Bleach: Belmont Legacy and Anime Series (ON HOLD)

by tmdrago

Base from the Bleach Anime series to be in certain order...This takes place after the Bount Saga - of Sonia Belmont and Alucard team up with Team Ichigo and the others to stop Dracula and his army, before the darkness, vampires, and demons are running loose in all the worlds. From love, comedy, action, sci-fi, a bit or horror, and lots of fighting. A big game and Anime crossover.

3. Battle within the Soul Society

Bleach – The Heart of the Matter

By Tayla Drago

(Soul Society Saga: Part 2)

As he rests in his cell with his arms restrained, 6th Division Lieutenant Renji Abarai is confronted by his Zanpakutō Spirit, Zabimaru, who berates him for still not being fully recovered.

Renji: Uuh, uhh...

Zabimaru: How long are you going to lie there?

Renji: Zabimaru...

With Renji bemoaning this being the first thing Zabimaru has said to him in a long time, Zabimaru asserts that they are fully recovered and ready to fight any time, which means Renji must follow suit and heal quickly so they can fight Zangetsu once more.

Zabimaru: Lazy scumbag.

Renji: We haven't seen each other in all this time, and that's the kind of greeting I get from you? Your manners certainly do leave something to be desired.

Zabimaru: I'm recovered and ready to fight again. It's time you did your part. Now get out of that bed and get healed so we can fight again. I want to take on that Zangetsu one more time.

However, while Zabimaru confidently declares that they will win next time, Renji reveals that Ichigo Kurosaki is no longer the one he intends to fight, and when a surprised Zabimaru inquiries about who his enemy is now, Renji clenches his fists and remains silent, leaving Zabimaru to dissipate as Zabimaru stops glowing red.

Renji: You idiot. You must've been brain-damaged in that battle. He's no longer the one I must fight.

Zabimaru: He's not? Well then, who is it? Who will you fight with now?

Renji: ...

Meanwhile, on the bridge leading to Senzaikyū, 6th Division Captain Byakuya Kuchiki attempts to finish off Ichigo by releasing his Shikai, Senbonzakura, only for Yoruichi Shihōin to suddenly appear with Shunpo and bind his blade before he can complete the release, shocking those present.

Hanataro: Yoruichi Shihoin…?

Upon hearing Byakuya say Yoruichi's name, a confused 4th Division 7th Seat Hanatarō Yamada wonders who she is due to having never heard this name before, though Rukia Kuchiki realizes that she has heard of Yoruichi. Byakuya identifies Yoruichi as the former Commander-In-Chief and Corps Commander of the Onmitsukidō before admitting that he thought she was dead after spending a hundred years in hiding. Thanking Yoruichi for coming to save him, Ichigo asks her to step aside so he can defeat Byakuya, but Yoruichi scoffs at the idea of him doing so and appears in front of Ichigo with Shunpo as she jabs her hand into his stomach wound.

Ichigo: Yoruichi, I need you to step aside so I can beat this guy.

Yoruichi: Beat him? Do you think you can beat this guy? You are a fool.

With those present astonished by this, a stunned Ichigo wonders what Yoruichi is doing and loses consciousness, leading Yoruichi to catch him on her shoulder after pulling her hand out alongside a large amount of blood.

Ichigo: Wha-

As he observes that Yoruichi shoved a powerful anesthetic like Gaten or Hōten directly into Ichigo's organs in order to knock him out, Ukitake questions what she intends to do with him.

Ukitake: It's a drug, isn't it? A powerful anesthetic force directly into his body to try to save him. What do you intend to do with him, Yoruichi?

However, Byakuya interrupts and asserts that her intentions do not matter because she cannot escape from here, and when Yoruichi makes fun of his attitude and reminds him that he has never beaten her at a game of tag, Byakuya invites her to try once more. When Yoruichi moves behind him with Shunpo while carrying Ichigo over her shoulder, Byakuya destroys the cloth binding his Zanpakutō and slashes at her, only for Yoruichi to dodge with Shunpo and reappear several feet away on the bridge. Upon seeing Byakuya appear behind her, Yoruichi moves several feet away from him before the two of them perform Shunpo leaps toward each other, resulting in Yoruichi bypassing a surprised Byakuya. However, as she smirks and lands on the far end of the bridge, Yoruichi is astonished to find herself crouching next to Byakuya, who mocks her for thinking she could escape with such slow Shunpo while slashing her across the chest. Suddenly, Yoruichi's falling body transforms into a cut piece of fabric as the real Yoruichi lands on a stunned Byakuya's outstretched arm and mocks him for believing that he could stop her with such slow Shunpo. After moving to the roof of a nearby building, Yoruichi promises to make Ichigo stronger than Byakuya in three days and declares that she will not be caught by the likes of Byakuya if he chooses to pursue her before vanishing with Shunpo and rapidly leaping across the Seireitei with Ichigo.

Yoruichi: Three days. In three days, I shall make this boy stronger. Until then, consider this fight postponed. Feel free to give chase if you wish. But Yoruichi Shihoin is not about to be caught by the likes of you.

With Ukitake noting that they have gotten away, Byakuya begins walking away from the bridge, leading Ukitake to inquire where he is going. Byakuya responds to Ukitake pointing out how he came here to capture the Ryoka by claiming to have lost interest and giving Ukitake permission to do as he wishes while leaving. As Ukitake comments on his moody nature, Rukia loses consciousness and collapses behind him, and as a concerned Hanatarō runs to her side, Ukitake realizes that it must have taken all her strength to stay upright while Byakuya was here, which he does not blame her for. Upon being called out by Ukitake, 13th Division 3rd Seats Sentarō Kotsubaki and Kiyone Kotetsu land on the bridge in front of him and kneel as they acknowledge his call, with Hanatarō tensing up upon seeing them. When Ukitake observes that they followed him and questions how long they have been here, Sentarō reveals that they have been present since Ukitake first arrived on the bridge and explains his disobeying of Ukitake's order to not follow him by claiming to have felt obligated to come along due to how much he respects Ukitake. Expressing irritation at this, Kiyone asserts that she also followed due to how much she respect Ukitake, leading her and Sentarō to begin arguing over which of them is more devoted to Ukitake. Embarrassed by this, Ukitake dismisses the matter and instructs Kiyone to contact the Fourth Division to send an advance relief squad for Ganju Shiba. After Kiyone affirms this and Ukitake orders him to take Rukia back to the Shishinrō, Sentarō complies and walks over to Hanatarō, who is holding Rukia, before commanding him to move. As Hanatarō refuses to do so due to not wanting Rukia to be taken back, Sentarō grabs him by the collar and angrily demands to know if Hanatarō thinks he is doing this because he wants to. Throwing an intimidated Hanatarō back, Sentarō gently picks up Rukia and promises to appeal to the higher-ups alongside Ukitake so they can get her out. As Sentarō begins carrying Rukia back to her cell, Kiyone claims she worries about Rukia more than he does. Kiyone runs in front of Sentarō and assures Rukia that she and Ukitake will get her out, and when an annoyed Sentarō questions why she keeps copying him and reminds her to contact the Fourth Division, Kiyone proclaims that she was about to. While Ukitake approaches the wounded Ganju Shiba, Hanatarō gets his attention, leading Ukitake to assume that he wants to know why Ukitake is helping him. With Hanatarō confirming this, Ukitake states they cannot kill the Ryoka yet due to them being involved in 5th Division Captain Sōsuke Aizen's murder but notes Hanatarō attempting to protect one of his subordinates is why Ukitake will not let him be killed.

Kiyone: We'll save Rukia soon.

Sentaro: We will for the Captain's sake.

Ukitake: (Hang in there, Rukia, just a little while longer.)

Elsewhere in the Seireitei, Orihime Inoue and Uryū Ishida stand before 9th Division 20th Seat Toshimori Umesada while dressed in Shinigami shihakushō as Orihime claims to have not found any of the Ryoka in a nearby area. Acknowledging this, Toshimori orders the Shinigami under his command to search a nearby street and warns them that the cunning Ryoka will try to evade them, prompting the Shinigami to affirm this as they run past him. With Orihime winking at a relieved Uryū, Toshimori notes that he has never seen the two of them before and inquires if they are new around here while Orihime introduces herself as being on her first term of duty. After Uryū meekly introduces himself in turn, Toshimori looks between the two of them before noticing Orihime's breasts and leering at them as he places his hand on her shoulder and invites her to come to his residence tonight. As Orihime expresses confusion at this, Toshimori describes himself as one of fifteen 20th Seats within the Ninth Division and the most successful of his comrades before promising to treat her right. Suddenly, Uryū removes Toshimori's hand from Orihime and stands between them as he points out how Toshimori should not have time to proposition women with a wartime exemption issued and Ryoka on the loose within the Seireitei. With Toshimori angrily grabbing Uryū by the collar and demanding to know if he is lecturing him, the Shinigami under his command call out to him and reveal they have not found anything as they await further orders. Belligerently setting Uryū down, Toshimori promises to make him pay for this once the conflict is settled while walking off toward the other Shinigami, leaving Uryū to sarcastically give him permission for this due to planning on being long gone by the time this conflict is settled. When Orihime thanks him for his intervention, Uryū downplays his actions and states he simply does not like men like Toshimori, but blushes upon hearing Orihime call it incredible. Uryū adjusts his glasses and bashfully claims he was not that great, only to realize his error when Orihime finishes her sentence by reveling in how well her plan worked, which leads Uryū to smile as he recalls how they got here.

Orihime: Do you see? I told you my idea would work for us.

In the past, Uryū crouches behind a hedge with Orihime as he expresses disbelief at her plan of stealing clothing from the Shinigami. Admonishing Uryū for being so loud, Orihime clarifies that they are simply borrowing clothing because they look similar to the Shinigami aside from their outfits and will be able to move around more easily if they dress like the Shinigami as well, concluding they need to borrow clothes as Uryū understands what she is saying. Upon seeing two Shinigami, one male and one female, running down the alley toward them, Orihime tells Uryū to jump out at her command. With the Shinigami approaching their location, Orihime gives the command and leaps out before knocking out the two Shinigami as Uryū remains crouching behind the hedge and realizes that he forgot to jump out. Soon afterward, Orihime and Uryū bring the two unconscious Shinigami to a warehouse, where Orihime removes their clothing and gathers it up in her arms. As Uryū gets her attention, Orihime offers him his clothes, but Uryū expresses his surprise at her knocking out the two Shinigami without using her Shun Shun Rikka. When Uryū notes that she is surprisingly strong, Orihime giggles and details how Tatsuki Arisawa taught her some karate before revealing that the latter said she could easily reach the rank of first dan, prompting a stunned Uryū to look away and nervously adjust his glasses. Suddenly, Orihime declares that they should get changed and begins removing her shirt, shocking Uryū, who backs up and blushes furiously as he protests this. Realizing her mistake, an apologetic Orihime acknowledges that children cannot get changed in the same room while admitting that she thought she was with Tatsuki, leaving Uryū stammering in embarrassment. Orihime quickly prepares a changing room for Uryū with a fabric cover slung over a piece of rope in front of some crates, leaving him to begin putting on a shihakushō behind it as he observes with confusion that it is normally supposed to be the other way around. Upon being asked by Orihime if he is ready, a startled Uryū tells her to wait and finishes putting on the shihakushō. In the present, with Uryū blushing as he remembers this, Orihime pulls out a notebook that she begins flipping through as she recounts how she got the two Shinigami whom they borrowed their outfits from to tell her about Senzaikyū, which she assumes her friends are already headed toward. With Orihime concluding that Ichigo is already there with a happy expression on her face, Uryū asserts that they should hurry up and get there to help him before Ichigo screws everything up on his own.

Uryu: It wasn't a bad idea at all, Orihime.

As they begin walking off, Orihime and Uryū discuss which division they should claim to belong to since they will need to have the same answer right away if anyone asks them about it. Behind them, on the steps near where they were standing, 12th Division Captain Mayuri Kurotsuchi makes himself visible and watches them depart.

Meanwhile, inside the secret room within Sōkyoku Hill, Yoruichi sets Ichigo down in the healing field on the floor. Falling to one knee as she pants in exhaustion, Yoruichi notes that she is breathing hard after only two hundred consecutive Shunpo movements because she has been out of action for one hundred years and criticizes herself as weak for it. Yoruichi sits against the wall across from a sleeping Ichigo as night falls, and sometime later, Ichigo opens his eyes to find Yoruichi standing over him.

Ichigo: Uh...Urgh...

As he sits up and wonders where he is, Ichigo recalls Yoruichi knocking him out earlier and angrily grabs her by the collar before shoving her against the wall and demanding to know why she brought him back even though he had the best chance of surviving out of anyone on the bridge.

Yoruichi: Hey, Ichigo. How are you feeling?

Ichigo: Uh...Where am I? Why did you do that? Why was I the only one you brought back? I was the only one with half a chance of surviving back there...and now thanks to you, Ganju and Hanataro and Rukia will be killed! Damn you!

When Ichigo claims that his friends will all be killed now, Yoruichi berates him for being so vain and asserts that no one on the bridge had any chance against Byakuya. With Ichigo only growing angrier at this, Yoruichi flips him onto his back with Taketonbo, where he begins coughing in pain. Yoruichi instructs Ichigo to not move if he does not want to reopen his wounds, and as Ichigo curses her while rolling over, Yoruichi explains how she could only escape from Byakuya while carrying one person, only for Ichigo to question why she did not take Rukia instead.

Yoruichi: Don't be so vain. You had no chance of surviving. None of you could have defeated Byakuya. One person was all I could carry and still get away from Byakuya.

Ichigo: Then why...Why didn't you take Rukia instead of me?

Acknowledging this, Yoruichi reiterates that no one on the bridge had any chance of defeating Byakuya.

Yoruichi: I could have, but Rukia wouldn't have a chance of defeating Byakuya any more than the rest of them back there would have. You alone have the ability to do that, given the right training. So I brought you back here with me in order to give you that training. You're no match for Byakuya right now, but I am going to train you so you will be. And then you're going to go back and rescue everyone...With your own hands.

However, Yoruichi reveals that Ichigo alone has the potential to defeat Byakuya, which is why she brought him back. As Ichigo expresses shock at this, Yoruichi elaborates that Ukitake would never blindly kill anyone who came to save Rukia even if they are Ryoka because he is her superior and has a keen sense of obligation. Yoruichi assures Ichigo that he can grow stronger here without worrying as he gets to his feet, and after promising to train him so he can defeat Byakuya, Yoruichi tells Ichigo to go back and save everyone with his own hands, which fills him with resolve.

Ichigo: Then I better go rest up before I can get started.

Shortly afterward, Ichigo and Yoruichi stand in the middle of a rocky cavern. Upon being asked by Yoruichi how his pain is, Ichigo admits that it is much better than before, prompting Yoruichi to state that they do not have time to wait for him to fully heal and that he must do this despite the pain he will be in, which Ichigo affirms.

Yoruichi: How is the pain?

Ichigo: It still there, but a lot better than before. Oh well...Time is short, right? So let's get started.

When Ichigo looks around the cavern and observes that he has never seen this area before, Yoruichi reveals that he is the first outsider whom she has ever brought here and describes the area as impressive, though Ichigo does not comment on this and instead draws his Shikai, Zangetsu, while pointing out how they should get started due to the limited time they have left to train, to Yoruichi's bemusement.

Yoruichi: Fine. Alright then...Let me start by asking you a question. I assume that by now you must've noticed that your Zanpakuto is always in its released form, correct?

Agreeing with this, Yoruichi asks Ichigo if he is aware that Zangetsu is already in its released form, leading a surprised Ichigo to compare this to the state of 11th Division Captain Kenpachi Zaraki's Zanpakutō before realizing this is why it is shaped different from sealed Zanpakutō and never transformed when he called its name.

Ichigo: It's released form? That's what Kenpachi Zaraki told me about his Zanpakuto. I guess that's why its shape is so different from other people's swords and why it never transformed, even when I tried calling out its name.

As she notes he was not aware of it, Yoruichi asserts that he also does not know that Zangetsu has a second level of release, shocking Ichigo. Yoruichi explains that this is true of all Zanpakutō and that the first release is called Shikai, while the second release is called Bankai, the performance of which is a requirement for all captains.

Yoruichi: Hmph. So you really didn't know after all, did you? Then I assume you also didn't know that Zangetsu can be released to another level.

Ichigo: Huh?

Yoruichi: Not just Zangetsu, of course. All Zanpakuto swords have a second level of soul release beyond the initial one. That first level is called "Shikai." The second level is called "Bankai." Before any Soul Reaper can become a captain, he or she must have mastered both of these Zanpakuto releases.

Ichigo: Both?

After observing that all but one of the captains in the history of the Gotei 13 have achieved Bankai, Yoruichi reveals that Kenpachi is the only Shinigami to ever become a captain without achieving Bankai or even knowing the name of his Zanpakutō due to how much the Gotei 13 values his fighting prowess and power, though she notes that Ichigo should already know this from fighting him. Upon being informed that a Zanpakutō's Bankai is five to ten times more powerful than its Shikai even though it is dependent on a Shinigami's talent and training, Ichigo is astonished by this level of increase in power being possible.

Yoruichi: That's right Except for one, every squad captain of the Court Guard has always had to first master Bankai.

Ichigo: Which one?

Yoruichi: Kenpachi Zaraki. In all the vast history of the Soul Society, Kenpachi is the only one ever to become captain without first achieving Bankai. It shows how greatly the 13 Court Guard Squads value and respect his fighting abilities. I'm sure you can appreciate that more than anyone, having fought him yourself and survived tell about it. The power difference between levels varies depending on the fighter's ability and discipline. But, in general, it's accepted that with the Bankai release, a fighter's power increases by five to ten times.

Ichigo: That much?

Yoruichi: Now do you see what I'm talking about? To gain this advantage, it's common for even a strong fighter to have to train for over ten years to achieve it.

Ichigo: Wh-What are you saying?! I don't have that kind of time!

Yoruichi: I know, I know. Don't panic. There is another way. It's going to be dangerous, Ichigo, but I plan to use a completely different method here.

When Yoruichi concludes that this power requires even seasoned Shinigami to train for at least ten years in order to master, a shocked Ichigo reminds her that he does not have this much time, only for Yoruichi to reveal that he will instead be using a dangerous method that will allow him to attain Bankai in just three days, leaving Ichigo stunned as she grins.

At night, Orihime Inoue and Uryū Ishida hide inside a warehouse within the Seireitei, where Orihime has Shun'ō and Ayame heal an injured Tsubaki with Sōten Kisshun.

Uryu: I see. So, Tsubaki hasn't fully recovered yet.

When Uryū warns her that she is going to get sick if she does not get some sleep soon, Orihime acknowledges this and states that she just wants to spend a bit more time on Tsubaki, who is not yet fully healed after being slashed by 4th Division 7th Seat Jirōbō Ikkanzaka. As she recalls the events of that battle, Orihime asserts that she had already lost the will to fight, to Uryū's concern.

Orihime: Yeah...Healing one of our own is much harder than I'd thought. I tried, but...I'm sorry I'm so useless.

Apologizing to Orihime, Shun'ō explains that healing one of the Shun Shun Rikka requires more finesse than usual as Lily, Baigon, and Hinagiku stand nearby. With Orihime apologizing to an unconscious Tsubaki, Uryū assures her that it will be alright due to her Shun Shun Rikka having incredible powers, which Hinagiku affirms by explaining how any doubt in Orihime's hearts directly influences their powers and the potency of their abilities.

Uryu: Don't look so sad, Orihime. You still have your shielding and healing powers, don't forget that. And that's more than enough!

Orihime: Thank you.

With Hinagiku concluding that she needs to be strong, Orihime is left uncertain of how to accomplish this, prompting Lily to suggest that they train further so Orihime can use her techniques by simply calling out their names rather than reciting the kotodama associated with each while Baigon clarifies that this will allow them to protect Orihime faster. After opening his eyes and motioning Orihime over with his hand, Tsubaki promises her that he will be better in no time. Sometime later, after finishing her treatment of Tsubaki for the night and making sure no one is outside, Orihime exits the warehouse alongside Uryū and runs off with him.

Tsubaki: I'll be back…! Just you wait…!

Running through the connecting alley alongside Orihime, Uryū mentally notes that this may have been for the best because spending the last few days with Orihime has convinced him that she is not cut out for fighting due to how she hates seeing someone get hurt even if it is an enemy, which makes her fighting dangerous for both her and her allies.

Uryu: (Orihime losing her attack powers may actually turn out to be a good thing. Having spent these last few days with her, I've learned that she's really not suited for combat. She just doesn't have it in her to hurt anybody...even if it's the enemy. People like her shouldn't fight. Battles aren't good for her, or her little friends...and her allies, too.)

Orihime: I'm sure Ichigo is safe and headed for Rukia as we speak, right?

Uryu: We better join up with him quick. He'll charge in alone and bungle the job unless we back him up.

Suddenly, an intoxicated Makizō Aramaki commands them to halt and demands to know what they are doing here as he stumbles out from a nearby alleyway with a water skin of sake in hand. Upon being asked by Aramaki what division they belong to, Uryū claims they are from the Eleventh Division, but Aramaki notes this is strange. Aramaki elaborates that he is also from the Eleventh Division and has never seen any of his comrades walking around without their Zanpakutō while approaching Orihime and Uryū, the latter of whom realizes that this means each division has distinctive traits. As he grabs Orihime's collar and inspects the interior, Aramaki observes that the emblem inscribed on the hem is that of the Twelfth Division rather than the Eleventh, though he admits that this is not something they would know anyway.

Makizo: Hey, you two are from Squad 12, not Squad 11…

With Aramaki questioning who they really are, Uryū mentally bemoans that they will no longer be able to move through the Seireitei quietly as he prepares to attack. However, before Uryū can do anything, Aramaki is struck over the head with a wooden rod by a member of the Twelfth Division, who stands behind him with three other members of his division as Aramaki falls over. While the Shinigami berate Aramaki for accusing his fellow Shinigami while drunk and inquire if she and Uryū are alright, Orihime thanks them, leading the Shinigami with the rod to assure her it is the least they could do because the Twelfth Division looks out for its own as one of his comrades claims members of the Eleventh Division are always trying to start trouble with them, with the group dismissing not having one's Zanpakutō as an easy mistake to make.

Squad 12 Members: Come with us please. We members have to stick together, right?

Despite this, as the Shinigami offer to walk him and Orihime back to their barracks, Uryū narrows his eyes and observes that it is strange for these Shinigami to be helping them due to Aramaki making a valid point despite being drunk. Wondering why the Shinigami would go out of their way to help him and Orihime, Uryū expresses shock upon realizing something and rushes through the Shinigami toward Orihime as he warns her to get away from them.

Uryu: Orihime! Get away from those guys now!

Orihime and Makizo: ...!

Suddenly, three of the four Shinigami erupt in spires of flame, burning the fourth over his left eye as turns to his captain, Mayuri Kurotsuchi, standing behind him in astonishment and claims that this is not what they agreed to. The Shinigami details how they were only meant to talk to the Ryoka and lure them back to the barracks, but as the Shinigami tearfully questions why he would do this and approaches him, Mayuri simply asserts that a released bomb should not return and blows him up as well by pressing a detonator in his hand. As his lieutenant, Nemu Kurotsuchi, stares in surprise at the clearing smoke, Mayuri is shocked to see a cracked Santen Kesshun shielding Uryū, Orihime, and Aramaki. When Orihime tearfully thanks him for calling out, Uryū assures her that they only survived because she has been practicing with using her techniques instantaneously all this time.

Orihime: Uryu!

Uryu: You're okay. (She use her shield without calling it out. Her powers have gotten stronger.)

With Uryū confirming that the other Shinigami are dead, Orihime begins weeping, leading him to state that this is not something which she should feel guilty about. As Santen Kesshun cracks further and shatters behind him, Uryū declares that Mayuri should be feeling guilty instead. Intrigued by Santen Kesshun, Mayuri inquires if Orihime produced it, and as Uryū refuses to answer this, Mayuri ignores him and approaches them as he offers to make Orihime a research subject of his due to never having seen such a technique before.

Mayuri: Well, a Quincy, eh? Such a rarity these days. In fact, it's been years since I've seen a live specimen.

Uryu: Huh!

Mayuri: But I'm sorry to disappoint you. I finished researching your pathetic species long ago. I'm no longer interested in dealing with your kind. So, just get out of my way. I'm more interested in that girl with the shielding powers she used to protect two men from my live bombs.

Nemu: ….

While an angered Uryū proclaims that this will not happen, Mayuri promises that he will treat Orihime right if she works for him.

Mayuri: Come to me, my dear, and let me do some research on you next. I'm good with the ladies and I promise to be gentle.

Lying on the ground in front of Orihime, Aramaki is confused to see her crying and dismisses the idea of her being afraid since fear would have prevented her from risking her life in order to save him prior before realizing that she is weeping for the Shinigami who just died.

Makizo: (This girl saved me…? So why is she crying? She's my enemy, right? So why not fight me…I don't get it.)

While Aramaki is also left bewildered by Orihime saving him, Mayuri decides to offer Orihime his best working conditions by restricting the daily drug regime to only eight doses and bio mechanical experiments to only five hours per day, as well as trying hard to not perform any modifications which might kill her, which he considers to be exceptional terms for an experimental subject.

Mayuri: Come to me…

Uryu: Don't touch her!

Suddenly, Mayuri finds Uryū standing next to him with his Heilig Bogen, Kojaku, fully formed and a Heilig Pfeil pointed at his head. After looking at where Uryū was standing and mentally noting his speed, Mayuri describes him as a rarity due to not having seen a live Quincy in years before claiming to no longer be interested in his kind after completing his research on them and requesting that he step aside.

Mayuri: Can't wait for your turn to die, can you?

Uryu: Finished researching? On Quincies like me? What do you mean by that? Just who are you?

Mayuri: You don't know? What do you Ryoka do, just storm into the enemy's base without doing any research into who it is you're attacking? How very careless of you. I would think you would at least commit to memory the names of the thirteen captains. I'm the Captain of Squad 12, as well as the second-generation Chief of Research and Development, Mayuri Kurotsuchi. You don't need to remember that, though, because soon you will no longer know anything.

When a confused Uryū notices his mention of completing his research and asks him who he is, Mayuri admonishes him for storming into the base of his enemy without at least identifying the thirteen strongest Shinigami present within. Mayuri exerts his Reiatsu and introduces himself as the 12th Division Captain and President of the Shinigami Research and Development Institute, visibly intimidating and shocking Uryū, though he observes that Uryū does not need to commit this to memory because he will not know anything very soon.

Uryu: Orihime! Run, get out of here!

Orihime: But, Uryu!

Uryu: Hey, Soul Reaper. Take the girl and get far away from here as you can! Don't stop running or I'll give you another reason to run away if my friend gets hurt….!

Calling out to Orihime, Uryū instructs her to run away, and when Orihime refuses because she wants to fight as well, Uryū orders Aramaki to take Orihime and run as he attempts to sneak away. Upon being asked by an incredulous Aramaki why he should do this, Uryū angrily asserts that he will be killed in the crossfire if he stays here.

Makizo: Huh…? OK! Fine! Let's go, girlie!

Orihime: Hey!

After demanding that Aramaki force Orihime to come along if necessary, Uryū promises to shoot him if he does not comply, leading an unnerved Aramaki to grab Orihime and begin running away.

Mayuri: Ah, no you don't….

As he asserts that he did not give Aramaki permission to run away, Mayuri uses Jabarakaina to extend his arm with a cable and fire it at a fleeing Aramaki in an attempt to grab him, only for Uryū to destroy it with a Heilig Pfeil that blows through the nearby wall in a large explosion, frightening Orihime and stunning Mayuri.

Uryu: I said don't touch her! (Orihime, stay safe. I'll see you soon. I promise.)

With Uryū declaring that he did not give Mayuri permission to go after them, Mayuri reiterates that he is not interested in Uryū. While running through a nearby alley with Orihime under his arm and attempting to free herself from him, Aramaki refuses to let her go and explains that he is a ten-year veteran of the Eleventh Division whose compassion prevents him from leaving women and children behind even when asked.

Orihime: Put me down! Let me go!

Makizo: Hey! Quit movin' around!

Suddenly, Orihime bites into Aramaki's shoulder, causing him to shriek in pain and chop his hand into the back of her neck, knocking her out. Apologizing to an unconscious Orihime as she slumps backward, Aramaki admits that he does not want to get caught up in Mayuri's fight or be shot by Uryū, only to realize afterward that he may have been too rough with his response. Aramaki resolves to apologize to Orihime when she wakes up as he resumes running away.

Orihime: Ouch….!

And now she's out cold, but she'll be alright.

Makizo: Oops, ah…she'll be fine. Sorry about that.

Meanwhile, Mayuri notes that it takes a long time to set up his extended arm, and upon seeing Mayuri grasping his arm stump, an alerted Uryū leaps back as Mayuri squeezes and pulls on the stump, blowing off the extended portion of his arm below the elbow and leaving the cable to writhe on the ground. With Uryū shocked that he would blow off his own arm like this, Mayuri injects a small tablet of Hojiku-Zai into his arm through his sleeve, causing it to rapidly regenerate, and describes the pain this causes as being severe enough to melt his mind. As he observes Orihime has gotten away, Mayuri dismisses this due to being able to track her down through even a single hair left on the ground and expresses excitement at the idea of examining her until only mincemeat is left because every second of experimentation is precious. Disgusted by Mayuri's monstrous desires, Uryū mentally theorizes Nemu is Mayuri's lieutenant and assumes her combat abilities are low due to her lack of intervention even with a weapon pointed at her captain.

Mayuri: You don't seem to have some good moves. In this attack and the time before, you used Hirenkyaku, right? It's an advanced Quincy technique to achieve high speed by gathering spirit energy into a current beneath the feet. I am surprised to find someone as young as you has been able to master it. It would appear that you are a talented specimen indeed. However, chasing you around this way really is a bit of a bother. So, I've decided to use the method that requires the least amount of energy and effort...in order to kill you. Nemu!

Concluding he should start with Mayuri, Uryū fires a Heilig Pfeil at him, and as a surprised Mayuri dodges it and sees Uryū has disappeared, Uryū fires another one at him from behind.

Nemu: Captain.

With his Heilig Pfeil creating a large explosion on impact as he watches from a nearby rooftop, Uryū is startled when Mayuri appears unharmed on the connecting roof nearby and praises his speed as he approaches. After concluding that Uryū is using Hirenkyaku and describing it as a Quincy technique that allows one to move at high speed by creating a current of Reishi beneath their feet while Uryū aims another Heilig Pfeil at him, Mayuri admits that he did not expect someone as young as Uryū to be so proficient in it and commends how talented he is as Uryū mentally wonders how Mayuri himself moved so fast in turn. Mayuri explains that he cannot have Uryū running around him like this because he is a busy man who needs to conduct his research on Orihime before deciding to kill Uryū using the lowest-effort method available to him as he glows with pink Reiatsu, draws his Zanpakutō, and releases his Shikai, Ashisogi Jizō, transforming the blade into a golden, deformed trident with the design of a baby's face emanating vapor.

Mayuri: You asked for this…Claw out...Ashisogi Jizo (The Leg-Cutting Guardian).

As Mayuri begins running toward him, Uryū wonders what the abilities of Ashisogi Jizō are and mentally asserts that he cannot attack directly if it can absorb attacks. Suddenly, Nemu leaps between Mayuri and Uryū on top of the roof.

Nemu: Wait Captain-!

Grasping an astonished Uryū's Heilig Pfeil even as it burns her hand in order to turn it aside, Nemu grabs Uryū by the collar and pulls him off the roof, and as he tells her to let go, Uryū sees Mayuri leaping down after them before the latter slashes both him and Nemu with Ashisogi Jizō. Uryū lands flat on the ground while Nemu lands on her feet and Mayuri lands in front of him, and with Uryū shocked that he would attack someone who is on his side, Mayuri walks over to Nemu, who smiles at him, and punches her in the face, sending her crashing to the ground as he berates her for not holding on even if her arms were ripped off as he taught her to.

Mayuri: Foolish girl.

Nemu: Captain…The antidote…Please give me some….

While Nemu apologizes as Uryū sits against a nearby wall, Mayuri claims that he was not expecting much from her anyway and notes that it does not matter because killing Uryū now will be easier than strangling a baby.

Mayuri: Ah, shut up.

Uryu: (She tried to stop me, and he's treating his own lieutenant like garbage. But why?!)

Approaching Uryū, who is still stunned over his sacrificing Nemu, Mayuri observes that he is sweating profusely and not crying out despite the pain he must be in before inquiring if this is not the first time he has been cut by a sword, prompting Uryū to confirm that it is his second time.

Mayuri: Heh heh...Look how you're sweating. I can tell you're in pain, and yet you take it without crying out. Not so much as a whimper. That is some iron will you have.

Uryu: My arm...It's won't move!

Mayuri: My, my, it would seem a bit dense of you to only now be noticing such a thing. This robs the mobility from all four limbs of whomever is cut by it. My Zanpakuto immobilizes the body of whoever it cuts.

Uryu: A tranquilizer?

Mayuri: Don't be ridiculous. I never use such primitive technologies. This process looks at all the countless signals fired from your brain and selectively severs only the signals controlling the neural impulses for movement. That's how sophisticated this is. It takes away the ability to move, but unlike tranquilizers, it leaves intact the pain receptors and nerve endings. In other words...not an ounce of your pain is lost.

He beginning painfully stabbing Uryu from the arm one at a time.

Uryu: Aaaaaaaaah!

As he comments on Uryū being experienced, Mayuri is interrupted by Nemu coughing up blood and collapsing behind him, which leads him to call her noisy.

Nemu: Captain, please…! I can't breathe…! Please forgive me…

Nemu apologizes once more and requests some of Mayuri's Hojiku-Zai due to her wounds extending to her lungs and threatening to kill her without treatment. However, after walking over to Nemu, Mayuri begins violently and repeatedly stomping on Nemu, who cries out in pain, while demanding to know if she is mocking him by claiming that she could be killed by such a cut.

Mayuri: God! I thought I told you to shut up already, you worthless doll!

When an astonished Uryū tells him to stop attacking one of his comrades and points out how she is going to die, Mayuri lifts Nemu up by the collar and questions if Uryū is mocking him as well by assuming Nemu would die from such injuries despite having a body he created himself.

Uryu: Stop it! Why are you hurting her?!

With a stunned Uryū noticing his mention of creating Nemu, Mayuri introduces Nemu to him and explains how he melded the technology of Gikon and Gigai in order to create her as he preemptively dismisses Uryū's righteous indignation over this. Proclaiming that it is none of Uryū's business how he treats such an object, Mayuri slams Nemu against the wall, and when Uryū attempts to get up and stop him, he discovers that he cannot move his limbs. As he mocks Uryū for only just noticing this, Mayuri reveals that Ashisogi Jizō immobilizes whatever it cuts. Though Uryū assumes it releases a paralyzing poison, Mayuri decries this as primitive.

Mayuri: Noisy Quincy, aren't you? Nemu Kurotsuchi is my creation I made of a living Mod Soul Doll of my version. When she breaks, disobeys, or acts bad….I can always make a new one of her kind. She'll manage the pain, while you suffer from it the most. Either I finish you, or she does…Oh, wait. She's affected by my poison to stay down. Of course.

Nemu: ….

After clarifying that Ashisogi Jizō synthesizes a far more complex drug that selectively blocks only the neural impulses involved in movement, which means Uryū will only lose his ability to move and still feel pain, Mayuri stabs Uryū in the arm with Ashisogi Jizō, causing him to scream in pain as blood trickles down his arm. Mayuri pulls out Ashisogi Jizō and notes that no pain is lost this way before ordering an unresponsive Nemu to deal the final blow to Uryū, only to realize that she cannot move either due to also having been cut by Ashisogi Jizō.

Uryu: So what?! Doll or not, you don't treat your friends or a woman like that…!

Upon seeing Mayuri preparing to stab Nemu with Ashisogi Jizō, Uryū desperately tells him to stop.

Mayuri: A Quincy Pride of yours?

Uryu: What about it? Boring…Just stay down already.

Mocking Uryū's concern for women even when they are his enemy, Mayuri questions if this is the pride that the Quincy are all so fond of. With Uryū confused by this, Mayuri asserts that this is what all Quincy talk about until the moment they die and expresses irritation at how they refuse to perform certain actions on their pride as Quincy, only to conclude that a single thrust of Ashisogi Jizō makes all their claims worthless.

Now, to go after that girl who ran off.

But Uryu wasn't down for the count just yet while Nemu watch everything with her own eyes.

Uryu: Did I give you permission to try and stop them?

Mayuri: My, my, I have already told you I have no interest in you. Is this an example of that annoying Quincy honor you people are always mumbling about?

Uryu: What?

As Uryū expresses his revulsion at this, Mayuri decides to relay his own hardship as he notes how difficult it was to perform this research due to the Quincy being a rare breed by the time he became President of the SRDI. Mayuri details how the Shinigami were monitoring the few Quincy left and reveals that he persuaded the Shinigami assigned to each Quincy to delay their rescue when they were attacked so he could turn the Quincy Souls that they brought back into research subjects.

Mayuri: Oh, you know what I'm talking about. That stupid line that all you Quincy keep saying right up until the moment you die. By the honor the Quincy, I cannot do this. By the honor of the Quincy, I won't allow that. Quincy this, Quincy that. Every last one of you. It's so annoying!

Uryu: You monster!

After bemoaning how hard it was to arrange this, Mayuri claims that this did not produce any decent specimens and recounts how the last Quincy he experimented on was an old man who kept calling out the name of either his apprentice or grandchild the whole time, which Mayuri found creepy, before pulling out a photograph of his remains after the experiments were concluded and tossing it to Uryū.

Mayuri: When I become Chief of Research and Development, the Quincy was already a rare and vanishing breed. The last one was a grubby old man...who kept screaming out the name of his student.

Uryu: !

Mayuri: I saved the picture of my work right here in this photo. Have a look…

Looking down, Uryū is mortified to see the bloody head of Sōken Ishida in the photograph, and as he recalls past with Sōken as a child, Mayuri tries to remember what the name of Sōken's apprentice was, only to give up due to losing interest after finishing his experiments.

Mayuri: What was that student's name? My, my, I can't believe I've forgotten it now. It just seems like after the experiment, I lose all interest.

Suddenly, Mayuri is startled to feel a powerful Reiatsu pressing down on him as Uryū stands up behind him with the aid of Ransōtengai, cratering the ground in the process, and reveals that Sōken was his teacher and grandfather.

Uryu: Do you want me to tell you the name you can't remember? That student's name was Ishida...Uryu Ishida.

Though Mayuri does not understand why this matters, Uryū asserts that he is glad Orihime is gone because he does not want her to see this battle and swears to kill Mayuri on his pride as a Quincy, to the latter's intrigue.

Standing before Uryū Ishida as the latter stands with the tendrils of Ransōtengai radiating off his body, 12th Division Captain Mayuri Kurotsuchi observes that he is able to stand despite having his limbs immobilized by Mayuri's Shikai, Ashisogi Jizō, because of Ransōtengai while Uryū rips off the damaged left sleeve of his uniform and begins wrapping it around his wounded left arm to staunch the bleeding. Mayuri mentally details how the Ransōtengai technique consists of bundling Reishi together into countless strings that connect to the immobilized body parts of the user in order to forcibly move them like puppet strings.

Nemu: He's energy…

Mayuri: What's this feeling I'm sensing out? What's going on?!

With Uryū finishing the binding of his arm, the Reishi tendrils around him refine and solidify into thin strings which wrap themselves around his wounded arm before turning invisible, allowing him to raise and move it, as Mayuri notes that this technique was originally developed by elderly Quincy so they could continue fighting Hollows by ignoring any injuries they sustained in or outside of battle.

Uryu: (I'm happy Orihime isn't here to see what I'm about to do next…For what's going to happen, is what he's going to feel a lot of hurt he put me through on what he has done to my Grandfather!)

While concluding that Ransōtengai exists so its users can fight until their bodies turn to dust, Mayuri describes it as the ultimate battle technique of the Quincy, and as the aura around Uryū violently disperses outward in a gust of wind, Mayuri admits that he thought it was a lost art because none of the 2661 Quincy he studied could perform even part of Ransōtengai, leading him to praise Uryū as a genius for being able to use it at such a young age. However, Uryū decries referring to this by such a commonplace term, to Mayuri's confusion, and clarifies that his Ransōtengai is not a defensive technique nor a way to prolong his life. Upon being told by Uryū that it is an expression of his will to fight until he avenges his master even if he is reduced to a corpse, a disappointed Mayuri decides that he is just a novice brat instead of a genius.

In the past, a young Uryū stands in Ryūken Ishida's office as his father reads a book from his library and brings up him visiting Sōken Ishida before reminding Uryū that he was told to stop going there. Though Uryū attempts to protest, Ryūken orders him to stop making excuses and asserts that it is pointless to save the dead because that is the job of the Shinigami, meaning that Uryū should instead focus on studying how to save the living. Further stating that he has no interest in being a Quincy and Uryū has no talent for it, Ryūken declares that the Quincy will die out with Sōken's generation. When a shocked Uryū questions why he hates the Quincy so much, Ryūken turns to him and claims that they are not profitable, further stunning Uryū.

Ryuken: Stay away from your grandfather, and that's final.

Uryu: But, Dad…

Sometime later, as he kneels before a weeping Uryū in a park, Sōken admits that there is some truth in what Ryūken says due to being unable to bring in substantial income just by being a Quincy in the modern age and him having a family to support. Despite this, Uryū points out how he can see Hollows and the people they attack, whom the Shinigami cannot manage. After bringing up how Ryūken must be able to see them as well, Uryū wonders how he can say such things and proclaims that he wants to become a powerful Quincy who can protect those people from the Hollows so Ryūken will acknowledge the Quincy, leading a touched Sōken to thank him.

Ryuken: You'll know more on why Quincy and Soul Reapers stayed as enemies and always will be.

In the present, Uryū raises his hand and forms his Heilig Bogen, Kojaku, in a flurry of energy that briefly swirls around him as Mayuri notes that he is interested in Uryū now before deciding to take him back alive so Uryū can be his research subject.

In the past, Sōken walks Uryū home as the sun begins to set and requests that he try to understand Ryūken as well. Sōken asserts that one's sense of justice is simply defined by what one wishes to protect, and as Uryū sarcastically inquires if Ryūken wants to protect his money, Sōken stops and places his hand on Uryū's head while promising that he will understand one day, at which time he should also know what he wishes to protect.

Uryu: Master, I want you to make me strong. If I'm a strong Quincy, I can protect everyone from Hollows.

Withdrawing the Sanrei Glove box from his cloak, Sōken hands it to Uryū and states that he is leaving this with him for that time, to Uryū's surprise and recognition. In the present, a chuckling Mayuri withdraws a fleshy kusarigama from the golden cone covering his left ear and throws it at Uryū, who dodges with Hirenkyaku.

Soken: Uryu, my boy...This is the Sanreishuto I shall entrust you with this. When you put on this glove and manifest a bow, you will reach the very pinnacle of the Quincy's powers. Exposure to such a flame will burn you. And once you go that far, you will lose all your Quincy powers completely.

As he reappears in midair and fires four Heilig Pfeil at Mayuri before evading another strike of his kusarigama by moving back down to the ground when they all miss, Uryū recalls opening the box containing the Sanrei Glove after Yoruichi Shihōin, Orihime Inoue, and Yasutora Sado left him to train alone at his behest prior to entering Soul Society, as well as Sōken's description of the Sanrei Glove as a device with the power to disperse Reishi at elevated levels. In the past, Uryū's left hand bleeds as he repeatedly fires Heilig Pfeil from his Sanrei Glove-enhanced Kojaku into the nearby forest for a full day and night, which Sōken advises will bring him to the pinnacle of Quincy power.

In the present, Mayuri rapidly spins his kusarigama above his head and laughs as he hurls it multiple times at Uryū, who dodges each time with Hirenkyaku. Blocking two of Uryū's Heilig Pfeil with the kusarigama, Mayuri throws it at Uryū twice more and carves up the ground with it, leading Uryū to duck around it both times and fire another Heilig Pfeil. While moving to the side, Uryū recalls Sōken's warning to never take off the Sanrei Glove once he has mastered it because it will elevate his Reishi-collecting ability beyond the limits of a Quincy and cause him to lose his Quincy powers after briefly gaining enormous power, a powerful flame that will harm Uryū.

With his right leg cut by Mayuri's kusarigama, Uryū rolls to a halt and deflects the subsequent strike of the kusarigama with Kojaku, leading Mayuri to suggest that they go to his laboratory now before he kills Uryū. As he pulls back another Heilig Pfeil, Uryū remembers Sōken telling him that he will eventually face an unavoidable battle far beyond his current abilities if he still wishes to follow the way of the Quincy after finding what he wishes to protect and fires the Heilig Pfeil, only to be cut on his other leg by Mayuri's kusarigama, causing him to fall to his knees. Uryū struggles to regain his footing as he continues to deflect the kusarigama with Kojaku.

After having his left shoulder and right thigh sliced by Mayuri's kusarigama, Uryū falls to his knees once more and recalls Sōken telling him to put on the Sanrei Glove in such circumstances before reiterating his warning to never remove it once Uryū does so. As he crumples up his kusarigama and retracts it into his ear, Mayuri explains that he knows of many ways to take Uryū back without killing him if the latter does not mind experiencing severe pain and offers to show him one such now while approaching Uryū. Mentally noting that there is a limit to the effectiveness of Ransōtengai and that he cannot hold out forever, Uryū mentally apologizes to Sōken.

A shaking Uryū slowly stands up and mentally admits that he does not understand his father's feelings or know what he himself wishes to protect but concludes that he does know what cannot be forgiven as he holds Kojaku out in front of him. While mentally apologizing to Sōken once more, Uryū declares that he must disobey his master one last time and grasps one of the protrusions on the wrist of the Sanrei Glove before breaking it off, causing the Sanrei Glove to burst apart along with most of Uryū's right sleeve as Uryū himself is enveloped in a swirling column of energy that surges into the sky above while a shocked Mayuri questions what this is.

Mayuri: WHAT!?

Having activated the Quincy: Letzt Stil, Uryū stands in the clearing dust with newly-formed armor over his chest and right leg, a massive flame of Reishi emanating from a jet on his right shoulder, and a new, more mechanical form of Kojaku in his hand. As an alarmed 12th Division Lieutenant Nemu Kurotsuchi watches from the ground nearby, Mayuri is left stunned by Uryū's new attire and inflated Reiatsu, which he has never seen before. Upon hearing a clinking sound, Mayuri is further astonished to see the buildings around Uryū disintegrating into Reishi and being channeled into the flame on Uryū's back, leading Mayuri to realize Uryū is absorbing the Reishi buildings.

Nemu: Incredible.

After mentally detailing how all the structures in Soul Society are made of Reishi and Uryū is breaking those bonds to forcibly absorb the Reishi, Mayuri describes this as complete subjugation of Reishi and sweats as he claims that Uryū is exceeding the limits of power that are permitted to Humans, only for Uryū to respond by forming a Heilig Pfeil in his hand with angled lines of Reishi emanating from the flame on his back and firing it at Mayuri, who leaps back in surprise. Though he manages to evade the Heilig Pfeil while acknowledging its speed, Mayuri suddenly finds Uryū in the air above him as the latter fires another Heilig Pfeil directly at Mayuri.

Uryu: EAT THIS!

The Heilig Pfeil crashes down into Mayuri in a large explosion of force, and as he lands near the resulting cloud of dust, Uryū instructs Mayuri to weep for forgiveness and never appear before him again if he wishes to live. With Uryū promising to fire a Heilig Pfeil that is three times more powerful than the last one if he refuses, Mayuri stands up in the clearing dust with blood spilling from his destroyed left arm and berates Uryū for getting cocky. Deciding to respond with appropriate force to a Quincy toying with him, a laughing Mayuri holds out Ashisogi Jizō and activates his Bankai, Konjiki Ashisogi Jizō, causing the mouth on his blade to open.

Mayuri: How did his outfit suddenly change? I've never seen such a thing! If that's the way you want it, I'll return the favor and attack with equal power. Bankai! Konjiki Ashisogi Jizō! (Divine Leg-Cutting Jizō!)

While Mayuri glows with red Reiatsu, his Zanpakutō generates a massive caterpillar-like creature with a baby's head and arms as well as a large halo floating above it that lands on the buildings behind him. With Uryū in disbelief over an already-released Zanpakutō being capable of this, Mayuri cackles and mocks Uryū for not knowing that Zanpakutō have two stages of release before detailing how Ashisogi Jizō is the first stage while Konjiki Ashisogi Jizō is the second.

Uryu: His Bankai form…? (It's releasing more poison everywhere!)

As Mayuri proclaims that the deadly poison spewed by Konjiki Ashisogi Jizō will definitely kill Uryū, Konjiki Ashisogi Jizō unleashes a large volume of poisonous vapor from its mouth.

Mayuri: Behold, Konjiki Ashisogi Jizo!

The poisonous vapor flows toward Uryū as Mayuri claims that not being able to do research on an excellent specimen like him is regrettable, and as Uryū covers his nose and mouth with his arm, Mayuri laughs maniacally and commands Konjiki Ashisogi Jizō to go, prompting Konjiki Ashisogi Jizō to extend its Retractable Blades and begin charging toward Uryū, who readies another Heilig Pfeil in Kojaku and aims it forward before firing. Shattering the nearby roof tiles and tearing through Konjiki Ashisogi Jizō, the Heilig Pfeil hurtles down the length of the alley and damages the surrounding walls as a shock wave and explosion emanate from its firing position.

Uryu: (That one was for my Teacher….He was also my Grandfather…)

As the dust clears, a shocked Nemu sees Mayuri standing with a large hole in his torso and struggling to breath behind Konjiki Ashisogi Jizō, which has been split down the middle by Uryū's attack and crashes into the ground.

Nemu: (The Quincy defeated him…!)

With a panting Uryū standing with the bowstring of Kojaku snapped in two, Mayuri curses him and stabs his broken Zanpakutō into his own neck, and as Uryū stares in astonishment, Mayuri coughs up blood before his body bursts apart into green liquid that begins dripping out of his clothes and down the nearby walls.

Mayuri: Argh...argh...Damn you...you Quincy bastard!

While Uryū assumes that his Zanpakutō has the ability to liquefy whatever it cuts, Mayuri admits that this was close.

Uryu: His sword can also liquefy things that it cuts!

When Mayuri states that one's last resort should only be used after much consideration, Uryū realizes that he was saving this ability in case he needed to escape. However, while Uryū begins forming another Heilig Pfeil and knocking it in Kojaku, Mayuri asserts that this would be useless because he cannot be attacked in any way while in this form even though he cannot perform attacks either. Explaining how he will not be able to change back from this form for a few days and will spend that time tending to his injuries in the Shinigami Research and Development Institute, Mayuri bids Uryū farewell and proclaims that the outcome of him dying will not change.

Mayuri: That was a close one...Quincy. One's last ace in the hole should only be used after careful consideration. It will take me a few days to return to my original form, but I can retreat to my base like this and tend to my wounds. Goodbye, Quincy...

A cursing Uryū suddenly coughs up blood and clutches his throat as he observes the poison is working its way through his system, leaving him without much time. However, Uryū is surprised when Nemu reveals she has an antidote for the poison behind the lieutenant's badge on her left arm, leading him to put away Kojaku. After helping Nemu sit up against the wall, Uryū inquires if she would not be more comfortable lying down, but Nemu assures him this is fine and directs Uryū to pull the flask of antidote from her arm. Upon being told to drink it first, Nemu details how the toxin will not affect her because her body is made of the same substance as Mayuri's is.

Nemu: Thank you for letting my Captain live. Go ahead, I have a spare antidote in my left pocket.

Uryu: Oh, thank you. And you?

Nemu: It's nothing. I can manage until I get cured within an hour.

Uryu: I trust you. As for your captain…I wanted to miss just to teach Kurotsuchi a lesson. And that's to never mess with a Quincy's Pride, he got the message.

Though Nemu offers to drink some of the antidote first in order to prove that it is not a trap, Uryū dismisses this due to it being illogical to entrap someone who was going to die of poison anyway, and as he unscrews the lid of the flask and prepares to drink, Nemu thanks him for not killing Mayuri by aiming for his head, prompting Uryū to assert that it was a fluke and that he had intended to kill Mayuri with that shot. With Nemu reiterating that he still did not kill Mayuri and describing the antidote as a token of her appreciation for this, Uryū stands up and turns away while questioning how she could feel this way about someone as horrible as Mayuri.

Nemu: I see…It'll take affect soon. Now hurry and escape before more show up.

Uryu: I will.

Nemu: (Captain would've killed the Quincy if he wanted to with his last strength, but he didn't…Has he changed?)

