Shinigami - Jushiro Ukitake - [S-2]

His favorite food is Ume Ochazuke. In his free time he feeds the carps in the lake of Ugend¨­'s garden and also trims the bonsai there, despite lacking the artistic sense necessary for the latter. He also writes a novel series titled "Rejection of the Twin Fishes!" (S¨­gy¨­ no Okotowari!), in which the lead character, S¨­gy¨­, is fighting to save villagers from evil. S¨­gy¨­'s catch phrase is "I will reject them!" and it is immensely popular among children in Seireitei.

Ukitake is well-respected and highly honorable, and always treats those around him with respect, even those who are weaker or not as highly ranked as he is. As a result, he can be easily approached by other members of Soul Society who seek favors or advice from the captain. Due to his high moral code, Ukitake will never let any harm come to either his underlings or those who attempt to protect them. He refuses to give up when he believes something is wrong and will break a rule to do what is right. He has the ability to correctly judge people's character, as noted by Yamamoto, and knows when they are lonely. He observes that before meeting Ichigo Kurosaki and his friends, Rukia often had trouble opening up about certain things and was very lonely, but sees a difference in her when she spends time training with Orihime.

In various Bleach omake chapters, Ukitake is fond of giving people strange or unwanted gifts for no apparent reason, particularly T¨­shir¨­ Hitsugaya because of their similar sounding names and hair color.

Due to his long-standing position with the Gotei 13, Ukitake is one of the most proficient combatants in Soul Society and always maintains a level of honor and integrity when engaging in battle, much like his best friend Shunsui. He refuses to fight in the presence of a child or even with a child, even if that child is a Hollow. He always maintains a semblance of respect for his opponent and is polite in combat situations. He also has a high measure of mercy, never taking the chance to kill Lilynette, but rather actually try to teach her how to be a better fighter, even though she was an enemy.

Ukitake is a tall man with a sometimes emaciated appearance. This is because he suffers from tuberculosis. This causes him to cough up blood, often at times. Because of his illness, he often spends his time recuperating at Ugend¨­, his family's estate. During one of his attacks when he was much younger, his hair turned white over a three-day period. This is why his eyebrows are black, the color his hair used to be. 110 years ago he wore his hair in a long ponytail. Currently, his hair is worn long, cascading down his back almost reaching his waist. He wears it parted on the left side with one long piece that tends to fall over his right eye. His eyes are brown in color. Ukitake wears the common Shinigami uniform with a long sleeved captain's haori, and a crimson lining. He wears a narrow white obi in which he secures his Zanpakut¨­.

The spirit of S¨­gyo no Kotowari takes the form of two young, playful, identical twin boys with large, light green-colored eyes with their short hair pulled back into ponytails. They wear identical light blue robes over kimonos, triangular-shaped hats, light beige hakama and blue shoes; their clothing resembles that of traditional Japanese Shinto priests.

Personality:
In their first appearance, both boys are seen laughing and playing, reflecting their child-like appearance. They seem to frequently join hands, reminiscent of how they appear in their released Zanpakut¨­ form, in which they are bound together by a red rope. As they have not yet shown any resentment or dislike of their former master; their reasons for leaving Ukitake are currently unknown. After being restored to normal, S¨­gyo no Kotowari, while still as playful as ever, is shown to be more behaved as they actually listen to Ukitake. Their relation to Ukitake becomes like younger brother/son as shown from their constant tackling for attention on him.

Inner World: Unknown

Ukitake's zanpakutou appears to ressemble a traditional katana with a cross-stitch hilt. The hand guard is of a square shape and brass color.

Jushiro sheaths this weapon on the left side of his hip.

Abilities outside of Shikai and Bankai:

Master Swordsmanship Specialist: While in battle his power is said to be stronger than any other. His power is unrivalled by anyone who came before him or anyone since. While hating the concept of having to engage in a fight, Ukitake is presumably one of the most proficient swordsmen in all of the Soul Society, as demonstrated from his ability to hold his own against Yamamoto. The unique shape of his sword's shikai and it's corresponding abilities make his form of fighting unconventional amongst the Shinigami forces, but shows the skill of his abilities in this art.

Flash Steps Master: He is masterful in the art of Flash Steps as a captain. He is able to gain sufficient ground when trying to put distance between himself and General Yamamoto when being chased through Soul Society.

Immense Spiritual Power: As one of the strongest and oldest Captains in the Gotei 13, it is safe to assume that Ukitake has tremendous spiritual power. He is not overwhelmed by the spiritual pressure of General Yamamoto as most people would be in the situation.

Enhanced Durability: Ukitake has shown himself able to hold his ground in battle. He was able to remain relatively unscathed despite taking devastating attacks from General Yamamoto, whose Zanpakut¨­ is the most devastating in all of Soul Society in terms of destructive power. He has also shown to effortlessly block Lilynette's Cero with his bare hand, even though he himself admits it was not even of Gillian-level power.

Kid¨­ Master: As a captain, Ukitake is shown to have above-average knowledge of Kid¨­, as displayed when he assists in the resealing of the J¨­kaish¨­. He also aids in the opening of the Senkaimon. He is able to perform fairly high-level spells without incantation, and he can easily use Kid¨­ in battle, such as when he used Seki against Lilynette Gingerback.

Its Shikai command is "All Waves, Rise now and Become my Shield, Lightning, Strike now and Become my Blade" (²¨Ï¤¤¯ÎÒ¤¬¶Ü¤È¤Ê¤ìÀ×Ϥ¤¯ÎÒ¤¬ÈÐ ;¤È¤Ê¤ì, nami kotogotoku waga tate to nare, ikazuchi kotogotoku waga yaiba to nare). Once he completes the incantation, he grasps the single blade with two hands. The blade then transforms slowly and begins to form two blades, as the blades peel apart, a large red rope-like chain at the base of the hilt lengthens and silver metal square charms attached to the chain begin to fall until all five present themselves. The blade is now somewhat thinner than the normal Zanpakut¨­ and the cross guard now extends up the blade for about 15 cm. Up 25 cm from where the cross guard is, there is a 45 degree cut on the inside of the blade where a second blade is jutting back down and parallel to the main blade. With the edge of the blade facing inward instead of outward, the blade looks very artistic and rather difficult to handle, only further proving just how skilled a swordsman Ukitake must be to have mastered such a uniquely designed weapon.

S¨­gyo no Kotowari is able to absorb an opponent's energy attacks through the left sword and directs the attack through the connecting rope where the five charms on the rope accelerate the attack faster than it was originally fired and reverses its original course firing the same attack from the right sword, making it much more difficult for the opponent to dodge. The entire process happens so fast that the attack looks as if it originally came from S¨­gyo no Kotowari.

Not yet revealed

Not yet revealed

J¨±shir¨­ is the eldest son from the low-class aristocratic Ukitake family. He has five brothers and two sisters, whom he essentially supports by himself. He, along with Shunsui Ky¨­raku, was one of the first graduates of Captain Yamamoto's Shinou Academy and the first graduates to become captains. Furthermore, he was personally trained by Yamamoto. He and Ky¨­raku are the oldest captains amongst the Gotei 13, with the exception of Retsu Unohana and Yamamoto himself. It is stated that the four of them have been Captains of the Gotei 13 for at least 200 years as of 110 years ago before the current time.

Approximately 110 years ago, Ukitake is first seen arriving at the 1st Division Headquarters with Captain Shunsui Ky¨­raku and Lieutenant Lisa Yad¨­maru of the 8th Division. He first asks about the whereabouts of the 12th Division captain. As Shunsui and Captains Love Aikawa and Shinji Hirako start a conversation about the status of the Gotei 13, he reminds Shunsui not to forget Captain Unohana as one of the captains from 100 years ago.

He is again seen waiting for the promotion ceremony to begin at the 1st Division Headquarters along with the rest of the assembled captains. He witnesses the arrival of the newly-appointed captain of the 12th Division, Kisuke Urahara.

The following day, he tries to persuade a then-reluctant Kaien Shiba into becoming his lieutenant. The two converse about the current happenings in Soul Society, including a young Gin Ichimaru, who happens to be a child prodigy surpassing the previous record set by Kaien himself. Kaien shrugs off any attempt J¨±shir¨­ makes at him being any type of prodigy. While visiting the Shiba residence, J¨±shir¨­ is shown to be quite popular with the servants, with Kaien noting that J¨±shir¨­ was still very charming and that he had a smile that made his servants blush. J¨±shir¨­ dismisses the compliment as he tries to remain humble about his notable quality.

