Bleach 1.16

The Encounter, Renji Abarai!

Rukia reflects back on moments she has shared with Ichigo, Orihime, and others over recent weeks as she literally runs away. She is lost in thought and doesn't sense the presence of two Shinigami: Renji Abarai and Byakuya Kuchiki, her older brother.

Renji stops Rukia in her tracks and demands to know who took her powers. She refuses to answer as she dodges his sword. Uryū, walking home late at night from the 24 hour sewing supply store, interrupts Renji's interrogation session. Renji is suprised that Uryū can see him and his boss, Byakuya. Uryū isn't scared of Renji but doesn't prove to be much of a challenge for Renji.

Ichigo is at home when he finds Kon taped to the back of the toilet. Kon explains to Ichigo that it was Rukia who put him there and that she ran away. Ichigo finally catches on the fact that Rukia might be in danger. He is trying to retrieve the pill from Kon's mouth so that he can transform when Urahara shows up and asks if he can be of help.

Ichigo arrives on the scene and defends Rukia but quickly discovers that he is no match for Renji who transforms his sword into a much more deadly weapon.

Thoughts

The only appearance of Hollows in this episode is a reference to the fight with the Menos Grande from a couple episodes ago.

Byakuya Kuchiki is Rukia's older brother and the leader of 6th squad. Renji Abarai is the deputy leader of 6th squad. They both appeared briefly at the end of the previous episode.

Things are just starting to get really interesting. Ichigo is overconfident in his abilities and mentally rocked backwards by his encounter with Renji. There is a lot that he still has yet to learn about being a Shinigami. This episode really whets my appetite for more.