Ep. 233: Zangetsu Turns Against Ichigo as Muramasa Severs Their Bond
Muramasa dismisses Sode no Shirayuki and explains to Ichigo that zanpakutou can achieve independence from their Soul Reaper hosts, citing himself as proof. Ichigo rejects this notion and attacks, but Muramasa uses illusions to pin him down and forcibly extracts Zangetsu. The manifested sword immediately assaults Ichigo. Concurrently, Mayuri Kurotsuchi conducts self-experiments to study zanpakutou manifestation. After Zangetsu seemingly defeats Ichigo, the protagonist shifts into his inner hollow form to counterattack, forcing Zangetsu into a defensive stance. Muramasa attempts a surprise strike, but the inner hollow regenerates instantly and retaliates. Ichigo eventually reasserts control over his body before his hollow form can act further, collapsing unconscious at Muramasa's feet.
Episodes
- 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.
- Ep. 236 · Release! The New Getsuga Tensho
- Ep. 237 · Ichigo and Ikkaku investigate Muramasa's influence on Zanpakuto spirits in the Seireitei.