Admitting that she does not understand it either, Nemu recalls how she was relieved upon realizing that Mayuri was not dead. After sitting in silence for a few seconds, Nemu tells Uryū to go if he has drunk the antidote and promises that she will be alright when the other Shinigami show up, leading Uryū to drink the antidote and set the flask down on the ground before thanking Nemu for it and bidding her farewell as he walks away. Sometime later, with dawn breaking, Uryū limps along the wall near the steps leading up to the Senzaikyū compound and notes how heavy his legs are while mentally observing that he cannot move his arms. While a scrap of his improvised bandage floats away and disintegrates along with the frayed Ransōtengai strings attached to it, Uryū briefly leans against the wall and states that his time as a Quincy is ending. As he forces himself to keep walking and reaches the steps leading up to the compound, Uryū assures himself that Orihime is fine because Makizō Aramaki would obviously lead her here. Uryū begins slowly walking up the steps and wonders how the other Ryoka are, and as he concludes that he must believe they are alive, Uryū realizes that he could rescue Rukia Kuchiki himself if he is the first one here, which would make Ichigo Kurosaki angry. Smiling at the thought of this, Uryū reaches the top of the steps and is shocked to see 9th Division Captain Kaname Tōsen standing in the pavilion before him. Promising Uryū that he bears no ill will toward him, Tōsen declares that he must eliminate Uryū for the sake of their peace and releases his Shikai, Suzumushi, releasing a high-pitched chime that inverts the color of the surrounding area and envelops a stunned Uryū.

Uryu: Damn, the pain's getting worse. And I can hardly lift my arms and legs. I guess...my time as a Quincy...has about reached its end. I hope...Orihime is okay. Ichigo...Chad...Yoruichi...Ganju...I wonder how they're all doing.

Having confronted a wounded Uryū Ishida in the pavilion of the Senzaikyū compound, 9th Division Captain Kaname Tōsen assures Uryū that he bears him no ill will but asserts that he must eliminate Uryū for the sake of their peace and releases his Shikai, Suzumushi, releasing a piercing chime that knocks out Uryū on contact, causing him to collapse as Tōsen resheathes his Zanpakutō and declares that Uryū's senseless struggle is over.

Kaname: ...

Uryu: Huh?!

Kaname: I'm sorry, but for the sake of peace, I must terminate you. Cry, Suzumushi! (Bell Bug!)

Uryu: ...!

From there, Uryu was out cold and the third of on Kaname: Forgive me, Ryoka. But these senseless battles have to end. Rest now, for your struggle will soon be over. e of Ichigo's friends to be captured too.

While Tōsen concludes by telling Uryū to sleep, within the Study Chamber inside Sōkyoku Hill, Ichigo Kurosaki holds his Shikai, Zangetsu, in a battle stance as he stands across from Yoruichi Shihōin, who explains that advancing from Shikai to Bankai usually requires over ten years of training even for those with talent, only to note that Ichigo must attain Bankai within three days instead. With a stunned Ichigo nodding at this, Yoruichi brings out the Tenshintai and holds it in front of her.

Ichigo: What's with the weird looking cutout?

Upon being asked by a confused Ichigo what this is, Yoruichi details how the Tenshintai is one of the most important spiritual tools of the Onmitsukidō because it draws out and forcibly materializes one's Zanpakutō Spirit. Though Ichigo is uncertain of why this would be necessary for Bankai training, Yoruichi clarifies that while Shikai is achieved by communication and synchronization with one's Zanpakutō Spirit, Bankai is achieved by materialization and submission of the Zanpakutō Spirit, with their master bringing them into the real world instead of entering their own inner world in a process known as Materialization.

Yoruichi: It's Tenshintai, an important spiritual tool used by the Stealth Force. It's specifically designed to draw out the Zanpakuto and manifest its true form.

Ichigo: Huh? I don't get what you're saying. How's that supposed to help me complete my Bankai training?

Admitting that several years of training are normally required to achieve this, Yoruichi observes that Ichigo fighting on equal footing with 11th Division Captain Kenpachi Zaraki and ending their battle in a draw means that he may have already reached the Materialization stage, leading Ichigo to recall Zangetsu appearing before him and inquiring if he wants to fight.

Yoruichi: The Shikai must establish a dialogue and a harmony with the Zanpakuto. The manifestation and submission of the Zanpakuto is necessary for Bankai. Manifestation refers to summoning the Zanpakuto into our world. Normally, it requires several years of training to do this. But you, even though it ended in a draw, you fought on equal footing with Kenpachi Zaraki. So, as unlikely as it might see, you've actually reached manifestation, or a comparable level, already. If you stab this with Zangetsu, it can forcibly bring it into the manifested state. In other words, we can bring the Zanpakuto into this world.

Ichigo: Huh?!

Yoruichi: However, with this method, the manifestation is limited to three days. During that time, you must defeat the manifested Zangetsu and force him into submission. During that time, you must defeat the manifested Zangetsu and force him into submission. If you're unable to do that...You don't have to go into the details.

Ichigo: If you're saying there's no other way it can be done, then I've got to do it!

As she notes with a smirk that Ichigo knows what she is referring to, Yoruichi concludes that Ichigo can forcibly manifest Zangetsu by stabbing the Tenshintai with Zangetsu but warns Ichigo that the Materialization is limited to three days, during which he must force Zangetsu into submission.

Zangetsu: You've recovered quite nicely, Ichigo.

Ichigo: So, it's you.

However, while Yoruichi attempts to detail the consequences of not achieving this, Ichigo suddenly jabs Zangetsu into the Tenshintai, interrupting her, and asserts that it does not matter because he will do it if there really is no other way. Zangetsu and the Tenshintai burst apart in an explosion of darkness, and as Ichigo braces himself, Zangetsu appears behind him and observes that Ichigo has recovered while Ichigo turns to look at him. After confirming with Zangetsu that he heard everything they said, Yoruichi decides to leave the combat method to him and requests that he start immediately if possible, which Zangetsu affirms.

Yoruichi: I take it you heard our conversation.

Zangetsu: Of course.

Yoruichi: Then I'll leave the method of fighting up to you. I assume that you can start right away.

Zangetsu: Of course.

Kneeling and places his hand on the ground, Zangetsu generates dozens of Zangetsu-like swords around the Study Room, to Ichigo's astonishment, and explains that only one of these swords represents him and can thus defeat him before proclaiming that Ichigo must find it and slay Zangetsu before the latter kills him. After leaping back from each other, Ichigo and Zangetsu each grab one of the swords and clash fiercely while Yoruichi watches.

Ichigo: Wh-What the heck did he just do?!

Zangetsu: Somewhere amongst these swords, there is one that is the true me. That is the only one that can defeat me. The others are useless. If you wish to force me into submission, you'll have to find a way to locate it before I can kill you. And then, try to defeat me...if you can.

During this, at the Sōgō Kyūgo Tsumesho within the Fourth Division barracks, 3rd Seat Yasochika Iemura repeatedly rubs an inkstick against an inkstone to prepare ink for his diary writings. Iemura introduces himself and decides to disclose the contents of his medical journal which chronicle his division's strenuous activities. While 4th Division 8th Seat Harunobu Ogidō carries a Shinigami on a stretcher with the aid of another 4th Division member behind him, Iemura details how the Sōgō Kyūgo Tsumesho is in daily chaos due to the recent Ryoka disturbance and barely refrains from negatively describing the many members of the Eleventh Division who have been hospitalized as he recounts how both 8th Division Captain Shunsui Kyōraku and 13th Division Captain Jūshirō Ukitake each requested to have a Ryoka admitted for medical care.

After noting this forced them to implement the three-shift emergency protocol as Yasutora Sado is wheeled down the hall nearby on a gurney, Iemura expresses annoyance at having to admit the Ryoka on top of their already-busy proceedings and questions why the Ryoka should be purposely hospitalized and treated in the first place. Though he admits to having no problem with Ukitake requesting this, Iemura claims Shunsui is always goofing off, chasing after women, wearing gaudy clothing, and sleeping during important situations, leading Iemura to wonder how someone like Shunsui could become a captain while he himself remains an 8th Seat. Upon being approached by one of the nurses, Iemura asks her what she wants to tell him, and after stunning Iemura with Tōsen's request that another Ryoka be admitted, the nurse informs Iemura that he was thinking aloud, prompting Iemura to sweat heavily and briefly scream in panic. Composing himself, Iemura returns to his diary and asserts that he has the deepest respect for Shunsui, to the nurse's embarrassment.

Tayla: Dude, stop talking to yourself…

Iemura: I didn't mean to!

Meanwhile, 13th Division 3rd Seats Sentarō Kotsubaki and Kiyone Kotetsu stand before 4th Division Captain Retsu Unohana as Sentarō loudly relays Ukitake's opinion that 4th Division 7th Seat Hanatarō Yamada was held captive by the Ryoka. Detailing Ukitake's stance that Hanatarō had no choice but to obey the Ryoka after being physically and mentally subjugated by them, Sentarō concludes with Ukitake's request that Unohana show leniency in this matter while an annoyed Kiyone covers her ears. However, though she acknowledges this, Unohana points out that the damage caused by the Ryoka whom Hanatarō aided is substantial and declares that she cannot condone Hanatarō's actions in light of his rank and responsibilities, which she asks Hanatarō if he understands. Sometime later, 4th Division Lieutenant Isane Kotetsu escorts Hanatarō along a walkway in view of the Senzaikyū compound. When Hanatarō stops and looks at Senzaikyū, Isane inquires what is wrong as she places a hand on his shoulder, and with Hanatarō questioning if he made a mistake and ended up creating more trouble for Rukia Kuchiki instead, Isane states she does not know, but admits seeing Hanatarō act so true to his feelings makes her a bit envious of him. With Isane concluding the rest is up to Unohana, she and Hanatarō continue walking. Elsewhere, in his cell, a shirtless 6th Division Lieutenant Renji Abarai looks at the bars of the sole window in the room and recalls his childhood with Rukia, as well as her adoption by the Kuchiki Clan and retrieval from the Human World.

Renji: (Rukia…)

As he envisions his captain, Byakuya Kuchiki, an angered Renji smashes through the bars of his cell, knocking out the guard outside, before stepping through the opening with his Zanpakutō while telling Zabimaru that they must go. In a different area, 3rd Division Lieutenant Izuru Kira sits in his scratched and damaged cell as he agonizes over having drawn his sword against 5th Division Lieutenant Momo Hinamori.

Izuru: I...I...I dress my sword against Momo...How could I'm wretched and disgusting. I hate myself!

Recalling their brief battle, Izuru is startled when the lights suddenly turn on and demands to know who is there, only to be shocked when his captain, Gin Ichimaru, approaches him while claiming that he cannot bear to look at this sad scene.

?: My, this is just awful. I almost can't bear to look.

Izuru: Captain...Ichimaru?

Gin: You look so haggard, you unfortunate thing. Would you like me to help you?

Izuru: Uh...

Gin: Would you, Izuru?

Telling Izuru that he looks haggard, Gin grasps one of the bars of his cell and offers to help Izuru get out.

Izuru: ….

Back in the Study Room within Sōkyoku Hill, an explosion of force kicks up a large cloud of dust, which Ichigo is sent hurtling out of. Ichigo lands flat on the ground with a bleeding head wound, and as Yoruichi instructs him to get up because he does not have time to waste, Ichigo attempts to get to his feet, only to cough up blood and remain on his hands and knees.

Yoruichi: Stand up, Ichigo.

Ichigo: Urgh...

Yoruichi: Stand up, Ichigo.

Ichigo: Urgh...

Yoruichi: Stop stalling. How much time do you plan on wasting?

Though Yoruichi wonders if Ichigo is going to waste time, Zangetsu asserts that he will drag Ichigo to his feet if he will not stand up while wielding a sword with spines arcing off the back of the blade.

Zangetsu: Never mind. If he hasn't the strength to stand on his own...then I'll just grab his scrawny neck and drag him to his feet!

Ichigo: No...Wait!

Meanwhile, at the Eleventh Division barracks, Makizō Aramaki expresses his surprise and gratitude at Lieutenant Yachiru Kusajishi having rescued him, only for Yachiru to bluntly state that she was not interested in him. In the past, Aramaki runs through an alley with Orihime Inoue over his shoulder, whom he knocks out with a chop to the neck for biting him in an attempt to break free, before stopping in astonishment upon finding Yachiru crouching at the top of the set of stairs he has just reached. When Yachiru asks him if he is holding a Ryoka, Aramaki claims that he found her under certain circumstances, leading Yachiru to wonder what these circumstances were. Aramaki asserts that Orihime spurted out of the nearby area, and as Yachiru expresses confusion at his description of her bubbling up, Aramaki elaborates that he wanted to show Yachiru because he thought it was unusual, which prompts a delighted Yachiru to declare that they should take Orihime back with them, to Aramaki's bewilderment. In the present, Yachiru expresses excitement at the thought of Orihime bubbling up and wonders if Ichigo can do it too as Aramaki attempts to clarify what he meant.

Yachiru: What a weird bubble girl of a Ryoka…

Makizo: Ah, yeah! Of course she is, Lieutenant.

With Yachiru struggling to remember his name, Aramaki assures her that she can call him Maki-Maki and marvels at how it has been ten years since he joined the division. However, Yachiru merely laughs at how silly the name Maki-Maki is, leading a shocked Aramaki to remind her that it is the name which she gave him. As Orihime sits in a chair nearby, 11th Division 3rd Seat Ikkaku Madarame asks her what is happening and if Ichigo is still alive while 5th Seat Yumichika Ayasegawa obsessively chews his thumbnail over how beautiful she is.

Yachiru: I felt a Spiritual Pressure similar to Ichigo's, so I went to have a look. That's when I found her!

Upon being told by Orihime that she is certain Ichigo is alive, Ikkaku is slightly stunned by her conviction, only for his bandaged captain, Kenpachi Zaraki, to laugh and proclaim that he knows Ichigo is still alive and trying to get stronger as he sits on a bed in front of Orihime.

Ikkaku: You're one of Ichigo's friends?

Orihime: Yes, but...Um...

Ikkaku: You think Ichigo's still alive, or what?

Orihime: I hope he's still alive. He must be...I'm sure that he is.

For her love of Ichigo keeps her going, and his love for Orihime does the same for him too. This only has Kenpachi laughing.

Kenpachi: Don't ask stupid questions, Ikkaku. He's alive, all right.

Orihime: Huh!

Surprise for Orihime herself, Yachiru, Yumichika, Ikkaku, and Makizo to hear what the Captain of Squad 11 is saying. Meaning it is all true.

Kenpachi: In fact, I'm certain of it. He's alive and he's getting stronger, even as we speak. In fact, I'm going to help you out. I get the feeling that if I stick with you, I'll see Ichigo again soon.

Back at the Sōgō Kyūgo Tsumesho, within one of the underground relief cells, Uryū opens his eyes and is surprised to find himself lying on a cot attached to a wall.

Uryu: Wh-Where am I? Am I still alive?

As Uryū sits up and wonders where he is, as well as how he is still alive, a heavily bandaged Ganju Shiba leans over the side of the cot above him and chuckles while noting that Uryū is awake, leading a frightened Uryū to scream in terror and demand to know who or what Ganju is as he backs up against the wall. Upon being asked by Uryū if he is a burglar, Ganju questions why anyone would try to steal from an injured man in prison and leaps down onto the floor before parting the bandages covering his mouth and eyes to show Uryū who he is.

Ganju: Hehehe. So, you're awake?

Uryu: Ganju, is that really-?! I don't believe it, you're still alive! You didn't look so strong, so I thought you had—

Ganju: I hear what you're saying. I was thinking the exact same thing about you.

Relieved that Ganju is alive, Uryū admits he did not consider him to be very strong, only for an annoyed Ganju to claim he felt the same way about Uryū. Uryū ponders their situation and questions why the Shinigami treated their injuries despite the Ryoka being intruders and their enemies, leading Sado to reveal the situation has changed due to a captain being assassinated within the Seireitei as he sits nearby with bandages covering his chest.

Uryu: I don't get it. Why would they want to keep us alive, much less take time to treat your injuries? I mean, we're intruders here, not to mention their enemies. I must be missing something, because I can't think of a single reason the Soul Society would want to-

After noting that the culprit of this murder remains unknown, Sado concludes that the Ryoka are prime suspects in the case, and as Uryū realizes that they are being kept alive for the investigation, Ganju affirms this and bemoans the Sekkiseki handcuffs on his wrists sealing his Reiatsu, which is preventing him from breaking them out with Seppa.

Chad: The situation has changed.

Uryu: Chad!

Chad: I overheard a couple of the guards talking outside the cell today. A Captain was assassinated within the Seireitei. They don't know who did it. Since we're intruders here, that would obviously make us prime suspects in the case.

Looking at his own set of handcuffs, Uryū recalls activating the Quincy: Letzt Stil despite Sōken Ishida's warning that it would cause him to lose all his Quincy powers and somberly observes that his Reiryoku is already severely drained even without the handcuffs while Ganju sums up the unfortunate situation they are in.

Uryu: They're keeping us alive so they can question us later.

Ganju: If they kept us alive, then the others are alive, so there's a chance they might still be out there somewhere.

Despite this, Ganju points out that the other Ryoka must still be alive if the Shinigami have no intention of killing them, to Uryū's surprise, and Sado deduces that Orihime must also be detained somewhere due to her lack of combat abilities before asserting that this leaves Ichigo and Yoruichi, the former of whom he decides to wait for because he is certain Ichigo will come for them.

Chad: However, considering the fact they were able to capture us, they're got Orihime as well. She's not much of a fighter. So, the only ones left are Yoruichi and Ichigo. Ichigo will come for us. I'm certain of it. The best thing for us to do until then is to heal our wounds and prepare for the next battle. I say we wait for Ichigo.

As he declares that all they can do until then is heal their wounds and prepare for the next battle, Sado encourages Ganju and Uryū to wait for Ichigo alongside him. Back in the Study Chamber inside Sōkyoku Hill, Ichigo has another sword shattered by Zangetsu and is send skidding back.

Ichigo: Argh!

Zangetsu: Sword number eighteen...

Ichigo: Dammit!

With Zangetsu observing that this is his eighteenth shattered sword and chasing after him, Ichigo runs through the field of swords in search of another one and finds a sword that looks identical to Zangetsu, which he assumes must be the real one. However, when Ichigo pulls the sword out of the ground and swings it at him, Zangetsu casually shatters it with his forearm and proclaims that this is weak before slashing Ichigo's chest and sending him skidding back once more, where he falls to one knee and pants heavily.

Zangetsu: Each of these swords represents a piece of your heart. The purpose of this trial is to find the one piece among them that was forged for the solitary purpose of combat. That one there was your heart's frailty. You exposed it by trying to depend on me.

Zangetsu reminds Ichigo that each sword represents a piece of his soul and that the purpose of this trial is to find the one which was forged for combat.

Ichigo: I depended on him? The frailty of my heart?

Zangetsu: If you're incapable of recognizing that, then you can forget about the Bankai forever. Come now, move on to the next one. You haven't the time to be crawling around.

While Zangetsu describes the sword he just broke as representing a frail piece of Ichigo's soul that relies on his power, Ichigo processes his words as Zangetsu orders him to not even think about Bankai if he cannot even discern this. As he looks over the Study Chamber and sees how many swords there are, Ichigo realizes that Zangetsu is saying these are all his weakness and curses.

Ichigo: You're right. You're absolutely right!

Stepping forward, Zangetsu orders Ichigo to stand up because he does not have time to be kneeling, which Ichigo affirms as he grabs another sword nearby. Meanwhile, in her cell, a kneeling Hinamori puts the letter from her captain, Sōsuke Aizen, into her shihakushō and looks up sternly.

Having broken out of his cell by force, 6th Division Lieutenant Renji Abarai runs through the Seireitei in the middle of the night while 3rd Division Captain Gin Ichimaru walks across a bridge with his lieutenant, Izuru Kira, after getting him out of his cell. Meanwhile, as she sits in her cell and looks at the moon through the bars of the sole window on the wall, 5th Division Lieutenant Momo Hinamori tearfully thinks of her captain, Sōsuke Aizen, smiling at her in front of a body of water illuminated by a full moon.

In the past, Hinamori wears her Shin'ō Academy outfit and bids a young Tōshirō Hitsugaya farewell while patting him on the head as they stand in their village, prompting an irritated Hitsugaya to admonish her for doing this and referring to him by his nickname as he smacks her arm away. Though Hinamori promises to address him by his last name once he joins the Shin'ō Academy as well, Hitsugaya dismisses the idea of entering a school for Shinigami like this, and while Hinamori runs off while assuring him that she will visit, Hitsugaya tells her to not come back. Elsewhere, Izuru Kira prays in front of his parents' gravestone.

After he finishes praying, Izuru tells his parents that he will be going now. In the Rukongai, Rukia Kuchiki and Renji Abarai run through the streets in their Shin'ō Academy outfit as Renji frantically notes that they are going to be late. When Rukia blames him for this because she spent so much time looking for him while he was sleeping in a tree, Renji angrily retorts that it is none of her business where he sleeps, leading Rukia to claim that she should have left without him while they continue running.

Renji: Great! Now we're gonna be late to our first day at school!

Rukia: Don't you blame this on me! What were you doing sleeping in a tree? I was looking everywhere for you!

Renji: I'll do whatever I want to! It's none of your business where I sleep anyway!

Rukia: Ugh! I should've just left without you! It would've served you right.

A flashback on these two characters real quick…

Renji: Rukon has 80 districts. District 1 has the highest standard of living. As the number goes up, so does the crime rate. Hanging Dog. The 78th district in South Rukon. All the grown-ups were either thieves or murderer. All the kids, delinquents. It was in that dumpster of a town that I first met Rukia. She was always at the center of our group. Rukia was tougher than most meant I know. She didn't take any crap from anyone. She even kind of talked like a man. It didn't matter what she was doing. There was something classy about Rukia. It had been 10 years since Rukia had come. Now we looked around and all the rest of our friends were gone. Now we looked around and all the rest of our friends were gone.

Rukia: Renji, I think we should become Soul Reapers.

Renji: Yeah.

And now, back in the present time…

Rukia: What are we gonna do if we don't make it to the entrance ceremony?!

Renji: We'll still make it if we run fast enough!

Thanks to their way around the area, both Renji and Rukia make their way to a short cut of the school they needed to go to.

Renji: Hurry up, Rukia!

Rukia: But this is all your fault! *Pant* *Pant*

Renji: Did we...make it?

Rukia: So this is the Soul Reaper Academy.

Renji: Yeah. Let's go.

Later that day, at the Shin'ō Academy, Gengorō Ōnabara addresses the incoming freshman class and welcomes them to the academy.

Teacher: Welcome, new students, to Soul Reaper Academy! You're now part of a proud tradition, a unique school dedicated to building the Stealth Force and the 13 Court Guard Squads of the future. Apply yourselves diligently to your studies and uphold the honor of our school.

A lot for both Renji and Rukia to look forward to.

Renji: I though it looked pretty big from the outside, but now that we're inside, I can say for sure it's a ginormous place.

Rukia: Be quiet, Renji. And call it grand, fool.

The next thing the teacher said to the other studies in the class room was this...

Teacher: You must train hard and strive to not merely sever your future squad, but to excel in each of your various pursuits. Today, I will begin be explaining to you about Soul Reapers. If you understand the different roles between Soul Reapers, Stealth Force, and Kido experts, then...

Leaving Renji to raise his hand to try knowing this one.

Renji: Yes, yes! I know that one! Let me give the answer, sir! I know it!

Teacher: I'm glad to hear it. However, we're just doing an orientation today. I'll do the explaining in its classroom, and you do the listening if you don't mind, young man.

Renji: Oh...

Well, that shut him up.

Student: What a total loser. You'd think it's his first time in a real classroom. Well, honestly, what do you expect? You know where's he's from, right? He's just District 78 trash.

And that word from one of the students was going ab it too far.

Rukia: Ah.

Teacher: Alright, quiet down. Let's move on.

Hours after the first day of class, Rukia tries to make sure if Renji was doing well after the badmouth from earlier to not get to him. Same thing goes for her too.

Rukia: Renji.

Renji: Oh, right. We need to get to our next class, huh? Let's get going.

Rukia: About the other students. I know they were making fun of you earlier, but I liked your eagerness.

Renji: Huh?

Rukia: Keep it up! Don't let a bunch of stuffed shirts keep you from being yourself. You got it?

Renji: What? What do you mean "be myself"?

Rukia: You know what I mean, Renji. Most of the other students here come from nobility. They don't understand the kind of existence we had back in Hanging Dog, so they'll never accept us. And that's something we can never change.

Renji: That's true. (So even though we had left the Rukon District behind and made it into the academy, there was still a huge gap between us and them. I swore then and there I would make them eat their words, somehow.)

Looking for their different classrooms to get to next…

Rukia: Renji…?

She's smarter to top off other classes, it was only for Renji to take on others just in case only, I guess. Describing how the school has a proud history of training future members of the Onmitsukidō and Gotei 13, a tradition which he hopes the students will honor, Gengorō stands at the head of the classroom while Renji, Izuru, Hinamori, and dozens of other students sit before him. where he details how this class contains students with the highest exam scores, making them the advanced class, and expresses his hope that they will train hard to excel in their various pursuits rather than simply serve the organization they eventually join. In the second classroom, Rukia sits while the instructor assures the students that excellence is not limited to the advanced class.

Renji: Oh, my classroom's over here. See you later, Rukia. Don't start crying because I can't be there with you.

Rukia: That's not funny. Hurry up and go already!

Renji: Just kidding. Later.

Taking off for Renji to be fine, Rukia thought about this to herself.

Rukia: (Stupid Renji. I should be the advanced class, not him.)

With the instructor assuring the students they could even surpass the advanced class if they train just as hard, Rukia reflects on Renji scoring higher than her in the entrance exam. Sometime later, the advanced class sits outside on a platform connected to a field, and upon being told to step forward, a group of them including Hinamori stand up and walk to the edge of the platform.

Teacher: Alright, group one to the line. All of you, you will now demonstrate Hado. Begin!

Momo: Ruler, mask of the flesh and blood, all things in the universe, fly. That which names all in nature...gathering of heat and war, beyond the seas in reverse, take steps to the south. Hado 31 - Shakkoho (Red Flame Cannon)!

As the instructor orders them to begin their Hadō exercises, Hinamori complies alongside the other students and recites the incantation for Hadō #31. Shakkahō before firing it, where she is surprised to see the blast hit one of the targets at the end of the field unlike her classmates'.

Pleased by her success, Hinamori returns to her seated position as the instructor has the next group come up, and upon being praised by the girl sitting next to her for accomplishing this in one shot, Hinamori downplays her success due to only barely hitting the target, only for the girl to point out that she still did it while her classmates were completely unable to reach the targets with their blasts.

Student: That was a great shot! How'd you do it?

Momo: I only hit the corner. Probably just luck.

Student: Well, I'm still impressed. Most of them didn't even reach their targets.

Momo: Hehehe.

Suddenly, Hinamori and the girl are startled by the sound of a powerful blast and look over to see Izuru with smoke emanating from his palms. Wondering if he did this, Hinamori is shocked to see the target Izuru was aiming for completely destroyed and realizes he hit it in the center.

Student: Wow!

Momo: Amazing shot! I think he hit a perfect bull's eye! Was that the blond kid?

With Izuru turning and walking past him, a kneeling Renji looks sideways at him and mentally admits he did not know there was someone with such talent in his class.

Renji: (Hmph. That guy's pretty good. I guess I know now who my competition is in this class.)

Teacher: Group three, to the line.

Renji: (Well, whoever he is, I'm not about to let him show me up. So he destroyed the target? Then I will too!) Hado 31 - Shakkaho!

Upon being called up alongside the rest of the third group, Renji walks up to the edge of the platform, where he hunches forward and mentally refuses to let Izuru show him up by hitting the center of the target in one shot as well before attempting to fire his own Hadō #31. Shakkahō, only for the spell to backfire and blow up in his face, sending the students around him flying and creating a massive cloud of smoke. As Hinamori and Izuru wonder how this happened, the smoke clears to reveal a charred Renji.

Momo: Ah...He could've killed us all!

Izuru: What was be doing? The fool.

Seeing small rings of smoke emanating from Renji's mouth when it falls open, the unimpressed instructor orders him to stay after class, which Renji meekly complies with as his classmates laugh at him.

Teacher: You, special instruction after class.

Renji: Yes, sir...

Teacher: Next, we will practice sparring. Everyone, to the exercising grounds.

Sometime later, in a dojo on the academy grounds, Renji and Izuru spar with wooden swords in front of their kneeling classmates, with Renji furiously and repeatedly attacking while Izuru struggles to block him.

Teacher: I will have everyone spar each other in order, starting from the end. Get ready.

Renji: Yes, sir! (This is that guy from Hado practice earlier. Right, I'll make up for it this time.)

Izuru: Uh, let's have a good fight.

Renji: Yeah.

Teacher: Ready? Begin!

Renji: Hah! Hah! yah! Hah!

Izuru: Ah...Wait, just...!

Renji: You think I'd wait?! Well, you thought wrong!

After pressing Izuru back further, Renji jabs the tip of his sword into Izuru's shoulder, sending him flying. As Izuru crashes onto the ground on his back, the instructor declares the match concluded in Renji's favor, prompting a sweating Renji to relax and sigh.

Teacher: Match, Abarai!

Renji: That should've left a better impression.

However, Renji is surprised when four of his female classmates rush to Izuru's side and inquire if he is okay. With one of the girls accusing him of being too rough and the instructor also asking Izuru if he is alright, an irritated Renji walks away.

Teacher: Izuru, are you alright?

Izuru: Yes, sir.

Student: You didn't have to be so rough!

Renji: Hmph.

Shortly afterward, while Renji sits under a tree in the forest outside with his eyes closed, Izuru walks up and notes he seems tired, startling Renji with his presence, before requesting to take a break here as well, which a confused Renji allows. Sitting down next to Renji, Izuru recalls being overwhelmed and flabbergasted by the power of Renji's blows to the point of being unable to counterattack and reveals his arm is still numb.

Izuru: Resting up, I see.

Renji: Hm? Oh, it's you.

Izuru: I wouldn't mind joining you there. That okay?

Renji: Uh, sure.

Izuru: Gotta admit. You really let me have it in class. I was so overwhelmed by your strength that I couldn't even counter attack. My whole arm is still numb.

Renji apologizes due to not intending for this to happen and details how he wanted to make up for his failure during their Hadō practice. After reciting the four principles of Shinigami combat, Zankensoki, Izuru observes that they will need to master each in order to become Shinigami and that their work is cut out for them.

Renji: Well, I'm sorry about that. I didn't mean anything by it. But I kind of messed up at target practice earlier, so I felt like I needed to make up for that.

Izuru: Zan, Ken, So, Ki. Each of these four disciplines must be mastered before we can become Soul Reapers. We've definitely got our work cut out for us if that's gonna happen.

Renji: Well, yeah. I guess so.

As a surprised Renji agrees with this, Izuru extends his hand and introduces himself while requesting to know Renji's name as well, only for Renji to note that these polite mannerisms mean he is from a good family, to Izuru's puzzlement, before clarifying that he does not like shaking hands and introducing himself in turn, pleasing Izuru.

Izuru: Name's Izuru Kira. Hi, it's certainly a pleasure to meet you, fellow freshman.

Renji: ...Introduction and a handshake, huh. Your family must be from the good side of town.

Izuru: Huh?

Renji: Manners aren't exactly my style. But my name is Renji Abarai. And nice to meet you too.

Upon noticing several students running toward the entrance of the academy, Renji and Izuru join them near the gates, where Hinamori struggles to see over the crowd of people in front of her and wonders what is going on, leading a taller student beside her to inform Hinamori that one of the Gotei 13 captains is visiting them today, to Hinamori's astonishment.

Renji: Why am I the only running a marathon before Kido training? I don't see the point in this.

Izuru: Zan, Ken, So, Ki. Each of these four disciplines must be mastered before we can become Soul Reapers. I just told you this earlier. Keep it up.

Renji: Ah?! What are you doing here?

Izuru: I heard you had special instruction, so I thought I'd come and help. Come on, let's go.

From some running together from one big circle to another, to this part to happen next…

Renji: We're done with the marathon, sir.

Teacher: What are you doing here, Kira? You don't need to take a special instruction.

Izuru: I thought I would help out.

Teacher: You two are such exemplar students.

Renji: Us...two

Teacher: Hinamori came to me, too. She wants to do some self-training as a review.

Momo: Would it be okay if I joined you?

Renji: Self-training? You're so diligent.

Izuru: Wow...You're such a model student, Momo!

Momo: N-No, it's nothing, really.

Teacher: Then, why don't we practice a different method from what we did in class? A versus match, one on one. Whoever hits more targets accurately with Kido wins.

Renji: Yeah! Sounds more fun that way. It's boring practicing on your own.

Izuru: There's no way you can win if you can't hit those targets though, Renji.

Renji: Shut it! I'll be able to do that in no time!

Teacher: That's the spirit! Alright then. First up, Abarai and Hinamori.

Although Renji's a good fighter and such to be quick, but….Momo is fast to use her Kido moves on him to be defeated within seconds. HA!

Izuru: I told you so. You better learn how to hit the targets first.

Hey, he did warn the guy.

Renji: Shut up!

Momo: L-Let's do our best, okay?

Since then...From Renji, Izuru, and Momo training to become Soul Reapers 'along with Rukia to join with them from time to time', things been going well for these guys to get better. Little at a time that is. Also, the four become great friends as a few months go by quickly.

One month later….

More training for Renji, Izuru, and Momo to be doing together once again with the same old drill.

Renji: We got sparring practice next! I know I can do better at this.

Momo: Hehe. You seem excited, Renji.

Renji: I mean, it did feel kind of miserable losing to Izuru in Hado practice earlier.

Momo: Yeah, Izuru is pretty amazing at it.

Izuru: Oh no, it's nothing really.

Renji: Stop being so modest! It just makes me feel worse!

Izuru: Don't worry, Renji. You're getting better at it too.

Remembering on Renji's practice of Hado and Kido moves to fail twice from the past.

Momo: That's right. Remember how it was when you first started?

Izuru: That was a surprise.

Renji: Can we stop bringing that up? Forget everything that happened back then! But I'm pretty confident in sparring. I'll beat everyone down from start to finish!

Izuru: This is just practice. You should try to keep it civil, or you'll end up getting in trouble again.

Renji: Yeah, yeah, I know. Man, I want to fight already. When's it my turn?

Off he goes to be ready for another event to do, that's our Renji for you. With Momo and Izuru see 'some' changes in their friend to be growing little by little.

Izuru: If someone were to listen to this conversation, he may sound like an eager student, but...I'm more worried about Renji's opponent.

Momo: Yeah, Renji's really strong. I hope no one gets hurt.

Izuru: We should start getting ready too. Let's go, Momo.

Of course it'll be from Renji losing to Momo easily from last time, it's Izuru's turn against him now.

Teacher: Next, Kira and Abarai. Forward.

Yup, you see? I told you guys so.

Izuru: Huh?! Wait, I'm Renji's sparring partner today?!

Renji: Oh, it's just you, Izuru? Well, it makes no difference to me. I'll make up for that loss from earlier.

Izuru: W-Wait. You remember what I said earlier, right? This is just practice.

This is Renji trying to head out Izuru deep down.

Renji: Come on! Don't be so boring. Man up!

Izuru: That's not the point! You're seriously about to go all out on me, aren't you?!

Renji: Of course I am!

Teacher: Begin!

A bit of a push and shove for Renji was still good, as Izuru did hold up a bit longer in battle this time by luck.

Izuru: Oww...

Momo: Are you okay, Izuru?

Good to help out from practicing in the end like so.

Renji: Uh, sorry. I got too heated up. You okay?

Izuru: Yeah, My hands are still a little numb, but I'm fine. I've got to admit, you really are strong.

See? Izuru was learning like Renji was on his end.

Momo: But you still need to control your powers. Even the teacher warned you about that.

Ouch! She's got Renji there.

Renji: I get it, but I couldn't help it.

Soon someone shouts of someone 'or something' was coming by for everyone to go see right away.

Student: Hurry up! We have to hurry or else we won't be able to see!

Renji: Huh? What's going on?

Izuru: Looks like people are gathered over there. Let's go see for ourselves.

Rushing back to see what the holdup was going on…It was pretty big.

Student: Hurry up! We have to hurry or else we won't be able to see!

A big event was about to happen next, but Rukia had to stay put to study some more, with her friend on another project to be done today.

Renji: I think the voices were coming from that direction.

Izuru: There's a lot of people there.

Momo: Hey, what is everybody looking at?

Student: Oh, one of the Court Guard Squad captains is supposed to be coming here any minute to review the class.

Momo: Really? A full captain?

Student: I think he's here!

With Hinamori pushed forward by the encroaching crowd, Renji and Izuru approach as well while 5th Division Captain Sōsuke Aizen and his lieutenant, Gin Ichimaru, walk between the two crowds of students, where Hinamori is briefly pushed out into the opening, but quickly returns to the crowd behind her.

Aizen: ….Good day.

Gin: Hello.

As Aizen passes by, Hinamori is awed by what a captain looks like.

Momo: Captains are amazing! The level of Spiritual Pressure they release is completely different from ours. There's so much more I need to do. Renji! Izuru! We have to do our best!

Izuru: Y-Yeah, we'll do our best! W-Well, we should go back to our classroom now, Right, Renji?

Not just Momo loved to see two captains in person, but so did Izuru on his end.

Renji: What are you blushing about?

Izuru: I-I'm not blushing!

Later, back at Hitsugaya's house in her village, Hinamori eats watermelon with him while describing how impressive Aizen is and how completely different his Reiatsu is from that of normal Shinigami. When Hinamori addresses him by his nickname as she asks him if he is listening, Hitsugaya bites into another slice of watermelon and reminds her of his demand to stop calling him this before spitting out all the seeds in his mouth at Hinamori, who shields herself with her arm while exclaiming in shock, and questioning if Hinamori coming home on every day off means she has a lot of free time. Though Hinamori points out that she only came home to visit him, Hitsugaya defiantly claims that he never asked her to do so as the two of them eat more watermelon. While Hinamori proclaims that she is going to join the Fifth Division under Aizen once she graduates, Hitsugaya merely grumbles sarcastically, prompting Hinamori to assert that she is serious about this as she watches Hitsugaya spit more seeds out of his mouth into the air. In the fall of that year, Rukia walks through the hall among the other students and looks out the window somberly, only to shriek in pain and shock when Renji suddenly walks up behind her and kicks her in the rear while carrying supplies.

Rukia: ...

Renji: Hah!

Rukia: Ahhhh!

When Rukia demands to know what that was for as she clutches her behind, Renji inquires what she is daydreaming about and observes she is still not adjusted to school even after six months of attending the academy.

Rukia: Hey! What was that for?

Renji: All this daydreaming is a waste of time. You've been here for six months, and you still haven't started taking your training seriously.

Rukia: Oh yeah? Well, who are you to...

Initially attempting to turn this back on Renji, Rukia is surprised to see him standing with Izuru and a few other students, all of whom are carrying supplies, which leads her to wonder if they have field practice today.

Rukia: You look like you're going someplace. Are you guys having field training or something today?

Renji: Yeah. We're going to the world of the living for a practice fight against dummy Hollows.

After confirming this, Renji reveals they are going to practice fighting dummy Hollows in the Human World, outraging Rukia with how only the advanced class is doing this and only Renji being in that class as Renji claims this is the result of skill.

Rukia: Huh? Why you?! Why's it only your class? Not to mention, you shouldn't be in the advanced class in the first place?

Renji: What can I say? They recognize talent when they see it. And just you wait. I'm better than you already! And when I come back, there won't even be any comparison between us!

Renji walks off with Izuru and the other students while promising to come back far stronger than Rukia, who is left to try to refute this, only to fall silent as she stands alone in the hallway.

Rukia: Yeah? Well, when you come back, I'm gonna be a...Oh, I don't know.

Little narrating part to talk about next…

A few months later….

Tayla: Renji and Rukia met in the Rukon District and swore to become Soul Reapers together. But even though they had left the Rukon District behind, there was still a huge gap between them and the others.

Before Renji headed out for a field trip to do with Izuru and Momo, for both Renji and Momo came close to becoming Soul Reapers so far, they each have a long way to go, but in all due time.

Renji: Rukia...?

Rukia: Oh, nothing. I was just thinking...Most of the other students here come from nobility. They don't understand the kind of existence we had, so they'll never accept us.

Or so one of them thought about at first...

Renji: ... (I swore then and there I would make them eat their words, somehow.)

Another thing to get to the next scene of the field trip part on what's to come for Renji and his other two Soul Reaper friends.

Tayla: They kept it to heart and continued to study hard. They had even made new friends.

From Izuru Kira's end so far.

Izuru: Name's Izuru Kira. It's certainly a pleasure.

Momo: Let's do our best, okay?

Things to be going well so far

Soon afterward, Renji, Izuru, and the other students assemble on the roof of the academy, where Shūhei Hisagi stands before them in front of a closed Senkaimon and introduces himself as a sixth-year student before Hotaru Kanisawa and Aoga introduce themselves while standing on either side of him.

Hisagi: First, allow us to introduce ourselves. I'm Shuhei Hisagi, sixth year, This little one behind me is Kanisawa, the big one's Aoga. The three of us will be your guides for this exercise.

With Hisagi concluding that the three of them will guide the class, the surprised students whisper among themselves, leading Renji to ask Izuru if these three are famous.

Student #1: Isn't that...?

Student #2: Hisagi? That's the guy...

Student #3: Quit the chatter! I will leave behind anyone who talks too much.

Shocked that Renji does not know, Izuru clarifies that only Hisagi is famous and explains how he has been guaranteed a position in the Gotei 13 before even graduating, something that has not happened in a few years, and that he is going to achieve a seated rank as well.

Renji: What's up? Why are they all gawking? Are they famous or something?

Izuru: How do you not know? The one in the middle. Everybody knows who he is. Shuhei Hisagi. They say he's been assigned to a post in the 13 Court Guard Squads even before he graduates. That almost never happens. He's even supposed to be in line to become a ranked officer. Strangely enough, he also failed the academy's entrance exam two times. And given that my exam score was the highest in our class, I might be better than him.

Renji: Oh...?

With Renji acknowledging this, Izuru smugly notes that Hisagi failed the entrance exam twice, which means that Izuru himself might be more talented since he got the highest score for it, though Renji is unconvinced. Kanisawa draws the students' attention and announces that they will be splitting up into groups of three, determined by the symbols on the slips of paper they drew earlier.

Hisagi: Now listen up. We'll split up into groups of three and get ready to go. Everyone, take out the lots you drew when we first assembled, and then find the two students who have the same mark as you have.

While the students gather into groups around them, Renji notes that this is what the slips were for as he and Izuru see that theirs have the same symbol. With Izuru wondering who their third teammate is, Hinamori approaches them from behind and calls out to them, prompting Renji to express surprise that it is her as a blushing Izuru greets Hinamori.

Renji: Ah, so that's what these little pieces of paper were for.

Izuru: You and I are together, but...who's our third?

From the three teams to have Momo aiding both Renji and Izuru as friends too in this field training trip.

Momo: Uh, excuse me. I'm your third.

Renji: Oh, it's you. Hello, Momo.

Izuru: Welcome aboard.

This only had Renji hit Izuru right upside the head.

Renji: Don't get too excited and mess anything up.

Izuru: Ow!

After all the students for groups of three, Hisagi draws their attention so the upperclassmen can explain today's training exercise, where Kanisawa details how other sixth-year students have already entered the Human World and constructed a barrier around a suitable area for them to train inside of.

Renji: SO this is the world of the living? That's a lot of big buildings.

Izuru: Y-Yeah.

Renji: How long to you plan to squirm around like that? It's annoying!

Of course for Renji to hit Izuru right upside the Izuru's head again.

Izuru: Urg.

Momo: Stop it!

From the background with Hisagi and the other two other students gets the others' attention on their tasks at hand.

Hisagi: Quiet down, freshmen! Gather around!

Momo: Come on. Let's go, you two.

Aoga adds that the students will be practicing combat with dummy Hollows inside that perimeter and Hisagi concludes that the upperclassmen will create a combat-ready environment but not assist the students themselves in combat before opening the Senkaimon behind him after confirming that the class understands this. That night, in an industrial area within the Human World, several students stand on a tower with circular walkways while an upperclassman instructs them to maintain the strength of the barrier because it is common for real Hollows to attack during this type of training, though one of the students observes that this is a safe zone as he affirms this.

Hotaru: North and South Sides, all clear.

Aoga: Same goes on the East and West sides as well.

Hisagi: Alright, now that everyone's found their groups, we'll brief you on today's exercise. An advance party of sixth year students has already entered the world of the living and constructed a temporary barrier. Once inside that perimeter, each group will engage in practice combat with dummy Hollows. The sixth-year students are here only to create a combat-ready environment for you. They will no assist in the combat itself. Make sure your Spiritual Pressure senses are alert and move according to the situation. Are we clear? Then let's go!

With the upperclassman declaring that they cannot let their guard down since this is training for the sixth-years as well, a semi-translucent Huge Hollow looms behind the tower. Meanwhile, after an explosion occurs on the corner of a building's rooftop, Renji leaps out of the cloud of smoke and onto the ground below, where he turns to see the quadrupedal dummy Hollow that he had attacked emerging unscathed from the explosion and walking across the roof. Cursing, Renji alerts Hinamori to the Hollow approaching her position. The dummy Hollow walks down a wall and onto a lower section of the roof, and after landing in front of it, Hinamori fires Hadō #31. Shakkahō.

Upon seeing the dummy Hollow emerging unscathed from the resulting explosion as well, Hinamori calls out to Izuru, who leaps high into the air above and falls down toward the dummy Hollow while slashing at it with his Zanpakutō, resulting in it splitting down the middle with crackles of electricity and exploding as Izuru lands on the ground below the roof where he destroyed it. While Hinamori lands next to Izuru, Renji runs up to them and notes that this was easier than he had expected it to be, only to claim that he could have done it by himself when Izuru asserts that this was the result of their teamwork and was not something that could have been done alone.

When Renji expresses his desire to fight a real Hollow, an unimpressed Hinamori berates him for having a large ego, prompting a flustered Renji to deny not having more than this in his arsenal as Hinamori begins to push him back toward the meeting site while Izuru walks their on his own.

Renji: That was even easier than we thought it'd be.

Izuru: It's all because we worked together as a team. None of us would have done as well as we did on our own.

Renji: Nah! By myself, I would've done it much faster. They should let me fight real faster. They should let me fight real Hollows instead of dummies.

Momo: Huh? You're nothing but talk, Renji.

Renji: Hey, what do you mean by that?!

Momo: Come on, mister big mouth. Let's go back.

Suddenly, the air behind the group shimmers, and when Hinamori stops and stares at it in confusion, Renji inquires if something is wrong, though she assures him it is nothing before running after her friends, leaving a distortion to move through the air behind her.

?: Ahhhh!

Renji: What the hell?

Momo: What was that?

Izuru: Let's go!

After most of the students gather at the meeting point, Aoga observes it is time to leave while Kanisawa expresses relief. Lifting the communicator tied around his neck to his mouth, Hisagi identifies himself and asks the barrier unit what the situation is at their location, but does not receive a response, with the barrier team having been slaughtered and the tower they were standing on being left damaged and blood-stained. Upon being asked what is wrong by Kanisawa, Hisagi notes it is strange to not be receiving an answer from the barrier team.

Hisagi: Looks like everyone has returned safely. This is Hisagi at the rendezvous point. Barrier unit, what is the situation there?

?: ...

No respond back for Hisagi to hear.

Hisagi: Barrier unit, acknowledge! Barrier unit, can you hear me? report in at once! Barrier unit, report!

Nothing again, until Hisagi heard something more than sounding normal.

However, he is interrupted when Kanisawa frantically draws his attention to something behind him, leading Hisagi to turn around in shock.

Student: Ahhhh!

Aoga: Oh no!

Hotaru: Help me!

The other two students sounded it like they both got killed.

Hisagi: What happened?!

Nearby, Renji, Izuru, and Hinamori cheerfully walk together before stopping upon hearing a scream. As they run up to the students to see what has happened, Renji, Izuru, and Hinamori are stunned to see the Huge Hollow standing over the group with Kanisawa impaled on its massive talon. With those present astonished by its size, the Huge Hollow tosses Kanisawa's corpse away, and as he draws his Zanpakutō, Hisagi curses their luck in running into a Huge Hollow before wondering why they did not sense its approach. Enraged by Kanisawa's death, Aoga rushes at the Huge Hollow while screaming, only to be cut down by its talon in a shower of blood, leading Hisagi to frantically order the other students to run as far away as they can.

Hisagi: Hotaru?! Aoga?!

He arrives too late at the scene. As Hisagi sees both Aoga and Hotaru both getting killed by a real Hollow, who's not one of their dummies at all.

Aoga and Hotaru: Ah...ahhhhh!

Aoga: You bastard...! You killed her...!

Hotaru: Aoga...

This made Hisagi really mad now.

Hisagi: Aoga...! Hotaru!

The students begin running away while screaming in terror, with Renji following suit after expressing fright at the sight of a real Hollow and forcing a petrified Izuru to run away as well.

Renji: Wh-What is that thing? So that's what a real Hollow looks like.

While Renji tries to contact Soul Society with the situation and their coordinates, the Huge Hollow begins charging an energy blast in its mouth, further shocking Hisagi, who leaps away as the energy blast crashes into the area where he was standing.

Hisagi: (Oh crap! It's a Hollow! And a big one too! But why didn't we sense it approaching?!)

Hollow: Rooooaaarrr...

Not one to be fear from, but two Hollows make their appearances.

Hisagi: Another one?!

It was hard to fight two strong Hollows than a real one, but two real ones in person ready to kill the Soul Reapers in the World of the Living. Standing still while the other students flee around her, Hinamori mentally questions why they are running away, and though Izuru reminds her that they need to obey the order they were given to run away, Hinamori remains hesitant to do so.

Hisagi: Freshmen, get out of here! Run as far as you can!

Student: Ahhhhh!

Some escape, while others were being killed. Leaving Hisagi to still be alive than the other two were killed to call for backup right away.

Hisagi: Soul Society, come in! Emergency! Shuhei Hisagi, requesting assistance! I'm in the world of the living, coordinate point 1026. Huge Hollow attack at this location!

Despite Renji pointing out that they cannot do anything if the Huge Hollow was powerful enough to take out two sixth-year students as fast as it did, a determined Hinamori refuses to run away, to Renji and Izuru's shock.

Izuru: Ahhhh!

Renji: Come on, are you deaf? Let's go!

Somehow for Renji was trying to get Izuru to keep on running, part from Momo 'a little' wanted to fight back.

Izuru: Momo, what do you think you're doing? Don't stop!

Momo: Why are we all running away?

So she had to ask her two friends during the dangers happening….

Izuru: We were told to clear the area! You're disobeying a direct order!

Momo: Well, yeah, but...

Renji: Don't even think about trying to help! That thing just killed two sixth year students! You saw it too! We're just freshmen! There's no way we can...

Momo: I know!

Still, she didn't want to look like a coward of a Soul Reaper and leave other students to be killed. For Momo heads off along with Izuru and Renji both have no choice but to follow her now.

Izuru: Momo!

How long could Hisagi call for help while stopping the Hollows alone?

Hisagi: Damn. The reinforcements aren't here yet, and I can't get in contact with the barrier unit. Did the freshmen get out safely? I don't sense their Spiritual Pressures anymore.

Incoming Huge Hollow heading to where Hisagi was standing at.

Hollow: Roooooaaaarr...

Hisagi: What!? From behind?! Thes guys can hide their Spiritual Pressures? No wonder I didn't notice them.

For the two Huge Hollows surrounded Hisagi to be too much for him to handle them all by himself.

Hollow: Roooooaaaarr...

Hisagi: Is that all you got? Well bring it on!

Up ahead, Hisagi is thrown against the wall with three fresh scratches over his right eye and finds himself unable to see properly. That explains how he got the awful scar on his side of the face and eye along with it.

Hisagi: Damn, I can barely see!

With the Huge Hollow firing more energy blasts at him, Hisagi rapidly evades each one by flipping and rolling away before charging at the Huge Hollow and leaping up to slash at its mask, only for the Huge Hollow to send him flying with a strike from its talon, leaving Hisagi to skid across the ground below on his feet. Seeing the Huge Hollow split its talon apart into a dozen thin blades, Hisagi declares that he is not done yet and rushes toward the Huge Hollow, who brings the blades down on him.

Clank* *Clank*

However, Hisagi is stunned when Renji, Izuru, and Hinamori intercept the blades with their Zanpakutō to prevent them from reaching him.

Hisagi: You three?!

Izuru: We just wanted to help, sir! Sorry to disobey!

Renji: We came back to save you, so you'll remember to forgive us!

With Hisagi being guarded….Momo, Renji, and Izuru combined their Hado skill attacks into one in order to stop the two Huge Hollows by working together.

