachiru pops out from a stalactite behind him. Saying it is true, Yachiru states this fight is not fun to watch so far.

As Yachiru notes Tenken and Gonryōmaru do not appear to be fighting with everything they have got, Kenpachi tells her to stay quiet and let him handle this. Turning his attention to Tenken and Gonryōmaru, Kenpachi admits Yachiru is right and says something is off. When Kenpachi asks him if he does not want to settle this and be done with it, Gonryōmaru states it is not only about winning or losing for him and Tenken. Noting Tenken and Gonryōmaru were not planning on winning from the start, Kenpachi proclaims he is bored with this and glows with yellow Reiatsu, which erupts around him.

Meanwhile, Ichigo Kurosaki stands before the barrier surrounding Captain-Commander Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto and prepares to attack. When Muramasa's sword hurtles toward him from behind, Ichigo turns around and slashes at the sword, sending it flying away. Catching the sword, Muramasa lands on the ground and says he is glad Ichigo could make it. When Ichigo states he knew Muramasa would be here, Muramasa says this was meant to be and notes they appear to be destined to cross blades before asking Ichigo if they should proceed with settling their differences.

Stating this is fine with him regardless of whether or not it is destiny, Ichigo says everyone is expecting him to bring Yamamoto home safely. Stating he intends to do so, Ichigo tells Muramasa to get this over with as red-black Reiatsu flows along the blade of Tensa Zangetsu. As Muramasa says he has waited for this, Ichigo fires a Getsuga Tenshō at him. As the Getsuga Tenshō hurtles toward him, Muramasa holds his blade in front of him. Elsewhere, Yoruichi notes she can sense more Reiatsu and realizes Ichigo must have found Muramasa.

Noting the behavior of Haineko and Tobiume is strange, Yoruichi notes they are coming after her despite knowing their attacks are not effective against her before telling herself she will have to test them. Elsewhere, the violet-haired girl slashes at Shunsui, who dodges. Dodging another attack, Shunsui clashes with the violet-haired girl. Leaping back, the violet-haired girl slashes at Shunsui, who moves away with Shunpo. As the violet-haired girl expresses surprise, the violet-haired woman asks Shunsui, who has appeared on the steps, if he is truly incapable of showing them more strength.

Asking the violet-haired woman if she is saying she is not impressed, Shunsui states his feelings are hurt. When the violet-haired woman says being witty will not help Shunsui either, Shunsui states it seems this is all he needs to do and says the violet-haired woman has no intention of cutting him, prompting the violet-haired woman to state Shunsui should only be so lucky. Saying his Zanpakutō comes in two sizes, Shunsui says he uses this style to his advantage and states this is his style of fighting before saying this means it is the way the violet-haired woman and girl fight as well.

Stating Katen Kyōkotsu have not taken advantage of this, Shunsui says they are aware of how effectively it works. Stating the short sword is used to confuse the enemy while the long sword delivers the final blow, Shunsui says this is how Katen Kyōkotsu were designed and how they are supposed to fight. Noting only the short sword of Katen Kyōkotsu is attacking while the long sword is not doing anything at all, Shunsui states the violet-haired woman appears to not want to deliver the final blow. Saying him being unable to show more strength is not the case, Shunsui states Katen Kyōkotsu appear to be holding him off and making it difficult for him to strike back.

Sheathing his sword, Shunsui asks Katen Kyōkotsu if he is correct, prompting the violet-haired woman to note Shunsui is an observant master and say this is troublesome for her. Elsewhere, at a waterfall, one of Sōgyo no Kotowari tells Ukitake to come to their location as the other one states Ukitake will find them by following their path. Walking to the edge of the waterfall, Ukitake tells Sōgyo no Kotowari to come out and says he will be very angry if they do not do so. As one of Sōgyo no Kotowari states this is fine with them, the other one says they do not mind and tells Ukitake to get angry.

As Ukitake sighs, Sōgyo no Kotowari spread their scroll-like object out and appear in the air in front of Ukitake. As Sōgyo no Kotowari proclaim they will get him, dozens of spikes shoot out of the scroll-like object. Extending his hand, Ukitake fires '''Hadō #31. Shakkahō''' into the water below, causing a large amount of water to surge up and knock the spikes away. Expressing surprise, Sōgyo no Kotowari move away. As Sōgyo no Kotowari appear on the ground behind Ukitake and run toward him while preparing to attack with their fans, Ukitake grabs their arms.