9 years later, Ukitake is present at an emergency meeting called by Captain-Commander Yamamoto, where he decides to create an investigation team to locate the missing 9th Division squad members. When he gives out orders, Yamamoto orders him to guard the Seireitei. J¨±shir¨­ is seemingly stunned by Ky¨­raku sending Lisa to investigate the disappearance of the 9th Division captain and lieutenant.

J¨±shir¨­, due to his illness, rarely was able to fulfill his role as captain on a regular basis, instead having Kaien fill the role under his guidance.

Sometime later, when a then-unknown Hollow killed a squad being lead by Kaien's wife, Miyako Shiba, Kaien became enraged and wanted revenge. Despite this, J¨±shir¨­ tried to reason with him that nothing was known of this new Hollow. Kaien would not relent, so J¨±shir¨­ gave him the only information they did have, the lair of the creature. The following night, J¨±shir¨­, Kaien, and Rukia Kuchiki travel to the Hollow's lair, and when they arrive, Kaien asks for permission to fight the creature alone, which J¨±shir¨­ allows. Kaien fights the creature until it uses its unique technique and destroys his Zanpakut¨­. Kaien then continues to fight the creature with his bare hands. Eventually, the battle starts to turn against Kaien, causing Rukia to try to go and assist him. J¨±shir¨­ stopped Rukia from assisting, explaining that Kaien was fighting for his honor. The Hollow's abilities ultimately allow it to possess Kaien, and J¨±shir¨­ began to fight it, although his illness got in the way and allowed the Hollow to attack Rukia. But at that moment, to both J¨±shir¨­ and Rukia's horror, Kaien took control and impaled himself upon Rukia's sword, thanking the captain for understanding the value of his honor and that of his wife's.

The 13th Division has never been the same following Kaien's death, being without its well-loved lieutenant and J¨±shir¨­ having to rely on Kiyone Kotetsu and Sentar¨­ Kotsubaki, which usually ends in a comical disaster.

Agent of the Shinigami arc

Ukitake first appears as Rukia's flashback when she is contemplating whether or not to help out Ichigo in his battle with Grand Fisher. It is clear from her memories that he was some sort of mentor to her and it is only later that we discover that he is, in fact, her Captain and she is part of the 13th Division.

Soul Society arc

He is first physically seen when he is told of Aizen's apparent death by one of the messengers of Soul Society, being rather shocked when told. He later appears visiting the Shrine of Pertinence, where he stops Byakuya Kuchiki from killing Ganju Shiba, and question Byakuya's actions only to be told that special wartime orders has been issued. He later prevents Ganju and Hanatar¨­ Yamada from getting killed for their crimes by having them locked up. After hearing of the execution date being moved up, J¨±shir¨­ tries to convince Byakuya to do something, but the noble seemed uncaring that his sister is dying sooner rather than later and in the stress of the situation J¨±shir¨­ shortly succumbs to his illness. J¨±shir¨­ decides to help save Rukia and tries to request a hearing with Central 46 (off screen) but upon being turned down, sets out to help using other means.

His new plan sets around unsealing the Shih¨­in Shield, an artifact belonging to the Shih¨­in clan that is in his possession for unexplained reasons. Using this device, he arrives at the execution site, almost too late and destroys the S¨­kyoku along with Shunsui Ky¨­raku. The two are then faced by Yamamoto, until Ky¨­raku grabs him and both of them run away, together with Ky¨­raku's lieutenant Nanao Ise. They are however caught up by Yamamoto who, after almost choking Nanao with his spiritual pressure, releases his Zanpakut¨­. Ukitake notes on how long it has been since he last saw that battle stance and on the urges from Yamamoto both of them releases their Zanpakut¨­ in order to fight on equal ground with their former teacher, resulting in a large explosion as they clash.

The battle is however short lived and is suddenly stopped when the 4th Division lieutenant Isane Kotetsu reveals to all of Soul Society that S¨­suke Aizen is a traitor, something Ukitake appears quite shocked to hear. When Aizen is captured, he seems genuinely put out that the former Captain has become 'this corrupt' and voices his opinion on the matter while Aizen is escaping with Gin Ichimaru and Kaname T¨­sen. Aizen only responds by saying that Ukitake is arrogant, revealing his plan to sit on the throne of heaven.

