Unfading Grudge! The Shinigami whom Kenpachi Killed

is the seventy-seventh episode of the Bleach anime.

Maki Ichinose remembers his past as Yoruichi Shihōin shows up to save Ichigo Kurosaki.

Summary
Ririn is very concerned about Noba and Kurōdo after they were defeated by Ichinose, and believes them to be unconscious. Rukia Kuchiki worries that she won't be able to gather enough energy to heal the two in her current state, but then she notices Kurodō's hand twitch and his eye open. She tells them to stop pretending to be unconscious, and Ririn punches Kurodō in the face for tricking her.

In the mansion's main room, Ichigo and Ichinose fight. With the use of Nijigasumi, Ichinose takes the upper hand in the battle. However, Jin Kariya steps in and takes over, saying that he is interested in Ichigo’s spirit. He suggests that Ichigo should join them. While kneeling in order to let Kariya pass, Ichinose remembers when Kenpachi Zaraki killed his captain, and in turn became captain of the 11th Division. During the battle, he and Kaname Tōsen could not stop the fight, and Tōsen commented on how he felt that Zaraki was dangerous. When Ichinose confronted Zaraki later, he challenged Kenpachi to a duel. Kenpachi refused, but said that he might consider battling if Ichinose managed to injure him. Ichinose took the initiative, but just as he prepared to use Nijigasumi, Kenpachi knocked the sword out of his hands. Zaraki compared Ichinose to ivy, saying that it cannot grow without entwining itself around a large tree, and advised him to stand for himself. After leaving Soul Society, Ichinose wandered about until he came across a village under attack by a Hollow. He saved a little boy, but the Hollow proved to be too powerful for him to handle. However, he was saved by the appearance of Kariya. Kariya allowed Ichinose to finish off the Hollow, and then recruited him.

As Ichinose's flashbacks end, Jin continues to try to sway Ichigo, but is unsuccessful. While the two fight, Jin flicks him into the wall. Ichigo prepares to continue, but the house suddenly comes under fire from Jinta Hanakari and Ururu Tsumugiya, who are shelling the mansion. Yoruichi arrives and takes Ichigo away. Elsewhere in the mansion, Rukia and the others save Uryū Ishida and Yoshino Sōma. Everyone then makes their escape. Jin does not mind that he has lost his two captives, since he believes that they will return.

Fights

 * Ichigo Kurosaki vs. Maki Ichinose & Jin Kariya (concluded)

Powers and Techniques Used
Techniques used: Zanpakutō released:
 * Shunpo (瞬歩, Flash Steps)
 * Shunkō (瞬閧, Flash Cry)

Shikai:
 * Nijigasumi (虹霞, Rainbow Mist)

Dolls summoned:
 * Gesell

Other powers:
 * Teleportation