An Accomplished Oath! Get back Rukia!

A surge of energy from Sōkyoku Hill signals that the ceremony has begun, drawing the attention of fighters across the Seireitei. Hitsugaya and Rangiku rush toward the Central 46 Compound, while Ukitake breaks a long-sealed vault to retrieve the Shihōin Shield, intent on destroying the Sōkyoku. Near the hill, Yachiru leaves the Ryoka behind to go help Ichigo, whom she counts as Kenpachi's friend.

Yamamoto grants Rukia's request that the Ryoka be spared, which Unohana frames as a kindness to ease her mind. The Kidō Corps releases the Sōkyoku, its binding ropes snapping loose as three cubes lock Rukia's limbs and lift her up the scaffold. The weapon erupts into flame and takes the form of Kikōō, a colossal phoenix. Resigned and grateful for her life, Rukia closes her eyes as the phoenix strikes, only for Ichigo to appear in midair and hold it back with Zangetsu, casually greeting her and refusing her demands that he leave.

Kikōō recoils and charges again, but Ukitake's Shihōin Shield launches a cable that snares its neck; he and Shunsui then slash the shield, channeling Reiryoku that detonates the phoenix. Seizing the chaos, Ichigo drives his blade into the scaffold and blasts it apart, freeing Rukia. Renji arrives and downs the Kidō Corps, and Ichigo hurls Rukia into his arms, ordering him to flee and never let go. As lieutenants give chase, Ichigo cuts them off, knocking out Ōmaeda, Chōjirō, and Isane bare-handed before blocking a strike from Byakuya.

The Sōkyoku is released and transforms into the phoenix Kikōō for Rukia's execution. Ichigo intervenes and single-handedly holds back the phoenix. Ukitake and Shunsui destroy Kikōō using the Shihōin Shield. Ichigo demolishes the execution scaffold and frees Rukia, entrusting her to Renji to escape. Ichigo defeats three pursuing lieutenants and clashes with Byakuya.

Drawn from Chapters 149 through 152 plus an omake, this episode belongs to the Soul Society: The Rescue arc. Its opening theme is Ichirin No Hana and its ending is Life. It aired in Japan on October 18, 2005, and in English on March 9, 2008. The adaptation reworks numerous manga details, such as Unohana arriving late after healing Renji and Ichigo landing a visible blow to knock out Isane. The closing Shinigami Cup Golden segment introduces Zennosuke Kurumadani, trampled by Don Kanonji and his Karakura Superheroes.