As a thanks for helping save Rukia, Ukitake later gives Ichigo Kurosaki a badge that permits him to legally hunt Hollows in his home town and allows him to transform into his Shinigami state, officially making him a Substitute Shinigami.

Bount arc (anime only)
Note: Events occurring in this arc are only in the anime and do not constitute canon material.

Ukitake appears in the Bount invasion of the anime during which time he, Shunsui Ky¨­raku and Hitsugaya look for information on the Bounts while in the laboratory. He also helps announce the news to the other high ranking officers about the missing information who probably would not have come in if they knew it was Mayuri Kurotsuchi who had ordered the meeting.
He seems about to act when Rukia comes under attack in her weakened stated however, Byakuya acts swiftly enough to save her. While Ichigo is battling Jin Kariya, Ukitake alongside his 3rd Seat officers, Kiyone Kotetsu and Sentar¨­ Kotsubaki and the rest of his squad are assigned to assist in locating and destroying the remaining J¨­kaish¨­ with the help of Ran'Tao while the battle is watched by others.

Arrancar arc

Ukitake is seen alongside Sh¨±hei Hisagi at the Thirteenth Division's training ground, observing Rukia and Orihime training. He discusses Rukia's friendship with Orihime and Sh¨±hei's role leading the Ninth Division.

The New Captain Sh¨±suke Amagai arc (anime only)
Note: Events occurring in this arc are only in the anime and do not constitute canon material.

Ukitake is present at the meeting where Sh¨±suke Amagai is introduced as the new Captain of the 3rd Division. During the arc, he can be seen welcoming the new Captain along with Shunsui, taking him for a drink and being mildly surprised by how little tolerance the new Captain has of Sake. He and Shunsui are also shown discussing how Ichigo seems to be followed by trouble a lot of the time. It is here we see that Ukitake is uneasy over the current state of affairs where noble families in Soul Society are concerned.
With the culmination of events in the arc, he is seen storming the Kasumi¨­ji household with Shunsui where they shut down the experiments concerning the Bakk¨­t¨­ and later discussing events with other captains before being informed of Sh¨±suke Amagai's deception and going to the site where he intended to kill Yamamoto.

Fake Karakura Town arc

He then appears during the Arrancar battle. He is shocked by Genry¨±sai Shigekuni Yamamoto's initial, swift actions, wondering if such harshness was necessary. When the pillars are successfully defended, it appears he is ready to fight Lilynette Gingerback and Coyote Starrk alongside Ky¨­raku. He appears surprised by Starrk's request to "pretend to fight" and thought Shunsui was going to comply due to his amusement and usual laid-back attitude. This shows that even he is shocked by Shunsui despite them being friends for centuries. Ukitake then takes to meditating atop one of the buildings of the town, where he was questioned by Lilynette on why he isn't fighting as well. Ukitake tells her two on one wouldn't be fair, Lilynette tells him that it doesn't matter and Starrk is strong and Ky¨­raku is as good as dead. Ukitake, with a smile, assures her that Ky¨­raku is strong too and that her concern is appreciated, and he'll pray that his friend wins. Ukitake then tells her as she is just a child, she has no place in the battle, which enrages Lilynette to the point where she screams at him and says Arrancar don't have ages. Ukitake explains that he can't fight since she looks like a little girl to him. He further tells her if she tries to fight him, he will force her to leave, and that she should "go home and play with a ball."

Lilynette feels Ukitake is patronizing her and proceeds to pull her Zanpakut¨­ out of its resting place, which is one of the horns on her helmet-like mask. She then tells him she will fight him. Ukitake appears somewhat annoyed at this. Ukitake is then seen blocking Lilynette's attacks with his Zanpakut¨­ while looking fairly unamused at her futile attempts. She then blasts him with a Cero, which has no effect on him. He then comments on how he has seen many Cero blasts in his time, and hers is immature at best and not even on par with a Menos. He then tells her to just go home, as he doesn't wish to fight her any longer. Ukitake is later shown continuing his battle with Lilynette. It is revealed that he was able to steal her Zanpakut¨­. He continually avoids her comical assaults, all the while chiding her for not putting her heart into her attacks.

When Starrk finally calls back Lilynette, so as to release his true form, Ky¨­raku, sensing that the true battle is about to begin, throws his kimono to Ukitake and informing him that they were now "fighting for keeps". Ukitake then watches in shock as the Primera releases his true power and Shunsui Ky¨­raku releases his own Zanpakut¨­.

After watching the battle unfold between Shunsui and Starrk, Ukitake releases his Shikai and jumps in front of Shunsui. He uses a huge energy blast to negate Starrk's Cero Metralleta. Starrk side steps the blast and wonders if it was a Cero.

Shunsui begins to speak but Ukitake cuts him off explaining that he shouldn't complain because the Arrancar are double teaming him and his coming to his aid is only fair. Ukitake then comments that besides that Shunsui doesn't seem to want to use his Bankai. Shunsui assures him that he will eventually. Ukitake however retorts that it would be best to not reveal his Bankai in front of everyone.

Ukitake continues by saying that in any case his powers are better suited for this sort of fight. Starrk interrupts by asking Ukitake how did he fire a Cero. Ukitake plainly says "who knows maybe he'll figure out if he does it again." Determined to figure out Ukitake's power Starrk fires again much to Lilynette's protest that it's most likely a trap. No sooner does he fire a large Cero, that moments later, comes right back at him, to which Starrk dodges. He fires again and notices the same result. He uses Son¨ªdo to get closer to Ukitake and then explains what he has learned of his ability. Ukitake is surprised that he figured it out after only three attacks. Starrk then expresses that he is glad that Ukitake's power isn't to reflect any and all attacks back at his opponent. Starrk surmises that if Ukitake has to absorb the attack first, there has to be a limit to what can be absorbed. He then tells Ukitake that he doesn't think he'll be able to absorb the attack if he fires 1,000 shots at once.

Before Starrk can fire, Shunsui appears behind him and tries to cut of his head, but Starrk dodges and fires a large Cero which Shunsui also dodges. Then seemingly out of nowhere a Garganta begins to open, surprising the three combatants. Ukitake asks Shunsui if it's someone new. Shunsui responds by asking if Ukitake thinks it's someone who could back up the top three Espada, as he hopes it isn't. When the Garganta is fully open, Wonderweiss Margera walks through. Ukitake and Shunsui both question who he is while Starrk, just as surprised to see him being accompanied by a huge hollow, simply says his name.

While Ukitake's attention is on F¨±r¨¡, Wonderweiss attacks him from behind, impaling him in the back and out through his chest with his hand. Seeing this, Shunsui goes to attack the Arrancar, but is quickly shot at point blank range in the back by a Cero from Starrk. They are both seen falling out of the sky to the city below. Ukitake's current status is yet unknown.

Zanpakut¨­ Unknown Tales arc (anime only)
Note: Events occurring in this arc are only in the anime and do not constitute canon material.

Ukitake is first seen is first seen alongside Ky¨­raku's lieutenant Nanao Ise as a spectator alongside 6th Division members watching a sparing match between 6th Division captain Byakuya Kuchiki and his lieutenant Renji Abarai. He congratulates Renji on becoming more proficient in his Bankai's use. Byakuya's mood seems to change which leaves abruptly, causing him and Shunsui to wonder what is wrong. Later that night he, along with all other higher ranked officers of the Gotei 13 are summoned to S¨­kyoku Hill by order of captain-commander Yamamoto. Upon the arrival of captain Hitsugaya who asks him what is happening he details that he really doesn't know and apparently no one else is sure either. There, they are witness the arrival of the 1st Division lieutenant Ch¨­jir¨­ Sasakibe who collapses, as everyone readies themselves for a possible attack, a mysterious man appears, who reveals that the captain-commander will be unavailable presently. Upon hearing this Ukitake witnesses captain Komamura move to attack releasing his Bankai against the mysterious man only for it to turn on him, much to everyone's surprise. Upon a release of reiatsu a large being appears before Komamura and fights with him and easily dispatches him as all in attendance look on in complete shock. They are then informed once they all try to release their Zanpakut¨­ they are plainly told by the mysterious man that their Zanpakut¨­ are no longer under their control and that now the Zanpakut¨­ will rule the Shinigami. He then sums the Zanpakut¨­ spirits to him.

