Renji Surprised?! The Two Zabimaru

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

6th Division Lieutenant Renji Abarai is confronted by the spirit of his Zanpakutō, and Muramasa enters Ichigo Kurosaki's inner world.

Summary
In the Seireitei, at the 4th Division barracks, 8th Division Captain Shunsui Kyōraku notes there are still no leads and tells a Riteitai kneeling in front of him to keep Shunsui posted on his findings. Agreeing, the Riteitai moves away with Shunpo.

As Shunsui thinks about what he has been told, the door opens behind him as 13th Division Captain Jūshirō Ukitake enters the room. Closing the door behind him, Ukitake asks Shunsui how it is going and if he has discovered anything new. Denying this, Shunsui states he has not learned anything very helpful.

As Ukitake sits down, Shunsui says Captain-Commander Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto is still missing and asks Ukitake what is happening at his end. Stating they are having a hard time, Ukitake reveals 2nd Division Captain Suì-Fēng and the Onmitsukidō are rushing to assess the situation and handle the damage done to each division. As Suì-Fēng has dozens of Onmitsukidō members move out, Ukitake says this allows them to mobilize their resources more efficiently.

As 7th Division Lieutenant Tetsuzaemon Iba and several other Shinigami run through a corridor, Ukitake states he has dispatched all available divisions to capture each manifested Zanpakutō Spirit as 11th Division 3rd Seat Ikkaku Madarame and 5th Seat Yumichika Ayasegawa walk through an underground passageway. As 3rd Division Lieutenant Izuru Kira runs along a roof before jumping off, 10th Division Captain Tōshirō Hitsugaya stands on a high place and looks into the distance.

As Shunsui laments the situation of everyone trying to capture their own weapons, Ukitake states there is one more thing regarding 6th Division Captain Byakuya Kuchiki, who is still missing. When Ukitake reveals his Reiatsu has been extinguished, Shunsui says this is very strange. As Ukitake agrees, 4th Division Captain Retsu Unohana states this sounds like a very unpromising state of affairs, startling Shunsui and Ukitake.

As Ukitake stands up and greets her, Shunsui says this is a surprise and states he had no idea Unohana was here. Chuckling, Unohana says she cannot believe Shunsui would not have sensed her presence. As Shunsui states Unohana frightens him with her insight, Ukitake asks how Rukia Kuchiki is doing and if there has been any improvement. As Rukia and 7th Division Captain Sajin Komamura lie in the Sōgō Kyūgo Tsumesho, Unohana says Rukia's life is no longer in danger.

As 4th Division 7th Seat Hanatarō Yamada tends to Rukia, Unohana reveals Rukia's wound is deep and she remains unconscious. As Shunsui states they should be grateful she is alive given the severity of her injury, Ukitake apologizes to Unohana for overrunning the 4th Division's barracks while setting up their command center. Saying it is alright, Unohana states they need to consolidate, for they cannot scatter their military strength at a time like this.

As Unohana says her division is ready to assist and will do everything possible to help with the situation, Shunsui states their top priority is stopping the Zanpakutō Spirits and their vicious rampage. Stepping forward, Unohana says the 12th Division requested test subjects to use in gathering further data. When she reveals she arrived from 12th Division Captain Mayuri Kurotsuchi's examination, Ukitake expresses surprise, prompting Unohana to ask if it is a problem.

Denying this, Ukitake states he is surprised Unohana would comply with Mayuri's request, prompting Unohana to say they cannot be concerned with their ethics at a time like this. As Mayuri sits at his computer with his lieutenant, Nemu Kurotsuchi, standing nearby, Unohana reveals the Zanpakutō Spirits have become completely independent of their Shinigami. As Shunsui expresses surprise, Unohana states the Zanpakutō Spirits could be lost forever if the Shinigami make a mistake when dealing with them.

Meanwhile, two Shinigami report to 9th Division Lieutenant Shūhei Hisagi. As one of them says North Block 12 has been checked and there is nothing to report, the other Shinigami states they did not find anything in South Block 75. Wondering how the Zanpakutō Spirits could disappear without a trace of Reiatsu, the Shinigami says it does not make any sense and wonders where they could be hiding, prompting the other Shinigami to turn to him.

