is bleach episode 231 filler?

In Karakura Town, Ichigo Kurosaki leaps into the air while in his Shinigami form before sensing a large amount of Reiatsu. Wondering who it belongs to, Ichigo lands on top of a telephone pole and leaps off before moving to a riverbank with Shunpo.

Ichigo moves to the other side of the river with Shunpo before sensing the Reiatsu once more as a Senkaimon appears above him and opens. Rukia Kuchiki emerges, prompting Ichigo to call out to her, and falls to the ground below as the Senkaimon closes and vanishes.