As Sōgyo no Kotowari's fans fall to the ground, Ukitake states he is the winner before Sōgyo no Kotowari kick him in the face. As the giggling Sōgyo no Kotowari run away, Ukitake curses and notes this will take longer if he goes easy on Sōgyo no Kotowari before realizing they are stalling. Meanwhile, Muramasa blocks the Getsuga Tenshō before dispersing it with a slash from his sword. As Ichigo expresses surprise, Muramasa asks him if he understands and says this is not enough to defeat him. Stating Ichigo cannot move on until he defeats him, Muramasa tells Ichigo to hit him with everything he has got.

Agreeing, Ichigo tells Muramasa to have it his way as black-red Reiatsu swirls around his blade. As Ichigo dons his Hollow mask, black-red Reiatsu surges around him. Elsewhere, as Tobiume wonders what this Reiatsu is, Haineko asks her if it really matters. Saying they are wasting time, Haineko tells Tobiume they should wrap things up here. When Yoruichi states she is looking forward to seeing Haineko do this, Haineko proclaims Yoruichi asked for it and sends the ash at her. When Yoruichi appears behind her and kicks at her, Haineko moves behind her and attempts to hit her with a two-handed punch.

As Yoruichi leaps away, Haineko's fists crash into the ground. As Haineko smirks, Tobiume spins her bell. As ash engulfs Haineko and Tobiume, a fireball hurtles out of the ash toward Yoruichi, who expresses surprise. As the fireball explodes, Haineko angrily tells Yoruichi she is not going anywhere, prompting a surprised Tobiume to turn around and see Yoruichi appear behind them. As Yoruichi runs down a dark passage, Haineko attempts to move to her. Turning around, Yoruichi fires '''Hadō #31. Shakkahō''', which crashes into Haineko. As bright red light fills the passage, Tobiume says her release command.

When Tobiume throws a fireball at the ceiling in front of her, Yoruichi stops as the dust clears to reveal a pile of rocks before her. As the dust clears to reveal Haineko standing in front of her, Yoruichi smiles as Tobiume stands behind her. Meanwhile, Shunsui says he is beginning to understand the Zanpakutō spirits now and states they never intended to kill him as Ukitake says the Zanpakutō spirits only wanted to lure him here and keep him busy. When Yoruichi says this has been the plan of the Zanpakutō spirits from the start, Haineko smirks as Ichigo leaps toward Muramasa, who smiles.

Clashing with Muramasa, Ichigo pushes his blade away before striking at Muramasa. Blocking, Muramasa moves to the side. When Ichigo slashes at him, Muramasa appears behind him, prompting Ichigo to attack him. Clashing with Ichigo, Muramasa leaps back and states he thought he told Ichigo to hit him with everything he has got. Telling Ichigo to not hold back, Muramasa tells Ichigo to display his true Getsuga Tenshō. Meanwhile, the violet-haired woman laughs and says she has no choice because Shunsui figured it out. When Katen Kyōkotsu move away, Shunsui expresses surprise.

As a piece of white fabric floats through the air, Katen Kyōkotsu wonder how Shunsui avoided their attack. As Shunsui states trying to cut him will not stop him from moving forward, Ukitake runs and warns Sōgyo no Kotowari he will not play any more games. As one of Sōgyo no Kotowari says they cannot do this, the other apologizes as they appear in front of Ukitake. As the fans of Sōgyo no Kotowari glow, one of Sōgyo no Kotowari states they will not let Ukitake go any further as they throw their fans. As the fans embed themselves in the ground, Ukitake leaps into the air and says Sōgyo no Kotowari lack discipline before falling toward them.

Meanwhile, as Gonryōmaru is sent flying back, Kenpachi states there is a lot going on in this cave. Telling Tenken to not worry about it, Kenpachi says he will give them his full attention. Stating he is staying right here, Kenpachi tells Tenken to show him what he has got. Yelling, Kenpachi repeatedly clashes with Tenken as Yachiru watches from behind a rock. Saying this is more like it, Yachiru smiles. Elsewhere, Yoruichi uses '''Hadō #58. Tenran''', which sends a tornado toward Haineko and Tobiume. As Haineko and Tobiume move away, the tornado crashes into the pile of rocks and destroys it.

