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Bite at the Moon

Manga ChapterCh. 140

Chapter 140 of Bleach begins the long-awaited duel between Renji Abarai and his own captain, Byakuya Kuchiki. Determined to free Rukia, Renji reveals just how closely he has studied the man he once only dreamed of surpassing.

Arc: Soul Society arc
Volume: 17
Volume Title: ROSA RUBICUNDIOR, LILIO CANDIDIOR
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Summary

Admitting he once feared even to tread on Byakuya's shadow, Renji cuts a path toward Senzaikyū through the Sixth Division grounds, felling squad members, among them Rikichi Yuki, by shearing straight through their swords. Vowing to free Rukia and recalling their shared childhood, he presses on until a crushing spiritual pressure stops him at an archway. Byakuya waits atop a tower and coolly refuses to let him pass.

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Key Events

Byakuya vanishes and attempts Senka from behind, but Renji whirls to block, their blades throwing off a shockwave. He names the technique, explaining that it wrecks an enemy's Saketsu and Hakusui with a single strike each and is Byakuya's finest move, one he has replayed in his mind so often he can now predict it. When Byakuya begins releasing Senbonzakura, Renji's own Zabimaru coils around the blade before it can transform. Renji declares his ambition to overtake Byakuya predates his entry into the Gotei 13, and as Byakuya grasps the meaning of a sword released without its command, Renji withdraws Zabimaru and summons his Bankai.

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Notes

This chapter opens the seventeenth volume, Rosa Rubicundior, Lilio Candidior, and was adapted into episode 52, Renji, Oath of the Soul! Death Match with Byakuya. Its cliffhanger reveals that Renji has secretly attained Bankai, setting up the battle's escalation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What happens in Bleach chapter 140?

Chapter 140, Bite at the Moon, begins the long-awaited duel between Renji Abarai and his own captain, Byakuya Kuchiki, as Renji cuts a path toward Senzaikyu to free Rukia.

What is Senka, the technique Renji blocks in this chapter?

Renji Abarai names Byakuya's technique Senka, explaining that it wrecks an enemy's Saketsu and Hakusui with a single strike each. He has replayed Byakuya's finest move in his mind so often that he can now predict it.

How does chapter 140 end?

The chapter ends on a cliffhanger as Renji Abarai withdraws Zabimaru and summons his Bankai, revealing that he has secretly attained it and setting up the battle's escalation against Byakuya.

What volume does chapter 140 open?

Chapter 140 opens the seventeenth volume of Bleach, Rosa Rubicundior, Lilio Candidior, within the Soul Society arc.

Which anime episode adapts chapter 140?

Chapter 140 was adapted into episode 52, Renji, Oath of the Soul! Death Match with Byakuya, of the Bleach anime.

Sources & Information

Looking for more on Bite at the Moon? The Bleach Wiki on Fandom has a dedicated page with community notes.

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This content is original writing by Daddy Jim Headquarters based on the Bleach anime series, manga, and official materials. Episode and chapter references are cited where applicable.

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