Surrounding Clutch

With the sentence set for that day, Hitsugaya and Gin Ichimaru set out alongside their lieutenants as the Kidō Corps readies Rukia for transport. Out in the streets, Kenpachi Zaraki barrels along carrying Orihime and Yachiru, trailed by Ikkaku, Yumichika, and Makizō Aramaki. He asks Orihime for directions, but Yachiru headbutts her and points the other way, then spits on Ikkaku when he suggests letting Orihime lead. Kenpachi simply decides to trust his own instincts.

Deep in an underground relief cell, Uryū Ishida muses over a stray butterfly while bickering with Ganju Shiba about their refusal to be on first-name terms. Sado catches an approaching sound moments before Kenpachi smashes down through the ceiling to break them out, throwing Ganju into a panic. Orihime pops up to reassure the trio they are safe. Beneath Sōkyoku Hill, Renji finishes his own training and departs, pausing to ask Yoruichi whether Ichigo can truly reach Bankai in time. She admits no one can say as Ichigo, bloodied and soaked in sweat, resumes clashing with the many clones of Zangetsu.

Yoruichi frames Ichigo's relentless drive as instinct, the same inborn pull that teaches people to walk and birds to fly, and reads it as proof he will master Bankai. The chapter is collected in the sixteenth volume, Night of Wijnruit, and was adapted as part of episode 51, Morning of the Sentence.