The Speed Phantom

The captains and lieutenants stare as Ichigo stands with Rukia tucked under his arm above the ruined scaffold. When she asks his plan, he answers that he intends to beat the captains below and then run, since he still has to rescue Orihime, Uryu, Sado, Ganju, and Hanataro along with everyone else who aided him. Feeling his confidence flow into her, Rukia recognizes how strong he has become.

A commotion below reveals Renji arriving and cutting down the Kido Corps guards. Relieved to see him alive, Rukia is startled when Ichigo hoists her overhead and hurls her toward Renji with a shout to catch. Renji snatches her from the air and is knocked back, and though both berate Ichigo, he orders Renji to flee and guard Rukia with his life. Sui-Feng sends Omaeda after them, and Chojiro and Isane join the pursuit on their captains' orders.

Ichigo cuts them off with a burst of Shunpo and plants Zangetsu in the ground. Isane releases Itegumo, gaining two angled blades, Chojiro turns his weapon into a rapier with Gonryomaru, and Omaeda unleashes the spiked flail of Gegetsuburi, only for Ichigo to smash it apart with one punch to the gut that lays him out. He grabs Chojiro's wrist and drops him with a blow to the head, then fells a stunned Isane with a single strike, all without lifting his blade. He finally retrieves Zangetsu to parry a slash from Byakuya, whom he greets with open nerve.

Ichigo tosses Rukia to Renji and orders him to escape with her. When three lieutenants give chase, Ichigo intercepts them with Shunpo and defeats Omaeda, Chojiro, and Isane barehanded despite their released Zanpakuto, then turns to face Byakuya's incoming attack.

The chapter showcases the dramatic leap in Ichigo's speed and strength after his training, letting him overwhelm seated officers with ease. It was adapted into Episode 54, An Accomplished Oath! Get back Rukia!.