What episode is "Byakuya vs. Kenpachi?! The Melee Commences" in Bleach?
"Byakuya vs. Kenpachi?! The Melee Commences" is episode 289 of Bleach.
Tensions rise as Byakuya challenges Kenpachi to prove their strength, interrupting Yammy's attack. Meanwhile, intense battles unfold including Tousen's revealing transformation and the opponents' efforts to counter his newfound power.
Kenpachi scolds Byakuya for being useless and not finishing off Yammy earlier. Byakuya gets angry squares off with Kenpachi to see who is stronger. Yammy attempts to attack, but is promptly struck down by both Byakuya and Kenpachi for interrupting their feud. Yammy gets angry and grows into an altered form, revealing that his rage lets him become stronger. Meanwhile, after Gin had injured Hiyori, Hirako then confronts Aizen. When Tousen decides to use his "true power" against Hisagi and Komamura, he shocks them by donning a hollow mask instead of using his bankai. Hisagi and Komamura are both disheartened to see how far Tousen has gone to attain more power. Tousen quickly dispatches Hisagi with a slash across his chest and kicks Komamura to the ground below. Hisagi, who sidestepped the slash, restrains Tousen, who then stabs him through the chest again. Afterwards, Komamura prepares to release his bankai.
"Byakuya vs. Kenpachi?! The Melee Commences" is episode 289 of Bleach.
"Byakuya vs. Kenpachi?! The Melee Commences" is listed as canon in the current AnimeAnchor guide.
"Byakuya vs. Kenpachi?! The Melee Commences" is part of the The Lost Agent Arc.
Yes. Start with the spoiler-safe summary, then reveal the full plot only when you want the complete episode breakdown.
Browse the main cast connected to this episode guide.
Ichigo Kurosaki main
Rukia Kuchiki main
Byakuya Kuchiki supporting
Hiyori Sarugaki supporting
Ikkaku Madarame supporting
Jushiro Ukitake supporting
Kenpachi Zaraki supporting
Kisuke Urahara supporting
Kon supporting
Mayuri Kurotsuchi supporting
Nanao Ise supporting
Rangiku Matsumoto supporting
Retsu Unohana supporting Franchise movie releases are kept separate from the TV episode spine.