Tōjū Campaign

The Tōjū Campaign is an event in which berserker swords materialise all across Seireitei in the wake of Muramasa's Rebellion, threatening to disrupt the peace brought after the conflict was resolved. These so-called "Tōjū" were released as a direct result of Muramasa's abilities, and as such are in a constant Bankai state. The last remaining Tōjū, Kirikaze, gained the ability to absorb reiryoku, threatening the existence of the Zanpakutō spirits.

The campaign began when Byakuya Kuchiki held a party for his subordinates at the Manor, whereupon Rukia encountered the first Tōjū. After this event, Mayuri Kurotsuchi became aware of this new development, and the Tōjū were progressively hunted down and killed by the Shinigami.

The event ended after the final Tōjū, Kirikaze, encounters the Zanpakutō Spirits, who attempt to defeat him without the assistance of their Shinigami masters. As they fight him, the Shinigami intervene, teaming up with their respective spirits, promptly defeating the last Tōjū with the assistance of Renji Abarai's Bankai. With the peace restored and the Zanpakutō returned to their rightful place, the Shinigami return to Seireitei.

Prelude
At the Kuchiki Manor, Byakuya Kuchiki and his division members relax after the prior conflict. As Renji Abarai and Rukia Kuchiki contemplate the damage to Seireitei, he is pulled away by another Shinigami. Rukia wanders around the manor by herself, as she hears a ruckus ensuing in one of the serving rooms. She enters the room, observing two figures attacking. Rukia calls to their attention, as she faces off against them unarmed. However, Sode no Shirayuki and Senbonzakura intervene, cutting down one of the figures. The group then head to the Shinigami Research and Development Institute, whereupon Mayuri Kurotsuchi elaborates upon the existence of Tōjū. Rukia and the Zanpakutō spirits formulate a plan to capture the missing Tōjū, resulting in them holding a party in the 10th Division's barracks.

After the party concludes, their plan fails, prompting Sode no Shirayuki to impart her feelings to Rukia. Suddenly, the missing Tōjū appears on the scene, as the two move to capture him. As they fight against the Tōjū, his constant Bankai state makes it difficult for them to defeat him, but is eventually subdued once Rukia calls Sode no Shirayuki back to her katana. After their conflict, Rukia reports the existence of the Tōjū to her captain, as Jūshirō Ukitake states that their time of peace was short-lived. The next day, in the Human World, a Tōjū crashes down from the sky. He is confronted by Ichigo Kurosaki and Tōshirō Hitsugaya, who briefly clash with him. However, the two are unable to stop him from escaping, leaving Ichigo surprised by the Tōjū's words.

They arrive at the Urahara Shop, where they inform Kisuke Urahara that a new species has resurfaced. Hitsugaya informs Ichigo about the existence of the Tōjū, proclaiming them to be highly volatile and dangerous. He states that the Soul Society is unsure of how many exist, which Ichigo states isn't helping their situation. Meanwhile, the Tōjū wanders in a dark alleyway, and is met with a Hollow, which proceeds to consume him. Hitsugaya and his Zanpakutō notice the displacement in reiatsu, as Nanao Ise successfully persuades Mayuri to research the Tōjū phenomena. Rangiku, Haineko and Orihime are walking through Karakura Town, when the Tōjū appears before them atop a construction facility. It attacks them, resulting in Ichigo's intervention. As they take their fight elsewhere, Zangetsu tells Ichigo that this was the Tōjū which they fought earlier, theorizing that it has merged with a Hollow. The Tōjū fires a Cero at Ichigo, as Hitsugaya uses this as a diversion, freezing it in ice. Afterwards, Hitsugaya imparts a piece of advice to them, stating that they shouldn't underestimate a Tōjū's strength.