The Man who Hates Shinigami

The Man who Hates Shinigami is the twenty-second episode of the Bleach anime.

Statistics

 * Original Airdate: March 8, 2005
 * English Airdate: February 9, 2007
 * Opening Song: *~Asterisk~
 * Ending Song: Thank You!!
 * Manga Chapters: Chapter 75, Chapter 76, Chapter 77.
 * Kanji: 死神を憎む男
 * Romaji: "Shinigami o nikumu otoko"
 * Arc: Soul Society: The Sneak Entry arc

Summary
Gin Ichimaru, the 3rd Division captain, is blocking the path of Ichigo and his friends into Seireitei. The former slashes the left arm of Jidanbō Ikkanzaka, the gatekeeper, who is holding up the gate. This causes Jidanbō to lose his grip and fall to his knees. Ichimaru remarks that being a guardian of the gate doesn't mean you're supposed to open the gate, but rather; when a gatekeeper loses, it means death. Yoruichi realizes that Ichigo, Uryū, Chad and Orihime, while stronger than they were before, are still no match for a captain, and when Ichigo steps inside to confront Ichimaru, he tells Ichigo to fall back immediately. Overhearing this, Ichimaru realizes Ichigo's identity and steps away from the gate remarking that it is all the more reason why he can't let Ichigo pass. He then proceeds to attack Ichigo with his Shinsō's special ability. Ichigo blocks the attack with Zangetsu but is knocked into Jidanbō, who's still holding the gate on his shoulders, and both of them are knocked back into the Rukongai district. Having lost its support, the gate closes.

Shook up but unharmed, Ichigo apologizes for allowing the gate to close, though Yoruichi says it could not be helped. Ichigo then asks Orihime to do what she can for the injured Jidanbō. Hearing this, and having witnessed Ichigo's fight with Ichimaru, the souls of West Rukongai realize the Ryoka are kind and offer them their hospitality. As Orihime summons Sōten Kisshun to heal Jidanbō's arm the group is approached by the soul of Yūichi Shibata, who takes Chad to meet his adoptive family.

Yoruichi decides not to try and enter through the gate again but try a different strategy. Yoruichi asks the district's elder for the whereabouts of Kūkaku Shiba, much to his amazement. Before he can answer an increasing rumble is heard from outside and after a few seconds a strange man is thrown through the door. Seeing Ichigo's Shinigami uniform the man, identified only as Ganju, becomes antagonistic, and demands an explanation from Ichigo. Ichigo responds to the clear provocation by punching the man in the face.

Surprised that the strangers aren't recognizing him, Ganju proceeds to introduce himself using several made up titles, finishing with the #1 Shinigami hater of West Rukongai. Hurling another insult, Ichigo provokes Ganju's wrath and the latter attacks him. As the two roll into the the street, Chad, Orihime and Uryū run to assist him but are stopped by Ganju's henchmen.

Ganju draws his sword and begins to attack an unarmed Ichigo, but Chad throws Zangetsu to him. After Ichigo blocks several blows, Ganju uses his Seppa to sink Zangetsu's blade into the ground. Ichigo manages to disarm Ganju and the fight proceeds hand to hand. Ichigo slightly gains the upperhand, when suddenly a large alarm clock strapped to one of his henchmen goes off, stopping him cold in his tracks. Realizing the time is 9 o'clock, Ganju and his henchmen quickly withdraw.

Kon-sama's Ultimate Shinigami Illustrated Guide
The featured character is Sōsuke Aizen.

Characters in order of appearance

 * Gin Ichimaru
 * Jidanbō Ikkanzaka
 * Ichigo Kurosaki
 * Yoruichi Shihōin
 * Yasutora Sado
 * Uryū Ishida
 * Orihime Inoue
 * Elder of the West Rukon
 * Shun'o
 * Ayame
 * Yūichi Shibata
 * Horiuchi Hironari
 * Ganju Shiba
 * Taichi Misemoto
 * Adatomo Saionzi
 * Nehero Isino
 * Sanji Sezushita

Powers and Techniques used
Techniques used:
 * Soten Kisshun (双天帰盾, Twin Sacred Return Shield)
 * Seppa (石波, Stone Wave)

Zanpakutō released:

Shikai:
 * Shinsō (神鎗, Divine Spear; Viz: Sacred Spear)