Shinigami and Zanpakutō, Total Sortie

Shinigami and Zanpakutō, Total Sortie is the two-hundred forty-second episode of the Bleach anime.

The Shinigami arrive to confront Byakuya and the Zanpakutō.

Summary
With Renji and Zabimaru defeated, Byakuya tells Rukia to stay out of the rebellion, and attempts to walk off. However, several Zanpakutō arrive and ask Byakuya why he didn't kill off Rukia and Renji. As the Zakpakutō prepare to attack, they are quickly surrounded by members of the Onmitsukidō, led by Captain Suì-Fēng, as well as Ikkaku Madarame, Yumichika Ayasegawa, Izuru Kira and Ichigo Kurosaki. Suì-Fēng informs them that they are under arrest. She instructs everyone to ensure they cannot escape and then force them to submit. However, the Zanpakutō spirits quickly attack the members of the Onmitsukidō, easily defeating them. As the numbers of the Onmitsukidō dwindle, Izuru Kira attempts to stop Kazeshini, while Ikkaku Madarame resumes his previously interrupted duel with Hōzukimaru. Suì-Fēng chases after Gonryōmaru, but is attacked by Tenken, forcing her to take on both of them at once. Yumichika Ayasegawa identifies his Zanpakutō, Ruri'iro Kujaku, drawing him away from the others so that when they start fighting, nobody would witness his abilities.

Meanwhile, Ichigo tries to make sure that Rukia and Renji are alright. Rukia tells him she's fine but that Renji is injured, though he tries to dismiss it as nothing. Telling the two to get back, Ichigo attempts to take on Byakuya and Senbonzakura. Senbonzakura, however, decides to fight Ichigo on his own, telling Byakuya that he must return to Muramasa. Though Ichigo tries to stop Byakuya from leaving, Muramasa attacks and the two clash with neither giving way to the other. As Byakuya attempts to leave, Renji appears in front of him, saying that he will stop his captain, even at the cost of his life. With this, Zabimaru gets up as well, saying that they're not done fighting yet.

As Ichigo continues to battle Senbonzakura, the Zanpakutō spirit activates its Shikai, which is easily batted back by Ichigo. Realizing that Shikai won't be enough, Senbonzakura activates its Bankai. In response, Ichigo activates his own Bankai and counters Senbonzakura kageyoshi with Getsuga Tenshō. At the same time, Yumichika is preparing to battle Ruri'iro Kujaku, who begins commenting on his appearance. When Yumichika expresses his surprise, the Zanpakutō spirit begins offering advice and suggests Yumichika replace the feathers in his hair with his own, which he quickly refuses. Angered over what he thinks is his Zanpakutō spirit mocking him, Yumichika berates him as he is told not to regret bringing them so far away as to keep his abilities a secret.

Meanwhile, as the fighting rages on, Suì-Fēng successfully dodges Gonryomaru's lightning, appearing behind him as a result and kicking him down to the ground. Suddenly, Tengen attacks as well, which Suì-Fēng dodges, eventually coming face-to-face with the spirit who quickly cuts her down. As the dust settles, Suì-Fēng appears from behind, revealing Tengen to have cut an illusion. As Gonryomaru returns, Suì-Fēng asks him whose Zanpakutō he is, and is surprised to learn he's the Zanpakuto of Chojiro Sasakibe, lieutenant of the 1st division, as she had no idea who he was. As Suì-Fēng asks if Gonryomaru betrayed Sasakibe since the latter never stood out, the Zanpakuto spirit angrily attacks with his lightning, creating a cloud of dust which begins to cover the area.

At the same time, Izuru battles against Kazeshini, narrowly dodging the latter's attacks. Kazeshini berates him for running away, calling him a coward, but Izuru states that one must assess the situations they wind up in. Kazeshini voices his disagreement, causing Kira to ask if he's really Hisagi's Zanpakutō and state that if he is, he's born from Hisagi's frustration, angering Kazeshini who immediately denies this and attacks. Izuru fires Hadō #31, Shakkahō at the incoming scythe, stopping it from progressing. Izuru states Hisagi is his friend and that he'll avenge him.

Meanwhile, Hozukimaru punches Ikkaku into a nearby pond, only for him to emerge moments later, successfully activating his Shikai. He remarks that Ikkaku can use his powers again, as he pushes Hōzukimaru away. As the fight progresses, Ikkaku is able to make Hōzukimaru draw blood and forces his Zanpakutō spirit on the defensive. successfully activates his Shikai and gains the upper hand in the battle. However, Hōzukimaru unleashes his Bankai, easily overwhelming Ikkaku and eventually pushing him back into the pond. An angry Ikkaku then gets out charges at him but is knocked onto the ground quickly. Ikkaku stands up to face him again, stating that his pride is what motivates him and notes he cut a fragment from his Bankai. Ikkaku repeatedly drives his Shikai's blade into Hōzukimaru's blade, eventually cracking it. Hōzukimaru then causes crimson reiatsu to envelop his body. Ikkaku momentarily releases reiatsu of a similar color, as they charge at each other, triggering a tremendous explosion. As the dust clears, a victorious Ikkaku stands over the defeated Hozukimaru, before collapsing himself.

Elsewhere, Vice-captains Isane Kotetsu and Tetsuzaemon Iba meet and prepare to head to the 6th Division barracks to assist in the battle. However, they are soon alterted to the presense of Ashisogi Jizō, much to Isane's surprise.

Shinigami Illustrated Picture Book
Ruri'iro Kujaku tells Yumichika that Ikakku should change his uniform, suggesting it to be made into a red kimono that matches the markings around his eyes. He adds how Ikakku can add a red ribbon on his head or even yellow feathers on his eyes, like Yumichika's. Yumichika agrees with his Zanpakutō and suggests adding a flower print to the kimono. As they continue talking, Ikakku then sneezes and wonders what happened.

Fights

 * Ichigo Kurosaki vs. Senbonzakura
 * Suì-Fēng vs. Tenken & Gonryōmaru
 * Izuru Kira vs. Kazeshini
 * Ikkaku Madarame vs. Hōzukimaru: Final Fight (concluded)

Characters in Order of Appearance

 * 1) Rukia Kuchiki
 * 2) Renji Abarai
 * 3) Byakuya Kuchiki
 * 4) Kazeshini
 * 5) Tenken
 * 6) Gonryōmaru
 * 7) Ruri'iro Kujaku
 * 8) Hōzukimaru
 * 9) Senbonzakura
 * 10) Onmitsukidō
 * 11) Suì-Fēng
 * 12) Ikkaku Madarame
 * 13) Yumichika Ayasegawa
 * 14) Izuru Kira
 * 15) Ichigo Kurosaki
 * 16) Zabimaru
 * 17) Kenpachi Zaraki
 * 18) Tetsuzaemon Iba
 * 19) Isane Kotetsu
 * 20) Ashisogi Jizō

Powers and Techniques Used
Kidō used
 * Hadō #31,

Techniques used

Zanpakutō released

Shikai:

Bankai: