The Encounter, Renji Abarai!

Fleeing the Kurosaki Clinic, Rukia Kuchiki reflects on the months she spent among Ichigo and his classmates, deciding the attachments she formed are unfit for a Shinigami. Renji Abarai ambushes her, mocking how Human her expression has become and demanding to know where the boy who took her powers is hiding. Her brother, Byakuya Kuchiki, appears behind her, and Renji wounds Rukia's cheek before pressing his attack.

Uryū Ishida intervenes with a Heilig Pfeil, claiming he happened by while buying sewing supplies, though no one believes him. He introduces himself as a Quincy who despises Shinigami, and Renji swiftly cuts him down. Meanwhile, at the clinic, Ichigo discovers Kon taped behind the toilet and, after decoding Rukia's oddly written farewell letter, resolves to rescue her.

Ichigo chases Kon around the room to reach his Gikongan, and Kisuke Urahara appears at the window offering help. Arriving on the street, Ichigo halts Renji's killing blow against the fallen Uryū and reveals himself in a shihakushō, wielding an enormous Zanpakutō. Renji recognizes him as the thief of Rukia's power and slashes his shoulder, but Ichigo counters by scratching Renji's chin, proving the lieutenant left his guard open.

Byakuya confirms an Onmitsukidō report that Ichigo drove off a Menos Grande, which Renji dismisses in disbelief. When Ichigo cannot even name his own sword, Renji brands him an amateur and releases his Shikai, Zabimaru. The segmented blade batters down Ichigo's guard and drives deep into his shoulder, leaving him on his knees and gravely wounded as Rukia and Byakuya look on.

The episode adapts Chapter 52 through Chapter 54 within the Agent of the Shinigami arc and marks the debut of Renji, Byakuya, and Zabimaru's Shikai. The anime adds flashbacks of Rukia's time with Ichigo's friends and alters small details of the letter-decoding scene. The next-episode preview has Kon reciting Bleach trivia until Ichigo cuts him off.