The long awaited... Kenpachi appears!

 is the two hundred and forty-fourth episode of the Bleach anime.

11th Division Captain Kenpachi Zaraki arrives and defeats Wabisuke before moving on to 6th Division Captain Byakuya Kuchiki. Meanwhile, 11th Division 5th Seat Yumichika Ayasegawa defeats his manifested Zanpakutō Spirit, Ruri'iro Kujaku.

Summary
Holding Wabisuke next to 3rd Division Lieutenant Izuru Kira's head, Wabisuke tells him he is finished. When a column of yellow Reiatsu erupts through the roof next to him, Wabisuke expresses surprise and moves away as the column expands and explodes.

As Wabisuke wonders what this was, bells ring as the smoke from the explosion surges through the area. Shielding himself, Ichigo Kurosaki wonders if it is who he believes it is. As Byakuya and Rukia Kuchiki look on, 6th Division Lieutenant Renji Abarai looks up. As Tenken, Gonryōmaru, and Suzumebachi express surprise, 2nd Division Captain Suì-Fēng looks over her shoulder as 11th Division 3rd Seat Ikkaku Madarame grins.

Elsewhere, Ruri'iro Kujaku recognizes the Reiatsu, prompting Yumichika to smile and state Ruri'iro Kujaku remembers now. As the smoke clears around Izuru, who is sitting on the ground, Yumichika says the Reiatsu belongs to 11th Division Captain Kenpachi Zaraki, who walks up to Izuru. As Kenpachi looks over the various combatants in front of him, Ichigo calls out to him. Walking forward, Kenpachi jumps down from the ruined building and tells Ichigo they have been going about this wrong.

As Suì-Fēng, Tenken, Gonryōmaru, and Suzumebachi appear on a nearby rooftop, Suì-Fēng states this is a grand way for Kenpachi to announce his belated arrival and says Kenpachi should not make a spectacle of being late. Telling Suì-Fēng to be quiet, Kenpachi states she should not give him any grief because Kenpachi rushed here as fast as he could to help them out. Admitting he may have made a mess, Kenpachi says this is just his style and states he hopes they left him one of the Zanpakutō Spirits to fight against.

Looking over the Zanpakutō Spirits, Kenpachi says he will do as he pleases despite there not being any Zanpakutō Spirits without opponents. Appearing behind Kenpachi, Wabisuke states he does not like Kenpachi being in his way and slashes at Kenpachi. When Wabisuke fails to cut Kenpachi, Wabisuke expresses surprise as Kenpachi says Wabisuke is trying to cut him down. Grabbing Wabisuke, Kenpachi tells Wabisuke to not attack him with such a dull blade and states he does not have time to be bothered with someone like Wabisuke.

Saying Wabisuke is not at his level, Kenpachi slashes Wabisuke across the chest with Wabisuke. As Wabisuke expresses surprise, his outline glows blue as Wabisuke reverts to his sword form, which snaps in two and falls to the ground. As Renji states this is amazing, Rukia notes Kenpachi forced Wabisuke into his sword form with a single attack. Saying this is what happens to a Zanpakutō Spirit who is slain by someone other than its own wielder, Suì-Fēng states the relationship between a Zanpakutō Spirit and its Shinigami is one of communication, synergy, and subjugation.

Stating this relationship can no longer exist when a third party becomes involved, Suì-Fēng tells Tenken, Gonryōmaru, and Suzumebachi to take this as a lesson. As Suzumebachi says Suì-Fēng talks big, Kenpachi asks those present who is next. Elsewhere, Ruri'iro Kujaku notices Wabisuke's defeat and states this is what he expected from the bloodthirsty Kenpachi. Saying Kenpachi snapped Wabisuke without any finesse, Ruri'iro Kujaku states Kenpachi's Reiatsu is rough and ugly. Saying it does not appeal to him, Ruri'iro Kujaku looks over his shoulder and asks Yumichika if he feels the same way.

When Yumichika asks him what he means, Ruri'iro Kujaku states he and Yumichika are very much alike despite Yumichika not wanting to admit it. When Yumichika asks him what he is talking about, Ruri'iro Kujaku says they both live according to their appreciation for aesthetics and states beauty must prevail above all. Saying Yumichika is in the wrong place right now, Ruri'iro Kujaku states Yumichika is among boorish, slow-witted, and hot-tempered Shinigami and says they would only make fun of Yumichika if he released his true power.