As the Shinigami states they have to be hiding somewhere because they are not made of mist or smoke, Hisagi says they may have disappeared. When one of the confused Shinigami asks what he means, Hisagi states they may have changed after originating as Zanpakutō, so they may not be in their manifested state anymore. When the other Shinigami asks how they will be able to find them if this is true, Hisagi tells him to not sound so hopeless and proclaims their existence as Shinigami is on the line.

As a flag flutters in the wind, Hisagi says they must capture them at all costs. As the Shinigami agree, Hisagi notices the flag fluttering more violently and notes the Zanpakutō Spirits are coming to them. As a black tornado appears in the corridor, the two Shinigami are cut down in front of Hisagi as the tornado moves away. Telling it to come back here, Hisagi states it has a sharp blade and says this kind of speed and sharpness is not common.

Stating the swordsmanship does not look like any stranger's, Hisagi says it seems far too familiar. As the wind around the tornado intensifies, the tornado begins to transform into the kusarigama-wielding man, who chuckles. When Hisagi recognizes him as Kazeshini, he states Hisagi finally figured it out. Meanwhile, as 6th Division Lieutenant Renji Abarai walks past the debris of the destroyed building, he says he came here to find something.

Cursing, he states there has to be a clue somewhere. Recalling Byakuya being engulfed in blade petals and slammed into a building, Renji wonders where he could have possibly gone. When a small boy's voice tells him to give up, Renji expresses surprise and demands to know who is there. As the boy's voice says he is over here, a woman's voice states an idiot like Renji will never be able to find a clue regardless of how hard he tries. Turning, Renji sees a shadowy figure on the stairs.

Elsewhere, Rukia awakens and sees 4th Division Lieutenant Isane Kotetsu, who expresses relief at Rukia being awake. As Rukia recognizes her, Isane says Rukia will have to keep resting because her wound has not healed yet. When Rukia asks Isane where she is, Isane states it is okay and reveals they are in the 4th Division barracks. Saying Rukia was brought here after someone found her unconscious, Isane states Rukia is very lucky as Rukia recalls her encounter with Muramasa.

In the past, as Rukia struggles to get up, Muramasa says he wishes to free all Zanpakutō from the Shinigami, and he needed Ichigo to come to Soul Society in order to do this. As Ichigo realizes Muramasa used Rukia to achieve this, Muramasa welcomes Ichigo to his world. In the present, a shocked Rukia gets up and asks Isane where Ichigo is, prompting Isane to reveal the person who brought Rukia to the barracks did not report anything about Ichigo's location.

Stating each division is currently focused on assessing the damages they sustained and taking care of their wounded, Isane says there are not enough people to search through the debris for the missing people. Looking down, Rukia says Ichigo's name. Meanwhile, Ichigo lies on a skyscraper in his inner world. Waking up, he turns over and notes he is in his inner world again. Wondering why this is so, he recalls having Muramasa pull a ribbon of Reiatsu out of him and waking up to see Zangetsu in the real world.

Wondering why he is here, Ichigo recalls fighting with Zangetsu and stands up. Calling out to Zangetsu, he wonders where he is. Looking at his hand, he realizes everything Muramasa said about Zangetsu leaving his body was true, prompting Muramasa to say he is correct. Looking up, a surprised Ichigo sees Muramasa standing before him and wonders how this is possible. Stating it seems Ichigo finally understands, Muramasa begins walking towards him.

Saying this world is supposed to be within himself, Ichigo asks Muramasa how he can be here. When Muramasa states he can use his Zanpakutō powers to effortlessly enter the mind of a Shinigami at any time, Ichigo asks Muramasa what he is planning, what he is trying to do here, what his master is thinking, and why he has put Muramasa up to this. Stopping, Muramasa reveals his master is gone, for he eliminated him, prompting a shocked Ichigo to ask him what he is talking about.

When Ichigo asks Muramasa how he was able to kill his master, Muramasa says it was very easy to eliminate his master because of his willpower and states he has taken an interest in Ichigo as a Shinigami. Recalling Ichigo's transformation into a Hollow, Muramasa asks what power Ichigo possesses which allows him to do so. As he asks what the source which changes Ichigo and gives him his power is, Ichigo says he will never tell Muramasa.

Stating Ichigo does not understand, Muramasa proclaims Ichigo's power is not even close to his own. As Muramasa says Ichigo's defiance is pointless and tells him to answer his question, Ichigo draws Zangetsu and assumes a battle stance. When he asks Muramasa what will happen if he refuses, Muramasa states he will die if he does so. Cursing, Ichigo runs at Muramasa, who holds his hand up as the area around it begins to distort.