Ukitake questions what the mysterious man means by stating that Zanpakut¨­ will rule, to which the mysterious man details it's exactly as he has said. Shunsui states the he is taking this whole thing seriously but is more concerned where captain-commander Yamamoto's whereabouts are. The mysterious man details that Yamamoto has been sealed away as his Zanpakut¨­ Ry¨±jin Jakka was unwilling to join forces with them. He then states that he had Minazuki, Katen Ky¨­kotsu and S¨­gyo no Kotowari seal him with their reiatsu. Ukitake is outraged that such a thing has taken place. Upon this realization a battle breaks out between the Shinigami and the Zanpakut¨­ spirits. The following day Shunsui, Unohana and Ukitake set up a communication base at the Fourth Division barracks following the manifestation of the Zanpakut¨­ and their subsequent attack on their Shinigami counterparts. They discuss the situation with Yoruichi who tells them she will return to the real world and inform Urahara of the situation.

Ukitake returns to the temporary HQ, where Shunsui explains that he still has not found out the whereabouts of Yamamoto. Ukitake then explains the ongoing plan of sending captain Soifon's forces as well as the other divisions out to track down and subdue the Zanpakut¨­. He and Shunsui then discuss the turn of events surrounding Byakuya, who has disappeared. Unohana arrives and details that while severely injured Rukia is stable but still unconscious. She then explains to them that 12th Division has asked for test subjects and she has just returned from assisting captain Mayuri Kurotsuchi. The two captains are quite surprised that she went to see him personally. They are shocked by what Unohana has learned from captain Kurotsuchi. As she confirms their worst fears, noting the Zanpakut¨­ spirits are completely independent from their former masters and if they are not careful in how they deal with them they could end up destroying their Zanpakut¨­.

Sometime later they discuss the possibility that defeating the Zanpakut¨­ spirits will destroy the Zanpakut¨­ themselves. It is decided that they will have to quickly get used to combat without their release or else it could be costly for the Gotei 13 forces. Shunsui, Unohana and Ukitake debrief Ichigo Kurosaki about his fight with Muramasa. Ichigo details that Muramasa doesn't use brainwashing to control the Zanpakut¨­ spirits and that he is just amplifying the frustration the feel on the regular basis to turn them. He makes note that the only way to obtain them back is for the wielder to face their Zanpakut¨­ spirit and force it to submit to them. Ukitake is happy that they have found a way to finally get their Zanpakut¨­ back, but Shunsui notes that its going to take a while for everyone to track down their own Zanpakut¨­ and beat them in battle. As their opponents aren't just going to wait for them. They are then interrupted as Renji Abarai and Zabimaru arrive so they can be be asked if there is anything else they can use to further then situation. Zabimaru unfortunately doesn't remember anything about being controlled and can't help. He later appears alongside Shunsui, Soifon and her Stealth Corps as they arrive to surround H¨­zukimaru, but he uses his Bankai to get away. However, they manage to obtain Gegetsuburi.

The Shinigami discuss Byakuya's betrayal, and the discovery that if a Zanpakut¨­ is killed by anyone other than its owner, it will be unusable. After the meeting Ukitake resolves to be the one to inform Rukia that her brother Byakuya has turned traitor.

Ukitake arrives after the battle in the 6th Division barracks along with Shunsui. They apologize for being late. Ukitake stops the poisoned Rukia from getting up and asks her if she found out what her brother was up to. Ukitake decides to join Shunsui, Kenpachi, Yachiru, Ichigo and Yoruichi on a search-and-rescue mission for Yamamoto. The party finds the cave by tracing Yamamoto's reiatsu. The party splits up; Ukitake accompanies Shunsui to a distant corner of the cave, where they encounter the spirits of their Zanpakut¨­. S¨­gyo no Kotowari fall down on top of Ukitake and ask him to play a game; deciding on "Fetch the Fan," they produce two fans that begin to glow and spin, hurtling toward Ukitake like saw blades.