Stating this knowledge worries Yumichika, Ruri'iro Kujaku says Kenpachi and Ikkaku have no appreciation for aesthetics and states Yumichika feels inadequate in the 11th Division because he cannot express himself. Saying it cannot be helped, Ruri'iro Kujaku states this is what happens to a half-hearted narcissist who is preoccupied with himself and always concerned about how other people see him. When Yumichika tells him to make his point, Ruri'iro Kujaku says Yumichika will not accept his own powers because he is afraid of how people will perceive him.

When Ruri'iro Kujaku states Yumichika cannot win against him because Ruri'iro Kujaku willingly accepts and believes in his own powers, Yumichika says he believes Ruri'iro Kujaku talks too much, prompting Ruri'iro Kujaku to state he does not need Yumichika's sarcasm. As Ruri'iro Kujaku asks Yumichika if they should end it now, the petals on the vines restricting Yumichika begin to glow blue as they grow larger. As Yumichika expresses surprise, Ruri'iro Kujaku states he will see Yumichika later before saying this might not be the case, prompting Yumichika to express anger.

Meanwhile, Gonryōmaru states Kenpachi is impressive and says Wabisuke being put away with a single attack is not surprising with the level of Kenpachi's Reiatsu. Flying up to him, Suzumebachi states it may have only taken a single attack because Wabisuke was an idiot to attack in such a careless way. When Gonryōmaru asks Kenpachi where he was hiding before he appeared, Kenpachi looks over his shoulder and asks Gonryōmaru if he believes Kenpachi was hiding. Telling Gonryōmaru to watch his mouth, Kenpachi says he does not like being talked to like this.

Climbing up on Kenpachi's shoulder, 11th Division Lieutenant Yachiru Kusajishi states she will explain where Kenpachi has been. Saying Kenpachi left to get rid of some Hollows in the outskirts of Rukongai, Yachiru states Kenpachi tried to hurry back when he learned he was needed in the Seireitei and became completely lost along the way. Saying he did not know where he was, Yachiru states this is why Kenpachi ended up being so late. When Kenpachi to tell Yachiru to stop talking about unnecessary things, Yachiru says she is only telling the truth.

When Yachiru states they passed the candy shop they found on the ridge, Kenpachi says they will go there next time, prompting Yachiru to ask him if he really means it as Ichigo wonders how Kenpachi and Yachiru can be so carefree. Telling Yachiru she will have to get down, Kenpachi states he is going to rampage. As Yachiru hops down and runs off, Kenpachi asks those present whom the strongest among them is. Seeing Byakuya, Kenpachi smiles. Moving in front of Byakuya, Senbonzakura says they have a troublemaker to deal with, prompting Byakuya to agree.

When Senbonzakura states Byakuya should leave this to him, Byakuya agrees. Telling Byakuya he should leave now, Senbonzakura activates his Bankai, Senbonzakura Kageyoshi, and drops his sword into the ground. As two rows of giant blades rise up on either side of Senbonzakura, they disperse into blade petals, which swirl around Senbonzakura. Saying Senbonzakura is impudent, which surprises Senbonzakura, Kenpachi proclaims a lowly Zanpakutō Spirit should not be so arrogant and removes his eyepatch as yellow Reiatsu erupts around him.

As Suzumebachi shields herself and wonders what is happening, Gonryōmaru shields himself and wonders if this is Kenpachi's true power. As Ichigo states Kenpachi is impressive as always, Senbonzakura Kageyoshi is dispersed by Kenpachi's surging Reiatsu, prompting Senbonzakura to say this is impossible. As Kenpachi yells, his Reiatsu surges in strength and size. As Gonryōmaru expresses shock at Kenpachi's power, Rukia notes she cannot withstand this Reiatsu. As Renji states this is incredible, Kenpachi appears in front of Senbonzakura and says Senbonzakura is in his way.

As Senbonzakura expresses surprise, Kenpachi brings his blade down, creating an explosion of yellow Reiatsu which expands outward and destroys the buildings it engulfs as those present express surprise. Elsewhere, as Yumichika expresses surprise, Ruri'iro Kujaku turns and notes it has finally begun. Stating Kenpachi must be truly exceptional if his Reiatsu can be felt from this far away, Ruri'iro Kujaku says Yumichika will only be able to feel Kenpachi's Reiatsu for a few more minutes as the petals on the vines begin to bloom into flowers.