When Yoruichi moves away, Tobiume expresses surprise, Appearing below Tobiume, Yoruichi uses '''Bakudō #30. Shitotsu Sansen''', which pins Tobiume to a wall with three yellow triangles. When Haineko punches at her, Yoruichi elbows Haineko's arm before elbowing her in the stomach. Appearing behind Haineko, Yoruichi kicks her away. Landing on a wall, Haineko expresses surprise as another '''Bakudō #30. Shitotsu Sansen''' pins her to the wall. As Haineko wonders what this is, Yoruichi notes the goal of the Zanpakutō spirits was to separate the other Shinigami from Ichigo before noting it is clear now.

Meanwhile, as he runs along a passage, Ukitake wonders what Muramasa wants with Ichigo and notes Muramasa is not planning to kill him. As Ichigo's Reiatsu surges around him, Shunsui notes Muramasa is buying time while Ichigo builds up Reiryoku and can only have one purpose if he is stringing Ichigo along like this. Realizing Muramasa has been leading Ichigo into a trap, Yoruichi expresses surprise before moving away with Shunpo. As Ichigo prepares to attack, Muramasa smiles as Ukitake notes he is just waiting. As Ichigo raises his sword over his head, Shunsui notes Muramasa is waiting to use Ichigo's most powerful attack.

As Yoruichi tells him to stop, Ichigo fires a Getsuga Tenshō. Blocking the attack, Muramasa struggles to hold it back before focusing as he begins to glow red. As Yoruichi appears on a nearby ledge, Muramasa yells as the Reiatsu making up the Getsuga Tenshō surges upward. As Ichigo expresses surprise, Muramasa sees Yamamoto sitting within his barrier and laughs maniacally before forcing the Getsuga Tenshō to the side. As the ground tears up around it, the Getsuga Tenshō crashes into the barrier, creating an explosion which tears up the ground around the barrier as Ichigo shields himself.

As a column of blue light dissipates in the forest outside, Shunsui and Ukitake step through the dust as Ichigo pants on the ground. As Katen Kyōkotsu and Sōgyo no Kotowari look on, the dust clears to reveal a grinning Muramasa standing next to the barrier, which begins to crack. As Yoruichi, Shunsui, and Ukitake expresses surprise, with the latter noting the barrier is cracking, the barrier shatters into pieces around Yamamoto, who opens his eyes in confusion. As Muramasa reaches toward Yamamoto, Ukitake notes it is true. Expressing surprise, Ichigo asks Ukitake what he is talking about.

When Yoruichi reveals Muramasa's goal was to get Ichigo to use his Getsuga Tenshō while Hollowfied, Ichigo expresses surprise as Shunsui notes Muramasa fused his power with Ichigo's to create a massive explosion. Stating it worked, Ukitake reveals Muramasa wished to destroy Yamamoto's protective barrier with the explosion. Asking Ukitake what he means, Ichigo says Muramasa created the barrier and asks Ukitake why Muramasa would wish to destroy it. As Yoruichi states they have all been greatly mistaken, Muramasa confirms this and appears behind Yamamoto, who opens his eyes and stands up.

Saying Muramasa has taken the upper hand, Yamamoto moves to the Shinigami with Shunpo and reveals Muramasa has relentlessly been trying to gain access to his subconscious. Recalling Muramasa entering his own inner world, Ichigo asks Yamamoto if Muramasa was able to do so and gain access to Yamamoto's Zanpakutō spirit. When Ukitake states all of the events leading up to this point were part of Muramasa's plan to get closer to Yamamoto, Muramasa says Ukitake is a true captain-class Shinigami for being able to figure out the complex so quickly and confirms Ukitake's statement.

Revealing his goal is to gather and learn from all of the memories within Yamamoto's mind, Muramasa states he needed to gain access to the core of Yamamoto's inner world in order to do so. Revealing Yamamoto set up a force field and isolated himself in the barrier when Muramasa found him, Muramasa says Yamamoto entered an unconscious state in order to prevent Muramasa from entering his mind. Stating he had expected this, Muramasa reveals he manifested the Zanpakutō spirits of many Shinigami in order to cause a distraction within Soul Society and says this was the beginning phase of his plan to destroy Yamamoto's barrier.