Despite desperately trying to reason with the twin spirits, their mischievous nature makes them refuse to listen. He is forced to constantly chase them through the caves, it is not until he threatens to stop playing with them if they don't hand over their fans that they stop. They trick him and try to blast him but Ukitake ducks out the way in time. They run off again and begin to play a game of hide-in-seek with Ukitake, much to his annoyance. They try to ambush him with an attack but he uses Had¨­ #31. Shakkah¨­ to counter the attack. When the twins try to attack him from both sides he surprises them by catching them both, but they kick him in the face break free and run off. Ukitake finally realizes that the games that they are playing are just a delay tactic, allowing Muramasa to use Ichigo for something of importance. Upon sensing a huge explosion originating from Ichigo's power, Ukitake rushes to the location to find Yamamoto freed but greatly troubled. It is then revealed that Yamamoto was not imprisoned as Muramasa claimed, but rather Yamamoto produced the barrier to protect himself from Muramasa's plans to use Ry¨±jin Jakka. When Muramasa says that he has no need for the other entities anymore, Katen Ky¨­kotsu and S¨­gyo no Kotowari attack him but end up having their physical forms destroyed by Ry¨±jin Jakka. Muramasa makes his escape, while Yamamoto reveals to the others that Muramasa intends to destroy the Gotei 13 with it.

Ichigo, Yoruichi, Ukitake, Shunsui, and Yamamoto are surrounded by a wall of flames created by Ry¨±jin Jakka. Yoruichi escapes underground through a fissure she opens using Shunk¨­, but Tobiume uses her fireball to cave it in behind Yoruichi, preventing the others from following. Ichigo attempts to escape by jumping over the wall of flames but is unsuccessful. Yamamoto reveals that Muramasa's plan is to destroy Karakura Town in order to free his owner, K¨­ga, who has been sealed there. Ichigo makes a final attempt at jumping over the wall of flames and just before he is defeated and completely enveloped in fire, Hy¨­rinmaru and Hitsugaya arrive to save him. Hitsugaya and Hy¨­rinmaru both activate their Bankai and, together, get Ichigo out of the flames so that he can head to Karakura town to stop Muramasa while Yamamoto, Ukitake, Shunsui, Hitsugaya and Hy¨­rinmaru stay back to defeat Ry¨±jin Jakka together.

Beast Swords arc (anime only)
Note: Events occurring in this arc are only in the anime and do not constitute canon material.

Ukitake discusses the attacks by T¨­j¨± with Ky¨­raku, Rukia, Sode no Shirayuki and Senbonzakura, while his restored Zanpakut¨­ spirit, S¨­gyo no Kotowari, plays near the group. He tells the twins to quiet down, and they comply.

While meditating at his families’ estate, Jushiro was feeling quite healthy today. He hadn’t felt weak all day; he felt that maybe today would be a good day. This, however was to end as Kiyone and Sentaro suddenly came around the corner.

Rushing toward their captain, "Taichouuu!!" they both screamed out in unison, only glare each other in their death stares.

“Now, don’t you two…”Jushiro began before he was interrupted by Kiyonne.

"Taichou, how are you feeling today? Do you need a foot rub?” She asked before she flipped Jushiro on a nearby chair and began to roughly handle his right foot.

“Ahh, please that is …” He started before Sentaro started in on his left foot. His hands were far rougher then Kiyones.

“Right Taichou, you know that’s my job.” Sentaro said as he began to rub Jushiro’s foot faster then Kiyone. However once Kiyone saw him rubbing faster then him, she began to rub faster then him. That’s when they started another competition with their captain as the field and prize.

“No, really you two,” Jushiro started as his feet began to burn from the friction. “I’m feeling quite…”

“Terrible!?” Kiyone shouted as she looked toward her captain and then to Sentaro. “Who wouldn’t be, if someone with the scratching hands of that idiot. Now what you really need is my soft touch with a back rub.” Without warning she started on Jushiro’s back, with a vice grip of a crab.

“Gentle touch my ass!” Sentaro gasped as he grabbed both of his Captain’s feet and began to catch up to Kiyones back rub.

Pain began to course through Jushiro’s body as they tried their best to win his praise, all in all he felt an attack coming on. He tried to speak but the pain was too great. Soon Jushiro fainted from the combination of foot burn and back pain. Kiyone and Sentaro didn’t even notice this tell an hour of their treatment.