Spring, Spring, Meets the Tiger

Hanataro pleads to turn back and help Ichigo, but Ganju holds him fast, pointing out that Kenpachi's reiatsu alone paralyzed them and that only Ichigo has any chance against him. He reminds the medic that Ichigo crossed into Soul Society to save Rukia and has now handed that duty to them at the risk of his own life; abandoning it would waste everything he is fighting for. Convinced, Hanataro resumes running with him toward Senzaikyu.

Ichigo, meanwhile, presses his blade to Kenpachi's chest without leaving a mark and cannot understand why his own hand keeps bleeding. Yachiru remarks that to Kenpachi the sword may as well have no edge. Kenpachi explains the principle: when two spiritual forces collide, the weaker one absorbs the blow, and the blade Ichigo forged by honing his reiatsu is weaker than the reiatsu spilling off Kenpachi without any effort. Disappointed to have spent the whole night waiting for such a letdown, he draws his sword at last.

Near the Eighth Division, Sado blasts a hole through a wall with his Fullbring, dropping several Shinigami at once. He notes that his stamina has grown from two shots a day to five or more since Yoruichi trained him. Blocked by the Third Seat Tatsufusa Enjoji, who launches a whirling sword technique, Sado simply punches him unconscious and apologizes for the state of his guard. Then Captain Kyoraku descends amid a shower of flower petals, praising the display and introducing himself with easy courtesy.

Ganju and Hanataro commit fully to the rescue mission. Kenpachi explains why Ichigo cannot cut him, Sado's growth under Yoruichi is noted, and Sado defeats Enjoji before Captain Kyoraku steps in to face him.

The chapter is part of the twelfth volume and was adapted across Episodes 36 and 37, the latter titled Motive of the Fist. It marks the first meeting between Sado and Captain Kyoraku.