Momo: Renji! Izuru! Let's fight together! Ruler, the mask of flesh and blood, all things in the universe, fly!

Izuru: That which names all, heat and war!

Renji: Beyond the seas in reverse, take steps to the south!

Ready, aim...fire!

Renji, Izuru, and Momo: Hado 31 - Shakkaho!

With Izuru apologizing for disobeying Hisagi's order and Renji requesting that he overlook this since they came to rescue him, Hinamori pushes back the blades alongside them before all three recite the incantation for and fire Hadō #31. Shakkahō in unison, creating a powerful red energy blast that slams into the chest of the Huge Hollow.

Izuru: I suggest we run, sir!

Hisagi: Right!

As the Huge Hollow reels back and roars in pain, Renji, Izuru, Hinamori, and Hisagi run away past several buildings, where Renji questions how such an enormous Hollow could get so close.

Renji: How could such a gigantic Hollow manage to sneak up on us like that?

Izuru: There's no way we're strong enough to defeat it.

After admitting that he does not know for sure, Hisagi theorizes that the Huge Hollow can conceal its Reiatsu, and when Izuru wonders what they are supposed to do since they are not strong enough to defeat the Huge Hollow, Hisagi reveals that he contacted Soul Society and that they will just have to wait until help arrives.

Hisagi: I don't know. It seems like it was able to conceal its Spiritual Pressure somehow.

Izuru: So what do we do?

Hisagi: I've already called the Soul Society and requested backup. Until then, we just have to stay alive. Just keep running!

Just then, it almost looks like the end of them…

Momo: Oh, no!

Suddenly, the air in the pavilion that the four students enter begins to distort as several Huger Hollows make themselves visible around the area.

Hisagi: Huh? What's going on?

Izuru: Ahh, ahhhh?!

Momo: How could this be happening?!

Renji: It must've called its friends.

With the Huge Hollows closing in and the others in disbelief at their appearance, a terrified Izuru states that he does not want to die before screaming in terror.

Hisagi: This whole thing is just crazy. So many Hollows!

Renji: This can't be...

Izuru: No way...No way!

Momo: Ah...ah...

Izuru: I don't want to die like this. I don't want to die at all, you guys.

And then, this happens….

Ahhhhhhhhh!

?: My, there certainly are a lot of you. Sorry to keep you waiting. We got here as quickly as we could.

Suddenly, Gin's Shikai, Shinsō, extends from the darkness and pierces through the skull of the first Huge Hollow through the roof of its mouth, causing it to fall backward off the roof and disintegrate as its head shatters. After Shinsō retracts behind the stunned students, Aizen approaches them with Gin and apologizes for keeping them waiting as he asserts that they have come to the rescue, shocking Hisagi with the presence of both him and Gin while Aizen walks up to Hinamori.

Hisagi: I-It's Captain Aizen! Leader of Squad 5! And his lieutenant, Gun Ichimaru!

It's good to have both a captain and lieutenant of the strongest members from Squad 5 of the Soul Reapers to the rescue.

Aizen: You've done very well. I'm sure you were scared, but you are safe now. We'll take over from here. You go and get some rest.

Placing his hand on Hinamori's head, Aizen praises her for persevering so well despite being afraid and assures her that she can rest now because he and Gin will take care of the rest. As he approaches the Huge Hollows alongside Aizen, Gin comments on how many there are and uses Shinsō to pierce through three in a row before cutting several more of the Huge Hollows in half. When one of the Huge Hollows throws a punch at him, Aizen effortlessly catches it with his hand and smiles as he exerts his Reiryoku through his palm, resulting in the Huge Hollow being cut into dozens of pieces that proceed to disintegrate upward into the air.

Momo: That was incredible.

Renji: Huh? Yeah...Well, I mean, he is a captain after all.

Izuru: Yeah, it was amazing.

Momo: Do you think we'll become like that one day?

Renji: Heh. Not a chance. Captains and lieutenants are like monsters compared to us.

Momo: Oh, come on, Renji!

Izuru: I'll become one. I swear I will.

Momo: Yeah.

Renji: ...Me too.

With the three making a promise and Rukia too later on – she, Renji, Momo, and Izuru get there in no time. With them, the other students who are fine, and Hisagi get out of the World of the Living and back to the Soul Society safe and sound.

Hisagi: Come on, freshmen. You're the only ones left. Move it, or we'll leave you behind.

They all get back with Hisagi right away.

Renji, Izuru, and Momo, Yes, sir!

Aizen looks over his shoulder at Hinamori and smiles at her, leaving her in awe of his power. Same with Hisagi becoming the best lieutenant of Kaname's Soul Reaper of Squad 9 way later on too, as he can see and fight just fine on his own.

Tayla: We will never stop walking, even if our paths go separate ways in the future. Even if our paths...are to end one day.

Back in the present time….

Momo: ...Excuse me, guard.

Guard: Yeah, whaddya want? Huh? Sweet...flowers...? Gah!

After looking at the moon through the bars on the window in her cell, Hinamori approaches the guard posted outside her cell and draws his attention before using Hakufuku, generating a haze of violet flower petals in the air around her as the guard loses consciousness and collapses, leaving Hinamori to turn around and walk toward the wall with a determined expression on her face.

After knocking out the guard outside her cell with Hakufuku, 5th Division Lieutenant Momo Hinamori breaks out and runs through the streets of the Seireitei while recalling the contents of the letter that her captain, Sōsuke Aizen, left to her, which she admits that she could not believe at first before tearfully asserting that she now believes Aizen's account of who killed him. In the past, a young and impoverished Rangiku Matsumoto lies on the ground. Walking up to Rangiku, a young Gin Ichimaru offers her a dried persimmon and tells her to eat it because she must also have Reiryoku if she can lose consciousness from hunger. When Rangiku notices his language, Gin reveals that he has Reiryoku as well and introduces himself, prompting Rangiku to comment on how strange his name is.

Gin: If you can faint from hunger, then that obviously means that you have it, right? ...The power.

Rangiku: So, you have it too?

Gin: Yes, just like you. My name is Gin. I'm pleased to meet you.

Rangiku: Gin? What a strange name.

In the present, Rangiku wakes up on a couch in the office of her captain, Tōshirō Hitsugaya, and as the latter snidely comments on her being awake, a bewildered Rangiku questions what he is doing in her room.

Hitsugaya: So, you're finally awake.

Rangiku: Captain, I...I, uh...I've been asleep a long time, haven't I?

Hitsugaya reminds her the office is not Rangiku's room and instructs her to take over the paperwork if she is awake since he is exhausted. As she walks up to his desk, Rangiku notes this is Hitsugaya's fault for taking on all the paperwork for the Fifth Division, only for an exasperated Hitsugaya to hand a short stack of papers to Rangiku and order her to finish. However, Rangiku is startled by how little paperwork is left compared to when she last saw the stack and observes she has been asleep for a while as Hitsugaya drinks some water. Upon hearing this, a somber Hitsugaya tells her to forget about it and acknowledges it must be rough to see Gin and Hinamori fighting.

Hitsugaya: Don't worry about it. You have a classmate who's fighting with your junior. That can't be easy for you.

As she notices Hitsugaya referring to Gin as her classmate, Rangiku asks Hitsugaya if he believes Gin killed Aizen.

Rangiku: My classmate? Captain, do you honestly think he could've done it? Was Gin really capable of that?

Hitsugaya: ...

Suddenly, 10th Division 7th Seat Kōkichirō Takezoe announces his presence from outside the door to the office, and after Hitsugaya tells him to come in, Kōkichirō slides open the door and reveals Hinamori, 6th Division Lieutenant Renji Abarai, and 3rd Division Lieutenant Izuru Kira have all vanished from their cells, shocking Hitsugaya and Rangiku.

Soul Reaper: I'm looking for Captain Hitsugaya and Lieutenant Matsumoto. May I come in?

Hitsugaya: Yes? what do you want?

Soul Reaper: Sir, I beg your pardon, but this is an urgent matter! There's been an incident at the prison that requires you immediate attention. Sir, Lieutenant Abarai and Lieutenant Hinamori, as well as Lieutenant Kira, sir...All of them have vanished from their cells!

Not good news at all. With Gin releasing Izuru, Renji broke out on his own, and Momo place the guard into sleep mode with her skills.

Hitsugaya: What?

Rangiku: Is this true!?

Shortly afterward, Hitsugaya and Rangiku stand outside Hinamori's cell, where the guard kneels before them and recounts how he saw a bright white light before waking up later.

Soul Reaper: Please, forgive me, sir. It all happened so quickly. Lieutenant Hinamori called out to me, and when I turned around, I was blinded by an intense white light! When I woke up, they were all gone. I have no excuse, sir.

Identifying this as the effect of Hakufuku, Hitsugaya notes that Hinamori is a master of Kidō and that they should have sealed her Reiatsu if they truly intended to restrain her but concludes that this was not done because no one expected her to go this far as they stand next to the large hole blasted in the cell bars and back wall.

Hitsugaya: It was Hakufuku. I should've remembered that Momo was a master of Kido. If we had been serious about wanting to restrain her, we would've made certain that was sealed her Spiritual Pressure. But we didn't even think of taking that action. We had no reason, because none of us actually believed she would ever take thing this far.

When Rangiku questions why she would do this despite not being under a death sentence, Hitsugaya asserts that there is only one reason and orders Rangiku to go back to the barracks without him before declaring his intention to save Hinamori.

Rangiku: It's not as if she were being threatened with execution, so why would...?

Hitsugaya: There's only one explanation that makes any sense. Rangiku.

Rangiku: Yes?

Hitsugaya: You're to go home. That's an order. I only hope I'm in time to save Momo!

Soon afterward, Hitsugaya runs along a walkway outside and urges Hinamori to not do anything rash.

Meanwhile, within the Study Chamber inside Sōkyoku Hill, Ichigo Kurosaki is sent skidding back across the ground as half the blade of the sword he is wielding is severed and embeds itself in the ground nearby.

Zangetsu: Remember, never take your eyes off the enemy.

Ichigo: Dammit, I almost had the bastard that time.

Watching from above while channeling her Reiryoku into two bands of rope in her hand, Yoruichi Shihōin observes that Ichigo is now maintaining his stance even after his sword breaks and mentally tells him to hurry with the time limit approaching.

Yoruichi: (Ichigo...It's obvious that you no longer rely solely on the power of Zangetsu. He absorbing it...with amazing speed at an incredible level.)

Ichigo: Dammit, still not it. I have to do this. I gotta if I want to save Rukia!

As Zangetsu states that this makes fifty-one broken swords, Ichigo tosses away his broken sword and pulls a serrated one out of a nearby rock, which he assumes a battle stance with. After proclaiming that he will succeed this time, Ichigo rushes at Zangetsu, and when the latter slashes at him sideways with his own hooked sword, Ichigo initially blocks it perpendicularly with the jagged sword before angling his blade away and ducking, allowing a surprised Zangetsu's sword to travel over his head. With Ichigo stabbing the serrated sword at him, Zangetsu leaps into the air above, leaving Ichigo to destroy a rock behind him, and throws the hooked sword downward, breaking the serrated sword in two on impact. While Ichigo stares in shock at the blade portion flying into the air, Zangetsu lands and backhands him, sending Ichigo flying into a giant rock. As Ichigo falls out of the crater he left in the rock, Zangetsu admonishes him for taking his eyes off the enemy and updates the broken sword count to fifty-two. With Ichigo cursing and noting that he almost had Zangetsu while wiping dirt off his chin, Yoruichi mentally details how he adjusted to Zangetsu's speed and deflect his blade at the moment of impact before instantaneously shifting to a counterattack, which leads her to conclude that he is no longer relying on the power of Zangetsu alone. Watching Ichigo pull a cleaver-like sword out of the rock next to him and assume a battle stance, Yoruichi admits that Kisuke Urahara was right about his growth rate and speed. In the Urahara Shop within the Human World, Urahara suddenly sneezes while inspecting his inventory, and when Tessai Tsukabishi inquires if he has caught a cold, Urahara claims that a pretty woman must be talking about him instead. After expressing disappointment in this cliched idea, to Urahara's confusion, Tessai proclaims that this will never do and suggests a remedy he uses for colds. Though Urahara is intimidated by the idea of using one of his remedies, Tessai holds out a glass of water and a box of medication, which Urahara realizes expired two years ago, before forcing him to take one of the tablets while asserting that they are nicely aged.

Tessai: Boos?

Urahara: I think someone's thinking about me again.

Back in the Study Chamber in Soul Society, Ichigo clashes twice with Zangetsu, who pushes him back, and mentally asserts that he has to save Rukia Kuchiki. Elsewhere in the Seireitei, Hinamori hides from three passing Shinigami in the branches of a tree and sheds a single tear as she recalls Aizen's letter questioning why Rukia's execution date keeps being changed and the use of the Sōkyoku for her execution before revealing that he came across the truth in his investigation, which he wants Hinamori to know of in his place.

Aizen: "If you are reading this letter, then I am probably no longer alive. There is no one in Seireitei whom I trust as much as you, so I've written you this letter to document the truth that I've uncovered."

Momo: (When I first read the Captain's letter, I couldn't believe my eyes. How could something like that possibly be true? I didn't want to believe it. But now I know. It is true. Everything he wrote was true. The one who murdered Captain Aizen...It was...!)

Shortly afterward, Ichigo continues to clash against Zangetsu in the Study Chamber with a scimitar-like sword as Yoruichi watches from above. With Ichigo and Zangetsu crossing blades several more times and being pushed apart by the resulting force of the last clash, a sweating Yoruichi observes that Ichigo has been fighting for over five minutes with the same sword but admits that the day's training is over. After clashing further, Ichigo and Zangetsu run toward each other, only for Ichigo to stop in astonishment upon seeing Zangetsu's sword fly into the air as the latter turns back into the Tenshintai, which falls over. As Ichigo expresses his bewilderment, Yoruichi lands on the ground behind him and tells him to lay down his sword because the first day of training has concluded.

Yoruichi: But still, everything must end. Put your sword down. Day one is over.

Meanwhile, a guard leads Hitsugaya to Izuru's empty cell, where he realizes something upon inspecting the damaged interior.

Hitsugaya: (I hope I'm not too late…! Momo.)

Back in the Study Chamber, a naked Ichigo relaxes in a hot spring and notes the training room has messed with his sense of time since he did not know it was nighttime already. However, as he splashes water on his face, Ichigo is stunned to find the cut on his right cheek rapidly healing upon contacting the hot spring water and begins covering the rest of his upper body with the water while marveling at its healing properties. Wondering if the water would heal internal injuries if he drank it, Ichigo pours some of the water into his mouth. Upon being asked by Yoruichi how the water is, Ichigo mumbles that it is great, only to suddenly spit the water out in shock when Yoruichi decides to join him and begins removing her pants. When Ichigo demands to know what she is doing, a chuckling Yoruichi questions what is wrong, prompting Ichigo to assert that plenty of things are wrong in this situation and inquire why she takes her pants off first. After teasing Ichigo for always reacting just as she expects him to due to his naivety, to his irritation, Yoruichi enters the hot spring despite Ichigo's protests, only for him to find that she has transformed into her cat form after he peeks between his fingers.

Ichigo: You're joining me in your cat form?

Yoruichi: Sure, why not?

With Yoruichi asking him if he is disappointed, an embarrassed Ichigo threatens to drown her. As the two of them rest, Ichigo brings up how similar the Study Chamber inside Sōkyoku Hill looks to the Study Chamber underneath the Urahara Shop.

Ichigo: Hey, this place looks familiar.

Yoruichi: How's that?

Ichigo: I've been thinking about it for a while now, and I finally figured out what it reminds me of. It looks like the training room under Urahara's shop.

Affirming this as a logical observation, Yoruichi reveals the Study Chamber underneath the Urahara shop was modeled after this one, to Ichigo's surprise, and details how she and Urahara secretly built this one as a playground when they were children, leaving Ichigo incredulous at the idea of them building such a large space secretly.

Yoruichi: You noticed that, huh? We tried to model that place after this one when we built it. When Kisuke and I were kids, we needed a place to play, so we snuck off and built this place. It was our own little secret hideout.

Ichigo: Secret hideout? This place is huge. How'd you ever keep it a secret?

Yoruichi: It's a very long story. Back when the two of us were kids, we used to play here every day. When we got older, he joined the Thirteen Court Guard Squads, and I joined the Stealth Force, but we'd still come here to hone our skills.

Clarifying this is an old story, Yoruichi recalls playing here as children.

Yoruichi: Exposed….

Ichigo: HEY!

Yoruichi: What? I'm just teasing.

Ichigo: Wait a minute, Yoruichi! The Thirteen Court Guard Squads, they're...The guy's really a Soul Reaper, isn't he?

Yoruichi casually mentions she and Urahara trained here as well after he joined the Gotei 13 and she joined the Onmitsukidō, and when a shocked Ichigo attempts to follow up on this, he finds Yoruichi back in her normal form sitting on the edge of the hot spring with her legs spread out, causing him to fall backward while blushing furiously and demanding she not sit like this. While Yoruichi chuckles at getting the same reaction once more, Ichigo insists she tell him more about Urahara and averts his gaze as he questions if the latter was really a Shinigami. As Yoruichi confirms this, Ichigo admits he thought it was weird how Urahara knew so much about Soul Society.

Yoruichi: Do you mean Kisuke?

Ichigo: Who else?! I always wondered how he knew so much about the Soul Society, not to mention the fact that he had a Zanpakuto. There was even one guy in the Soul Society who turned pale by just hearing his name. I wanna know, Yoruichi. I wanna know the truth about the guy who trained me.

Yoruichi: So, he never told you, eh? All right then. I might as well tell you the rest. He's the former captain of Squad 12 of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads. In addition to that, he's the one who conceived and founded the Department of the Research and Development and served as its first chief.

After bringing up Urahara possessing a Zanpakutō in addition to this, Ichigo requests Yoruichi tell him who Urahara really is, leading Yoruichi to reveal he is the former captain of the Twelfth Division, as well as the founder and first President of the Shinigami Research and Development Institute. Meanwhile, in the Urahara Shop, Urahara quivers on the toilet while Tessai ponders the situation outside. Though Urahara questions if the latter is trying to get him killed, Tessai claims he has medicine for stomach issues that works wonderfully and walks off to get it, leaving Urahara to assume Tessai really is trying to kill him. With Tessai promising to dig the medicine up from the back yard, Jinta Hanakari wonders what they are doing as he watches from around the corner with Ururu Tsumugiya.

Jinta: Ah, about those guys…

Ururu: It's best to stay out of this one.

Back in the Seireitei, Gin and Izuru walk through the Third Division compound together, where they are confronted by Hitsugaya as he notes he was right to suspect they would be together while standing on a platform in front of them.

Hitsugaya: I suspected I'd find you together.

Izuru: Captain Hitsugaya, I...

Gin: ...

As Izuru expresses shock at his arrival, Hitsugaya observes only his cell was unlocked from the outside and accuses

Hitsugaya: I figured you were behind this, because out of the three, Izuru's was the only cell that had been opened from the outside. If you didn't want to get caught, you should've been more careful. That was careless, even for you, Gin.

Gin of being careless if he intended for this to be secret, only for Gin to claim this is a funny thing to say because he wanted Hitsugaya to know.

Gin: It's funny that you would accuse me of being careless. When the fact of the matter is, I left him that way on purpose, so that you would know.

Asserting that it is a good thing he got here before Hinamori did, Hitsugaya grips the handle of his Zanpakutō and promises to kill Gin before she gets here.

Hitsugaya: It's a good thing I arrived before Momo. I'll kill you before she get here.

Suddenly, Hinamori leaps high into the air and lands on the platform between Gin and Hitsugaya, who expresses astonishment as he removes his hand from his Zanpakutō.

Momo: I've found you just in time. I'm glad I'm not too late.

Hitsugaya: Momo! Don't do this, Momo! You're not match for him. You'll just wind-up dead. Stand back and let me handle this!

Momo: I'm sorry, but….No.

As Hinamori notes that she has finally found him here and stands up, Hitsugaya warns her to not fight Gin and to let him manage it instead but is stunned to find Hinamori pointing her Zanpakutō instead and proclaiming that she will avenge Aizen.

Hitsugaya: What do you think you're doing?

Momo: I'm about to take revenge...for Captain Aizen! I know everything. The Captain wrote it all down. It's here in this letter.

With tears in her eyes, Hinamori asks Hitsugaya why he killed Aizen while Gin smiles behind her.

Tayla: And here's what the letter said.

With the last message left by Sosuke Aizen's voice he gave to Momo, the last thing before he was murdered.

Aizen: "Momo, the true purpose for this execution is not to kill Rukia Kuchiki. The execution was contrived in order to steal a certain object, an object of great value, the Sōkyoku. The Sōkyoku's seal is broken only for an execution. In that one blade lies the destructive power of a million Zanpakuto. It possesses the defensive ability to block Zanpakuto of equal power. More importantly, when a Soul Reaper is crucified and then stabbed with the Sōkyoku the blade's power grows exponentially, dozens of times over. The one who plotted this execution plans to use power to destroy the Seireitei. Once that's done, they intend to obliterate the entire Soul Society as well."

After stating that she knows everything due to the letter that Aizen left behind, Hinamori recounts how it told her that the true objective of Rukia's execution is to steal the Sōkyoku rather than actually kill Rukia because the blade possesses power equal to a million Zanpakutō, with the stand being able to withstand the same amount of power, and its power momentarily increases several times over at the instance of execution, which the one who plotted this execution plans to use in order to destroy all of Soul Society in addition to the Seireitei.

Momo: He wrote it down, the name of this person. The one who intended to do all this. Toshiro...Hitsugaya.

Hitsugaya: What?!

With Hinamori concluding that he is the culprit of this plot named in the letter, Hitsugaya is left speechless. Hinamori reveals Aizen wrote of his own plan to confront Hitsugaya at the East Holy Wall on the night of his death and fight him if he does not back down before asking Hinamori to avenge him and conduct his wishes if he is killed for his final request as a man instead of as her captain.

Momo: The letter goes on to say...I must do whatever it take to stop him. But if I should die, then it's up to you. You must find a way to accomplish what I could not. Kill him and save the Seireitei. Please, this is my final request. I ask not as the Captain of Squad 5, but merely as a humble man. Please, I beg of you.

Hitsugaya: Momo, it's not...

Momo: Aaaaaaaaah!

Shedding a single tear, Hinamori screams and attacks Hitsugaya, resulting in an explosion of energy blasting outward. As he skids across the platform unscathed, Hitsugaya berates Hinamori for thinking Aizen would ask her to avenge him and asserts the latter was not an idiot who would fight a battle he could not win or a coward that would ask his subordinates to clean up his mess. Despite this, Hinamori declares that this is what the letter said in Aizen's handwriting and that she did not want to believe it either before lunging at Hitsugaya while claiming this is what Aizen said.

Hitsugaya: Please, Momo! Stop this!

After slashing at Hitsugaya four times, each of which he evades, Hinamori stops and tearfully admits she does not know what to think anymore, leaving Hitsugaya stunned and concerned while she screams and unleashes another energy blast.

Momo: I can't do it. I can't. I'm so confused. I don't know what to do anymore. Momo: I don't know what to do...Oh, Shiro.

Leaping high into the air above, Hitsugaya notes Hinamori is too upset to think rationally and concludes someone must have forged the letter so he and Hinamori would kill each other because Aizen would never have written it. Upon seeing Gin grinning at him below, Hitsugaya assumes that this was part of his plan as well and angrily prepares to attack him as he falls, only to find Hinamori leaping into his path in midair. With Hinamori determined to attack him, Hitsugaya is forced to knock her out with a blow to the head, sending her crashing into the platform below, and is stunned into silence when he looks at her unconscious body.

Hitsugaya: Of course.

Gin approaches Hitsugaya and asserts that it was unnecessarily cruel of him to hit Hinamori so forcefully when she was desperate, but Hitsugaya merely questions what he is after and states he will never forget what Gin told Aizen at the captains' meeting.

Gin: Well, I'm glad that mix up mess is finally over with.

Izuru: …..

In the past, after Aizen warns him that he is keeping watch and walks away, Gin observes that Aizen should enjoy listening to the intruder alarm while it lasts since he will never hear it again. In the present, Hitsugaya claims that Gin had to make Hinamori suffer because Aizen was not enough for him and points out how Hinamori was gripping her Zanpakutō so hard that her hands are bleeding.

Hitsugaya: Damn him! Only one person is capable of doing all this...And now you'll pay!

It seems like Gin has gone too far now to make Hitsugaya see of Momo to lose it, and Izuru is just standing there doing nothing at all. What in the heck?

Gin: Oh, my. Who'd have thought the squad 10 Captain could be so cruel? The girl obviously suffering from emotional distress, so why'd you have hit the poor little thing so hard?

Hitsugaya: Gin...What exactly are you after, Gin? So Aizen wasn't enough for you. You couldn't be happy until you'd hurt Momo as well. You slide your lies into her mind like a dagger and twisted them until them were so painful that her hands bled from gripping her sword so hard.

Gin: I'm sorry, I'm afraid I don't follow you.

Hitsugaya: I gave you a warning. I told you that if you ever hurt Momo, I would kill you myself!

While Gin wonders what he is talking about, Hitsugaya begins glowing with white Reiatsu and angrily reiterates his promise to kill Gin if he ever made Hinamori bleed before drawing his Zanpakutō as its sheath disintegrates, leaving Gin to decide that he will have to stop Hitsugaya if he does this while gripping his own Zanpakutō and glowing with violet Reiatsu.

With 10th Division Captain Tōshirō Hitsugaya and his captain, Gin Ichimaru, staring each other down while exerting their Reiatsu and gripping their Zanpakutō, an intimidated 3rd Division Lieutenant Izuru Kira expresses concern for Gin, who instructs him to stay back if he does not want to die yet.

Gin: This will never do. If you insist on drawing your sword in a place like this, then I'm afraid you leave me no other choice than stop you.

Now things were about to go down between two captain from squad 3 vs. 10.

Izuru: But, Captain Ichimaru...

Gin: Better move back, Izuru. Unless...you feel like dying.

He does so as a bit further away as Izuru could move away. Still, was he far enough from the battle? Same with the out cold Momo? However, Hitsugaya asserts that it is not enough to simply stay back and orders Izuru to run away even after he can no longer see them because he may die if he is within three rid of Hitsugaya.

Hitsugaya: Don't be stupid, Izuru. Just moving back isn't going to be enough. In a few minutes, I promise you, you're not going to want to be within ten square miles of this place. So start running and don't look back. Because if you stay here, you're liable to get drawn into this. And I can't guarantee I won't you by mistake.

Well said, now move away!

Izuru: Ah, right!

Appearing in front of Gin with Shunpo, a yelling Hitsugaya brings his Zanpakutō down on him, creating a small explosion of force on impact as Gin leaps back next to Izuru. After catching up, Hitsugaya repeatedly slashes and stabs at Gin, who casually dodges each strike, and while Izuru braces himself against the resulting wind pressure, Gin jumps high into the air, where Hitsugaya joins him and resumes his assault by bringing his Zanpakutō perpendicularly down onto Gin's while the latter blocks. As he clashes with Hitsugaya several times, Gin forces Hitsugaya's Zanpakutō to the side and repels him with a slash.

Gin: Shoot to kill, Shinso!

Upon landing on the platform below, Hitsugaya leaps back to avoid Gin's stab at the area where his right foot was located, only to be distracted when Gin pulls his Zanpakutō up, causing shards of wood to fly at Hitsugaya's face. Gin declares this is an opening and stabs his Zanpakutō forward, but Hitsugaya steps on top of it and forces the blade to the ground before slashing horizontally at Gin, who falls back to evade it at the last second, losing a small lock of hair in the process, and handsprings onto his feet to propel himself several feet away from Hitsugaya, where he lands and turns to face the latter while commending Hitsugaya's skill as reflecting his status. With Gin describing him as dangerous, Hitsugaya exerts his Reiatsu outward from him in several powerful, vertical waves, leading Gin to realize he is serious as he assumes a battle stance, and Izuru is amazed by the intensity of his Reiatsu. Hitsugaya and Gin rush toward each other and clash in an explosion of Reiatsu, and as Gin stops smiling upon realizing that his left sleeve has been cut, Hitsugaya attacks him several times in rapid succession, forcing Gin to block. After Hitsugaya separates from him, Gin rips off the end of his sleeve and throws it at Hitsugaya, who slashes it away, before rapidly stabbing at Hitsugaya dozens of times with his Zanpakutō. Though Gin tauntingly asks him how it feels to be cornered as he struggles to block the rapid strikes, Hitsugaya manages to bind Gin's Zanpakutō in place with the chain and blade attached to the hilt of his Zanpakutō and leaps over Gin's head to the area behind him, where Gin pulls his Zanpakutō out of the binding chain and admits that he should not underestimate Hitsugaya due to the risk of regretting it later. However, Hitsugaya asserts that he should not be regretting anything yet, to Gin's confusion, and declares that he should regret pushing Hitsugaya to this point while his eyes glow icy blue and a wave of pressure blasts outward from him, frightening Izuru. Leaping high into the air above Gin, Hitsugaya covers the sky in clouds with Tensō Jūrin and releases his Shikai, Hyōrinmaru, creating a large, serpentine dragon out of water and ice that coils around him.

Hitsugaya: Now it's my turn….! Rage Upon the Frozen Heavens, Hyorinmaru! (Ice Ring!)

On the platform below, Izuru mentally details how this dragon is created from Hitsugaya's overwhelming Reiatsu and how Hyōrinmaru can even control the weather before describing it as the most powerful ice-type Zanpakutō and something he has never seen in action until now. A yelling Hitsugaya directs the dragon to crash into Gin by slashing at him with Hyōrinmaru, and while Gin evades the resulting torrent of ice unscathed, Izuru leaps out of it drenched in water.

As he admits that he could not dodge the large volume of water, Izuru discovers his soaked arm and fist being frozen by the intense cold and screams in terror as a tendril of ice binding his legs slams him into the roof of a nearby building, where the majority snaps off to leave him lying immobilized. With Gin landing on the roof of a different building, Hitsugaya generates another ice dragon and sends it hurtling toward Gin with its jaws open, leading Gin to hold his Zanpakutō out in front of him and disperse the dragon into ice and water around him until the tip of its tail vanishes. However, Gin is shocked to find his left arm frozen and bound by the chain on Hyōrinmaru.

Gin: Oh my.

When Hitsugaya declares this is over while standing behind him with the chain in his hand as Izuru desperately calls out to him, Gin opens his eyes and releases his Shikai, Shinsō, which pierces through his haori and extends toward Hitsugaya's left eye.

Hitsugaya: Now you're done, Gin Ichimaru!

Though Hitsugaya manages to dodge the blade by falling onto his back, Gin questions if he really wants to do this because the girl is going to die as Hitsugaya realizes Shinsō is hurtling toward an unconscious 5th Division Lieutenant Momo Hinamori.

Gin: Gotcha! Pierce his flesh, Shinso!

Suddenly, before Shinsō can reach Hinamori, 10th Division Lieutenant Rangiku Matsumoto appears in its path and intercepts the blow with her own Zanpakutō.

Hitsugaya: Rangiku?!

With Rangiku pushed back several feet in a burst of yellow energy and with the tip of Shinsō cracking her Zanpakutō, those present look on in astonishment as she apologizes and explains that she came back from the barracks upon sensing the Reiatsu of Hyōrinmaru'.

Rangiku: Please, forgive me, sir. I was returning to my quarters as you ordered, but then I...I felt Hyōrinmaru's Spiritual Pressure and thought you might need help.

Hitsugaya: I see.

All now the fighting stops thanks to Rangiku's help.

Rangiku: Now, Captain Ichimaru, please put away your sword. If you refuse, then you're going to have both of us as your opponents.

Requesting that Gin sheathe his Zanpakutō, Rangiku promises to engage him from here if he does not, and as he sees Shinsō cracking her Zanpakutō further, a frowning Gin smiles.

Gin: ...Very well. Let's go, Izuru.

Leaving now together.

Izuru: Captain.

With Hitsugaya wanted to stop Gin, but it was too late now.

Hitsugaya: I'm not done with you yet!

But before heading out...

Gin: Instead of coming after me...maybe you should look after the Squad 5 Lieutenant.

Taking off now for both Gin and Izuru, Hitsugaya carries Momo to Squad 4 now to be treated for her hands. A bit weak and tired for losing someone, but she'll be fine. But for Rangiku questions herself with Gin, that still remains a big mystery.

Rangiku: ….

Hitsugaya: Momo….

Elsewhere, Yoruichi Shihōin sits on the edge of a cliff on Sōkyoku Hill near a waterfall and notes that there are only two days left for Ichigo Kurosaki to achieve Bankai using Kisuke Urahara's Tenshintai method. While Ichigo performs warm-up exercises within the Study Chamber inside Sōkyoku Hill, Yoruichi admits that he has improved with alarming speed compared to ordinary Shinigami but clarifies that this only extends to his combat prowess and that his Reiryoku has not been bolstered as much. With Ichigo completing his exercises, putting on his shihakushō, and wondering where she went because he wants to start soon, Yoruichi wonders if he can really achieve Bankai in only two days at this rate and if she should extend the deadline before recalling how she learned that Rukia Kuchiki's grace period was shortened to twenty-five days when she was gathering information. Though she observes they would have ordinarily had no extra time for training because the execution would have taken place the day after the third day of Bankai training, Yoruichi details how being chased by the Kōtotsu in the Dangai shifted the time axis in the favor of the Ryoka when they entered Soul Society, causing them to arrive a full week earlier than planned and giving her and Ichigo eight more days after completing the initial three days of training. Despite being able to extend the training, Yoruichi remains uncertain if she should because Urahara is the only one to have achieved Bankai through this method and believed training any longer would be dangerous. As an increasingly irritated Ichigo repeatedly calls out for her, Yoruichi remembers Urahara assuring her that Ichigo's natural abilities are greater than his own are but observes that there is no guarantee his Soul will be able to withstand the longer training period. With Ichigo angrily questioning if she ran away due to being scared of him, Yoruichi decides to wait one more day and only implement this change if there is still no noticeable change in his Reiryoku. Meanwhile, within the Shishinrō inside Senzaikyū, a stunned Rukia asks a member of the Kidō Corps what he just said as he stands before her in the entrance to her cell alongside six of his comrades. Assuming that Rukia did not hear him the first time, the Kidō Corps member reiterates his message of her execution date being changed to tomorrow and departs with his comrades, leaving Rukia standing alone in the dark. Elsewhere, in one of the barracks, Hitsugaya and Rangiku stand before Hinamori, who lies unconscious on a bed with medical equipment hooked up to her, as Hitsugaya thanks Rangiku for arriving when she did because Hinamori would be dead otherwise, only for Rangiku to downplay this. In the past, with Rangiku struggling to hold back Shinsō, Gin retracts it and smiles at Rangiku before turning to leave, prompting a startled Hitsugaya to demand he wait. Gin suggests that Hitsugaya look after Hinamori instead of pursuing him and disappears with Shunpo.

Rangiku: ... (Once again, you disappear without telling me where you're going. That's one thing about you that's never changed. Gin, tell me. Where are you going now?)

In the present, Rangiku rubs her bandaged arms and notes that Gin still has a bad habit of leaving without telling her where he is going as she wonders where he is trying to go. While pondering how much of 5th Division Captain Sōsuke Aizen's letter was forged, Hitsugaya recalls Hinamori discovering Aizen's corpse pinned to the East Holy Wall and questions if the line about the power of the released Sōkyoku being commandeered at Rukia's execution is true. However, before Hitsugaya can finish thinking, he and Rangiku are approached by a Jigokuchō. After letting the Jigokuchō land on her finger, Rangiku relays its message of Rukia's execution taking place twenty-nine hours from now, to Hitsugaya's shock, and this being the final change to the date. With the Jigokuchō flying away, Hitsugaya walks out of the room into the hallway and asserts that he cannot let this execution proceed if the release of the Sōkyoku is part of Gin's plan before ordering Rangiku to come with him so they can stop the execution. Across the Seireitei, 8th Division Lieutenant Nanao Ise, 2nd Division Lieutenant Marechiyo Ōmaeda, and 7th Division Lieutenant Tetsuzaemon Iba learn of this change. With 9th Division Lieutenant Shūhei Hisagi, a smiling Gin, and a stunned Izuru learning of this change as well, Rukia sits somberly next to the narrow window in her cell.

Meanwhile, outside Sōkyoku Hill, 6th Division Lieutenant Renji Abarai walks up to the base of the cliff near the waterfall and recognizes Ichigo's Reiatsu emanating from within Sōkyoku Hill. Within the Study Chamber inside, Ichigo and Zangetsu wield new swords while repeatedly clashing with one another before entering a blade lock while Yoruichi watches from the side and notes that Ichigo is making solid progress, only to wonder why she feels so uneasy regardless.

Ichigo: It's not over yet!

Zangetsu: That makes number fifty-two.

As a yelling Ichigo continues to battle against Zangetsu, Yoruichi describes the sensation she is experiencing as that of something ominous approaching.

Yoruichi: (Ichigo's making steady progress. But still, I just can't seem to shake this uneasy feeling I have. I'm sensing something out there, something ominous approaching this place.)

Suddenly, the entrance at the top of the nearby ladder is destroyed, startling Ichigo and Yoruichi, and Renji admits that he was wondering what Ichigo was doing in here before inquiring if Zangetsu is his Zanpakutō Spirit while falling to the ground below.

Renji: I was wondering what you could be doing, holed up in this place. So, you're hiding out here and secretly training for Bankai, are you?

Ichigo: Renji!

Renji: Looks like fun to me. Let me train along with you. But the fact is, I'm not here for any special reason. It's just, we're out of time now, so I needed someplace where I could concentrate and train in peace. Just like you.

The resulting dust cloud clears to reveal Renji with his Shikai, Zabimaru over his shoulder, and as Renji requests to join him in training to achieve Bankai, Ichigo is astonished by his presence, prompting Renji to deduce that Ichigo is wondering why he is here.

Ichigo: What do you mean, we're out of time? What the hell are you talking about?!

Renji: Well, all right. I guess I can at least tell you that much. It's about Rukia's execution. They're moved the time forward.

Ichigo: Huh!

Upon being told by Renji that they are out of time and that he simply wants a place where he can concentrate on training, a confused Ichigo demands to know what he means by them being out of time and is shocked alongside Yoruichi and Zangetsu to learn that Rukia's execution is now taking place at noon tomorrow.

Renji: And though I hate to admit it, the fact is, at my current level I'm not quite good enough to save Rukia. That's why I came here: to train.

Ichigo: ...

Renji: Don't worry about me. I don't have any intention of getting in the way of your Bankai training. In fact, I'm close to achieving the Bankai release myself. I've already mastered manifesting it. So, if it's okay with you, I'm just gonna do my own thing here.

Admitting that he came here because his current level of power is not enough for him to save Rukia, Renji promises to not interfere with Ichigo's training since he already knows how to manifest his Zanpakutō Spirit and is close to achieving Bankai as mist swirls outward from Zabimaru and concentrates in the air, resulting in Zabimaru manifesting. Though a stunned Yoruichi is convinced that he cannot achieve Bankai by tomorrow, Ichigo draws her attention by shattering most of his sword's blade and asserts that she does not get to give up first when she is the one who initiated this training for him.

Yoruichi: No way...There's no way he can reach Bankai that quickly.

When Yoruichi begins to remind him of the consequences of not achieving Bankai in time, Ichigo cuts her off with a refusal to speak of what cannot be done and shatters the remainder of his sword's blade against his hand while glowing with Reiatsu and declaring that he will simply achieve Bankai today if the deadline is tomorrow, leading Renji to smile with approval as the force of his Reiatsu generates a strong wind.

Ichigo: What? Are you just gonna give up on me then? Come on Yoruichi. You're the one who started me on this training program. It was your idea, so you can't be the first one to quit on it.

Yoruichi: Ichigo, no! What if tomorrow comes and you still can't achieve Bankai?

Ichigo: We can't waste time worrying about what ifs! Failure is no longer an option. If they have changed the deadline to tomorrow...then the only option there is, is to finish training today.

With the wind surging through the Study Chamber and over those present, Yoruichi is stunned by the intensity of Ichigo's Reiatsu. During this, Rukia lies on the floor in her cell and decides to request that Ichigo and his friends be allowed to return to the Human World before she is executed tomorrow, which might be allowed since she is a member of the Kuchiki Clan. After mentally admitting that she was surprised but not sad to learn of the new execution date, Rukia concludes that this is due to the dream she had last night about the night she will never forget and closes her eyes. In the past, Rukia clutches the corpse of 13th Division Lieutenant Kaien Shiba and repeatedly screams his name while rain pours down on the forest they are lying in.

Tayla: Just a little details to put in this episode, so just a big heads up here. Enjoy….

In the past, a younger Rukia Kuchiki enters a waiting room through a pair of sliding doors in the Thirteenth Division as a Shinigami behind her instructs her to wait until their captain arrives shortly. When Rukia requests that the Shinigami address her less formally in the future because she is just an ordinary new division member, the Shinigami claims that he will be more careful in the future and closes the doors, leaving Rukia to look down and sigh with melancholy.

Rukia: (It was just an ordinary encounter...)

In the hallway outside the room, several other Shinigami gossip about Rukia's status as the new pet of the Kuchiki Clan and her exemption from both the graduation and entrance exams, leading them to conclude this is just a game for the noble families and that she has not worked as hard as they have to get here. With a dejected Rukia noting it is the same here, 13th Division Lieutenant Kaien Shiba suddenly approaches and berates the other Shinigami for standing around instead of being at their posts before sliding open one of the doors and introducing himself to a surprised Rukia.

Kaien: My name is Lieutenant Kaien Shiba. Welcome aboard!

When Rukia meekly greets him in return, an irritated Kaien grabs her head and reminds her that the formal way of responding to her lieutenant's introductory greeting is to state her name and properly greet him in return.

Rukia: I see. Yes, sir.

Kaien: What did you just say? What kind of greeting is that supposed to be?!

Rukia: Ah!

Kaien: I am your commanding officer! You're supposed to state your name and say "pleased to meet you, sir"! What's your name, damn it?!

Rukia: Uh...It's Rukia Kuchiki, sir.

Kaien: Hmm...And?

Rukia: And, and I'm pleased to mee you, sir!

Intimidated by this, Rukia tells Kaien her name and formally greets him at his further insistence, which prompts a smiling Kaien to let go of her head and assert that she is alright.

Kaien: All right! You're okay, Rukia.

Rukia: Of course, sir!

As she adjusts her frazzled hair, Rukia notes that this was an ordinary greeting, yelling, and subordinate-superior relationship while Kaien reveals he is in charge of things due to their captain being sick often and it is okay to address him as Captain by mistake.

Kaien: Welcome to Squad 13, the best squad of them all! Unfortunately, our captain isn't in the best health, so I pretty much run things around here. In fact, it's not a problem if now and then you forget and actually address me as "Captain Kaien"!

Rukia: Uh, kay. I'll try to remember.

A still-frazzled Rukia promises to keep this in mind and observes that this normalcy is exactly what she was looking for. That night, Rukia kneels behind her brother, 6th Division Captain Byakuya Kuchiki, in his personal quarters and reports that her division entrance ceremony concluded without incident.

Rukia: (A normal greeting. A normal scolding. A normal relationship between officer and subordinate.)

However, upon being asked what seated rank she attained, an apologetic Rukia is forced to admit that her abilities were not enough for her to reach a seated rank on entrance and slides the door closed when Byakuya acknowledges this and tells her that she can leave.

Byakuya: Do what must be done in the Kuchiki Clan name, Rukia.

A family code of honor to follow by, huh? Too much of it if you ask me.

Rukia: (Yes, an ordinary relationship. But this sense of ordinary was exactly what I'd been looking for.)

Near a stream sometime later, Kaien leans over Rukia and questions why she looks so glum.

Kaien: Bah, not the long face again. Now what?

Rukia: Eep!

With Rukia startled by this, an annoyed Kaien questions why she always reacts this way when she sees him and claims that she is going to hurt his feelings before offering Rukia a canned drink and sitting down beside her against a tree.

Kaien: And why is it you practically jump out of your skin every time you see me? You're hurting my feelings.

Rukia: I-I'm sorry.

Kaien: Knowing you, you probably won't tell me anything, but I have to ask. What's got you so depressed? Just remember this. As long as you're a part of this squad, Rukia, I will stand by you even if it costs me my life.

Rukia: Ah...

After noting that Rukia would not tell him why she is depressed even if he asked, Kaien reminds her that he is on her side as long as she is a member of the Thirteenth Division. However, before a touched Rukia can respond, Sentarō Kotsubaki and Kiyone Kotetsu pop up behind the two of them and begin teasing Kaien for bonding with Rukia like this while visibly intoxicated, prompting Kaien to berate them for getting drunk again.

Sentaro: Good old buddies they are…

Kiyone: I hope they're not too much in love…

Addressing Rukia, Sentarō assures her to not be bothered by the other Shinigami because they also gave him a tough time when he joined due to him being from the Rukongai and instructs her to verbally fight back, to Kiyone's amusement.

Rukia: Of course we're not lovers!

Kaien: Alright. Back to work, you two. Now!

Irritated by Sentarō and Kiyone's antics, Kaien splashes his drink on them so they can sober up, but Kiyone merely claims he is too rough. As she watches Kaien admonish Sentarō and Kiyone for doing this while still on-duty, Rukia smiles and mentally admits she feels comfortable being around Kaien. Later, with several Shinigami having cornered a Hollow in a field, Kaien leaps into the air and cuts through its head with his Zanpakutō. Watching in astonishment from the ground below while propping herself up on her hand after falling, a scuffed Rukia smiles in happiness as her fellow Shinigami congratulate Kaien on his victory. Afterwards, while sitting apart from the other Shinigami as she examines her light wounds, Rukia is approached by 13th Division 3rd Seat Miyako Shiba, who cleans Rukia's cheek with a damp cloth and inquires if she is alright.

Rukia: (Kaien always had a way of making me feel at ease. Miyako was Captain Kaien's wife. She had risen quickly to the rank of Third Seat Officer in the squad. Not only was she as strong warrior, but she was also intelligent, kind, and beautiful.)

When Rukia frantically assumes a formal kneeling position and confirms she does not have any serious injuries, Miyako acknowledges this and states it is good, only for the two of them to be interrupted by Kaien calling out.

Miyako: Please take better care of yourself, Rukia. Don't want you getting hurt out there.

Rukia: Yes, madame.

Kaien: That's my awesome and beautiful wife for you. Her fighting skills and pure heart is why I married her.

When Kaien runs over and admits that he did not know she was here, Miyako asserts that she came here to take care of things in the event that Kaien could not beat the Hollow. After laughing at the idea of being beaten so easily, Kaien asks Rukia to call over Sentarō and Kiyone so they can depart, and after thanking Miyako for her help and having the latter tell her to take care, Rukia runs off. As she stops and looks back at Kaien and Miyako talking from a nearby hill, Rukia details how Miyako was Kaien's wife and the 3rd Seat despite being a woman before walking away while describing Miyako as someone she looked up to due to being intelligent, kind, and beautiful. Sometime later, Miyako is ordered to go on a reconnaissance mission with four other members of the division. Standing with Miyako, the other Shinigami, and Rukia outside the entrance to the Thirteenth Division compound, Kaien explains that they do not know anything about the Hollow that Miyako is tracking down due to none of the Shinigami who have been attacked by it surviving and requests that Miyako be careful, only for a giggling Miyako to note that she never thought Kaien would say such a thing. With Kaien telling her to stop kidding around, Miyako regains her composure and declares that she cannot forgive a Hollow that has disturbed a Soul's peace. While Miyako concludes that she will stop their evil deeds as a proud member of the Gotei 13, Rukia is left concerned, but Miyako assures her it is just a reconnaissance mission, and she will leave the rest to the combat unit before departing. That evening, as the sun begins to set, Kaien sits with his captain, Jūshirō Ukitake, who coughs repeatedly, in his quarters. When Kaien asks him if he is alright, Ukitake assures the former he is fine as Rukia enters the room with tea. With Rukia kneeling and Kaien taking the tea from her, Ukitake inquires if she has heard any word from the reconnaissance team yet, Rukia denies this and states the team has not yet returned.

Suddenly, Sentarō slides open the doors and frantically reveals that something terrible has happened to the reconnaissance team, to the shock of those in the room. Shortly afterward, Rukia, Kaien, and Ukitake are brought to an unconscious Miyako, and as Kaien runs to her side in concern, a Shinigami standing by clarifies that her life is not in danger despite her condition. With the Shinigami revealing that the rest of the reconnaissance team is dead to Ukitake, Rukia approaches Kaien, who looks up with anger in his eyes. That night, while other Shinigami walk around the compound, Miyako suddenly sits up in her room. Outside, three Shinigami discuss the recent tragic event. With the moon overhead being obscured by clouds, the Shinigami admit the division cannot do without Miyako, who approaches them. As the Shinigami react to her presence and wonders if she should really be up, Miyako suddenly cuts all three of them down with her Zanpakutō. Hearing the resulting screams, Ukitake and Rukia rush to the site of the attack, where Miyako finishes cutting down a fourth Shinigami as the clouds pass to reveal a spatter of blood on her cheek. While Sentarō and Kiyone join the stunned Rukia and Ukitake, Miyako rushes at Rukia with her Zanpakutō held out, only to be confronted by Kaien, who jumps between them and begs Miyako to stop. Miyako's arm stops mid-swing, and after struggling to stop herself, Miyako leaps over the five of them and through the branches of a tree behind the barracks by springing off the porch and roof, where Ukitake and the others are shocked to hear the screams of more Shinigami being cut down as Kaien runs after Miyako.

Ukitake: Her entire squad...was annihilated.

Rukia: No!

After the group finds two more dead Shinigami at the entrance to the compound, Ukitake questions what exactly is happening, and when Kaien observes Miyako could not have gotten very far, Ukitake tells him to wait and points out how he will be doing exactly what the enemy wants him to do by chasing after Miyako, only for Kaien to claim he must go. As Kaien declares that the Hollow took control of Miyako and sullied her honor by using her to kill those who cared about her, Ukitake acknowledges this and decides to join Kaien, who is left stunned.

Ukitake: Wait, Kaien! Keep calm. We don't know what the enemy's abilities are yet.

Kaien: Then what do we know? You want me to just sit here and wait?! Am I to leave it to the other squads while I do nothing?!

Ukitake: Hm...There is...one thing we know. That is, where it lives.

After instructing Rukia to come as well and ordering Sentarō and Kiyone to stay behind so they can prepare the battle stations, Ukitake runs off with Kaien and Rukia. Meanwhile, deep in the forest, Metastacia notes that he can smell new prey while devouring Miyako's body.

Metastacia: Ahh, I smell more prey approaching. More foolish meat.

Soon afterward, Kaien, Ukitake, and Rukia find Miyako's shihakushō hanging on an empty tree branch, where Kaien approaches it despite Ukitake and Rukia's warnings against doing so.

Rukia: I'll go first, sir. I'll scout out what its abilities are.

Kaien: Captain, I beg of, you. Permission to go fight it alone.

Ukitake: Go...

Upon being attacked by Metastacia's tentacles, Kaien leaps away as the tentacles sever the branch and Metastacia himself steps into view. Joining Kaien alongside Ukitake on a tree branch above, Rukia looks down at Metastacia and grips her Zanpakutō while asserting that she will go first, but Kaien steps forward and requests that Ukitake let him confront Metastacia alone as he looks at Miyako's empty shihakushō, shocking Rukia. With Ukitake permitting this, Kaien leaps down to confront Metastacia, who observes that he is the first. As he looks at Miyako's shihakushō once more, Kaien asks Metastacia how many Shinigami he has devoured.

Metastacia: Hahahaha! So, you are the first, eh? You're nothing but a boy!

With Metastacia stating that he does not remember the number, Kaien inquires if he has ever regretted doing so even once, and after asserting that this is a silly question because he has a heart just like Kaien does, Metastacia claims that he does not spend a single night without regret after devouring a Shinigami before concluding that right now he regrets not using Miyako more before killing her. When Kaien assumes that Metastacia controlled Miyako and made her kill her comrades, a chuckling Metastacia clarifies that he was inside Miyako at the time and tauntingly bemoans not being able to show Kaien the part where he devoured Miyako from the inside to return to this form.

Kaien: Surge, Water and Heaven...Nejibana! (Twisted Flower!)

As an enraged Kaien draws his Zanpakutō and exerts his Reiatsu, creating a shock wave that bursts outward, Metastacia mentally urges him to come forward so he can be eaten, only to be caught off-guard when Kaien appears in front of him with Shunpo and cuts off two of his left arms before leaping on top of Metastacia and grabbing one of his tentacles. Though surprised by Kaien's speed, Metastacia notes the former touched him, and when Kaien attempts to release his Shikai, Nejibana, the blade of his Zanpakutō distorts and shatters, to his shock, prompting Metastacia to reveal any Shinigami who touches his tentacles has their Zanpakutō destroyed. Metastacia sends Kaien flying with a blow from one of his tentacles, leading Kaien to shield himself while mentally noting that he has never heard of such a power before. Calling out to Kaien, Rukia attempts to draw her Zanpakutō, but Ukitake places his hand on the hilt to stop her.