Meanwhile, in the Seireitei, Renji looks towards a fur-covered woman, who is sitting on the steps, and asks who she is. Saying he is unbelievable, the irritated woman asks Renji if he really does not know who she is. Standing up, she proclaims Renji is hopeless and states she thought he would remember her after all of the years they spent together. Expressing confusion, Renji smirks and says he does not recall knowing any woman as hairy as she is as a small boy walks out from behind the woman.

As Renji expresses surprise, the woman asks if Renji remembers the boy, who lifts himself into the air with his tail, and asks if Renji is going to say he does not remember either of them. Stating Renji could never forget, the woman walks down the steps with the boy following her as Renji realizes the woman is saying they are his Zanpakutō. Asking what is wrong, the woman asks why he is so surprised and says this is not like him.

When an incredulous Renji states they used to be a monkey and a snake, the woman says he is stuck on petty details, prompting an angry Renji to state they have completely changed. When the woman says she is not sure Renji appreciates how much he used to rely on them, Renji expresses surprise. Stopping in front of Renji, the woman refers to the boy as Hebi and asks him for confirmation. When Hebi picks his nose, the irritated woman tells him to cut it out and hits the back of his head.

As Hebi states he got it and notes it is a big one, the woman tells him to pay attention. When Hebi asks her why she hit him and says it hurt, the woman states she would not always have to be the one doing all of the talking if Hebi paid more attention to what was going on. As Hebi says he did not want to interrupt her because the woman likes the sound of her own voice, the two continue to argue as a perplexed Renji asks them to come back later if they do not have any important business to discuss with him.

When Renji states he does not have time for this right now, the woman and Hebi turn to him and ask him what he said. Telling him to listen, the woman says they will not be leaving as Hebi states Renji will not be going anywhere either. As Renji expresses confusion, the woman says he seems to have the wrong idea about them as Hebi reveals they came here to find Renji so they could eliminate him. The two join hands, causing a large amount of red Reiatsu to flare up between them.

Telling them to wait, Renji states he wishes to know and asks them why they are doing this. When Hebi says they heard the voice, the woman confirms this and states it told them to follow their instinct. As a shocked Renji expresses confusion, Hebi says they will fight as the woman states this is their natural instinct. The Reiatsu dissipates, revealing they are holding Zabimaru with their previously joined hands. Meanwhile, Zangetsu tells Ichigo to awaken.

As Ichigo lies in a smoky void, Zangetsu tells him to awaken his instinct, which lies in the deepest part of him. Opening his eyes, Ichigo sees Zangetsu standing over him. When Zangetsu turns into Muramasa, Ichigo expresses shock as Muramasa tells him he is awake. As the smoke clears to reveal Ichigo's inner world has inverted colors, Muramasa says they will go and states it is time to release the instinct within Ichigo, who notes he cannot move his body.

As Muramasa tells Ichigo to manifest his instinct and let his inner self come out, a hole opens in Ichigo's chest. As several long-nailed hands emerge from the hole, Ichigo screams in pain. As the hands begins to wrap around his body, Ichigo's left eye begins to turn black as a grinning Muramasa says it is coming. As Ichigo collapses in the illusion, a white substance drips out of him and seeps into the skyscraper before emerging as a black substance in the real inner world.

As Ichigo and Muramasa look on, the black substance solidifies before crumbling away to reveal a grinning Hollow Ichigo, who asks Muramasa if he called for him. Meanwhile, in the real world, Kazeshini hurtles towards Hisagi, who dodges. When the other kusarigama of Kazeshini flies towards him, Hisagi moves away with Shunpo to avoid it. Seeing this, Kazeshini moves away and follows him.

Running across a rooftop, Hisagi notices a cut on his cheek and notes Kazeshini is very quick with his blade. Moving past him, Kazeshini throws his kusarigama at Hisagi, who leaps out of the way to avoid them. Curving around, the kusarigama appear under Hisagi and fly up at him. Pushing himself out of the way to avoid them, Hisagi lands on the ground and pants as Kazeshini chuckles and appears before Hisagi in his black tornado form.

