Bleach 246: Let's go spelunking!

In this episode Bleach: 246, we can see that the conflict between the shinigamis and zanpaku-tous is getting more and more intense. How I wish I have read the manga to know what Byakuya has in his sleeves, because this is killing me. I wonder why does he join Muramasa and the zanpaku-tous' guild and abandon the Soul Society.

In this episode, a group of shinigamis (Ukitake, Kyoraku, Yoruichi, Zaraki, Yachiru and Kurosaki) went into the cave where the zanpaku-tou use as a secret hideout. Now, that explains the dark scenery. However, their mission is stalled when they are ambushed by bunch of zanpaku-tous. To my surprise, Ukitake's zanpaku-tou, Sogyou No Kotowari, is actually kids. And they are so playful. I guess they complement Ukitake's cool and calm temperament. Then, we are also introduced to Kyoraku's zanpaku-tou, Katen Kyokotsu.

In this episode too, we are exposed to what really happens to Yamamoto so-taicho. Somehow, I feel that this episode is rather dragged and unnecessary to the whole plot. Anyhoo, here's the screeshots!