Kenpachi Zaraki Approaches!

Zaraki Kenpachi Approaches! is the thirty-sixth episode of the Bleach anime.

Ichigo begins his battle with 11th Division Captain Kenpachi Zaraki.

Statistics

 * Original Airdate: June 14, 2005
 * English Airdate: June 9, 2007
 * Opening Song: D-tecnoLife
 * Ending Song: Houkiboshi
 * Manga Chapters: Chapter 103, Chapter 104.
 * Kanji:更木剣八、迫る!
 * Romaji: "Zaraki Kenpachi semaru!"
 * Arc: Soul Society: The Sneak Entry arc

Summary
Ichigo, Ganju, and Hanatarō head down the courtyard, but are stopped by Captain Kenpachi Zaraki's reiatsu. Back at the Fifth Squad station, Momo Hinamori is in jail. She recalls the deceased Aizen's body being hung from the wall. Rangiku Matsumoto enters to check on Momo. Momo asks what's going on outside, and Rangiku reports utter chaos. When Momo asks how the investigation goes, Rangiku explains that fifth squad is in chaos more than anyone because they've lost their captain and vice-captain. She rebukes Momo, who apologizes for her actions. Rangiku then presents Momo with a letter from Aizen written before his death.

Momo carefully opens the letter and reads. It is Aizen's will. It explains that Aizen knew he was being followed and he apologizes for worrying her. She figures he must have written it the night before when she visited him. He says he will reveal everything he knows so far, and she is shocked at the news, but we don't know what it is yet.

Back to Ichigo, the three are still stayed by the reiatsu. Ichigo announces that they have to escape. Kenpachi is already on to them, however, and listening very carefully to their movements. Ichigo notices that they don't seem to be getting away. Hanatarō finally collapses, so Ganju carries him. Kenpachi evaluates all three and decides Ichigo is worth the fight. Finally, Ichigo figures out where his foe is hiding, on a nearby roof. Instantly, Kenpachi is behind him, and Ichigo is impaled. But not really. Apparently, it was some kind of hallucination. Ichigo decides it must be an "air of bloodlust". Kenpachi knows who Ichigo is, but Ichigo must reminisce back to fighting Ikkaku to remember Kenpachi's name.

Ichigo turns to face his foe, and we see Rukia, who felt something even inside the shrine. She recalls Renji's report of Ichigo's entrance to Soul Society. She prays for him to leave her, and it goes back to Kenpachi. Ichigo recalls Yoruichi's warning of "run if you meet a captain". His teammates have been floored from Kenpachi's reiatsu, and suddenly, Yachiru jumps from behind Kenpachi to note Hanatarō's poor condition. Ichigo is amazed at her and asks who she is. She introduces herself as the Lieutenant of the Eleventh Squad, and Ichigo urges Ganju to take Hanatarō and run. Ganju reluctantly complies, while Ichigo stands to face the captain. Kenpachi announces that all he wants to do is fight and doesn't care about anything else Ichigo may be trying to defend. Ichigo prepares, though Kenpachi notes the many flaws in his stance and offers Ichigo a chance at a free cut. Ichigo is unsure of what's going on, but Kenpachi holds to his offer. Kenpachi taunts him, so Ichigo finally strikes.

Hanatarō suddenly wakes and causes Ganju to trip with his worry about Ichigo. He asks where Ichigo is, then urges to go back when he finds out. Hanatarō explains that Kenpachi's name means that he's immortal. Ganju still refuses to go back on the grounds that they were urged to save Rukia by Ichigo, and the two take off.

Some blood on the floor, but oddly, it's Ichigo's! His cut didn't hurt Kenpachi at all, but in fact wounded Ichigo's hand. Kenpachi is disappointed and pushes Ichigo back by Zangetsu's sharp edge with his bare hands. Kenpachi explains that when two reiatsu's collide, the one that is stronger repels the weaker one. Kenpachi's reiatsu is too strong for Ichigo, so no damage was done. Kenpachi draws his sword, declaring it's his turn to attack.

Kon-sama's Ultimate Shinigami Illustrated Guide
The featured character is Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto.

Characters in order of appearance

 * 1) Ichigo Kurosaki
 * 2) Ganju Shiba
 * 3) Hanatarō Yamada
 * 4) Momo Hinamori
 * 5) Sōsuke Aizen
 * 6) Rangiku Matsumoto
 * 7) Kenpachi Zaraki
 * 8) Ikkaku Madarame
 * 9) Rukia Kuchiki
 * 10) Renji Abarai
 * 11) Yoruichi Shihōin
 * 12) Yachiru Kusajishi

Fights

 * Ichigo Kurosaki vs. Kenpachi Zaraki

Powers and Techniques used
Techniques used:
 * Zanjutsu (斬術, Cutting Technique)