Noting this is all it took to graze Hisagi, Kazeshini reverts to his humanoid form and states it seems Hisagi is not very strong without him. Saying he could say the same, Hisagi states his strength fuels Kazeshini's power. Proclaiming this is a convenient delusion which Hisagi keeps telling himself, Kazeshini says Hisagi does not know what his true desire is. When Hisagi asks Kazeshini what his reason for wanting to separate is, Kazeshini states he was inspired when he heard the voice.

As Kazeshini says the voice told him to listen to his instinct, Hisagi asks him what voice he is referring to. Stating he would not expect Hisagi to understand it, Kazeshini says Hisagi does not understand him at all. Raising his kusarigama, he states Hisagi does not understand what his blade truly wants either. When Hisagi asks what he means by this, Kazeshini says he knows Hisagi does not like his Shikai and asks if he has noticed its shape.

Holding his kusarigama in front of his face, he states Hisagi should look very carefully and says it looks like it was made for reaping lives, prompting Hisagi to express shock. Elsewhere, Hebi attacks Renji with Zabimaru. As Renji sidesteps the attacks, Zabimaru crashes into the ground as Hebi laughs. When the chain connected to the collar around his neck is pulled taut, Hebi is yanked backwards and hits the ground, prompting him to express pain.

When the woman tells Hebi to stop playing around, Hebi tells her to shut up, for she is simply standing there. Asking why this matters, the woman tells Renji he does not seem to be taking them seriously, for he has not even drawn his sword. Panting, Renji asks the woman if she is crazy and states he cannot get serious against a small boy like Hebi. When he says he has no reason to fight them, the woman laughs and states he is saying this because he knows he cannot beat them.

As Hebi stands up, the woman says Renji is very pathetic. As Renji's eye twitches, he asks if this is so, prompting the woman to state there is no reason for him to get so excited. Proclaiming they do not have time to play around with a weakling like Renji, the woman spins the chain above her head. As Renji expresses surprise, the boy screams as he crashes into Renji. Meanwhile, in Ichigo's inner world, Ichigo wonders what kind of game Muramasa is playing.

As Ichigo wonders why Hollow Ichigo is here, Muramasa says it is interesting to look into the inner world of a Shinigami and discover the other Ichigo emitting the Reiatsu of a Hollow. When Muramasa asks Hollow Ichigo what he is, Hollow Ichigo states he is Ichigo's real self and his true instinct. Saying this is interesting, Muramasa states the power Ichigo demonstrated when they fought was the same as a Hollow's and says it makes sense now.

When Muramasa states Hollow Ichigo is the source of this power, Hollow Ichigo laughs and says he cannot confirm this. Drawing Zangetsu and pointing it at Muramasa, Hollow Ichigo states it is his turn to ask Muramasa some questions. When he asks Muramasa who he is, Muramasa introduces himself and says he is here to free all Zanpakutō. Stating Zanpakutō respond to his voice, Muramasa says he awakens their true instincts.

As Ichigo realizes this is why Zangetsu and Sode no Shirayuki turned against them, Muramasa states he understands and says if Hollow Ichigo possesses the power of a Hollow and is Ichigo's true instinct, he can utilize Muramasa's power to liberate the instinct living within him. As Muramasa raises his hand, the air around him distorts as Hollow Ichigo grins. Stating it is done, Muramasa approaches Hollow Ichigo. Cackling, Hollow Ichigo rushes towards Muramasa, who expresses surprise, and attacks him.

Shinigami Illustrated Picture Book
In their program, Cooking for Today, Orihime Inoue and 10th Division Lieutenant Rangiku Matsumoto are preparing a meal of fried vegetables for Uryū Ishida and Ichigo, who have been gagged and tied to their chairs. When Ichigo asks why this is happening to them, Uryū says he does not know. When Rangiku notes the vegetables are beginning to become mushy, Orihime states they should make stew instead. When Rangiku asks if watermelons are vegetables, Orihime confirms this and tells her to put in as many as she wants. As Ichigo and Uryū frantically try to escape, they are served watermelon stew.

Fights

 * Shūhei Hisagi vs. Kazeshini
 * Renji Abarai vs. Zabimaru
 * Ichigo Kurosaki & Hollow Ichigo vs. Zangetsu & Muramasa

Powers and Techniques Used
Techniques used:
 * Muramasa's Spiritual Threads
 * Muramasa's Spiritual Threads

Shinigami Techniques used:

Zanpakutō released:

Shikai:
 * (flashback)