Special Mission! Rescue Captain-Commander Yamamoto!

'''Special Mission! Rescue Captain-Commander Yamamoto!''' is the two hundred and forty-sixth episode of the Bleach anime.

A group of Shinigami attempt to rescue Captain-Commander Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto, but they are held back by several Zanpakutō Spirits. Ichigo Kurosaki arrives at the barrier and prepares to destroy it.

Summary
Inside a deep cave, Captain Byakuya Kuchiki walks with Muramasa and takes a look at a large triangular barrier. Inside, he sees Captain-Commander Yamamoto. Muramasa tells him that the people floating above the barrier are the three Zanpakutō who have been maintaining the barrier to keep Yamamoto contained. Byakuya approaches the barrier, which Yamamoto senses and directs his flames outward, resulting in some flames escaping from the barrier as the Zanpakutō tell him to stay back or else he'll use more power, with Muramasa noting that Yamamoto has been troublesome.

In Soul Society, Ichigo reflects on Byakuya's betrayal and their previous battle while Yoruichi Shihōin informs Captains Jūshirō Ukitake and Shunsui Kyōraku of a location, stating that it's the place the Captain-Commander is most likely to be and also where she sensed his Reiatsu. Captain Kenpachi Zaraki is eagerly encouraged by his lieutenant, Yachiru Kusajishi, to go as well. Seeking a battle with Byakuya, Kenpachi agrees to go fight. With that, Ukitake and Kyōraku decide to join in on the offensive as well.

In the Zanpakutō's hideout, some of the spirits are gathered, idly talking among themselves. Haineko complains about her boredom and talks with Tobiume, who feels the same way. Suddenly, Kazeshini limps into the cave and collapses, having been seriously injured. Muramasa returns from Yamamoto's prison and tells Kazeshini to rest until his injuries have healed, to which he asks him about his freeing of the Zanpakutō to follow their instincts, with his own being to kill Shinigami.

Muramasa states he knows Kazeshini does so, stating that he follows his own instinct to release Zanpakutō from their Shinigami, at which point Kazeshini asks why Byakuya is there. Muramasa explains that Byakuya has been playing a crucial role in their plot. While he is thanking the remaining Zanpakutō Spirits for helping to protect Byakuya, Muramasa is asked by Haineko why they must suffer for Byakuya's presence. Muramasa responds by saying that Zanpakutō are still being hurt at the current time, but that the Shinigami will not be able to do anything drastic as long as Yamamoto is still their prisoner.

Meanwhile, the Shinigami arrive at the entrance to a cave, from which they sense the Reiatsu of the Captain-Commander. Yoruichi warns that the cave is like a maze, and that the Zanpakutō Spirits have been using another entrance to the cave system, stating they need to be careful if the Zanpakutō Spirits are there. Zaraki enters the cave and the other captains quickly follow. Yoruichi tells Ichigo that the two of them will use the alternate entrance; while from the inside of the cave, the Zanpakutō Spirits observe that the Shinigami have arrived while Yamamoto begins exuding fire.

While walking, Zaraki struggles to see in the darkness, Yoruichi and Ichigo use a different, flooded entrance. As they leap from one stalagmite to another, Ichigo asks Yoruichi if Byakuya is in the cave, wondering if she could provide insight as to his motives as well. When Yoruichi replies that she does not know what he's doing, Ichigo is surprised and falls into the water. While Yoruichi tries to reassure him, she is attacked by Haineko and Tobiume. However, she quickly defeats the two Zanpakutō and tells Ichigo to go on ahead, saying he can do what he wants after the Captain-Commander is freed.

While walking, Ukitake and Kyōraku find themselves at a series of steps. At the top of the steps, Kyōraku is confronted by a Zanpakutō Spirit, while Ukitake is knocked to the ground by the twins. As Ukitake explains his unwillingness to fight children and also figures out who they are, the two run and attack from afar. At the top of the steps, Kyōraku confronts the older female Katen Kyōkotsu, who converses with Kyōraku, stating he has grown irritating as the young one shows up.

Meanwhile Zaraki encounters Tenken and Gonryōmaru, the latter of whom seeks revenge for their last encounter. Meanwhile, Ichigo encounters Minazuki, who retreats as Ichigo tries to attacks her. Ichigo pursues her into another room and is attacked by Kazeshini, getting tied up in the process. By activating Bankai, Ichigo quickly defeats Kazeshini with Getsuga Tenshō. Apologizing to Lieutenant Shūhei Hisagi for destroying his Zanpakutō, Ichigo continues towards the Captain-Commander.

Ichigo finds Yamamoto and attempts to approach him, but is burned by the barrier, which he prepares to destroy.

Shinigami Illustrated Picture Book
While walking, Captain Suì-Fēng is asked by Suzumebachi what's wrong. Suì-Fēng tells her she is embarrassed about Yoruichi seeing her when she was having a hard time in battle. Suzumebachi tells her it happened because she was weak while Suì-Fēng ignores her and blushes as she thinks about how Yoruichi held her like a princess, grabbing Suzumebachi out of the air and screaming Yoruichi's name.

Fights

 * Yoruichi Shihōin vs. Haineko & Tobiume

Powers and Techniques Used
Kidō used:
 * Hadō #4 Byakurai (白雷, Pale Lightning) (flashback)

Techniques used:
 * Utsusemi (空蝉, Cicada)
 * Getsuga Tenshō (月牙天衝, Moon Fang Heaven-Piercer)

Zanpakutō released:

Shikai:
 * Kazeshini (風死, Wind Death)
 * Tobiume (飛梅, Flying Plum Tree)
 * Katen Kyōkotsu (花天狂骨, Flower Heaven, Crazy Bone)

Bankai:
 * Tensa Zangetsu (天鎖斬月, Heaven Chain Slaying Moon)
 * Senbonzakura Kageyoshi (千本桜景厳, Vibrant Display of a Thousand Cherry Blossoms) (flashback)
 * Konjiki Ashisogi Jizō (金色疋殺地蔵, Golden Leg-Cutting Jizō) (flashback)