Rukia: Kaien, get away!

Ukitake: Wait, Rukia.

Rukia: Captain! Kaien has been disarmed. We have to help him!

When a confused Rukia question this and asserts that they need to help Kaien, Ukitake asks her what will become of Kaien's honor of they do so.

Ukitake: But if we were to step in now, what would become of Kaien's pride? Even if by going to his aid, you are somehow successful in saving his life...the cost of such an act would certainly be the death of his pride forever.

With Rukia stunned, Ukitake elaborates that intervening now will surely kill Kaien's honor forever even if it saves his life, prompting Rukia to demand to know why this matters and what value honor has in comparison to one's life.

Rukia: That doesn't make any sense at all, Captain! What good is pride to a man if he's dead?!

Ukitake: Listen now and remember these words. There are two kinds of battles. Those of us who have chosen to be warriors and to fight those battles must always be aware of the difference between the two. There are battles that are fought to protect lives, and there are battles that are fought to defend honor.

Down on the ground, Kaien dodges multiple blows from Metastacia's tentacles before receiving a head wound from one of them, at which point he blasts Metastacia with Hadō #31. Shakkahō, while Ukitake explains that there are two types of battles which the Shinigami must always be aware of the difference between for as long as they fight. Visibly sweating in concern, Ukitake details that there are battles to protect life and battles to protect honor. As Kaien rips off two of Metastacia's tentacles, Ukitake concludes that he is fighting for the honor of his subordinates, himself, and his wife above all others, leading Rukia to slowly remove her hand from her Zanpakutō.

Kaien: Hahahaha!

Rukia: Lieutenant...Kaien?

After separating from Kaien, a blood-spattered Metastacia confronts him in a clearing and questions if he is not going to ask his comrades for help, Kaien asserts that he can manage Metastacia by himself.

Kaien: Yes? What is it, girl? What do you want?

Rukia: Lieutenant...Kaien!

Kaien: What is with you, girl? Why do you keep repeating my name again and again? Are you that worried about me?

Rukia: No...!

Metastacia: Or maybe you're in love with me!

Rukia: Ahh!

Deciding to do the same thing to Kaien that he did to Miyako upon hearing this, Metastacia describes how he will control Kaien from within and use his body to slay his comrades, which he considers amusing, before firing his tentacles at Kaien.

Metastacia: I guess if you really love me that much, then maybe I should eat you first!

With Ukitake and Rukia watching in shock from above, the tentacles enter Kaien's arm at the wrist, which he had raised to shield himself, while the remainder of Metastacia's body crumbles apart and collapses on the ground. When an unnerved Rukia calls out to Kaien, Metastacia, now having taken control of Kaien's body, asks her if she is talking to him as he turns to face Rukia with green skin and completely black eyes with orange markings on the skin around them as well as an elongated tongue, frightening her. Upon deducing that Rukia cares about Kaien if she is calling out his name this much, Metastacia leaps up to her and declares that he will devour her first if this is the case. Suddenly, Ukitake appears in front of Rukia and intercepts Metastacia's bite with his Zanpakutō before ordering Rukia to run if she does not want to die, leading Rukia to flee in terror.

Rukia: Captain!

Ukitake: Rukia, get out of here.

Rukia: Huh!

Ukitake: Get out of here! Run away, now!

Rukia: Why?

As she runs away, Rukia tearfully wonders why this had to happen. On the forest floor behind her, Metastacia runs parallel to Ukitake and inquires if the latter is not attacking him because he is trying to figure out a way to drag Metastacia out of Kaien's body, only to reveal that their fusion cannot be undone because both he and Kaien are spiritual beings whose spirits have been united.

Metastacia: I think I know what you're waiting for. You're trying to think of a way to rip me out of this body so you can still save your friend. Isn't that right? But this is different from human possession. We are both spirit beings, and now our spirits are united. It can never be undone!

Ukitake: I see. Then you leave me no choice. I will kill his body and you inside it. Kaien no longer exists. And I won't let his body become food for a monster like you.

However, Ukitake's reaction to hearing this is to swiftly cut through the side of Metastacia's neck, resulting in a large spray of blood, and proclaim that he will simply kill Metastacia alongside Kaien's body if he really has no other choice while Metastacia clutches his neck. With a shocked Metastacia questioning if he would really kill his own subordinate, Ukitake confirms that he will due to his refusal to let the likes of Metastacia possess Kaien's body before slashing Metastacia once more. Suddenly, as Metastacia leaps back, Ukitake coughs up blood and falls to his knees while attempting to pursue him, leading him to curse his affliction impairing him at such a time.

Rukia: Lieutenant Kaien!

Ukitake: Rukia?! You were supposed to get away from here, you idiot! That thing...It's no longer Kaien!

Upon seeing Metastacia leaping toward Rukia, who stands in the forest several meters away with her Zanpakutō drawn, Ukitake demands to know why she came back, only for Rukia to mentally admit that she did not even have a plan when she returned.

Rukia: (I don't know what made me go back. I didn't have a plan. I just knew I needed to go back. That I needed to save him.)

Ukitake: Rukia, no!

While Ukitake runs toward them, a terrified Rukia sees a cackling Metastacia falling toward her as tentacles emerge from his left arm, mouth, and right eye, causing her to raise her Zanpakutō, which Metastacia is subsequently impaled on. Blood spatters on Rukia's cheek as rain begins to fall on the forest around them, and after his consciousness is restored, Kaien thanks Ukitake for letting him fight as the latter stands behind him.

Kaien: Captain...Thank you...for understanding...and for letting me fight...to the end.

Ukitake: Of course….

With a stunned Rukia wondering if he intentionally impaled himself, Kaien apologizes to her for getting her involved in this fight and hugs her while concluding that he can leave his heart here as his arm begins to disintegrate.

Rukia: But Kaien...

Kaien: Rukia, I apologize to you...for getting you involved in all of this in the first place. I know this...was painful. But thanks to you, I'm saved. Now I can still leave my heart here.

When Kaien's hand falls limply off her back, Rukia begins crying and mentally asserts that she has not done a single thing to be thanked for because she only saved herself. In the present, as she lies on the floor in the Shishinrō within Senzaikyū, Rukia concludes that she is detestable and not worth being saved or having blood shed over her.

Rukia: (No. I haven't done anything deserving of anyone's thanks. The only one I saved was myself. I'm not worth shedding blood over. Not ever.)

Elsewhere in the Seireitei, Ukitake runs up to Byakuya and attempts to inform him of the change in Rukia's execution date, only for Byakuya to reveal that he has already heard of this. However, while he acknowledges this, Ukitake is stunned when Byakuya inquires why this matters and states that he will obey this new decision. Byakuya tells Ukitake to not waste his time with such pointless things and begins to walk away, but Ukitake angrily grabs his shoulder and demands that he stop joking around while pointing out that his sister will be executed tomorrow. With Ukitake suddenly breaking into a coughing fit and backing away, Byakuya instructs him to not shorten his lifespan by getting so excited and points out how Ukitake has already let one of his subordinates die, to Ukitake's further anger, before concluding that Rukia being a member of his clan means that it is none of Ukitake's concern if she dies or is killed. As he walks away, Byakuya requests Ukitake refrain from doing anything rash.

Tayla: Sorry, no script for this one too, so here's the details on what happens back in the Real World.)

While three children in Karakura Town catch a cicada resting on a telephone pole outside with a butterfly net, Kon sits on Yuzu Kurosaki's windowsill in the Kurosaki Clinic alongside two of her other stuffed animals and pretends to be inanimate as Yuzu herself sews an outfit with a ribbon and a frilly skirt for him. Addressing Kon as Bostov, Yuzu promises to stitch many colorful threads onto the skirt, but quickly realizes that she does not have the colors she is envisioning for the skirt threads and runs out of the room to buy them after telling Kon to wait here until she gets back.

With Yuzu gone, Kon muses on how it has been a while since he has become a stuffed animal in the Kurosaki Clinic, and as he considers having to wear Yuzu's outfit in addition to being forced to play house with her other stuffed animals, Kon angrily declares that he cannot take this anymore and that he will run away, only to realize that his hands have been sewn together with the hands of the two stuffed animals he is holding hands with, causing him to express astonishment at this before proclaiming that he cannot take it anymore.

Outside the Kurosaki Clinic, Don Kanonji steps out of his limo after it pulls up and attempts to recite his signature catchphrase, only to be interrupted when one of the three children who caught the cicada explains how he drank the liquid that came out of the cicada's rear end even though he is not supposed to while running behind Don Kanonji with his friends. Angered by his line being interrupted, Don Kanonji attempts to recite it once more, Don Kanonji is suddenly hit in the face by a soccer ball kicked by Karin Kurosaki, who admonishes Don Kanonji for parking his limo in front of her house once again and potentially obstructing her family's business.

When Don Kanonji addresses her as Karakura Red and asserts that it has been a long time, a slightly embarrassed Karin dismisses this and questions what he wants. Though Don Kanonji calls this cold due to them being comrades who protect the love and peace of the world, Karin points out that he should be working right now because it is the middle of the day. Startled by this, Don Kanonji admits that she makes a good point and details how shows are taped weeks in advance of the broadcast in addition to scheduled programming being halted during the Bon Festival, which means he is off work, but Karin concludes that his show has been cancelled.

With Don Kanonji caught off-guard and unable to reply to this, Karin theorizes that Casual Soul Realm Assault Trip did not receive high enough ratings to be continued, offending Don Kanonji, who demands to know what she is trying to say before revealing that he came here so Karin could participate in a special training session. As Karin expresses confusion at this, Don Kanonji asserts that they need to train hard in order to protect Karakura Town from bad spirits while rapidly performing curl-ups on the ground, and after narrowly avoiding a passing truck whose wheels drive over the area where his head was lying, Don Kanonji invites Karin to train alongside him.

However, while Don Kanonji performs his signature pose and laugh, Karin wonders if he is hiding something, leading a dejected Don Kanonji to admit that he has suffered plummeting popularity lately, though he refuses to let it be the end of him and plans to make a comeback no matter what it takes by appealing to the heart of the masses with the reformation of the Karakura Superheroes. Despite this, Karin merely enters her house and closes the door behind her as she calls this a waste of time, and upon registering her words, Don Kanonji begins clawing at the glass doors while begging Karin to come back and resume her role of Karakura Red.

Above Don Kanonji, Kon opens the window in Yuzu's room and basks in his newfound freedom, only to realize that the other two stuffed animals tied to his hands are heavy, causing him to fall off the windowsill and onto the ground behind Don Kanonji. Brushing this off, Kon declares that he can do whatever he wants once he is gone and prepares to leave while he can but is paralyzed with shock when he realizes Don Kanonji has propped himself up and seen him talking as the latter greets him. Though Kon initially pretends to be a robot while slowly walking away, Don Kanonji pretends to have seen a 100-yen coin, prompting Kon to frantically search for it and expose his true nature.

Don Kanonji observes that Kon is no ordinary stuffed animal, and as Kon dances alongside the other two stuffed animals in an attempt to seem automated, Don Kanonji assumes that he is an evil spirit. After quickly putting on the outfit that Yuzu made for him, Kon claims to be a sailor stuffed animal named Bostov with companions named Buri and Puri before trying to run away from Don Kanonji, who quickly catches up and grabs Kon by the head. When Don Kanonji begins sniffing him, a mortified Kon tearfully demands that Don Kanonji stop breathing on him, only for Don Kanonji to drop him and determine that Kon's smell is strange, but not bad.

With Don Kanonji concluding that he is not an evil spirit, Kon angrily berates him for assuming Kon is a Hollow while Don Kanonji details how a mascot is a necessity when forming a group of superheroes, meaning that the future of the Karakura Superheroes will be bright if Kon joins them. However, when Kon admonishes him for deciding such a thing on his own, Don Kanonji realizes that he was thinking aloud again and assumes that this is due to his brain getting weak in his old age, to Kon's further irritation, before offering to make Kon a hero of justice, stunning Kon. As Don Kanonji reiterates his offer, Kon envisions being praised by the girls of Karakura High School.

While Kon relishes the idea of being squeezed between their breasts, Don Kanonji asks him if he will join the Karakura Superheroes, Kon casts off his outfit and the two other stuffed animals so he can introduce himself as the Karakura King, to Don Kanonji's delight. Shaking Kon's hand, Don Kanonji welcomes him as a new member of the team, only to be startled when Yuzu calls out to him from a few feet away, having come back from the store. When Yuzu cheerfully performs his signature pose and laugh, Don Kanonji does as well and repeats it in unison with Yuzu. After Don Kanonji greets her, Yuzu inquires if he came back to film for his show.

Upon being told Don Kanonji is going to embark on a journey with the new member of his team, Yuzu is left puzzled by his mention of a new member, and as Don Kanonji introduces him to Yuzu as the Karakura King, Kon is left paralyzed in fear and sweating profusely at the prospect of revealing his true nature to her. Despite this, Kon manages to return Yuzu's greeting and shake her hand after she assumes he is not Bostov, delighting her with his ability to talk, and Don Kanonji invites Yuzu to join them as well under her mantle of Karakura Yellow, which Yuzu readily agrees to do before pulling out an outfit that she made for Bostov's groom to wear and offering it to Kon.

Though initially trembling at the thought of another outfit from Yuzu, Kon is actually impressed by the colorful costume and realizes that she had only been dressing him in frilly clothing because she thought he was a girl. With Kon putting on the outfit and hesitantly inquiring how he looks, Don Kanonji and Yuzu clap enthusiastically over his fresh look. While Yuzu swings Kon around by his arms despite his protests, Don Kanonji notes that he has managed to acquire one member for his team and now only has to pull the rest out of the ground like a bunch of potatoes. When a perplexed Yuzu wonders what he is talking about, Don Kanonji frantically assures her that it is nothing.

Meanwhile, in the sky above Karakura Town, a large, centipede-like Hollow coils above the clouds and begins flying downward upon spotting something. Soon afterward, as Don Kanonji, Yuzu, and Kon walk through Karakura Town, Yuzu observes that Karin turned down Don Kanonji, who dismisses this as alright and instructs her and Kon to turn left when they reach a dusty lot. Suddenly, Yuzu begins screaming in surprise while pointing at the back of Kon's head, but as a sweating Kon assumes that she finally figured out who he is and asserts that this was inevitable due to having the same face and shape, Yuzu merely expresses amazement at Kon being able to walk.

Don Kanonji attributes this to Kon being a hero of justice, and Kon capitalizes on his luck by proving that he can jump-rope as well, to Yuzu's further amazement. Admitting that her Bostov just sits around silently all day, Yuzu claims to know Bostov is thinking about having a girlfriend or pretty girls' clothes, which Kon emphatically asserts is not what he was thinking about. However, as Don Kanonji proclaims that believing is a beautiful thing and that those who believe shall be saved, to an irritated Kon's confusion, he is knocked down by a bag of trash thrown from the Urahara Shop behind him while Kon is blasted with water from a hose by Ururu Tsumugiya.

With Jinta Hanakari opening a window on the second floor of the store and admitting that he did not know that someone was out front when he threw the bag of trash, Kon pushes himself up and realizes where they are. Shortly afterward, Yuzu wrings the water out of Kon's body into a bowl, to his displeasure, and Ururu tends to Don Kanonji as Jinta expresses confusion at the idea of training. When Don Kanonji requests that he and Ururu join the team and poses, Yuzu copies his request and pose, causing Kon to fall into the bowl of water. However, Jinta angrily reveals that he received a huge scolding after the last time he helped Don Kanonji and his team, to Yuzu's concern.

Assuring Yuzu that this was not her fault, Jinta declares that he is not taking any more orders from Don Kanonji, only to change his mind when Yuzu questions if he really means it. After cursing his change of heart, Jinta puts on a helmet and proclaims that he will be Karakura Red once again, but when Ururu reminds him that Tessai Tsukabishi would not take kindly to them goofing off again while rubbing Don Kanonji's face with a broom, Jinta clutches his crotch as he remembers Tessai applying pressure there with his foot. Despite this, Yuzu encourages Jinta to help them with this because keeping the peace of the town is a good thing, which convinces Jinta to join in.

Upon being asked by Jinta to join as well since it will make them equally guilty and they will thus receive half the punishment, Ururu is uncertain of this, only to also change her mind when Yuzu requests her help. With Ururu putting on a red helmet that Jinta admits looks good on her, a stunned Kon internally asserts that this is a nightmare. Kon describes Don Kanonji as the guy with glasses, Jinta as the violet kid, Ururu as the space cadet, and Yuzu as his nemesis, all of whom he envisions torturing him, before proclaiming that this is too much for him and attempting to walk away, leading Don Kanonji, Jinta, and Ururu to leap in front of him before he can get far.

As Yuzu joins them and inquires alongside her new teammates where he is going, Kon envisions her asking him to come to the train with a devilish face and quivers in fear as he thanks his mother and father for the tempura. Shortly afterward, the Karakura Superheroes gather in a park and have Kon balance on the nozzle of a water fountain faucet with his mouth, where Kon responds to being asked if he is ready to begin training by demanding to know what he is doing right now. While Yuzu and Ururu prevent Kon from getting off the faucet, Jinta rapidly counts down from ten and cranks the valve on the side several times, causing a jet of water to burst out.

With Kon sent hurtling into the sky by this, the Karakura Superheroes declare that the first training session is done. Afterwards, Kon is clothed in a large, frilly dress that is taller than Don Kanonji, to his immense annoyance, and as he questions what the point of this is after spitting out water, Yuzu and Ururu praise him as looking cool, though Kon points out that this does not answer the question. The other Karakura Superheroes dance while proclaiming him as cool, further irritated Kon, and Yuzu finds a string, which she pulls on as she asks Ururu what it is. When Ururu notes that she should not pull on it yet, an alarmed Yuzu states that Ururu should have said this first.

Asserting that Yuzu should not have pulled on the string before asking her this, Ururu and the other Karakura Superheroes back up as the dress flares open to reveal a firework tower underneath that fires multiple small fireworks into the air around them before one lands on a complaining Kon. Though Don Kanonji proclaims that this is marvelous, Ururu considers it a failure and clarifies that it would have been prettier at night, prompting a burnt Kon to declare that this is not the problem. Upon deciding that he cannot put up with this training any longer, Kon runs off despite the protests of the other Karakura Superheroes, who are left in shock by his departure.

Back at the Kurosaki Clinic, Karin sits at the dining room table with some juice and clutches her forehead as she experiences a headache, leading her to wonder if it is going to rain. When she goes upstairs to look for Yuzu, Karin finds their bedroom empty and clutches her head in pain once more. Elsewhere, Kon walks down the street and tearfully begs Rukia Kuchiki to come back soon so she can hold him in her modest bosom. Suddenly, Kon looks up and screams in fear at what he sees as a shadow grows larger around him. Meanwhile, the other Karakura Superheroes look for Kon on the streets, in trashcans, and under pavement stones, only to not find him.

Don Kanonji narrates that things were going just fine until his mascot disappeared and that his perfect plan is at an end without Kon here, leading Jinta to comment that he talks to himself a lot. When a startled Don Kanonji asserts that they cannot give up, Jinta and Ururu observe that they have been unable to find Kon despite searching the entire area. However, the Karakura Superheroes hear Kon crying out for help, and upon looking up at the sky, they see him being carried between the teeth of the centipede-like Hollow. Though Don Kanonji identifies this as an evil spirit and Jinta corrects him on it being a Hollow, Yuzu merely praises Kon as amazing.

With Don Kanonji confused by this, Yuzu claims that Kon is amazing for being able to fly through the air, leading Don Kanonji to remember that she cannot see spiritual beings. After proclaiming that this is where he comes in due to the situation being tense and terrifying, Don Kanonji poses with Jinta and Karin as he informs them and Yuzu that this is the first mission of the new Karakura Superheroes, which Yuzu affirms while posing as well. Nearby, the Hollow crashes into a forest with a screaming Kon, whom she drops onto a rocky outcropping, but when Kon inquires if she plans to eat him and promises her that he only has cotton stuffing inside, the Hollow denies this.

Astonished at the Hollow being able to talk, Kon demands to know what she plans to do with him, which prompts the Hollow to extend her tongue and curl it around Kon's neck while revealing she intends to take him home and love him, to Kon's immense displeasure. Though Kon protests this plan, the Hollow lifts him up and claims he does not need to be afraid since she is a professional, and Kon tearfully bids farewell to Rukia, Orihime Inoue, and all the beautiful women he has yet to meet as the Hollow prepares to place him in her mouth. Suddenly, the Karakura Superheroes arrive and order the Hollow to stop, surprising her while Kon expresses joy at his rescue.

However, upon seeing each of the Karakura Superheroes performing different poses as they declare their intention to rescue him, Kon is embarrassed by their lack of coordination. While Don Kanonji performs his signature pose and catchphrase, Jinta and Ururu leap past him, leaving Yuzu to wonder what she should do, and land in front of the Hollow on the rocky outcropping, where Jinta declares he is Karakura Red and Ururu introduces herself as Karakura Pink. After climbing up to the outcropping, Yuzu inquires what is wrong before seeing Kon held before her. The Hollow asserts the Karakura Superheroes should know better than to interfere with their love and healing.

With the Hollow referring to him as "Flat-face", Kon is stunned by already having been renamed as the Hollow proclaims that anyone interfering with her love life gets sliced and stabs one of her talons into the rocky outcropping directly in front of Yuzu. While Jinta and Ururu leap away, Yuzu is confused by the ground splitting underneath her, which reminds Jinta and Ururu that she cannot see the Hollow. Realizing this as well, the Hollow extends another talon and brings them both down on Yuzu while proclaiming that they will tear her flesh, leading Jinta and Ururu to leap toward Yuzu as Don Kanonji calls out to her, only for Karin to run up and grab Yuzu.

Leaping out of the dust cloud resulting from the Hollow's attack with Yuzu over her shoulder, Karin lands on a different part of the outcropping and deduces that this is why her head has been hurting as she sets a surprised Yuzu down. When Don Kanonji welcomes Karakura Red coming back, Jinta angrily insists that he is Karakura Red, prompting an incredulous Karin to comment on them still being part of the Karakura Superheroes. Jinta claims that he was asked to do so and that this is for a worthy cause, and as Yuzu draws their attention to him, Kon attempts to quietly walk away from the Hollow, where Karin wonders if he is Bostov and Ururu clarifies he is Karakura King.

Upon being asked by Yuzu to help Kon, Karin remains uncertain while the Hollow hurtles toward Kon, who runs away in shock as the Hollow begins repeatedly jabbing her talons into the ground behind him. Jinta decides that he will go after the Hollow and orders Karin and Yuzu to stay back, but as Jinta runs off, Karin angrily runs after him despite Yuzu's protests. With Karin running alongside him, Jinta questions why, leading Karin to admit that she does not know before asserting that she cannot leave this up to him since he is the one who put Yuzu in danger, which a stunned Jinta responds to by angrily telling Karin to shut up because she is a girl.

Fueled by their mutual anger, Jinta and Karin run even faster, outpacing the Hollow, who is left shocked, and scaring Kon, who surges ahead in speed while his pursuers match his pace. When the Hollow attempts to grab Kon around them, Jinta and Karin leap into the air and kick the top of her head in unison while demanding that she not interfere. Continuing to argue and insult each other over their involvement in this, Jinta and Karin are interrupted when the Hollow slams a talon into the ground between them, leading Jinta to pull out his Muteki Tekkon and repeatedly bash the Hollow with it as Karin repeatedly kicks her and trades insults with Jinta.

While Jinta and Karin continue to bicker, the Hollow rises up behind them and slams her talons into each of them while declaring that she cannot stand this any longer, sending them both skidding along the ground. The Hollow decides to unleash her twister and begins coiling her body around the area, creating a vortex of air currents that lifts Karin and the Karakura Superheroes into the air. Upon seeing Yuzu floating unconscious, Jinta and Karin attempt to reach out to her, only to be dazed when their heads collide. As she deduces the location of the center of the rotation, Ururu catches Kon, who questions why she is here, and leaps out of the vortex.

After landing on the ground outside, Ururu concludes that she must unleash a powerful attack and removes a screaming Kon's limbs until only his head remains. Within the vortex, Jinta orders Ururu to do it, to Karin's confusion, and Karin throws Kon's head into the vortex, where he begins bouncing off several rocks. Telling Karin to follow his lead, Jinta uses his Muteki Tekkon to perform Jinta Home Run and send Kon's head flying at Karin, who kicks him downward with enough force and energy to imbue him with Reiryoku. Upon seeing this, Don Kanonji attempts to name it as the Karakura Ultimate Buster but is hit in the head by a box.

With Kon proclaiming that he can see eternity, his head hurtles down into the ground and creates a massive explosion of energy on impact, dispersing the vortex and destroying the Hollow, who is shocked by it ending like this. As he lands in front of Ururu, Jinta inquires where the others are, prompting Ururu to point upward as a laughing Don Kanonji carries Karin and an unconscious Yuzu with a sturdy parachute allowing them to drift safely down, though Karin demands to know what he is doing. Sometime later, a dazed Kon sees someone holding him and assumes that he is in heaven with an angel, only to realize this is not the case as Yuzu picks him up.

When Yuzu asks him if he is okay as Karin and the other Karakura Superheroes stand by, Kon observes that he is alive, leading a relieved Yuzu to explain that she thought he sacrificed himself to save everyone, though Kon mentally asserts that this is the opposite of what happened. While Don Kanonji proclaims that this is the result of their training, the box that had been present during the confrontation inches closer as a camera lens reveals itself in the opening on the side. Later, Don Kanonji holds a press conference and shows off footage of the events while detailing how he followed the Karakura Superheroes into the mountains for shock and suspense.

Don Kanonji and the enthralled audience perform his signature pose and laugh, and as she watches this on the television in the Kurosaki Clinic, Yuzu directs Karin's attention to it while she is lying back on the couch nearby. Alerted, Karin sees herself kicking Kon's head and wonders when Don Kanonji recorded this as Don Kanonji asserts that Kon may be a sad spirit. Pondering on the fate of Karakura King, Yuzu looks at Kon, who is wearing his sailor outfit and has been tied to the other two stuffed animals and addresses him as Bostov before revealing that she is making another outfit for him, leading a tortured Kon to internally beg for mercy while Yuzu smiles.

As dawn breaks on the day of Rukia Kuchiki's execution, 10th Division Captain Tōshirō Hitsugaya walks with his lieutenant, Rangiku Matsumoto, while 3rd Division Lieutenant Izuru Kira follows his captain, Gin Ichimaru. At the entrance to the Shishinrō within Senzaikyū, Rukia is escorted out of her cell by members of the Kidō Corps with the same collar used to bring her there. Elsewhere in the Seireitei, two birds sit together on a roof while a member of the Eleventh Division sits in the shade of one of the walls in a street with a broom and bemoans how unwell he feels due to the alcohol he drank last night, only for the older Shinigami on the other side of the street with another broom to assert that it was actually the tobacco he smoked that is causing him to feel this way. Warning the older Shinigami to not pick a fight with him just because he lost yesterday, the younger Shinigami threatens to kill him over this. With the older Shinigami throwing aside his broom to grip the handle of his Zanpakutō and promising to clean him up before cleaning the streets, the younger Shinigami stands up and mocks this outdated language as he grips his own Zanpakutō, only for both of them to pause upon hearing something in the distance. Suddenly, 11th Division Captain Kenpachi Zaraki slides into view at the intersection several meters away and rushes past the shocked Shinigami with Orihime Inoue and his lieutenant, Yachiru Kusajishi, holding onto his shoulders, leaving the two Shinigami to spin around from the resulting force while claiming to be honored to be sweeping streets.

Kenpachi: Well, just which was am I supposed to go now, woman?

Orihime: I think...it's probably...

But Yachiru headbutts Orihime out of the way to say it to her captain instead. And remember, her directions sucks badly.

Yachiru: It's this way!

Orihime: That hurt! What was that for, Yachiru?! That wasn't very nice!

Yachiru: Kenny knows it's this way, too. Don't you, Kenny?

The two Shinigami stare at this in shock before turning to see 11th Division 3rd Seat Ikkaku Madarame, 5th Seat Yumichika Ayasegawa, and Makizō Aramaki approaching them as well.

Ikkaku: Perhaps we would be better off just listening to Orihime, Captain. After all, the Lieutenant isn't exactly known for her accurate sense of direction.

Yachiru: Perhaps you should shut up, Cue Ball Head!

Nicknames she gives out, Yachiru makes fun of Ikkaku being bald the most.

Ikkaku: I'm gonna kill her for that!

Yumichika: Hey, come on, keep your cool now. You have to admit, Ikkaku, you were kind of asking for that one.

Really thought this was no time to be arguing like this. After Ikkaku admonishes for being so obvious about slacking off, Yumichika promises to kill them if he finds even one piece of lint lying around, and Aramaki encourages them to do their best, the three of them run off after Kenpachi.

Kenpachi: Enough of all of your bickering. I'm just going to go with my instincts.

Yachiru: All right! You go, Kenny! We'll follow you anywhere! You're the best!

While the older Shinigami wonders what Aramaki is doing with Kenpachi, the younger Shinigami realizes that there were two people riding on Kenpachi's back. Up ahead, Kenpachi asks Orihime which direction he should be running in now. However, as Orihime attempts to indicate a direction, Yachiru interrupts her with a headbutt while pointing in the opposite direction. With Orihime protesting this, Yachiru asserts that Kenpachi also thinks it is this way, and when Ikkaku suggests that she leave the guidance to Orihime since her own sense of direction is as bad as Kenpachi's is, Yachiru insults his baldness and spits on his head, causing an angered Ikkaku to attempt to unsheathe his Zanpakutō, only for Yumichika to tell him to calm down and note that he was asking for that one. With this, Kenpachi decides to simply follow his instincts and decide on his own, to Yachiru's delight. Meanwhile, within one of the underground relief cells of the Sōgō Kyūgo Tsumesho, Uryū Ishida sees a white cabbage butterfly flutter into the room through the narrow-slatted window and comments that it must be spring here. Watching the butterfly briefly land on Uryū's forehead before fluttering away, Ganju Shiba observes that he must have cracked under the pressure and teasingly offers to let Uryū chase the butterfly if he wants.

All but quiet back at the jail cells.

Uryu: Huh? A little butterfly flew into the room. Such a fragile thing. Heh...Does that mean it's spring in the Soul Society?

Ganju: Oh, great now he's seeing butterflies...and talking to himself. Why don't you see if you can catch the pretty butterflies, Uryu?

Uryu: What? Why would I do that? And where do you get off calling me by my first name! you're nowhere near close enough of a friend for that.

Irritated by this, Uryū berates Ganju for addressing him by his first name because he does not think they are on friendly terms, prompting a startled Ganju to counter by claiming that he does not believe so either.

Ganju: Hey, who said I wanted to be friends with an oddball like you in the first place?

Uryu: You must've thought that you could be my friend, or you would've never called me that.

Ganju: It's part of the Shiba Clan legacy to always reach out in friendship, even to those who don't deserve it!

With Uryū and Ganju continuing to argue about this, where Ganju claims that being friendly is a Shiba Clan tradition and Uryū denies having ever heard of such a tradition, an embarrassed Yasutora Sado sits by and listens before telling them to be quiet upon hearing a commotion outside.

Soon a noise was being made for Chad to hear it first before Uryu and Ganju could.

Chad: Shh...Listen. Don't you hear that?

Rumble*

As the three of them listen to Shinigami screaming in panic and terror, Ganju notes that the commotion is drawing closer to their location and Uryū comments on it reminding him of a typical samurai drama.

Soul Reaper: What are you doing?! Get out of the way! He's going insane!

It was getting much closer...

Ganju: Yeah, now that you mentioned it...

Crash*

Suddenly, a hole bursts open in the ceiling above them, causing Uryū and Ganju to fall back in shock while Ganju wonders what is going on.

Uryu: Th-The wall just caved in!

And soon enough, Kenpachi arrives to save the three captive boys.

Kenpachi: ...

Seeing the other members of Squad 11, Ganju wasn't so please seeing them again. Upon seeing Kenpachi standing in the clearing dust cloud, a terrified Ganju identifies him before being further shocked to see Yumichika stepping out from behind Kenpachi alongside Ikkaku.

Ganju: Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah! I never wanted to see you again, Captain Kenpachi Zaraki! Not you, too! I remember your stupid haircut and your massive ego!

For Yumichika wasn't happy to see Ganju again either.

Yumichika: I wish I could say the same. I have a good memory for the faces I've seen, with the exception of the ugly ones.

When Ganju describes him as a narcissist with a bowl cut, an annoyed Yumichika partially unsheathes his Zanpakutō and inquires who Ganju is since he cannot remember ugly faces. Ganju claims others have said he looks better bandaged up and points out how Yumichika should not be able to recognize him with his face covered anyway, and as he observes Ganju did not deny being ugly, Uryū is surprised when Orihime begins pulling herself up to Kenpachi's shoulder. It only has Orihime was very happy seeing Ganju, Uryu, and Chad again.

Orihime: I'm so glad to see the three of you are all okay!

Uryu: O-Orihime?! What're you—

Expressing relief at her friends being alright, Orihime struggles to stay up and begs Yachiru to stop while the latter swings from Orihime's waist in an attempt to make her fall down. Elsewhere, in the Sixth Division barracks, Captain Byakuya Kuchiki stands before a shrine to Hisana Kuchiki, where he is informed by someone kneeling outside the entrance that it is time to depart for Sōkyoku Hill. After acknowledging this, Byakuya tells Hisana that he is going and closes the shrine. Meanwhile, in the Seventh Division barracks, Lieutenant Tetsuzaemon Iba declares that this is terrible and runs along the courtyard hallway toward the quarters of his captain, Sajin Komamura. As he leaps into the air and tucks his legs underneath him, Iba holds his fists out on either side of his body and bows his head while sliding along the floor into Komamura's view, where he comes to a halt and apologizes for falling asleep on the toilet before promising to kill himself in order to atone. However, Komamura assures him that this is unnecessary since his preparations are complete, and as Iba expresses surprise at this, Komamura instructs him to not take responsibility for everything. Though Iba attempts to deny doing so, Komamura tells him to not hide his feelings and notes that Iba is worried Komamura might still have doubts about the execution. After Komamura concludes Iba was trying to buy time so he could think about the situation and decide, Iba admits he is right, prompting Komamura to assert he has no doubts because his dedication and loyalty to Captain-Commander Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto are absolute. Detailing how Yamamoto was the only one to believe in him when he was shunned and cast out for his appearance, Komamura proclaims he would spend his entire spirit in order to repay that debt and has no doubts before declaring he would give his life if Yamamoto requested it. With 9th Division Captain Kaname Tōsen arriving, Komamura asks him what he thinks. While an alarmed Iba turns to see him standing with his lieutenant, Shūhei Hisagi, Tōsen states that he is the same as he has always been due to his blind eyes only seeing the paths not stained red with blood, which he believes is the same path that Komamura walks. During this, in the Second Division, Lieutenant Marechiyo Ōmaeda walks down a corridor while eating crackers and bemoans how people are arguing over the morality of today's execution on top of the trouble brought by the entrance of the Ryoka and the murder of 5th Division Captain Sōsuke Aizen. Marechiyo asserts that there is no point in arguing since it is a decision made by the higher-ups. Upon being asked what she thinks by Marechiyo, his captain, Suì-Fēng, dismisses this as ridiculous because she has no interest in right or wrong, instead focusing on her duties as a captain of the Gotei 13 and the missions she must conduct to kill the enemies that get in her way. With an unnerved Marechiyo picking his nose and acknowledging this, Suì-Fēng reminds him this holds true for him as well and promises to kill him should he become her enemy before walking off, leaving an irritated Marechiyo to assure her he will remember this as he eats another cracker. Elsewhere, 8th Division Captain Shunsui Kyōraku lies on a rooftop with a straw in his mouth. When his lieutenant, Nanao Ise, approaches him and expresses annoyance at having to look all over the place for him while revealing that he needs to get ready to depart, a humming Shunsui claims to have a problem and requests that Nanao listen to it. Agreeing to do so, Nanao is alerted when Shunsui explains that the blade of grass he put in his mouth to make him look cool might be poisonous since the inside of his mouth is burning, causing her to yank it out while admonishing Shunsui for not doing so himself. As Shunsui asks her what he should do, Nanao questions why he is asking her because he will always do as he wishes regardless of what she says. With Nanao assuring him that she will follow a few steps behind him so she does not get in trouble regardless, Shunsui smiles and sits up as he notes that this means he will be the only one getting scolded by Yamamoto again. In a different part of the Seireitei, Kenpachi, his subordinates, and the Ryoka arrive at an empty pavilion on top of a building, to their considerable confusion. While Uryū nervously claims that it takes luck to guide someone and Orihime asserts that it is normal to run into dozens of dead ends before finding the right path, Ikkaku bluntly states that this is why he did not want a visibly embarrassed Yachiru to lead the way. Angered by this, Yachiru leaps onto Ikkaku and begins biting his head, to his shock. Suddenly, Yumichika senses something and alerts Kenpachi, who acknowledges this and admonishes those hiding nearby for doing so.

Yumichika: ...Captain...

Kenpachi: Yes...You should be ashamed of yourselves, boys, sneaking around like that. Show yourselves. Hiding your Spiritual Pressure in order to stalk others is no way for a captain to act.

With Kenpachi declaring that a captain hiding their Reiatsu is shameful, Komamura asserts that he is arrogant to be speaking like this despite what he is doing and appears on the far end of the pavilion's rooftop alongside Tōsen, Iba, and Hisagi, shocking those present other than Kenpachi with their combined Reiatsu.

While Tōsen wonders if Kenpachi lost his self-respect when he was defeated, a frightened Aramaki identifies each of them.

?: Your arrogance knows no bounds, Kenpachi. What are you doing with these Ryoka? Did you lose your self-respect when you were defeated?

Though Yumichika assures him that their group outnumbers the four Shinigami, Aramaki counters that this is not a matter of numbers. However, Kenpachi interrupts by reminding them that he did not say they could fight, and as Komamura, Iba, Tōsen, and Hisagi stare at him, a grinning Kenpachi asserts that four against one is not really enough to evaluate his blade against.

Ikkaku: Captain Komamura...Captain Tosen...

Four against the other five Soul Reapers. Besides having Maki, Chad, Uryu, Ganju, and Orihime on standby.

Maki: Lieutenants Hisagi and Iba too! Oh, crap!

Appearing in front of Kenpachi alongside Tōsen, Iba, and Hisagi with Shunpo, Komamura inquires if Kenpachi is saying that he will take on all four of them by himself, which Komamura considers arrogant despite knowing how powerful Kenpachi is, only for Kenpachi to tell him to shut up. Kenpachi draws his Zanpakutō and points it at the four Shinigami while encouraging them to attack him from all sides at once, since he believes that this is the only way any of them will be able to cut him.

Kenpachi: Taking these guys on won't give my blade more than a little practice.

Sajin: Though your strength is well known, Captain...It is no match for your excessive self-confidence, as you will soon learn.

Kenpachi: You talk too much, Sajin.

Upon being asked by Aramaki what he and the other should do, Kenpachi callously tells him to get lost because he is in the way, leaving Aramaki dejected over his harsh words, and Yachiru insists that they should all leave so they do not get in Kenpachi's way as she refers to Aramaki by a new nickname, which he is startled by. With Yachiru promising to keep searching for Ichigo Kurosaki while he fights, Kenpachi assures her that he will catch up soon.

Yachiru: ...We're gonna go now! We'll go find Ichigo...and you catch up later, okay, Kenny?!

Kenpachi: I'll be right there.

Yachiru: Muscles, Jiggles, Monkey, Pencil, Maki-Maki! Let's get going!

Addressing Orihime, Sado, Uryū, and Ganju by descriptive nicknames, with Uryū unnerved by his referring to his thin body, Yachiru leads them and the other members of her division away from the pavilion, pulling Orihime by the arm in the process.

Orihime: Uh, what'd you say?

Yachiru: Oh, you'll figure it out eventually!

Orihime: O-Ouch, that hurts, Yachiru. Stop pulling my arm!

Uryu: (Did I just get nicknamed Pencil?)

After noticing Kenpachi's promise to follow them soon, Tōsen questions if he was trying to provoke the Shinigami or if he really believes this, only to conclude that Kenpachi has lost his sanity in addition to his pride either way, which Kenpachi responds to by proclaiming that he never had such a bothersome thing to begin with.

Kaname: I'll be right there, huh? It seems you're deliberately trying to provoke us now. Or do you really believe you can defeat all of us that easily? Either way, it looks like you've lost your grasp on sanity, Kenpachi.

Kenpachi: Hah! Sainty...What would I do with something as useless as that? Lucky for me, I never had any such thing.

In the streets below, Orihime calls out to Yachiru while following her. When Orihime asks her if it was really such a clever idea to leave Kenpachi behind, Yachiru asserts that Kenpachi will never lose no matter who his opponent is. Behind them, Aramaki is impressed by Orihime addressing Yachiru by her first name and turns to Ikkaku for his opinion on the matter but finds that he and Yumichika are gone. Back at the pavilion, Iba and Hisagi step forward so they can be the first to take on Kenpachi, and as the latter berates them for not listening to his advice, Ikkaku declares that he knew they would not listen and appears in front of a surprised Kenpachi with Yumichika while asserting that they will have to fight as well. As Kenpachi wonders why they did not leave with the rest of the group, Ikkaku berates Iba and Hisagi for thinking they can go up against Kenpachi when Ikkaku himself would prove a suitable opponent for them before turning to Kenpachi for approval, which leads Kenpachi to realizes that he and Yumichika want to be part of the fight. Kenpachi agrees to let them take on Iba and Hisagi if they move somewhere else and threatens to kill them if they get in his way, which Ikkaku and Yumichika comply with.

Ikkaku: We got this, Captain! I wanna take on Iba!

Yumichika: And I can handle Hisagi myself, Captain.

Stepping forward, Iba claims that Ikkaku has gotten cocky since they last met, but Ikkaku asserts that Iba does not get to lecture him on how to speak. With Ikkaku bringing up how he left the Eleventh Division after realizing that he could not reach the rank of lieutenant there, Iba is angered by this, prompting Ikkaku to tell him to save it for later once they move to a different location because he does not want to be killed by Kenpachi.

Iba: Bring it on.

Hisagi: We'll show you both on what we're each made of.

Kenpachi: Get out of here, take them on. Just leave these two to me and stay outta my way or you'll get killed.

And off they go for a one-on-one match further away where Kenpachi battling again both Kaname and Sanji.

Ikkaku and Yumichika: Right!

Kenpachi: And that makes me against you two captains.

After Yumichika echoes this and requests that they move as well, Hisagi states that the end result of this fight will not change no matter what Yumichika does, and the four of them vanish with Shunpo, leaving Kenpachi to note that they can now start fighting even though the number of combatants has been cut in half and that it will at least provide a good warm-up for him. Admonishing Kenpachi continuing to talk as further proof of his arrogance, Komamura draws his Zanpakutō and releases his Shikai, Tenken, before slashing at Kenpachi, creating a wave of force that gouges through the ground toward Kenpachi and destroys part of the building below. As the dust settles, Komamura takes two steps back at the request of Tōsen, who appears in the air above and asserts that he will break all of Kenpachi's limbs while performing Suzumushi Nishiki: Benihikō, creating hundreds of thin blades in the arc of his sword swing that proceed to rain down on Kenpachi's location and further damage the building below. However, after Tōsen lands and Komamura declares that not even Kenpachi could have survived this, the dust clears to reveal a laughing Kenpachi standing with several blades embedded in his chest. With Kenpachi questioning if this is all they have, a stunned Komamura expresses disbelief at him remaining standing after both taking a hit from Tenken and being targeted by Suzumushi Nishiki: Benihikō. Kenpachi pulls out one of the blades embedded in his shoulder and retracts his previous statement due to now believing that this will not even wake him up. Meanwhile, 6th Division Lieutenant Renji Abarai prepares to leave the Study Chamber in Sōkyoku Hill. Having tied up his hair and holstered his Zanpakutō, Renji bids Ichigo farewell, and as the latter acknowledges this while facing away with another sword in hand, Renji approaches Yoruichi Shihōin and asks her if she really thinks Ichigo will be alright.

Renji: Tell me the truth, Yoruichi. What do you think? Do you still think he's going to be able to do this?

Yoruichi: ...

Renji: Because we're out of time. Can he really reach Bankai today?

As a bloodied Ichigo breathes heavily and faces Zangetsu, Renji points out that they are out of time and questions if Ichigo will really be able to achieve Bankai.

Renji: Well then, I guess I'll be going.

Ichigo: All right...

While Yoruichi remains silent, Zangetsu forms several clones of himself on the cliffs around Ichigo and asserts he will not be going easy on him just because they are out of time to complete the training, only for Ichigo to claim he does not intend to let Zangetsu do so.

Yoruichi: Renji...Do you remember the first time when you were a child that you stood up and walked on your own?

Renji: What? Of course not. No one remembers anything that early.

Upon being asked by Yoruichi if he remembers the first time he walked, a confused Renji denies this, leading Yoruichi to observe that he did not do so consciously if he does not remember it before inquiring why he stood up if this is the case.

Yoruichi: If you don't remember doing it, and yet you did it, it means that you weren't conscious of it at the time. So how did you know how to do it? The answer is all humans are born already knowing how to stand up. Just as birds are born knowing how to fly, and fish are born already knowing how to swim. It's because of what we call instinct. All living creatures use instinct to obtain their natural powers when the time comes that they need them. That's what Ichigo's face reminds me of. I think he knows instinctively somewhere deep down inside that he has that power. And that is why I still believe...that he will be the one to reach Bankai.

While Ichigo begins fighting off the various clones of Zangetsu, Yoruichi states that Humans are born knowing how to walk, birds know how to fly, and fish know how to swim, which she concludes is instinctual.

Zangetsu: Let's go, Ichigo. One more time, now. And let me be clear. Just because the hour is drawing near, I don't intend to go easy on you.

Ichigo: No, of course you won't. And that's because I'm not gonna give you the chance to go easy on me!

Describing Ichigo as knowing instinctively that he has the potential to achieve Bankai, Yoruichi concludes that this is why she believes that he will achieve it as Ichigo continues fighting Zangetsu.

Within the Study Chamber inside Sōkyoku Hill, Ichigo Kurosaki runs parallel to several clones of Zangetsu, who pursue him along the ground and the nearby cliffs. Upon seeing one of them approaching him, Ichigo stops and fends off two of the clones with his jagged sword before blocking the strike of a third from behind, only for that Zangetsu's subsequent attack to shatter his sword, sending Ichigo skidding back along the ground, where he falls to one knee and pants heavily. As Yoruichi Shihōin watches from above, Zangetsu and his clones assert that even though it is admirable to remain standing after fighting this much, Ichigo has yet to attain Bankai, which leads them to question if he wants to continue. Despite this, Ichigo merely claims that there is no point in asking him such a question and grabs another sword while demanding that Zangetsu come at him with everything he has due to their lack of time, and with Zangetsu agreeing to this, Ichigo rushes forward and attacks with a fierce expression. Elsewhere in the Seireitei, 6th Division Lieutenant Renji Abarai cuts through the blade of another Shinigami's Zanpakutō with his own, sending it flying into the air.

Soul Reaper: No, please stop, Lieutenant! Please, put away your sword.

With his comrades lying incapacitated on the ground nearby with their own Zanpakutō broken as well, the frightened Shinigami begs Renji to stop and cowers in fear when Renji levels his blade, only for the latter to leap over him and onto a nearby rooftop before departing, leaving the Shinigami to collapse while a defeated Rikichi Yuki wonders why Renji is doing this to them.

Renji: ... (Just a little farther. Just a little while longer now. And I'll be there, Rukia...to save you. I will never let them execute you!) Rukia!

Nearby, Renji runs toward the Senzaikyū and notes that it is only a little farther as he recalls his past with Rukia Kuchiki. Concluding that he will be able to save her soon, Renji mentally refuses to let Rukia be executed and runs through an arch onto a bridge, where he suddenly stops in place upon experiencing an intense Reiatsu bearing down on him.

"I was afraid. All the while I was just pretending to chase you around, just pretending to wait for my opportunity. But the truth is I was only ever a single step behind you. I was just...I was just afraid." said Renji.

6th Division Captain Byakuya Kuchiki stands atop one of the towers connected to the gate and asks a stunned Renji where he is going.

Renji: Captain Kuchiki...

Byakuya: Where are you going, Renji?

When Renji clenches his fist in determination and declares that he is going to save Rukia, Byakuya denies this, prompting Renji to reiterate his declaration and inquire if Byakuya refuses to let him pass no matter what, only for Byakuya to state that he does not intend to repeat himself.

Renji: I'm going...to save Rukia.

Byakuya: No.

Renji: I must! I assume that you're refusing to let me pass.

Byakuya: I don't intend to repeat myself.

Upon seeing Byakuya disappear with Shunpo, Renji realizes he is coming, and when Byakuya appears behind him and attempts to stab him in the back, Renji turns around and intercepts Byakuya's Zanpakutō with his own, surprising Byakuya, who is forced back by a yelling Renji. As Byakuya lands, Renji identifies this technique as Senka and details how it consists of performing Shunpo with a spin that allows the practitioner to move behind their opponent and destroy their Saketsu and Hakusui in a single strike each, which he asserts is Byakuya's favorite maneuver and one that he has seen countless times, to the point of knowing Byakuya's moves logically. After concluding that his body is now fast enough to keep up with Byakuya, Renji proclaims that Byakuya's sword can no longer kill him. However, Byakuya merely notes that Renji talks a lot and questions why he is so confident that he countered Byakuya's sword with that level of skill before holding up his Zanpakutō and attempting to release his Shikai, Senbonzakura, only for an alerted to wordlessly release his own Shikai, Zabimaru, and extend it to impact Byakuya's Zanpakutō before he can complete his release, shocking Byakuya. Renji reiterates that Byakuya cannot kill him with his sword anymore and retracts Zabimaru back to its normal state. With Renji revealing he has always wanted to surpass Byakuya since long before he joined the Gotei 13 and became a lieutenant, Byakuya observes he released his Zanpakutō without calling its name and realizes what this means while Renji holds up his Zanpakutō, which glows with red Reiatsu, and promises to surpass Byakuya now.

Renji: Before I was promoted to be your lieutenant...Long before I even joined the Thirteen Court Guard Squads...I was obsessed with one thing. The one man that I wanted to surpass. That man is you, Captain Kuchiki.

Byakuya: Does this mean that you...?

Renji: And I will surpass you, Captain Kuchiki.

Back in the Study Chamber, Ichigo shatters the hooked sword of one of Zangetsu's clones with his own straight sword, but upon seeing another Zangetsu approaching him in the reflection of his sword, Ichigo has his sword shattered when he attempts to block Zangetsu's subsequent attack and receives two cuts on his right shoulder. As Ichigo falls to his knees, Zangetsu points out how they have no more time and Ichigo's body has reached its limit before asserting Ichigo may die before achieving Bankai if he continues, which leads him to question if Ichigo wants to continue. Back on the bridge, Renji activates his Bankai, releasing a torrent of red Reiatsu that surges throughout the bridge while a spiraling vortex of smoke forms around Renji, with Byakuya watching intently.

Byakuya: (Can't it be….?)

Renji: Ban...kai! Hihio Zabimaru (Two Kings)!

The smoke clears to reveal Renji standing with his Bankai, Hihiō Zabimaru, consisting of a large, skeletal snake attached to a handle in Renji's hand and a furred cowl with a baboon skull on his shoulders. When a stunned Byakuya wonders when he achieved Bankai, Renji declares that Byakuya would never have noticed because he never pays attention to anyone beneath him, and as Renji reiterates his intention to save Rukia once more, Byakuya reminds Renji that he does not intend to repeat himself. With the segments of Hihiō Zabimaru separating to reveal bands of red Reiatsu between them, Renji decides that he will have to kill Byakuya and keep moving, which leads Byakuya to claim that Renji could not even make him fall to one knee. Angered by this, Renji sends Hihiō Zabimaru hurtling toward Byakuya, who disappears with Shunpo.

Byakuya: I see...Its power is truly at the level of Bankai.

