Release! The New Getsuga Tenshō

Cut down by Kazeshini, Hisagi is saved when Izuru intercepts the finishing blow and takes over the fight so his fellow lieutenant can rest. Deflecting a barrage of chained sickles and shadow projectiles, Izuru springs a trap with a binding spell, hauls the unconscious Hisagi to safety, and steadily wears the spirit down.

Ichigo, meanwhile, faces his own blade in the form of Zangetsu, who insists on discovering which of them is stronger even at the cost of Ichigo's life. Robbed of his bankai and forbidden his Hollow mask by his inner Hollow, Ichigo can only trade blasts of Getsuga Tenshō, gradually adapting to fighting without his usual power. Renji, cornered by the paired spirits Saru and Hebi, watches his shikai fail against their bankai until he improvises, binding them with kidō and finishing with Higa Zekkō to reduce them back to a single sealed sword.

Realizing Zangetsu would never flee a battle, Ichigo channels his Hollow's strength into one final blast and engulfs his opponent, proving their bond is his true strength. The words break Muramasa's grip, and the spirit, coughing and turning translucent, bids Ichigo farewell before scattering into green energy. Zangetsu returns to himself, freed from control, while Saru and Hebi likewise come to their senses and pledge to end the rebellion. A dying Muramasa muses that Ichigo may be the one he has been searching for.

Izuru relieves the badly injured Hisagi and defeats Kazeshini in his stead. Renji overcomes Saru and Hebi by combining binding kidō with Higa Zekkō, restoring Zabimaru to a normal sword. Ichigo defeats the corrupted Zangetsu using his Hollow's power without donning his mask, which shatters Muramasa's mind control. Zangetsu confirms that Muramasa dominated the spirits by dragging their darkest instincts to the surface, and warns that the other blades are likely still under his sway. Muramasa's body begins to break down, and Ichigo resolves to hunt him down and stop him.

This is an anime-only episode with no corresponding manga chapters, part of the Zanpakutō Unknown Tales storyline. A brief comedic segment shows Hanatarō mistaking a Wakame Ambassador for an injured person in the Kuchiki Manor. In the original Japanese ending animation for the episode, Izuru and Wabisuke appear in place of Ichigo and Zangetsu.