Looking at an exhausted Yumichika, Ruri'iro Kujaku states he likes the look on Yumichika's face and says it is the look of fear which overcomes one right before death before stating he hopes Yumichika dies beautifully. Meanwhile, Kenpachi stands in the middle of a crater. As Kenpachi looks over his shoulder, the dust clears to reveal Byakuya, prompting Kenpachi to grin. When Yumichika says he has decided, Ruri'iro Kujaku asks him if he said he has decided. When Yumichika confirms this, Ruri'iro Kujaku asks him what he decided and asks Yumichika if he has decided to accept his death gracefully.

As Ruri'iro Kujaku states it is a little late for this, Yumichika says he is sorry to disappoint Ruri'iro Kujaku and states he has no intention of accepting his death. When Yumichika says he has decided to defeat him, Ruri'iro Kujaku laughs. When Yumichika admits he was worried about what Ikkaku and Kenpachi might think, Ruri'iro Kujaku confirms this and states Yumichika's position on aesthetics was confused because he was so concerned with the views of others. Denying this, Yumichika says he would choose death over allowing others to see Ruri'iro Kujaku's Shikai.

Standing up, Yumichika states there is much more to it and begins to glow with green Reiatsu. As the flowers on the vines begin to bloom faster, Ruri'iro Kujaku demands to know what Yumichika is doing and says the flowers will grow faster the more Reiryoku Yumichika uses until his lifeforce has been depleted. Stating this is not happening, Yumichika uses '''Hadō #31. Shakkahō''', which explodes in his hand. Reaching down, Yumichika grabs his sword and cuts two of the vines away before pulling on the ones coiled around his left arm. Meanwhile, Kenpachi removes his bells.

Saying Kenpachi released a considerable amount of Reiatsu in order to confine them in battle, Byakuya states this must have been very taxing on Kenpachi's body. When Kenpachi admits it took its toll and says this does not matter, Byakuya asks him if this is so. Confirming this, Kenpachi states he never intended to fight the Zanpakutō Spirits in the first place. Elsewhere, a yelling Yumichika cuts away the remaining vines. As Ruri'iro Kujaku expresses surprise, Yumichika says he will always belong to the strongest of the Gotei 13.

As Yumichika states he is a member of the 11th Division, Kenpachi says he will give it his all and will never quit. As Kenpachi states he will do whatever it takes to defeat Byakuya regardless of what happens to his body, Yumichika says this is their style and states their pride is at stake. As Yumichika says they will continue fighting until the job is done, Kenpachi states Byakuya is permitted to laugh at him if he dies trying as Yumichika says the same thing. Elsewhere, Rukia pushes rubble off of herself and stands up. When Renji pushes rubble off of himself, Rukia helps him up.

When Renji asks her what happened to Ichigo, Rukia states Ichigo appears to have been blown away like the rest of them. Elsewhere, Ichigo stands in a clearing surrounded by rubble. Noticing something, Ichigo turns to see Senbonzakura standing behind him. Saying they cannot allow any more Shinigami to stand in Byakuya's way, Senbonzakura raises his blade as Ichigo states none of the Zanpakutō Spirits know when to give up. Facing each other, Ichigo and Senbonzakura leap toward each other. Meanwhile, pieces of rubble are sent flying away as Tenken stands up.

As Tenken cracks his neck, Gonryōmaru draws his attention to the ground, where Gonryōmaru lies trapped underneath a piece of rubble. Saying he is embarrassed to say he cannot get up, Gonryōmaru asks Tenken to lend him a hand, prompting Tenken to break the piece of rubble in two by punching it. Standing up, Gonryōmaru tells Tenken to be more careful, for he almost crushed Gonryōmaru. Standing on the roof of a ruined building nearby, Suì-Fēng states Kenpachi made a mess by scattering his Reiatsu everywhere and wonders when he will learn to fight in a more subtle manner.