While Hihiō Zabimaru tears through the bridge below, leaving billowing clouds of dust in its wake, Byakuya reappears on a different part of the bridge and vanishes again when Renji has Hihiō Zabimaru crash into the area where he was standing. Upon seeing Byakuya standing atop one of the towers lining the bridge, Renji sends Hihiō Zabimaru smashing through several of the towers next to it on its way to Byakuya, who leaps into the air just as it reaches him. Hihiō Zabimaru pursues Byakuya high into the air, where Byakuya draws his Zanpakutō once more and blocks the fangs of Hihiō Zabimaru while it crashes into him and pushes him back toward the ground. Though he admits that the power of Hihiō Zabimaru is at the level of Bankai, Byakuya asserts that this is not enough and releases his Shikai, Senbonzakura, entwining Hihiō Zabimaru with a helix of blade petals that constricts and breaks apart Hihiō Zabimaru. With the bone segments falling out of the sky and crashing into the bridge, Byakuya lands in front of the dust cloud, only to be astonished when the bone segments fly out and reattach to one another, leaving Hihiō Zabimaru reformed around Renji, who describes Senbonzakura as a thousand blades too small for the eye to see which reflect the sunlight as they rise to resemble flower petals. Renji reveals the bone segments of Hihiō Zabimaru are connected by his Reiatsu, and he purposely disconnected the joints when Byakuya attacked in order to counter Senbonzakura by letting the blade petals pass through harmlessly. With Byakuya visibly shocked by this, Renji questions his disbelief and claims he is simply saying he can see Byakuya's sword as two more bone segments suddenly break through the ground underneath Byakuya's feet, forcing him to leap back, where he lands on one knee and braces himself with his hand. Pointing out how he made Byakuya fall to one knee, Renji proclaims that he will bring down the curtain on this battle.

Renji: I think it's time to bring down the curtain...on the struggle between us, Byakuya Kuchiki.

Byakuya: Very well.

Renji: Now….Eat this!

As he notices Renji's mention of bringing down the curtain, Byakuya stands up and asserts that he shall do this with his own sword, prompting an angered Renji to reiterate that he will do it himself while sending Hihiō Zabimaru hurtling toward Byakuya once more. However, Byakuya merely raises his hand and uses Hadō #33. Sōkatsui, unleashing a massive blast of blue energy that surges along the bridge and reaches above the towers.

Byakuya: Hadō #33. Sōkatsui with Eishōhaki! (Pale Fire Crash!)

With Hihiō Zabimaru writhing as it protects him from the blast, Renji is left in disbelief that Byakuya could do this much damage even while forgoing the incantation of Hadō #33. Sōkatsui with Eishōhaki.

Renji: Crap!

Upon seeing Byakuya's shadow moving through the dust cloud, Renji berates him for thinking he could move out of Renji's sight with this maneuver and has Hihiō Zabimaru fly toward Byakuya, but part of the body of Hihiō Zabimaru crashes into its skull before it can reach Byakuya, sending it crashing into the towers lining the bridge and skidding along the ground before finally coming to a stop.

Byakuya: Renji, you are not ready to use your Bankai in battle. The weakness of Bankai lies in its sheer size...and the overwhelming power it releases. It goes far beyond the abilities of any normal weapon. It is for that reason that it is said one must train for ten years after learning Bankai in order to control it completely.

Though Renji assumes that he simply lost control, Byakuya explains that he used Hadō #33. Sōkatsui to disrupt Hihiō Zabimaru rather than to obscure Renji's vision because the weakness of a Bankai lies in its sheer size reflecting the volume of its Reiatsu. Byakuya details how the size and shape of a Bankai that surpasses the size of a normal blade requires those who achieve it to train for an additional decade in order to completely master its movements.

Renji: I don't need your lectures. I already knew all of that when I came here in the first place!

Despite Byakuya concluding that he is not ready to use Bankai yet, Renji dismisses this as information he was already aware of and asserts that losing a bone segment does not matter due to the toughness of Hihiō Zabimaru before attempting to resume his attack, only for Byakuya to immobilize him with Bakudō #61. Rikujōkōrō, pinning Renji in place with six wide and flat beams of light that slam into his waist from equidistant horizontal directions.

Byakuya: Bakudō #61 Rikujōkōrō (Six-Rod Light Restraint!)

Renji: Ah-!

Admonishing Renji for not simply putting his sword down and questioning if he still believes that he can win, Byakuya draws his Zanpakutō and reminds Renji that he has also achieved Bankai.

Byakuya: Put down your sword and you may let live. Unless you still have some hopeless idea about winning. In case you've forgotten, or if perhaps it didn't occur to you, I'll remind you Renji...that I, too, have Bankai.

Renji: Huh!

With Renji staring in shock and fear, Byakuya drops his Zanpakutō, which falls into the ground as though it were water, causing two rows of massive swords to rise up on either side of him while the surrounding area darkens, and activates his Bankai, Senbonzakura Kageyoshi, as the swords separate into innumerable blade petals around him.

Byakuya: Bankai! Scatter, Senbonzakura Kageyoshi (Vibrant Display of a Thousand Cherry Blossoms)!

As Renji watches the blade petals swirl, his restraints and the arch behind him are suddenly destroyed while his hair flares out.

While several trickles of blood begin streaming down the left side of his face, Renji is slashed in multiple areas of his body, causing a large quantity of blood to spurt into the air, and collapses. Byakuya looks over the devastation and describes his Bankai as a thousand blades that rise and split into infinitely more blade petals which can only be watched like the wind passing rather than predicted or avoided. Walking up to Renji, who lies surrounded by the shards of Hihiō Zabimaru, Byakuya concludes that its victims can only stand frozen and be swept away from this world before offering to tell Renji the difference between the two of them. As he attributes the difference to class, Byakuya likens it to a beast seeing the reflection of the moon in the water and sinking when it attempts to catch the moon in its fangs, leading him to assert that Renji's fangs will never reach him while turning around to depart. After instructing Renji to be proud of retaining a human form even after being attacked with Senbonzakura Kageyoshi, Byakuya begins walking away, only to stop when Renji begins struggling to get up.

Renji: It's not over.

With Renji pushing himself up on his bloody fists, Byakuya advises him against moving because it will only hasten his death as Hihiō Zabimaru reverts to the sealed form of Renji's Zanpakutō in his hand.

Byakuya: Do not move. You will only hasten your death.

Despite this, Renji pushes himself to his feet using his Zanpakutō as a crutch and declares he is not done fighting yet before attempting to rush at Byakuya despite the latter reiterating his command for Renji to not move.

Renji: It's not over. I can still fight.

Byakuya: Didn't you hear me? I told you not to move. You must have noticed by now that your Bankai is gone. When one's Bankai disappears without the permission of its master, it means that the master's time of death draws near. Soon enough now, you will begin to fade away. So, I shall ask you this one more time. Will you at long last give up this foolish dream of yours of saving Rukia?

Raising his hand, Byakuya generates several swords with Senbonzakura Kageyoshi that embed themselves in the ground around Renji, who has his sword arm pierced by two of them. With a screaming Renji falling to his hands and knees, Byakuya approaches him and commends Renji surviving after withstanding Senbonzakura Kageyoshi but promises to not go easy on Renji if he moves again while pulling out one of the swords. Concluding that he will carve Renji into pieces with his sword, Byakuya points out how Hihiō Zabimaru has vanished and reveals that a Bankai disappearing against its owner's will means that its owner is near death. With Byakuya asserting that he will soon fade away and inquiring if he still insists on saving Rukia, Renji mentally notes that he cannot breathe or even move a finger because Byakuya's intense Reiatsu feels like it is tearing him to pieces.

Renji: You know the answer to that.

Byakuya: Hm?

Renji: Because I sword. I sword that I'd save her.

Byakuya: You swore this? You swore it to whom?

Renji: No one. I just swore it. I just...swore it...to myself!

As he observes that he and Byakuya were too far apart after all, Renji suddenly envisions Ichigo kneeling before Zangetsu, to his shock, as the latter asks Ichigo if he will still stand despite his injuries. Ichigo and Renji grin in unison as they affirm they will, and when Byakuya expresses confusion, Ichigo and Renji assert they swore to save Rukia while preparing to stand up. When Byakuya questions who he swore to, Renji grips the remaining sword pinning down his arm and proclaims alongside Ichigo that he swore on his own soul before crushing the sword in his hand, shocking Byakuya, and rushing forward with his Zanpakutō held out. Recalling 11th Division 3rd Seat Ikkaku Madarame commenting on his lofty goal of surpassing Byakuya, Renji remembers 3rd Division Lieutenant Izuru Kira advising him to stay away from Rukia after she joined the Kuchiki Clan. While he recalls Izuru noting that Rukia knows as well as they do that she is different from them, Renji remembers 11th Division 5th Seat Yumichika Ayasegawa observing that it is much hard to draw than it is to tear and that tying is much more complicated than untying is before screaming as he reaches Byakuya with his Zanpakutō, resulting in a spray of blood landing on the ground behind Renji.

Renji: (It's for your own good...and for hers, too. It's a shame, but...Wel, it's kind of complicated. But it's always a lot easier to let something fall apart than it is to try to hold it together.) Dammit.

With the broken blade of his Zanpakutō falling past the handle and embedding itself in the ground near his feet, Renji stands with the remainder of the blade pressed into Byakuya's scarf, where it cracks in several areas before shattering and crumbling. Mentally cursing, Renji collapses before a blood-spattered Byakuya, who removes his scarf and throws it on top of Renji. After praising Renji for reaching him with his fang, Byakuya turns and walks away.

Byakuya: Congratulation. Very admirable. That time, your fang definitely reached me.

Meanwhile, on the bridge leading to Sōkyoku Hill, while four members of the Kidō Corps escort her, Rukia stops in place upon realizing something has happened to Renji. As she looks out over the Seireitei and mentally admits that she did not recognize Renji's Reiatsu until it faded because it was so powerful, Rukia concludes that it was definitely Renji and demands to know why he ended up in this situation.

Rukia: Renji? Impossible...Until just now when it faded, it was so powerful I couldn't tell whose Spiritual Pressure that was. It was Renji! Renji! Why...Why'd you do it?! Renji!

Suddenly, 3rd Division Captain Gin Ichimaru approaches Rukia on the bridge, and after greeting her, Gin smiles maliciously.

Standing across from Rukia Kuchiki, who is flanked by four members of the Kidō Corps, on the bridge leading to Sōkyoku Hill, 3rd Division Captain Gin Ichimaru chides Rukia for not addressing him as Captain Ichimaru and asserts that she will be scolded by her brother, Byakuya Kuchiki, if she does not change her attitude, only to chuckle and casually state that he was kidding before promising to not tell on her when a sweating Rukia nervously apologizes. Upon being asked by Rukia why he is here, Gin claims that he was out for a walk and decided to visit just so he could tease Rukia a bit. Rukia mentally asserts that she has always hated Gin and recalls how Gin would come over to talk to Byakuya after they became captains of their respective divisions while Byakuya was walking with her, and though a casual observer would not have seen anything special in their meaningless conversations, she broke into a cold sweat the first time she saw Gin. Detailing how every aspect of Gins body language felt like that of a hungry snake, to the point where it felt like his hands were around her throat and leaving her unable to blink even while he talked to Byakuya, Rukia remembers how Gin's venom seeped into the small cracks of everyday life and left her feeling intense fear around him, leading her to ruminate that something deep inside her was repulsed by everything about him, a feeling which never went away no matter how many times she talked to him and persists even now. When Gin asks her what is wrong and observes that she seems distracted, a sweating Rukia apologizes. Suddenly, Gin observes that 6th Division Lieutenant Renji Abarai does not seem to be dead yet, startling Rukia, who realizes that she can indeed sense Renji's Reiatsu, though it is weak. When Gin notes that he will be dead soon, Rukia looks at him in shock, and as Gin expresses sympathy for Renji since he was only trying to save her, Rukia demands that he not speak of Renji so lightly. Gin asks Rukia if she is afraid, stunning her, and points out how she does not want Renji and the others to die before elaborating how she must not want to die now that she is thinking about the possibility of her loved ones dying, leaving Rukia speechless. Amused by this, Gin offers to save Rukia, to the shock of both her and the Kidō Corps members and approaches her while observing he could save her and her friends this instant if he wanted to. However, as an initially incredulous Rukia begins to believe he may mean it even though he has no reason to save any of them, Gin rests his hand on her head and reveals he was just kidding, leaving Rukia speechless while her eyes widen. With Gin bidding her farewell and promising to see her at the Sōkyoku, Rukia notes she thought she had given up hope and lost all reason to live, with no regrets and no fear of death, but was shaken by having hope dangled in front of her. Concluding with horror that Gin made her want to live and made her resolve crumble, Rukia falls to her knees and screams in despair while Gin smiles maliciously behind her.

Elsewhere, on the damaged pavilion, 11th Division Captain Kenpachi Zaraki blocks the simultaneous attacks of 7th Division Captain Sajin Komamura and 9th Division Captain Kaname Tōsen, who are shocked by this. After berating them for fretting over such a small feat, Kenpachi kicks Tōsen in the chest, sending him crashing into the wall on the other side of the pavilion, and as Komamura expresses concern for Tōsen, Kenpachi questions where he is looking. Kenpachi grabs Komamura's wrist and flips him over, creating a sizable explosion of force on impact, and admonishes him and Tōsen for calling themselves captains with this level of strength. With Kenpachi demanding that they at least use their Bankai against him before they die, Komamura asserts that a traitor like Kenpachi is not worthy of Bankai, but Tōsen agrees to perform it while walking up from behind. As he begins spinning his Zanpakutō around on his finger by the ring on its hilt, Tōsen begins recounting the three methods of becoming a captain of the Gotei 13, the first of which is passing the captain's exam in front of three or more captains. After noting that this group must include the Captain-Commander, Tōsen goes on to describe the other two methods of receiving recommendations from six or more captains and having three of the seven remaining captains approve it or defeating the previous captain in the presence of no less than two hundred members of their division. When Kenpachi questions why this is relevant, Tōsen explains that he has felt a deep unease about Kenpachi, which has since become a certainty, ever since he killed Kenpachi Kiganjō and details his belief that Kenpachi is a demon who thrives on violence and blood, is different from the other captains, and will one day destroy the peace.

Kaname: Kenpachi Zaraki...Ever since the moment you killed the former captain of Squad 11 and replace him with Kenpachi Zaraki...I've felt a deep unease about you, an unease that has become a certainly. A certainty that you're a demon...that you thrive on violence and blood...that you're different from the rest of us. And a certainty that you were bound someday to destroy the peace. And sure enough, now you have saved the Ryoka, and here you fight against us, threatening to bring even more chaos to the Seireitei.

Pointing out how Kenpachi is now aiding the Ryoka and fighting against him and Komamura, which threatens to bring even more chaos to the Seireitei, Tōsen attributes this to Kenpachi's insatiable blood lust and his love of fighting for its own sake before inquiring if he is wrong. With Kenpachi interpreting this as Tōsen saying that he is the hero of justice and encouraging him to attack if he hates Kenpachi so much, Tōsen stops spinning his Zanpakutō and clarifies that he does actually harbor any hatred for Kenpachi, but instead finds him unforgivable for his every action and word threatening the peace they have worked so hard to establish.

Kenpachi: Enough babbling. I don't know about right or wrong. But I can see you sure have a problem when it comes to getting to the point. If you hate me so much, then there's no need for speeches. Just shut up and attack me already.

As Tōsen concludes he must erase Kenpachi in the name of peace despite not having him, Komamura realizes he is serious and leaps to the other side of the destroyed bridge while Tōsen spins the ring on the hilt of his Zanpakutō and expands it to his height before activating his Bankai, which causes the ring to split apart into nine identical rings that fly outward and form a circular perimeter around the pavilion.

Kaname: No hatred. I never actually said that I hated you, Kenpachi. I simply find you unforgivable! Everything you do threatens the peace we have worked so hard to establish here! So in the name of justice, I now have no choice but to erase you! Bankai! Suzumushi Tsuishiki, Enma Korogi (Bell Bug Closing Ceremony: Field Cricket)!

After spinning further, each of the rings gather dark energy and release it outward, forming a massive black dome over the pavilion which shrouds the interior in darkness as Tōsen activates his Bankai, Suzumushi Tsuishiki: Enma Kōrogi. Tōsen states that this entire space is his Bankai, and as he approaches Kenpachi, Tōsen observes that the latter could not have expected this, only to note that he cannot see anything while walking past a motionless Kenpachi, who internally wonders why he cannot see or hear anything. Suddenly, Tōsen cuts Kenpachi's left shoulder with his Zanpakutō and inquires what he thinks about a world without light or sound before explaining how his Bankai removes the senses of sight, hearing, smell, and Reiatsu from those within it to create a dark and silent hell, with the only one who can escape this hell being the one who wields Suzumushi. When Kenpachi attempts to reach out to him, Tōsen slashes him across the back and declares that this is useless because even the most skilled swordsman feels a twinge of fear in total darkness, which slows reactions. Tōsen begins to detail how being born into a world without light like he was removes this fear but is interrupted when a grinning Kenpachi slams his Zanpakutō into the ground near Tōsen's feet, shocking him. As he observes Kenpachi from several meters away, Tōsen realizes that he truly is a monster because he never felt any fear to begin with and proclaims that he will not give Kenpachi a chance to feel fear while rushing toward him.

Meanwhile, within the Study Chamber inside Sōkyoku Hill, a panting Ichigo Kurosaki kneels with a broken sword and refuses to give up before grabbing another sword and attacking Zangetsu, who blocks with Zangetsu. Leaping back from their clash, Ichigo and Zangetsu glow with blue Reiatsu and resume their battle while Yoruichi Shihōin watches from afar and mentally tells Ichigo that they do not have any time left. Above, Rukia falls to her knees in front of the Sōkyoku and chides herself for having such weak resolve.

Elsewhere, 9th Division Lieutenant Shūhei Hisagi sees Suzumushi Tsuishiki: Enma Kōrogi from a rooftop far away.

Hisagi: Captain Tosen's in danger…!

Yumichika: You have to beat me before you can get over to your captain next.

After wondering if Tōsen is having a tough battle, Hisagi decides to head over there quickly, only to be interrupted when 11th Division 5th Seat Yumichika Ayasegawa asserts that he has not lost yet. Though Hisagi points out that he has no chance of winning, Yumichika clarifies that the Eleventh Division considers losing to be dying, and when Hisagi asserts that this is not what the Ninth Division thinks, Yumichika notes that their differing philosophies are why they are fighting. Noticing Yumichika's mention of a fight, Hisagi instructs Yumichika to put down his sword because a 5th Seat cannot defeat a lieutenant, prompting Yumichika to decide to tell him a secret. Yumichika reveals that he is only the 5th Seat because he does not like the kanji for the number 4, to Hisagi's confusion, and elaborates that he considers the kanji for "three" to be the most beautiful character, but since Ikkaku Madarame is the 3rd Seat, he decided to go with "five" since it looks more like "three". As he informs Hisagi that the Eleventh Division also has an unspoken rule of only using their Zanpakutō for melee attacks because they look down on Kidō techniques as men who live to fight, Yumichika holds out his Shikai, Fuji Kujaku and declares that he will show Hisagi his Zanpakutō's real power while the blades of Fuji Kujaku glow green. With the blades of Fuji Kujaku transforming into peacock-feathered vines, Yumichika raises the question of what the true power of his Zanpakutō is and requests that Hisagi not tell Ikkaku or Kenpachi since he does not want them to hate him, leaving Hisagi shocked.

Meanwhile, on the damaged bridge, Renji envisions 4th Division Captain Retsu Unohana walking away from him and opens his eyes as he notes that he is alive, only to discover that 4th Division 7th Seat Hanatarō Yamada is healing him instead while the latter greets him.

Renji: ...How can I still be alive?

Hanataro: Oh, hello there.

When Renji demands to know why Hanatarō is healing him, Rikichi Yuki reveals that he brought Hanatarō here.

Rikichi: Oh, thank goodness. You're alive. I got Yamada to come over here right away.

After Rikichi elaborates that he thought Hanatarō would be willing to help Renji with his injuries because he was arrested for trying to save Rukia, Hanatarō states that Rikichi found an opportunity to let him out of his cell. However, upon being thanked by Renji, Hanatarō reveals that someone tended to his injuries before they arrived, which he believes could only have been Unohana, to Renji's shock.

Renji: What're you doing, caring for me? You were with Ichigo. That Squad 4-

Hanataro: The truth is, I didn't want to bother anyone anymore. I thought if I could save Rukia on my own, some other or another...But I've gotten as far as I can go. I guess I'm just not up to the task. So...please...Please save Rukia!

With Hanatarō tells Renji to not give up since Ichigo will save Rukia, Rikichi echoes this and admits with distress in his voice that he could not believe Renji had lost to a Ryoka, broken out of jail, or raised his sword against members of his own division. Despite this, Rikichi calms down and reminds Renji he joined the Sixth Division because Renji is his hero while pointing to the tattoo above his eyebrow before concluding he wants Renji to live and be cool by fighting for what he believes in no matter what, to Renji's astonishment.

Renji: I will!

Back inside Suzumushi Tsuishiki: Enma Kōrogi, a panting Tōsen wonders how Kenpachi can counter him despite lacking his senses of sight, hearing, smell, and Reiatsu perception while rushing toward Kenpachi, who leans to the left just as Tōsen's blade begins to cut into his right side, and as Tōsen observes he has once again dodged a fatal blow, Kenpachi stabs at his head. While narrowly avoiding Kenpachi's Zanpakutō by leaning back at the last second, receiving only a small cut to his cheek, Tōsen handsprings away twice and notes Kenpachi's counterattacks get more accurate each time he parries, leading him to question if Kenpachi really is a demon. Holding up the bloody tip of his Zanpakutō, Kenpachi observes he managed to get a hit this time and bemoans how annoying this sense-destroying Bankai is but admits having his sense of touch intact allows him to avoid death by feeling Tōsen's blade at the moment of contact and dodging so he can counterattack. However, Kenpachi mentally declares he is bored of making small cuts. After concluding that it is more fun to cut people into pieces, Kenpachi wonders what he should do next with an inability to see or hear and a lack of talent for Reiatsu sensing. While bemoaning how he has to waste time thinking like this, Kenpachi envisions his lieutenant, Yachiru Kusajishi, suggesting that he used his instincts, which Kenpachi points out is what he is already doing, and Ikkaku proposing that he use his mind's eye to envision Tōsen, which Kenpachi notes with irritation would have left Tōsen dead if he could do such a thing, before imagining Yumichika suggesting that Kenpachi give up beautifully as he would do in this situation. Despite initially dismissing this, Kenpachi smiles as he realizes that this method actually gives him a way to easily determine Tōsen's position. While running toward Kenpachi, Tōsen observes that he is smiling again, meaning that he is still enjoying the fight even after all this, and declares that Kenpachi is too dangerous to be allowed to live before stabbing at Kenpachi with his Zanpakutō. When his blade pierces Kenpachi's chest and emerges from his back, Tōsen wonders why he did not dodge, only to be shocked when Kenpachi grabs his sword hand and regains his senses. Greeting a stunned Tōsen, Kenpachi slashes him across the chest. With Tōsen speechless as he bleeds, Kenpachi questions if he regained his senses because he is touching Tōsen or because he is touching Tōsen's Zanpakutō, though he dismisses it as irrelevant while pulling Tōsen's Zanpakutō out of his chest. As he encourages Tōsen to attack once more, Kenpachi asserts that he knows the trick now and promises to catch Tōsen's next strike before it can pierce his body. Kenpachi lets go of Tōsen's hand, losing his senses once more, and Tōsen backs up several feet as the severed part of his haori and shihakushō fall down. Refusing to lose, Tōsen proclaims that he cannot lose to the likes of Kenpachi. In the past, a young Tōsen sits beneath a starry sky with Kakyō, who explains how she wants to gather up all the clouds so they can never obscure the light which shines from the stars, a sentiment which Tōsen finds beautiful. Sometime later, Kakyō tells Tōsen that she is going to become a Shinigami, only to die and be visited by Tōsen at her funeral. In the present, Tōsen proclaims that he will become justice itself if there is not enough justice in the world so he can wipe out evil like wind casts away clouds in the sky with all the justice in his being before rushing toward Kenpachi and attacking him, only for the latter to catch Tōsen's hand mid-swing. With Tōsen struggling to free himself, Kenpachi slashes him across the chest once more, causing Suzumushi Tsuishiki: Enma Kōrogi to burst open and fall apart as Komamura expresses concern for Tōsen. While a heavily bleeding Tōsen refuses to give up, an annoyed Kenpachi declares that he quits because it is boring to fight someone who is already half-dead and begins walking away as he asserts that dying preventing people from fighting anymore makes it futile.

Kaname: This isn't finished. Not yet.

Kenpachi: Yes it is. I quit. I have no interest in fighting a man with one foot already in the grave. I'm outta here. Dying is futile. What can a dead man do? He can't fight anymore, that's for sure.

Tōsen attempts to stab Kenpachi in the back, though his Zanpakutō fails to pierce Kenpachi's skin, and declares that he will stop Kenpachi even if it costs him his life.

Kaname: I swear it. If it takes my very life, I will stop you. I will use every ounce of justice in my being.

However, when Kenpachi concludes that he will just kill Tōsen if he wants to die so badly and swings his Zanpakutō at Tōsen, Komamura appears between them and blocks Kenpachi's Zanpakutō with his wrist while pulling Tōsen back by his Zanpakutō.

Kenpachi: What an idiot you are. If you wanna die so badly, I'll help you!

Komamura instructs Tōsen to stop since Kenpachi will never listen to him, and with Komamura's helmet beginning to fall apart due to having been damaged by Kenpachi's Zanpakutō, Tōsen tries to apologize to him, prompting Komamura to assure him that it is fine.

Kaname: No, Sajin.

Sajin: Don't sacrifice yourself, Kaname. This man will never understand your quest for justice. Roar! Tenken (Heavenly Retribution)!

Attacking a bit, Kenpachi dodges it from Sajin to save Kaname's life. With the rest of the helmet falling off, Kenpachi expresses his surprise at this being what was underneath as Komamura is revealed to be a humanoid wolf.

Kenpachi: So that's what's under that basket. I always wondered, but I have to admit that it wasn't what I was expecting.

Komamura observes that he does not look shocked, and when Kenpachi asserts that outward appearances have nothing to do with fighting abilities and that his only concern is if Komamura looking like a beast means that he fights with the strength of a beast as well, Komamura notes that Kenpachi only sees what is on the surface with no respect for an opponent's inner strength, which Komamura considers to be his weakness.

Sajin: You don't seem shocked by what you see.

Kenpachi: Outward appearances have nothing to do with fighting abilities. The only question is if your beastly appearance also means you fight with a beast's strength and tenacity. That's what matters.

After informing Kenpachi that he is not kind like Tōsen is, Komamura activates his Bankai, Kokujō Tengen Myō'ō, summoning a giant warrior with an equally large sword that leans over the side of the pavilion behind him.

Sajin: You see only what's on the surface. You have no respect for an opponent's inner strength. That is your weakness. I am not like Kaname. I will not show you the same kindness. Bankai! Kokujō Tengen Myō'ō (Divine Retribution, Black Ropes of Ruination)! Now it begins in earnest, Kenpachi Zaraki! A fight to the death, just the kind you love!

With Komamura proclaiming that is time for the kind of fight to the death which a loves, a laughing Kenpachi welcomes this because it means that he can go all-out and encourages Komamura to reincarnate once he is killed so they can do this all over again.

Kenpachi: A fight to the death, huh? That means I can come at you with everything I've got. And then after you're dead, go reincarnate yourself, so I can kill you all over again!

Sajin: Ohhhhhh!

Meanwhile, on Sōkyoku Hill, Captain-Commander Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto stands before Rukia with his lieutenant, Chōjirō Sasakibe, and declares that they will now begin the execution. While Rukia looks up at the Sōkyoku, 2nd Division Captain Suì-Fēng stands with her lieutenant, Marechiyo Ōmaeda, and observes that very few people have shown up for this, to Marechiyo's confusion.

Soi Fon: It seems off that, so few people showed up. It's no surprise Squads 5, 11, and 12 are missing given their casualties, and I think Zaraki's lost it, but what about all the rest of the officers?

Omaeda: Ah...I don't know, Captain...

Suì-Fēng points out how the only divisions with both their captain and lieutenant in attendance are the First Division, Second Division, and Eighth Division, with Shunsui Kyōraku and Nanao Ise standing nearby next to 4th Division Lieutenant Isane Kotetsu, and admits that the Fifth Division, Eleventh Division, and Twelfth Division not being present makes sense before questioning where the rest of them are, with even Unohana being absent. Suddenly, Suì-Fēng is surprised to see 6th Division Captain Byakuya Kuchiki arriving at the ceremony, and as a stunned Rukia addresses him, Byakuya looks away and joins the other Shinigami.

Yamamoto: Do you have any last words?

Rukia: Yes, Head Captain. There's one….

While Rukia looks down in dismay, Yamamoto inquires if she has any last words, which Rukia confirms that she does after some contemplation.

While preparing to face off against one another atop the damaged pavilion, 11th Division Captain Kenpachi Zaraki and 7th Division Captain Sajin Komamura, who is wielding his Bankai, Kokujō Tengen Myō'ō, are startled when a surge of energy flares up from Sōkyoku Hill, leading them to realize that the execution ceremony has begun.

Kenpachi: It looks like the execution has started.

Sajin: It has….

Around the Seireitei, 11th Division 3rd Seat Ikkaku Madarame, 13th Division 3rd Seat Sentarō Kotsubaki, 11th Division Lieutenant Yachiru Kusajishi, and the Ryoka notice this as well. Upon noticing the energy surge as well, 10th Division Captain tells his lieutenant, Rangiku Matsumoto, that they are going, prompting the two of them to head off toward the Central 46 Compound while 3rd Division Lieutenant Izuru Kira steps into view behind them.

Rangiku: Captain-!

Hitsugaya: I know, let's get going.

Rangiku: OK.

Elsewhere, when Sentarō informs her that the execution is beginning and inquires if their captain, Jūshirō Ukitake, is ready, his fellow 3rd Seat Kiyone Kotetsu berates him for being so loud before calling out to Ukitake and running off. With Sentarō observing that she is being just as loud, Kiyone repeatedly knocks on a set of wooden doors in the room and relays the news to Ukitake, only to be stunned when the doors open to release a large amount of mist. Apologizing to Sentarō and Kiyone for keeping them waiting because the seal took longer to break than he expected it would, Ukitake notes that this is their only after the Central 46 refused to listen to them and stands with the Shihōin Shield in hand as he proclaims that they are going to destroy the Sōkyoku, which Sentarō and Kiyone affirm.

Ukitake: I'm ready…Let's go stop the execution!

Kiyone and Sentaro: Right!

Near Sōkyoku Hill, Yachiru, Makizō Aramaki, and the Ryoka stare at the energy surge.

Rooooaaarrr*

When Orihime Inoue wonders what it is, Yachiru observes that the execution may have started, leading a startled Uryū Ishida to assert that they need to hurry, only for Yachiru to state that she will be going ahead of them while walking forward.

Uryu: What's that, a fire?

Yachiru: I think they've started the execution.

Maki: Ah! It's happening already?!

Uryu: Huh...Then we'd better get moving.

Yachiru: You bet. And I'll go first.

Upon being asked why by a confused Orihime, Yachiru admits that she does not care about the execution, but she needs to help Ichigo Kurosaki if he is there.

Orihime: Huh? Why?

Yachiru: Oh, it's nothing to do with this execution. But because it's Rukia...there's a good chance that I'll find Ichy there. And I have to try to help Ichy.

Orihime: Oh, thanks so much.

With a touched Orihime thanking her for this, Yachiru laughs and questions why she did so because it is only natural to help Ichigo since he is Kenpachi's friend, stunning Orihime and the rest of the Ryoka, before declaring that she is leaving.

Yachiru: Hee hee! You're so funny! What makes you think you should thank me? It's only natural that I'd try to help Ichy. After all, Ichy is my Kenny's new best friend.

Orihime: Huh?!

Chad: Thank you again, Yachiru.

Yachiru: Welcome. Well, I'm off, guys! I'll take out all the tough ones when I get there, okay? You take out all the wimps.

After instructing the Ryoka to take care of the weaker enemies they encounter while she deals with the tough ones, Yachiru dashes ahead at high speed, leaving a cloud of dust to flow over the Ryoka as Uryū and Ganju Shiba are left stunned by how fast she is and Orihime thanks Yachiru once more.

Maki: Then I'll...keep an eye on the others here, lieutenant sir! I guess...

Orihime: Thank you again, Yachiru.

On Sōkyoku Hill, Captain-Commander Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto stands before the Sōkyoku and agrees to Rukia Kuchiki's request to allow the Ryoka to return home unharmed after the execution concludes, to Rukia's relief.

Yamamoto: Rukia Kuchiki. Your last request will be honored. After your execution...I shall allow the Ryoka to return home...unharmed.

Rukia: Thank you so much, Head Captain.

However, 4th Division Lieutenant Isane Kotetsu considers this cruel because Yamamoto has no intention of sparing them.

Isane: All this lie to die happy like this…?

Retsu: It's better to hear something heart warmer before passing on than to die in sadness.

Standing beside Isane, her captain, Retsu Unohana, clarifies that this is kindness rather than cruelty, and as a surprised Isane wonders where she has been, Unohana explains that the least they can do is ease Rukia's worries and give her peace of mind if execution is her unavoidable fate. In front of the captains and lieutenants, several members of the Kidō Corps approach and surround the Sōkyoku before making multiple hand seals in front of short pillars on the ground, causing the energy around the Sōkyoku to blast into the sky and concentrate around the short pillars of the Kidō Corps when Yamamoto commands them to release it.

Yamamoto: Release the Sōkyoku seal!

Suddenly, the ropes binding the Sōkyoku begin snapping at the base and whirling around the Sōkyoku, with members of the Fourth Division observing this means the Sōkyoku is being unbound, before flying off the Sōkyoku and becoming completely rigid and straight as they embed themselves in the ground below Sōkyoku Hill.

Soi Fon: The spear...It's changing shape.

Yamamoto: Kiko-oh! The spearhead of the Sōkyoku has taken on its true form in order to render the ultimate punishment. When the prisoner's body has been pierced, the sentence will have been carried out!

Rukia looks up at the Sōkyoku and notes her heart is regaining some peace despite 3rd Division Captain Gin Ichimaru sending it into turmoil earlier, which she initially assumes is due to Yamamoto's promise, only to attribute it to her brother, Byakuya Kuchiki, not even looking at her while she was trying to think of a way to survive. As she looks over the assembled captains and lieutenants, Rukia thanks Byakuya. Suddenly, three medium-size cubes rise from the platform underneath Rukia's feet, and as the cord binding her arms behind her back dissolves, Rukia finds the cubes splaying her arms outward on either side and locking her legs together by hovering in front of them before ascending toward the top of the execution scaffold with her frozen in place, looking at those assembled below. When her captain, Shunsui Kyōraku, requests that she not look so sad about this because she is making him feel bad, 8th Division Lieutenant Nanao Ise clarifies that it is not sadness she is feeling. With Rukia position at the top of the scaffold, fire flares up at the base of the Sōkyoku and begins coiling around the length of it in streams of flame, leading 2nd Division Lieutenant Marechiyo Ōmaeda to express shock at this being the release of the Sōkyoku as it levitates into the air and begins turning to point its blade at Rukia. While 2nd Division Captain Suì-Fēng realizes it is changing shape and Shunsui admits his surprise, the fire engulfing the Sōkyoku morphs and condenses around it to form Kikōō, a massive phoenix that hovers in front of Rukia while Yamamoto identifies it as the true form of the Sōkyoku and the executioner of the ultimate punishment. Yamamoto concludes that the execution will be over when Kikōō pierces Rukia's body, and as the captains look on with varying reactions, Rukia mentally states that she is not afraid because she has led a good life and was blessed. Recalling how she met 6th Division Lieutenant Renji Abarai and his friends as children, was taken in by Byakuya, and was guided by 13th Division Lieutenant Kaien Shiba, Rukia remembers being saved by Ichigo and asserts that she is not sad or suffering, with her heart leaving nothing behind. As Ukitake, his subordinates, and the Ryoka hurry toward Sōkyoku Hill, Rukia thanks all of them, as well as Byakuya once again, before thinking of Ichigo. After pausing for several seconds, Rukia thanks Ichigo and closes her eyes as tears roll down her cheeks. After screeching and rushing toward Rukia, Kikōō collides in a burst of flame.

Rukia: (I am not afraid. I have lived a good life. I was blessed by meeting Renji and all the others...By my brother Byakuya's adoption...The guidance of Kaien…And finally, by Ichigo's attempt to rescue me. This is not suffering. This is not pain. I have no regrets. My heart leaves nothing behind. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Farewell.)

However, as the Shinigami watch from the ground below, Rukia opens her eyes upon realizing she is not dead and sees Ichigo standing in the air before her with the aid of a Tentōken, holding back Kikōō with his Shikai, Zangetsu, while casually greeting her.

Ichigo: Hey!

Initially stunned by this, Rukia demands to know why Ichigo came, to his astonishment, and claims he should know by now that he cannot defeat Byakuya and will definitely be killed before declaring she is resigned to her fate. As she asserts that she does not need Ichigo to rescue her, Rukia firmly tells him to go home.

Rukia: Ichigo...

Ichigo: ...

Rukia: Ichigo, what're you doing?!

Down on the ground, Suì-Fēng is astonished that Ichigo is blocking an entity with the power of one million Zanpakutō using only a single Zanpakutō, leading her to wonder who he is while the other captains and lieutenants stare in disbelief. Upon being asked by Shunsui if this is the boy whom Yasutora Sado was referring to, Nanao confirms this and notes that Ichigo physically matches the descriptions in the reports they have received. While Shunsui observes that the Ryoka are the ones who came to save the day, Byakuya stares intently at Ichigo. Suddenly, Kikōō screeches and backs up from Ichigo, who is startled by the sudden lack of pressure at his back and realizes Kikōō is preparing to attack once again.

Ichigo: Isn't it obvious? This stand...is about to tumble down.

Rukia: That's crazy! Ichigo, you can't! You'll only end up killing us both! The Sōkyoku is too strong!

Despite Rukia frantically insisting he will not be able to stop Kikōō a second time and will be torn to pieces by this, Ichigo turns and rushes at Kikōō while the latter hurtles forward, only to stop in surprise when a long cable attached to a metal rod is launched into the air and wraps itself around the neck of Kikōō.

Ichigo: Don't worry about it. Just shut up and watch.

With the pole embedding itself in the ground on the other side of Kikōō, Isane is shocked to see Ukitake having launched it from the Shihōin Shield as he, Sentarō, and Kiyone stand nearby.

Chojiro: It can't be…!

Isane: Kiyone?! Sister?!

Nanao: Now, Captain Kyoraku!

When Shunsui leaps to the rod alongside Nanao to drive it further into the ground and comments on how long Ukitake made them wait, Isane is further stunned by his involvement as Yamamoto turns around in surprise.

Ukitake: Are you ready, Shunsui?

Shunsui: Right behind you, Jushiro.

After apologizing for how long it took to break the seal, Ukitake proclaims that this should do it and slams the Shihōin Shield into the ground, where Suì-Fēng recognizes the Shihōin Clan crest on the front and realizes that they are going to destroy the Sōkyoku before ordering Marechiyo to stop them, though he simply questions why she chose him. Drawing their Zanpakutō, Shunsui and Ukitake slash vertically through the top of the Shihōin Shield.

Soi Fon: The seal….! Someone stop them!

The two ends of the cable are infused with Reiryoku, which travels up the length of both ends toward Kikōō and into the portion wrapped around its neck, resulting in Kikōō exploding in a massive burst of flames that rain down on the area below.

Soi Fon: It's stopped...! And the Ryoka...! How did he do that? The stand is destroyed! What kind of man is he?!

As he watches this, Ichigo admits that he does not know what is going on but decides to take advantage of the confusion and leaps onto the top of the scaffold while his eyes glow blue with Reiatsu. Upon being asked by Rukia what he is doing, Ichigo declares that he is going to destroy the scaffold and begins spinning Zangetsu above his head by the cloth on the hilt, leaving Rukia in disbelief. Though Rukia attempts to inform him of the scaffold's durability matching the power of the Sōkyoku, Ichigo brushes off her warning and simply tells her to watch before driving Zangetsu into the scaffold and channeling his Reiryoku through it, causing the scaffold to glow blue as its middle portion is destroyed, blowing a massive hole all the way through the underside of Sōkyoku Hill. While the dust settles, Ichigo reminds Rukia he is rejecting her protests and proclaims he really is going to save Rukia this time on his second try while standing on the right side of the scaffold and carrying Rukia under his left arm, leading Rukia to tearfully refuse to thank him for this.

Ichigo: I don't want you to rescue me, you said. "Just go home," you said. You know, sometimes you talk too much, Rukia. Good thing I don't listen to you. Now this is the second time I've had to tell you this...I've come here to rescue you, got it?

Rukia: What a fool. I'm not going to say thank you. I won't.

Ichigo: I didn't expect you to.

With Ichigo acknowledging this, those on the ground below are dumbstruck by Ichigo destroying the scaffold and question just what he is. As Ichigo and Byakuya glare at each other, Rukia inquires how Ichigo plans for them to disappear with so many eyes watching them, and when Ichigo bluntly states that they will make a run for it, an incredulous Rukia points out how there are multiple captains present, prompting an annoyed Ichigo to claim that he will simply beat them all prior to leaving before explaining that he needs to save Orihime, Sado, Uryū, Ganju, and 4th Division 7th Seat Hanatarō Yamada as well because they helped out with the rescue effort.

Rukia: Ichigo, let me ask you something. What're we supposed to do now? How can we possibly disappear with so many eyes watching us?

Ichigo: We'll make a run for it.

Rukia: What? How stupid! We'd never get away! Those are captains!

Ichigo: Yeah? Then we'll just kick their asses first. We're not alone, you know. Uryu, and Chad, Orihime...Ganju, and Hanataro...They're all here, too. I'm gonna save every single person who helped us, and we're all gonna get away.

Looking at Ichigo's confident expression, Rukia observes that she can feel his strength flowing into her and concludes that he has become strong.

Rukia: (From the look in his eyes...From his words...I can feel Ichigo's strength flowing into me. You've become very strong, haven't you, Ichigo?)

Suddenly, Ichigo and Rukia are alerted by a commotion on the ground below, where the members of the Kidō Corps are all knocked out in rapid succession as Renji arrives. While Ichigo notes that he has come, Renji falls to his knees in pain and leans on his Zanpakutō for support before calling out to Rukia when she yells his name, prompting Rukia to express her relief that he made it here.

Renji: Rukia!

Rukia: Oh, Renji, it's you! I'm so glad you're still alive!

When Ichigo claims that he figured Renji would show up, Renji counters that no one else would save Rukia if he did not.

Ichigo: I figured you'd show up.

Renji: What choice did I have? I couldn't just rely on you to save Rukia, could I?

After smiling at this, Ichigo hoists a confused Rukia into the air above his head, and as a mortified Renji realizes what he is about to do, Ichigo tells Renji to catch and throws a screaming Rukia at him, leaving Renji to berate him before being sent flying back with enough force to gouge a shallow channel into the ground upon catching Rukia in his arms. However, as Rukia and Renji begin admonishing him for doing this, Ichigo orders Renji to take Rukia away from here and not let go even if it kills him, leading Renji to run off toward the copes of trees in the distance with a surprised Rukia in his arms while Ichigo and Byakuya continue to glare at each other.

Ichigo: Take her and go!

Renji: Wha-?

Ichigo: That's your duty. Protect her with your life.

Renji: Ngh!

Rukia: Renji...

With Marechiyo and Isane staring at Renji in astonishment, Suì-Fēng demands that all the lieutenants pursue him, which Yamamoto and Unohana affirm to their respective lieutenants.

Yamamoto: Get them.

Retsu: You may go.

Soi Fon: Don't just stand there like an idiot! Capture them at once!

Chojiro, Omaeda, and Isane: Yes, Captain!

1st Division Lieutenant Chōjirō Sasakibe, Marechiyo, and Isane all run after Renji, only to find themselves confronted by Ichigo, who appears in their path with Shunpo and embeds Zangetsu into the ground next to him, prompting Marechiyo to angrily demand that Ichigo get out of their way. While Isane releases her Shikai, Itegumo, granting her sword two additional blades at 45-degree angles, Chōjirō releases his Shikai, Gonryōmaru, transforming his sword into a rapier.

Chojiro: Pierce, Gonryomaru (Solemn Spirit!)

However, as Marechiyo releases his Shikai, Gegetsuburi, transforming his Zanpakutō into a large spiked ball on a chain, Ichigo shatters it with a single punch to Marechiyo's gut that knocks him out, shocking Isane and Chōjirō.

Omaeda: Crush it Gegetsuburi (Five-Shape of Head!)

After sidestepping a thrust from Chōjirō and pushing his sword arm aside, Ichigo knocks him out with an uppercut to the head, and with Isane stunned that he is not even using his Zanpakutō, Ichigo knocks her out with a single blow to the abdomen as well, leaving her to fly back alongside Chōjirō and Marechiyo, before pulling Zangetsu out of the ground to block a slash from Byakuya, whom he greets audaciously.

Isane: Run, Itegumo (Frozen Snow!)

With the three out of Ichigo's way to see Renji and Rukia out of harm's way….Byakuya comes in to finally face him for reals this time.

Ichigo: I can read your moves now….Byakuya Kuchiki!

And now for the real fight for these two begin here and now.

As Ichigo Kurosaki blocks his Zanpakutō strike with his Shikai, Zangetsu, 6th Division Captain Byakuya Kuchiki inquires why Ichigo keeps trying to rescue Rukia Kuchiki, only for Ichigo to point out that Byakuya is Rukia's brother and question why he does not try to save her in response.

Byakuya: Tell me why. Why don't you just give up? You keep trying to save Rukia again and again.

Ichigo: You're her brother, aren't you? So the question that needs to be asked is, why the hell aren't you trying to save her?!

Closing his eyes, Byakuya asserts that this is a foolish question and that someone like Ichigo would not understand even if he revealed the answer.

Byakuya: Such a foolish question. Even if I did have the time to try to explain the principle to you, someone like you would never understand it. It seems talking serves no purpose.

After deciding that talking serves no purpose, Byakuya begins exerting his Reiatsu along the length of his Zanpakutō and begins forcing Zangetsu downward with his increased force.

Ichigo: Hey!

However, a grinning Ichigo pushes Byakuya's Zanpakutō aside and into the ground, cratering it, before they clash once more, kicking up a large cloud of dust with the impact as Ichigo and Byakuya are sent skidding several meters out of the dust cloud in opposite directions at high speeds before coming to a halt.

Byakuya: There is only one path before me. I shall kill you, Ichigo Kurosaki. And then, once again, I will capture Rukia. And this time, I shall execute her myself.

While the dust settles, Byakuya states that there is only one path left for him now and declares that he will kill Ichigo and execute Rukia himself after capturing her once more, prompting Ichigo to refuse to let him do this and remove his Tentōken before confidently concluding that this is why he is here.

Ichigo: I will not allow that!

After staring at each other, Ichigo and Byakuya rush forward with Shunpo.

Byakuya: …..

Meanwhile, in the corpse of barren trees further down Sōkyoku Hill, 6th Division Lieutenant Renji Abarai runs along while carrying Rukia, who begs him to let her go so she can help Ichigo, only for an annoyed Renji to demand that she shut up because they need to be quiet. With Renji reminding her that someone could hear them, a disgruntled Rukia observes that his voice is louder than hers is. As he continues to run, Renji notes that Ichigo said he wanted to repay Rukia, and when the latter expresses confusion at this, Renji recalls Ichigo explaining how she saved his life and changed his fate, allowing him to become a Shinigami and protect everyone, which prompts Rukia to remember telling 4th Division 7th Seat Hanatarō Yamada how she believed that she could never atone for what she had done to Ichigo by twisting his fate and hurting him terribly. Upon seeing Rukia ruminating on this, Renji tells her that she thinks too much.

Renji: Because you saved him, you owes you a lot in return.

Noting that Rukia has always been like this, Renji assures her that she is not as bad as she believes herself to be and begins descending the steps leading up to Sōkyoku Hill as he requests that Rukia stop blaming herself for everything since she is not strong enough to carry it all on her shoulders. When Renji asks her to share it, Rukia looks up at him in surprise, prompting Renji to elaborate that she should place some of her burden on his and Ichigo's shoulders so she can stand up slowly, as this is why they became stronger, before instructing a stunned Rukia to put her faith in Ichigo, leading her to grasp the collar of his shihakushō and thank him.

Rukia: (Ichigo…You're a fool, but not in a good way to me.)

After Renji asserts that she does not need to apologize, Rukia thanks him, which prompts a smiling Renji to claim that she does not need to do this either.

Renji: Let us share the blame, to become stronger. Never blame yourself on anything ever again.

Rukia: Of course, Renji. I'm sorry.

Renji: it's fine.

Rukia: Thank you.

Back at the execution grounds, 13th Division 3rd Seat Kiyone Kotetsu sees her sister, 4th Division Lieutenant Isane Kotetsu, lying unconscious on the ground alongside 1st Division Lieutenant Chōjirō Sasakibe and 2nd Division Lieutenant Marechiyo Ōmaeda while the battle between Ichigo and Byakuya rages in the distance.

Kiyone: Isane!

Sentaro: Wait! Kiyone, don't!

When Kiyone begins running to Isane's side in concern, her fellow 3rd Seat, Sentarō Kotsubaki, attempts to run after and stop her from doing this, but is suddenly sent flying into the air. As she turns around in shock, Kiyone sees 2nd Division Captain Suì-Fēng standing behind her, having defeated Sentarō in a single blow.

Soi Fon: Stupid Ryoka...Get him, quick! All of you! I'll deal with the traitors…!

Ukitake: Don't do it, Soi Fon!

Upon attempting to stop Suì-Fēng, 13th Division Captain Jūshirō Ukitake finds himself confronted by Captain-Commander Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto, who orders him to not move.

Yamamoto: I won't forgive anyone who commit this crime of Rukia to get away from her execution. Traitors….!

With Ukitake, 8th Division Captain Shunsui Kyōraku, and Lieutenant Nanao Ise shocked by his intervention, Yamamoto observes that Renji running off with Rukia is easily remedied by finding a new lieutenant for the Sixth Division and that they can take their time capturing him, only to claim Shunsui and Ukitake are a more serious matter. Yamamoto elaborates that Shunsui and Ukitake have disgraced their rank of captains, which they should know the consequences of, and when Kiyone attempts to run back to Ukitake past Suì-Fēng out of concern for his safety, Ukitake orders her to stay back and shakes his head as she stops in astonishment. Suddenly, Shunsui grasps Ukitake's shoulder and claims that they have no choice but to run before pulling a surprised

Shunsui: This way.

Ukitake: Shunsui-!

Ukitake away with Shunpo, leading Nanao to follow suit while Yamamoto watches.

Nanao: Captain….

After reappearing on the side of the cliff, where they begin falling to the ground below, Ukitake reminds Shunsui that his subordinates still need help. However, Shunsui points out how fighting Yamamoto back there will result in everyone dying and reveals it will be okay with just the two of them because someone on their side is approaching the execution site, to Ukitake's confusion, as they prepare to land on the ground below. Back at the execution site, with Kiyone expressing concern for Ukitake, Suì-Fēng admonishes her for being a bystander and kicks Kiyone in the face, knocking her to the ground, where Suì-Fēng steps on her chest and berates her shameless act of betrayal as part of the Gotei 13. Grinding the heel of her shoe into Kiyone's chest, Suì-Fēng promises to kill Kiyone so she does not shame herself further.

Kiyone: Captain?

Soi Fon: You fool! Idiots! Traitors! I'll put you two down for good….quick…and painless…!

Suddenly, as Kiyone cries out in pain from Suì-Fēng applying more pressure with her foot, a masked Yoruichi Shihōin hurtles toward Sōkyoku Hill from the side and tackles Suì-Fēng off of Kiyone before leaping off the other side of the cliff with her, leaving Kiyone to slow sit up in shock. With Suì-Fēng demanding that she let go and reveal her identity, Yoruichi observes that her poor temperament has not changed at all since they last met and reveals her face before generating an orb of Kidō in her hand while she and Suì-Fēng crash into the forest below.

Yoruichi: Not gonna happen.

Soi Fon: Huh?! Who're you?

Yoruichi: Bad temper the way I remember a while back, huh? For shame, Soi Fon.

Soi Fon: ….! (It can't be…!)

Elsewhere, Isane wakes up on the back of 4th Division Captain Retsu Unohana's Shikai, Minazuki.

Retsu: Heal, Minazuki (Flesh-Drops' Gorge.)

Upon being asked by Unohana if she has regained consciousness as the former sits beside her on the flying, manta ray-like Minazuki, a surprised Isane attempts to get up and apologize, prompting Unohana to instruct her to be quiet and not move too much despite receiving the lightest blow from Ichigo.

Isane: Captain?

Retsu: It's fine, Isane. You're healed, no serious injuries or to anyone else.

Unohana orders Minazuki to bring them down, and after flying over a pavilion, Minazuki grows a pair of spindly legs and sets itself down in the center, damaging the tiles with its talons in the process. While Unohana and Isane slide off the back of Minazuki, several members of the Fourth Division run out of a nearby building and inquire if they are hurt.

