In the original video animation The Sealed Sword Frenzy, which takes place shortly after the Soul Society arc, Abarai Renji is dispatched from Soul Society to the human world on an urgent mission. He arrives in Karakura Town disguised as a police officer, leading to a brief and somewhat comedic confrontation with Ichigo Kurosaki's father, Isshin, before his true identity is revealed. Renji explains that he has been sent to deal with a powerful and mysterious threat, a rogue Shinigami named Baishin who has broken free from an ancient seal.

As the situation escalates and Baishin begins his attack, Renji demonstrates his loyalty and dedication as a Soul Reaper, standing alongside Ichigo and Rukia Kuchiki to protect the living world. His role in the story is that of a capable and determined ally. When the group confronts Baishin at the ruins where he was imprisoned, the enemy proves to be overwhelmingly strong, draining Ichigo of his spiritual energy. Seeing Rukia in mortal danger, Renji acts without hesitation, physically placing himself between her and Baishin to shield her from a fatal attack. He then uses the last of his own strength to perform a technique called Higa Zekko, striking Baishin in a final, desperate effort to protect his comrades. This act leaves him defeated and vulnerable, showcasing his bravery and his deep-seated need to protect those he cares about, particularly Rukia.

In terms of his general character, Renji is a tall Shinigami with long red hair, which he typically keeps tied up, and distinctive tribal-patterned tattoos on his forehead and body. His personality is often brash, competitive, and confident in his abilities, yet he is also fiercely loyal and possesses a strong sense of justice. His motivations are deeply rooted in his past, having grown up with Rukia in the poor districts of Rukongai. His drive to become stronger is intrinsically linked to his desire to close the social gap created when she was adopted into the noble Kuchiki clan, and to prove himself to her adoptive brother, his captain, Byakuya Kuchiki. This personal history informs his actions, as seen when he instinctively risks his life for Rukia.

Regarding his abilities, Renji wields a Zanpakutō named Zabimaru, which means Snake Tail. In its sealed state, it resembles a standard katana. Its released form, or Shikai, is activated with the command Roar, transforming the blade into a large, multi-segmented sword that can extend and retract like a whip for versatile close and mid-range combat. A notable technique he employs in this OVA is Higa Zekko, or Baboon Fang Bite, a powerful but risky maneuver where he plunges his blade into the ground, causing it to break into fragments that then erupt from below to assault the enemy from all directions. His ultimate technique is his Bankai, Hihio Zabimaru, or Baboon King Snake Tail, which he had recently achieved by this point in the timeline. This transformation summons a colossal, skeletal snake-like creature with a baboon's skull for a head, greatly enhancing his destructive power. Although this specific OVA does not feature him using his Bankai, it is a significant part of his combat repertoire by this stage. Through his unwavering courage and willingness to sacrifice himself for others, Renji serves as a steadfast protector and a key fighter against the renegade Shinigami Baishin.