Noticing something, Suì-Fēng moves away with Shunpo as Suzumebachi stabs at the air where Suì-Fēng was standing. Turning, Suzumebachi smiles and says Suì-Fēng is pretty good. Appearing a few feet away, Suì-Fēng states it was a nice try. As Suzumebachi grins, Suì-Fēng notes she will not be able to keep up with Suzumebachi's movements with the tricky footing on this rooftop and tells herself this is not the time for her to be fighting a small battle. When Suì-Fēng leaps down to the courtyard below, Suzumebachi asks Suì-Fēng if she is running away.

Landing on top of a wall, Suì-Fēng stands up and says she is changing locations before telling Suzumebachi to follow her. As Suì-Fēng runs along the top of the wall, Suzumebachi follows her. Meanwhile, Kenpachi asks Byakuya if he wants Kenpachi to attack him right now or would like to attack Kenpachi first. When Byakuya states he does not have the time to be facing off against him, Kenpachi asks him if this is so. Saying he will attack first in the interest of time, Kenpachi leaps forward and attacks Byakuya, who blocks with his sword as the force of the attack creates a shockwave.

Laughing, Kenpachi proclaims they will have some fun. Releasing his Zanpakutō, Senbonzakura, Byakuya leaps back as the blade petals engulf Kenpachi. Slashing away the blade petals, Kenpachi states this does not appear to work and tells Byakuya to stop playing these little tricks. As yellow Reiatsu surges around him, Kenpachi raises his blade over his head before slashing at the ground, creating a surging wave of energy which crashes into Byakuya. As the dust clears, Byakuya stands in a battle stance, prompting Kenpachi to smile.

Moving next to Kenpachi with Shunpo, Byakuya slashes at Kenpachi, who blocks with his sword. When Byakuya expresses surprise, Kenpachi asks him if he is surprised because Kenpachi was able to counter his Shunpo with a move of his own. Pushing Kenpachi's blade away, Byakuya asks him if he believes he will be able to capture Byakuya with his speed. Saying they should find out, Kenpachi slashes at Byakuya, who moves away with Shunpo. Turning, Kenpachi stabs at Byakuya, who moves to the side, before punching at him, prompting Byakuya to dodge.

Slashing at Byakuya, who dodges, Kenpachi tells him to run and states Byakuya's speed appears to only be good for running away. Saying this is laughable, Byakuya moves away with Shunpo. As Kenpachi expresses surprise and turns around, Byakuya appears behind him and attacks, forcing Kenpachi to block with his arm. Leaping back, Kenpachi looks at his bloodied arm as Byakuya asks him if he sees how futile it is. When Byakuya states there is no way Kenpachi will ever be able to capture him, Kenpachi asks him if this is so before rushing at Byakuya, who moves to the side in order to avoid him.

When Kenpachi slashes at him, Byakuya moves back before moving away with Shunpo. Noticing something, Kenpachi grabs Byakuya's sword, prompting Byakuya to express surprise. Proclaiming Byakuya has just been caught, Kenpachi raises his sword over his head and yells before slashing at Byakuya, sending a large amount of dust into the air with the impact of the attack. Elsewhere, Yumichika clashes with Ruri'iro Kujaku. Crossing blades with Ruri'iro Kujaku once more, Yumichika slashes at him. When Ruri'iro Kujaku moves back, Yumichika slashes at him horizontally.

When Ruri'iro Kujaku blocks Yumichika's attack, he and Yumichika struggle before Yumichika pushes Ruri'iro Kujaku back and attacks him. Leaping back, Ruri'iro Kujaku laughs and asks Yumichika if this is the best he can come up with. Proclaiming the 11th Division has fallen, Ruri'iro Kujaku slashes at Yumichika, who leans back to avoid Ruri'iro Kujaku's sword. Moving back, Yumichika curses and notes he used up a considerable amount of Reiryoku to escape the vines as Ruri'iro Kujaku says Yumichika has become much weaker than before.

When Ruri'iro Kujaku states Yumichika should not be so impulsive, Yumichika proclaims Ruri'iro Kujaku has too much to say and rushes toward him as they clash. Meanwhile, a panting Byakuya stands with a wound across his left shoulder. Admitting he is impressed, Kenpachi says Byakuya dodged his attack at the very last moment. When Byakuya asks Kenpachi why he is going so far to fight against him, Kenpachi states he wanted to see what Byakuya has got and says this seemed like the easiest way. When Byakuya states he is beginning to understand, Kenpachi expresses surprise.

