The 36th episode opens the fearsome duel between Ichigo and Captain Kenpachi Zaraki. Crushed under the captain's monstrous spiritual pressure, Ichigo must send his companions ahead and stand alone against a warrior who lives only to fight.
Summary
In a Fifth Division cell, a grieving Hinamori is visited by Rangiku, who scolds her for recklessly accusing Gin of murdering Aizen and reminds her of a lieutenant's responsibilities. Rangiku hands over a sealed letter of Aizen's last words, and reading it, Hinamori is stunned to realize her captain knew he was being targeted and had confided his discoveries to her alone.
Near the Senzaikyu, Ichigo, Ganju, and Hanataro are flattened by an overwhelming Reiatsu. Ichigo senses that no matter how far they run, the danger never recedes, feeling as though a blade rests constantly at his throat. Kenpachi Zaraki appears crouched on a rooftop, dismisses Ganju and Hanataro, and fixes on Ichigo, whose mind conjures the sensation of being run through. Inside the sealed prison, Rukia feels the terrible pressure and prays that Ichigo, if he is truly here, will flee for his life.
Ichigo orders Ganju to carry Hanataro on toward Rukia while he holds Kenpachi off. The captain, caring nothing for the escapees, offers Ichigo a free first strike and bares his chest, but Ichigo's full-force swing fails to even scratch him and splits open his own hand. Kenpachi explains that the weaker spirit absorbs the clash, meaning Ichigo's honed blade is duller to him than his own leaking Reiryoku. Disappointed, Kenpachi draws his sword and invites Ichigo to attack again.
Key Events
Rangiku delivers Aizen's farewell letter to Hinamori, who realizes he anticipated his own death. Kenpachi Zaraki corners Ichigo and his companions, and Ichigo sends Ganju and Hanataro ahead toward Rukia. Kenpachi grants Ichigo a free first strike that fails to wound him, then draws his own blade to begin the fight in earnest.
Notes
Adapting chapters 103 through 105, the episode belongs to the Sneak Entry arc and launches one of the series' defining duels. It intercuts the aftermath of Aizen's staged assassination with Ichigo's first taste of a captain's raw power. The anime expands the flashbacks to Ikkaku, Renji, and Yoruichi's warnings and color-inverts the impalement vision to mask the blood. D-tecnoLife opens the episode and Hokiboshi closes it.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What happens in Kenpachi Zaraki Approaches!?
The 36th episode opens the duel between Ichigo and Captain Kenpachi Zaraki, who corners Ichigo and his companions near the Senzaikyu under an overwhelming spiritual pressure.
Why does Ichigo's first strike fail to hurt Kenpachi?
Kenpachi bares his chest and offers Ichigo a free first strike, but Ichigo's full-force swing fails to scratch him and splits his own hand; Kenpachi explains that the weaker spirit absorbs the clash, making Ichigo's blade duller to him than his own leaking Reiryoku.
What does Ichigo do with Ganju and Hanataro during the fight?
Ichigo orders Ganju to carry Hanataro on toward Rukia while he stays behind to hold Kenpachi off.
What letter does Hinamori receive in this episode?
Rangiku delivers a sealed letter of Aizen's last words to Hinamori, who is stunned to realize her captain knew he was being targeted and had confided his discoveries to her alone.
What manga chapters does episode 36 adapt?
The episode adapts chapters 103 through 105 and belongs to the Soul Society: The Sneak Entry arc.
Sources & Information
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