Isane: Kiyone….! And the others are all fine. Good work, Captain.

Assuring her subordinates they are uninjured, Unohana commands Minazuki to release those within its stomach and return to her, prompting Minazuki to rear back and spit out Chōjirō, Marechiyo, Sentarō, Kiyone, and the members of the Kidō Corps whom it had been healing within its stomach, and as her subordinates begin tending to the wounded, Unohana holds up her Zanpakutō's sheath, which Minazuki returns to by dissipating into a gaseous state that flows into the sheath and assumes the form of Unohana's sealed Zanpakutō. After noting the wounds of those healed by Minazuki should not be serious, Unohana requests that they be brought to a relief station. Isane notices the fierce Reiatsu atop Sōkyoku Hill and questions if someone is still fighting there, only to learn that Byakuya is still fighting Ichigo and the other captains have gone elsewhere to battle. As she concludes that they will not be able to stop the fighting themselves, Unohana begins walking away and asks Isane to come with her because there is somewhere she wishes to go.

Retsu: Come with me, Isane. There's something I wish to look into right away.

Isane: Are you sure? But the battle..

Retsu: The battle that's going on right now isn't the real threat, it's the other that worries me the most. It's up to us to find out while Renji and the others…do their best to settle the score.

Isane: Yes! Of course!

Meanwhile, in the Third Old City, Shunsui lands alongside Ukitake and observes that they have come quite far, leading Ukitake to affirm this and assert that this will be far enough to put everyone else out of harm's way. When Nanao lands behind him, Shunsui teases her for being last. Suddenly, while retorting that Shunsui and Ukitake are too fast for her to keep up with them, Nanao is shocked to see Yamamoto sitting on a piece of rubble in front of Shunsui and Ukitake, who turn to face him.

Shunsui: You're fast.

With Shunsui expressing surprise at how quickly he got here, Yamamoto declares that no brats have ever successfully escaped him and proclaims that a mere thrashing will not suffice for the two of them as he glows with fiery Reiatsu and begins approaching the three Shinigami.

Yamamoto: I won't let anyone get away from me that easily.

Watching this, Nanao mentally notes his colossal Reiatsu and admits that even two captains may not be enough to defeat Yamamoto before reaching into her shihakushō to assist them. However, before Nanao can do anything, Yamamoto concentrates his Reiatsu on her, resulting in Nanao falling to her knees and finding herself unable to breathe under the sheer pressure.

Nanao: (No….! His Spiritual Pressure too strong…) Ah-!

Yamamoto: Listen well….! Be gone from here!

With Yamamoto ordering a paralyzed Nanao to leave because he does not have the time to teach an infant like her how to breathe, Shunsui kneels in front of her and instructs her to calm down while apologizing for bringing her with him. After Shunsui performs a massive Shunpo leap to bring her to a grassy area far away and lays her down, a heavily sweating Nanao internally expresses her disbelief at Yamamoto crushing her entire being just by looking at her.

Shunsui: Take it easy, Little Nanao, it's going to be okay. I'm so sorry, I shouldn't let you follow us in the first place.

While Nanao realizes she was naive to believe two captains could even stand a chance against Yamamoto, Shunsui disappears with Shunpo, leaving Nanao to beg him to not do this.

Nanao: Captain…Both you and Captain Ukitake….please be careful.

Back in the Third Old City, Shunsui reappears, and when Yamamoto praises his skill in Shunpo for allowing him to cover so much ground in a single step, Shunsui thanks him. Yamamoto observes Shunsui and Ukitake were always in a class of their own even when they were young, with Shunsui being thoughtful and always seeing the truth of things despite his weakness for women and Ukitake being generous, well-respected, and always at the center despite his frailty.

Yamamoto: You two are doing well, the way I trained you. Shunsui for being a pervert, but you were very strong. And Ukitake to be too kind and weak, but you pull through of your powers. But now, with the mess…I can't not forgive this at all. Once the two sons I never had, but I always felt we walk to same path differently or not. For shame. Prepare to be punishment in the name of justice.

Concluding that Shunsui and Ukitake were both transcendent in battle and could not be matched when fighting together, Yamamoto describes them as ambitious and training endlessly in order to become the first captains from the Shin'ō Academy that he founded. Though he asserts that Shunsui and Ukitake were like sons to him and that he hoped they would walk the same path even if they did so in different ways, Yamamoto expresses his disappointment in them as he sets his staff ablaze and holds it horizontally, causing the wood to burst off in strips and reveal his Zanpakutō within, which he grips by the handle as a stunned Ukitake begins to protest this. As he instructs Ukitake to not say anything because they have no more use for words, Yamamoto demands that they draw their swords and begins unsheathing his Zanpakutō. However, when Shunsui and Ukitake draw their Zanpakutō and rush toward him, Yamamoto merely slashes at the air in front of him, creating a shock wave that forces Shunsui and Ukitake back. Upon noticing that they have not released their Zanpakutō, Yamamoto berates Shunsui and Ukitake for intending to fight him without doing so, and as Shunsui questions if they really have to fight, Yamamoto reminds them that he will not forgive anyone who defiles justice.

Shunsui: Here we go.

Ukitake: Master Yamamoto….

Shunsui counters that Yamamoto told them to conduct their own justice, which Ukitake affirms by observing that this is what they became strong for, but Yamamoto declares that they cannot defy the justice of the world to push through their own justice. With Ukitake demanding to know what the justice of the world is and Shunsui getting to his feet, Yamamoto reiterates that they have no more use for words now and embeds his Zanpakutō into the ground before tossing off his haori and exerting his fiery Reiatsu as he drops the top half of his shihakushō to reveal his muscular body, the numerous scars of which glow red with heat, to Shunsui and Ukitake's shock.

Yamamoto: Less talking now, and for fighting!

After stretching and cracking his joints, Yamamoto picks up his Zanpakutō, which bursts into flames as well, and sends a wave of fire at Shunsui and Ukitake with a slash.

Shunsui: Guess we have no choice but to fight him not, Jushiro.

Ukitake: I know, Shunsui, I know.

Withstanding the flame by bracing themselves, Shunsui and Ukitake look at Yamamoto as he releases his Shikai, Ryūjin Jakka, unleashing even more fire in the process.

Yamamoto: You two have better use your Zanpaktos if you wish not to die so easily. Reduce All Creation to Ash, Ryūjin Jakka (Flowing Blade Young Flame!)

Two captains of students vs. one being their very old but strong teacher…

Walking down one of the streets of the Seireitei while humming to himself, 11th Division 5th Seat Yumichika Ayasegawa hums to himself as he reaches an intersection and turns to the right upon deducing that his captain, Kenpachi Zaraki, is this way. Up ahead, Kenpachi sits on the destroyed bridge with his Zanpakutō embedded in the ground in front of him as he sighs, and when Yumichika spots him from afar and inquires if he won, Kenpachi reveals that 7th Division Captain Sajin Komamura ran off in search of Captain-Commander Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto. With Yumichika confused by his description of Komamura as a wolf-man, Kenpachi notes that Yamamoto seems to have begun fighting somewhere in Soul Society. However, when Yumichika cheerfully admits that he can sense this and performs a small dance, a confused Kenpachi questions why he is in such a good mood and looks over his shoulder to see that Yumichika is completely uninjured and is wearing intact clothes, leading him to assume with surprise that the latter won his battle without being hit, which Yumichika confirms.

Yumichika: So the battle's all over on your end?

Kenpachi: It is. And yours?

After Yumichika clarifies that he did have to change his clothes after they got dirty, Kenpachi observes that he is more energetic than he did before his fight, only for Yumichika to interpret this as Kenpachi believing he is more beautiful now and begin gyrating his hips in happiness, to Kenpachi's disgust.

Yumichika: It went beautifully!

Apologizing, Yumichika explains that he is simply happy because it has been a long time since he has been able to fight like this.

Kenpachi: Ah, yeah…Good for you then.

Elsewhere, a sweating and panting 9th Division Lieutenant Shūhei Hisagi lies on a rooftop and complains about the unfair power of Yumichika's Zanpakutō, having had his Reiryoku drained by it.

Hisagi: (Dammit…! He got me…! Oh, it looks like the Head Captain Yamamoto is in battle with someone right now from the looks of it.)

Suddenly, Hisagi is alerted by a massive fire raging in the forest behind him and recognizes the Reiatsu within the flame as belonging to Yamamoto, who stands before 8th Division Captain Shunsui Kyōraku and 13th Division Captain Jūshirō Ukitake with his Shikai, Ryūjin Jakka, released. With the fire coiling in the air above Yamamoto, Ukitake internally wonders how long it has been since he law saw Yamamoto like this and felt such fear, with Yamamoto exerting transcendent Reiatsu even in his Shikai state and producing heat that consumes the clouds above, wielding a blade that turns everything before it to ash as the oldest and most powerful fire-type Zanpakutō.

Yamamoto: I won't hold anything back even if you two were once my students. Prepare to battle! The time for words has passed.

Yamamoto requests that Shunsui and Ukitake release their Zanpakutō so that they do not turn to ash without putting up a fight, and after Shunsui observes that it cannot be helped, Ukitake looks at Yamamoto and agrees. As Ukitake releases his Shikai, Sōgyo no Kotowari, transforming his sword into two identical swords, each with a second blade extending from the back toward the handle, connected at the hilt by a long cord decorated with five charms, Shunsui follows suit by crossing his two Zanpakutō perpendicularly and releasing his Shikai, Katen Kyōkotsu, transforming the two swords into Chinese scimitars with silver edges.

Shunsui: The Flowery Winds Become Disturbed, The God Of Flowers Sings, The Heavenly Winds Become Disturbed, The Devil Of Heaven Sneers, Katen Kyokotsu (Flower-Heaven Bone of Madness!)

Ukitake: All Ye Waves, Become My Shield. All Ye Thunder, Become My Blade, Sogyo no Kotowari (Law of the Twin Fish!)

Looking over Shunsui and Ukitake as they stand with their Shikai, Yamamoto mentally notes Katen Kyōkotsu and Sōgyo no Kotowari are the only two dual-bladed Zanpakutō in all of Soul Society, leading him to declare them magnificent. With Yamamoto asserting he and Ukitake have not changed at all, Shunsui thanks him, and as Ukitake confirms they are ready to begin anytime, he clashes with Yamamoto alongside Shunsui in an explosion of force that scatters the flames around them and obscures the surrounding area with dirt flying into the air.

Yamamoto: Now come at me!

Shunsui and Ukitake: Master!

Meanwhile, in the Rukongai, Jidanbō Ikkanzaka punches the floor of the hut he is in twice with his left arm. Within the hut, three villagers stand across from Jidanbō and inquire if he feels any pain from this, as well as if he is really alright, which Jidanbō confirms before thanking them for their help. While the other two villagers downplay this, the third villager notes Jidanbō should be thanking Orihime Inoue because his arm would not be healed without all the long hours of challenging work she spent trying to save him.

Villager: Orihime Inoue's a good Ryoka healer to you.

Jidanbo: I do owe her, Ichigo, and their friends with my life.

As one of the villagers comments on how attractive Orihime is, another observes it has been five days since the Ryoka entered the Seireitei, prompting Jidanbō to hope they are alright if this is the case. Suddenly, Kūkaku Shiba questions if he is really this concerned. With Jidanbō and the villagers turning in surprise at the sound of her voice, the door to the hut is lifted up by Koganehiko and Shiroganehiko to reveal Kūkaku, who grins and walks inside while casually affirming the intimidated villagers' greetings as they stand at attention on either side of her.

Kukaku: You all better now? Then can't I ask you a favor.

Koganehiko: Me too!

Shiroganehiko: Me three!

Kukaku: I believe I do owe Yoruichi a favor now.

Upon being asked by Jidanbō what she wants with him, Kūkaku notes he has been sleeping for five or six days, which she claims must have left him feeling gloomy, before suggesting he join her for a walk while she goes to see Yoruichi Shihōin, leaving Jidanbō to ponder this for a few seconds before smiling in unison with Kūkaku.

Jidanbo: Oh?

Meanwhile, in a forest within the Seireitei, a leaf falls from a tree.

Soi Fon: You...

Yoruichi: Long time no see, Soi Fon.

As Yoruichi rapidly approaches on the ground below, the leaf floats through the air, only to be caught between clashing kicks from Yoruichi and 2nd Division Captain Suì-Fēng, causing it to be shredded by the force as they separate and land on opposite tree branches. Seeing Yoruichi smirking at her, Suì-Fēng asserts that she has not gotten any stronger despite spending so many years in hiding, leading Yoruichi to observe in turn that Suì-Fēng has let her skills get dull.

Soi Fon: Yoruichi! I'm not impressed.

Yoruichi: Are you jealous just a little?

Annoyed by this, Suì-Fēng brings up the Shihōin Clan symbol on the Tentōken that Ichigo Kurosaki was wearing and concludes that Yoruichi gave it to him, which Yoruichi confirms.

Soi Fon: So the item he flew around in had the same family crest symbol, did you give it to him? The Ryoka?

Yoruichi: I sure did.

When Yoruichi remarks that Ichigo needed it in order to fly so he could save Rukia Kuchiki, Suì-Fēng mocks the Shihōin Clan as becoming corrupt despite their title of Tenshiheisōban and theorizes that they will lose their place as one of the Four Noble Houses if it were discovered that they were helping a Ryoka.

Soi Fon: So that's why you were in hiding all this time...You were in league with the Ryoka. How shocking to see evidence of such corruption in the Shihoin Clan. It's a disgrace to learn that one of their members has been actively supporting a Ryoka invasion of the Seireitei. And it seem the Shiba Clan become involved, too. What a shame to see how low the Four Great houses have fallen.

Yoruichi: You certainly are talkative today, Soi Fon. Is it because you're excited to see your old mentor again after so many years? Well? Which is it, Commander? Has it been a little too much for you, following in my footsteps?

With Suì-Fēng stating that the fall of a noble family like the Shiba Clan is never pretty, Yoruichi simply points out how talkative Suì-Fēng is today and wonders if she is excited to see the senior she adored after so many years or if she is simply expressing her pent-up frustration like usual, further irritating Suì-Fēng as she narrows her eyes. Yoruichi questions if taking on her role of Commander-in-Chief of the Onmitsukidō was too much of a burden for Suì-Fēng, who grips her Zanpakutō as she admonishes Yoruichi for overestimating herself when Suì-Fēng is in charge of both the Onmitsukidō and the Keigun.

Soi Fon: Don't flatter yourself. You still act like you're better than me, but those days are gone. I'm the one with all the power now, because I'm the one who controls the Stealth Force. You chose to throw away the title that I now hold. Just look around you. There's no escape for you, Yoruichi!

Proclaiming that Yoruichi's time has passed, Suì-Fēng draws her Zanpakutō and embeds it in the tree branch she is standing on, resulting in a surprised Yoruichi being surrounded by dozens of Keigun as they suddenly appear in the nearby trees. Indicating this as the difference between them, Suì-Fēng reminds Yoruichi that the Corps Commander drawing her sword signals an execution.

Yoruichi: Oh, I see.

Soi Fon: Go ahead and try to hide, but you can't outrun all of us.

After concluding that this means any and all who oppose the Corps Commander must die, which even includes former leaders, Suì-Fēng declares that Yoruichi has no place to run away to after discarding this title, only for a grinning Yoruichi to rapidly defeat all the Keigun around her by moving around so fast with Shunpo that she leaves afterimages, leaving Suì-Fēng shocked as her subordinates fly past her. With Yoruichi asserting that Suì-Fēng has forgotten who she is dealing with and points out that she did not abandon her epithet as she did her post, Suì-Fēng identifies her as the "Flash Goddess" and begins tearing off the sleeves of her shihakushō.

Yoruichi: I really hate being underestimated like that. It's true that I threw away the Stealth Force title, but...there is one other title I never relinquished.

As she unties the sash around her waist and removes her haori to reveal her sleeveless, backless Keisen Shōzoku, Suì-Fēng proclaims she has no choice but to strip Yoruichi of this title with her own hands.

Soi Fon: Flash Master Yoruichi. That's not a real title. But since you claim it, you leave me no choice but to rip it from you with my own bare hands.

When Yoruichi admits seeing the Keisen Shōzoku brings back memories, Suì-Fēng encourages her to think back further and determine which of them is the better warrior while crouching on the tree branch before leaping forward and kicking at Yoruichi, who blocks Suì-Fēng's foot with her wrist before repeatedly and rapidly matching Suì-Fēng's kicks with punches and grabs.

Yoruichi: You still wear the Keisen uniform of the Punishment Squad, huh? I didn't know you were so traditional.

Soi Fon: Then don't hold back.

Suì-Fēng and Yoruichi trade one last blow and move back to their separate branches. Upon noticing a bruise on her left shoulder, Suì-Fēng observes that both she and Yoruichi got a hit in, making this a draw, as Yoruichi bleeds from her mouth and admits this is true. With Yoruichi questioning if she is being aided in some way by her Keisen Shōzoku because of how much her movements have improved, Suì-Fēng is left incredulous by this line of thinking and appears behind Yoruichi with Shunpo as she holds her Zanpakutō in front of the latter's face.

Yoruichi: Is that all you got?

Soi Fon: No, this is only the beginning… Sting all Enemies to Death, Suzumebachi (Hornet!)

While Yoruichi stares in shock, Suì-Fēng releases her Shikai, Suzumebachi, transforming her sword into an ornate gauntlet on her right hand with a long stinger covering her middle finger. Though Yoruichi attempts to escape with Shunpo, Suì-Fēng catches up to her in midair and declares that she will not get away before stabbing Yoruichi in the chest with Suzumebachi. Yoruichi and Suì-Fēng move to opposite tree branches once more, and as Yoruichi clutches her wound, Suì-Fēng berates Yoruichi for not considering that Suì-Fēng may be superior and could have been holding back earlier, leaving Yoruichi stunned.

Yoruichi: What?

Reminding Yoruichi of her warning to not overestimate herself, Suì-Fēng orders Yoruichi to pay the price of being away from the battlefield for one hundred years with her life as Yoruichi finds a Hōmonka appearing over her wound. While blood drips from Suzumebachi, Suì-Fēng inquires if Yoruichi remembers the power of her Shikai and details how it is a death mark etched on the body of her target with her first strike, which she admits had not been perfected during her time with Yoruichi one hundred years ago before revealing that she has completed it in the intervening period of time.

Soi Fon: One hit hits my target to go after, and the last hit will kill them for good.

Suì-Fēng recommends that Yoruichi run away to avoid taking a second hit because the power of killing power of Suzumebachi lies in the second strike, where a second hit on a wound marked by a Hōmonka kills her target and appears behind Yoruichi as she alerts and attacks the latter once more. Having been slashed on her back and right shoulder by this, Yoruichi flips into the air and handsprings off another branch into the forest, where she begins leaping between trees while Suì-Fēng pursues and mocks her for showing her back to an enemy as she flees. With two more Hōmonka appearing over Yoruichi's wounds, Suì-Fēng assumes that Yoruichi is running away to buy time, which she decries as useless due to the Hōmonka having gone from disappearing after an hour to vanishing only when she wants them to.

Yoruichi: Like getting stung by a bee.

Soi Fon: It does…Only for me to have the killing blow!

However, Yoruichi instead stops herself on a tree branch with her hands and swings her right leg through the air to send two Anken hurtling toward Suì-Fēng. As Suì-Fēng deflects the two Anken with the gauntlet portion of Suzumebachi and asserts that this is not good enough, Yoruichi lands on Suì-Fēng's braced right arm with her left foot and attempts to bring her right leg down onto Suì-Fēng, only for the latter to grasp Yoruichi's left foot with her left and pin Yoruichi's right foot between her feet before pulling back her right arm and striking with Suzumebachi, forcing Yoruichi to cross her arms in front of the wound on her chest. After getting cut on her left cheek, Yoruichi lands on the forest floor and pants heavily as her bleeding cheek is covered in another Hōmonka while Suì-Fēng stands before her.

Yoruichi: (Damn!)

Soi Fon: As you already know, when the leader of the Stealth Force draws her sword, an execution battle is imminent.

Yoruichi: ...

Soi Fon: Any opponent must die. And if that should happen to include a former commander, then that is what will have to be. There is no escape for you, Yoruichi!

Inquiring if Yoruichi understands now that she is superior, Suì-Fēng decides to finish her off and is surrounded by swirling wind-like energy, which she claims to have invented as a combination of Hakuda and Kidō that she only perfected a few days ago and which Yoruichi will be the first victim of. However, when Suì-Fēng asserts that it does not even have a name yet, Yoruichi denies this and identifies the technique as Shunkō, and as a stunned Suì-Fēng questions what she is talking about, Yoruichi inquires if she knows why the Keisen Shōzoku opens at the back and shoulders while holding out her fist, which crackles with electricity-like energy.

Yoruichi: ….

Soi Fon: For someone who's spent as many years hidden away as you have, it doesn't seem to me like you've gotten any stronger, Yoruichi.

Yoruichi: Well you, on the other hand...Looks like you've let your skills get rather dull and rusty.

Soi Fon: I told you not to underestimate me. Yoruichi Shihoin...Your time has passed! I stayed and grew stronger while you ran and hid from the battlefield for a hundred years, and now you're going to pay for it with your life, Yoruichi. Compare us. Between you and me...which of us shines as the better warrior?!

After noting that fabric on the back and shoulders would be wasted because the technique envelops those areas in dense Kidō that draws power to the arms and legs before exploding outward, Yoruichi concludes that any fabric on the back and shoulders would be blown off the moment that the technique is activated as she activates her own Shunkō, blowing the fabric off the back and shoulders of her outfit as she gains an aura of crackling electricity-like Kidō.

Yoruichi: I still got the moves better than any other Soul Reapers in the Seireitei of the Soul Society, remember? Behold…. Shunpo Master...(Flash Master)!

Soi Fon: What?!

With Suì-Fēng stunned by this, Yoruichi admits that she did not want to use this move against her and raises her left hand at Suì-Fēng before revealing that she still cannot control this very well as she unleashes a massive blast of energy.

Yoruichi: Careful…You may have some control, but I'm the master of controlling it ten times more to hold back until this moment. I may lose control over this move too…!

Having been shocked alongside Yoruichi Shihōin by the latter's Shunkō blast, 2nd Division Captain Suì-Fēng stands speechless several meters away from Yoruichi, who inquires if Suì-Fēng knows why Yoruichi never showed her this technique until now. With Yoruichi asserting that it is too dangerous, a screaming Suì-Fēng runs toward her with her own Shunkō active and attacks, only for Yoruichi to nullify her strike with Hanki. As she lifts up a stunned Suì-Fēng's hand and Shikai, Suzumebachi, with the same hand she performed Hanki with, Yoruichi concludes that she is not ready to use this technique yet while Suì-Fēng internally identifies Hanki as a technique that neutralizes an opponent's Kidō with Kidō of equal but opposite force. Angered by how easily Yoruichi accomplished this, Suì-Fēng frees herself from Yoruichi's grasp and swipes at her with both hands before leaping into the air and diving at Yoruichi with a kick while proclaiming that she is superior. After Yoruichi sidesteps her kick, Suì-Fēng skids along the ground upon landing and declares that she should have already surpassed Yoruichi due to a century of isolation making her stronger and the latter weaker.

Soi Fon: No!

Yoruichi: It's done.

Demanding to know why Yoruichi is still standing before and dominating her, Suì-Fēng orders Yoruichi to answer her.

Soi Fon: No…! Why can't I-?!

Yoruichi: What couldn't you what now…?

In the past, a child Suì-Fēng and three members of her family in their Keigun attire watch a younger Yoruichi pass along a bridge above them in a royal procession, where the man next to her points out and identifies Yoruichi, who is dressed in a ceremonial kimono and being continued a palanquin, as the Tenshiheisōban to Suì-Fēng.

Soi Fon: (I remember the first time I met her. It was like meeting a goddess. The princess of the Shihoin Clan. She's the one who will someday become the commander of the Punishment Force. I will serve her, as all of us in the Fon Clan do. We devote everything of ourselves to her. From that day on she was my idol. I worshipped her; she was everything I wanted to be. Then, seven years after I joined the Force, came the day I was named to the Commander's Personal Guard Squad.)

When the man explains that Yoruichi will one day lead the Keigun and that their Fēng Family devote everything to her, Suì-Fēng expresses surprise at the idea of devoting everything, which the man affirms is their shared duty and destiny. Having addressed her as Shāolíng, the man declares that she will be known as Suì-Fēng from now on and live only to serve Yoruichi, whom Suì-Fēng continues to stare at in awe as she mentally admits that seeing Yoruichi for the first time was like looking upon a goddess. While dozens of Keigun train in a pavilion, Suì-Fēng, now older and dressed in a Keigun outfit, notes that her family was a low-ranking Noble House. Suì-Fēng observes that strength means everything to her family and that those who cannot even join the Keigun are disowned before sparring with one of four Keigun surrounding her, where she blocks and counters each of his strikes before leaping overhead and landing a flying kick to his face, sending him crashing to the ground. After Suì-Fēng lands on him and holds her fist to his face, the Keigun yields, followed by Suì-Fēng punching the second Keigun repeatedly in the gut and sending him flying with a roundhouse kick to the face. Upon being kicked back by the third Keigun who approached her from behind, Suì-Fēng is caught and restrained by the fourth Keigun. With the Keigun berating her for standing out as a woman, Suì-Fēng kicks him in both knees and elbows him in the chest, allowing her to elbow him in the face and send him flying with a palm strike when he loses his grip. Flipping over the third Keigun when he rushes at her, Suì-Fēng notes that she wanted to become stronger than anyone as she looks over at Yoruichi, who rapidly incapacitates five Keigun around her in her standard uniform with less than three strikes each, leaving the last three to fall to the ground behind her. Upon noticing Suì-Fēng landing behind her, Yoruichi kicks at her head, only to be surprised when Suì-Fēng dodges and catches her leg at the ankle. As Suì-Fēng expresses shock at whom she is fighting, Yoruichi wraps her other leg around Suì-Fēng's head and flips her onto her back by letting her upper body fall and reach the ground. Yoruichi walks over to a prone Suì-Fēng and inquires what her name is, and after Suì-Fēng assumes a kneeling position and relays it, Yoruichi acknowledges this with a smile and walks off while Suì-Fēng admits that she went beyond adoring Yoruichi to worshiping her. Seven years after joining the Onmitsukidō, Suì-Fēng is appointed to Yoruichi's personal guard, resulting in her kneeling at the open entrance to Yoruichi's quarters and proclaiming herself to be at Yoruichi's service. Sitting on a cushion chair with a Keigun kneeling on either side, Yoruichi expresses delight at Suì-Fēng coming already, prompting Suì-Fēng to begin swearing that she will sacrifice her body and soul to Yoruichi from this day forward. However, Yoruichi interrupts by complaining about how formal this is and assures Suì-Fēng that she can address her as Miss Yoruichi. Though a stunned Suì-Fēng initially refuses to be so impolite, upon seeing Yoruichi's expression, she relents and questions if she can use Lady Yoruichi, leaving Yoruichi exasperated by her stiffness before concluding that Suì-Fēng can call her whatever she likes because she wants Suì-Fēng here for her skill.

Yoruichi: You're just thinking too much. Relax, Soi Fon, you're doing fine.

Soi Fon: No, I'm not! I'm not good enough, and I'll never be. I don't have anywhere near enough skills or strength to protect you, Lady Yoruichi. I-I'm lacking in every single way.

Yoruichi: You know what? You're just like I was. I've even caught myself thinking of you as my little sister sometimes.

With Yoruichi expressing hope that Suì-Fēng will do well at her post, a touched Suì-Fēng affirms this as she remembers her conversation with her family member about living only to serve Yoruichi.

Soi Fon: That's such a beautiful thing for you to tell me, Lady Yoruichi. But I don't deserve it. I swear I will always be by your side to protect you. You can count on it.

Yoruichi: Ahh...So it's a promise then?

Later, Yoruichi walks along a bridge flanked by Keigun with her two guards, where she approaches Suì-Fēng and inquires if she is becoming accustomed to her duties in the Onmitsukidō. When Suì-Fēng addresses her formally while confirming this, an annoyed Yoruichi pretends to hear a buzzing sound as a pretense to ruffle a startled Suì-Fēng's hair and claim there is a bee here. As Suì-Fēng expresses confusion, Yoruichi reminds her of their conversation about formality. After Suì-Fēng acknowledges this and addresses her as Lady Yoruichi, a smiling Yoruichi runs down the bridge while ordering Suì-Fēng to come along, and when a surprised Suì-Fēng remains standing where she is, Yoruichi stops and clarifies that Suì-Fēng is to follow her whenever she tells her to come along, which Suì-Fēng affirms while frantically running up to Yoruichi. As a pleased Yoruichi ruffles her hair again, Suì-Fēng internally observes that she was happy and did not hesitate. Sometime later, Yoruichi and Suì-Fēng run along a path through an open plain, where Suì-Fēng slashes through the mask of a large Hollow with her Zanpakutō, purifying it. Suddenly, another large Hollow rears up behind Suì-Fēng and grabs her in its hand before attempting to devour her, only for Yoruichi to sever its hand with a slash of her own Zanpakutō, which she proceeds to embed in the Hollow's skull, causing energy to pour out. While Yoruichi lands on the ground behind Suì-Fēng, the Hollow disintegrates, leaving Suì-Fēng to note that she was incredibly happy even in the midst of battle. When Yoruichi begins walking away, Suì-Fēng apologizes profusely for not being strong enough to protect Yoruichi yet despite this being her duty, only for Yoruichi to laugh briefly and instruct Suì-Fēng to not worry about this if that is all. Though Suì-Fēng attempts to protest this, Yoruichi asserts that it is okay if she says it is okay, and upon hearing Suì-Fēng beginning to address her formally, Yoruichi leans in with an eyebrow raised inquisitively, leading Suì-Fēng to correct herself and thank Yoruichi properly, which pleases the latter. That night, Suì-Fēng trains alone in a forest of cherry trees and criticizes herself as not being able to protect Yoruichi like this. After Suì-Fēng performs several slashes at the empty air with her Zanpakutō and suddenly comes to a stop, Yoruichi leans in from behind her and takes Suì-Fēng's sword hand in her own while stating that this is how one swings a sword. Having Suì-Fēng grasp her Zanpakutō with both hands, Yoruichi moves her arms to help her perform a proper upward swing. Despite being left smiling at her success, Suì-Fēng quickly realizes what is happening and leaps away to a kneeling position, where Yoruichi assures her she is doing fine and does not need to think so hard. Suì-Fēng counters that she is not doing good enough and needs to be more powerful in order to protect Yoruichi before asserting she is lacking in everything, only to be surprised when Yoruichi ruffles her hair and gently states this is enough. With Suì-Fēng touched by this, Yoruichi compares them and admits she thinks of Suì-Fēng as her little sister. As Suì-Fēng claims that she is not worthy of such words, Yoruichi lies down on the grass with her head in Suì-Fēng's lap and points out how it is a full moon tonight, which Suì-Fēng acknowledges. While cherry blossoms fall around them, Yoruichi slowly closes her eyes, and when Suì-Fēng tenderly promises to always be there to protect her, Yoruichi confirms that this is a promise, startling Suì-Fēng with the revelation that she is still awake before she calms down and smiles while observing that she was happy until a certain day arrived.

Soi Fon: (I was so happy. I couldn't have guessed what was about to happen...)

Sometime later, Suì-Fēng runs down a long hallway toward Yoruichi's quarters, which she is shocked to find empty upon opening the doors. A stunned Suì-Fēng walks toward Yoruichi's chair as she notes that Yoruichi disappeared suddenly without any words of farewell and recalls their conversation under the full moon before concluding that it was a betrayal from her master whom she adored like a goddess, which leads her to call Yoruichi a liar.

Yoruichi: Is that a promise then?

Soi Fon: (No…! Where did Lady Yoruichi go?)

In the present, Suì-Fēng rushes toward Yoruichi and declares that she was disappointed in the latter to the point of hating and cursing her. Reiterating her vow to become stronger than Yoruichi and capture the latter herself, Suì-Fēng leaps into the air and unleashes a blast of Kidō, forcing Yoruichi to leap into the air in order to evade it. After meeting Yoruichi in midair, Suì-Fēng proclaims that she will never forgive Yoruichi for betraying her devotion and trust before attacking, which prompts Yoruichi to unleash a massive blast of her own Kidō that completely counters Suì-Fēng's attack and leaves her standing on the ground below with Yoruichi's outstretched fist held inches from her face in the middle of a crater. As Yoruichi deactivates her Shunkō and lowers her fist, Suì-Fēng drops her guard and tearfully inquires why Yoruichi did not take her along when she left.

Yoruichi: It looks like I win again. Sorry.

With Yoruichi merely responding that Suì-Fēng has gotten stronger since they last met, Suì-Fēng collapses and wails loudly in sadness.

Soi Fon: It happened so suddenly - you disappeared without a trace, without any warning at all. It was such a betrayal...From a person I'd devoted myself to; someone I'd worshipped like a goddess. You lied. You lied to me! I can never forgive what you did, Yoruichi. There could be no forgiveness for the way you betrayed my trust and devotion...Not ever! Tell me...Tell me why...Help me understand. Why didn't you take me with you? I would've gone anywhere with you. You must've known that. Oh, Lady Yoruichi...

True, why didn't Yoruichi take Soi Fon with her? Kind of sad, huh? She could've, but she might've had her own reasons a while back that's still unknown for the time being.

Yoruichi: Soi Fon…. (I'm sorry.)

Elsewhere, as he and 7th Division Lieutenant Tetsuzaemon Iba sit back against two separate trees with styptic on their faces, 11th Division 3rd Seat Ikkaku Madarame comments on the intense lightning they just witnessed and claims that it would have struck him if he had been holding his sword up in the air, prompting Iba to berate him for not realizing this was actually Kidō and that they are in no danger because it was aimed at something else while drinking sake from a gourd. When Iba tosses the gourd to him and admonishes him for not learning how to perform Kidō, Ikkaku catches the gourd and drinks from it as well before stating that he is not naturally skilled in Kidō.

Ikkaku: What a battle, huh?

Iba: I guess. Eveny matched. Another round?

Ikkaku: You bet.

Iba: Alrighty then.

With Ikkaku pointing out how he was not born a well-rounded fighter with skill in Zankensoki, Iba admits that he was not always well-rounded, but merely reached that point because one is more likely to become a lieutenant if one displays versatility. Noting that this does not sound like fun, Ikkaku tosses the gourd back to Iba, who asserts that men should strive to rise through the ranks and that it is indeed fun. While Iba drinks from the gourd once more, Ikkaku counters that this is really just what Chikane Iba wanted, though Iba questions who would want to become a lieutenant for the sake of an old hag like her before suddenly realizing that they are out of sake. An incredulous Ikkaku accuses Iba of drinking too much as usual, and when Iba claims that it is only natural for sake to disappear, Ikkaku angrily confronts him and proclaims that he should not make it sound like the sake evaporated while Iba stands up and drops the empty gourd. When Ikkaku decides that they should do it again, Iba agrees, and the two of them back up before repeatedly playing janken until Iba wins by playing "scissors" against Ikkaku's "paper". Iba celebrates his victory and leaps up the nearby cliff to take the high ground, where he responds to Ikkaku's protests by blaming his lack of skill in janken for this always happening. However, Iba is interrupted when he notices the fierce clash on Sōkyoku Hill in the distance, leading him to ask Ikkaku who is fighting 6th Division Captain Byakuya Kuchiki near the Sōkyoku since he is unfamiliar with their Reiatsu. Upon being informed by Ikkaku that it is likely Ichigo Kurosaki, Iba expresses a lack of recognition of this name, leading Ikkaku to remind him that Ichigo is the Ryoka whom Ikkaku himself fought earlier. While Iba comments on how strong Ichigo is, Ikkaku joins him on the high ground and assumes a battle stance with his Shikai, Hōzukimaru, as he tells Iba to assume his own, which Iba complies with by holding his own Shikai forward. Iba reminds Ikkaku that whoever loses has to get more sake, and after Ikkaku continues that whoever wins gets to rest, the two of them conclude that easing up will result in death before resuming their clash.

Ikkaku: Again!

Iba: I'll beat you this time!

Another round up.

Ikkaku: Give me a break!

Iba: Ha! I get the higher ground this time!

Oh boy, don't mind them…Meanwhile, on Sōkyoku Hill, Ichigo and Byakuya clash fiercely, generating electricity as the force overturns a substantial portion of the rock beneath their feet, and repeatedly cross blades while their Reiatsu surges around them. When Byakuya forces his Shikai, Zangetsu, aside and slashes at him with his own Zanpakutō, Ichigo evades by leaping back with Shunpo to the overturned chunk of rock as Byakuya moves to a different overturned rock. Observing that Ichigo has mastered Shunpo as well, Byakuya begins to downplay this, but Ichigo interrupts him by commenting on his cool-headed nature and asserts that Byakuya analyzing him like he is not a threat is just an act before reminding Byakuya of his promise to kill Ichigo. After pointing out how Byakuya has not even scratched him yet and reiterating Byakuya's promise to kill him, Ichigo demands to see his Bankai and brings up Byakuya's promise to execute Rukia Kuchiki himself.

Ichigo: I'm gonna defeat you, Byakuya. I'm willing to risk everything. And I'm going to crush you until there's nothing left. You act as if there's some reason it has to be this way. You say I wouldn't understand! Well, you got that right. I can't even imagine what kind of a monster would actually threaten to murder his own sister! But I promise you, you'll never say such a thing in front of Rukia again.

Byakuya: ...

Ichigo: Release your Bankai now, or I'll kill you where you stand, Byakuya!

Though Byakuya does not understand why this is relevant, Ichigo proclaims that Byakuya makes him sick and that he plans to hit Byakuya with everything he has.

Byakuya: What an empty threat. You want my Bankai? Careful what you ask for, fool. You will die, but it's a thousand years too soon for you to die by my Bankai. Scatter, Senbonzakura.

Ichigo: Bring it!

As he declares he will crush all of Byakuya's powers because of his twisted promise to execute his own sister, Ichigo concludes he does not care about Byakuya's sense of duty or honor and asserts he will never let Byakuya say this in front of Rukia again before demanding once more that Byakuya activate his Bankai so he can crush it. Despite this, Byakuya merely describes Ichigo's remarks as a cheap provocation that will not change Byakuya's mind on his or Rukia's fates no matter how much he yells. After claiming Ichigo is a thousand years too early to die by his Bankai, Byakuya releases his Shikai, Senbonzakura, separating his sword into a thousand blade petals.

Byakuya: What was that light that I saw? Is this the true power of your Zanpakuto?

However, with the blade petals swirling toward him, Ichigo raises Zangetsu and unleashes a large Getsuga Tenshō that tears through the entirety of Senbonzakura in one blast, stunning Byakuya as it roars past him and carves a deep trench into Sōkyoku Hill.

Ichigo: That's right. When I swing my sword, all of my Spiritual Pressure is absorbed by my Zanpakto. Then it gets released again in a super-high-density beam. That gives it an incredibly amplified swing. That's Zangetsu's power. I'll say it once more, Byakuya Kuchiki! Attack with your Bankai now! I'm going to destroy you completely this time!

Having been caught in the blast, Byakuya's left arm loses its tekkō and begins bleeding as Byakuya questions if this flash of light were the power of Ichigo's Zanpakutō. Ichigo stands in front of a large chasm with Zangetsu over his shoulder and confirms this before revealing the Getsuga Tenshō consists of Zangetsu absorbing his Reiryoku and firing highly concentrated Reiatsu from the tip. Concluding that the blast is then magnified and discharged, Ichigo admits that he could not use it at will and did not even know how to discharge it until today as he recounts Kisuke Urahara stating that all he could teach Ichigo was the proper state of mind, which he finally understood after training with Zangetsu because the latter was the only one who could teach him about Zangetsu. In the past, while training within the Study Chamber inside Sōkyoku Hill, Ichigo succeeds in firing a Getsuga Tenshō at will through the ground, leading Zangetsu to explain to Ichigo that the energy released by this technique differs depending on whether or not Ichigo knows its name.

Zangetsu: Remember this name well, Ichigo. It's known as….

Ichigo: Getsuga Tensho (Piercer of Heaven.)

Byakuya: Getsuga Tensho?

In the present, having been told the name of the technique by Zangetsu, Ichigo repeats it aloud and embeds Zangetsu in the ground in front of him before demanding once again that Byakuya use his Bankai and declaring that he will defeat Byakuya.

Ichigo: A Bankai battle, Byakuya Kuchiki! You and me! Let's go!

With Ichigo Kurosaki having relayed the name and explanation of his Zanpakutō's special technique, Getsuga Tenshō, 6th Division Captain Byakuya Kuchiki comments on how pretentious it sounds and decides to give into Ichigo's demands that he use his Bankai before holding up and dropping his Zanpakutō. As Ichigo expresses surprise at him letting go of his sword, Byakuya stoically promises to turn Ichigo to dust before he has time to regret his decision while his Zanpakutō sinks into the ground as though it were water.

Byakuya: All right, then. Since you're not willing to take no for an answer, then feast your eyes. Behold my Bankai! Bankai...Senbonzakura Kageyoshi!

Ichigo: (I won't make it!)

The surrounding area darkens as two rows of giant swords rise up out of the ground behind Byakuya, who activates his Bankai, Senbonzakura Kageyoshi, causing the swords to separate into innumerable blade petals that swirl toward a stunned Ichigo. Regaining his senses, Ichigo picks up his Shikai, Zangetsu, and rushes toward Byakuya while Senbonzakura Kageyoshi tears through the ground where he was standing. When a mass of blade petals forms in front of Byakuya and attacks him, Ichigo leaps into the air. Ichigo fires a Getsuga Tenshō directly at Byakuya while in midair, only for the latter to assert this is not good enough while massing Senbonzakura Kageyoshi in front of him to block the energy blast, which dissipates, before sending them hurtling toward Ichigo. Though Ichigo slashes through the stream of blade petals, the two streams reconverge behind him and approach Ichigo, forcing him to block the stream with Zangetsu. While Byakuya looks on from below, a struggling Ichigo splits the stream once more with another Getsuga Tenshō, but finds Senbonzakura Kageyoshi massing behind him, prompting him to cut through it with a third Getsuga Tenshō. Despite this, Ichigo sees multiple streams of blade petals converging above him and realizes he will not be able to counter this as Senbonzakura Kageyoshi engulfs and slams him into the ground before Byakuya, kicking up a huge cloud of dust. While he watches the dust settle, Byakuya reveals the essence of Senbonzakura Kageyoshi lies in its ability to create a relentless barrage from every direction by attacking simultaneously with billions of blades and acknowledges Ichigo's Zanpakutō is indeed powerful. With the dust clearing to reveal a wounded Ichigo panting on his hands and knees in a crater, Byakuya concludes that slow attacks cannot counter his Bankai.

Byakuya: Think of Senbonzakura like this...A relentless barrage from every direction by billions of blades attacking simultaneously. The abilities of your Zanpakuto are more than I imagined. However...Your attacks are far too broad and clumsy. You could never evade the nimble assault of Senbonzakura.

Cursing his inability to do better, Ichigo acknowledges that it was foolish of him to think he could defeat a Bankai with only his Shikai, and when an alerted Byakuya instructs him to be careful with his words because he is implying that he has already achieved Bankai, Ichigo proclaims that this is exactly what he is saying as he gets to his feet.

Ichigo: Damn, I thought I could do better than that. I should've known that I couldn't do it. Just had to try, though. Guess it's foolish to think that I could ever beat a Bankai while only using my Shikai.

Byakuya: That arrogant mouth of yours is going to be the death of you. You talk as if you've already achieved Bankai level.

Ichigo: Yeah...You catch on pretty quickly.

Elsewhere in the Seireitei, 10th Division Captain Tōshirō Hitsugaya and his lieutenant, Rangiku Matsumoto, run through one of the streets. In the past, Hitsugaya stands over a hospitalized 5th Division Lieutenant Momo Hinamori in his division's barracks and recalls their conflict the previous night.

Rangiku: How's she doing?

Hitsugaya: She's sleeping.

After a somber Hitsugaya walks out of the room into the hallway, Rangiku inquires how Hinamori is doing, leading Hitsugaya to note that she is sleeping before using Kyōmon to erect a transparent barrier in the doorway. Upon being asked by a surprised Rangiku why he has done this, Hitsugaya admits that he cannot predict the moves of other parties and that this barrier is meant to protect Hinamori from any enemies, concerning Rangiku as he asserts that they should depart.

Rangiku: Why is this happening?

Hitsugaya: I don't know…Between the setup of Rukia's execution and Captain Aizen's murder, something's very wrong. Let's get going, Rangiku.

In the present, while continuing to run through the street, Rangiku notices a dust cloud created by an explosion of force on Sōkyoku Hill and wonders if it could be the Ryoka. Hitsugaya points out that it could not be anyone else due to how intense the Reiatsu is at the source of the clash and observes that they have to try to control the situation by making a direct appeal to the Central 46 now that the situation has become so complicated.

Rangiku: I guess everyone else has their hands full right now.

Hitsugaya: For now, we're on our own. First we find out what's going on, and then we'll end this setup.

With Rangiku questioning if he intends to inform them of the incident with 5th Division Captain Sōsuke Aizen, Hitsugaya affirms this and notes that he needs to reveal what really happened as well before using Shunpo alongside Rangiku to move more rapidly ahead.

Rangiku: Then lead the way, Captain.

Back on Sōkyoku Hill, Byakuya is astonished by Ichigo's claim, prompting Ichigo to state that he will not repeat himself.

Byakuya: What did you say?

As he theorizes that Byakuya may not believe what he has been told, Ichigo declares that Byakuya will have to believe his own eyes and holds out Zangetsu behind him while slamming his feet into the ground to strengthen his stance.

Ichigo: Don't make me repeat myself. I think you heard me. You just don't want to believe it, do you? Then again, I don't care whether you believe me or not. I'm not gonna say it again. You'll believe it once you see it yourself...Byakuya Kuchiki! Feast your eyes. This is my Bankai. Bankai! Tensa Zangetsu (Heaven Chain Slaying Moon!)

Yelling loudly, Ichigo exerts his Reiatsu, which begins surging around him and into the sky. In a different part of the Seireitei below, Orihime Inoue, Yasutora Sado, Uryū Ishida, Ganju Shiba, and Makizō Aramaki come to a halt in one of the streets as they see the pillar of Reiatsu, where Orihime wonders if this is Ichigo.

Orihime: That's Ichigo, right? Up there?

While Uryū claims that no one else fights this crazily, Ganju expresses relief at not picking a fight with Ichigo.

Uryu: No one I know of fights like that, no one that crazy.

Upon hearing this, Orihime recalls a common saying about a cat not eating a childish fight, but Uryū clarifies that it is about a cat not eating a child's fight. However, Sado corrects them both on the saying actually being about a dog not eating a married couple's fight, and while Orihime cheerfully apologizes for the misunderstanding, Uryū is apoplectic over being drawn into one of Orihime's bizarre tangents and getting corrected by Sado.

Chad: Then it must be Ichigo up there.

Interjecting, Aramaki points out that it is not the time for comedic breaks, prompting Uryū to regain his senses and run off with the others, though Ganju remains standing in place and questions if Uryū is smart or stupid.

Ganju: Really…? I'll tell you what, I'm glad I didn't pick a fight with him that badly.

With Ganju stating Uryū should be one or the other consistently, so he knows what to expect, Orihime calls out and reminds him he is going to be left behind, which leads a startled Ganju to hurry after them.

Makai: Yeah, we better keep moving, people!

Ganju, Chad, Uryu, and Orihime: Right!

Back on Sōkyoku Hill, as Ichigo's Reiatsu continues to intensify, Byakuya mentally asserts that him achieving Bankai is impossible because only the most experienced Shinigami can perform Bankai, with even the four Noble Houses whose members are born with Reiatsu surpassing all others only having one member in several generations ever attain that level of power, to the point that the names of those who have done so are etched into the history of Soul Society. Looking at Ichigo, Byakuya wonders how he could dream of achieving Bankai when he became a Shinigami on borrowed powers and has no noble lineage in addition to not being a proper Shinigami. Despite this, Byakuya is left uncertain by Ichigo's confident talk of achieving Bankai and intense Reiatsu. After recalling his previous defeat at the hands of Byakuya in the Human World and Rukia Kuchiki's tearful departure, Ichigo stops exerting his Reiatsu and swings Zangetsu around to point forward, causing part of his damaged shihakushō to burst off while the cloth attached to Zangetsu coils around his arm, before activating his Bankai.

Ichigo: Heads up.

Ichigo's eyes glow with Reiatsu as Zangetsu surges with energy that bursts forward toward Byakuya, extending off the side of Sōkyoku Hill.

While running through the streets below, Hitsugaya and Rangiku are shocked upon sensing the release of power behind them, and Ichigo's friends watch in astonishment from below Sōkyoku Hill as the energy kicks up a massive dust cloud, which begins swirling around in a tornado that affects and disperses the clouds far above.

Ganju: Ah, man! Is it just me, or has the Spiritual Pressure getting stronger and stronger as we climb up these stairs? Am I right?

Uryu: You're right, Ganju. It must be Ichigo's.

Getting to the top of the hill, only to see a big forest as Ichigo is nearby fighting Byakuya still.

Chad: A dead end?

Makai: Don't tell me we came all the way up here for nothing…!

Orihime: It's fine. Ichigo's here, I can sense him out from here.

When it comes to love, Orihime and Ichigo are strong apart or together.

Chad: But I don't sense Rukia anywhere.

Lucky for Yachiru to finally arrive to tell the others the good news.

Yachiru: She's alive. Escaped safely. Seems like Ichi's battling the Captain of Squad 5 right now. Yep!

She was right, with Makai a bit confused on them saving Rukia with everything they have…Orihime knows of Rukia changed Ichigo for the better to surprise the boys about it. They'll be a bit to get to the area next.

Orihime: Rukia's our friend and she changed Ichigo on who he is now. (Please be careful.)

She was right…Off Orihime, Chad, Uryu, Makai, Ganju, and Yachiru keep on going. With the dust beginning to settle, Byakuya, who had been shielding himself with Senbonzakura Kageyoshi, scatters his blade petals and stares in shock as a black cloak becomes visible within the dust. As a burst of power from his new blade separates the dust cloud into several concentric, separated rings that quickly vanish, Ichigo stands with his Bankai, Tensa Zangetsu, consisting of a ragged black coat with a red lining and a pure black daitō.

Byakuya: Watch carefully, Ichigo Kurosaki. What you see is what happens when I abandon all defense, and risk everything to kill my enemy. This is the true form of Senbonzakura. Senkei Senbonzakura Kageyoshi (Slaughterscape Vibrant Display of a Thousand Cherry Blossoms!) Don't worry, though. This is just your funeral procession. The thousand swords all around you will not attack you at once. So relax. This Senkei is the form I show to only those special few enemies who are truly deserving of my vow to kill them with my own hands. You are only the second to ever see it.

However, Byakuya refuses to believe that what he perceives to be an ordinary Zanpakutō could be a Bankai and assumes that this is simply Ichigo gleefully treading on something else the Shinigami hold sacred as he did with the execution ceremony. Proclaiming that he will show Ichigo what happens when he insults their honor, Byakuya masses Senbonzakura Kageyoshi around himself and prepares to attack.

Ichigo: I'm truly flattered.

Byakuya: Here I come, Ichigo Kurosaki.

Suddenly, Byakuya is stunned to find Ichigo holding the tip of Tensa Zangetsu to his throat, leaving Senbonzakura Kageyoshi to disperse around him. After observing that Byakuya's pride seems to demand that he kill Rukia, Ichigo lowers his sword and leaps back while declaring that stepping on this pride is the reason he achieved Bankai as he levels Tensa Zangetsu at Byakuya.

Orihime: (Ichigo…)

Ichigo: (Orihime…! Right! I'm not only fighting for Rukia's safety, but also my friends, family, and…her…)

You said it, dude. Meanwhile, in another part of the Seireitei, a concerned Hinamori leaps onto a rooftop and runs along it. In the past, Hinamori wakes up in the Tenth Division barracks and gets dressed before noticing Aizen's letter on a bedside tray, which she picks up while crying. After falling to her knees and wondering what she should do, Hinamori calms down, stores the letter in her shihakushō, and gets up as she mentally resolves to find out.

Momo: (Something's not right…And Toshi…I have to find out what's really going on right away.)

In the present, Hitsugaya and Rangiku arrive at the front gate to the Central 46 Compound, where they are confused to find it unguarded and further surprised to discover the double doors have not been locked when Hitsugaya opens them with a push of his hand. Walking over the bridge connecting to the main entrance, Rangiku reaches the door alongside Hitsugaya and notes no one is guarding this area either, though Hitsugaya deduces the doors are locked from inside. While Rangiku steps back, Hitsugaya announces himself and requests permission to enter the compound for a matter of utmost importance, causing over a dozen swords to bar the doors horizontally and vertically in response. When Rangiku takes this as proof the emergency defense lock is working, Hitsugaya agrees and ruminates on how this makes matters even stranger. At the backside of Sōkyoku Hill, the Ryoka reach the long, staggered set of stairs leading up to the execution ground, prompting Orihime to marvel at how high it is while Ganju bemoans having to climb all the way up. As Uryū and Sado note Rukia and Ichigo are at the top, the Ryoka prepare to move. However, Aramaki frantically tells them to wait and inquires if the Reiatsu from earlier does not both them before raising the question of what will happen to them should they walk into the middle of a fight between combatants of such power. Pausing in silence for a moment, Orihime merely thanks Aramaki for worrying about them and asserts that they have to go, which Uryū affirms is due to them being Ichigo's friends as Ganju and Sado nod in agreement. With Aramaki speechless at this, Sado thanks Aramaki for coming with them this far and assures him that he does not have to go any further, and while Aramaki expresses surprise, Orihime decides that they should say farewell here. Orihime fails to remember Aramaki's name and addresses him with a nickname that Uryū and Ganju use as well in the process of bidding him farewell. As the Ryoka begin running up the stairs, Aramaki is left astonished by their behavior and angrily declares his name and tenure in the Eleventh Division before concluding he and his comrades do not run away while running after the Ryoka and asking them to remember his name.

Uryu: (It'll be fine…! Don't you dare die on us, Ichigo, or I'll never forgive you!)

Back on Sōkyoku Hill, Byakuya faces Ichigo and recalls the latter briefly disappearing from his sight during his attempted attack with Senbonzakura Kageyoshi. Remembering his inability to react in time, Byakuya refuses to believe this is possible. As he questions if Ichigo withdrew his blade out of overconfidence, Byakuya asserts that arrogance destroys the footholds of victory before claiming that Tensa Zangetsu cannot be a Bankai due to its miserable size and Ichigo himself being a Ryoka. After asserting that Ichigo will regret not slitting his throat when he had the chance, Byakuya proclaims that miracles only happen once and sends Senbonzakura Kageyoshi hurtling toward Ichigo, who leaps over the swarm of blade petals at the last second, leaving it to crash into the ground where he was standing, and proceeds to evade several more tendrils in midair while approaching Byakuya. Appearing directly in front of Byakuya, Ichigo slashes at him, only for a surprised Byakuya to intercept his strike by massing Senbonzakura Kageyoshi between them. Pushed into the air by Senbonzakura Kageyoshi as he blocks the blade petals with his sword, Ichigo rapidly moves behind Byakuya and falls onto his hand to duck below another stream sent at him, allowing him to handspring over Byakuya while the latter continues facing the area where he was located prior. Astonished by Ichigo's speed while the latter continues to evade Senbonzakura Kageyoshi, Byakuya wonders if his Bankai cannot catch Ichigo as he begins generating several afterimages of himself. Though Ichigo tauntingly asks Byakuya if he cannot keep up and claims that he can still go a little faster, Byakuya demands that he not get cocky and gestures with his hand, causing Senbonzakura Kageyoshi to begin pursuing Ichigo across the rocky landscape. When Ichigo leaps into the air after dodging several strikes, three tendrils of Senbonzakura Kageyoshi converge on his location, prompting Ichigo to escape to the ground below just before they smash together, where he realizes that Senbonzakura Kageyoshi has gotten faster as he jumps to avoid another strike. Internally, Byakuya details how Senbonzakura Kageyoshi is twice as fast if he controls it with his hands. With Senbonzakura Kageyoshi separating into several tendrils that approach him in midair, Ichigo evades several while they surround him in the sky above, and as he mentally declares that there is nothing he cannot catch, Byakuya has the entirety of Senbonzakura Kageyoshi converge on Ichigo, only for the latter to disperse Senbonzakura Kageyoshi by repelling every single blade petal with hundreds of rapid slashes. While Byakuya stares in astonishment at this, Ichigo moves behind him and inquires what Byakuya calls this if a miracle only happens once before stabbing at him with his sword, which draws a considerable amount of blood. Having caught Ichigo's sword near the hilt with his right hand before it could pierce his body, Byakuya concludes that Tensa Zangetsu concentrates all its power into this small blade so Ichigo can fight with maximum force at hyper-speed. Acknowledging this as the secret ability of Ichigo's Bankai as he stands up and jostles Ichigo, Byakuya proclaims that he will simply crush that power and Ichigo along with it before exerting his Reiatsu on the surrounding area.

While running up the stars along the backside of Sōkyoku Hill alongside the other Ryoka, Ganju Shiba comments on the intense Reiatsu they are senses that only gets heavier as they get nearer to the top and questions if it really belongs to Ichigo Kurosaki, though Uryū Ishida admits that he cannot be certain. Upon reaching the top of the stairs, the Ryoka find themselves before a copes of dead trees and realize that Ichigo's battle is taking place on the other side, which they cannot see. However, Orihime Inoue reveals that she can still sense Ichigo because the scent of his Reiatsu remains the same no matter how powerful it grows. With Orihime concluding that it is definitely Ichigo on the other side of the forest, Yasutora Sado notes the strangeness of Rukia Kuchiki's Reiatsu not being present despite her being crucified up ahead, prompting 11th Division Lieutenant Yachiru Kusajishi to inform them that Rukia escaped while sitting on a tree branch overhead. Upon noticing Makizō Aramaki below, Yachiru cheerfully calls him by his old nickname.

Chad: Ichigo's got this.

Ganju: He'll win this battle.

Aramaki expresses resignation at Yachiru's indecisiveness regarding his nickname as Sado questions why Ichigo is still fighting if he managed to help Rukia escape. Telling Sado that this means Ichigo is fighting someone powerful, Uryū explains that simply freeing Rukia is not enough when knowing that the enemy is going to come after her, which results in him needing to defeat the enemy thoroughly and crush their conviction to see Rukia executed. With the other Ryoka solemnly accepting that this is why Ichigo is fighting, a shocked Aramaki asserts that something is wrong with them if they are willing to risk this much just for a friend of theirs. Suddenly, as Uryū begins to counter that Rukia is indeed their friend, Orihime clarifies that Rukia is not just a friend because she is very to Ichigo due to being the one who changed his entire world.

Makai: This is insane…!

Yachiru: No, Maki-Maki…It's a battle which Kenny like about Ichi's powers.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the forest, Ichigo stands with 6th Division Captain Byakuya Kuchiki grasping the sword of his Bankai, Tensa Zangetsu, by the blade, which has cut open his hand. After pushing the sword down, Byakuya pulls his hand along the blade, drawing even more blood, and he and Ichigo leap several meters apart, causing blood to spatter on the ground between them. While Byakuya tells Ichigo to look closely, the blood on the ground turns into pink flames. Surrounding Ichigo and Byakuya, the pink flames surge and spiral into the air above them, creating a pink void around the two, as Byakuya details how this is the true form of his Bankai, Senbonzakura Kageyoshi, taken when he abandons all defense and risks everything to kill his opponent. Senbonzakura Kageyoshi forms a thousand large swords that begin rotating in four rows around the two of them, and with Ichigo intimidated, Byakuya assures him the swords will not strike him all at once and this is a technique he reserves for those whom he has sworn to kill himself as he summons one of the swords to his bloody right hand, where it becomes his sealed Zanpakutō. Upon being told by Byakuya that he is only the second person to ever see this technique, Ichigo claims to be flattered before exerting his Reiatsu alongside Byakuya, causing chunks of the ground beneath them to break apart and rise into the air. With Byakuya declaring that he is beginning his attack and rushing forward, a yelling Ichigo runs toward him and attacks in unison with Byakuya, which results in an explosion of Reiatsu that bursts through Senkei and shocks the Ryoka watching through the trees with its bright light. Startled by this, Yachiru falls off the tree branch and manages to land on the head of Ganju, who expresses irritation as she runs off laughing.

Orihime: Please, Ichigo.

Yachiru: Oops, I fell. I wanna do it again! Ha!

As Sado wonders what that Reiatsu was, Uryū suggests to Orihime that they move a bit further away for their safety, but Orihime merely thanks him and insists that she wants to stay right here. Internally, Uryū observes that Orihime knows she will only get in the way if she tries to help, and Ichigo would not want her to even if she could help him yet has to fight to hold herself back all the same. Concluding that Orihime is waiting and praying for Ichigo, who briefly separates from Byakuya and pants heavily before leaping back into the fight while yelling, Uryū mentally warns Ichigo that he will have to answer to Uryū if he does not win as Ichigo and Byakuya continue to clash.

Uryu: He better win…!

Within the Senkei dome, Ichigo and Byakuya clash repeatedly and fiercely, and as blood spatters on one of the giant swords, Ichigo and Byakuya cross blades in front of it before separating and moving around rapidly with Shunpo while continuing to clash in different areas. When their blades pass each other and manage to strike after being turned toward the ground to face upward by their sword lock, Ichigo and Byakuya leap back with fresh wounds as Ichigo mentally asserts that Byakuya has been getting faster ever since he activated Senkei, though he believes that he can still go a little faster to match this speed, only for Byakuya to disappear from sight. Suddenly, Ichigo finds the tip of Byakuya's sword about to pierce him between the eyes, and as Ichigo narrowly evades this and receives a cut on his right cheek, Byakuya passes by him, leading Ichigo to look to his right while Byakuya appears behind him and stabs his sword at Ichigo's neck. Upon noticing this, Ichigo pushes down Byakuya's sword with his own and moves into a blade lock, prompting Byakuya to inquire why Ichigo is slowing down. Though Ichigo points out that he is still fast enough to block Byakuya's sword, Byakuya calls down another sword from the topmost row to his left hand and embeds it into Ichigo's right foot.

Ichigo: ….!

Byakuya: Hado #4 - Byakurai (Pale Lightning.)

With Ichigo stunned by this, Byakuya places his left index finger against Ichigo's right shoulder and uses Hadō #4. Byakurai, firing a beam of energy all the way through a stunned Ichigo's shoulder that leaves a smoking hole. After Byakuya pulls the sword out of his foot, Ichigo stumbles back in shock and coughs while Byakuya observes that this is the limit for him. When Ichigo attempts to demand to know what Byakuya said, he quickly realizes that his body can no longer move. Byakuya brings up Ichigo's theory that Senkei increased his speed and clarifies that Senkei simply condenses the blade petals of Senbonzakura Kageyoshi into the shape of a sword. Byakuya clarifies that Senkei explosively increases the lethality of Senbonzakura Kageyoshi while leaving his speed unchanged as his sword disintegrates into blade petals, leaving Ichigo to conclude with shock that he has been getting slower instead.

Byakuya: So then, that's it? That little weapon...That's your Bankai? It looks just like a regular Zanpakuto. Now I can see. This is no different from the day of the execution. What it comes down to it the fact you enjoy treading on those things we hold sacred. What you need...is to be taught a lesson. I plan on showing you what happens to immature brats who try to insult our honor.

Ichigo: You wanna talk about pride? Your so-called honor demands that you kill Rukia. Takes a lot of honor to kill your own sister, doesn't it? Well, if that's the kind of pride you're talking about, you can bet your ass that I'm gonna mess with it. That's the reason I got this power - your stupid pride!

Byakuya: Tell me why...Why did you take the point of your sword away from my throat? Well? Answer me. Arrogance destroy the footholds of victory.

Ichigo: ...

Byakuya: That move of yours...is not Bankai. There could never be a Bankai as small and fragile as that. And a lowly Ryoka could never obtain Bankai. It's inconceivable. With this attack, you will regret not slitting my throat when you had the chance. A miracle only happens once. Your luck has run out, boy.

Admitting that he did well to defeat captain-class Shinigami and survive a direct attack from Senbonzakura Kageyoshi, Byakuya asserts that Ichigo is already a corpse no matter how hard he tries, which Ichigo should feel as well, before declaring that this is as far as Ichigo goes while preparing to deliver the finishing blow. Seeing this, Ichigo frantically orders his body to move because nothing will change unless he wins.

Ichigo: (I can't move…)

Byakuya: This is the end for you, Ichigo Kurosaki.

However, when a nearly-unconscious Ichigo asserts he wants to win because just fighting or surviving means nothing, Hollow Ichigo scoffs at this while Ichigo's hand grabs Byakuya's sword by the blade mid-swing. As Hollow Ichigo notes he cannot allow Ichigo to die, a shocked Byakuya inquires who he is, prompting Hollow Ichigo to claim he does not have a name while a Hollow mask begins forming over the left side of his face before slashing an astonished Byakuya diagonally across the chest, drawing a large amount of blood, and laughing maniacally.

Byakuya: Wait…Who or what are you?

While Byakuya leaps back in confusion, Hollow Ichigo berates Ichigo for getting crushed by his Bankai's Reiatsu.

Hollow Ichigo: I have….No NAME!

Byakuya: ….!

After making note of how Ichigo's bones are creaking from exertion and calling Ichigo hopeless, Hollow Ichigo crushes the Senkei sword that Byakuya was using in his left hand and proclaims that he will show Ichigo how to use Bankai. With Byakuya calling another sword to his hand, Hollow Ichigo unleashes a black Getsuga Tenshō, shocking Byakuya with its assorted color as he moves away with Shunpo to evade it. Upon seeing Hollow Ichigo dropping down onto him from above with another Getsuga Tenshō ready, Byakuya disappears once again while the Getsuga Tenshō crashes vertically into the ground where he was standing.

Hollow Ichigo: Let me show you, Ichigo, how to fight better!

Hollow Ichigo fires multiple Getsuga Tenshō at Byakuya from the front, and as the latter prepares to counter the two blasts approaching him, Hollow Ichigo suddenly appears behind Byakuya and attacks him, allowing the Getsuga Tenshō to slam into him in a large explosion of energy. While the dust settles to reveal a further wounded Byakuya, whose kenseikan shatters as he questions if Hollow Ichigo is a Hollow due to his Reiatsu and strange mask, Hollow Ichigo stands across from him and dismisses the answer as irrelevant for Byakuya, only to be interrupted when Ichigo internally tells him to disappear as his left hand grabs the still-forming mask on his face.

Ichigo: (No! Get out of my head!)

Hollow Ichigo: You need me!

Ichigo: This is my fight! Stay out of this!

Hollow Ichigo: Damn you!

As Byakuya stares in astonishment, Hollow Ichigo struggles to stop his left hand from tearing off the mask and proclaims that they can win if Ichigo leaves this to him, but Ichigo internally demands that he disappear and stop interfering while Hollow Ichigo flails around in rage before successfully ripping off the mask and regaining control of his body, causing the mask fragments dropping to the ground to slowly vanish. After Ichigo apologizes for the interruption and suggests that they start over, a stunned Byakuya realizes that even though Ichigo could cut him while being controlled, this is not what the latter wanted, leading him to agree to start over.

Ichigo: Sorry about that interruption there. Won't happen again.

Byakuya: Fine, let's finish this with one more attack.

Deciding to not ask Ichigo about the entity controlling him, Byakuya observes they should let the next clash decide this battle since neither of them have much strength left. After affirming this, Ichigo asks Byakuya once more why he did not try to save Rukia, which Byakuya promises to answer if Ichigo defeats him.

Ichigo: All right, but first, lemme ask you one more question. Tell me why...Why wouldn't you save Rukia?

Byakuya: Defeat me, and maybe I'll tell you why.

Ichigo: Fine with me.

Byakuya: Then let's go for one final time. Shūkei: Hakuteiken (Endscape: White Imperial Sword.)

Byakuya initiates Shūkei: Hakuteiken, condensing Senbonzakura Kageyoshi into a large pair of wings connected by a halo behind him and a long sword in his hand in a burst of light, leading an impressed Ichigo to admit that he does not have any impressive moves like this due to Zangetsu only teaching him the Getsuga Tenshō.

Ichigo: Come on…! (Zangetsu, please give me the strength for this final attack!)

Ichigo concludes that the only thing he can do is channel all his Reiatsu into one blow, which he proceeds to do. With multiple tendrils of black Reiatsu emanating from the area around his body, Ichigo leaps toward Byakuya, who follows suit, and the two clash one last time in an explosion of white and black Reiatsu that surges across Sōkyoku Hill and out into the sky, where it is visible from across the Seireitei as it begins to dissipate. On top of Sōkyoku Hill, Ichigo stands behind and facing away from Byakuya, where blood spurts from a fresh wound on his back and he is forced to prop himself up with the sword of Tensa Zangetsu before he falls over. While Ichigo refuses to fall down, blood spurts from a fresh wound on Byakuya's chest, prompting him to stumble forward and look at his injured hand as he recalls Ichigo's sword piercing through the blade of Shūkei: Hakuteiken during their final clash.

Byakuya: (He got me.)

Ichigo: (I…I won't fall!)

Opening his hand to release several blade petals, Byakuya brings up Ichigo's desire to know why he did not try to save Rukia, and with Ichigo looking back at him, Byakuya asserts that lawbreakers must face justice and be punished according to their crimes because this is the law. When Ichigo questions if he was going to kill his own sister to uphold the law, Byakuya states that sympathy for one's own kin is unworthy.

Byakuya: Criminals must be brought to justice. Once their punishment is decided, it must be carried out. That is the rule of the law.

As Ichigo expresses astonishment at this, Byakuya states familial devotion is nothing next to the law and affirms that he must not succumb to sentimentality before concluding the Kuchiki Clan is one of the four great Noble Houses who must set an example for all Shinigami because that no one will uphold the law if they do not.

Ichigo: Your honor the law, even over the life of your own sister?!

Byakuya: Sympathy towards a relative...What could be more pointless?

Ichigo: How can you say that?

Byakuya: Feelings and emotions have no value compared to the law. Luckily, I've never been burdened by such useless sentiments. The Kuchiki Clan is one of the four great noble families, where duty bound to serve an examples for all Soul Reapers. How can we enforce our laws if we ourselves are not willing to obey them?

Ichigo: I'm sorry. I still can't understand. I swear, even if I were in your position, I would fight the law. I would fight until I ended your stupid law.

However, Ichigo admits he still does not get it and declares he would have fought the law if he were in Byakuya's position, leading Byakuya to realize he was never Ichigo's enemy since the latter has been fighting the laws of Soul Society as he informs Ichigo that his ferocity has broken Byakuya's sword and that he will no longer pursue Rukia.

Byakuya: Ichigo Kurosaki, because of your free spirit and reckless abandon, you have broken my sword. You have my word. I will pursue Rukia no more. You have won.

With Byakuya disappearing with Shunpo while ceding victory to him, Ichigo celebrates having won, only to find himself wobbling and barely able to stand due to blood loss.

Ichigo: I won? I WON! I really won!

Suddenly, the back of Ichigo's head collides with Orihime's face, causing him to fall over while Orihime apologizes for her hard head and explains that she was trying to catch him.

Orihime: Ouch! Sorry, Ichigo, I was trying to catch you from falling.

Ichigo: Orihime…? Uryu. Chad. Ganju. It's good to see you all.

Ichigo looks up from the ground while expressing surprise at Orihime being here, only to discover that Sado, Uryū, Ganju, Aramaki, and Yachiru are present as well. When Ichigo expresses relief at his friends being okay, Uryū clarifies that they are not okay and are only unscathed compared to Ichigo himself.

Uryu: Not compare to you, but at least you're still alive

Chad: Yeah.

Ichigo: And you, Orihime? Are you hurt?

Orihime: Nope. I mean, where do I even begin? Hehehe.

She tells him everything on what happened on her end to him. Upon being asked by Ichigo she is hurt, Orihime frantically denies this and recounts how Uryū protected her alongside the Shinigami, with 11th Division Captain Kenpachi Zaraki even giving her a ride, before tearfully admitting that she was not in any danger and was just worried about Ichigo.

Yachiru: Jiggles talks a lot. Are she and Ichi lovers?

Makai: Maybe…?

Apologizing for being unable to protect Ichigo, Orihime thanks him for not getting killed and expresses gratitude at him being alright, which Ichigo thanks her for while his friends smile.

Orihime: I'm fine to do something for everyone, a little…Thank you for asking, Ichigo. And…I'm so happy you're not hurt too much.

Almost touching hands a little to move away to both be shy, it's a cute moment there for those two, huh? Yeah…

Ichigo: Sorry!

Orihime: Oh, I'm sorry.

Ichigo: (Her hand felt nice…) Thank you, Orihime.

Meanwhile, at the Central 46 Compound, 10th Division Captain Tōshirō Hitsugaya stands before the sword-barred main entrance with his lieutenant, Rangiku Matsumoto.

Rangiku: Captain?

When Rangiku wonders what they should do, Hitsugaya decides that they have no other choice and tells a surprised Rangiku to stand back before drawing his Zanpakutō and slashing horizontally at the door, resulting in a substantial portion of both the door and the blades barring it being cut apart and crumbling to pieces.

Hitsugaya: Allow me.

Though Rangiku is aghast at him doing this to the Central 46 main entrance, Hitsugaya observes that the alarm has not gone off despite him breaking down the door, which means someone got in prior, defeated the guards, and made sure the alarm would not go off if someone tried to enter after them, leading Rangiku to realize they wanted to keep things quiet.

Rangiku: Captain! You destroyed the door of Central 46.

Hitsugaya: I did, and the alarm didn't go off. Did you notice?

Rangiku: You're right.

Hitsugaya: Getting out of this building to locking it from the inside must've been a very sneaky move. Let's see what the members of Central 46 are doing.

Rangiku: Wait up!

Running through the door, past the thirteen protective walls, and down the long set of stairs into the council chamber in the center of the compound, Hitsugaya and Rangiku stop dead in their tracks with shock at what they see within the chamber when the lights turn on inside.

Hitsugaya: No!

Rangiku: ….! What is this?

The 10th Division Captain Tōshirō Hitsugaya mentally details how Central 46 is comprised of six judges and forty sages brought together from all across Soul Society, acting as the highest court in the realm where crimes committed by Shinigami are tried, with the power to enforce a ruling by calling upon the Gotei 13, Onmitsukidō, or Kidō, and whose rulings are so absolute that not even a captain can dissent once they are made, as he and his lieutenant, Rangiku Matsumoto, stare in shock at the massacred Central 46 lying at their seats in the Central Underground Assembly Hall.

Hitsugaya: (Central 46. It gets its name from the forty sages and six judges who've been gathered from across the Soul Society. It is the highest judicial system that exists within the Soul Society. When a Soul Reaper is charged with a crime, whether it occurred in the Soul Society or the world of the living, it is here that they are judged. Once a verdict is handed down, Central 46 then designates who will execute the sentence - the Stealth Force or the Thirteen Court Guard Squads. Once they declare their verdict, it is absolute. No one, not even a captain, can appeal their decision. That is the function of Central 46.)

Rangiku: What happened here?

Walking down the steps among the slaughtered Central 46 with Rangiku, Hitsugaya runs two fingers across the blood pooled on one of the tables and observes that it is dry, brown, and flaking, meaning the Central 46 was not killed today or yesterday. Internally, Hitsugaya wonders when this could have happened because the underground chamber should have been completely sealed after 6th Division Lieutenant Renji Abarai was defeated and the special wartime order was proclaimed. After noting that this means that no one would have been allowed anywhere near here and that the defense system was engaged until today with no sign of forced entry when he and Rangiku forced their way in today, Hitsugaya realizes that the Central 46 has been dead for some time and that all the orders they have received regarding Rukia Kuchiki's execution were false.

Hitsugaya: What? I can't believe what I'm seeing...How could something like this happen? Central 46 been completely annihilated...This blood is completely dry. It's already blackened and even started to crack and flake. This obviously didn't happen yesterday, or the day before that. The question is, when? The last time Central 46 operated normally was just before Renji was defeated. After that martial law was declared and the central underground assembly hall was locked down completely. No one was allowed to enter or leave. The defense system was engaged, sealing all entrances, and there was no sign of forced entry when we got here. That means they were killed before then. If that's the case, all the judgements and decisions that have come from Central 46 since that time...They were fake!

Though he assumes 3rd Division Captain Gin Ichimaru did this, Hitsugaya is uncertain that one man could massacre the highest court and keep it secret alone, but as he questions if others were involved, Hitsugaya is alerted when 3rd Division Lieutenant Izuru Kira states that he knew Hitsugaya would come.

Izuru: Captain Hitsugaya...I figured I'd find you here.

As Izuru stands at the top of the stairs leading into the chamber, Hitsugaya demands to know if he did this, only for Izuru to walk away, prompting Hitsugaya and Rangiku to run after him while a mysterious figure lurks behind the other entrance leading into the chamber.

Hitsugaya: Izuru...Are you the one responsible for this? After him, Rangiku! Come on!

Rangiku: Right!

Pursuing Izuru outside after following him up the stairs, Hitsugaya demands to know if he killed them, but Izuru denies this and reveals that he was let in only moments before Hitsugaya and Rangiku arrived by those within opening the lock and letting him inside.

Hitsugaya: It's no use running! Answer me, Izuru! Are you responsible for what happened back there?

Izuru: No. I was merely allowed in from the inside before you arrived. my role was to unlock the door from the inside so you could get into the underground assembly hall.

When Hitsugaya inquires who let him in, Izuru asserts that the Central 46 did, to Hitsugaya's confusion and chagrin.

Hitsugaya: Who gave you those orders? Who was it?

Izuru: It's not secret - Central 46 gave the order.

Hitsugaya: Then where is the official seal? Show me, dammit!

Suddenly, Izuru notes that Hitsugaya should be protecting 5th Division Lieutenant Momo Hinamori rather than chasing him.

Izuru: Instead of chasing me asking pointless questions about orders and official seals, shouldn't you be more concerned about protecting Momo?

Hitsugaya: What are you talking about? She's perfectly safe, she's—

Izuru: You didn't even notice, did you? She's been right behind you, following you the entire time.

Though an unnerved Hitsugaya is unsure of what he is talking about, Izuru informs him that Hinamori is no longer in the Tenth Division's barracks and recounts how Hitsugaya used Kyōmon to surround the room Hinamori was sleeping in with a high-level barrier that deflects attacks from the outside, thinking this would keep her safe. However, Izuru points out that Kyōmon is meant to keep people out rather than inside as he reminds Hitsugaya that Hinamori is a master of Kidō who could easily break that kind of barrier. With Izuru concluding that Hinamori put one around herself to conceal her Reiatsu while she moved about and has been following Hitsugaya and Rangiku this whole time, a stunned Hitsugaya asks Rangiku to deal with Izuru in his stead, which she affirms, and leaps back to return to the Central 46 Compound.

Hitsugaya: Huh?! Rangiku! Can I leave this to you?

Rangiku: I've got it.

Hitsugaya: Thank you!

Rangiku is surprised when Izuru looks back with a smile and stops running, and when Izuru inquires if Rangiku does not know what his Zanpakutō can do Rangiku confirms that she does not because Izuru is not the type to divulge such things, though Izuru notes that Hinamori and Renji know before deciding to show Rangiku as well.

Rangiku: What? You tired of running?

Izuru: My job is to see you go no further. You don't know, do you, Rangiku? You've no idea about what my Zanpakto can do. Raise your head, Wabisuke!

Rangiku: How dare you….!

After drawing his Reiatsu-emitting Zanpakutō and releasing his Shikai, Wabisuke, which causes the blade to bend inward at two right angles to form a square hook, Izuru moves to Rangiku's side before slashing at her. With Rangiku drawing her Zanpakutō just in time to block and being forced back by the force of their clash, Izuru praises her reactions, though Rangiku demands he not talk down to her, and the two cross blades several more times as Rangiku attempts to reason with Izuru. Suddenly, Izuru asks Rangiku how many times she blocked his sword, and as she expresses confusion, Rangiku is pulled down by her Zanpakutō, which shatters a roof tile. Izuru reveals Wabisuke doubles the weight of whatever it strikes and continues doing so with each successive strike until the defender can bear the weight no more and grovels on the ground with their head bowed as if in penitence. As he observes Rangiku blocked seven of his blows with Wabisuke, Izuru assumes an average sword weighs close to 2 lbs and concludes that, after being doubled seven times, Rangiku's Zanpakutō now weighs 225 lbs, which he does not think she can run with.

Izuru: Both Renji and Momo know its power, but that's neither here nor there. Now I plan on telling you, too. Whatever my sword cuts becomes twice as heavy; it double with each strike and continues doing so indefinitely...Until finally the person I fight can no longer life the weight. They kneel helplessly on the ground, head bowed down as if they were in penitence. Thus the name "Wabisuke" - the Penitent One. I can help you with the math. If your sword weighed 16 ounces, that multiplied by 2 to the 7th power would be128 pounds. That's going to make running with it difficult.

Despite this, Rangiku merely asserts she will not carry her Zanpakutō if she cannot run with it and releases her Shikai, Haineko, turning the blade into a cloud of ash.

Rangiku: So what? If it gets too heavy, then I'll just have to drop it. Growl, Haineko (Ash Cat!)

Izuru: Ah!

Wondering what 3rd Division Captain Gin Ichimaru has done to Izuru, what he wants with her, and where he intends to go, Rangiku recalls Gin leaving her when they were children. Meanwhile, back at the Central Underground Assembly Hall, a stunned Hinamori stands at one of the entrances and wonders is going on as she stares at the dead council members.

Momo: What...What happened here? Everyone in Central 46...They're all dead! Every one of them. Toshiro was here, but he was surprised somehow...Izuru was here too, but then for some reason Toshiro followed him away from here. None of this makes any sense. If Toshiro killed Captain Aizen, does that mean he's the one who did this, too? Unless...Unless it was Izuru! So if Toshiro didn't do this, what about Captain Aizen?

While Hinamori recounts what she witnessed and questions why Hitsugaya was so shocked at this if he killed Aizen and by extension the council members, leading her to question if Izuru did it, Gin approaches her from behind and leans over her shoulder as he greets her.

Gin: Welcome, Momo. What a pleasure to see you.

Momo: Captain Ichimaru? What are you doing here?

Gin: Just come with me. Heheh.

With Hinamori shocked by his presence, Gin requests that she follow him. While Hitsugaya rushes back to the compound, Hinamori follows Gin to the Seijōtōkyorin and inquires why Gin has brought her here. Upon being asked by Gin if she has ever been here before, Hinamori denies having even seen it prior because it is off-limits.

Momo: But this is...the Seijoto Kyorin...These are the living quarters of Central 46. I don't understand...Why would you bring me here? Captain Ichimaru, please.

Gin: So, how many times have you visited this place, Momo?

Momo: I never have. I'm not allowed. This area is completely off-limits to me. This is the first time.

Gin: There's someone here I'd like you to meet.

Momo: Who would I wanna meet me? And...why?

Gin: You'll see. No need to be shy. Look behind you.

However, while entering a dark room, Gin reveals there is someone he wants Hinamori to see and instructs her to look at the doorway behind her, where Hinamori is stunned to see her captain, Sōsuke Aizen, standing calmly.

Momo: Behind me? Ah! Captain Aizen...

Aizen: I've missed seeing you...Momo.

With Aizen asking her how she has been, Hinamori expresses disbelief at seeing him again after thinking he was dead.

Momo: Captain Aizen, I don't believe it. Is it really you? All this time I thought you were dead.

While Aizen simply notes he is clearly alive, Hinamori walks up to him and grasps his haori as she begins to tear up, leading Aizen to apologize for how heartbroken she must have felt as he caresses her head. Internally, Hinamori details how his hand heals her heart as it did the night before his death and realizes by smell that it really is Aizen, causing her to begin sobbing.

Aizen: I know you did, and I'm sorry.

Momo: You really are alive, aren't you, Captain Aizen. And I thought that...I thought that...I...I didn't know what to think.

After recalling the events prior and following Aizen's supposed death, Hinamori mentally asserts she always knew Aizen would not die and had no reason to lose hope. Startled, Aizen hugs Hinamori and observes she has lost weight before apologizing for how badly he has hurt her.

Aizen: You've become so thin. I'm sorry, Momo. I'm sorry my actions caused you so much pain. But you understand, don't you, Momo? You're the only one who could understand. There was a task that needed to be handled. In order to do that, I had to take my own death.

As Aizen explains that it had to be her and that he had to stay hidden to do something, which is why he faked his death and had her receive his letter, Hinamori assures him that it is alright and that knowing he is alive is enough for her.

Momo: It's alright, everything's alright. None of that makes any difference now. As long as you're alive and back home where you belong.

Aizen: Thank you, Momo. I'm a fortunate man to have you as a subordinate. Thank you, Momo, from the bottom of my heart. Thank you. And goodbye.

Aizen tells Hinamori that their time together was a joy to him and thanks her, only to bid her farewell as he shoves his Zanpakutō through her chest.

Momo: What have you done? Why?

Left speechless by this, Hinamori looks up at Aizen, who merely stares coldly at her and pulls his Zanpakutō out, leaving Hinamori to collapse, before departing alongside Gin.

Aizen: Let's go, Gin.

Gin: Yes. As you wish, Captain Aizen.

During this, 4th Division Captain Retsu Unohana and her lieutenant, Isane Kotetsu, approach the central chamber. Back at the Seijōtōkyorin, Aizen smiles maliciously as he walks outside the room with Gin. Suddenly, Hitsugaya arrives and is shocked to see Aizen standing alongside Gin.

Hitsugaya: ...What is this?

Aizen: Hey, Toshiro.

While Aizen greets him, Hitsugaya questions if it is really him, prompting Aizen to assure him that he is here in the flesh before noting to Gin that Hitsugaya is back sooner than expected.

Hitsugaya: Captain Aizen? Are you alive, or is this some trick?

Aizen: No trick, this is really me, Toshiro. Excuse me a minute...Gin, he's returned sooner than we expected. I hope you have an explanation.

With Gin apologizing and assuming that Izuru must have failed, a confused Hitsugaya wonders what they are talking about, which leads Aizen to reveal that he is referring to the tactic of dividing and conquering, the most basic way of weakening an enemy, leaving Hitsugaya perplexed.

Gin: Sorry, sir. Izuru must not have been able to keep him occupied.

Hitsugaya demands to know where Hinamori is, and as Aizen notes he should already know, Hitsugaya angrily rushes past him and Gin to the dark room, where he discovers Hinamori lying on the ground.

Hitsugaya: What's going on here? What are you two talking about?

Aizen: Nothing really. We were just discussing the finer points of strategy. The breaking down of an enemy's fighting power, to be specific.

Hitsugaya: Enemy...I see. Tell me where Momo is!

Aizen: That's a good question.

Expressing embarrassment at Hitsugaya having found her, Aizen apologizes for him finding out like this before suggesting he should have chopped up Hinamori and hidden the pieces.

Hitsugaya: Momo...No...

Aizen: Huh, found her? Guess I shouldn't have left her lying around. I apologize. I really didn't plan on surprising you this way. No, I should've chopped her into a little pieces hidden them away where you'd never find her.

Stunned by this, Hitsugaya asks Aizen and Gin if they have been conspiring together since the period before Aizen faked his death, but Aizen clarifies they have done so from the beginning, and he has never considered anyone but Gin to be his lieutenant since he became a captain.

Hitsugaya: Aizen...Ichimaru...How long have you worked together? Did Gin help conspire to fake your death?

Aizen: He joined me long before that. Gin's been with me from the very beginning. From the moment I became captain, there was no one better suited to be my lieutenant.

With Hitsugaya accusing him of having deceived Hinamori and the other Shinigami this whole time, Aizen claims that he never thought of it like this and that he perceived it as none of the other Shinigami recognizing his true identity. Demanding to know how Aizen could blame them and be so cruel, Hitsugaya reminds him that Hinamori joined the Gotei 13 and worked hard just to be at his side, only for Aizen to acknowledge this as making her very easy to manipulate and pointing to this as the reason he requested her to join his division.

Hitsugaya: So all this time you've been lying to everyone - Momo, me, the Thirteen Court Guard Squads, all the other Soul Reapers...Everyone! You deceived us!

As Hitsugaya stares at him in astonishment, Aizen instructs him to remember that admiration is the state furthest from understanding.

Aizen: Well I had never thought of it that way. It's just...It became very obvious that no one was capable of understanding. My true identity was beyond them. Momo's blind admiration was what made her so easy to control. Admiration is the state furthest away from understanding.

Hitsugaya: Bankai! Daiguren Hyōrinmaru (Grand Crimson Lotus Ice Ring!) How, Aizen...You've talked enough. Time to die.

In response, Hitsugaya grasps his Zanpakutō and unleashes a surge of power that destroys the Seijōtōkyorin, leading Aizen and Gin to leap out to the ground outside, before activating his Bankai, Daiguren Hyōrinmaru, which grants him a large pair of ice wings, an ice dragon encasing his right arm and ice claws on his left hand, and twelve large ice petals comprising three lotuses floating in the air behind him.

Aizen: Heh. You shouldn't be making such strong remarks. It only makes you look weak.

When Hitsugaya attacks him with three slashes of ice, Aizen leaps over him and lands on the other end of the platform, and while Unohana and Isane join them in the chamber Hitsugaya declares that he is going to kill Aizen. A grinning Aizen simply admonishes Hitsugaya for making rash threats because it makes him seem weak, prompting a yelling Hitsugaya to leap forward and seemingly stab Aizen through the chest before encasing him in ice. However, Aizen continues to grin within the ice and fades away, which leaves Hitsugaya shocked as the real Aizen appears behind him and slashes Hitsugaya across the chest, causing him to collapse in shock while bleeding heavily as Daiguren Hyōrinmaru breaks apart.

Hitsugaya: This isn't...possible.

While Hitsugaya collapses in the ice-encrusted chamber, Aizen comments on how nice it is to see ice at this time of year and suggests to Gin that they depart.

Aizen: What a beautiful sight. It's the wrong season, but I rather like seeing ice this time of year. It's time to leave, Gin.

Suddenly, Aizen and Gin are confronted by Unohana, who stands with Isane and asserts she thought she would find Aizen here before correcting her addressing of him as Captain Aizen, since he is simply a traitor now.

Retsu: Captain Aizen...No, that's wrong. After what I've witnessed, it wouldn't be right to call you "Captain" any long. Sosuke Aizen, your title is "high traitor."

Aizen: Well hello, Captain Unohana. I have to admit that your arrival is not completely unexpected. I knew you'd figure out that I was staying here.

Retsu: It was the only explanation. Seijoto Kyorin had been declared totally off limits to everyone. You needed to hide away in complete isolation after you staged your own death with that exquisitely designed corpse doll. And what better place in all the Seireitei for you to go completely undetected? That was your plan at least, wasn't it?

After greeting Unohana, Aizen inquires if it really took her this long to figure out where he was, and when Unohana details how the Seijōtōkyorin being the only absolutely off-limits area in the Seireitei makes it the perfect place to hide for someone who had elaborately faked his own death and made a corpse doll, Aizen admits she is almost correct before revealing he did not come here to hide, and his fake body was not a doll as he holds it in his hand. With a shocked Unohana and Isane wondering when he got his fake body, Aizen states that he had it in his hand the entire time, but simply did not allow them to see it until now.

Aizen: Not quite. Some of that is true, but you did make two mistakes. Let me clear things up for you. First of all, I have no need to hide from anyone. That's not what I came here for. And secondly...What you're looking at here is not a corpse doll.

Isane: But...When did he...?

After promising that they will understand soon enough, Aizen releases his Shikai, Kyōka Suigetsu, causing the fake body in his hands to burst apart, revealing his Zanpakutō held upside-down in his hand.

Aizen: When did I what? I've been standing here holding it the whole time. It's been right in front of you. You simply weren't able to see it. That's because I didn't allow you to see it until now.

Isane: Wh-What do you mean?

While Unohana and Isane stare in astonishment, Aizen lets go of his Zanpakutō, which embeds itself in the platform underneath his feet, and explains that its ability is complete hypnosis, though Isane is left in disbelief by this claim because of what Aizen told her prior.

Aizen: You'll soon understand. Hehe. I'm going to release my Zanpakto. Shatter, Kyōka Suigetsu (Mirror Flower, Water Moon.)

Retsu: Huh!

Aizen: This is my Zanpakto, Kyoka Suigetsu. It's ability is complete hypnosis.

Isane asserts that Aizen brought the lieutenants together and showed them how Kyōka Suigetsu is a water-type Zanpakutō that uses reflections of fog and water to confuse enemies, so they kill each other, but Aizen merely smiles, leading Unohana to realize that this is when he hypnotized everyone.

Isane: Impossible! It couldn't change! Kyoka Suigetsu has always been a running water-type Zanpakto. It uses the diffused reflection of mist to confuse enemies into attacking each other. We saw it with our own eyes - you specifically gathered all the lieutenants together because you wanted to demonstrate it!

Retsu: I see now. Your demonstration was actually the hypnosis ritual.

Confirming this, Aizen details how Kanzen Saimin disrupts all five senses of its victims and allows them to see whatever he wants, such as a fly as a dragon or a swamp as a flower garden. After noting that the spell is activated when a victim sees the release of Kyōka Suigetsu, Aizen elaborates that even seeing it once places victims underneath its hypnotic power.

Aizen: You're catching on quickly. Complete hypnosis controls all five senses and is able to cause every dimension of all target including its form, shape, mass, feel, and smell, even its vocal patterns and the way it tastes, to perfectly replicate that of an enemy. And all I need to do to activate it is simply show my enemies my Zanpakto's complete hypnosis release. The power of my Zanpakto is limited only by my mind because whoever lays their eyes on it even once, will be hypnotized into doing my bidding whenever I release my Kyoka Suigetsu.

Retsu: Even once? But...

As Aizen concludes the hypnotic control returns each time he releases Kyōka Suigetsu, Unohana suddenly picks up on Aizen's mention of seeing the release and is mortified by the implication, prompting Aizen to deduce what has just occurred to her and affirm the spell will not work against a blind person since it must be seen in order to function before revealing 9th Division Captain Kaname Tōsen has been working for him from the very beginning.

Aizen: I see you've figured it out. Very good. You see, whoever lays their eyes on it falls under my spell, so importunely, those who can't see will never be under my power. In other words, Kaname Tosen was always my subordinate.

Isane: Huh?!

In a different part of the Seireitei, as Renji runs through the streets with Rukia in his arms, he is confronted by Tōsen, and as a surprised Renji questions what he is doing here, Tōsen begins spinning a long cloth around them. With Renji confused by this, Gin performs the same maneuver around himself and Aizen, who takes a moment to praise Unohana for examining his fake body far more thoroughly than anyone else did because feeling even a bit of suspicion while under the effects of Kanzen Saimin is most remarkable. With Aizen bidding them farewell and stating that he will never see them again while Isane attempts to attack, he and Gin vanish in a burst of light.

Aizen: I want to commend you, Unohana. That you felt even a bit of suspicion while under the influence of my hypnotic spell, I find most remarkable. I congratulate you...And bid you farewell. I don't think I'll ever see any of you again.

Renji finds himself kneeling with Rukia on Sōkyoku Hill after Tōsen stops spinning the cloth, and as he wonders what this is all about, Aizen appears behind Renji with Gin and welcomes him before instructing Renji to put Rukia down and leave.

Renji: Captains Ichimaru…? Captain Tosen? And…Captain Aizen's alive?

Rukia: He was killed?

Confusing to them both, they were also in bigger trouble now.

Aizen: Renji, do me a favor and let Rukia go now. I would if I were you.

Confronted by 5th Division Captain Sōsuke Aizen on Sōkyoku Hill, 6th Division Lieutenant Renji Abarai holds Rukia Kuchiki in his arms and begins to express his shock at seeing Aizen alive, only to decide against it and focus on the latter's request, which he does not understand. Aizen asserts that Renji must have heard him as he stands with 3rd Division Captain Gin Ichimaru. While Aizen reiterates his instructions for Renji to leave Rukia here and run away, back in the Central 46 Compound, 4th Division Lieutenant Isane Kotetsu kneels before her captain, Retsu Unohana, and draws a seal on the ground before performing Bakudō #58. Kakushitsuijaku, allowing her to locate Aizen and the others on Sōkyoku Hill. Upon learning this, Unohana tells Isane to inform all captains and lieutenants of what they have learned about Aizen as well as his location, in addition to informing the Ryoka as well.

Retsu: Isane, I want you to stay here and locate all of the captains, all lieutenants, all seat officers. Report to them everything we've just learned about what Sosuke Aizen has done and make sure to tell them where he's gone.

Isane: Right!

Retsu: And then...I want you to be sure to get the message to those Ryoka as well.

Unohana ascends the platform and states that she is counting on Isane to do this while she does her best to save 10th Division Captain Tōshirō Hitsugaya and 5th Division Lieutenant Momo Hinamori as she draws her Zanpakutō.

Isane: Yes, I understand.

Retsu: I'm counting on you. I must go now and try to save the lives of Captain Hitsugaya and Lieutenant Hinamori before it's too late.

Behind Unohana, Isane draws angled patterns on her arms and hands before making several seals as she performs Bakudō #77. Tenteikūra, which connects her to the minds of Ichigo Kurosaki, Yasutora Sado, Uryū Ishida, and all the other captains, lieutenants, and seated officers around the Seireitei. Addressing the combatants, Isane identifies herself and requests that they heed this urgent message from herself and Unohana.

Isane: Black and White Net, Twenty-Second Bridge, Sixty-Six Crown and Cincture, Footprints, Distant Thunder, Sharp Arrow, Rotating Land, Cover of Night, Sea of Clouds, Pale Solider! Form a circle and then charge through the heavens! Bakudō #77 - Tenteikura (Heavenly Charged Sky Net!) Connections...complete. All Court Guard squad captains, lieutenants, and seat officers, may I have your attention, please? And also the Ryoka. This is Squad 4 lieutenant Isane Kotetsu with an urgent announcement. Listen closely, as the message will not be repeated. This is an emergency report from Captain Unohana regarding the traitor in our midst. As grim as the following facts are, what I'm about to tell you is the truth.

After Isane finishes relaying her message, 13th Division Captain Jūshirō Ukitake expresses disbelief at the news of Aizen's action as 8th Division Captain Shunsui Kyōraku suggests they and Captain-Commander Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto not continue their fight.

Ukitake: Impossible...Not Aizen...

Shunsui: Well, you heard the lady. What do we do, old man? Doesn't this fight seem a little pointless now?

Elsewhere, 10th Division Lieutenant Rangiku Matsumoto leaps across the rooftops and refuses to believe Hitsugaya lost, leaving 3rd Division Lieutenant Izuru Kira to lean against a crater and express shock at Gin going back on his word of not hurting Hinamori while 7th Division Lieutenant Tetsuzaemon Iba and 11th Division 3rd Seat Ikkaku Madarame are stunned by Central 46 being murdered.

Rangiku: I can't believe it...My captain lost.

Izuru: How could he? He said that he wouldn't...that he wouldn't harm Momo.

Iba and Ikkaku: No way…!

With 9th Division Lieutenant Shūhei Hisagi and 7th Division Captain Sajin Komamura mortified by 9th Division Captain Kaname Tōsen betraying them, in the Shinigami Research and Development Institute, 12th Division Lieutenant Nemu Kurotsuchi asks her captain, Mayuri Kurotsuchi, if he heard, leading Mayuri to confirm that he did, but when Nemu inquires what they will do, Mayuri bluntly states that the situation does not interest him.

Nemu: Captain…

Mayuri: I heard. Leave it to the others for now.

Meanwhile, as he stands with his friends and Makizō Aramaki on the steps of Sōkyoku Hill with the aid of Ganju Shiba, Ichigo wonders if this is all true, prompting Ganju to muse that it could be a trap.

Ichigo: What...was that all about?

Orihime: What's happening?

Ganju: I don't get it...

Maki: Ah, same with me, you know…?

Chad: Ichigo, did you hear the transmission just now?

Ichigo: Uhh...Something-something forty-six, yada-yada hypnotism. I wouldn't understand even if you explained it to me. From what I understood, a captain attacked another captain and caused a ruckus in the Seireitei, right? Why do we need to know that?

However, Uryū notes that it is true and inquires if Ichigo has not sensed the Reiatsu that just appeared above them, which leads a shocked Ichigo to realize Rukia is there.

Uryu: They must have decided they had to tell us for some reason. That captain is Captain Aizen, and you can think of Central 46 as the highest judicial system of the Seireitei. Captain Aizen was the one who massacred Central 46. Then me made it look like they were making the decisions in order to help him accomplish his goal. The question is, what is that goal?

Ganju: An...execution?

Uryu: Squad 5 Captain, Sosuke Aizen...His plan must be to murder Rukia!

Ichigo: No, not Rukia!

Back on Sōkyoku Hill, Renji refuses to give Rukia over to Aizen, who acknowledges this. When Gin attempts to draw his Zanpakutō, Aizen tells him to wait and calls Renji stubborn for not giving him Rukia, only to promise that he will let Renji have his way by keeping Rukia in his arms while destroying the rest of him as he draws his Zanpakutō, intimidating Renji, who leaps back as Aizen slashes at him.

Renji: I told you; I won't leave Rukia. I refuse to let her go.

Aizen: Very well then. You are stubborn, Renji. Since you won't let go of her and stand down as I ordered you, I have no choice. She can stay in your arms. The rest of you goes.

While blood spatters on the ground, Rukia expresses concern for Renji.

Renji: U-Urgh...

Rukia: Renji...

Renji stands with his right sleeve ripped open and his sword arm wounded as he holds Rukia in his left and points his Zanpakutō at Aizen, who praises the improvement in Renji's defensive skills. Despite being pleased with Renji's growth, Aizen states that Renji has chosen a tough time to be persistent because it is difficult for him to step on ants without crushing them and he would hate to see a former subordinate die.

Renji: You thought I'd give her up...Are you that dumb?

Aizen: Then so be it. Too bad.

With Rukia still expressing concern for him, Renji tells her to shut up and demands to know why Aizen killed Hinamori if he feels this way, prompting Aizen to explaining that he had trained Hinamori so she could not live without him, making it merciful for him to kill her. With Renji stunned by this, Aizen elaborates that he never intended to kill Hinamori himself and tried to get Izuru and Hitsugaya to do the job for him, only for those attempts to not work out, leaving him to grudgingly do it himself. Hearing this, Renji notes that Aizen had both Izuru and Hinamori in the palm of his hand, and with Aizen asserting that Renji was in the palm of his hand as well, Renji declares that Aizen is not the captain he knew and is definitely not getting Rukia even if Renji does not know what his plan is. However, Aizen counters that he was never the captain Renji knew because that was an illusion, such that the Aizen which Renji knew never existed. Angered by this, Renji leaps high into the air and releases his Shikai, Zabimaru. As the segments of Zabimaru hurtle toward him, Aizen inquires if Shikai is the best that Renji can do with his injured arm and holds his Zanpakutō above his head, causing Zabimaru to deflect off of it into the ground nearby, startling Renji. With Aizen stating that he must know Shikai will not buy him any time at all, Renji retracts Zabimaru and proclaims that he does not know this before swinging Zabimaru at Aizen once more, only for Aizen to casually grab the end segment, stopping Zabimaru in its tracks and causing the remaining segments to bunch up in midair. As Renji expresses shock at Aizen accomplishing this with his bare hand, Aizen observes that Renji was the most trouble of the three and cuts apart Zabimaru with a single slash of his Zanpakutō. After slashing Renji across the back, which causes him to fall to his knees, Aizen recalls how he felt sure that he could use Renji, Hinamori, and Izuru the first time they met, which is why he had the three of them assigned to the Fifth Division when they joined the Gotei 13 and made the two useful ones subordinates of himself and Gin before sending Renji to another division since he was the problem child, an instinct which he concludes was correct. However, while Aizen instructs Renji one last time to let go of Rukia and run, leading Rukia to attempt to plead with Aizen, Renji tells her to shut up once again and refuses to let go of her. Recalling his separation from Rukia at the Shin'ō Academy, Renji declares that he is not leaving Rukia, prompting Aizen to state that this is unfortunate and attack him. Suddenly, Aizen finds his Zanpakutō intercepted by Ichigo, who kneels between him and Renji with his Bankai, Tensa Zangetsu, active and his sword blocking Aizen's as he questions if Rukia is really heavy enough to make Renji kneels and claims that he came to give the latter a hand.

Ichigo: Hey there! What's the matter, Renji? The way you're crouching down...I almost think Rukia's too heavy for you to hold or something. Good thing I came to give you a hand, right, friend?

Renji: Ichigo...

After forcing back Aizen's Zanpakutō, Ichigo leaps several meters back alongside Renji, who continues to hold Rukia. When Renji apologizes for forcing him to come to their aid, Ichigo claims that Renji looks beat up from just carrying Rukia around and mockingly inquires if running away was too much for him. Irritated by this, Renji counters that Ichigo looks injured as well, and while Ichigo and Renji continue to bicker in annoyance, Rukia pushes herself away from Renji's chest and gasps for air. With a startled Ichigo and Renji looking down at her, Rukia angrily punches Renji in the face for smothering her against his chest and crushing the wind out of her. Watching Rukia continue to berate Renji, Gin apologizes to Aizen for letting Ichigo get by because he did not want to intrude, prompting Aizen to assure him that it is alright since Ichigo is just another ant to step on and makes no difference. Alerted by this, Ichigo asks Renji if that is Aizen, which Renji confirms, and inquires if he can run.