Byakuya has Senbonzakura swirl around Kenpachi, who says this is very impressive. Raising the hilt of his Zanpakutō over his head, Byakuya makes a slashing motion, prompting the blade petals to engulf Kenpachi. Elsewhere, Yumichika slides back and notes he is still unable to use Shikai. Noting he has nothing to draw upon even if he continues to run, Yumichika smiles and notes he never thought he would suffer because he cannot use Ruri'iro Kujaku. Stating Yumichika appears to be out of options, Ruri'iro Kujaku says he is willing to let Yumichika use the power of Ruri'iro Kujaku.

As Ruri'iro Kujaku states this would be fair, Yumichika declines, prompting Ruri'iro Kujaku to say he thought Yumichika would say this. When Ruri'iro Kujaku asks him if not using Ruri'iro Kujaku himself would be fair, Yumichika stands up and states it would. When Yumichika says Ruri'iro Kujaku should think about this, Ruri'iro Kujaku expresses surprise as Yumichika states it seems Ruri'iro Kujaku lacks confidence in the strength and energy of his Kidō techniques if he does not use this power despite his speech about aesthetics and says this says a lot about Ruri'iro Kujaku's aesthetics.

Stating Yumichika has convinced him, Ruri'iro Kujaku says he will fight all of the way to the end using only his sense of aesthetics. Raising his sword, Ruri'iro Kujaku states he can use the techniques any number of times and says his release command. As his sword glows green and transforms into several multicolored vines, Ruri'iro Kujaku reminds Yumichika of how Yumichika said Ruri'iro Kujaku could laugh at him if his pride meant the end of him in battle and proclaims he intends to give the biggest laugh Yumichika has ever heard in his life.

As the vines move toward him, Yumichika uses '''Bakudō #4. Hainawa''', which binds the vines together with yellow energy. Wondering what this is and expressing surprise at Yumichika using a Bakudō spell, Ruri'iro Kujaku looks up to see Yumichika has vanished. Appearing behind Ruri'iro Kujaku, Yumichika states this game is over. As Ruri'iro Kujaku expresses surprise, Yumichika says he got lucky because Ruri'iro Kujaku is stubborn and overconfident like himself and states he would not have had any chance of winning at all if Ruri'iro Kujaku had fought a normal fight.

Admitting this is true, Ruri'iro Kujaku says they are so like it disgusts him. Expressing disdain, Yumichika attacks Ruri'iro Kujaku. Standing alone, Yumichika states he would rather die right now than have Ruri'iro Kujaku seen by others. Saying this is not all there is to it, Yumichika states he will use whatever it takes to win if he does not use Ruri'iro Kujaku and says this is his aesthetic before collapsing next to the sword form of Ruri'iro Kujaku. Meanwhile, Kenpachi pants as Byakuya states he does not want Kenpachi to bother him any further.

When Byakuya says he will be forced to take Kenpachi's life if he has to fight him again, Kenpachi laughs and states Byakuya must be joking. Telling Byakuya to try if he dares, Kenpachi says he has always wanted to have a fight to the death with Byakuya. Stating Byakuya is finally on board, Kenpachi raises his sword over his head and tells Byakuya to come at him with this spirit. When Kenpachi points his blade at him and proclaims he is finally ready to take him on, Byakuya turns and says Kenpachi leaves him no other choice.

Shinigami Illustrated Picture Book
Watching Byakuya and Kenpachi face each other, Gonryōmaru states Suzumebachi has run off somewhere and wonders who he and Tenken should fight. Saying he does not wish to get involved in Kenpachi and Byakuya's fight, Gonryōmaru turns to Tenken and asks him to bury Gonryōmaru in the rubble once more. As Gonryōmaru explains how he will wait for an enemy to show up, Tenken punches a hole into the ground and walks away as Gonryōmaru stands in the hole and states this is perfect. As the next day dawns, Gonryōmaru calls out to see if anyone is there.

Fights

 * Ichigo Kurosaki vs. Senbonzakura
 * Yumichika Ayasegawa vs. Ruri'iro Kujaku (concluded)
 * Suì-Fēng vs. Suzumebachi
 * Kenpachi Zaraki vs. Byakuya Kuchiki

Powers and Techniques Used
Kidō used:
 * '''Hadō #31.
 * '''Bakudō #4.

Shinigami techniques used:

Zanpakutō released:

Shikai:

Bankai: