Zaraki looms menacingly in front of Ichigo, as our favorite teen-turned-Shinigami figures out that this guy is Zaraki Kenpachi, Captain of the 11th (no duh, Ichi). As expected from a captain, Zaraki’s incredibly strong spiritual aura is what they’ve been dragged down by up till now.
Zaraki asks him what’s wrong. He had said he came to fight Ichigo to the death, so the lack of reply must mean that it’s okay to get started (he adds with a deliciously evil grin).
Ichigo braces himself but a noise from behind distracts him. He sees Ganju struggling to get up while Hanataro is a wide-eyed, drooling mess on the ground – most likely knocked out by pure fear alone.
Shocked, Ichigo releases his grip on his sword and turns around out of concern for Hanataro. Ganju calls him an idiot and says not to bother. He and “Hana”* are simply effected by the spiritual pressure. He assures Ichigo that they’re fine, so he should keep his eyes forward. Ganju warns him that, while staring at them with his back turned to Zaraki, Ichigo may end up dead in no time.
In that tense moment, the cute-as-a-button Vice-Captain Kusajishi Yachiru pops up from right over Zaraki’s shoulder, screaming, “Aah! He’s drooling!!”
Of course, this freaks Ichigo out, but before he can turn around to face this new enemy – she leaps and lands lightly on his shoulder.** She doesn’t pay attention to Ichigo as she looks over at Hanataro and exclaims, “Whoa! Seems he got scared of Ken-chan! Poor thing!”
Ichigo curses. Before he can react, Yachiru leaps off his shoulder and returns to Zaraki’s side. She mumbles, “...he got angry...”
Zaraki peers down at his (mini)Vice-Captain and says, “Dummy. It’s your fault.”
Ichigo angrily swings his sword free. He seems to have reached the last of his temper.
“Ganju!” he yells. “Take Hanataro and go on ahead! I’ll do something about this guy! You go on and save Rukia!”
Ganju protests because that meant Ichigo would have to face Zaraki alone, but Ichigo tells him to shut up and go. So Ganju takes off with Hanataro hefted up on his shoulder. Zaraki and Yachiru watch them leave wordlessly.
Ichigo stands ready to fight, saying how surprised he is that Zaraki & Yachiru haven’t made any move to chase after Ganju & Hanataro. After all, isn’t it their job to stop them?
Zaraki speaks up, reminding Ichigo that he came to fight him to the death. He has no interest in where Kuchiki and Ichigo’s friends are going to die.
(Intro pic features a side view of Zaraki [with bells on, of course ^_~])
And now it’s time for a long-awaited Rukia cameo!! XD***
Rukia is in her empty cell, with only the narrow window to look at. She’s as quiet and sad as ever. She notices that there is a spiritual aura strong enough to be felt even inside the tower she's in.****
Yesterday, she had sensed a roaring nearby and now she wonders if a fight is going on. She also wonders if Ichigo and the gang really did come, and what they’re doing right about now...
Right about now, Ichigo is struggling to stand his ground. Zaraki assesses him, saying something like, “...Not bad. You’ve got a firm stance and you’re waiting for a chance to strike, even though the spiritual pressure is getting to you. You could equal a vice-captain. That’s the reason why Ikkaku lost.”
Ichigo wearily thanks him for the compliment and Zaraki continues, “...However, there’s still a difference between you and I... how about I give you a handicap.”
Zaraki pulls open his haori (shirt), revealing his broad, scar-less chest. He grins, “I’ll let you make the first strike. C’mon, slash anywhere you want.”
Ichigo is shocked by the challenge, “Wha... what are you saying...? You think I’d slash at someone who isn’t even putting up their guard! Are you making a fool out of me!?”
“I’m not making a fool out of you,” Zaraki says. “It’s simply a service. For you not to slash at an unguarded opponent is an excellent attitude to have, but leave such tidy things for other chances... Don’t be so high-strung. Let’s have some fun.”
Zaraki taunts him further – he tells him to slash at his head or stomach or eyes or wherever. He can even go for the kill in a single strike. “Don’t be afraid!! C’mon!!!”
Ichigo curses again and warns Zaraki not to hold this against him afterward. He charges at him and all Zaraki does is smile.
Scene change: Hanataro is starting to wake up. Ganju is still carrying him and asks Hana if he’s awake. Hana suddenly straightens up and looks back in horror. He asks about Ichigo and Ganju tells him that he’s back there with the guy from earlier.
Hana panics – Ichigo has been left behind all alone. He asks to turn back, but Ganju’s not sure if that’s a great idea. Hana insists that they go back, because Ichigo will surely die.
Meanwhile, li’l Yachiru is crouched against a wall, watching the attack in interest. There’s blood splatter around, but no indication of whose blood it is.
Hana continues to talk about “Kenpachi”, saying how it’s the name given generation after generation to the one out of all the 13 squads who loves to fight the most and who has killed the most enemies. The title means, “No matter how many times he’s slain, he will never be struck down!”
And it’s true... Zaraki Kenpachi stands there motionless, with Ichigo’s sword against his chest. It seems that Ichigo struck with all his strength, but there is not even a mark on Zaraki. The only place where blood is coming from – is Ichigo’s hands.*****
Ichigo is dumbstruck. He can’t believe that there isn’t even a single cut on him.
Zaraki looks down at him, saying how this bores him and now it’s his turn. As he draws his jagged-edged sword, he asks Ichigo not to die after only the first few strikes.
*Apparently, Ganju’s nickname for Hanataro is now “Hana” – how cute! I didn't notice that before.
**Yachiru is so tiny! She’s barely the height of 3 Kon dolls! Whenever she stands around Zaraki, she looks like a small puppy. Kawai~i!
***Besides the Renji flashback... when was the last time Rukia appeared?
****She says the tower is made of “killing-intent stone” – but I didn’t get what the definition for that term meant. :S
*****Why are his hands bleeding, I wonder...