Ep. 237: Ichigo and Ikkaku investigate Muramasa's influence on Zanpakuto spirits in the Seireitei.

237

Ichigo informs Ukitake, Kyouraku, and Retsu Unohana about Muramasa's powers, then patrols the Seireitei with Ikkaku Madarame to locate the affected entities. Meanwhile, an intruder incapacitates Soul Reaper guards at a compound. Marechiyo Oomaeda discovers the unconscious guards and encounters his Zanpakuto spirit, Gegetsuburi, alongside Ikkaku's spirit, Houzukimaru. Ichigo and Ikkaku interrupt the confrontation, knocking Oomaeda out of the fight. Ichigo battles Gegetsuburi while Ikkaku fights Houzukimaru. Ichigo defeats Gegetsuburi, but Ikkaku is wounded by Houzukimaru's Bankai. Ukitake, Kyouraku, and Soi Fon arrive to surround Houzukimaru, who escapes using his Bankai, though the group secures Gegetsuburi. Ichigo pursues Houzukimaru, but Senbonzakura's petals block his path, revealing Byakuya as the attacker before he disappears.