Bleach Vol. 17

With Rukia’s execution rapidly approaching, Renji confronts Byakuya and declares his intention to rescue her. Having recently attained Bankai, Renji releases Hihiō Zabimaru and initially pressures his captain with its enormous segmented form. Byakuya remains composed, however, exposing Renji’s incomplete mastery of the technique before overwhelming him with Senbonzakura Kageyoshi.

Although grievously wounded, Renji refuses to surrender and continues fighting for the childhood friend from whom he had allowed himself to become separated. His final attack reaches Byakuya but cannot defeat him. Acknowledging Renji’s determination, Byakuya leaves his lieutenant alive after the battle.

Elsewhere, Gin Ichimaru intercepts Rukia as she is taken toward the execution grounds. He cruelly offers to rescue both her and Renji, briefly restoring her hope before admitting that he never intended to help. Shaken by the encounter, Rukia is brought closer to the Sōkyoku as the remaining rescuers and dissenting Soul Reapers race against the final countdown to her execution.