Ichigo: So...This is Aizen, then?

Renji: That's him.

As he affirms that he can but will not do so, Renji points out that they both know there is no point in running, and though he does not believe they can defeat Aizen, Gin, and Tōsen, Renji suggests that they might be able to stun the captains and walk out of here with some pride, leading Ichigo to claim that they have no choice but to fight together. While moving to the side and placing his left hand on the hilt of Zabimaru, Renji notes that he can only use this move once and that there will be an opening if it works before instructing Ichigo to strike during this opening.

Ichigo: Do you think you still have enough strength left to get away?

Renji: I have enough to stay and fight. I know that for certain. And that's what I'm going to do. You know damned well that it's useless for us to run. Zabimaru may be broken, but he still has a few surprises left in him. Let's just slow him down enough to get away.

After asking Zabimaru to endure the pain this will bring, Renji slams his broken Shikai into the ground and initiates Higa Zekkō, causing the broken segments of Zabimaru around Aizen to rise into the air and hurtle toward him while glowing with Reiatsu, which alerts Gin and Tōsen.

Ichigo: Hah, who needs a plan B? If we join forces and battle together, what could go wrong?

Renji: Here we go, Zabimaru! Higazekko (Baboon Fang Bite!)

With Aizen engulfed in a cloud of dust by the impact of the segments, Ichigo seizes the opportunity and rushes forward with a yell as he swings his sword. However, a smiling Aizen simply blocks Ichigo's blade with his left index finger before slashing his Zanpakutō deeply through a shocked Ichigo's midsection. Ichigo struggles to stay standing as the deep cut begins gushing blood, and after observing that he must have miscalculated if Ichigo is not in two pieces, Aizen leaves Ichigo to fall to his knees and slashes Renji across his upper back again, causing him to collapse in disbelief as well, before approaching Rukia and grabbing her by the collar around her neck as he tells her to get up.

Rukia: Ah! Ichigo….Renji….

Aizen: Come now, stand up, Rukia Kuchiki.

Upon seeing Rukia unable to stand up, Aizen realizes that her body has gone limp from the impact of his Reiatsu.

Ichigo: S-Stop!

Suddenly, Aizen notices Ichigo struggling to get up and expresses sympathy for him while still being conscious. As a sweating Ichigo glares at him, Aizen notes that his will to live exceeds his skills, which will work against him, and sheathes his Zanpakutō while telling Ichigo to rest for a while due to his part in all this being over.

Aizen: Poor, doomed thing. Is he actually still conscious? Your stamina is amazing, but your spine is barely connected to your body. You should lie still. At any rate, you have each served your purpose. You job in all this is done now.

Ichigo: Our job...is done?

Aizen: That's correct. I knew you were coming; I even knew from where. I knew you would arrive in the West Rukon District. That's why I had security increased there, with squad members stationed at the gate. I had Gin there as well; in case something went wrong. I lowered the wall around the Seireitei wall right after you arrival and placed Third and Ninth Squads behind the gate. I knew the only way you'd be able to get in would be with Kukaku Shiba's Flower Crane Cannon. A very flashy entrance that everyone would notice, a bold approach. It helped that you Ryoka were skilled enough to get past the captains. As a result, the eyes of all the Soul Reapers were focused only on you...The perfect diversion. As a result, there wasn't very much fuss at all over me when I faked my own death. You made it easy for me to make my move.

When Ichigo notices his phrasing, Aizen explains that he knew the Ryoka would be coming and would arrive in West Rukongai, which is why he posted surveillance there, lowered the Sekkiseki wall around the Seireitei after their arrival, and had Gin drive Ichigo away personally, leaving Kūkaku Shiba's Kakaku Taihō as the only way to get in. Calling the Ryoka's arrival spectacular, Aizen details how his group outwitted and outfought even the captains, such that every Shinigami in the Seireitei was looking for them and concludes that the excitement and engaging nature of it all meant even the murder of a captain received very little attention and made it easy for Aizen to conduct his plan.

Ichigo: But...Hold on! H-How did you know for sure we were gonna come in through the West Rukon District in the first place?

A stunned Ichigo questions how he knew they would arrive in West Rukongai, and when a puzzled Aizen asserts that it was obvious because that is Kisuke Urahara's base of operations and the only place the Ryoka could enter using a Senkaimon created by Urahara, Ichigo expresses shock. Aizen points out that this should not surprise him since he works for Urahara before reminding Ichigo that he came to rescue Rukia on Urahara's orders. With Ichigo speechless at this, Aizen deduces that he does not know and decides to tell Ichigo now that it is all over as he approaches Ichigo with Rukia in tow. After detailing how Shinigami have four basic combat methods known as Zankensoki, each of which require a certain level of power, Aizen notes that attempting to master those methods will invariably result in one eventually hitting a wall determined by their potential, where improvement stops, and asserts that all Shinigami have these limits.

Aizen: That's an odd question for you to ask. Where else could you possibly have entered? The Western Rukon District is Kisuke Urahara's headquarters, after all. It's the only place you can break through with his Senkaimon.

Ichigo: Huh?!

Aizen: Why do you find that so surprising? After all, you work for him, don't you? Surely the reason you're here in the first place is to retrieve Rukia Kuchiki under his orders.

Ichigo: I-I don't...

However, Aizen raises the question of the possibility of breaking through these limits and concludes that this can be done by only one means known as Hollowfication, causing Ichigo to recall briefly being taken over by his inner Hollow. Continuing that either Hollowfying a Shinigami or giving Shinigami powers to a Hollow allows them to reach new heights by removing the barrier between these opposing lifeforms, a theory which has been around for a while, Aizen recounts how he focused his efforts on Hollows and could eventually send out Hollows with abilities akin to those of Shinigami, like Hollows that could hide their Reiatsu.

Aizen: Oh, I see. You poor boy. You weren't told anything, were you? Hmph. Oh well. Since this is the end anyway, I'll tell you one last thing. Did you know that Sol Reapers have four basic fighting methods? Zankutsu, Hakuda, Hoho, and Kido. Those are the four. But there is a limit to show strong a Soul Reaper can become in any one of them. However, for some it is possible to get past that wall and exceed the limit that's built in to all four techniques. And to do that, there's only one way: The Soul Reaper has to become a Hollow.

Ichigo: What?!

Aizen: Either that, or a Hollow can become like a Soul Reaper. Either way, what is required is the removal of the barrier between those two opposing existences. That is the key to making the spirit's power even greater. I started testing, focusing mostly on the transformation of Hollows into Soul Reapers. I was successful in creating Hollows which came close. But, in the end, none of them worked out as well as I had hoped. It appeared the theory was only that, destined never to be reality. But Kisuke Urahara succeeded where I had failed.

When Aizen mentions that he also created Hollows that could destroy Zanpakutō and fuse with Shinigami, a mortified Rukia remembers the fate of Kaien Shiba. Despite this, Aizen admits that none of them could truly be considered a new kind of being and that no one else who attempted the same experiments were successful until Urahara, who worked outside of Soul Society's scientific community to create a substance that could remove the barriers between Shinigami and Hollows in an instant. Aizen refers to this substance as the Hōgyoku and recalls how Urahara tried to destroy it because he considered it dangerous, though Aizen himself does not.

Ichigo: ...

Aizen: The mechanism he invented removes the barrier dividing Hollow and Soul Reaper, instantly making one into the other. It defied all logic within the Soul Society. It's called "Hogyoku." I knew immediately how dangerous it was. I think Urahara felt the same way. He tried to destroy it, but he was unable to find a way to undo his own creation. Instead he reluctantly resorted to another method. He created a shield around the Hogyoku and activated it. Then he enveloped it deep within a Konpaku in order to try and conceal its location. The place Urahara chose to hide the Hogyoku is inside you, Rukia Kuchiki.

After revealing that Urahara was unable to do so, Aizen recounts how he was eventually forced to reluctantly place a protective shell around the Hōgyoku that would allow it to be implanted deep within a Soul. Informing Rukia that she was the hiding place which Urahara chose, Aizen explains that she had already gone missing in the Human World by the time he learned this secret, though he instinctively knew that Urahara was behind it because he had created a Gigai that contained no Reishi, which is the only way a Shinigami could go missing in one, leading to his banishment from Soul Society alongside another reason involving that Gigai. Aizen reveals that the other reason for Urahara's banishment was the consequence of a Shinigami inhabiting that Gigai: their spiritual powers would continue to diminish while they were within the Gigai to the point of no longer being recoverable, and communications with the Gigai gradually slow down, eventually leading to the Soul losing all of its spiritual powers and becoming a normal Human.

Ichigo: What did...you just say?

Aizen: He was the one who developed the technique of implanting a foreign object into a soul. So a reasoned that the answer to the question of how to remove one was also hidden in his research. With Aizen concluding that Urahara was turning her into a Human in order to conceal the Hōgyoku rather than help her, Rukia recalls Urahara approaching her after she transferred all her Shinigami powers to Ichigo and offering to let her borrow a Gigai. However, as Aizen begins recounting the actions he took after Rukia was discovered a few months later, Komamura lands behind him and furiously attacks Aizen with his Shikai, Tenken.

Sajin: AIZEN! Roar, Tenken (Heavenly Retribution!)

On Sōkyoku Hill, having been attacked by 7th Division Captain Sajin Komamura's Shikai, Tenken, 5th Division Captain Sōsuke Aizen casually holds back Komamura's Zanpakutō with his left hand and notes that it has been a long time since he saw Komamura's face before inquiring what brought about the change.

Aizen: It's been a while, Sajin. So what's with the anger on your face.

Angered by Aizen grinning at him like this, Komamura declares that he will pay for betraying and deceiving them alongside 9th Division Captain Kaname Tōsen.

Sajin: I'll never forgive you, Ichimaru, or even you….Kaname!

In the past, a young Tōsen trains alone in an empty field with a wooden sword and leaps into the air as he prepares to strike downward, only to realize someone is in front of him when the wind blows and leap back at the last second. Tōsen apologizes for not knowing someone was there and is startled when a younger Komamura reveals that he is sitting behind Tōsen, who had been addressing empty air. Turning around and introducing himself, Tōsen praises Komamura's skill at hiding his presence due to Tōsen having never failed to sense another's presence before. Sometime later, after the two of them both become Shinigami and join the Gotei 13, Tōsen encounters Komamura once more and Tōsen expresses joy at meeting his friend again before inviting Komamura to join the Fifth Division so he can meet their lieutenant, whom he believes Komamura will like. Afterward, Komamura meets Aizen, who mentions Tōsen told him about Komamura and politely greets him. Sometime later, Komamura and Tōsen stand before Kakyō's grave as Komamura tells Tōsen how he became a Shinigami in order to repay a debt of gratitude to the one who saved his life. Commenting on this being honorable, Tōsen details his motivation when asked.

Kaname: Let's bring justice together then, Sajin.

In the present, Komamura punches at Aizen with Tenken, causing a giant fist to smash into the ground where they are standing, and as Aizen leaps unharmed out of the dust cloud, Komamura demands Tōsen explain himself. With Tōsen remaining silent, Komamura assumes he cannot do so and apologizes as he prepares to activate his Bankai, only for Aizen to suddenly appear in front of Komamura, who sees the Aizen next to Tōsen disappearing as the real Aizen casts Hadō #90. Kurohitsugi (Black Coffin), creating a large black box around Komamura that is pierced by several spears.

Aizen: Made you look

Sajin: No-!

While Aizen turns around, the box dissipates to reveal a grievously wounded Komamura, who collapses. Watching this as he lies on the ground, a stunned Ichigo Kurosaki wonders how two captain-class individuals could be so far apart in power. While Aizen asserts that his Kanzen Saimin is flawless and cannot be evaded even if one knows it is coming, 3rd Division Captain Gin Ichimaru expresses amazement at him using a Hadō in the 90s range without an incantation and questions when Aizen achieved this, only for Aizen to downplay this feat since he was unable to summon even a third of the destructive potential of Kurohitsugi, a consequence of such high-level spells being unwieldy, and grasps Rukia Kuchiki by the collar around her neck once more as Gin lets go.

Gin: Now that's scary.

Aizen apologizes to Ichigo for having his explanation interrupted and prepares to resume. Suddenly, the other Ryoka begin running up to Ichigo in concern but stop when he frantically warns them to not come closer and look over the three captains in shock.

Uryu, Chad, Ganju, and Orihime: Ichigo!

Ichigo: No….! Stay back!

Orihime: Rukia!

Not good to be seeing this type of bad scene.

Maki: Captains from Squads 3, 5, and 9!

When Orihime Inoue calls out to Rukia, Gin steps in front of the latter and asserts that they should not come closer before exerting his Reiatsu, which causes Orihime and Uryū Ishida to collapse, startling Yasutora Sado, while Ganju Shiba is left incredulous by the force of Gin's Reiatsu.

Gin: Now, now, everyone stay right where you are please. Thank you.

Smiling at this, Aizen picks up with his elimination of the Central 46 after Rukia was discovered in the Human World. Seeing Rukia's shock at this, Aizen pulls her along and theorizes that 4th Division Lieutenant Isane Kotetsu told her he killed the Central 46 after faking his own death, only to clarify that he killed them shortly after she was discovered and used Kanzen Saimin on the council chamber to make it appear as though the Central 46 were alive and in session before proceeding to recall how he, Gin, and Tōsen hid themselves in the Central Underground Assembly Hall where they issued orders as though they were Central 46, starting with sending 6th Division Captain Byakuya Kuchiki and Lieutenant Renji Abarai to ensure Rukia's capture. As he reveals he also ordered Rukia's Gigai be immediately returned for disposal to separate her from the Humans, Aizen recalls how he decided to execute her with the Sōkyoku in order to evaporate her Soul and extract the Hōgyoku within, stunning Ichigo and Rukia further. After observing they only left the Central Underground Assembly Hall open for a few hours before and after the two captains' meetings, Aizen concludes he faked his death and stayed inside after this while knowing the Ryoka might come to save Rukia. With the Ryoka still paralyzed by Gin, Aizen notes that there are only two known ways to extract an object implanted within a Soul. Detailing the two methods - evaporating the Soul by a powerful thermal disruption like the Sōkyoku or tampering with the Soul's composition - Aizen observes that he needed a backup plan in case the execution failed and consulted the Daireishokairō, which contains all the knowledge and history of Soul Society, because he could study all of Urahara's research there and suspected that the secret to removing foreign objects implanted in Souls would be there since Urahara had developed the technology for implanting them to begin with. After Aizen withdraws a small capsule from his haori and clicks it, six green, spear-like pillars rise out of the ground around him and Rukia.

Aizen: Now, where were we? Ah yes.

Rukia: Ah-! Guah!

Ichigo: No! Rukia!

Aizen's right hand and arm turn green and become covered in lines, and despite Ichigo's desperate protests, Aizen shoves his hand into Rukia's chest, causing the pillars to crackle with electricity, and retrieves the Hōgyoku from within. Letting Rukia fall, Aizen examines the Hōgyoku and comments on its small size as his hand and arm return to normal in a dissipating process.

Aizen: how fascinating. I didn't expect it to be so small. The Kogyoku...Hmm. And no permanent harm to the soul. What an astounding technique. It's too bad, but I just don't have a use for you anymore, Rukia Kuchiki. Kill her, Gin.

As Ichigo sees that the hole in Rukia's chest is shrinking, Aizen observes that the Soul itself remains undamaged by this process and praises the technology involved, only to conclude that Rukia is no longer needed and hold her aloft by her collar as he orders Gin to kill her.

Gin: Well, if I must. Shoot to kill, Shinso!

Upon hearing this, Gin stops exerting his Reiatsu on the Ryoka and turns around as he holds up his Zanpakutō and releases his Shikai, Shinsō, causing the blade to extend toward Rukia's neck from behind, but those present are variously shocked and surprised when a still-bloodied Byakuya frees Rukia from Aizen's grasp and intercepts Shinsō with his body to protect her.

Rukia: Oh no...Brother!

Byakuya: Ugh...ugh...

Rukia: Byakuya! Byakuya...Why? Why did you...protect me?

After letting go of the blade, Aizen collapses as a stunned Rukia expresses concern for him.

Aizen: This is another face I haven't seen for quite some time.

With Rukia asking Byakuya why he did this and repeatedly calling his name, a smiling Aizen approaches her and prepares to draw his Zanpakutō, only to suddenly look up in surprise.

From the sky above, Jidanbō Ikkanzaka falls toward Sōkyoku Hill with Kūkaku Shiba on his shoulder, the latter of whom recites the incantation for and fires Hadō #63. Raikōhō at Aizen, obscuring him with a large cloud of dust on impact.

Kukaku: Ready, Jidanbo?!

Jidanbo: I'm ready!

Kukaku: Hadō #63. Raikōhō (Fiery Lightning Howl!)

A direct hit! Well….sort of.

Ganju: It's Sis!

Orihime: And Jidanbo too!

As Ganju and Orihime call out to Kūkaku and Jidanbō, who land on the hill, Aizen leaps out of the dust cloud and is immediately restrained by Yoruichi Shihōin and 2nd Division Captain Suì-Fēng, with Yoruichi clutching his Zanpakutō and Suì-Fēng holding her Zanpakutō to his neck. Aizen comments on having not seen Yoruichi's face in a long time as Yoruichi and Suì-Fēng promise he will lose his head if he even twitches a finger.

Yoruichi: Don't do it. If you even move so much as a muscle...

Soi Fon: ...then we're going to cut off your head.

Aizen: Yes, I can see that.

While Aizen acknowledges this, Yoruichi calls out to Kūkaku as she stands on an approaching Jidanbō's shoulder, prompting her to claim that she decided to check in while out on a walk because she has too much free time.

Kukaku: What's up Yoruichi?!

Yoruichi: Kukaku Shiba, thanks.

Kukaku: Hey, I had free time on my hands, so I was like, why not? I'll lend a hand.

Watching this from afar, Gin comments on the flashy nature of this assault and wonders what he should do, only for 10th Division Captain Rangiku Matsumoto to appear behind him and grab his left hand by the wrist while holding her Zanpakutō to his neck and ordering him to not move.

Gin: Well, that sure was flashy. What should I do?

Rangiku: You shouldn't even move.

As Gin apologizes to Aizen for getting caught, Yoruichi tells him that it is over, and when Aizen expresses confusion, Yoruichi points out that he is surrounded.

Gin: Sorry, Captain Aizen. I got caught.

Following this, Captain-Commander Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto, 1st Division Lieutenant Chōjirō Sasakibe, 2nd Division Lieutenant Marechiyo Ōmaeda, 7th Division Lieutenant Tetsuzaemon Iba, 8th Division Captain Shunsui Kyōraku, Lieutenant Nanao Ise, 9th Division Lieutenant Shūhei Hisagi, and 13th Division Captain Jūshirō Ukitake appear as well, with Hisagi holding his Zanpakutō to Tōsen's neck.

Yoruichi: This is the end.

Aizen: What? Did you say something?

Yoruichi: Don't you understand, Aizen? There is no place left for you, no place you can escape to.

Aizen: I'm sorry to do this, but the time has come.

However, when Yoruichi asserts that it is over, Aizen merely smiles, and as Yoruichi demands to know what he finds so funny, she is shocked when Aizen merely notes that it is time, causing her to instruct Suì-Fēng to leap back before accompanying her.

Yoruichi: ….! Soi Fon! Get away from him now!

Aizen is enveloped by a Negación beam, causing the astonished other Shinigami to look up and see several Menos Grande teeming behind a massive Kūmon in the sky above them.

Soi Fon: That's not...It's impossible!

Ukitake: We're too late!

While the Menos Grande begin pushing out of the Kūmon and separating, a shocked Hisagi to sees that there is something with a massive eye lurking behind them while Marechiyo wonders how many there are. Suddenly, two more Negación beams pierce the sky next to the Kūmon and envelop Tōsen, whom Hisagi leaps back from, and Gin, who frees himself from Rangiku's grasp and admits that he would not have minded being her prisoner for a while longer before apologizing.

Gin: Well, that's a bit of a let-down. I was enjoying that. I wouldn't have minded bring your captive a little longer. So long Rangiku. Maybe next time.

Rangiku: (Gin….)

Seeing the patch of ground Aizen is standing on begin rising into the air, to the astonishment of those watching, Iba prepares to attack him, but Yamamoto stops him and explains that Negación is a light which Menos Grande used to rescue each other and which cannot be breached because its contents are in another world, meaning that Aizen was beyond their reach the moment it came down.

Yamamoto: That light is a weapon with the name of "Negacion." It's a technique the Menos use when they are rescuing their fellow Hollows. Once enveloped by that light, it is impossible for those within and without to interact. It is an isolated world inside the beams. From the moment that light fell on Sosuke Aizen, it became completely impossible for up to reach him.

Despite his injuries, a bloodied Komamura forces himself up and demands to know where Tōsen's sense of justice has gone if he became a Shinigami for his dead friend and to uphold justice, only for Tōsen to remind Komamura that he walks the path of least bloodshed.

Sajin: Kaname! Come back, Kaname! Where is your sense of justice now? Because I don't see it!

After claiming justice is always present on this path, Tōsen concludes the path he now walks is justice.

Kaname: I thought I'd made it clear to you - my eyes can only see one path, and that is the path with the least amount of blood. Justice is always there. And the path I follow is justice.

Sajin: Ah...Kaname.

Meanwhile, Ukitake stands before Aizen and inquires why he allied himself with the Menos Grande.

Ukitake: You've joined with the Menos. Why would you want to do that? Have you become that corrupt? Have you?!

When Aizen asserts that he did so to seek greater heights, Ukitake questions if he has fallen, but Aizen counters this by claiming that no has ever stood atop the heavens before, not him, Ukitake, or the gods. Slicking back his hair and removing his glasses, which he crushes, Aizen concludes the vacancy of heaven's throne ends now because he will stand at the top from now on. As he bids farewell to the Shinigami and Ichigo, Aizen admits he was amusing for a Human.

Aizen: You're blinded by your self-righteousness. From the beginning, no one has ever stood at the top. Neither you, nor me, nor the gods. But soon, that unattainable vacancy at the top will be filled. From now on, I alone will stand at the top. Goodbye, Soul Reapers. And goodbye, Ryoka boy. Even I have to admit that for a human, you are quite amusing.

Alongside Gin and Tōsen, Aizen is drawn fully into the Kūmon, which closes behind him. Afterwards, 4th Division 3rd Seat Yasochika Iemura directs his subordinates to tend to the wounded Shinigami present, with Byakuya being seen to by the second and third squads, Komamura being treated by the seventh, tenth, eleventh, and thirteenth squads, and Renji being prepared for transport by the eighth and ninth squads after receiving sixth-stage treatment. With Iemura concluding that the severe injuries of all three combatants necessitates speed, Rukia is held back by one of the Shinigami and expresses concern for Byakuya, who lives on the ground in a healing field.

Soul Reaper: Captain Unohana! Any change in the condition of Captain Hitsugaya and Lieutenant Hinamori?

Retsu: All I have to report is that they have escaped death. From here on out, their fate is in their own hands. As for all the others, Isane is handling them.

As the Shinigami holding back Rukia requests that she stay back until the squads finish treating Byakuya's injuries, Komamura refuses treatment for his injuries and tells those attempting to tend to him to see to the other wounded despite their protests, an unconscious Renji is lifted on a stretcher, and when the Shinigami who had tried to tend to Komamura ask him what they should do, Iemura instructs them to help the Ryoka. Despite the shock of the two Shinigami, Iemura bluntly asserts that the Ryoka saved Soul Society and orders them to move, leading them to run off in compliance, before turning to watch Orihime as she heals Ichigo with Sōten Kisshun.

Rukia: Byakuya!

While marveling at Orihime's technique, Iemura is alerted by the arrival of his captain, Retsu Unohana, on the back of her Shikai, Minazuki. Running over to her, Iemura asks Unohana how 10th Division Captain Tōshirō Hitsugaya and 5th Division Lieutenant Momo Hinamori are doing, and after explaining that they are stable and being treated by Isane, Unohana inquires who is left to tend to here, which prompts Iemura to note that only Ichigo and Byakuya are left. Briefly shocked upon seeing Orihime tending to Ichigo, Unohana decides that the Ryoka do not need their help, to Iemura's surprise, and kneels beside Byakuya while gently admonishing him for being reckless.

Retsu: Oh, Captain Kuchiki. You were very reckless.

Suddenly, Byakuya says something to Unohana, who expresses slight surprise before informing Rukia that Byakuya is asking for her. After Rukia walks over to him, Byakuya asks her if she is there, which she confirms, and reveals that there is something which he wants to tell her. Upon being told by Byakuya that he lost his wife fifty years ago on a spring morning before the first plum tree blossomed, Rukia expresses sorrow and identifies Byakuya's wife as Hisana Kuchiki as she recalls the Nobutsune Seike telling her that she was adopted into the Kuchiki Clan because she looked like Hisana. However, Byakuya informs Rukia that this was a lie he told the others to tell her.

Byakuya: Rukia, come here. There's something that's been weighing heavily on my heart. An old story, from 50 years ago. In that years, I lost my wife. Before the first plum blossoms bloomed...

Rukia: I know. Lady Hisana. People were always telling me that I looked like your wife. That's why you took a liking to me and welcomed me into the family as your younger sister.

Byakuya: Yes, Rukia. I had instructed everyone in the household to tell you that...but it was a lie.

Rukia: Huh...

Byakuya clarifies Hisana was actually Rukia's older sister, shocking Rukia, before recounting how Hisana was sent to Inuzuri in the Rukongai alongside Rukia after she passed away in the Human World, where she found it hard to survive while caring for Rukia and eventually abandoned her.

Byakuya: Hisana was...your older sister.

Rukia: Ah?

Byakuya: Hisana told me that she died in the world of the living and was sent with you to Hanging Dog. Making a life was so very difficult there. Even though you were just a baby, she left you and ran away. Hisana suffered terribly for that. Even after she became my wife, she searched for you practically every day.

Recalling how Hisana never forgave herself for this, Byakuya recounts how Hisana searched for Rukia every day for the next five years after becoming his wife as he remembers the request she made in their last spring together. In the past, Hisana lies on a mat before a kneeling Byakuya and asks him to find Rukia, but not tell her they are sisters and use his power to protect her. While Byakuya tells her to save her strength, Hisana claims that she has no right to call Rukia sister after abandoning her, though she wants Byakuya to allow Rukia to call him brother.

Hisana: Byakuya, will you search for my younger sister? And when you find her, you must not tell her that I'm her older sister. Please, don't let her know the truth. Just promise me you'll protect her with all your strength. I abandoned my younger sister. I don't deserve to ever hear her call me her older sister. But I would like her to have someone. SO I want her to be able to call you her older brother. I'm so sorry. I've been such a burden to you. I'm sorry I couldn't repay the love you gave me. These past five years that we've spent together have been like a wonderful, beautiful dream. Byakuya...

With Byakuya attempting to direct her attention to a blooming cherry blossom on a branch of the tree behind him, Hisana apologizes for causing Byakuya trouble even now and being unable to repay the love he showed her and describes the five years she spent with Byakuya as being like a beautiful dream before passing away, leaving Byakuya holding her hand as he grieves. In the present, Byakuya concludes that he found Rukia a year later and brought her into the Kuchiki Clan. Detailing how allowing someone from the Rukongai into the clan was against their laws and led to many in the clan resisting since they felt that it would sully the family's reputation, Byakuya declares that he did not care due to his desire to uphold the promise he made to Hisana, but notes that he had already broken the law when he took Hisana for his wife and recalls how he swore at the graves of his parents to uphold the law and never break it again upon taking Rukia in. After observing that he made two vows he should not have made because of Hisana's passing, Byakuya admits that he did not know what to do when Rukia was condemned.

Byakuya: I found you the following year. I immediately welcomed you into the family. It was the same as with Hisana. The household objected, saying to allow someone from the Rukon District into a noble home was against the law and would tarnish the Kuchiki family name. I didn't care. I defied everyone. I'd given my word, and I was willing to sacrifice anything for that. But it was true I'd gone against the law. I made a vow in front of my parents' gave in order to admonish myself, I vowed that this would be the last time I ever broke a law. From then on, no matter what, I would follow the law. I was so intent on running away from Hisana's memory that I swore two vows I should not have made. When you were sentenced to death, I didn't know what to do. My vow to my parents to protect the law and my promise to Hisana to protect her younger sister, I didn't know which of the vows to keep. Rukia...I'm sorry.

Byakuya notes that Rukia's sentence it left him caught between the oath he made to his parents and the promise he made to Hisana, and as he looks over at Ichigo, whom he recalls proclaiming that he would fight the law if he were in Byakuya's position, Byakuya thanks him and apologizes to Rukia as she holds his hand, leaving Rukia stunned.

Rukia: Brother….Byakuya Kuchiki…Thank you….

A few days later...

One week after Sōsuke Aizen's betrayal and departure from Soul Society, at the Sōgō Kyūgo Tsumesho, Goteitaishi and another member of the Eleventh Division are angered by the quality of the food they have been served, which they throw on the floor. With the other Shinigami claiming they deserve something better because they were wounded honorably in battle, several other members of the Fourth Division watch the confrontation from a nearby doorway before noticing someone approaching. As Goteitaishi begins to threaten the Shinigami further, 4th Division Captain Retsu Unohana places her hand on his shoulder and cheerfully inquires if they are feeling better, causing them to sweat nervously at her presence, before menacingly requesting that they keep their voices down and remember that their lives are in the hands of the Fourth Division while under this roof, which prompts a visibly frightened Goteitaishi and his comrade to apologize and run away, knocking over 4th Division 7th Seat Hanatarō Yamada and the tray he is carrying in the process.

Retsu: Now, now, behave.

While a confused Unohana wonders why they are acting as though she is a ghost, her subordinates giggle behind her, further confusing Unohana. Elsewhere, 11th Division 3rd Seat Ikkaku Madarame sends the Shinigami he had been training with crashing through a nearby window as he demands to know who is next while wielding a wooden sword. With Ikkaku mocking the timid Shinigami watching this for not wanting to face him, Ichigo Kurosaki steps forward with his own wooden sword and proclaims he will spar with Ikkaku, who expresses respect for Ichigo's courage before inquiring if he is sure about this since he has no intention of holding back despite Ichigo still recovering. When Ichigo points out this is true of Ikkaku as well and the latter makes him sound sick, an annoyed Ikkaku claims the word applies to either situation, but Ichigo denies this, which prompts Ikkaku to demand to know what the word for recovering from battle wounds is. After Ichigo admits he does not know, Ikkaku berates him for not knowing Japanese, and as Ichigo counters by insulting his baldness, Ikkaku angrily declares they will settle this with steel as Ichigo declares Japanese is his best subject.

Ikkaku: We battle next time, Ichigo. Got it?

Ichigo: I'll try to remember to next time.

Suddenly, while Ichigo and Ikkaku clash, 11th Division Captain Kenpachi Zaraki opens the door, causing the Shinigami present to quickly turn and greet him.

Kenpachi: What are you doing, Ichigo Have your wounds healed?

Ichigo: Well, yeah. And in fact I was just about-

With his lieutenant, Yachiru Kusajishi, on his shoulder and greeting Ichigo, Kenpachi observes that Ichigo is looking well and inquires if his wounds have healed.

Kenpachi: I see. That is good news, because it means you and I...heh, heh, heh...can fight again!

Ichigo: I'm never fighting you again!

Kenpachi: Hey, Ichigo! Come back here and fight me!

However, as Ichigo confirms this, he finds his wooden sword cut in two near the hilt as a grinning Kenpachi proclaims that this means he can fight Ichigo without holding back and attacks, creating a shock wave that shatters all the windows, only to discover Ikkaku face-down in a crater when the dust clears as Ichigo flees through a window. Upon having his attention directed to the fleeing Ichigo by a pointing Yachiru, Kenpachi demands that he comes back and begins pursuing Ichigo.

Yachiru: Yea! Go, Ichi! Go, Kenny! Go!

While watching this from the walkway outside, 11th Division 5th Seat Yumichika Ayasegawa notes things are as rowdy as ever, which 7th Division Lieutenant Tetsuzaemon Iba concurs with as being especially true since Ichigo showed up, though he states it is better to be rowdy than boring. Upon being asked by Yumichika why he is here with them rather than with his captain, Sajin Komamura, Iba admits Komamura wanted to be alone for a while.

Yumichika: A bummer, huh?

Iba: My Captain's stronger than he looks.

On a grassy hill, Komamura stands before Kakyō's grave and wonders what she would have said to stop Kaname Tōsen, and 9th Division Lieutenant Shūhei Hisagi is startled to find Komamura present when he arrives.

Hisagi: You lost a friend, and I lost a captain.

Sajin: You and me both.

After exchanging nods, Hisagi joins Komamura at the grave and asks him if he believes Tōsen will ever come back, prompting Komamura to assert the will undoubtedly do so and they will open Tōsen's eyes together at that point in time. Meanwhile, in the Tenth Division barracks, Lieutenant Rangiku Matsumoto recalls Gin Ichimaru stating he would not have minded being her prisoner for a while longer and apologizing prior to leaving alongside Aizen. As she claims to hate Gin, Rangiku yelps in shock when her captain, Tōshirō Hitsugaya, appears behind her and requests context, prompting her to note she almost popped out of her shihakushō in fright. Hitsugaya questions what she means, and when Rangiku clarifies she is referring to her breasts, Hitsugaya declines a demonstration and reveals someone is here to see her.

Hitsugaya: You have a guest, Rangiku.

Upon seeing a nervous and apologetic 3rd Division Lieutenant Izuru Kira standing in the doorway, Rangiku smiles and inquires if he would like to eat some of the soba buns on the table next to her. With Rangiku revealing she also has sake, Izuru expresses surprise. Shortly afterward, as Hitsugaya sits with them, Rangiku offers more sake to an intoxicated Izuru, though he insists he is already at his limit.

Izuru: I'm sorry…

Rangiku: It's fine. We wish we both had the old Captain Ichimaru back.

Later, the two sit at the table after emptying dozens of jugs of sake with Hitsugaya gone. When Izuru brings up his prior battle with her, Rangiku dismisses it and admits that he fought her seriously, but cheerfully assures him that it is fine because she did not suffer any injuries whatsoever, to Izuru's shock. After Rangiku observes that talking does not guarantee understanding of a person and that understanding is impossible if one cannot see that person anymore, Izuru agrees and concedes that she is right. Elsewhere, Hitsugaya visits 5th Division Lieutenant Momo Hinamori, who lives on a hospital bed with a respirator and other medical equipment hooked up to her, and as he prepares to leave, Unohana startles him by requesting Hitsugaya talk to Hinamori.

Retsu: She'll get better real soon, I promise.

Hitsugaya: I know. Momo will wake up again.

With Unohana explaining that Hinamori is waiting for someone who needs her to talk to her, Hitsugaya states that he does not know what to say to her in his present condition, to Unohana's confusion, and departs.

Retsu: Just visit her from time to time for Hinamori, please Captain Hitsugaya.

Meanwhile, in a different part of the Seireitei, Uryū Ishida declares that it is finished and hands Yasutora Sado a shirt decorated with the Quincy cross as he explains that the Shinigami let him use their sewing room and that he has made clothes resembling the ones the Ryoka were wearing when they got here. Upon being asked what he thinks, a confused Sado observes that the pattern is different and remembers how the shirt he originally wore looked. Uryū hands Orihime a variation of the shirt she was wearing prior, which has lace along one side and small rosettes at the bottom since Uryū did not have any dyes to work with. With Orihime admitting that it is cute, an encouraged Uryū reveals that he also made a sundress for Rukia Kuchiki to wear back to the Human World.

Uryu: I did a great job again.

While Sado notes that Uryū seems to be better at making women's clothing, Orihime decides to show the sundress to Rukia and runs off, leaving Uryū to ask Sado to try the shirt on now, though Sado remains embarrassed.

Chad: I believe you did.

Soon afterward, Orihime approaches Rukia's room and looks at the dress Uryū sewed for her, which she believes Rukia will love. Concluding that it will lift Rukia's spirits after the moody period she has been going through recently, Orihime wonders why Uryū would go to so much trouble and is stunned upon assuming that Uryū has romantic interest in Rukia, which prompts her to proclaim that she has had her first instance of woman's intuition at the age of fifteen. However, upon reaching Rukia's room and making her presence known, Orihime is confused by what she finds. In another area of the Seireitei, Ichigo complains about his aching legs and expresses disbelief and exasperation at Kenpachi chasing him around the Seireitei as he walks among some Shinigami through a street. Suddenly, Orihime frantically runs up to Ichigo, and as he wonders where she got her new shirt from, Orihime reveals that something has happened to Rukia, alerting Ichigo.

Orihime: Ichigo! Hi…

Ichigo: Oh, hey Orihime. (Ah, man! She's still cute as ever!) What's wrong?

Orihime: Oh, right! I can't find Rukia anywhere.

Meanwhile, in the Sixth Division barracks, as he lies on a bed near an open window, Captain Byakuya Kuchiki asks his lieutenant, Renji Abarai, why he is here while the latter slices off part of a wood block with a knife. When a surprised Renji replies that he has to be here because he is Byakuya's lieutenant, Byakuya presumes that Renji is wondering why he is still alive, only for Renji to claim that he would have no one to compete with if Byakuya were dead. As Byakuya stares ahead silently, Renji begins to say something, but is interrupted when Ichigo runs up and sticks his head through the window before yelling his name, startling Byakuya.

Ichigo: Renji! Hey, have you seen Rukia around anywhere lately?

Renji: What? You better not have lost Rukia again.

Ichigo: No, no. I just thought you might know where she was.

Angrily telling Ichigo to shut up as he butts heads, Renji demands to know what Ichigo wants and reveals that he was about to say something heartfelt, leading Ichigo to apologize before inquiring if Renji knows where Rukia is. Confused by this, Renji inquires if something happened to Rukia, and as Ichigo nervously claims that he does not need to worry if he does not know anything, Orihime clambers up next to him and inquires if he found out something about Rukia. After expressing shock at Orihime getting up here, Ichigo apologizes to Renji and Byakuya alongside her before returning to the ground and running off with Orihime, leaving Renji to wonder what that was about as Byakuya ponders Ichigo calling him by his first name. Elsewhere, Orihime inquires if they should have asked Rangiku about Rukia, but Ichigo denies this since Renji not knowing where Rukia is means the others do not either before concluding that Rukia can only be in one place if she is not with Renji.

Byakuya: This Ichigo calling me by my first name, what's up with that.

Renji: I don't know, Captain!

Outside the Shiba Clan household, as the sun begins to set, Kūkaku Shiba forces Ganju Shiba to perform dozens of push-ups. While Ganju claims that he cannot do any more, Kūkaku denies this and instructs him to give her a thousand more, though Ganju declares this impossible because he can only count to fifty and he cannot move no matter how much Kūkaku stomps on him. When Ganju points out that his wounds are still healing and inquires if he did not do well this time, Kūkaku denies this and reveals that she knows he barely helped out during the rescue of Rukia, to his shock, as he promises to make him regret coming back alive and stomps on him. Suddenly, Rukia approaches the two of them, shocking Kūkaku and Ganju with her presence, and looks down nervously.

Ganju: Hm?

Rukia: Ah...

Kukaku: Yeah, what do you want?

After removing her foot from Ganju's back, Kūkaku demands to know what Rukia wants. As Ganju attempts to inform her that Rukia is the Shinigami whom Ichigo and the others fought to save, Kūkaku reveals that she knows this, and that Rukia is the Shinigami who killed Kaien Shiba before reiterating her demand to know what Rukia wants.

Ganju: Oh, Rukia! It's her, Kukaku! It's the person this whole thing was all about. She's the one Ichigo came here and risked his life to save.

Kukaku: I know who she is.

Ganju: Hm?

Kuakua: Rukia Kuchiki, the Soul Reaper who killed our brother, Kaien. I know who you are. Now what did you come here for?

Bowing toward Kūkaku and Ganju, Rukia apologizes and explains that she has wanted to tell them something ever since that day but calls herself a coward who could not face them and needed all that time to muster up the courage.

Rukia: I'm sorry...I...I know I should've come sooner. I wanted to, but I was a coward. I should've apologized to you the first chance I got. The longer I waited, the harder it seemed to become until...I ran. I ran and I'm sorry...

However, Kūkaku interrupts her apology to claim that she can stop because it is alright.

Kukaku: Stop. That's enough.

Rukia: Huh?

Rukia begins to protest, only for an irritated Kūkaku to punch her in the back of the head before detailing how 13th Division Captain Jūshirō Ukitake told her how Rukia has been torturing herself this whole time despite Kaien's death not being her fault, which led her to decide a long time ago that she would forgive Rukia if the latter ever apologized.

Kukaku: What is this? The world's longest apology?

Rukia: I'm um...I'm so sorry-ouf!

Kuakua: Enough, I said!

Rukia: Oh! I um, uh...

With Kūkaku concluding that it is alright, a frazzled Rukia realize that Kūkaku would know what Kaien wanted and mentally asserts that she is not the one who has been suffering and thanks Kūkaku as she begins to apologize again, leading an annoyed Kūkaku to punch Rukia in the face and remind Rukia to stop apologizing.

Kukaku: It's alright. I mean it. Anyway, I already heard the whole story from Ukitake. I know that Kaien's death wasn't your fault. And I know that ever since that day, you've been carrying more than your share of guilt over it. So, long ago, I decided in my heart if you said just one word of apology, I would forgive you.

Rukia: Thank you. I'm just so sorry I-hrng!

Kuakua: Enough apologizing!

Rukia: Um, okay, I'm sorry...Wait, I mean, thank you.

Calling out to Rukia as she cleans her bloody nose, Rukia approaches with Orihime and suggests that they go back if Rukia is done here, since Rukia will need to rest up for tomorrow when they open the Senkaimon back to the Human World.

Ichigo: Ah-hah! I thought I'd find you here.

Rukia: Ichigo...

Ichigo: Sorry to interrupt your little chat. But right now, we should probably head back and try to get some rest before tomorrow. In the morning, they're gonna open the gate for us to return to our world, and you're still not back to full health.

Acknowledging this, Rukia notes that there is something she needs to tell Ichigo and reveals that she has decided to stay in Soul Society.

Rukia: Ah...I have to you something. It's only right that you be the first to know. I've decided, Ichigo, to stay here in the Soul Society.

Ichigo: ...Well, that's fine. Good for you.

After staring in silence for a moment, Ichigo smiles and states that this is good if it is what Rukia wants. As Ichigo encourages her to stay here if she really wants to do so, Rukia smiles while Ichigo concludes that he remembered why he wanted to save her so badly.

Rukia: Huh?

Ichigo: Well, sounds like you've made up your mind. So there' not much else to say. If you've decided that you want to stay here, then that's what you should do. (Looking at her now...I remembered exactly why I wanted to save her in the first place.)

Afterwards, Kūkaku approaches Ichigo and observes he has finally come back, leaving him nervous, before suggesting he have dinner with her group again before he goes home tomorrow. When Ichigo begins to protest, Kūkaku punches him in the face and demands to know if he is going to make her repeat herself as well, which prompts Ichigo to apologize and thank her for the invitation as he clutches his bloody nose.

Kukaku: Now that's more like it!

That evening, Ichigo, Orihime, and Rukia sit with Kūkaku, Ganju, Koganehiko and Shiroganehiko, Ganju's Gang, and several Rukongai denizens within the Shiba Clan household and eat dinner, where they laugh at Ichigo and Ganju fighting over food. Later, in the streets of the Seireitei, Renji calls out for Rukia and frantically notes that he cannot find her while Uryū calls out for Orihime as well.

Uryu: Orihime? Where did you go to now?

While Kenpachi runs by in search of Ichigo, Yachiru walks into the intersection and observes that everyone has a lot of free time.

Kenpachi: Ichigo! Come out and fight me!

Yachiru: A lot of time on their hands I guess.

Back in the Tenth Division barracks, Hitsugaya is stunned to find Rangiku, Izuru, and Hisagi lying on the floor among dozens of empty sake jugs, the latter two of whom are wearing only loincloths. When Rangiku pops up and admits that she thought she was going to die, Hitsugaya asks her what is wrong, only to be irritated when Rangiku explains that she cannot breathe if she lies down facing the ground. With Rangiku bemoaning how her breasts fall to the sides and hurt if she lies on her back, Hitsugaya tells her to shut up.

Rangiku: Oh, Captain….

Hitsugaya: (Ah….Forget it.)

The next day, Ichigo and his friends stand before the central Senkaimon installation, where Ukitake informs them that a Reishi Henkan-Ki has been installed just for them and draws Ichigo's attention before handing him a Substitute Shinigami Badge, to Ichigo's surprise. Upon being asked what it is, Ukitake details how the badge is given to Substitute Shinigami who have proven their worth to Soul Society and can be used by Ichigo to enter his Shinigami form whenever he wants, though Ukitake does not believe it will repay the debt they owe him.

Ukitake: This is the official Senkaimon for your departure from the Soul Society. Ichigo, this is for you.

Ichigo: Hm? What's this thing?

Ukitake: A Substitute Soul Reaper Badge. Over the centuries, there have been a few others instances where Substitute Soul Reapers have been deemed useful. They too were given this badge as proof of their status. You can use it to become a Soul Reaper whenever you wish to do so. Of course, such a mere token can never really repay for what you have done here.

Ichigo: It's alright. The reason I did it all was because I wanted to. But I'll gladly accept this. It's an honor. Thank you.

However, Ichigo assures Ukitake that it will do, and he will gladly accept it since he helped them solely because he wanted to do so, leading a smiling Ukitake to mentally observe his integrity. Meanwhile, Rukia stands with the others and bids them farewell as Uryū tells her to take care.

Ukitake: It is time.

Uryu: Well then, Rukia. Take care.

Orihime: Bye, Rukia.

Chad: See ya around.

Rukia: Yeah. Chad, Uryu, Orihime...You all take care of yourselves.

Upon realizing what she almost forgot, Orihime gives Rukia the sundress that Uryū sewed for her and quietly insists that she wear it, to a startled Rukia's confusion. With the Senkaimon activating, Ichigo looks at Rukia and promises to see her again, prompting Rukia to affirm this and thank Ichigo, who enters the Senkaimon with his friends and claims that this is his line.

Ichigo: Well, see you around, Rukia.

Rukia: Yeah. Thank you, Ichigo.

Ichigo: That's my line. Thank you, Rukia. Thanks to you, now it will finally stop raining.

As several members of the Gotei 13 watch from behind, Ichigo internally thanks Rukia once more because the rain has finally stopped due to her. With the Senkaimon portal vanishing, Yachiru notes that Ichigo's Reiatsu has vanished, and when she asks him why he did not see them off due to the possibility of them never meeting again, Kenpachi denies this and reminds Yachiru of Captain-Commander Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto's declaration that the fight is not over while they sit together. Concluding that they will meet again because of this, Kenpachi states that he and Ichigo are very much alike as a smiling Yachiru observes that he learned how to wait.

Kenpachi: They'll be back again.

Yachiru: Really?

Kenpachi: I don't know how and when, but yeah. Soon enough, they'll come back again.

Meanwhile, running through the Dangai alongside his friends as they flee from the Kōtotsu, Ichigo frantically questions why they had to come this way again when they used the central Senkaimon to enter and should thus have a safe route, prompting Yoruichi Shihōin, who has returned to her cat form, to explain that they would each need a Jigokuchō in order to take the safe route and only Shinigami are able to handle them. While Yoruichi tells him to stop complaining and look at the exit ahead, Ichigo emerges from the Dangai alongside the others, only to find himself in midair at nighttime and scream in fright as they begin falling toward the ground. Suddenly, Ururu Tsumugiya fires a large cloth out of her Senren Bakusatsu Taihō that wraps itself around the group and forms a ball which hurtles through the air.

Ururu: Locked on target….fire one.

Jinta: A Jinta home run!

Tessai: And here's my Death Catch!

As he leaps into the air with his Muteki Tekkon held high, Jinta Hanakari prepares to smack the group away with Jinta Home Run, startling them, but is interrupted when Tessai Tsukabishi appears behind him in midair and catches both Jinta and the group with Tessai Death Catch before flying back with them. Tessai brings the group to a flat, flying cloth being piloted by Kisuke Urahara, where Ururu lands and removes the cloth covering the group as Urahara greets them.

Urahara: My, my, welcome back everyone!

Ichigo: Urahara...

After Ichigo addresses him, Urahara assumes that Ichigo now knows who he is, which Ichigo confirms, and removes his hat before kneeling in front of Ichigo and apologizing, to the surprise of the latter and his friends.

Urahara: It's good to see you again, young Ichigo. I imagine by now you've heard the truth about me.

Ichigo: I have.

Urahara: Words cannot express...how sorry I am.

However, Ichigo assures Urahara that he is not mad because Urahara did not do anything wrong and provided crucial help despite his intentions, and as Urahara agrees to not apologize, Ichigo inquires if Urahara kept the truth from him because he believed Ichigo would quit if he knew.

Ichigo: ... *Sigh* ...Stop. It's alright. I'm not mad about it anymore. Look, you really didn't do anything wrong. I'm not sure what motivation was...but the fact is, you helped all of us become stronger. In the end, you probably saved our lives. For that, we're thankful. So please don't apologize.

Urahara: Okay.

When Urahara cheerfully confirms this after putting his hat back on, an annoyed Ichigo elbows him in the face and sits back down while asserting that this is what makes him mad. With Urahara admitting he did not see this coming as Ururu comforts him, Ichigo instructs him to apologize to Rukia as well even though she will tell him the same thing, prompting a smiling Urahara to agree to do so.

Ichigo: But I do want to ask you one question. Why didn't you just tell me the truth? Did you think I would get scared and run away?

Urahara: Dah...Exactly right! Oof!

Ichigo: Now that just pisses me off. One other thing. I want you to apologize to Rukia when you see her. I know she would say the same thing I'd say, but will you do that for me?

Urahara: Hm...Yes.

After telling Urahara he can be dropped off here, Uryū prepares to hop off. Upon being invited by Ichigo to go on another adventure sometime, Uryū coldly claims they will be enemies the next time they meet due to their opposite natures and dramatically exits the cloth, to Ichigo's irritation.

Uryu: Well, I'm off.

Ichigo: See you later, Uryu. I'll be sure to call you if anything big comes up.

Uryu: What are you talking about? Have you forgotten, Ichigo? You are a Soul Reaper, and I am a Quincy. The next time you and I meet...we'll be enemies!

Despite this, Orihime assures Ichigo that Uryū was bluffing and admits she likes this about him, which Sado concurs with, shocking Ichigo.

Orihime: He's a stubborn guy.

Ichigo: Yeah, that's for sure.

Orihime: But the stubborn streak is one of Uryu's best characteristics.

Ichigo: You really think so?!

Chad: Yeah, it's true.

Ichigo: No way! Man, you guys are more understanding than I am.

Proceeding to drop off Orihime and Sado at their homes, Urahara asks Ichigo if he wants to be dropped off at the Kurosaki Clinic, only for an initially affirming Ichigo to change his mind upon seeing the area they are currently flying over and bid a startled Urahara farewell before leaping off and landing on the riverbank where his mother died as he stares into the water. Above him, Urahara asks a pensive Yoruichi what is wrong, which leads Yoruichi to simply state that it has been a long journey as she inquiries about what is going to happen now. Urahara details how all they have done is get back to normal after suffering a huge defeat, meaning that the Ryoka have challenging work ahead.

Yoruichi: Not a bad ending so far.

Urahara: But it's only the beginning until next time.

While a grinning Ichigo returns to the Kurosaki Clinic, Urahara concludes that the future is up to him and his friends, and when Yoruichi notes that they will never die peacefully, Urahara claims that this cannot be helped. As he watches this from the back end of the cloth with Ururu and Tessai, Jinta comments on the relationship between Urahara and Yoruichi, which he begins to explain to a curious Ururu, only for Tessai to smack them both on the head. Reaching the front door of his house, Ichigo declares that he is home. Going inside the house, Kon greets Ichigo and probably Rukia too.

Kon: Ichigooooo! Oh you're finally back, Ichigo! Which means...Welcome home, my dear Rukia-Huh? Where's Rukia?

But Kon didn't see Rukia who came back with Ichigo at all. Oh, boy….

Ichigo: She decided to stay in the Soul Society.

Kon: What?! What do you mean?! Then what did you go all the way out there for?

Using the item that Ukitake gave to Ichigo, he gets his body back for Kon's pill to go back into his plushie the next morning for sure.

Ichigo: Woah...It's just as Ukitake said. I really can use this badge to push the soul out. Sorry, Kon. I'll listen to what you have to say tomorrow. So let me just rest for today.

And that calls it the end of this saga, until next time that is.