Clash! Kenpachi Zaraki vs. Maki Ichinose

'''Clash! Kenpachi Zaraki vs. Maki Ichinose''' is the ninety-eighth episode of the Bleach anime.

Statistics

 * Original Airdate: October 4, 2006
 * English Airdate: January 24, 2009
 * Opening Song: Rolling Star
 * Ending Song: Baby It's You
 * Manga Chapters: None
 * Kanji: 激突！更木剣八VS一之瀬真樹
 * Romaji: "Gekitotsu! Zaraki Kenpachi VS Ichinose Maki"
 * Arc: Bount Assault on Soul Society arc

Summary
As Tōshirō Hitsugaya begins his fight with Maki Ichinose, Ichigo Kurosaki and Uryū Ishida arrive on the scene. Shortly thereafter they are joined by Yasutora Sado, Orihime Inoue, Renji Abarai, and Rangiku Matsumoto. All of them quickly realize that none of the Bounts are there and Ichinose confirms this, saying that Kariya had him stay behind to finish off Ichigo and his friends. Ichinose tells them Kariya and the others have gone to wipe out the Seireitei. While the others wonder how such an army managed to get by them, Sado and Rangiku realize the truth. They remember the Bount Sawatari and his ability to travel through a different dimension and they inform the others. Ichinose directly challenges them all and using his Zanpakutō's special ability manages to gain the advantage on all seven of them.

Ichinose prepares to finish Sado, but is caught off guard by a familiar face. Kenpachi Zaraki arrives and with one attack shatters his illusion and brings Ichinose to his knees; a feat that left Uryū in a state of awe. Initially Kenpachi says he is not there to stop Ichinose and tells him that it is not his wish to fight with him, unless Ichinose decides to stand up and challenge him directly, thereby letting Ichigo and the others go, which would be a direct violation of Kariya's orders. In the end Ichinose chooses to fight Kenpachi.

As the fight begins Ichinose is clearly outmatched as most of his attacks connect, but lack the power to hurt Kenpachi. Zaraki expresses his disappointment in Ichinose, saying that after all of these years he hasn't changed a bit. Kenpachi decides to end the fight, but Ichinose suddenly grows stronger and reveals his Zanpakutō's final form. With his speed and strength increased he manages to wound Kenpachi and catches him in his most powerful attack. Believing the fight over, Ichinose goes to leave and assist Kariya. He is, however, stopped by Yachiru Kusajishi's constant questions and statements. Yachiru continuously tells him that Kenpachi isn't dead and Ichinose, having lost his patience threatens her. Just then, he hears Zaraki yell out and a massive explosion shatters Ichinose's attack, revealing Kenpachi has survived.

Faced with this, Ichinose loses his demeanor and begins to frantically attack Kenpachi. Zaraki easily dodges and lands a crippling blow to Ichinose. Kenpachi calls him a fool and an idiot. He reminds Ichinose about what he is really fighting for. Having remembered his former captain and the dream they once shared, Ichinose summons all of his strength for one final attack. Kenpachi matches his power and the two collide. Ichinose's sword breaks and Kenpachi deals him a mortal wound. Ichinose collapses. Kenpachi is approached by Yachiru and she asks him for the truth. Kenpachi tells her he didn't hold back and Yachiru knows that means Ichinose is finished. Yachiru pays her respects to the fallen warrior and the two head back to the Seireitei.