Ep. 231: Byakuya Disappears with Cherry Blossoms as Zanpakutou Rebel
Ichigo discovers Rukia Kuchiki injured while a strange woman wielding her powers attacks her. This woman is revealed to be Rukia's zanpakutou, Sode no Shirayuki. Ichigo subdues the renegade spirit, which retreats to the Soul Society. At Kisuke Urahara's shop, Rukia explains that Soul Reaper zanpakutou have attacked their masters, noting her brother Byakuya Kuchiki was defeated by Senbonzakura. Yoruichi Shihouin returns from the Soul Society, confirming survivors of Muramasa encounters. The remaining Thirteen Court Guard Squads regroup at the fourth division headquarters to restore defenses. Urahara notes only Soul Society zanpakutou are affected and plans to capture a materialized one. Rukia departs for the Soul Society to find Byakuya, prompting Ichigo and Yoruichi to follow and save the realm.
Episodes
- Ep. 227 · Ichigo and Chad befriend Keigo and Mizuiro while Orihime meets Chizuru in Karakura Town.
- Ep. 228 · Soul Reapers vacation to the ocean after Byakuya destroys a pool
- Ep. 229 · Ikkaku and Yumichika hunt a hollow in Karakura Town while staying with Keigo.
- Ep. 230 · Muramasa's Zanpakuto Rebellion Shocks the Soul Society
- Ep. 231 · Byakuya Disappears with Cherry Blossoms as Zanpakutou Rebel
- Ep. 232 · Rukia battles her zanpakutou Sode no Shirayuki while Ichigo and Yoruichi search for Byakuya.
- Ep. 233 · Zangetsu Turns Against Ichigo as Muramasa Severs Their Bond
- Ep. 234 · Renji encounters Zabimaru's split forms while Rukia recovers and Ichigo faces Muramasa's trap
- Ep. 235 · Hisagi confronts Kazeshini while Renji struggles against Zabimaru and Ichigo battles Muramasa internally.