Shinigami and Zanpakutō, Total Sortie

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

Statistics

 * Original Airdate: October 20, 2009
 * English Airdate:
 * Opening Song: Shōjo S
 * Ending Song: Mad Surfer
 * Manga Chapters: None
 * Kanji: 死神＆斬魄刀、総出撃
 * Romaji: "Shinigami & zanpakutō, sou shutsugeki"
 * Arc: Zanpakutō Unknown Tales arc

Summary
With Byakuya Kuchiki and the Zanpakutō surrounded in the 6th Division barracks, Captain Soifon 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. Soifon chases after Gonryōmaru, put 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.

After making sure that Rukia Kuchiki and Renji Abarai were alright, Ichigo Kurosaki attempts to take on Byakuya and Senbonzakura. Senbonzakura, however, decides to fight Ichigo on his own, telling Byakuya that he must return to Muramasa. 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. As the fighting rages on, Ikkaku successfully activates his Shikai and gains the upper hand in the battle. However, Hōzukimaru unleashes his Bankai, easily overwhelming Ikkaku. But as the fight draws on, Ikkaku emerges victorious.

As Vice-captains Isane Kotetsu and Tetsuzaemon Iba prepare to head to the 6th Division barracks to assist in the battle, Ashisogi Jizō approaches them.

Characters in order of appearance

 * Rukia Kuchiki
 * Renji Abarai
 * Byakuya Kuchiki
 * Kazeshini
 * Tenken
 * Gonryōmaru
 * Ruri'iro Kujaku
 * Hōzukimaru
 * Senbonzakura
 * Soifon
 * Ikkaku Madarame
 * Yumichika Ayasegawa
 * Izuru Kira
 * Ichigo Kurosaki
 * Zabimaru
 * Kenpachi Zaraki
 * Tetsuzaemon Iba
 * Isane Kotetsu
 * Ashisogi Jizō

Powers and Techniques used
Kidō used:
 * Hadō #31 Shakkahō (赤火砲, Shot of Red Fire)

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

Zanpakutō released:

Shikai:
 * Tenken (天譴, Heavenly Punishment)
 * Hōzukimaru (鬼灯丸, Demon Light)
 * Kazeshini (風死, Wind Death)
 * Senbonzakura (千本桜, Thousand Cherry Blossoms)

Bankai:
 * Senbonzakura Kageyoshi (千本桜景厳, Vibrant Display of a Thousand Cherry Blossoms)
 * Tensa Zangetsu (天鎖斬月, Heavenly Chain Moon Cutter or Heavenly Chain Cutting Moon)
 * Ryūmon Hōzukimaru (龍紋鬼灯丸, Dragon Crest Demon Light)