Stating he led the Shinigami and Zanpakutō spirits to believe his goal was to liberate the Zanpakutō spirits from their masters, Muramasa says he made certain the Shinigami believed he was holding Yamamoto against his will. As Muramasa states he only had to wait for the Shinigami to come to Yamamoto's rescue, Ichigo curses. Saying everything went according to his plan, Muramasa states he would like to thank all of the Shinigami present and says he would like to thank Ichigo especially. When the violet-haired woman asks him what the Zanpakutō spirits are to him, Muramasa looks at her.

When the violet-haired woman asks him if freeing the Zanpakutō was a lie and he was using them to achieve his own goal, Muramasa states this is what he said and asks her if there is a problem. Confirming this, the violet-haired woman proclaims she has no intention of aiding Muramasa any further as she and the violet-haired girl manifest Katen Kyōkotsu. As one of Sōgyo no Kotowari says Muramasa does not play fair, the other one states Muramasa is a big liar. As Shunsui and Ukitake tell Katen Kyōkotsu and Sōgyo no Kotowari to hold on, Ichigo notes the Zanpakutō spirits are turning on Muramasa.

As his blade dissipates, Muramasa apologizes and says it is time for him to go. Stating this conversation is over, Muramasa tells Katen Kyōkotsu and Sōgyo no Kotowari they can do whatever they wish and turns around. As the violet-haired woman says they will do exactly this, she and the violet-haired girl move away as Sōgyo no Kotowari run forward. Circling around Muramasa's feet, a bolt of flame floats between Katen Kyōkotsu and Sōgyo no Kotowari. As Ichigo wonders what this was, Ukitake wonders where it came from as Yamamoto recognizes it as Ryūjin Jakka.

Attempting to attack Muramasa, Katen Kyōkotsu and Sōgyo no Kotowari are engulfed in flame. As the hairpieces of Katen Kyōkotsu shatter, the fans of Sōgyo no Kotowari shatter as Sōgyo no Kotowari lose hold of each other. As Ichigo and Ukitake shield themselves from the blazing inferno, Ichigo looks up to see Ryūjin Jakka break through the ceiling of the cave. As Ryūjin Jakka bursts through the ceiling into the forest, creating a large explosion in the process, the Shinigami stand in a clearing within the flames. Stating this is a disaster, Shunsui says Ryūjin Jakka is under Muramasa's control.

Bidding the Shinigami farewell, Muramasa says they will no longer be getting in his way as flame swirls around him. When the flames dissipate to reveal Muramasa is gone, Ichigo expresses anger. When Ukitake asks him how they should proceed, Yamamoto states Muramasa is a very clever Zanpakutō spirit who possesses the power of a tapeworm. Saying Muramasa can speak to an enemy's Zanpakutō spirit and utilize it as he wishes, Yamamoto states Muramasa is very unique before proclaiming Muramasa will be stopped and will fall short of his goal as the Gotei 13 bring him to his knees.

Shinigami Illustrated Picture Book
As Yasutora Sado walks with his guitar case on his shoulder, Orihime Inoue runs up while holding several outfits and greets him. As a surprised Sado turns around, Orihime asks him which outfit he believes would be the easiest to fight in. As Orihime states she has forgotten because it has been so long since she fought, Sado says they are all fine. Appearing behind Sado, Uryū Ishida tells Sado to look at what he is wearing and states he is wearing this in the next episode. As Uryū says he thought he would change the length of his cape, he and Orihime ask Sado for his input on their outfits as a shocked Sado states he does not care.

Fights

 * Yoruichi Shihōin vs. Haineko & Tobiume (concluded)
 * Shunsui Kyōraku & Jūshirō Ukitake vs. Katen Kyōkotsu & Sōgyo no Kotowari (concluded)
 * Kenpachi Zaraki vs. Tenken & Gonryōmaru
 * Trapped by the Flames: Desperate Situation

Powers and Techniques Used
Kidō used:
 * '''Hadō #31.
 * '''Hadō #58.
 * '''Bakudō #30.

Techniques used:

Shinigami techniques used:

Zanpakutō released:

Shikai:

Bankai:

Other powers used: