Complete listed story — includes the ending
Bleach, Volume 41
350. The Lust4 [ ]
In response to Orihime Inoue 's cry, Ichigo Kurosaki turns into a strange new Hollow form and easily overpowers Ulquiorra Cifer.
Within his subconscious, Ichigo hears Orihime Inoue calling out to him and tells himself to stand up and protect her.
Orihime turns around to look at a newly transformed Hollow Ichigo in shock. Ulquiorra and Uryū Ishida are also shocked by this transformation. Ulquiorra tells him it's impossible for him to be alive and asks who he is. In response, Ichigo's inner Hollow summons Zangetsu to his hand before swinging it down by his side, ready to fight. The sheer force of the swing blasts away pieces of the surface of the dome and sends Orihime stumbling away to be caught by Uryū.
Ulquiorra once again asks the Hollow who he is. Ichigo's inner Hollow just lets out a mighty roar. He then charges up a Cero at the end of his horns and fires it at Ulquiorra who quickly counters it with his black Cero. Ulquiorra is shocked by the Hollow's power, saying there is no way a Human can use a Cero. The inner Hollow suddenly appears behind Ulquiorra, grabbing one of his arms and ripping it off. Orihime asks in disbelief if that is really Ichigo.
351. The Lust5 [ ]
Ulquiorra Cifer reveals that he has regeneration powers, regrowing his old arm back. He attempts to attack Ichigo Kurosaki 's inner Hollow, but is overpowered and defeated.
Orihime asks if that is really Ichigo standing there, clutching Ulquiorra's severed arm. Ulquiorra just sighs and regenerates a new arm. Ulquiorra then tells the Hollow that his greatest power is regeneration, not strength. He continues to say that he can regenerate any part of his body except for his internal organs and brain. He then proceeds, saying that it doesn't matter that he changed his form, he will still not be able to defeat him. Ulquiorra forms a Lanza del Relámpago, a javelin-like weapon of spiritual energy, in his hands and throws it at the Hollow. It barely misses, exploding with incredible force behind him.
Ulquiorra comments that it's harder to control than he thought and charges up another one. Before Ulquiorra can throw it, the inner Hollow suddenly appears behind him and chucks his severed arm at him. Ulquiorra slashes at it with his Lanza del Relámpago and tells Ichigo's inner Hollow not to underestimate him, swinging his javelin-like weapon at him. The Hollow effortlessly catches the end of it with his bare hands and crushes it before slashing Ulquiorra across his torso.
Ulquiorra collapses in defeat, not able to believe that he was beaten by some Human that turned into a Hollow. The inner Hollow suddenly presses down Ulquiorra's head with his foot before charging up a Cero directly on him. Ulquiorra tells him he has no reason to live anymore and to go ahead and kill him. Ichigo's inner Hollow shoots the Cero, resulting in a massive explosion.
352. The Lust6 [ ]
Rukia Kuchiki continues to fight Rudbornn Chelute, but is suddenly interrupted by Yammy Llargo. Before Ichigo Kurosaki 's inner Hollow can shoot off another Cero, Ulquiorra Cifer attacks him.
Rukia Kuchiki freezes Rudbornn's branches, saying if he breeds new soldiers like fruit, the solution to stop that growth is to simply freeze the branches. Before Rudbornn can do anything else, he is smashed aside when Yammy Llargo punches through the platform. Yasutora Sado remarks that Yammy had gotten a lot bigger since the last time he saw him. Infuriated, Yammy yells that he's going to kill Uryū to get revenge for what he did earlier to him. Suddenly, the Hollow's Cero blasts through the hole in the dome. Rukia, Lieutenant Renji Abarai, and Sado are shocked by the Cero's strength and Rukia questions if that was Ichigo's Reiatsu.
Just in time, Orihime had put up her Santen Kesshun, protecting both Uryū and herself from the Hollow 's Cero blast. Uryū stares at the inner Hollow amidst the smoke in shock. Ichigo's inner Hollow was holding the upper half of Ulquiorra's severed body by one of his wings. He then tosses the body against a stone slab and takes out his Zanpakutō, planning to stab Ulquiorra's dead body.
Uryū suddenly appears and grabs the Hollow's wrist, stopping him. Uryū tells him that he had won and that there was no reason to carve up the corpse. He says that if he continues this, he won't be Human anymore. Uryū then shouts Ichigo's name trying to make him snap out of it. In response, the inner Hollow stabs Zangetsu right through Uryū's stomach, sending him flying away. The Hollow then turns to Orihime and in limited dialogue says that he'll help her.
Orihime comes to the conclusion that it's her fault that Ichigo became this way, all because she asked for his help. Ichigo's inner Hollow then charges up a Cero, planning to shoot it at Uryū. Orihime yells at him to stop. Suddenly, a half-regenerated Ulquiorra appears behind the Hollow with a Lanza del Relámpago and slices off one of his horns. In result, the Cero suddenly explodes on the inner Hollow and Ulquiorra, saving Uryū.
353. The Ash [ ]
His Hollow mask destroyed, Ichigo Kurosaki collapses on the ground while Ulquiorra Cifer says his dying words.
The blast from the Hollow's Cero destroys Ichigo's Hollow mask. Ichigo collapses to the ground and Orihime runs to his side. Ulquiorra watches in silence. In thought, Ulquiorra says that even though the rest of his limbs are regenerating, he cannot restore the organs that the inner Hollow had blown away.
Suddenly, a strong whirlwind of spirit energy surrounds the hole in Ichigo's chest before exploding from the hole itself, making the hole close up. Everyone is shocked by this and Ulquiorra says it was high-speed regeneration. Ichigo suddenly rises to his knees and grabs his chest where the hole used to be. He exclaims, " Wasn't there a hole in my chest!? " in disbelief. He then asks Orihime if she was alright before suddenly noticing Uryū off to the side, with Zangetsu sticking out of his stomach.
Uryū smiles and says finally he woke up. In shock, Ichigo asks if it was him who did that to Uryū. Ulquiorra suddenly interrupts Ichigo and then roughly yanks Zangetsu out of Uryū's stomach. He tosses the Zanpakutō at Ichigo saying he wants to finish this. Ichigo questions Ulquiorra if it was him who cut off his arm and leg and stabbed Uryū. He then tells Ulquiorra to cut of his own arm and leg too so they can fight equally. Before Ulquiorra can do so, his wing suddenly starts to disintegrate into ash. Ulquiorra says it's the end for him. He asks Ichigo to kill him quickly or it'll never be over. Ichigo won't do it saying it wasn't the way he wanted to win.
Ulquiorra then turns to Orihime and says that he finally has started to find them to be a little interesting. He then asks Orihime if she was afraid of him. Orihime answers that she is not. The two reach for each other's hands, but Ulquiorra completely fades to ash before they can touch.
354. heart [ ]
Ulquiorra Cifer finally understands what a heart is and dies. Yammy Llargo uses his Resurrección, Ira, and transforms, revealing that in his released form he is no longer Espada #10, but in fact Espada #0. Meanwhile, 10th Division Captain Tōshirō Hitsugaya and Tier Harribel continue their fight.
Ulquiorra experiences his last thoughts before he dies. During this time, he finally realizes what Orihime meant by a "heart" and dies.
Yammy is shocked that Ulquiorra got defeated, stating that he was going to go help him out after defeating Rukia, Renji, and Sado. Yammy becomes infuriated that they are the only people he gets to use his stored up power on, ripping his Arrancar outfit in the process, revealing his #10 tattoo. Rukia, Renji, and Sado discuss between themselves that they could easily defeat Yammy, since they had fought other Espada with higher ranking numbers than him. Immediately after, Yammy uses his Resurrección and the number one on his tattoo crumbles away, leaving only a zero. Yammy then remarks that the Espada ranks don't go from 1-10, but 0-9.
Captain Tōshirō Hitsugaya crashes into the ground by one of Tier Harribel 's attacks. Harribel says she will put an end to this, releasing her Zanpakutō stating "Attack--!"
355. Azul-Blood Splash [ ]
8th Division Captain Shunsui Kyōraku, 10th Division Captain Tōshirō Hitsugaya, and 2nd Division Captain Suì-Fēng continue their fight against the Espada Coyote Starrk, Tier Harribel, and Baraggan Louisenbairn. Harribel decides to put an end to her and Hitsugaya's fight by releasing her Resurrección, Tiburón, and slicing Hitsugaya in half.
Captain Sajin Komamura stands guard over Lieutenant Izuru Kira, who is healing their fellow Shinigami. They watch the fights happening before them. Coyote Starrk swipes at Captain Shunsui Kyōraku destroying part of his hat. He comments to Starrk that he's pretty strong. Starrk replies saying that he's surprised at how he can keep on dodging his attacks like that without losing his hat or kimono.
Hitsugaya and Harribel continue to fight. Harribel shoots a projectile at Hitsugaya called " Ola Azul " and it comes right at him.
Meanwhile, both Captain Suì-Fēng and Lieutenant Marechiyo Ōmaeda are exhausted from fighting Baraggan Louisenbairn. Baraggan comments that they can't even budge him. He then smashes his fist through his throne of bones, pulling out a large, axe-shaped Zanpakutō. Marechiyo tells Suì-Fēng that she should hurry and remove the limitations set on her in the Human World, but Suì-Fēng tells him that the limitations were already removed.
Meanwhile, with Hitsugaya smashed against the ground, Harribel is surprised that this was a captain's strength and that her Fracción were defeated by this. She then holds out her sword and releases it, revealing her Resurrección. Before Hitsugaya can react, the right half of his body is cut off.
356. Tyrant of Skulls [ ]
10th Division Captain Tōshirō Hitsugaya recovers from his injuries using a special technique of his and continues his fight with Tier Harribel. Baraggan Louisenbairn continues to fight both 2nd Division Captain Suì-Fēng and her lieutenant Marechiyo Ōmaeda and reveals that all the Espada embody an aspect of death and that his is old age. He then releases his Resurrección.
The sliced half of Hitsugaya's body crashes to the ground and blood spurts out of his wound. Harribel then turns to Captain-Commander Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto and tells him he's next and that she'll make him pay for taking her Fracción lives. Before she can even make a move, Hitsugaya, now in one piece, slices at Harribel's face, but Harribel dodges. She attempts to swing her blade at Hitsugaya, but he swiftly jumps over it. Hitsugaya says that he was surprised how much stronger and faster Harribel was after releasing and tells her that it was a good thing he came prepared. The air around him starts to crack and it is shown that it was actually ice. He tells Harribel that he can only use that technique once and to not underestimate the strength of the Shinigami.
Baraggan continues his fight with Suì-Fēng and Ōmaeda. Baraggan sweeps his Zanpakutō at both of them and they nearly dodge the blow. Just from Baraggan's swing, a whole building was sliced in two. Suì-Fēng attempts to kick Baraggan on the back of the head, but every time she attempts to hit him, her kicks seemingly slow down. Baraggan grabs her leg and swings her around, throwing her on the roof of a building. She quickly regains her composure and tries to figure out what Baraggan's power is that causes her movements to slow down.
Baraggan notes that Suì-Fēng can't figure out what his powers are. He tells her that each of the Espada embody an aspect of death and their powers represent that. He reveals that his aspect is " old age," and that it is the most powerful of all the aspects of death because it's the only guaranteed method of death. Suddenly, he appears next to her side and places his hand on her shoulder. Alarmed, she quickly jumps away and Baraggan tells her with just a touch, he can age her very bones. Suì-Fēng's arm then breaks and her face is covered in fear.
Baraggan then releases his Zanpakutō with the words, " Rot, Arrogante! " Baraggan appears with a skull for a head with an adorned crown and dark robes.
357. The Colossus of Fear [ ]
With Baraggan Louisenbairn 's Resurrección release, Arrogante, he is shown to be a deadly foe. Tier Harribel and 10th Division Captain Tōshirō Hitsugaya continue their fight, with both vying for dominance using water.
Suì-Fēng looks on in shock of Baraggan's released form, a humanoid skull creature reminiscent of the American personification of the Grim Reaper. The released Baraggan walks toward them on the surface of a roof. The roof rots beneath him just from him walking on it. Baraggan informs Suì-Fēng that anything around him ages and dies. He points his hand at Suì-Fēng and she yells at Marechiyo to run, that he is no match for him. Baraggan finds this statement funny and says to Suì-Fēng that she is no match for him either.
He then releases a strange smoke-like miasma from his body, rotting everything it touches. Suì-Fēng sees the danger and attempts to run, but the miasma touches part of her left hand, deteriorating to only bone. Suì-Fēng looks at her skeletal hand in shock before screaming as more of the skin on her arm rots away. She yells at Marechiyo to cut off her arm and he hesitantly does so, preventing Suì-Fēng's death. The arm falls to the ground, now completely turned to bone. Baraggan finds it funny that even Shinigami fear death.
Harribel shoots off a blast of water at Hitsugaya, engulfing him. He sticks his Zanpakutō in the water, turning it to ice and using it to counter Harribel. The ice quickly wraps around Harribel's sword arm, but she quickly dispels it by slicing her blade in the air. Hitsugaya tells her that her Zanpakutō's water controlling powers will get her nowhere because of the fact that his turns water into ice, making her attacks turn into his. Harribel tells him that her water Zanpakutō will overpower him and soon. Hitsugaya shouts out not to underestimate him and shoots off an ice dragon off the tip of his Zanpakutō. Harribel tells him that he's the one doing the overestimating and blocks his attack with a shield of water. She continues to tell him that if water can become his weapon, the opposite is true as well. She then shoots a giant surge of water directly at Hitsugaya, engulfing him.
358. King of the Clouds [ ]
Tier Harribel and 10th Division Captain Tōshirō Hitsugaya continue their fight. 2nd Division Captain Suì-Fēng tells her lieutenant Marechiyo Ōmaeda to act as a decoy for her because she has a plan.
Harribel's attack, with Hitsugaya inside, crashes to the ground. As the water clears away, it is revealed that Hitsugaya turned part of the water into ice to form a large shield, protecting him from the blow. He slices the shield in half once Harribel's move was finished and tells her that he was aware that if one could use another's attack as a weapon, the opposite is true as well. He shoots off spears of ice in Harribel's direction and she tells him that all his attacks will have the same results. She then melts his ice spears, rendering them harmless. Hitsugaya suddenly appears behind her and using the melted ice, creates another ice attack and launches it toward her. She quickly breaks out of the ice and Hitsugaya tells her that one is in the most danger during their strongest attack. She slightly smiles at this comment.
Marechiyo is shaking in fear of Baraggan's power, as Suì-Fēng clutches her shoulder where her arm used to be. He knows that if not even Suì-Fēng could dodge Baraggan's attack, then neither of them could escape. Suì-Fēng tells Marechiyo that he has to act as a decoy for a little while saying that she has a plan. Marechiyo freaks out, insisting to her that both of them need to escape while they still can. Suì-Fēng continues to say to not lose his right arm, otherwise he cannot use his sword to cut off any part that starts to rot away. Unintentionally going with the plan, he starts to run away from Baraggan, who starts to chase him.
Harribel shoots spears of water at Hitsugaya and he dodges all of them. Suddenly, she appears right behind him and shoots a Cero at him, cutting off part of one of his ice wings. Hitsugaya notes that it was a weak attack, but says that she is waiting for the same thing he is: For the battle field to be filled with condensation so she can finish him off in one blow. Reforming the broken ice wing, he says that they'll get nowhere trying to achieve the same thing. He then tells her that he has never done this technique in Bankai before, but there is a first time for everything. He continues to say that his Zanpakutō doesn't have to wait for water to control, saying that all of heaven is under his command, and then adding " Hyoten Hyakkaso!"
Bleach, Volume 42
359. The Frozen Obelisk [ ]
8th Division Captain Shunsui Kyōraku and Coyote Starrk 's battle continues before they are suddenly distracted by 10th Division Captain Tōshirō Hitsugaya 's fight against Tier Harribel. Elsewhere, 2nd Division Lieutenant Marechiyo Ōmaeda continues to run from Baraggan Louisenbairn and his captain Suì-Fēng begins to activate her Bankai.
As the battle progresses, Coyote Starrk fires a Cero at Captain Shunsui Kyōraku, only for him to state "No finishing pose or anything?" Starrk then begins to show irritation by scolding Kyōraku for running away. Starrk is then seen to be staring in horror at Captain Tōshirō Hitsugaya 's approaching cloud.
Elsewhere, Hitsugaya then reveals his never-before-seen power, Hyōten Hyakkasō. Hitsugaya then asks Harribel's name, to which she replies, " Tier Harribel," and Hitsugaya himself properly introduces himself. As the sky darkens, snow begins to fall from the sky. Harribel attempts to melt the snow with her Hirviendo ability, but the moment her sword touches the snow, ice flowers begin to bloom on her body. Hitsugaya then calmly states that once all one hundred flowers have bloomed, she will die. He then states that she won't be able to avenge her underlings after all. Harribel's current status is unknown.
As the pursuit continues, Lieutenant Marechiyo Ōmaeda dodges yet another Respira, albeit a slow one, and starts to scream. Captain Suì-Fēng hears this and she activates her Bankai after coiling a building with cloth.
360. Shock of the Queen [ ]
13th Division Captain Jūshirō Ukitake and Lilynette Gingerbuck 's "battle" continues. Elsewhere, Baraggan Louisenbairn decides to finish things off with 2nd Division Lieutenant Marechiyo Ōmaeda, but stops as his captain Suì-Fēng activates her Bankai, Jakuhō Raikōben.
Lilynette Gingerbuck insists on battling Captain Jūshirō Ukitake and attempts countless attacks, only to fail miserably. Ukitake has defeated Lilynette many times, but has never taken the approach of killing her, instead, "training" her by not allowing her to use her own sword. Lilynette's desperate struggles of defeating Ukitake is serious to an extent that she is crying while battling the man.
Elsewhere, just as Baraggan Louisenbairn seems to be closing in on Ōmaeda to finish him off with his technique " Gran Caída," Baraggan notices the surge of energy from Suì-Fēng's Bankai being released and turns around to face her. Suì-Fēng emerges and explains her reluctance to use her Bankai, Jakuhō Raikōben, due to it being too large, heavy and flashy to function as an assassin's weapon. Nevertheless, she fires a projectile attack at Baraggan, resulting in a huge explosion. Baraggan's fate after the attack remains unknown.
361. I Hate Loneliness, But It Loves Me [ ]
2nd Division Captain Suì-Fēng unleashes her Bankai on Baraggan Louisenbairn, while the battle of 13th Division Captain Jūshirō Ukitake and 8th Division Captain Shunsui Kyōraku versus Lilynette Gingerbuck and Coyote Starrk continues.
Suì-Fēng's Bankai appears to hit Baraggan. The explosion is powerful enough to not only push Suì-Fēng back, but also her lieutenant. Suì-Fēng's sash rips apart, but she's caught by Ōmaeda.
Elsewhere, Starrk is then seen after watching Hitsugaya's and Suì-Fēng's Bankai, and questions Kyōraku whether all their Bankai were that powerful. He asks Shunsui if his own Bankai was more powerful than Hitsugaya's. He replies that Hitsugaya is a genius and that maybe in 100 years, Hitsugaya might surpass him. With that, Starrk calls Lilynette and reveals that they are in fact one. While every other Arrancar splits into one body and a sword, they split into two bodies. He then releases his Resurrección form and is shown to have merged with Lilynette.
362. Howling Wolves [ ]
The "duos" battle continues of 13th Division Captain Jūshirō Ukitake and 8th Division Captain Shunsui Kyōraku versus Lilynette Gingerbuck and Coyote Starrk after the latter two released their Resurrección, Los Lobos.
Kyōraku proceeds to attack Starrk while he is talking, but Starrk moves back with ease. Starrk begins to comment on how Kyōraku would attack while he is talking. Before Starrk can finish talking, Kyōraku uses his Busho Koma technique. Starrk parries the attack and fires a large Cero from one of his guns. Starrk then tells Kyōraku he seems a little panicked and that it is not at all like him. Kyōraku responds that he meant to kill him with the first blow, but his release must be really something if he could parry it.
He then deduces that Starrk's gun fires Ceros. Starrk confirms, but completely denies it can do anything else when Kyōraku asks whether its capable of more. Kyōraku accuses Starrk of being a bad liar. Starrk says the same of Kyōraku. Starrk then tells him he made him release his "pain in the ass [Resurrección]," so he better show him his Bankai. Kyōraku mentions that he has no intention of showing him no matter how strong he has gotten, especially if he is just going to fire Ceros. Starrk responds by firing his Cero Metralleta as Kyōraku, prompting him to flash step away. Starrk fires again and tells him that he can't escape, and Kyōraku dodges exclaiming how that attack is unfair. Ukitake jumps in front of Kyōraku after unleashing his Shikai and negates the multiple Ceros with a blast of his own.
363. Superchunky from Hell [ ]
The "duos" battle continues of 13th Division Captain Jūshirō Ukitake and 8th Division Captain Shunsui Kyōraku versus Lilynette Gingerbuck and Coyote Starrk.
Shunsui begins to speak, but Ukitake cuts him off explaining that he shouldn't complain because the Arrancar are double teaming him and his coming to his aid is only fair. Ukitake then comments that Shunsui doesn't seem to want to use his Bankai. Shunsui assures him that he will eventually, but Ukitake says that he shouldn't use it out in the open where anyone could see.
Ukitake continues by saying that in any case his powers are better suited for this sort of fight. Starrk interrupts to ask Ukitake how he fired a Cero. Ukitake says maybe he'll figure out if he does it again. Determined to figure out Ukitake's power, Starrk fires again, despite Lilynette's protest that it's most likely a trap. No sooner does he fire a large Cero than moments later, it comes right back at him, which Starrk dodges. He fires again and notices the same result. He uses Sonído to get closer to Ukitake and then explains what he has learned of his ability. Ukitake is surprised that he figured it out after only three attacks. Starrk then expresses that he is glad that Ukitake's power isn't to reflect any and all attacks back at his opponent. Starrk surmises that if Ukitake has to absorb the attack first, there has to be a limit to what can be absorbed. He then tells Ukitake that he doesn't think he'll be able to absorb the attack if he fires 1,000 shots at once.
Before Starrk can fire, Shunsui appears behind him and tries to cut off his head, but Starrk dodges and fires a large Cero, which Shunsui also dodges. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, a Garganta begins to open, surprising the three combatants. Ukitake asks Shunsui if it's someone new. Shunsui asks if it's someone who could back up the top three Espada, because he hopes it isn't. When the Garganta is fully open, Wonderweiss Margela walks through. Ukitake and Shunsui both question who he is, while Starrk says his name just as surprised to see him there being accompanied by a huge Hollow.
364. Grinning Revengers [ ]
Wonderweiss Margela arrives with a strange beast, turning the tide of the battle against the Shinigami.
A large monster comes out of the Garganta with Wonderweiss. Komamura recognizes the monster from before when Aizen had left Soul Society, seeing it through Aizen's Garganta to Hueco Mundo. Wonderweiss suddenly appears behind Ukitake and stabs him with his arm completely through. Shunsui then tries to attack Wonderweiss, but suddenly, Starrk puts his Zanpakutō gun to Shunsui's shoulder and shoots a Cero directly at him. Wonderweiss then lets out a loud scream, breaking away Hitsugaya's ice and blowing away the smoke surrounding Baraggan from Suì-Fēng's attack. Harribel breaks free from her ice prison and Baraggan comes out of the smoke completely unharmed.
Kira tells Komamura to go help while the large monster blows away the fire surrounding Aizen, Gin Ichimaru, and Kaname Tōsen, freeing them. Kira, lost of all hope, says it's all over for the Gotei 13. Suddenly, a voice interrupts them all and Aizen turns around to see Shinji and the rest of the Visored.
365. Whose Side Are We On [ ]
The Visored shock everyone by their appearance. Hooleer then regurgitates a large amount of Gillians on the ground and the Visored don their Hollow masks.
Gin comments on all the Visored's familiar faces. Shinji Hirako greets Aizen, telling him long time no see. All of the Shinigami are shocked by the Visored's appearance and Captain-Commander Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto realizes that they were hiding out on Earth all along. Shinji then asks the Visored if they want to say hello to any of the Gotei 13. Only Lisa Yadōmaru and Shinji leave to do so, to Kyōraku and Yamamoto, respectively. Lisa stomps on Kyōraku's head, telling him to stop playing dead. Kyōraku tells Lisa that she has grown so pretty since the last time he had seen her and in response, Lisa kicks his chin. She then leaves, telling him to watch how strong she has gotten.
Yamamoto asks Shinji if he came here for revenge. Shinji says that he came there for revenge against Aizen, not the Gotei 13. In fact, he never really cared much about them at all, and he was just annoyed at how strong they had made the barrier around the place. Just then, Lieutenant Chōjirō Sasakibe appears, apologizing to Yamamoto saying that he wasn't sure if he should let the Visored in or not considering the situation. Yamamoto then asks Shinji if the Visored are on their side then. Shinji tells him no, they are not allies of the Gotei 13, but they are fighting Aizen and are only on Ichigo's side. Shinji then joins the rest of the Visored, commenting that the enemy is getting impatient, referring to Hooleer and Wonderweiss.
Wonderweiss suddenly opens his mouth again and screams. Gin comments that all his screaming is ruining the mood, but Tōsen tells Gin that Wonderweiss' screaming has meaning, commanding Hooleer. Suddenly, Hooleer's large mouth opens wide and spits out a large number of Gillian. In response, all the Visored pull on their Hollow masks.
366. The Revenger's High [ ]
The Visored easily dispatch the army of Menos and Shinji Hirako approaches Sousuke Aizen before appearing to attack him.
All the Visored pull out their Zanpakutō and charge at the army of Menos. They destroy all the Menos with little effort. The Shinigami are shocked at how powerful the Visored are. Shinji, turning to see Aizen, appears before him and asks if he likes how powerful they've gotten with their Hollow powers. Shinji then says it's time to finish things and appears to move to deliver a deadly strike at Aizen.
367. YOUR ENEMY IS MY ENEMY [ ]
The Visored team up with the Shinigami to help and someone new joins 7th Division Captain Sajin Komamura 's and Kaname Tōsen 's battle.
Shinji attempts to strike Aizen, but suddenly jumps back as another Zanpakutō, Tōsen's, slices at his face, which he barely dodges. Tōsen goes in for another attack, but is blocked by Captain Sajin Komamura, who says he's here to help the Visored. Shinji questions Komamura's decision to help the Visored, but Komamura says that killing all the Menos Grande was good enough for him.
Harribel breaks out of the ice and attempts to attack Hitsugaya, but Lisa hits her sword away and Hiyori slices at her, which Harribel quickly dodges. Hitsugaya says it looks like there's no time to worry whether the Visored are friend or foe and Hiyori hastily agrees, saying she doesn't want to help any Shinigami. Hachi comes up from behind, agreeing and Lisa says that the enemy of her enemy is her friend.
After Kensei Muguruma kills another Menos Grande, Mashiro Kuna complains that she wanted to get that Hollow. Kensei says that she can take care of Hooleer, so he doesn't have to hear her complain. Mashiro happily thanks him and dashes over to the giant Hollow.
Rōjūrō Ōtoribashi gives a speech saying that it's a bad habit of humanity to join forces against a common enemy, but it is an instinct that all creatures have to survive. Before he can continue, Love Aikawa whacks him from behind the head telling him to stop talking and focus on the current situation. The two face Starrk, who questions if they should have taken off their masks.
Mashiro jumps up in front of Wonderweiss and kicks the Hooleer over and over again, making it split open from the top, bursting blood.
Komamura says to Tōsen that it's the opposite of what happened before. In Soul Society, he had protected Tōsen from Kenpachi's attack, and now he was protecting someone else from Tōsen's attack. Tōsen says that he knew one day that both of them would have to cross swords and one of them would die. Before Tōsen can make a move, Hisagi wraps his Zanpakutō's chain around Tōsen's sword. He apologizes to Komamura, saying that he wants to be a part of this fight too.
Bleach, Volume 43
368. The Fearless Child [ ]
9th Division Lieutenant Shūhei Hisagi and Kaname Tōsen speak with each other while Mashiro Kuna takes out Wonderweiss Margela. 10th Division Captain Tōshirō Hitsugaya and Hiyori Sarugaki argue while Lisa Yadōmaru battles Tier Harribel. Hachigen Ushōda greets 2nd Division Captain Suì-Fēng and begins to battle with Baraggan Louisenbairn.
Lieutenant Shūhei Hisagi greets Kaname Tōsen and tells him he wants to thank him, and Tōsen questions if he is being sarcastic. Hisagi continues and explains that he wants to thank him for his instruction, and that he will use everything Tōsen taught him to open his eyes and take him back to Soul Society. Tōsen questions his statement condescendingly and tells Hisagi he never changes. Tōsen then vibrates his Zanpakutō to release it from Hisagi's chain and Tōsen addresses Hisagi, telling him that he taught him that those who do not know fear are not fit to do battle. Tōsen reiterates that Hisagi has not changed at all, as there is not even a hint of fear in his words.
Upon witnessing Mashiro Kuna easily defeat Hooleer, Gin Ichimaru comments that Hooleer was Wonderweiss Margela 's favorite, while smiling more than usual. Shocked at seeing his companion die, Wonderweiss then charges his Cero from his mouth, but before he can fire it, Mashiro kicks him in the face. He is later seen lying on the ground as Mashiro proclaims her victory.
Captain Tōshirō Hitsugaya asks Hiyori Sarugaki if he can ask her a question, to which she retorts he needs to keep it short and that she won't tell him anymore about them. Hitsugaya says it's fine and that he wishes only to ask them for a favor. He asks if Hiyori and Lisa Yadōmaru can take on the Espada as he wants to go and fight Aizen. Hiyori yells as him, asking him if he is crazy as the Visored have come here to kill Aizen as well and that Hitsugaya was already having trouble when they arrived, so what makes him think he can take Aizen. Hitsugaya realizes that he was acting irrationally and that he panicked. Hiyori yells at him some more until he apologizes, and she then berates him further and questions his status as a captain. When she calls him "shorty," Hitsugaya grabs Hiyori and screams at her, telling her she is shorter than him. They continue to fight until they are distracted by Lisa rushing off to fight Tier Harribel.
Hachigen Ushōda addresses Captain Suì-Fēng, telling her it's been a long time since they last saw each other. Suì-Fēng acts as if she doesn't know him, to which Hachi comments that he figured she would say as much, and that he is not surprised that she doesn't think well of the Visored. Baraggan interrupts, stating that it doesn't matter who they are or what powers they have, for everything is equal before him. Baraggan then taunts Hachi requesting that he come closer so he can turn him to bone and destroy him. Hachi claps his hands together and forms a barrier to ensnare Baraggan. Hachi states that he saw what Baraggan can do, and that's why he came to fight him. Hachi tells him all attacks are the same unless they can touch you, and that Baraggan wields a truly fearsome power. Baraggan touches the barrier and it begins to deteriorate, much to Hachi's surprise. Baraggan then asks if he thought that age could not touch Kidō.
369. Spit On Your Own God [ ]
Hachigen Ushōda and 2nd Division Captain Suì-Fēng join forces against Baraggan Louisenbairn.
Baraggan explains that " Humans die, animals die, plants die and even Shinigami die. For everything that dies, there is age, too. If things that humans create can die, then Kidō, created by Shinigami, is no different. As Kidō may last for a thousand years. But it cannot last forever. " Baraggan contends that "forever" is nothing more than a meaningless word born out of the fear of aging. He then proceeds to attack.
Hachi generates a rectangular plank in between his hands and multiples it into rows in front of him. The constructs connect together into a wall that holds off Baraggan's Respira. Baraggan states that he already has said that it will rot, as the Respira begins to chisel away at the integrity of the wall. Hachi begins recite the incantation, to which Baraggan comments on how clever Hachi is, since an incantation said after a spell can strengthen it. But he also warns that he is too late. Hachi puts his hands up in front of him saying the spell name causing large beams to build up in front of him, creating a very large wall many stories high to further separate him and Baraggan.
Hachi then calls out to Suì-Fēng, asking her for her help as he needs her to use Bankai. Suì-Fēng apprehensively comments on how the Visored even knows about her Bankai. Hachi pleads with her that he knows she she does not want to work with them because of their connection to Kisuke Urahara, but he reminds her that this is not the time for grudges. Suì-Fēng still acts uninterested in teaming up with him, causing Hachi to relent and he tells her he will make a deal with her.
Meanwhile, Baraggan is losing patience and proceeds to try to destroy the wall before he notices something behind him. Hachi continues to create more barriers and Baraggan laughs at Hachi's attempts as ridiculous to think he can be sealed in this, laughing at the idea of trying to buy time against one who controls aging. Baraggan equates it as being similar to spitting on the face of god.
Hachi then reveals that the barrier is not to seal him. He explains that Baraggan used his aging on Suì-Fēng's Bankai and made it explode far away from him so that he was unharmed. Hachi says the purpose of the barrier, then, is to make it so Baraggan's aging powers won't work fast enough for him to escape the explosion of Suì-Fēng's Bankai unscathed. A round section of barrier partially opens and Suì-Fēng sticks Jakuhō Raikōben in and asks Hachi to promise her again that tomorrow he will seal Kisuke Urahara in one of his barriers for a month. Hachi promises and Suì-Fēng smiles as she fires her Bankai causing the barrier to rupture and crack.
370. 神の視座にて 命を論ず [ ]
Hachigen Ushōda defeats Baraggan Louisenbairn by turning his own power against him.
Suì-Fēng breathes heavily as Hachi's barrier cracks from the force of Jakuhō Raikōben as she begins to fall. Hachi comments that he couldn't believe she cracked it before calling down to check on Suì-Fēng, now in the arms of Ōmaeda. She explains that she usually was only able to use the ability of Jakuhō Raikōben once every three days. As the smoke of the explosion clears, Baraggan's voice can still be heard, stating he will never forgive Suì-Fēng for injuring him to the extent she did. The smoke continues to clear and Baraggan can be seen missing the top left quarter of his skull and he continues to state that they will rue the day they turned their backs on him before unleashing another large blast of Respira at Suì-Fēng and Ōmaeda. Suì-Fēng wonders how Baraggan could still move after a direct strike from Jakuhō Raikōben at close range and considers that he may actually be a god.
Hachi puts up a large barrier directly in front of him and dons his mask. Baraggan responds that Hachi made a clever move, but should know his place when dealing with the God of Hueco Mundo, at which point the barrier breaks and the Respira leaks through, beginning to corrode Hachi's mask.
Baraggan explains "Shinigami, and Humans, and Hollows, and Arrancar each have their own differences, their own quarrels. They have will and freedom and animals and plants and the moon and the stars and the sun and every little thing, but only [his] power is absolute. Everything else is tiny and insignificant."
As the Respira consumes Hachi, Baraggan continues to explain that their proper place was under his rule, and in his eyes, they are no different from insects. Hachi is then seen with a barrier where the lower half of his right arm should be, explaining that if only Baraggan's power is absolute, then not even he can stand against it. The barrier containing the rest of the arm is seen within Baraggan's torso as Hachi continues to explain that it was only a wager he was glad he wasn't wrong about. Hachi then states that there are no gods in Soul Society, other than the Shinigami, as Baraggan's body disintegrates from the inside out.
371. Kingdom of Hollows [ ]
As Baraggan Louisenbairn rots away, he thinks back to his past when he first met Sousuke Aizen.
Baraggan curses them all as he begins to rot from his own power.
Back in the past, Baraggan sits on a throne with an army of Hollows kneeling down beside him. Baraggan says that he's bored and what's the point of having an army if there will be no invasion to defend from. Suddenly, a large Hollow in the background gets sliced in two, and the Hollows are all in shock. Interested, Baraggan watches as Aizen, Gin Ichimaru, and Tōsen appear before his throne. Another large Hollow attempts to attack Aizen, demanding to know who he was, only to get sliced down by Tōsen. Aizen then asks Baraggan if he is the king of Hueco Mundo which he says he is. Baraggan asks who Aizen was, seeing how he didn't have any Hollow mask. He concludes that it doesn't matter and was glad they came otherwise he would have split his army into two and have them fight each other out of boredom; he then welcomes all three of them into his palace of Las Noches.
Tōsen says it must be a joke because his palace doesn't have any roof or walls. Baraggan says there is no need for a ceiling for the sky of Hueco Mundo is his ceiling. Aizen tells Tōsen he's in no mood for arguments and pulls out his Zanpakutō for Baraggan to see. Aizen asks him if he's satisfied with what he has, which confuses Baraggan. Aizen continues on, saying that if Baraggan follows him, he will give him more power and a new world. Baraggan begins to laugh, finding it ridiculous, because he cannot rise any more than he has now and there is no new world for him. Baraggan commands his army to attack them, but Aizen, Gin, and Tōsen take the Hollows out with no trouble. Aizen mocks him, saying that he looks just like a Shinigami, wearing black and posed to attack. Baraggan tells him to shut up.
In his thoughts, he says that Aizen will regret having given him power and that he will hunt him for all of eternity.
Back in the present, Baraggan's body fully rots away. Aizen glances over at Baraggan's death and turns away without a word. Hachi says that he found it strange that Baraggan never rotted from his own attacks and theorized that he had another power keeping his rotting power away from himself. So when he sent his own rotting arm into his body, he was killed. Hachi concludes that Baraggan was just another small life trying to keep death at bay. Starrk says it's horrible that Aizen can't spare a single word for Baraggan's death, but says that they're not the type to avenge one another.
372. The Metal Cudgel Flinger [ ]
Love Aikawa starts his fight with Coyote Starrk.
Love Aikawa pulls Rōjūrō Ōtoribashi out of a pile of rubble and says that he wished he could have defeated Starrk before Hachi killed Baraggan. He tells Rose that when someone dies, revenge comes right after, believing Starrk will probably want his revenge for Baraggan's death. Seeing Starrk's back turned, Love releases his Zanpakutō and charges straight at Starrk. Starrk tries to defend himself by shooting Ceros at Love, but he just blocks it with his Zanpakutō. Starrk dodges as Love swings and destroys a building. Love sees Starrk escaping from behind him and hits him down to the ground with a fierce blow.
While he's down, Lilynette Gingerbuck yells at him to get up and get his revenge, but Starrk says that he's not the type. He would rather go home and sleep, seeing how powerful their opponents are. Lilynette yells at him, asking if he wants his friends to die, which convinces him to get up and fight back.
Starrk rises up from the smoke and blocks an attack by Love. Love asks if he was grieving, to which Starrk replies, "Something like that." Love comments that he thought Hollows didn't have any hearts and Starrk replies that Love looks like a Hollow himself with his mask. In response, Love puts on his mask and attacks Starrk, but he disappears. Rose yells that Starrk is above him and looks in shock at Starrk with an army of wolves behind him.
373. Wolves Ain't Howl Alone [ ]
Coyote Starrk unleashes his attack upon Love Aikawa and Rōjūrō Ōtoribashi.
Starrk's army of wolves attack and both Love and Rose put on their Hollow masks and fight them off. Rose releases his Zanpakutō and starts fighting them back easily, though the wolves appear to be made of flames and restore themselves back together. Rose says he doesn't like all these magical attacks and does a Kidō spell on one wolf. Love tells him that his Kidō spells seem pretty magical to him and Rose argues that it's art rather than magic. They are caught by surprise and some of the wolves clamp down on Love's leg and Rose's Zanpakutō before detonating into a giant explosion. Barely escaping the explosion, Love suggests that those wolves were made out of Ceros. Suddenly, more wolves appear behind them and explode right on them.
Starrk tells them that they are not Ceros, but parts of both Starrk's and Lilynette's soul. Once the smoke cleared to reveal both Rose and Love bleeding, Starrk says they can run and he won't chase them. Love tells him to forget it and Starrk says he might as well finish them off. Before he can touch them, a blade pierces Starrk from behind.
374. 灰狼・赤血・黒衣・白骨 [ ]
8th Division Captain Shunsui Kyōraku appears and begins to fight Coyote Starrk once again.
Everyone is in shock by the sword sticking out of Starrk. Starrk looks behind at his shadow and watches it transform into Kyōraku. Starrk says it was ridiculous for him to be holding back such a power when they fought and Kyōraku says it was only because his sword wasn't in the mood. He explains that his sword's power is to make children's games real. It makes the rules and that everyone inside its spiritual boundaries are forced to play the game as well, including himself. Kyōraku suddenly attacks Starrk who dodges, clutching the sword wound on his chest. Kyōraku charges and Starrk brings up a sword made of spirit energy to block his attack. Kyōraku says the color "gray" and slices at a gray part on Starrk, who quickly catches on to how the game works, countering by saying the color "white" and dealing a heavy blow to Kyōraku. Kyōraku explains how the game works in more detail, commenting that Starrk is a tough opponent.
Starrk mentally says that he is jealous of the weak and that he was so lonely that he split his soul into two, creating both himself and Lilynette. He even wished that he was weak.
Kyōraku continues to fight Starrk, but suddenly throws his now-white captain's cloak on Starrk, distracting him briefly, before saying "black" and dealing a deadly slash across Starrk's chest, through his Hollow hole.
375. EXecution, EXtinction [ ]
Dying, Coyote Starrk thinks back to his past and Sousuke Aizen decides to move things along.
Aizen asks Starrk if he killed the mountain of Hollows before him. Starrk says they just died and that was it. Aizen says that he seems strong and says he's looking for allies. Starrk says that he and Lilynette were looking for allies too. Starrk asks if his allies are strong, and Aizen tells him to come and see. Starrk then agrees, saying that he looks strong enough to stay around them without dying.
Back in the present, Starrk blood spurts out from his wound. As he falls to the ground he looks at Aizen, apologizing for not being able to repay him, because he's no longer alone. He thinks back to when both him and Lilynette split, introducing themselves to each other. Lilynette asks what they will do now, and Starrk says they can do anything, but they should stick together forever.
Love appears behind Kyōraku and thanks him. Love then says that he never changes, battling other people's battles. Kyōraku says that he's a captain and has no time to be indulgent.
Aizen watches Harribel's battle. Lisa, Hiyori, and Hitsugaya release their Zanpakutō and charge all at once at Harribel. They all clash together. Aizen tells Gin it's time to get this over with and appears before Harribel and slashes her across the stomach. Surprised, she begins to question this, and he claims that she's not strong enough and that he's done with her.
376. EXecution, EXtinction 2 [ ]
Sousuke Aizen prepares to confront six Shinigami and six Visored after effortlessly defeating Tier Harribel. Meanwhile, Mashiro Kuna and Kensei Muguruma fight Wonderweiss Margela.
Aizen comments on how he never thought he alone would be "more powerful than the lot of you," referring to the Espada. Harribel begins to fall from the slash across her midsection, but angrily stabs Aizen in an act of revenge. Aizen is impassive and he stabs her from behind in her left shoulder blade and comments how she "will never raise a sword" to him again. Harribel had stabbed a hypnosis clone. Harribel then falls to the ground and Aizen turns to his surprised enemies and goads them into battle, referring to the Visored as "imitation Arrancar".
Meanwhile, on the ground, Mashiro notes that the last Espada is dead, but then Wonderweiss awakens from unconsciousness in the crater that Mashiro kicked him into. After a quick warning from Kensei, Mashiro kicks Wonderweiss into a broken building. Kensei then warns her that she will wear out her mask if she keeps fighting for too long with this level of opponent. She dismisses his warning as stupid and claims she is good for another 15 hours, just as Wonderweiss defiantly leaps out at her. She grabs him and smashes his face into the ground, but, with a shout, he grabs her scarf and throws her through a few buildings, tearing the scarf in the process. Mashiro angrily proclaims that he shouldn't have torn her scarf and then she shoots her "Mashiro Super Cero" at him via a kick. He neutralizes it by screaming and she says, "So what!" and pulls him in for a punch. As she does, her mask begins to break and Wonderweiss yells happily and brutally punches her in the face. As he is about to hit her again, Kensei Muguruma steps in and grabs a now unconscious Mashiro while blocking Wonderweiss' punch, saying that he "isn't the sort of adult who goes easy on kids."
377. Shout at the Dark [ ]
As Wonderweiss Margela and Kensei Muguruma begin to fight, Sousuke Aizen taunts the Visored.
Kensei tosses Wonderweiss away from him and Mashiro. Kensei then takes the heavily injured Mashiro to the rooftop of a nearby building. As he lays Mashiro on the roof she asks him if she is about to avenge her, laughing as she says it. Kensei tells her not to be so happy and he is not about to avenge her. Telling her that what happened to her was her own fault for ignoring his warning. He says that he is just going to give Wonderweiss a taste of his fist. He then goes Bankai and engages Wonderweiss in earnest.
In the meantime, Aizen begins to taunt the Visored. Shinji Hirako warns the Visored, especially Hiyori, not to give into Aizen's taunts. Warning that given Aizen's ability if they approach him without a plan they will be finished before they can begin. Aizen comments on how Shinji's caring words are just like him, but says that it is futile because it doesn't matter how they approach him or even if they don't approach him the outcome will be the same. Aizen tells them that all of their fates have been established and they cannot be escaped. This garners a reaction from Love and Rose and prompts Shinji to repeat his warning about not giving into taunts. Aizen, however, provokes them further by asking what they have to fear as they have already died that night 100 years ago. This sends Hiyori over the edge and she rushes at Aizen with her released Zanpakutō. However she suddenly finds herself bifurcated and realizes that Ichimaru has attacked her using his Shikai. Ichimaru casually comments on how that's "one down". As Hiyori begins to fall, Shinji catches her upper half and calls for Hachi. Upon realizing that Hachi is missing one arm and as such is unable to heal, he begins to despair, but then remembers Orihime Inoue and her ability. Shinji then shouts out for Ichigo Kurosaki and demands to know why it is taking him (and by extension Orihime Inoue ) so long to get back to Karakura Town. Meanwhile in Hueco Mundo, Ichigo determinedly heads towards an unknown destination.
Bleach, Volume 44
378. Eyes of the Victor [ ]
As Yasutora Sado and 6th Division Lieutenant Renji Abarai lie defeated, Ichigo Kurosaki arrives just in time to save Rukia Kuchiki and resumes his old fight with Yammy Llargo.
Yasutora Sado and Lieutenant Renji Abarai lay defeated on the the ground. Rukia Kuchiki is in the clutches of Yammy Llargo, who complains how hard it is to find and catch in his Resurrección form. He then contemplates how to kill Rukia. Master her last bits of energy Rukia fires a Sōkatsui. It knocks Yammy's head back a little, but is otherwise ineffective. Yammy sarcastically comments on how much it hurt and drops Rukia claiming that the attack hurt him so much, that his hand slipped. As Rukia is falling, she comments on how great Yammy's strength is and that because of the wind pressure alone she can't judge it herself. However, before she can hit the ground Ichigo Kurosaki appears and saves her.
Upon recognizing Ichigo, Yammy goes into a rage and starts to fire a Cero at him from his mouth. But Ichigo sends a Getsuga Tenshō at it before Yammy can even discharge it. In the short respite that follows, Rukia demands to know where Orihime is. Ichigo responds that she is fine and tending to Uryū's wounds. He comments that she's safer then what she would be down here. Rukia is, however, trouble by his mannerism. As Yammy resumes his attack, Ichigo takes Rukia to a near-by building and tells her to wait there. He tells her to just wait there and that he would put an end to this and head back to the Human World. He then leads Yammy away from the others, as Rukia wonders what happened above the dome, as Ichigo's eyes are not those of a victor or those of someone who is willing to cut down the enemies to come.
As Yammy chases Ichigo, he angrily tells Ichigo not to run around. Ichigo says that he's not running around to escape Yammy. When they are sufficiently far away, Ichigo comments that if it's just him and Yammy, he can take Yammy down by force. Ichigo then unveils his new mask and sends Yammy crushing down using a powerful Getsuga Tenshō.
379. Falta de Armonia [ ]
Yammy Llargo is unhurt by Ichigo Kurosaki 's attack and swiftly turns the tables on him.
Ichigo confidently puts his mask away, having seemingly defeated Yammy. As he does so, Rukia muses on what she had heard about Ichigo's mask and how it is known to change patterns over time. However, she seems to understand that Ichigo's new mask pattern is completely different from before. Ichigo himself wonders what is going on with his Hollowfication, as his mask felt heavier than before. As he is thinking about this, Yammy gets up and reveals that Ichigo's attack did nothing, but nick him a little.
Ichigo is surprised by this and Yammy mocks him. He tells him that all the Espada Ichigo has fought up to that point, including Ulquiorra Cifer, are just trash compared to him. Ichigo tells Yammy that he didn't really stand a chance against any of the other Espada either, but defeated them because he had to. Yammy, according to Ichigo, is the same, but Yammy comments that the difference in power between himself and Ichigo will not go away, no matter what Ichigo says. Yammy proceeds to attack Ichigo as he reflects on the fact that the only person who seems to mourn the loss of the Espada is Orihime Inoue. Ichigo claims that he doesn't expect Yammy to care about his comrades, nor does he regret cutting them down, but Ichigo says he still doesn't like Yammy talking trash about them. He proceeds to bring out his mask, but fails. Pleased with Ichigo's inability to bring out his mask, Yammy grabs him and proceeds to crush him to death. However, he is hit by a powerful Sōkatsui and one of his legs is cut off, causing him to fall over. Captains Byakuya Kuchiki and Kenpachi Zaraki have arrived.
380. Devil, Devil, Devil, Devil [ ]
6th Division Captain Byakuya Kuchiki and 11th Division Captain Kenpachi Zaraki take over the fight with Yammy Llargo while 4th Division Captain Retsu Unohana and Ichigo Kurosaki prepare to return to Karakura Town.
Ichigo is surprised by a sudden dust storm, and lands, finally seeing that Byakuya and Kenpachi have arrived to help. Before he can question them, Yammy recovers from their attack. Byakuya demands that Ichigo fall back, and when he starts to question him, Kenpachi orders him to get out of the way.
When Ichigo fails to move, Kenpachi swings his sword down, and Ichigo dodges, wanting to know if Kenpachi was trying to kill him, which Kenpachi confirms, and tells him to "go die, dumbass." Kenpachi charges at him again, but Yammy blocks the attack, and throws Kenpachi back enough with enough force to crash him into a nearby tower and bring it down.
Yammy then complains that Byakuya's and Kenpachi's attacks hurt and promises to crush them. Suddenly, a large chunk of concrete flies toward Yammy's head, but he blocks it. Kenpachi then rises from the crumbling tower, commenting that Yammy can throw a decent punch. Kenpachi then goads Yammy into attacking him again, while Byakuya again tells Ichigo to fall back to the Human World.
Ichigo begins to protest, saying that it's not that easy, but Captain Mayuri Kurotsuchi arrives and asks if Ichigo always has to rely on Kisuke Urahara. Ichigo calls to him without using an honorific, but Mayuri forgives his rudeness because he is pleased with the spoils he won from his fight. He was also able to analyze the Garganta and orders Lieutenant Nemu Kurotsuchi to make immediate preparations. When Ichigo protests, Mayuri tells him that test subjects don't have the right to refuse.
Captain Retsu Unohana then arrives with her lieutenant, and tells Ichigo not to worry because she will accompany him back. Mayuri is surprised that she wants to be a test subject, but she dismisses this, saying that she believes in his abilities and if he failed after getting to analyze such valuable information, Urahara would mock him. She then tells Isane to stay with the others and tells Ichigo to come with her.
When Ichigo protests further, Byakuya scolds him, telling him that if he stayed, his aid would not be significant, and he reminds Ichigo that his duty is to protect Karakura Town. Ichigo finally concedes and agrees to go back.
381. Words Just Don't Like You [ ]
As 4th Division Captain Retsu Unohana and Ichigo Kurosaki head back to the Human World, Unohana explains why Ichigo is the only one who can fight Sousuke Aizen.
Mayuri and Nemu Kurotsuchi open the Garganta for Retsu Unohana and Ichigo Kurosaki, briefly explaining how they can get back to the Human World. Ichigo comments that there are similarities between Mayuri and Kisuke Urahara. This earns Mayuri's wrath, who vows to fill Ichigo with terror once the war is over. Nemu agrees to devise a plan for doing so.
Mayuri then joins Byakuya, who asks him what he is still doing here, as there must be more interesting things for him in the Human World. Mayuri explains that the dead bodies in Hueco Mundo, at the current moment, are more interesting. He says that when the battle is over, they will open the Garganta from that side and then he can return and study the dead bodies on the Human World side at leisure.
In the meantime, Unohana asks Ichigo about the time he faced Aizen on the Sōkyoku Hill. Ichigo says that the power disparity between them was such that he couldn't do anything, even though Aizen hadn't even released Shikai. Unohana explains that that is a good thing and goes onto explain the power of Aizen's Zanpakutō, Kyōka Suigetsu. She tells Ichigo that the only person who is not under Aizen's perfect hypnosis is Ichigo and this is the only advantage they have and if they lose it, the war will be over.
Back in Hueco Mundo, Kenpachi lobs off Yammy's fingers and climbs on his right forearm. He jumps up and swings his arm down toward Yammy's face. As Kenpachi fights Yammy, Byakuya and Mayuri continue their conversation. Byakuya comments on how Mayuri's words imply that he is confident of Ichigo's victory and how that is unlike Mayuri. Mayuri says he didn't mean it like that as Byakuya closes his eyes. About the same time, Ichigo tells Unohana that if he is the only one who can defeat Aizen, then he will most certainly do so.
382. The United Front [Discordeque Mix] [ ]
While 4th Division Captain Retsu Unohana and Ichigo Kurosaki continue towards the Human World, Unohana offers to heal Ichigo and 6th Division Captain Byakuya Kuchiki joins the fight against Yammy Llargo.
As Ichigo and Unohana continue through the Garganta, Unohana asks to take the lead as the path Ichigo is making is rough and unstable. Ichigo marvels at how nice the path Unohana is making and comments on what captain class Reiatsu can do. Unohana tells him that they both have captain level Reiatsu, but it would appear that even at full strength, Ichigo's Reiatsu is rough and not suitable for this kind of manipulation. Ichigo protests and informs her that his Reiatsu is not at full strength, saying that if it was then he would be better at making the path. Unohana doesn't believe him at first, but Ichigo explains that his shihakushō becomes part of his Bankai when he releases and therefore, restores itself when he is at maximum Reiatsu. Most of the time when Orihime heals him, his shihakushō restores to full too. However, this time it did not and when Ichigo questioned Orihime about it, Orihime told him that she can restore physical injuries really quickly, but that it takes her longer to restore Reiatsu. Because Ichigo was in a hurry since, Rukia and the others were getting beaten-up by Yammy, Ichigo came down from the dome before Inoue could heal his Reiatsu. Ichigo goes onto explain that the proportion of his robes left is how much of his Reiatsu he currently has access to.
Unohana is shocked, noting that Ichigo's shihakushō isn't even half what it normally is, admitting that she misjudged that Reiatsu to be his maximum and at par with that of a captain. She then asks Ichigo to take the lead again, informing him that she will restore his Reiatsu to the full during Kidō while they are running. Ichigo asks if this is indeed possible to do that while they are moving, but Unohana assures him that it is. She explains that when healing with Kidō, the Reiatsu is healed first so that the healer can use both the patient's Reiatsu and their own Reiatsu to heal the physical body. Therefore, restoring Reiatsu when the physical body is complete healed is very easy. Unohana goes on to think that if Ichigo's Reiatsu really is only at half strength, then Ichigo may well become a genuine trump card.
Meanwhile in Hueco Mundo, Kenpachi manages to down Yammy and tells Byakuya to finish Yammy off as dealing the deathblow to a weakling is not Kenpachi's style. Kenpachi starts to get angry, but Yammy resurfaces and lets out a powerful Cero. Kenpachi comments that it would appear that Yammy still had some strength left in him, Byakuya agrees and berates Kenpachi for his woeful judgement. Kenpachi says that for him, Yammy is at deathblow stage, but taunts Byakuya that it would appear that Yammy is too much for him. Byakuya releases Bankai and warns Kenpachi that he will confirm with his own flesh if it is too much for Byakuya or not. Kenpachi confesses that he has always wanted to fight Byakuya. Yammy appears between them, but they both tell Yammy that he is in the way and attack him together.
383. TOO EARLY TO TRUST [ ]
Yammy Llargo reveals the nature of his Resurrección as Shinji Hirako confronts Sousuke Aizen and Kaname Tōsen gets ready to unleash his true power.
Despite being hit by the combined attack of Byakuya and Kenpachi, Yammy claims that it only stung a little. He then yells that he will not forgive them and grows further in size, as well as altering his form. He then tells them that the reason is release is called Ira is because anger is his power and that he is at his peak anger with Kenpachi and Byakuya. From the sidelines, Mayuri requests that Kenpachi and Byakuya take out Yammy quickly because if Yammy gets any larger, the autopsy on his corpse will become exponentially more difficult.
Meanwhile back in Fake Karakura Town, a distraught Shinji is taunted by Aizen. Shinji consigns the care of Hiyori to Hachi and goes to face Aizen. Upon over hearing Shinji tell Hachi to do what he can until Ichigo gets there, Aizen comments that Shinji's trust in Ichigo is misplaced, but Shinji tells Aizen that he can't comprehend that and wonder if Aizen has never put trust in his comrades. Aizen replies that trust and reliance are for the weak and that he never told his subordinates to put their trust in him. He always preached self reliance, but that most failed to live up to that lofty ideal. Seeking every higher power to put their trust into, they elevated Aizen to something resembling a God. Aizen tells Shinji that he will become the god they have no choice but to believe in.
Observing that Aizen is getting ready to battle himself, Tōsen comments that it is time that he unleashes his true power. Komamura assumes it is Bankai, but Tōsen tells him that Aizen has given him a power more splendid then Bankai. He then puts his hand on his face as Komamura reacts in shock.
384. Can't Fear Your Own Sword [ ]
Kaname Tōsen unleashes his true power through Hollowfication, while 7th Division Captain Sajin Komamura and 9th Division Lieutenant Shūhei Hisagi question why he has embraced this new power.
Tōsen's hand is ominously drawn down from his face, as Komamura and Hisagi stand petrified by the shocking actions of their former comrade. A resulting blast of Reiatsu clouds the immediate area, provoking Komamura to question if his friend had really fallen that far. With the subsequent dispersal of the dense smoke, the true horror of Tōsen's Hollowfied visage is revealed, consisting of the additions of a sleek simplified mask and chest plating. Absorbed by the appearance of the figure before him, Hisagi can only mutter if this is Hollowfication, to which Tōsen quickly confirms and uses the hesitation of his opponent to conduct a devastating slash. Komamura replies with the release of his Shikai, but the attack is effortlessly blocked and countered with a swift yet powerful kick to his face, sending Komamura crashing down to the town below.
At this point Tōsen laments upon the irony of the Gotei 13 's acceptance of Ichigo, who is a hybrid of Shinigami and Hollow just like him. He then asks Komamura why has this become a despicable power just because he has chosen to wield it, which is met with the explanation that Ichigo had no choice in the matter, but he on the other hand, as an elite Shinigami, had no need for such a thing, instead choosing it of his own free will and that he has now been corrupted by the resulting power. Tōsen questions this reasoning, asking how flirting with his inner Hollow would prove anything of the sort, proceeding to state that Komamura only speaks in that tone because of his antiquated sense of dualism regarding Shinigami and Hollows. Komamura yells that is not what he meant, in fact he was referring to the way he threw away his friends and subordinates simply to gain forbidden power, noting that this is where his corruption has led him astray.
Tōsen goes to speak, but he is cut off when a chain wraps around his neck, pulling him backwards and slamming him into the roof a nearby building. As he lays there surrounded by the rubble, Hisagi pins Tōsen by his throat while raising his Zanpakutō up to him in preparation. Tōsen comments that he is still far to lenient on him, as old habits die hard, which Hisagi agrees to by stating that the attack was not filled with malicious intent, as even when his blade is drawn, his style has always been never to use excessive force. He explains that this is the path Tōsen taught to him, before recounting to his former captain how important the first time he was taught Tōsen's philosophy was. He then asks how Tōsen can utter such words and now just ignore them, questioning Tōsen to look at what he has become and what now drives his fear. Without any sign of remorse or saying a word, Tōsen impales Hisagi with his Zanpakutō and kicks him off the side of the roof. Tōsen then simply and callously states that his fear for the past 100 years is that he would assimilate with the rest of the Shinigami and die a pointless death. However, the statement is interrupted as Komamura releases his Bankai.
385. Vice It [ ]
Shinji Hirako confronts Sousuke Aizen as he slowly, deliberately draws his sword, with Shinji releasing his Shikai. Meanwhile, the fight between 7th Division Captain Sajin Komamura and Kaname Tōsen continues with Tōsen unleashing a new power.
Komamura looks at Tōsen with his Bankai released, while Tōsen comments how foolish Komamura is for fighting him with "a mere Bankai." Tōsen then readies himself to attack, while Komamura yells.
Meanwhile, Aizen calmly draws Kyōka Suigetsu with a confident grin. Shinji notes this and observes that Aizen is taking his time and remarks that he is scared. Shinji then comments that he himself purposely never opened up to Aizen, thereby making it impossible for Aizen to know his Zanpakutō's powers. Shinji then says that if Aizen thought his Zanpakutō was the only manipulator of the senses he was "dead wrong." Aizen maintains a leisurely, yet slightly more serious facade as Shinji releases his Shikai with the command "Collapse, Sakanade!"
Tōsen and Komamura have both injured the other's arms; Tōsen by slashing Komamura's giant's arm (which damages Komamura's own arm) and Tōsen by being swatted away by Kokujō Tengen Myō'ō, which completely crushes his left arm. Tōsen, however, is unfazed by this and remarks that Komamura's Bankai injures its wielder if damaged, and that Komamura expects Myō'ō to kill enemies with brute force in a single hit, showing the flaw in the Bankai if this does not occur. Tōsen then demonstrates greater control of his Hollow powers by regenerating the shattered left arm at high speed, to which Komamura remarks that he truly has abandoned his Shinigami nature. Tōsen retorts by saying "that sounds like an excuse for your defeat" and then ponders what Komamura has said about "debasing himself" by betraying his friends and subordinates, claiming that joining an organization which proclaims justice, and yet killed his friend is a larger debasement. He goes on by saying the "good" thing to do would be to forgive the organization (Gotei 13), which he admits would be "a beautiful act," but "justice" would be to destroy that organization; not doing so "would be evil." As he talks, a mouth forms out of cracks in his mask, and he speaks with greater volition and a more Hollow-like appearance.
Komamura relents that he has misjudged Tōsen completely and accepts Tōsen's true beliefs and since they cannot and will not ever see eye-to-eye, talking is now meaningless. Tōsen mockingly asks if he will now strike him down and if that is his justice. Komamura replies that it is and he will do it for the good of Soul Society, for in his heart he has already forgiven Tōsen. Tōsen questions Komamura's forgiveness as if he were speaking like a god, and demands that he try to strike him down if he can survive his Resurrección. He then releases his Resurrección, Suzumushi Hyakushiki: Grillar Grillo, which engulfs him in a wave of black spiritual energy.
386. Bells Are Blue [ ]
Kaname Tōsen transforms into a bug-like Hollow and is able to see the world.
Tōsen transforms into a bug-like Hollow and opens his bulging bug-like eyes. He then says that he can see and tells Komamura he can see him. Tōsen begins to laugh almost maniacally as he marvels at the sky, the blood of Hisagi, the world at large and Komamura himself. Tōsen tells Komamura that he is uglier then he imagined. They begin to fight and Komamura recalls the day Tōsen told him why he wanted to be a Shinigami. Back then, Tōsen told Komamura that Tōsen's friend truly loved the world and became a Shinigami to fight for justice. As he did not wish for the justice she fought for to go unrealized, he swore to devote his own life to carry our her wish. Komamura confesses that back then he detected a lie in Tōsen's words. Komamura had noted that Tōsen never said that he loved the world, but that Komamura understood Tōsen's feelings and believed them to be just. Komamura respected the fact that Tōsen did not pretend to be a saint and love the world regardless. Komamura vowed to be a true friend to Tōsen and wanted to give Tōsen a reason to love the world once more.
Komamura subsequently attacks Tōsen, but in his Hollow form he blocks the large sword with his bare hands, chipping the blade as he does so, before proceeding to counter-attack using a special attack: Los Nueve Aspectos (The Nine Aspects). With a few simple movements, nine powerful sonic waves are directed towards Kokujō Tengen Myō'ō, resulting in a large hole appearing in the Bankai's torso, bringing about its defeat. This damage is immediately reflected on Komamura and he too goes down in a shower of blood. As Komamura now lies on the ground, Tōsen approaches to deal the finishing blow, saying that "Justice is not something you can express with mere words" as he charges his Cero. Komamura apologizes to Lieutenant Tetsuzaemon Iba, to Hisagi and to Tōsen for failing to strike Tōsen down. However, both Tōsen and Komamura are shocked when Hisagi drives his sealed Zanpakutō through Tōsen's head. Hisagi concludes that it is clear that Tōsen is no longer the same as his old sightless self, who would have been able to easily evade an attack of such magnitude and simplicity. He then closes his eyes and bowing his head in reluctance, releases his Zanpakutō inside the confines of Tōsen's head, killing his former friend and much respected master. As Tōsen's life begins to fade, he sees the face of his deceased friend, but now fails to recognize her. With life slipping away from him, he reflects upon the strangeness of theses circumstances and states that this is not how things were supposed to be, before repeating his sentiment that he cannot see anything as both darkness and death finally engulf him.
Bleach, Volume 45
387. Ignited [ ]
Shinji Hirako reveals the ability of his Shikai, Sakanade, but Sousuke Aizen is unimpressed.
Shinji Hirako fully releases his Zanpakutō, Sakanade. Aizen comments on the intriguing shape of Sakanade, prompting Shinji to comment that it is great, but he will not lend it to Aizen. Aizen goes on to comment that it does not have any particular aura yet Shinji commented that it could control the senses. Shinji tells Aizen that it is already changing and asks him if it does not have a nice scent. He then welcomes Aizen to the Inverted World. Aizen then notices that everything is inverted, up and down, left and right. Shinji boasts that his power is kind of irritating and the release is a trump-card. Shinji then proceeds to attack, but Aizen seems to figure it out and comments that if everything is inverted then forward and backward is also inverted and turns around to parry Shinji. However, Shinji manages to cut Aizen's arm, going on to say that along with all those directions being opposite, his eyesight and where he gets cut is also reversed. Shinji goes on to say that while Aizen might try to process the different information in his mind, his body will still fight by reflex and thus continue to succumb to Sakanade's power. But as Shinji charges again, Aizen dodges and slashes him across the back. Aizen then dismisses Shinji's power as a mere optical illusion and not a problem once you get used to it. Saying that Shinji cannot compare to his power.
Meanwhile, Kaname Tōsen remembers the time when he found out that his friend's killer would not be executed. He begged Central 46 to reconsider and goes on to remember his friend, Aizen, his Hollowfication and the funeral of his friend. He then opens his eyes to see Captain Sajin Komamura and Lieutenant Shūhei Hisagi. He starts to speak, but Komamura tells him not to, saying that his Hollow powers let him live and while he can speak, it is better not to as his throat is torn. Komamura then goes to ask Tōsen about what he said prior to them starting to fight, about knowing that they would eventually cross blades. Komamura admits that he knew that while fighting they would eventually cross blades as well, mentioning that Hisagi certainly thought the same thing too. He states that it was as if the relationships between them were brief, fading in and out of existence or possibly small and unimportant and yet they would still cross swords. Komamura comments that Tōsen still being alive must be destiny after gaining understanding from the heart. Komamura goes on to tell Tōsen that he will not ask him to not be angry or to stop hating, but simply for him to not be so consumed by his revenge that he loses himself. Komamura states that his heart would be empty, just like Tōsen's, if he lost Tōsen. Tōsen is moved to tears by Komamura's words and thanks him.
Tōsen then asks Hisagi to show him more of his face, being still partially Hollowfied, Tōsen could still see and wishes to remember Hisagi's face, but suddenly Tōsen explodes in a burst of blood and flesh. As Hisagi screams for his captain, Komamura turns his gaze to Aizen and shouts out Aizen's name. As Aizen glances at Komamura, Ichigo breaks through the sky behind him, poised for an attack.
388. Eagle Without Wings 2 (EXTREME BATTLEMASTER MIX) [ ]
As he has been instructed not to look at Aizen's Shikai, as he runs through the Garganta, Ichigo Kurosaki decides that he has to settle this with one strike. Ichigo says that he will kill Aizen, he will cut him down. When Ichigo exits the Garganta, he arrives behind Aizen. Ichigo takes the opportunity to strike at the back of Aizen's neck. This causes a reaction that shocks Shinji and Komamura. Ichigo's Getsuga Tenshō hit a shield. As the explosion of power clears, Aizen greets Ichigo. The shocked Ichigo jumps away from Aizen as he wonders how Aizen blocked the first attack. Aizen tells him that while it was a good slash, the spot he picked was not good. Saying that behind the neck is the biggest blind spot for all living creatures and as such it was ludicrous to think that Aizen would enter battle without putting some sort of defense on that spot. Ichigo thinks that he was careless and that because he was afraid to lose himself, he did not use Hollowfication and he should have used it for that attack. Aizen guesses Ichigo's thoughts and mocks him for them. Telling him to come at him Hollowfied and that he will show Ichigo how conceited those thoughts are.
Ichigo uses Hollowfication and releases another Getsuga Tenshō, but Aizen evades it and appears behind Ichigo. Ichigo increases his distance from Aizen again, causing Aizen to wonder why Ichigo is keeping his distance. Aizen tells him that distance only has meaning in a battle between equals, but that between him and Ichigo, distance is meaningless and that he can always touch Ichigo's heart. As he says this, he appears right in front of Ichigo and lays his fingers on his chest. Ichigo attempts to attack again, but Aizen evades. Aizen then asks why Ichigo is fighting him, whether Ichigo hates him. Aizen tells Ichigo that by looking at his face, Aizen can tell that Orihime Inoue is safe and that none of Ichigo's other friends have died. As such it is impossible for Ichigo to hate Aizen and therefore, Ichigo is just brandishing his sword out of a sense of responsibility. However, Aizen tells him that that is not enough and that a fighting spirit without hatred is an eagle without wings. Aizen goes on to tell Ichigo that powerless comrades cannot be anything, but weights that break your legs.
Ichigo begins to waiver, but then feels Komamura's hands on his wrist. Komamura tells Ichigo not to be taken in and that provoking opponents is Aizen's forte. He goes on to say that if they lose themselves, they lose their lives as well. He tells Ichigo to be at ease and that they understood immediately why the captains who had gone to Hueco Mundo sent Ichigo to Fake Karakura Town and they will not let him see Aizen's Shikai. That they will fight and protect Ichigo, thus the Gotei 13 captains and the Visored present a united front against Aizen, standing between him and Ichigo.
389. Winged Eagles 2 [ ]
The Gotei 13 and the Visored launch a combined attack on Sousuke Aizen.
Ichigo exclaims at being protected by the captains and the Visored, saying that is really overdoing it given how injured they all are. Shinji counters that, that is not overdoing, but letting him die fighting alone would cause all of them to give into their anger. He also tells Ichigo not to bear the burden of the fight by himself, saying that it is very offensive and this battle belongs to all of them. As Ichigo contemplates Shinji's words, Hitsugaya charges at Aizen - who easily blocks his attack. Aizen taunts him for charging-in void of all discretion, commenting on the recklessness of Captain Tōshirō Hitsugaya 's action. Hitsugaya counters that if no one attacks then nothing will start and that causing people to lose their chance is also one of Aizen's tricks. Hitsugaya goes on to compliment Aizen for not using Kyōka Suigetsu on the first strike. Aizen counters that he is the one who should compliment Hitsugaya for being wise enough not to fight him one on one. As Aizen says this, he blocks an attack from Captain Shunsui Kyōraku, who goes on to ask if "Captain Aizen" is calling Hitsugaya a coward. Aizen says that if it sounded that way to "Captain Kyōraku" then they should amend things.
As Ichigo watches them, Komamura thanks Ichigo for arriving when he did. Saying that if Ichigo had not come when he had, Komamura would have charged Aizen out of anger, referring back to how Tōsen suddenly exploded. He then charges forth. Shinji wonders why Ichigo didn't bring Orihime, saying that if Orihime had been here she could have healed them all and then they could have fought Aizen at full strength. Shinji, however, goes on to say that he is not too angry with Ichigo as he did come back with Captain Retsu Unohana. Saying that in a battle, she is probably the better choice. As he says this, Unohana is seen approaching Hachigen Ushōda and the bifurcated Hiyori Sarugaki. Shinji then calls on Love Aikawa, Rōjūrō Ōtoribashi, and Lisa Yadōmaru, as they charge Aizen together. As Ichigo stands around in a daze, Captain Suì-Fēng wonders how long he is planning to do that. She tells him that an opening on Aizen will not last long, and Ichigo will lose his opportunity if he is not careful. Suì-Fēng tells him that this is a fight of survival and they are fighting to keep themselves alive, keep Ichigo alive, and to keep all others from harm at Aizen's hand. She warns him not to fall behind as she charges, flustering Lieutenant Marechiyo Ōmaeda who rushes to catch-up with Suì-Fēng. Ichigo then recalls the words of Captain Byakuya Kuchiki, remembering what he said about no one in the Gotei 13 needing the assistance of Ichigo. Remembering this Ichigo acknowledges that he does not have to worry about the captains and the Visored, stating that he believes in them and all he has to do is borrow everybody's strength and look closely at the whereabouts of this battle.
As Hitsugaya fights, he tells Aizen that his words regarding a sword without hatred being an eagle without wings is missing the point, that placing only responsibility on the blade and swinging it down is what a captain is supposed to do. Swinging swords down in hatred is unclean violence and the captains do not call that fighting. Hitsugaya then tells Aizen that it is clear that he doesn't have what it takes to be a captain. A smiling Aizen taunts Hitsugaya, reminding him that he has the most hatred for Aizen in the entirety of the Gotei 13. Aizen wonders if Hitsugaya can truly say that he hates him when Lieutenant Momo Hinamori has already recovered enough to join the battle.
Kyōraku takes advantage of the opportunity and swings at Aizen, but Aizen evades and accuses Kyōraku of being uncouth for attacking in the middle of a conversation. Kyōraku apologized and says that he has never been good at listening when the speaker is a man, saying that just listening is too boring. Hitsugaya then releases his Bankai, angrily telling Aizen that he was right. Hitsugaya had not come to fight, but had come to destroy Aizen with violence. Kyōraku warns Hitsugaya not to get carried away.
390. BEYOND THE DEATH UNDERSTANDING [ ]
Gin Ichimaru explains why Sousuke Aizen is so terrifying as Aizen cuts down 7th Division Captain Sajin Komamura and Rōjūrō Ōtoribashi.
Hitsugaya asks if Aizen is implying that because Hitsugaya is now swinging his sword out of hate, he is no longer fit to be a captain. Aizen does not reply, but Hitsugaya states that he doesn't care if he loses his captain's position, as long as he can kill Aizen. Kyōraku watches on as Hitsugaya charges Aizen, telling him that he won't show him mercy, nor give him the opportunity to use Kyōka Suigetsu.
Standing on a near-by rooftop, Gin Ichimaru repeats Hitsugaya's words about not giving Aizen the opportunity to use Kyōka Suigetsu, saying that every single one of them are gravely mistaken about Aizen's power. As Hitsugaya attacks, Ichigo watches intently, watching for the split second opening on Aizen. Hitsugaya uses Hyoryusenbi, but Aizen dodges. He then uses Hyoryusenbi Zekku just as Aizen raises his sword to counter the attack, Komamura and Love unleash their Shikai together and attempt to crush Aizen between Tenken's sword and Tengumaru's club. As the two weapons slam together, Komamura begs Hitsugaya's forgiveness, but says that he is going to join the fray. Hitsugaya tells Komamura to do as he wishes, saying he had never intended to keep it strictly one-on-one. Suddenly, Tenken's sword is destroyed as Aizen emerges unscathed. Aizen wonders if they believed strength alone would defeat him, going on to comment that they were being too optimistic or that perhaps their natural understanding of strength was different from his own. Aizen then tells Komamura that he will show him true strength.
As Aizen appears above him, Komamura releases his Bankai: Kokujō Tengen Myō'ō, but Aizen destroys the giant's sword and slices off the giant's and Komamura's off-hand. Komamura howls in rage and strikes at Aizen with his broken sword. However, Aizen easily parries and cuts him down. As Komamura falls, Love and Rose appear behind him, both already in Shikai. Rose swings his whip, but Aizen catches it with his bare-hands. As Gin continues to narrate, Aizen pulls Rose to him using the whip and slashes him. Gin explains that you shouldn't be afraid of Aizen because he can use Kyōka Suigetsu, which while a fearsome ability, there are plenty of people who would rather die then obey it. However, the reason why Aizen was able to keep a group like the Espada together was because he is strong. Because all of his powers are far removed from those of anyone else, Gin explains that saying being on guard against Kyōka Suigetsu is not enough, that even saying beware of all the rest is still not enough. Gin says that even if they pool all their knowledge together to be on guard against calamities like the sky falling or the earth cracking, Aizen's powers are still beyond such things.
391. The Blazing Glaciers [ ]
The Shinigami are able to outsmart Sousuke Aizen.
The stunned Ichigo watches Komamura and Rose fall as Aizen wraps Kinshara around Love and throws him down. Lisa tries to attack him, but he slices off the spear head of her Haguro Tonbo and mocks her for attacking him with Hollow transformation. Reminding her that he has already told them that the Visored are nothing but imitation Arrancar and that it is impossible for the Visored to stand against one who has conquered the true Arrancar. He then cuts Lisa down as he is confronted by Suì-Fēng.
Aizen asks Suì-Fēng if she is feeling alright, given that she is attacking him head on. He then repeats the commandment taught at the Shin'ō Academy. Suì-Fēng is amused that Aizen, a traitor, would dare to speak of Shinigami commandment to her. Aizen tells her that he was once a teacher who taught those commandments. Suì-Fēng comments in disbelief that Central 46 thought the likes of Aizen was worthy to teach others, commenting that it was no wonder that the traitors could get the better of Central 46. Aizen tells her not to speak ill of the dead and points out that he had the better of the Gotei 13 as well. Suì-Fēng wonders if Aizen truly believes he can get the better of her before executing a move that makes clones of herself. Aizen compliments her on putting up a nice show, Suì-Fēng thanks him for the compliment before moving forward to attack him. Aizen goes to counter attack, but his movements are restrained as a pillar of ice forms around him. Suì-Fēng manages to execute her Shikai ability: Nigeki Kessatsu. However, Aizen is unaffected. Pointing out that a battle between two Shinigami is a battle of Reiatsu and his is great enough to suppress her ability. He then moves to strike her down, but before he can, he is stabbed through the back by Kyōraku. Kyōraku tells Aizen that he was careless and he was casting a shadow on the ice. Aizen curses Kyōraku as Hitsugaya tells Aizen that it's over. Suì-Fēng and Kyōraku jump away as Hitsugaya charges at Aizen, whose mobility is restrained by the ice.
Aizen reflects on Hitsugaya's youth. Thinking that he sees an opportunity and attacks without a plan, commenting that, that is Hitsugaya's greatest failing. However, Aizen notices Shinji grinning off to the side while holding Sakanade in Shikai. Aizen realizes too late that everything is backwards. Hitsugaya stabs Aizen through the back.
392. The Breaking Glaciers [ ]
Ichigo and a few of the lieutenants look up, stunned, at Aizen, who has been stabbed by Hitsugaya. Some short cheering follows. Momo then gets up. Lieutenant Tetsuzaemon Iba tells her she should not be getting up. Above them, Shinji says things are finally turning around. Ichigo looks and shouts in confusion, asking them what they are doing. They are then shocked to see that Hitsugaya hadn't actually stabbed Aizen, but Momo. Aizen swoops down and slashes Lieutenants Izuru Kira and Iba. Shinji shouts at Aizen, asking him how long he had been using his Shikai. Aizen smugly tells Shinji about his Shikai's power and then asks Shinji when exactly he thought he wasn't using his Shikai. Momo, impaled on Hitsugaya's sword, asks Hitsugaya, "Why Shiro-chan?" Hitsugaya yells, enraged, and charges at Aizen. Shunsui yells at him to wait and Aizen tells Hitsugaya that he is completely open and attacks him along with the other captains, who are distracted by the turn of events.
393. The Burnout Inferno [ ]
Aizen cuts down his four opponents giving them non-fatal wounds so they would serve as witnesses. A huge pillar of flame comes towards Aizen and as the flames vanish, they reveal Captain-Commander Yamamoto. But Aizen tells him that it's already too late because if he was to fall the Gotei 13 will literally crumble. Yamamoto, however, smiles, refusing that outcome while telling Aizen he does not have enough power. Aizen disappears, reappearing behind Yamamoto who turns around to face him before being impaled in the stomach by Kyōka Suigetsu. Yamamoto smiles as he grabs Aizen's Zanpakutō telling him he now has him where he wants him... Aizen comments on whether he is actually looking at Aizen, or an illusion to which Yamamoto replies that the Reiatsu of Aizen´s Zanpakutō inside him is real. He then explains to Aizen that the whole battle had been done to finally place Aizen in this place a trap, which he then finishes by performing his Ennetsu Jigoku technique.
Great pillars of fire erupt as Yamamoto tells Ichigo to leave as he is not in the Gotei 13 and does not need to suffer the same fate as them to which Aizen remarks asking whether the Captain-Commander really would sacrifice everyone here. Yamamoto says " we are all prepared to die to fight evil....That is the true spirit of the Gotei 13 " As he is about to kill everyone, Wonderweiss appears, albeit in his Resurrección form next to Aizen. Yamamoto sweeps Ryūjin Jakka at him, to find that the flames go out before reaching Wonderweiss along with the not yet used Ennetsu Jigoku, before the captain is sent sprawling to the ground below. Looking at Aizen, he is shocked slightly as the former captain explains what happened. He acknowledged that Ryūjin Jakka was indeed the strongest Zanpakutō ever, even saying that if it was a one-on-one fight he would best him, but instead he modified Wonderweiss Margela to serve as a counter for all of his abilities. He then proceeds to reveal the name of Wonderweiss' Resurrección " Extinguir ". Aizen then says farewell to the shocked Captain-Commander.
394. The Burnout Inferno 2 [ ]
Captain-Commander Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto demonstrates why he has been the Captain-Commander of the Gotei 13 for the last 1000 years.
Aizen explains that Extinguir's power cancels out those of Ryūjin Jakka and to gain that one power, Wonderweiss exchanged everything he possessed: his power of speech, his knowledge, his memories, and even his basic sense of reason. Aizen tells Captain-Commander Yamamoto that he can't hope to oppose it. Wonderweiss attacks, but Yamamoto punches him away. Yamamoto then calls Aizen a fool and asks him why he thinks that Yamamoto has been the Captain-Commander of the Gotei 13 for the last 1000 years. Yamamoto declares that there has been no Shinigami born more powerful than himself in the last 1000 years. Yamamoto then attacks Aizen using Hakuda. However, Wonderweiss makes a reappearance, impressing Yamamoto as he had not held back when he used his Ikkotsu move. He then tells Wonderweiss that this will hurt and asks if he is ready. When Wonderweiss just replies with random noises, Yamamoto remembers that Aizen took the power of speech from Wonderweiss.
Yamamoto and Wonderweiss start to fight and Yamamoto notes how none of Wonderweiss' movements are wasted. Stating that Wonderweiss has indeed been modified. Wonderweiss pounds Yamamoto as Aizen watches, but the latter is unfazed. Yamamoto calmly rips off Wonderweiss' limbs. He then says that he is thankful that Wonderweiss is no longer in the form of a child and as such, he can now slaughter Wonderweiss without hesitation. With that Yamamoto executes the Sōkotsu Hakuda move.
395. The Burnout Inferno 3 [ ]
Captain-Commander Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto kills Wonderweiss Margela, but at a great cost, forcing Ichigo Kurosaki to enter the fray.
Yamamoto's attack shatters Wonderweiss into pieces. As the pieces of Wonderweiss rain down on Fake Karakura Town, Yamamoto notes that Wonderweiss' emotions still remain and he accuses Aizen of cruelty. Aizen counters that there was nothing cruel about what he did as he gave Hollows a purpose, when Hollows in general lack purpose and only exist to consume each other. Aizen then accuses Yamamoto of cruelty as he was the one that smashed Wonderweiss' soul to pieces. Yamamoto dismisses the accusation as a petty argument and tells Aizen to prattle on all he wishes, but that it will all be over soon. Aizen calmly states that it is because Yamamoto dismisses Aizen's words so easily that Yamamoto fails to understand what Aizen is saying. He then reminds Yamamoto that Extinguir was created for the sole purpose of sealing Ryūjin Jakka. To "seal" means that the flames of Ryūjin Jakka were trapped within the blade itself and thus stopped it from producing new flames. However, Aizen notes, that there were already flames that had left the blade. Aizen then asks Yamamoto where he thinks the flames that had already been produced went. It is then that Yamamoto notices that Wonderweiss' corpse is set to explode.
Aizen calmly goes on about how Yamamoto surely knows the amount of devastation the flames will wreck were they to explode out at once, as Yamamoto makes a move. Wonderweiss explodes. When the dust clears, it is revealed that Yamamoto had thrown himself on Wonderweiss' corpse and absorbed much of the explosion. Aizen thanks Yamamoto for saving his world as the force of that explosion would have destroyed the barrier around Fake Karakura and would have damaged an area far greater. Aizen says that Yamamoto is worthy of his title and that he will not do him the injustice of refusing to take his life. Aizen states that Yamamoto is the very embodiment of the history of Soul Society and that he alone will die there by Aizen's blade. However, Yamamoto effortlessly grabs Aizen's feet and tells him not to make him repeat himself. He calls Aizen a fool once more as he casts Hadō 96 against him. A blade of flame rises from the ground and engulfs Aizen, but a injured Aizen manages to emerges from the flames, only for a Hollowfied Ichigo to pounce on him.
Bleach, Volume 46
396. THE BITE [ ]
Sousuke Aizen begins to reveal his secrets to Ichigo Kurosaki.
Aizen notices that Yamamoto's burnt arm is cracked, and recognizes the Kidō as Ittō Kasō, a spell that uses the caster's own charred body as a catalyst. Aizen admits that he underestimated the Captain-Commander, as he had not expected Yamamoto to use the damage inflicted by Wonderweiss's explosion against him. He escapes the flames with slight burns, only to be surprised when he realizes that a Hollowfied Ichigo is pouncing on him. Ichigo launches a Getsuga Tenshō at him, sending him crashing through a building and wounding his shoulder. Ichigo continues his attack, but is unable to further harm Aizen, who tells him that he has missed his chance to kill him, as he will not present any more openings. Ichigo points out that he has injured Aizen, but the wound begins to close up. As Aizen's injury is healing, Ichigo assumes that it is high-speed regeneration. Aizen sarcastically asks Ichigo if he really thought that he had truly transformed into a Hollow. Aizen states that it is a tool instinctively protecting its master. He then tears open his uniform to reveal that he has embedded the Hōgyoku in his chest.
Aizen compliments Ichigo's Reiatsu, saying that he has grown, just as he had planned. He lists various important moments in the development of Ichigo's power and what their importance is: his meeting with Rukia Kuchiki and battle with Uryū Ishida awakened his Shinigami powers, his battle with Lieutenant Renji Abarai enlightened him to the importance of his Zanpakutō, the battle with Captain Kenpachi Zaraki was a foundation for his learning of Bankai, the battle with Captain Byakuya Kuchiki was a step towards becoming a Hollow, during the battle with Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez, he attained Hollow side mastery, and his battle with Ulquiorra Cifer revealed a greater power within. Aizen finishes off by calmly stating that all of Ichigo's battles until the present moment have taken place exactly as he desired.
397. Edge of the Silence [ ]
As Sousuke Aizen reveals facts about Ichigo Kurosaki, the latter's father Isshin Kurosaki intervenes.
Ichigo yells at Aizen and asks him what he means by every single battle he's fought has played into his hand. Aizen tells him not to yell, and explains that once he realized he was the thing he was searching for, he decided to help him grow. He then points out all the oddities that Ichigo should have noticed as his time as a Shinigami, like him being attacked by a Hollow after meeting Rukia despite never seeing a Hollow before, having a Menos Grande appear after using bait for lesser Hollows, or that after getting used to his Shinigami powers, Rukia would be reported to Soul Society despite her Reiatsu never being detected, or even Byakuya, Renji, and Kenpachi would fight him just as his power was equal to theirs. He then asks Ichigo if he thought everything that happened was just destiny, coincidence, or even his own efforts. Ichigo immediately attacks Aizen, but his blow is easily blocked. He then swings his Zanpakutō at Aizen again, but he easily catches it. He then mocks Ichigo, saying that he should be stronger than this. Aizen then asks him if his words are so unbelievable, and Ichigo tells him that what he said back at Sōkyoku Hill doesn't match up with what he's saying now. Aizen then asks him why he thinks his words back then were the truth, but that these are lies. He then tells him that he pity's him, as everyone just accepts the truth as things that they want to hear. Aizen then asks Ichigo if he knows who sent Rukia to the Human World, who equipped Renji with the ability to detect Reiatsu, and who gave the lieutenants information on his whereabouts. He then asks him if he thought he didn't know the location of the Hōgyoku for 100 years. Ichigo asks him how he could be the thing he's searching for if he only knew him since he met Rukia. Aizen states that he's known him since the day he was born and as he's about to explain what Ichigo is, Isshin arrives and tells Aizen that he's said too much.
398. BACK FROM BLIND [ ]
Isshin Kurosaki and Ichigo Kurosaki square off against Sousuke Aizen and Gin Ichimaru.
Ichigo wonders what Aizen meant by him being a Human and something else. He then thinks to himself that there was no reason to wonder why, as his father, Isshin Kurosaki, has now appeared in front of him. As Ichigo looks on in shock, Isshin headbutts him across the town, but Ichigo is able to hold onto a building. However, Isshin appears right where he is and begins kicking him off the building. After he accomplishes this, Aizen tells Isshin it was smart to create some distance. Isshin then goes to where Ichigo fell and begins holding his mouth shut. As he tells Ichigo that he knows he wants to ask him a lot of things, Ichigo kicks him in the face and states that he knows when to keep quiet. Isshin then tells him that no matter how much he looks at him, his eyes aren't deceiving him and tells Ichigo that he must have a million questions. Ichigo tells him that he doesn't though and states that if he didn't tell him anything, then it was for his own reasons and it will be his problem. Isshin tells him he's learned to speak rather competently and Ichigo thanks him for punching him, as it feels to him like he's been brought back.
Aizen is seen on a building and he states that Isshin must have put up a powerful barrier to hide his Reiatsu. Gin shows up behind him and Aizen remarks that he took a rather long period of sightseeing. Gin replies that he wasn't sightseeing, but that he simply didn't see an opening or the necessity to come to his aid. Ichigo then appears behind Gin and attacks him. As Aizen watches this, Isshin appears as well and engages him. The two clash, and to Aizen's surprise Isshin grins and uses his middle finger to flick his own arm, which has the affect of launching Aizen straight through several buildings. Gin remarks to Ichigo that it's been quite a while, and that he won't hold back this time. He then activates his Bankai.
399. DEICIDE [ ]
As Sousuke Aizen and Isshin Kurosaki continue to fight, Gin Ichimaru explains his Zanpakutō 's abilities during his fight with Ichigo Kurosaki.
Isshin continues to attack Aizen, but he is able to dodge his blows. Aizen then uses Hadō #63. Raikōhō on Isshin.
As this is happening, Gin tells Ichigo it's been a long time since the two of them fought and asks Ichigo if he recalled the time after he cut off Jidanbō Ikkanzaka 's arm, recounting how Ichigo flew at him with a threatening attitude and how at the time he thought Ichigo was such an amusing kid. Ichigo plainly states he doesn't remember. When Gin asks if he is trying to provoke him, Ichigo explains that what he doesn't remember is his sword or his heart. Ichigo further explains his philosophy on battle. He notes that normally he can understand someone's motivation by crossing swords with them, in this way he translates his hearts intention and his opponent translates theirs. Gin makes fun of him for being so poetic, but Ichigo brushes him off and continues in his explanation. He states that Gin has shown nothing to him and when they last fought, Gin saw nothing in him either. Ichigo admits he doesn't even know what he saw. Gin states that he thought Ichigo was an amusing kid, but now thinks he is simply a creepy one. He then notes that Aizen is interested in Ichigo and that he thinks he knows how Aizen feels. Gin then begins to talk of his Zanpakutō, asking Ichigo if he knows how far it extends. When Ichigo makes note that he doesn't, Gin states that it extends 100 sword lengths. He recalls that when he was a kid people called him the Hundred Sheather. Ichigo maintains his disinterest in conversation, so Gin asks him if he knows about his Bankai and how far it can extend. Ichigo states he didn't come there for a quiz show. Gin is disappointed when Ichigo refuses to play his guessing game, and figures that he may as well show him so he can understand. Gin then states that it can extend 13 km, but realizes that stating the number wont get the point across, he then tells Ichigo this time he wont go easy on him. Gin then releases his Bankai Kamishini no Yari, in an instant several buildings around them are bisected and begin to topple over. He swings the blade at Ichigo, but Ichigo easily blocks it. Gin is somewhat surprised by this, and Ichigo asks why, considering there is no way any Bankai could be incapable of being stopped by another Bankai. Ichigo bats Gin's blade away and fires a Getsuga Tenshō, surprising Gin again as he is hit directly by the blast. When the smoke clears Gin is lightly injured and remarks again that Ichigo is a creepy kid.
400. DEICIDE2 [ ]
Ichigo Kurosaki figures out what is truly frightening about Kamishini no Yari, an Bankai ability used by Gin Ichimaru, as Sousuke Aizen reaches the limits of his Shinigami body.
Lieutenant Rangiku Matsumoto watches the battle between Gin and Ichigo and simply says Gin's name a single time.
Gin reiterates to Ichigo that he's a creepy kid and states that if he doesn't finish him off soon, things will get bad. Ichigo suddenly notices that Gin's Zanpakutō went to its original length and wonders how he could have missed it retract back, as he's been staring at the Zanpakutō the entire time. Gin states that it seems as if his Bankai was easily stopped and decides to stick to the basics with him. He then lunges straight at Ichigo and continuously attacks him. As Ichigo blocks his blows, Gin tells him it feels as if his Zanpakutō is about to snap. Ichigo begins to form a hypothesis, and believes that if he's correct and Gin angles his Zanpakutō's tip towards him, the battle will be over. Gin then manages to cut Ichigo's left shoulder, but he is able to dodge the next blow. Ichigo then heads straight for Gin, and manages to get right next to him, blocking his Zanpakutō. Gin then jumps on top of a rooftop and Ichigo tells him that the scariest part of his Bankai isn't the length it can go nor it's destructive power, but the immense speed at which it contracts. Ichigo then states that how far it goes doesn't matter and that him destroying the buildings with his Zanpakutō doesn't matter either, and believes that Gin did all that to distract him from his Bankai's true strength. Gin confirms this and begins to think to himself that Ichigo is scary for being able to deduce all of that from only two attacks, and believes that this battle is going to drag on. Gin then tells Ichigo that there's no point in hiding anything anymore and claps his hands. He tells Ichigo that his Zanpakutō is five hundred times that speed, going on to say that Kamishini no Yari isn't the Zanpakutō with the "ultimate length", but the "ultimate speed". He then explains to Ichigo that even if he knows that, he still has no victory. The two of them then continue their battle.
Isshin tells Aizen that his movements are getting slow and asks him if he's at his limit. Aizen confirms this, but states that this is only for his Shinigami form. As Isshin wonders what he's talking about, Aizen states that the will of the Hōgyoku has finally began to understand what he desires.
401. DEICIDE3 [ ]
Sousuke Aizen reveals the true power of the Hōgyoku.
Aizen states that the Hōgyoku has finally begun to understand his heart and goes on to say that the Hōgyoku possesses a will of its own. Isshin doesn't believe this, but Aizen begins to explain that he only became aware of this after becoming its master. He then reveals that the true power of the Hōgyoku is not the removal of the boundaries between Shinigami and Hollow, but it is to capture and materialize the hearts around it. He claims that it has brought about the "miracles" surrounding Ichigo, Rukia, and Kisuke Urahara. He continues to explain that Kisuke misunderstood the nature of the Hōgyoku because the breakdown of the barrier between Shinigami and Hollow was his own desire, which the Hōgyoku made real. He then attributes reasons why Ichigo took all of Rukia's spiritual power and the awakening of Orihime Inoue and Yasutora Sado 's powers to the Hōgyoku. Aizen states that he knew the Hōgyoku's ability was not manipulation of the boundary between Hollows and Shinigami, as if it had been, then Shinji Hirako 's group would not have become Visored, and says that their Hollowfication was both an experiment in Hollowfication and a way to confirm the Hōgyoku's power. Then, with a theory on how the Hōgyoku worked, he sent Rukia to Ichigo's side. He then explains the limits of the Hōgyoku before being interrupted by Gin knocking Ichigo into a nearby building.
Gin tells Ichigo that he did good stopping his blow, but states that his attack was a fluke, which angers Ichigo. Isshin tries to talk to Ichigo, but he is yelled at by his son, telling him to stay out of his way and that in a few more attacks, he'll win. As Isshin smiles at this, Gin asks Aizen if he interrupted his speech. Aizen replies that he had just reached the end of his speech and his body is enveloped by the Hōgyoku. Isshin and Ichigo are shocked by this, and Ichigo asks what's going on. Isshin tells him that he has no idea, and the two of them begin arguing. As Aizen states that the Hōgyoku deserves its name, he is interrupted as he is shot from behind by Kisuke Urahara, whom he welcomes onto the battlefield.
402. DEICIDE4 [ ]
Aizen welcomes Urahara onto the battlefield. Urahara mentions that it's been a long time since last they met, and takes note of the extraordinary form Aizen has taken. Aizen states that it's nothing, as midway through "evolution" is always ugly. Urahara clarifies that no one has said he is ugly, it's just that he has finally fused with the Hōgyoku. Aizen explains that it isn't fusion and asked that the word "subdue" be used. He then states that the Hōgyoku Urahara failed to master has found a new master. Urahara glares down at Aizen and remarks that it's true he was unable to master it, if Aizen is referring to the past. Aizen questions his statement, asking him if he's going to admit defeat. He then retracts the question making note that it shouldn't be the question. He then uses Shunpo and moves so fast that before Urahara can react, Aizen impales him in the chest with his Zanpakutō. Aizen then tells him that he'll forever lose the chance to drive the Hōgyoku. Urahara's body then bursts like a balloon as Urahara appears behind Aizen and places his palm against his back as he uses Bakudō #61. Rikujōkōrō. Aizen notes that he has seen the use of the portable Gigai decoy tactic in Yammy Llargo 's report. He admits he was careless, as he never thought Urahara would use such a cheap trick. He then asks what Urahara will do now that he has been constricted. Urahara then questions whether Aizen actually thinks that he would use just that level of Bakudō. He then follows up in quick secession Bakudō #63. Sajō Sabaku and Bakudō #79. Kuyō Shibari further immobilizing Aizen. Urahara then begins an incantation with Aizen asking whether he really thinks he'll let him use that Hadō spell, but Urahara tells him its too late as he initiates Hadō #91. Senju Kōten Taihō and Ichigo notes how powerful it is.
After the smoke explosion dissipates Urahara remarks at how careless Aizen has become because of his new found power. Aizen appears behind him unharmed and notes that he's correct. Urahara moves to react, but Aizen slashes his right shoulder with his bare hand, wounding him as he exclaims he is too late. Aizen then states that he's allowed to be careless as he doesn't have a need not to be, as he can feel the strength of the Hōgyoku in his body. He remarks that his strength exceeds that of his old self and he is now invincible, so he doesn't need to dodge a level 90 Kidō anymore. Urahara then states that he wasn't talking about dodging the Kidō, what he meant was that if it was the older version of himself, he wouldn't be letting him try his attacks on him one by one. Aizen is suddenly trapped by spiritual energy cuffs at his wrist. He stares in shock as Urahara explains that it is a seal, which seals the Reiatsu flowing out of his own palms. He then states that Aizen will now be blasted by his own Reiatsu, as Aizen is enveloped in a column of light.
403. DEICIDE5 [ ]
The battle continues as Yoruichi Shihōin joins the fray.
After Aizen is enveloped in a column of light, Ichigo calls for Urahara, who tells him that the battle isn't over yet and Aizen will be coming back any second now. All of a sudden, Aizen emerges from the column of light in a completely new form and Ichigo is shocked. Aizen instantly appears between Urahara, Isshin, and Ichigo and comments to Urahara about how he used a level-90 Kidō spell as a distraction in order to seal him with his own original technique, which would have worked had it been anyone but him. He then corrects himself, stating that, had he not implanted the Hōgyoku in his body and subdued it, the battle would have been over. He then reaches in through the covering of his wrist and pulls out a bracelet, stating that unfortunately for Urahara, the Hōgyoku he created was beyond his comprehension. Therefore, the technique that Urahara most likely created solely for the battle with him was also incapable of reaching him. Urahara unsheathes his Zanpakutō, prompting Aizen to ask him if, since his techniques did not work, he now intends to use power against him. Isshin comes up from behind and Aizen attempts to attack them both at once, but he is quickly blocked as they both simultaneously entangle his sword hand and one of his ankles, stretching him into an awkward position. Aizen demands to know what is going on as Yoruichi Shihōin, wearing armor on her arms and legs, attacks him from above. She smashes into his back with such force that it destroys the surrounding area. Next, she lands a direct punch with even more force, causing damage to an entire block. Urahara then yells for Yoruichi to move away. Aizen quickly recovers and, before Yoruichi can fully dodge his counterattack, he destroys the armor on Yoruichi's left leg. As Aizen emerges from the rubble with his new form severely cracked, he asks them if this all they have and says that they had better hurry up and make the next move, as he plans on crushing them all one by one into tiny fragments down to the very last remnant.
404. DEICIDE6 [ ]
Sousuke Aizen invites Kisuke Urahara, Isshin Kurosaki, and Yoruichi Shihōin to continue their attack as Gin Ichimaru and Ichigo Kurosaki resume their battle.
Aizen states that the number of methods that Yoruichi, Isshin, and Urahara have devised in an attempt to defeat him are equal to the amount of hope that they still have, and therefore it is his duty to crush everyone of them. With that he invites the three to try their next trick as Ichigo watches on in shock.
Urahara says that they are in a bind and Yoruichi's armor that Aizen destroyed were his special design that were meant to counter Hierro, stating that he never thought they would break so easily. Yoruichi demands to know if Urahara is implying that they broke because her focus was broken. Urahara denies the charge, but Yoruichi confronts him and tells him that they broke because they were badly put together. Aizen points out that the fact that Yoruichi's legs are fine would imply that the armor was special indeed. Yoruichi tries to divert Aizen's compliments to her legs, but then starts picking on Urahara because of a look he gave her. As Isshin watches the two of them bicker, Aizen interrupts and tells them not to bicker about what was special since the armor disappeared in one swing, meaning that if Aizen swings his sword three more times - Yoruichi's special items will disappear altogether. Urahara asks Yoruichi if she can do it, and Yoruichi says that it is simply a matter of striking Aizen with something other then her left leg, but even as she says this, Aizen appears on her right side. Something explodes as Ichigo watches on.
As Ichigo is engrossed in the fight against Aizen, Gin appears behind him and asks Ichigo if that's a good idea, given that Ichigo's back is exposed. Ichigo goes into a defensive stance, but Gin walks away, saying that he was just joking. Gin wonders if they can just take a break and just watch Aizen fight, saying that it is useless now. Gin states that he has been with Aizen a long time and that this is the first time he is seeing something like Aizen's current form which, Gin reasons, is a given because Aizen absorbed the Hōgyoku while they were not paying attention. Which means, Gin goes on to say, that Ichigo and everybody else are all going to die. Ichigo says that he won't let that happen. Gin states he expected Ichigo to say something like that. Ichigo goes on to ask how Gin can be sure of what's going to happen to him, given Aizen's current state. Gin states that when Ichigo phrases things like that, it gives the impression that he has accepted that his own death is a given, and wonders if some part of Ichigo has already given-up on the fight. As Ichigo struggles to return an answer, Gin draws his Zanpakutō and states that while he thought that Ichigo could go a little longer, it is evident that he is just a fragile kid. Gin states that there is no way he can leave a coward like Ichigo to be taken care of by Aizen, he then adopts a hitherto unseen stance and unleashes a new attack of his Bankai: Butō. Ichigo dodges, but then notices to his amazement that Gin's Zanpakutō has already fully retracted. Before Ichigo can recover, Gin unleashes Butō: Renjin thus forcing Ichigo to don his mask.
As the battles rage on, Lieutenant Izuru Kira comes to and calls out his captain's name. He also notices Rangiku running through the streets of Fake Karakura Town.
Bleach, Volume 47
405. DEICIDE7 [ ]
Gin Ichimaru tells Ichigo Kurosaki to run away as Kisuke Urahara, Yoruichi Shihōin, and Isshin Kurosaki continue to fight Sousuke Aizen.
Lieutenant Izuru Kira screams after Lieutenant Rangiku Matsumoto and tries to move forward, but in the process he sustains more injuries. However, he continues screaming after her as Rangiku was only healed to the point that her life could be sustained and nothing more.
Ichigo, now with his mask broken, begins breathing heavily and Gin questions if he's really this weak. He remarks that back when they first fought he was much scarier. Gin then tells Ichigo to run away.
Urahara asks Yoruichi, who now has her right arm-guard destroyed, if she's all right and she tells him to remember who he's talking to. She states that she was able to block the attack because of the "half-finished" armor, but that she would have simply dodged it without the armor. Aizen looks at Urahara and Urahara asks him what he's doing. Aizen explains that his act of worrying is simply a part of his plan and Urahara tells him that he thought he didn't caution himself anymore. However, Aizen explains that he isn't being cautious, but that he's simply making an observation. He continues to explain that he has an interest in him because he is the only person with an intellect that surpasses his own, but Urahara tells him that he's making too much of him and states that he's simply the poor owner of a small-time candy store now.
Urahara uses Hadō #32, Ōkasen, but Aizen easily blocks the attack and deduces that since he's using such a weak spell he must be planning a sneak attack. Yoruichi appears and she attacks him, but Aizen easily blocks the blow with his left hand. He tells her that no matter how many times she attacks him it won't work, but Yoruichi activates Shunkō, allowing her to break through his left arm and attacking Aizen himself. The blow ends up cracking the right part of Aizen's body, and Aizen himself falls into the town below. Yoruichi goes towards him and continues her assault, but this time Aizen catches her fist and reminds her that she can't beat him like this. Urahara suddenly attacks by using Shibari, Benihime, which binds Aizen, but Aizen tells him that he can't hold him down with something like this. However, Urahara uses Hiasobi, Benihime and Juzu Tsunagi which causes an explosion at Aizen's location, but Aizen appears barely harmed from the attack and questions if this could really be his trump card. All of a sudden, Isshin appears in front of Aizen and hits him at point blank range with a Getsuga Tenshō.
406. DEICIDE8 end of the Chrysalis Age [ ]
Sousuke Aizen defeats his opponents and goes with Gin Ichimaru to the Real Karakura Town.
A huge explosion, caused by Isshin's Getsuga Tenshō, engulfs Aizen, leaving a crater behind along with several destroyed buildings. Urahara questions Isshin on its effectiveness, to which Isshin responds that he can no longer sense Aizen's Reiatsu since he transformed, indicating he doesn't know. Isshin then goes on to say that perhaps the only "one's capable of perceiving Aizen's power the way he is now are those standing in the same place as him". To Isshin's and Urahara's disbelief, Aizen emerges from the smoke with a large slash on his face. Aizen then remarks that it was a "palpable hit" and that he "'understood'" the attack. He then raises his sword and says that it is time for them to understand his power.
Meanwhile, Ichigo notices a large explosion and looks back to see what occurred. Gin remarks that Ichigo should be paying attention to their fight. Gin then completely loses respect for Ichigo, comes down from the high ground, and says that he isn't "a warrior anymore". He goes on to say that Ichigo isn't a Shinigami, Hollow, or even a person anymore. He then remarks that Ichigo could never fight an opponent like Aizen. Ichigo opens his mouth in a rebuke, but he relents and no words come out.
Gin then once again suggests that Ichigo should run as he is tired of him, and Aizen would be "disappointed" to see him as he is now. Gin remarks that he doesn't blame him because Ichigo understands Aizen's power and should be scared of him. Ichigo bows his head in despair and acceptance as Gin unsheathes Shinsō and says that if he isn't going to run he will cut him down where he stands.
Before Gin can attack, an explosion occurs behind Ichigo, revealing Aizen after it subsides. As Ichigo gazes at Aizen, he notices the defeated bodies of Yoruichi, Urahara, and his own father. He chokes out their names, as Aizen asks Gin what he was doing to Ichigo. Gin remarks he was merely "testing his [Ichigo's] strength". Aizen turns away from Ichigo and orders Gin to open a Senkaimon to Soul Society, where the real Karakura Town is, as it will be easier to storm the Royal Palace by creating the Ōken in Soul Society. Ichigo yells at Aizen to wait. Aizen turns, but his "face" seems to be falling off, to which Gin remarks that Aizen's incubation period must be over. Aizen fully turns and reveals his old face under the chrysalis, although he sports longer hair and black sclera, reminiscent of a Hollow. He then declares he can watch the fall of Soul Society with his own eyes.
As Gin opens a gate, Aizen turns to Ichigo and says that they are leaving him there in Fake Karakura Town. He then says "eating you can be done after all this is finished", and disappears with Gin inside the gate. Ichigo stares as the gate closes, but is reprimanded by his father for "just standing there". Isshin gets up and puts his arm around Ichigo, looking for support as he tells Ichigo to open a gate himself so that they can go and "protect Karakura Town".
407. DEICIDE9 [ ]
Sousuke Aizen and Gin Ichimaru arrive in Soul Society, some distance from Karakura Town.
Aizen and Gin arrive in the Dangai, and Aizen comments that it "feels rather nostalgic", to which Gin agrees. They then notice the Kōtotsu coming, and Aizen, interested, does not move from its path. Gin tells Aizen that it would be prudent to move on as it is a being of reason, and it would not be a good idea to mess with it using Reiatsu. Aizen, undaunted, lets the train run into him. It explodes and he remains satisfied and unscathed, although Gin seems to be a bit taken aback. Aizen asks what Gin is afraid of, and says that "reason exists for those who cannot go on living without clinging to it". He then says, "let's go...to the edge of reason", and they exit the Precipice World.
Meanwhile, back in Fake Karakura Town, Isshin headbutts Ichigo and reiterates that they are going to Soul Society to protect Karakura Town. Ichigo laments that it is impossible, to which Isshin angrily responds "How would you know?" Ichigo counters by saying that there is no way they can "beat a monster like that with that kind of Reiatsu". Isshin, stunned but now understanding, says that Ichigo does not actually understand Aizen's Reiatsu. Isshin begins walking and asks if Ichigo is coming. When Ichigo does not answer, Isshin asks him if he is just going to sit there and cry. Ichigo, with resolve once again renewed by his father, tells his dad to open the Senkai Gate. Isshin responds with, "I don't need you to tell me that" and opens one.
Aizen and Gin emerge from their own Senkai Gate into Soul Society, with Aizen remarking that they were a little off with the coordinates. Gin responds by saying that it was not his fault, "because Captain Aizen decided to be a little naughty". Aizen bluntly apologizes and says, "Shall we walk a little, then?"
Ichigo and Isshin are then shown hurrying through the Dangai themselves, when Isshin tells Ichigo to stop and remarks that Aizen definitely destroyed the Kōtotsu, even though Shinigami should not be able to touch it. Ichigo then tells him that they should be hurrying, but Isshin remarks that the Precipice World is just as it sounds, and is its own separate dimension, cutting off time and space from both the Soul Society and Human World. As such, time moves significantly slower than in the other two worlds. Isshin says that the slow time of the Dangai will be perfect for him to teach his son. Ichigo inquires as to what he will teach him, and his father responds simply, "the Final Getsuga Tenshō".
Aizen and Gin finally reach the real Karakura Town in Soul Society, just as Keigo Asano awakens...
408. DEICIDE10 [ ]
As Ichigo Kurosaki meditates in the Dangai, Keigo Asano meets up with Tatsuki Arisawa. Meanwhile, Sousuke Aizen and Gin Ichimaru arrive in Karakura Town.
As Ichigo meditates, Isshin tries to hit him. After Ichigo dodges, Isshin complains that he was not focused on his meditation, asking if he is unable to communicate with his own Zanpakutō. Ichigo tells him that he has never gone to his inner world by relaxing and that he does not really understand what he is supposed to be doing. Isshin repeats his instructions to him, but Ichigo says he knows that and closes his eyes.
Earlier, Ichigo asked what Isshin meant by teaching him there, and Isshin explains about how the Dangai is an isolated space which is surrounded by numerous stacked-up layers of time's current, resulting in it being a place where the density of time within it is extremely high when compared to other exterior dimensions. Isshin tells a confused Ichigo that when 1 year passes in the Dangai, 2,000 years will have passed outside the Dangai. Isshin continues his explanation, stating that if one is caught by the Kōryū, the will become stuck and die, while if one is chased by the Kōtotsu, they will be flung into a time far removed from when they entered the Dangai. Isshin notes that thanks to Urahara's technological prowess, Ichigo and the other Ryoka were only affected by a few days when they originally entered Soul Society. With the Kōtotsu gone, Isshin identifies it as a chance to buy some time. Stating that Soul Society cannot suppress the Kōtotsu, he reveals that there is a way to stop the Kōryū, called Kaikyō Kotei. Isshin removes four small forked blades from his uniform and ties them to himself before inserting them into the Dangai's walls. Isshin states that he will hold back the Kōryū for as long as he can, estimating that it will be about 2,000 hours. He urges Ichigo to use that time to get information from his Zanpakutō about the true nature of the Final Getsuga Tenshō.
With Ichigo settled into his meditative pose again, Isshin reveals that it is called Jinzen and explains its nature to his son. Meanwhile, Keigo runs through Karakura Town, noting that everyone is asleep. He is hit by Tatsuki, who tells the excited Keigo to be quite. Tatsuki and Keigo begin to bring the unconscious Chizuru and Michiru to their school and talk about what they have seen, deciding that it has something to do with Ichigo. Outside Karakura Town, Aizen and Gin arrive at the outskirts of the town. Aizen states that the town is ill-suited to the scenery of Soul Society, saying that it will be their last look at both.
In the Dangai, Isshin notes an injury on Ichigo's shoulder and wonders if he did it. He advises his son that this time Zangetsu will be on a rampage.
409. DEICIDE11 [ ]
As Ichigo Kurosaki fights Tensa Zangetsu in his inner world, Sousuke Aizen spots Tatsuki Arisawa in Karakura Town.
Aizen and Gin take their first steps into Karakura Town. Meanwhile, Ichigo enters his inner world, which is submerged in water. As soon as Ichigo notices this, he frantically tries to swim towards the surface, but is grabbed and pulled down by someone. Ichigo than looks up and sees a young man who tells the former that he should be able to breath just fine. Ichigo notices this fact and asks the man who he is, saying Zangetsu should be in here. The stranger retorts that Ichigo is being quite rude to the one who taught him how to "breathe". Just than, the hooded man takes out Tensa Zangetsu and pulls his hood back, revealing his face. The man tells Ichigo that he is not surprised that Ichigo does not recognize him in this form, since this is the first time Ichigo has entered his inner world while being in Bankai. Before Ichigo can ponder this, the man charges forward and begins to fight. Ichigo questions if the man is Zangetsu, to which the latter answers no, he is Tensa Zangetsu.
In the Dangai, Isshin notices that Ichigo is "in". He than tells his son to be careful and that Zangetsu is going to "go wild" now. Isshin than touches his own Zanpakutō, Engetsu, commenting that it behaved the same way. He goes on to explain that the Zanpakutō don't exactly want to teach the Shinigami their techniques, and states that Ichigo would soon understand why. In the inner world, Ichigo skids on a building from Tensa Zangetsu's attack. Ichigo attempts to tell him to stop but cuts himself off, saying that it wouldn't be appropriate to call him "old man" while in this younger form. He calls him "Zangetsu" instead and says he wants to ask him something. Tensa Zangetsu asks if he means the "Final" Getsuga Tenshō, and responds that he cannot teach him such a move. Ichigo awkwardly smirks and tells his Zanpakutō that he can't go on without learning it and that it is necessary to protect Karakura Town. Tensa Zangetsu lunges forward and scoffs at Ichigo, asking why he should care what happens to what his master wants to protect before knocking him down into a building. Looking down at Ichigo, Tensa Zangetsu says that what he wants to protect and what Ichigo wants to protect are completely different.
In Karakura, a middle aged man who has awoken walks through town, wondering what is going on. He sees Aizen and Gin and asks if they know what's going on. Aizen warns the man not to come closer, but it is too late as the man falls on the ground dead. Aizen than states that Humans with no Reiatsu perception cannot sense his power, but will die from the shear might of his Reiatsu. Suddenly, Gin spots Tatsuki Arisawa carrying Michiru Ogawa. Aizen than says that he remembers them from Ulquiorra Cifer 's report, and they are the allies of Ichigo Kurosaki.
410. DEICIDE12 [ ]
Ichigo Kurosaki encounters an old enemy in his inner world. Sousuke Aizen threatens the lives of Ichigo's friends.
Inside his inner world, Ichigo asks Tensa Zangetsu why he lent him his power, if not for his sake. Zangetsu replies that Ichigo's inner world has become a replica of Karakura Town, instead of the skyscrapers that reached towards the hopeful heavens. Although the raining has stopped, the entire world is now submerged. The reason for this is that Ichigo has ceased from moving forward. Zangetsu approaches Ichigo and pierces his chest with his hand, saying he will not allow Ichigo to stay like that; he will pull out the source of Ichigo's despair. Ichigo struggles and cries in pain, but eventually Zangetsu manages to pull something out of Ichigo's chest. As he looks up he is amazed to see his inner Hollow, wearing his horned mask. The Hollow greets Ichigo and asks why he is so surprised; removing the mask, he asks if Ichigo does not recognize him.
In Karakura Town, Tatsuki asks Keigo if he is going to search for Mizuiro Kojima. Keigo says he did look before, but did not find him. He adds that since Ichigo disappeared, Mizuiro has been walking to school alone and will not answer his cell phone and is probably still asleep somewhere. Tatsuki says since Mizuiro and Keigo have been hanging out since middle school, she thought they were friends. Keigo explains that it is a feeling of distance, which he finds important. He says Ichigo was the only person Mizuiro ever really opened up to, as he creates walls very easily. He is grateful that Mizuiro took the initiative with Ichigo. Keigo says they should drop the subject and Tatsuki agrees with him. She suggests once they leave Chizuru Honshō and Michiru at school, Keigo should go look for Mizuiro. Keigo asks about Mahana Natsui and Ryō Kunieda, but Tatsuki replies that they can take care of themselves. She intends to go look for the Ichigo's sisters instead. Keigo asks if they will not be with their father, but Tatsuki replies that he is probably asleep like the others.
They are then interrupted by the Reiatsu of the approaching Sousuke Aizen and Gin Ichimaru. Tatsuki falls to one knee and Keigo asks her if she is alright. She replies she does not need his concern. When Tatsuki tries to ask who they are, Aizen commends them for still being alive while being this physically close to him. Tatsuki asks who they are again. Aizen replies that Ichigo will inevitably come there with a new power. His goal is to force that power to perfection, and their deaths will further that purpose. Tatsuki tells Keigo to run, but he hesitates. She tells him there is nothing he can do if he stays there and Keigo turns and runs, carrying Chizuru on his back. Aizen tells Gin there is no need to follow him and that they till start with Tatsuki. Tatsuki is on her knees unable to move with Michiru still on her back, as a mysterious shadow creeps behind their backs.
411. DEICIDE13 [ ]
Tensa Zangetsu and Ichigo Kurosaki 's inner Hollow merge to fight Ichigo, one-on-one. Sousuke Aizen meets Don Kanonji.
The source of Ichigo's despair turns out to be his inner Hollow. Ichigo believed him to have disappeared after their last fight. The Hollow reminds of his words, that if Ichigo wants to control his powers he must try to stay alive until the Hollow returns. Ichigo says he was trying to destroy him; the Hollow responds sarcastically, saying it's a true shame that he couldn't. Ichigo moves on, asking the Hollow about his new attire with the horned mask. Zangetsu intervenes and says this was the mask on Ichigo's face when he defeated Ulquiorra Cifer. This form was what Ichigo feared most, in which his heart is overwhelmed by his destructive power and he can't even Hollowify properly. Ichigo asks what Zangetsu would advise him to do, should he simply fight the Hollow and defeat him? Zangetsu's reply is that Ichigo won't be fighting 'him', but rather 'them', one-on-one. And before Ichigo's eyes the two beings begin merging into one. As the newly formed creature gets to his feet, he says they are technically two parts of one being. They are both Ichigo's power.
Crushed under Aizen's massive Reiatsu, Tatsuki can't move a muscle. She tells herself she must at least get Michiru off her back, but is unable to. She believes it's all over for her, but suddenly a large ball of energy strikes Aizen. The attack came from none other than Don Kanonji, who says Tatsuki seems to be in a pinch, which is the right time to call for heroes. He tops it off with his catchphrase: "The spirits are always with you!". He apologizes to his fans and introduces himself, saying he has returned for good. As the smoke clears around the unscathed Aizen he asks Kanonji who he is. The surprised Kanonji says Aizen is quite uneducated for not being familiar with his face and concludes that Aizen must not watch television very often. But before he has the pleasure of introducing himself again, he is foiled by Tatsuki who asks what he is doing there, using his name. Angered that his introduction was ruined Kanonji asks Tatsuki if she is a girl or a demon. Tatsuki asks him to simply go home as there is nothing he can do to help. At that moment Kanonji feels Aizen's enormous power. Aizen says it's time for Kanonji's Human body to buckle under the pressure, or perhaps he should congratulate the Human for lasting that long. Tatsuki urges Kanonji to run, but he replies that if he were to run from battle he would no longer be deemed a hero in the eyes of children. He braces his stick and lunges at Aizen. Aizen asks him to stop, for any Human who touches him would cease to exist. Kanonji's stick is about to connect when a mysterious hand stops it.
Rangiku Matsumoto arrives in Karakura Town. Her motives are yet to be known.
412. DEICIDE14 [ ]
Don Kanonji runs away with Tatsuki Arisawa and Michiru Ogawa as Gin Ichimaru stabs 10th Division Lieutenant Rangiku Matsumoto.
Rangiku states that she made it in time, neither Aizen nor Gin respond. Rangiku tells Don Kanonji to run away with Tatsuki and Michiru, but Don Kanonji argues. Rangiku threatens to rip-off his beard and burn his hat if he does not do as he is told. A frighted Kanonji complies, but tells Rangiku to call him if she needs help, causing Rangiku to throw a can at him. As Tatsuki is carried away by Kanonji, she wonders if Rangiku is a friend of Ichigo's. She notes that her kimono is similar to Ichigo's and comments on how beautiful Rangiku is.
Meanwhile, Aizen tells Rangiku that she is wrong whether she means that she is in time to help the Humans escape or in time to stop Karakura Town from being destroyed. Rangiku does not answer and Aizen wonders if it is hard for her to speak to him. Gin intervenes and apologies for Rangiku and asks to take her off to the side. Aizen tells him to take his time and assures Gin, when the later asks, that they will not be an inconvenience to him.
Gin grabs Rangiku and flies up with her. Aizen comments that Gin is an interesting a child as he has always been. As they fly-up, Rangiku forces Gin to let her go and they land on a roof top some distance away from each other. Gin wonders what Rangiku is doing there when she is about to collapse. Rangiku explains that she opened at Senkaimon as soon as Gin's Reiatsu disappeared as she was well aware of the exact location of Karakura Town. Gin points out that he did not ask how she got here, but what she was doing there. Rangiku replies that it should be obvious that she is there because Gin is there. She explains that now she can ask him directly why he is serving Aizen, a question that Gin does not answer. Rangiku pushes on and wonders why Gin betrayed Kira, when the he trusted Gin so much. Gin wonders if she is seriously asking him that and wonders if she really is talking about Kira when she says "you betrayed him, even though he trusted you". Rangiku is left speechless as Gin approaches her, saying he really does not know why she is there. He gets close enough to lay a hand on her chest and states that she is getting in the way and draws his Zanpakutō on her.
Elsewhere, Tatsuki forces Kanonji to let her down and runs into Keigo carrying a sword. Keigo explains that he borrowed it from " Afro-san ", who has collapsed. Keigo found Mizuiro and urges Tatsuki to run as Keigo can feel Aizen getting closer.
Back on the rooftop, Gin jumps down as Rangiku is seen lying on the floor will her Zanpakutō drawn. While in the Dangai, an exhausted looking Isshin wonders how much longer it will be, as Ichigo is seen bleeding from his mouth.
413. DEICIDE15 [ ]
Ichigo Kurosaki 's friends attempt to run away as Gin Ichimaru returns to Sousuke Aizen 's side.
Ichigo is sill fighting and Isshin questions why he is taking so long.
Rangiku is injured and Keigo and Tatsuki are running away from Aizen, when they run into a fully conscious Mizuizo and Chizuru. The group share experiences, then Chizuru questions what is going on, not understanding the situation. When they are located by Aizen, they begin to run, but to no avail. Mizuizo throws a bottle at Aizen, but when that fails, he reveals a smoke bomb, and then throws it at Aizen. When the smoke clears they see Aizen undamaged.
They all start to run again. Then, Zennosuke (The Shinigami of Karakura Town) appears, and releases his Zanpakutō, Tsuchinamazu, and crates a rock wall, in an attempt to ward of the group’s pursuer. Just then, Ichimaru appears and joins Aizen.
Bleach, Volume 48
414. DEICIDE16 [ ]
Gin Ichimaru reveals his true intentions to Sousuke Aizen, by impaling him through the chest.
After Gin Ichimaru announces that he has returned, Aizen asks what happened to Lieutenant Rangiku Matsumoto. Gin says that he has killed her and Aizen notes that her Reiatsu has disappeared. Aizen expresses his surprise, as he had thought that Gin had more emotions towards her. Gin replies that he has no such thing and that he had previously told Aizen that he is a snake that eats anything that looks tasty.
Meanwhile, Keigo Asano urges Tatsuki Arisawa and the others to stop watching and run away. As Aizen says he is bored of catching mice, Gin asks what they will do after killing them. Aizen states that they will hang their corpses in visible locations outside the town and then create the Ōken. Gin places his hand on Aizen's Zanpakutō and says that he shall kill them. Gin then stabs Aizen in the chest, revealing that the only way to escape its ability is to touch the blade before its complete hypnosis is activated, wondering how many decades it took for him to learn that fact. Gin states that despite none of them knowing this, the Gotei 13 still tried to kill him. He says that he is the only one who can kill Aizen.
Aizen reveals that he knew of his intentions, which is why he brought him to Karakura Town and asks Gin if he thought it would be that easy to kill him. Gin informs Aizen that he left a chip of Kamishini no Yari inside his heart and then tells Aizen that he lied about his Bankai 's abilities, as it turns to dust one moment while extending and on the interior of the blades is a deadly poison, capable of breaking down cells. He then explains while attacking him that dust was left in his heart with the poison, and no matter what he does, he will die with a hole in his chest, as he has long desired.
415. deicide17 [ ]
Just as Gin Ichimaru takes the Hōgyoku, Sousuke Aizen goes through yet another transformation and counterattacks.
Gin recalls his childhood before he became a Shinigami. As Gin is gathering firewood, he spots Aizen in a clearing through a bush. Three other Shinigami are in the clearing, one of them holding an object up to Aizen. Aizen then takes the object, the Hōgyoku, and places it in a glass container as Gin watches on.
Back in the present, Gin slowly reaches into the large hole in Aizen's body and grabs the Hōgyoku just in time before Aizen slaps him away. Aizen than falls on the ground and utters Gin's name. Suddenly, Aizen screams out in pure rage as an energy wave overtakes him. Gin looks at the Hōgyoku in his injured right arm. Gin than closes his eyes and thinks to himself that now that he has the Hōgyoku, everything is over. Just than, a large pillar of light emits from where Aizen was standing. Aizen emerges from the pillar with the hole from Kamishini no Yari no longer present, and also in a new angelic form. Giving a menacing smile, Aizen announces his victory to Gin, saying that the Hōgyoku is his, even now that it has been removed from his body. The Hōgyoku begins to glow brightly which greatly shocks Gin. Aizen almost immediately appears next to his former subordinate.
Gin continues to remember watching Aizen hand the Hōgyoku back to the Shinigami who gave it to him. Gin goes on to recall the day he found Rangiku and remembers that the three Shinigami with Aizen were nearby. He thinks to himself that Aizen is the leader. Gin then opens his eyes, thinking that Aizen is the one he must do something about. However, before Gin can finish his thoughts, in the present, Aizen cuts Gin deeply with a single swipe from his sword.
416. DEICIDE18 [THE END] [ ]
Rangiku remembers a snowy night from her childhood as she starts to regain consciousness, on the rooftop. She comes to realize that Gin cast the Kidō spell Hakufuku on her to knock her unconscious. Down below, Gin has been slashed by Aizen across the chest. In Gin’s hand the Hōgyoku disintegrates and then rebuilds itself to take on the shape of a cross similar to the one in Aizen's chest. As he reaches for it, Aizen reflects on how he arrived at the solution that was the Hōgyoku even before Kisuke Urahara, but it was a failure. Aizen goes on to remember how he carved out the souls of hundreds of Shinigami and residents of Rukongai with Shinigami potential in an attempt to complete the Hōgyoku, but how the Hōgyoku was not satisfied. In addition, Urahara's research notes showed that Urahara's Hōgyoku was also incomplete. As a result Aizen decided to take Urahara's Hōgyoku to give it to his Hōgyoku.
He grabs Gin's wrist before he can take the Hōgyoku and effortlessly rips off his arm and stabs him through the chest. Looking down at Gin, Aizen says that fear is necessary for evolution of the Hōgyoku. He then thanks Gin for helping him get this far, and that he has now become something much more powerful than a Shinigami and Hollow, and that Gin's fear could have been eliminated at any moment, but he needed it to help the Hōgyoku evolve. Aizen thanks Gin for his efforts and throws him through a building. Ichigo's friends, still trying to escape, stop as the building near them collapses. As they see Aizen walk into view, Keigo wonders what he is, as Aizen's Reiatsu paralyzes them as he approaches Gin.
On the brink of death, Gin recalls the memory of the snowy night Rangiku was thinking of earlier. He remembers how Rangiku ran out to him in the snow asking him why he has Shinigami clothes and where he got them. Gin wrapped the shihakushō around himself and replies that he wants to become a Shinigami and change things for her, change things so that Rangiku wouldn't have to cry any more. He is pulled away from the memory when he hears Rangiku scream his name as she jumps off the rooftop to him below. As he sees her he thinks how it didn't work and how in the end he couldn't get back what was taken from Rangiku. He thinks how fortunate it was that he apologized in advance. As she realizes that he is dying Rangiku gathers Gin in her arms and cries. From behind, Aizen closes in on them. Rangiku continues to grieve, not noticing Aizen. Just before he can harm her, Ichigo arrives with his unconscious father slung on his shoulder and looking different from before with a chain wrapped around his arm.
417. DEICIDE 19 [ ]
As Aizen looks down mercilessly at a weeping Rangiku and near-death Gin, Ichigo appears to everyone's surprise. Tatsuki and Keigo notice that he looks different: his hair seems longer and he looks a bit taller. Also, his right arm seems to have a black glove on it, that mostly covers his hand and forearm. Also, Tensa Zangetsu has changed as its guard has become more pronounced and seemingly messy looking, almost taped together. Its chain has also increased in length to encompass the whole of Ichigo's right arm, which also has the sleeve of his shihakushō removed.
Ichigo promptly thanks his unconscious father (now sporting a beard), and looks into the distance, closes his eyes and remarks that his sisters are all right, sensing their Reiatsu. Ichigo then takes notice of all his friends, although he trips up on Zennosuke's name, calling him "Imoyama-san", leading to a humorous outburst. He calmly tells them to stay there and he will deal with Aizen.
Tatsuki then comments to herself that she can't sense any of Ichigo's Reiatsu, whereas Aizen's is overwhelming. Aizen seems puzzled too, as he asks if he really is Ichigo, to which Ichigo asks what he means. Aizen then remarks that he is disheartened, because he cannot sense any Reiatsu from him. He then goes on to say that he gave Ichigo one last chance to evolve and face him, but he failed. Ichigo calmly ignores him and looks at a crying Rangiku and a half-dead Gin. Gin remembers Ichigo's many faces of fear in his eyes, but looking at them now calls them "strong". He silently resolves that Ichigo will finish what he could not and defeat Aizen.
Aizen then remarks how unfortunate Ichigo's lack of evolution is, but is interrupted by Ichigo who tells Aizen that he wishes to fight elsewhere. Aizen states that it doesn't matter, because only a being that can actually fight him should make that proposal. He sneers and goes on to say that Ichigo "couldn't possibly do any damage to-". Ichigo suddenly grabs Aizen's face and forcibly pushes him over a few miles and throws him into the ground, all with minimal effort. Aizen grips his visibly bruised face in disbelief that he was pushed and thrown by brute force alone. Ichigo then tells Aizen to get ready and that he will "end this in a single instant".
418. DEICIDE 20 [ ]
Ichigo Kurosaki and Sousuke Aizen finally face off.
Repeating Ichigo's words "Finish this in an instant", Aizen claims to understand Ichigo's "lack of Reiatsu", that he hasn't "parted" with it, but instead "thrown it away." Although he does not know how, he postulates that Ichigo converted all his Reiatsu into physical power for his spiritual body; be it arm strength, leg strength, grip strength, throw strength, or running speed, all his physical abilities have received rapid growth in exchange for discarding his Reiatsu, as he has given up trying to compete with Aizen's. Aizen is undaunted, however, advising Ichigo to forsake all hope, that despite his new physical prowess, he will still be unable to reach him. He then warps behind Ichigo in an attempt to strike him. The two clash, and a mountain in the distance is instantly obliterated. Aizen comments on his ability to shape the earth with a single swing of his sword, that even he didn't expect his power to grow that much, and thanks Ichigo, for now he can test his power transcending Hollow and Shinigami to his heart's content. After another parry, Aizen comments on the similarity of their Zanpakutō's agglutination with their arms as an evolutionary discovery, that perhaps that is the proper form they should take. However, he says he understands the dimensions of their evolutions are different, and that if he wished it, he could destroy Ichigo's in a single blow, and prepares a back-swing, only for Ichigo to stop it barehanded as the earth around them shatters. Aizen is stunned; he could understand if Ichigo was to dodge it, even if Ichigo shouldn't be fast enough to do so, but for Ichigo to stop his strike is simply ridiculous to him. Ichigo asks what Aizen is so surprised by: Is it really that hard to believe he could stop Aizen's sword? Is he scared of what is before his eyes, of something happening that he cannot understand? Aizen pulls back, telling Ichigo not to speak so triumphantly, that he managed to momentarily exceed his own physical strength and nothing more. Aizen decides to unleash a full incantation of Hadō #90 Kurohitsugi, so as to prevent any further miracles by crushing him to atoms. Aizen lauds over his perfect casting with his power transcending Hollow and Shinigami, to create a torrent of gravity capable of warping space time, such that a being like Ichigo cannot even begin to comprehend. Ichigo allows the spell to surround him only to shatter it with the swing of his arm. As it crumbles, he notes that Aizen didn't notice, that he is stronger than him right now, and that the mountain was obliterated not by Aizen's sword, but by his, before rushing in to strike.
419. DEICIDE 21 [Transcendent God Rock] [ ]
Sousuke Aizen transforms again, but an unfazed Ichigo Kurosaki prepares to release the Final Getsuga Tenshō.
Aizen warps away, while shedding blood from his wound, onto a distant hill. Ichigo notices that he was the one who always distanced himself from Aizen, but now it is Aizen who is doing the running away. So Ichigo asks why Aizen has distanced himself from him. As Aizen's wound heals, he tells Ichigo to "abandon his arrogance", and then Aizen transforms again. He then realizes that the Hōgyoku will not allow him to be defeated by a "mere human". He then attacks Ichigo and burns his left arm. Aizen then says that Ichigo's arm won't be any use to him anymore. He then tackles Ichigo and grabs him by the throat and holds him there in midair, and creates a halo-like attack around him. Aizen says that Ichigo has lost his power and is now a mere shadow of his former self. Aizen then says that Ichigo is finished, to which Ichigo responds, "Finished? Is that all you've got?" He then slashes through Aizen's attack saying that they should put an end to this and that he's sick of Aizen's logic. Then Ichigo prepares to release the Final Getsuga Tenshō.
420. DEICIDE22 [ ]
Ichigo Kurosaki flashes back to his fight against the combined form of Ichigo's inner Hollow and Tensa Zangetsu as he finally unleashes the Final Getsuga Tenshō.
As Ichigo prepares to use the Final Getsuga Tenshō, Aizen watches in shock and asks what that form is. Ichigo flashes back to his battle against the combined form of Tensa Zangetsu and Ichigo's inner Hollow. Tensa Zangetsu is overpowering Ichigo enough to send him flying into a building. Ichigo gets up, prompting Tensa Zangetsu to remark that Ichigo is still not giving up. Ichigo replies, saying that he will not give up until Tensa Zangetsu teaches him the Final Getsuga Tenshō. Tensa Zangetsu, however, says he does not intend to and rushes at Ichigo. Ichigo considers Tensa Zangetsu's actions. If he had wanted to defeat Ichigo, he could have easily done so by now and if he did not want to teach Ichigo the technique, why not go off and hide somewhere? Ichigo questions why nothing but sadness is spilling out from his blade. The two continue their fight and as Tensa Zangetsu charges at Ichigo, Ichigo discards his blade and allows his opponent to impale him. Ichigo tells Tensa Zangetsu that it does not hurt. Ichigo notices that his opponent is crying and asks why. Tensa Zangetsu responds that what he wanted to protect was Ichigo. Ichigo wonders what this means. Tensa Zangetsu tells Ichigo that the answer will come along with the essentials of the technique and gives him a warning. Ichigo is now back in battle with Aizen and tells him that the Final Getsuga Tenshō is to become Getsuga. Ichigo's form is now radically different with long black hair and bandages wrapping around his body. Ichigo says that if he uses the technique, he will lose all his Shinigami powers, hence why it is called Final. Aizen notes to himself that he still cannot feel anything. He is shocked to figure out that Ichigo is in a higher place than him. Aizen screams that it is impossible and charges towards Ichigo. Ichigo uses a new technique, Mugetsu, as the battlefield is swallowed by a black light.
421. DEICIDE23 [ ]
Sousuke Aizen survives Ichigo Kurosaki 's Mugetsu, but falls prey to Kisuke Urahara 's hidden seal.
Ichigo recalls what his Inner Hollow/Tensa Zangetsu said if he uses the Final Getsuga Tenshō. He remembers them bidding him farewell as he activates Mugetsu. Mugetsu completely envelopes Aizen in black light and literally cuts the land they were fighting on in half, leaving a massive crater miles wide. Getsuga/Ichigo lands and his cowl begins to break, revealing Ichigo's face, and the realization that he is indeed losing his Shinigami powers. A nearly bisected Aizen falls not 5 meters from him, and as Getsuga/Ichigo looks at him, the massive gash caused by Mugetsu begins to regenerate. Getsuga/Ichigo quickly teleports to a very angry, heavily injured, but very much alive Aizen and begins to attack again.
But then, the black leaves Ichigo's hair and it returns to its normal length and color. A now-powerless Ichigo collapses on the ground, as Aizen rises in triumph to show Ichigo his disintegrating Zanpakutō, indicating the Hōgyoku has decided he [Aizen] doesn't need a Zanpakutō to become stronger. He exclaims that Ichigo has lost and is finished when a beam of light comes out of his chest.
Aizen, surprised and nervous, wonders how a Kidō was activated as more lights spring out of his chest and abdomen. Kisuke Urahara appears and calmly says that "it finally activated". Aizen asks when he did this, and Urahara replies that it was right before Aizen's complete transformation, at his most vulnerable. Urahara goes on to say that he knew it would be virtually impossible to kill him [Aizen] when he was fused with the Hōgyoku, so he created that seal to seal him. Aizen nods his understanding, but yells the futility of it as he is reaching a new stage of evolution and will not be stopped by a lowly Kidō. Urahara looks on impassively as Aizen's Hōgyoku-enhanced form begins to flake off of him, much to Aizen's horror.
Urahara explains that the seal he used was to activate at this moment: the moment when Aizen was weakening. He says simply: "The Hōgyoku no longer sees you as its master". Aizen, at first in disbelief, then acceptance, furiously yells at Urahara and tells him that he despises him. Aizen hates that a man of Kisuke's intellect sits idly by and is controlled by "that thing!" Urahara clarifies that Aizen is talking about the Soul King, and comments that Aizen saw "it", the Soul King. Urahara then says that the Soul King is the lynchpin holding Soul Society together and if said lynchpin was lost, Soul Society will split and crumble. A screaming Aizen counters with that being the logic of a loser and that he, a "winner", must think of not how the world is, but how it should be.
As Ichigo looks away, Aizen is sealed into a large, spiked monument.
422. the silent victory [ ]
In the wake of Sousuke Aizen 's defeat, the battle ridden Gotei 13 gathers itself.
Captain Mayuri Kurotsuchi is seen preparing to bring back the real Karakura Town to the Human World. A Shinigami runs up to him and says that a material transfer without the aid of a Senkaimon would be dangerous since there are still Shinigami there. Mayuri says that he will give them ten seconds to activate the Senkaimon, and the Shinigami yells to everyone, "Hurry! We're gonna die!!!" Mayuri then states that this generousness makes him want to puke. Captain Retsu Unohana has healed all of the Visored, but she cannot predict if Hiyori Sarugaki will give up living or not. Shinji Hirako then says that he owes her one. Unohana calmly tells him that she is just merely healing her allies, to which Shinji says that they're not allies, but Shinji thanks her again.
Then, Captains Byakuya Kuchiki and Kenpachi Zaraki return from their fight with Yammy Llargo in Hueco Mundo. Their division members welcome them back, and some Shinigami request medical aid for the two captains. The 11th Division asks how the fight was this time, and Kenpachi says that it was too boring. In Hueco Mundo, Yammy is laying dying with his head smashed into a stone building and one of his arms severed. The Hollow dog that follows Yammy around returns, and Yammy looks at it. He asks, "Why'd you come back, you stupid dog..." With that, Yammy Llargo dies.
Back in Soul Society, where Ichigo's fight took place, Ichigo is gazing up into the sky, Urahara calls him, and Ichigo asks where everyone is. Urahara says that they all went home, and that they wanted to talk, but it seemed like an equally difficult task. Ichigo then asks if their memories were replaced, and Urahara answers with a no. Ichigo says good, and that he wants to explain to them with his own mouth. Urahara announces that Aizen's seal was transported to the Seireitei, where the Central 46 is deciding Aizen's disposal. Ichigo says "oh", and then looks down. Urahara asks why he is making such a sad face, and Ichigo looks up in surprise. He says that he's wondering why himself. Urahara tells him that he saved Karakura Town by sealing Aizen, and risking his own life, and that he shouldn't make that face. Ichigo sits down on a rock and doesn't answer. Ichigo then asks Urahara if Aizen really was rejected by the Hōgyoku. His dad had told him about the Hōgyoku and that its ability was to take in the "hearts" around them and materialize them. But if that's so, then Aizen might have wished losing that power. He then says that he had acquired the right amount of power to defeat him, and he had finally touched it in battle. In Aizen's blade was only "solitude". Ichigo thinks that Aizen was searching for a person with the same viewpoint of the world as he had. Aizen just kept wishing that he was "just a Shinigami."
Then, Orihime Inoue, Uryū Ishida, Rukia Kuchiki, Yasutora Sado, and Lieutenant Renji Abarai all appear. Ichigo looks at them in surprise, and asks them if they're supposed to be standing already. Rukia tries to answer, but Orihime interjects, saying that she knew it was Ichigo, but his hair was all grown out, so she wasn't sure. Ichigo replies that she's making such a weird face and his hair is just messy. Then, all of a sudden, Ichigo drops to his knees and collapses. Everyone stares in shock, and then they all run forward to help him, as Ichigo screams in agony.
423. Bleach My Soul [ ]
Sousuke Aizen is sentenced to his fate by the Central 46, while Ichigo Kurosaki finally awakens and copes with his loss of Shinigami powers.
When the Central 46 sentences Aizen to 18,800 years in Muken, the eighth and lowest level of the underground prison, Aizen scoffs at the idea of them passing judgment on him. Aizen is warned not to be so "high and mighty" just because he is immortal and his eyes and mouth are bound. Aizen's sentence is increased to 20,000 years.
In the First Division barracks, Captain-Commander Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto scolds Captains Kenpachi, Byakuya, and Shunsui for losing their captain's haori and acting as if it was not important. Byakuya offers to replace the "cheap" haori, but Yamamoto replies that he is not worried about that and that they are not cheap. He tells them that battles are not just about winning and demands to know what they think a captain's haori is, but is angered by their response that they are dead weight, cheap and fashion statements. Outside the barracks, Captain Jūshirō Ukitake comments to Co-3rd Seats Sentarō Kotsubaki and Kiyone Kotetsu that ten days after the battle, Yamamoto has recovered his strength despite losing his arm, noting that there is nobody in Soul Society who could replace him.
In the Twelfth Division compound, a member of the Division informs Akon that Rangiku is there to visit Lieutenant Momo Hinamori, who is undergoing organ restoration at the Division. Akon tells him that Mayuri is in Hueco Mundo and goes to explain the situation to Rangiku. However, she is no longer there.
Meanwhile, Captain Tōshirō Hitsugaya is training with his Bankai in a cave. He notes that at this rate he will never be able to protect Hinamori and that he needs to be better able to control his Bankai and his Shikai. In the shadows nearby, Rangiku thinks to herself that everyone is moving on. She notes that Lieutenants Renji and Shūhei Hisagi were not in their barracks and most likely were training. She thinks about Gin, noting that she hated the way that whenever he disappeared, he did not leave anything for her to remember him by behind. But she is sure that Gin knew if he did leave anything behind she probably would not be able to move on, and states that she loved that part of him.
In the Kurosaki Clinic, Ichigo awakens a month after collapsing. Rukia explains what Urahara told her about the loss of Ichigo's Shinigami powers, as Ichigo says that he will have to give up being a Substitute Shinigami. Rukia tells him that his remaining power will also disappear. Rukia is surprised at Ichigo's easy acceptance of it. They go outside, where Ichigo notes that he cannot sense any spirits and that Rukia's presence is fading. Rukia comments that she will still be able to see him, which does not reassure Ichigo, who asks her to tell everyone that he said hi. As they say goodbye, Rukia fades from Ichigo's sight.
Bleach, Volume 49
424. The Lost Agent [ ]
As he finally lives the normal life he always dreamed of, Ichigo Kurosaki meets a mysterious man.
Ichigo wakes up in the morning, 17 months after his fight with Sousuke Aizen and its aftermath. He is 17 years old, has orange hair, brown eyes, he is a high-school student. He can't see ghosts. Yuzu Kurosaki, now with longer hair, shows Ichigo her junior high uniform for her admittance ceremony that day. Ichigo ignores her and asks for the soy sauce. Yuzu, angered, hands him the sauce and says she won't put any of the burned rice that he likes in his bowl. Ichigo informs her that her zipper is open; she accuses him of being a pervert. Karin Kurosaki is bothered by two ghosts, but refuses to acknowledge that to Ichigo. Isshin Kurosaki asks Yuzu what sort of tie would go better with his suit. She tells him they are both fine, much to his frustration.
Yasutora Sado and Orihime Inoue filled in the blanks about Ichigo's powers to his other friends while he was unconscious. They believed it immediately, which is not surprising, considering what they've seen. Since Ichigo's Shinigami powers disappeared, Karin's powers have been steadily growing and she is now at the level he was before becoming a Shinigami. She behaves as if it is a disability, but hasn't discussed it with him. Ichigo meets up with Mizuiro Kojima and the two walk to school together. Keigo Asano welcomes Ichigo with his usual enthusiastic manner, which Ichigo ends by clothes-lining and grabbing his head in a vice. While looking for Tatsuki Arisawa 's video game in his backpack, Ichigo comes across his Substitute Shinigami badge and realizes he has forgotten to return it. The badge seems to have lost its powers as well, since Ichigo can see it and it won't respond to the presence of Hollows. The badge remains as the only proof that Ichigo ever had Shinigami powers.
The duties of Hollow control in Karakura Town have become the sole charge of Uryū Ishida, since Zennosuke Kurumadani has proven to be incompetent. Rukia Kuchiki hasn't even come to visit once since they last departed. Keigo asks if Ichigo started plotting a career path and reminds him that his grades have dropped since the ninth grade. He then wonders aloud about Rukia, saying it would have been nice of her to drop by every now and then. Ichigo says since she is no longer the representative of Karakura Town, it's obvious why she hasn't come. Keigo asks if Ichigo misses her, which Ichigo denies. He says this is the kind of normal life he had always hoped for.
On their way home from school, Ichigo, Keigo, and Mizuiro witness a robbery. The robber passes between them after grabbing a man 's bag. This reminds Ichigo that he has another memento from his Shinigami days. He gives his bag to Mizuiro before going after the thief. He effortlessly catches up to him and punches him in the face. When the robber draws a knife, Ichigo grabs his hand and knocks him out before returning the bag to its owner. Ichigo's body retained his heightened speed, strength and agility, which are remnants of his training regime as a Shinigami. The owner of the bag is impressed with Ichigo and offers to buy him lunch. Ichigo politely refuses and only asks that the man doesn't speak of the incident. The man agrees, but after Ichigo leaves the man says Ichigo is surprisingly wary, calling him by his name, as he puts back a Substitute Shinigami badge into his bag.
425. A Day Without Melodies [ ]
While Ichigo Kurosaki is highly sought after for a sports club, a gang turns up at the school looking for him.
Ichigo has a strange dream in which shadows of Lieutenant Renji Abarai, Captain Byakuya Kuchiki, and Rukia tell him to wake up. Suddenly, he is woken up by Isshin, who tries to jump on him and almost falls down the window in the process. Ichigo tells him that because of him, he has weird dreams. When Isshin asks about his dream, Ichigo says that he forgot.
At school, Ichigo negotiates with a number of sport clubs that want him to join them. Mizuiro tries to enter, but seeing that Ichigo is busy, doesn't interrupt him. He talks with Keigo about the negotiations, and they wonder if he does it because he wants to save up money and leave home after graduation. Finally, Ichigo comes out of the room, choosing the soccer club.
While preparing for training, he meets Tatsuki, who is working as an assistant in the dojo they both used to go to. While walking through a corridor, Orihime notices Ichigo and Tatsuki outside of the window and greets them. She then slides down a drainpipe, prompting Tatsuki to hit her in the head for her recklessness. After a brief discussion, Tatsuki rushes to work while reminding Ichigo that he has to call in his work too. When the soccer club calls him to practice, he throws his gloves at them.
Ichigo talks with his manager by phone, and is fired by her. After ending the call, a group of people with weapons enter the school gate, and their leader asks for Ichigo to come out, because he beat up one of his gang boys. Uryū tells them to stop and takes them on. While Ichigo rushes to stop them, someone watches on from nearby.
426. The Starter2 [ ]
Ichigo Kurosaki and Uryū Ishida beat up some delinquents but the brawl ends abruptly when Ichigo is abducted by his boss.
Obuta gives his cronies the order to attack Uryū. They charge forward, but the first guy is dropped to the floor and grabbed in a knee wrench by Ichigo, who sits on top of him and starts counting, ignoring the thug's cries of pain and surrender. The gang member previously beaten by Ichigo identifies him to Obuta. Ichigo's count reaches thirteen when he is kicked in the back by Uryū. Ichigo asks him why he did that, but Uryū turns the question back to him. Ichigo says he intervened to help Uryū. Obuta, a slow thinker, finally realizes he's looking at the person he's come to find and yells out Ichigo's name, but since he interrupted their argument, both boys then punch him in the face, breaking three of his teeth.
Having dropped the gang's leader, Ichigo and Uryū resume their debate: Ichigo claims that the gang came to find him, so Uryū should stay out. Uryū, on the other hand, claims that he's made it his business so Ichigo should stay out. Ichigo maintains that Uryū needs to consider his position as head of the student council and stay out of brawls such as this one, but before the Quincy can retort the gang members attack them, using the winning argument that Ichigo aught to be fighting them and not Uryū.
While they're both fighting the hooligans off, Ichigo asks if Uryū isn't over doing it a little in the Hollow fighting department. Uryū replies that he isn't fighting the Hollows, but exterminating them and that all the calls go out from the Urahara Shop, so it should be alright. Ichigo reminds him that Urahara himself was a fugitive from Soul Society until recently. As they are busy finishing the last of Obuta's gang, Uryū says this is not the time to talk about it and asks that Ichigo texts him later. Ichigo doesn't have Uryū's number and is surprised Uryū even has a cell phone. Uryū shows him a new phone, given to him by Kisuke Urahara. Ichigo says the phone probably won't work in the Human World.
At that moment a new voice calls out Ichigo's name. The voice belongs to Yokochini who says he's glad to see Ichigo is doing well and asks if he remembers him. Ichigo does have a blurry flashback of the events that transpired four years ago, but denies it to aggravate Yokochini further. Yokochini begs him to try harder, but Ichigo says he didn't know him to begin with so he cannot recognize him after having his hairstyle changed. Yokochini says since Ichigo beat him up, he had to move when his father's work transferred, and now, after four years this is the attitude he gets. Ichigo says he doesn't care to hear Yokochini's life story, but before the latter can finish his his threat to beat Ichigo up, a mysterious assailant kicks him in the back of the head and knocks him out.
The unknown assailant proceeds to defeat the entire gang as well and eventually turns out to be Ichigo's boss. She tells Ichigo she is done putting up with his days of slacking while in her employ and orders him to keep quiet and let her kidnap him. Ichigo refuses, but the woman grabs him, tucks him into her van and drives off. Over at the Unagiya Shop, where Ichigo is employed, the woman, Ikumi Unagiya, throws the bound Ichigo on the couch. She says she'll only untie him if he promises not to run away. She then gets a call from a customer who mistook the shop for an eel shop. Ichigo suggests she changes the name of the shop to a less confusing name, but she refuses.
Ikumi looks through her drawers and lays a long list of work orders on Ichigo. Ichigo tells her she can do all those herself, but she says she's busy enough in the office, which is why she hired him. Unfortunately their yelling wakes up Ikumi's son, Kaoru Unagiya. He calls out for her, prompting her to quickly put on a motherly apron and remove her business persona embodied in her work hat and gloves. By the time the door opens, Ikumi has transformed into the perfect doting mother. Kaoru walks into the office and says he is hungry. Although it was forbidden for him, he walked in barefoot. Kaoru then notices Ichigo and asks what he is doing there. He then tells Ichigo he cannot have his mother, even though she is pretty and adds a raspberry before being taken out of the room.
Ikumi apologizes for her child and asks Ichigo not to say the things he probably wants to say. Ichigo asks if she means like the fact that he has no interest in an old woman like her and gets hit in the head by a ledger. Ikumi, back in her business persona, says she told him to hold it in, not spit it out. She starts untying Ichigo when they hear the doorbell. Ikumi opens the door and invites the would be customer in. The customer is the man whose bag was stolen and retrieved by Ichigo the day before. He is carrying takeaway ramen and offers it to Ichigo. Ichigo refuses, saying this is an eel shop which Ikumi denies. Ichigo is in a bad mood.
427. A Delicious Dissonance [ ]
The stranger wants the Unagiya Shop to investigate Isshin Kurosaki. Karin Kurosaki goes to the Urahara Shop.
Orihime frantically looks for Uryū having heard about Ichigo's abduction. He assures her that while it might have looked that way, it was in fact Ichigo's boss, who simply came to pick him up. Orihime then says she's been getting a strange feeling around Ichigo for the past two days and asks Uryū if he doesn't feel the same. Uryū denies it, saying he's always felt strange around Ichigo. He then notices Orihime's bag and asks her if she wasn't on her way home. Orihime suddenly realizes she's late for work and runs off. When she leaves, Uryū has to admit to himself that Ichigo has lately been showing signs of Reiatsu.
At the Unagiya Shop, the unnamed man and Ichigo sit at a table. Since Ichigo refused to touch the ramen, the unnamed man eats it himself. Ichigo tries to get the man's attention, but is ignored. Eventually, he gets off his chair and demands the man's attention and tells him to go eat at his own home. Ikumi agrees with her employee and asks the strange man what his business is at her shop. The man says he is a customer and asks for some oolong tea. When the man finishes drinking Ichigo asks him what he wants of him. The man denies wanting anything from Ichigo and simply states that he was looking for a place of business that deals with troublesome tasks and by coincidence entered the Unagiya shop. Ichigo asks if it is also a coincidence he was carrying ramen, to which the man replies of course. The man realizes this bickering will get them nowhere and asks Ikumi if she's the owner of the business. When she confirms it he asks her if she wants him to reveal his request to her.
In front of the Urahara Shop, two young boys are playing baseball. One hits the ball shouting 'Jinta Home Run!' and the ball flies towards the other boy only to be caught half-way by Jinta Hanakari himself. Jinta pegs the ball back to the batter, hitting him in the stomach and causing crumple with pain. He tells them not to play baseball in front of other people's houses and that the only one who allowed to use the 'Jinta Home Run' is himself. Tessai Tsukabishi hits Jinta over the head and slings him over his shoulder, telling him he shouldn't throw a ball at a person without a baseball glove. Ururu Tsumugiya bows to the two boys and apologizes for Jinta's behavior. She asks the injured boy if his stomach is alright and then asks the boys to play with Jinta despite his childish and foolish behavior. The boys blush and promise to do so.
Back at the Unagiya Shop, the unnamed man continues with his request. He wants the Unagiya shop to do a background check on a man and shows the picture to Ichigo. Before the man can say the name of the man Ichigo recognizes him as his father, Isshin, and says his name. The man feigns a surprise and asks if Ichigo knows the man. Ichigo replies that the man in the photograph is his father and if there's anything he'd like to know about him he can just ask Ichigo and he'll tell him. The man says it's quite a coincidence that Isshin is Ichigo's father, but that Ichigo doesn't know enough to answer any questions about Isshin.
At the Urahara Shop as Tessai, Ururu, and Jinta are heading inside when a figure steps up and asks if Urahara is there. Urahara welcomes his newest guest says who turns out to be Karin Kurosaki.
428. The Known [ ]
Karin Kurosaki visits Urahara's shop to purchase Plus -repelling supplies, only to be seen by Ichigo Kurosaki.
Ichigo questions the unnamed man about what he asked him. He responds with asking Ichigo in turn what he does know about his family, and if he isn't curious at all. He is interrupted by Ikumi, who tells him he will takes the picture and consider about taking the job or not. He leaves, but not before telling Ichigo to go to Urahara's. He hints that he may see something of interest there.
When he leaves, he is confronted by two of his comrades, Riruka Dokugamine and Giriko Kutsuzawa, demanding why he couldn't convince Ichigo. He responds with asking them what they are doing, and argues briefly with them till he says they need to go.
Back in Urahara's shop, Urahara is showing Karin some special products designed to repel souls. She asks if she needs to pay, but he waves her off, saying he owes Ichigo, so it doesn't matter if she does or not. He asks her how Ichigo is doing, and is responded with a fine. He then asks her if her feelings haven’t changed. She responds with no, then says its fine because Ichigo has already protected her so much, and its now her turn to protect him. She turns to leave, but is stopped by Urahara, who says that if she ever needs anything, to ask him. She looks at him suspiciously, but he assures her just if anything happens. She thanks him, then walks outs, and looks around before leaving.
Ichigo watches her run away, wondering what Karin is doing at Urahara's. He is startled by the arrival of the unmanned man behind him. He asks him if he isn't worried about his sister visiting a shifty guy like Urahara. Ichigo protests, saying he’s not shift. He is interrupted by the man asking him if he helped them. Ichigo asks him what he knows. The man responds by saying that he should make his move now, if he wants to protect his family, that is. Ichigo asks him for his name. The man says he is named Kūgo Ginjō.
429. Welcome to our EXECUTION [ ]
Orihime Inoue tries to get information from Ichigo Kurosaki while Uryū Ishida chases a mysterious man.
Ichigo tells Kūgo that he does not trust him. Kūgo says that was to be expected and gives Ichigo an item. Upon arriving home, Ichigo is greeted cheerfully by Yuzu, who shows him the results of her first test, in which she scored highly. Ichigo is happy for her and says that Isshin should be too, asking where he is. Yuzu tells him that he has been gone since the morning, which Ichigo brushes off and says that he will be in his room. Yuzu feels that something is wrong, but does not say anything.
In his room, Ichigo wonders where Isshin is and that if he had his Shinigami powers, he could find him, but reminds himself that he does not have them anymore. He hears a voice outside his window and sees Orihime with a box full of bread. He invites her in before saying he cannot eat all of this, even with everyone in his family also eating it. He says he'll take a part of it before asking why she's fidgeting. Orihime replies that she didn't think that he'd let her in his room. Ichigo says she should not be surprise and that she has been there before. They bicker slightly about the bread being leftovers or discarded. Orihime then asks if something has been wrong and Ichigo replies no, asking why. She says intuition and says she feels as if he is being followed or something. Ichigo says that it'd be more like picking a fight with him, and she's the type to be followed. Orihime then quickly replies that her intuition was wrong. Ichigo then tries to find the manga that he borrowed, Orihime saying it's okay.
Uryū arrives outside the clinic and notices that Orihime got there before him to ask about the weird sensation they've been feeling around him and wonders if he should check if there are any disturbances around town when he notices a person reading on the roof of the clinic, who then disappears. He begins to chase the mysterious person across town, noting that he wasn't traveling at a Human speed, nor was there any disturbances in the Reishi around him, implying that he wasn't using Shunpo. Uryū gets distracted when he sees a light on the telephone pole that the person stepped on, then being attacked by the person.
Ichigo sits at his desk, thinking about the thing that Kūgo gave him, when he hears a noise close by. He goes to the window. Uryū is lying on the road, a pool of blood around his shoulder. The item on Ichigo's bed is a card that says, "welcome to our Xcution".
430. Welcome to our EXECUTION2 [ ]
Ryūken Ishida brings Orihime Inoue up to speed. Ichigo Kurosaki makes a move derived of frustration.
At her apartment, Orihime notes that her face is still red and expresses her surprise that Ichigo had invited her inside, idealizing what actually happened. She says that Ichigo is so nice for telling her to pick out the bread she liked to bring it home. Spinning around, she becomes dizzy and falls, knocking a picture of Sora Inoue. She picks up the picture and apologizes before saying that Ichigo is hiding something. Her phone rings, startling her. She answers, finding that it is Ishida.
At the Kurosaki Clinic, Karin asks Yuzu where Ichigo is as they have dinner. Karin then teases her about how she thinks of Ichigo, causing her to storm off. As she wonders if Ichigo had been cold to Yuzu again, she decides to make him console her later. However, Ichigo rushes passed her and leaves.
Ichigo arrives at Karakura Hospital to find Orihime already there. He asks about Sado, but Orihime tells him that he did not answer his phone. Seeing that she called Ichigo, Uryū says that she is taking things too far. As Ryūken Ishida mocks him, Uryū says that he should not have any visitors as his wounds may worsen. Ryūken dismisses this, saying that he performed the surgery himself. He scolds his son for telling his doctor what to do after he was defeated. When Ichigo inquires what they are talking about, Uryū tells him it does not concern him. Ichigo insists that they should work together, and Ryūken states that it is important to share information. Uryū tells them that he cannot tell them anything and asks them to go home.
When Ichigo offers to walk Orihime home, Ryūken tells him that he will drive her home and that he should hurry home to avoid aggravating Isshin. Ryūken tells Orihime that Ichigo does not seem to be able to help and informs her that he examined the Reiatsu left in Uryū by the attacker. He reveals that the attacker was not a Hollow or Shinigami, but rather was something that he had not encountered before. He theorizes that the assailant was a Human with powers, similar to Orihime and Sado. Noting that Quincy broadly fall into this category, he warns her that she or Sado might be in danger.
Concerned by being kept out of the loop, Ichigo rings the number on the card that Kūgo gave him and is connected to Xcution. The speaker informs him that they are aware of him and welcomes him to Xcution.
431. Welcome to our EXECUTION3 [ ]
Ichigo Kurosaki makes contact with ' Xcution ' at their headquarters.
Ichigo is told to go through a complicated procedure to contact Kūgo. Once connected, Ichigo tells him that it was a "real pain in the ass". Kūgo tells him that things would be difficult for him if things were not done that way. Ichigo tells him that he wants to talk about something, which Kūgo acknowledges before giving him directions to a meeting place in Naruki City where they can talk the following evening at eight o'clock.
At school the following day, Orihime asks Ichigo if he knows anything about Sado's condition. Ichigo inquires if he is sick. Orihime tells him that she went to his class to inform him about what had happened to Uryū, but it seems that Sado has not been in school lately. She tells him that she was planning to take a get well present to him after school and invites Ichigo, who declines, saying that he has plans. She tells him that she will let him know what Sado's condition. Ichigo thanks her and walks off, wondering if something had happened to him as well.
At Sado's home, Orihime finds that Sado is not in. She remembers Ryūken's warning, but quickly dismisses such negative thoughts and leaves some bread and prays for him.
In Naruki City, Ichigo reaches the meeting place three minutes early and is greeted by Kūgo, who asks him what he wants to talk about. Ichigo tells him that a friend was attacked and he wants Kūgo's help. Noting that he knows about him and Isshin, he states that Kūgo is probably not a normal Human. Ichigo sates that it is not a matter of him trusting Kūgo, who replies that Ichigo has nobody else to turn to and asks him to follow him inside a derelict building.
Kūgo reveals that the request to investigate Isshin was a ruse to pique Ichigo's interest. Arriving at a keypad, he tells Ichigo to swipe his card in it and presses some of the buttons on the keypad. Inside, Ichigo sees a number of other people and a bar. He asks why it is so big inside, to which Kūgo replies that the walls and floors of the adjacent rooms had been knocked through. He reveals that some of Xcution's members have some money. He then tells Ichigo that the group's objective is to restore Ichigo's Shinigami powers.
432. The Soul Pantheism [ ]
Kūgo Ginjō demonstrates his ability, Fullbring. Riruka Dokugamine brings an acquaintance of Ichigo Kurosaki 's to Xcution 's hideout.
Riruka and an unseen man are walking through the streets, with Riruka complaining about having to go find the latter and that Kūgo should have gone himself. The other person remains quiet all the while other than answering questions and apologizing.
Back at Xcution's hideout, Ichigo demands how and why they are bringing back his Shinigami powers. He starts to get worked up when Kūgo tell him to calm down. The man says that it's impossible for him to answer everything all at once and that they've got time tonight. After sitting down, Kūgo asks Ichigo what he wants to drink, saying that he can't serve alcohol to a kid. Ichigo says that he doesn't want anything, so Kūgo tells Giriko to just get him orange juice. He starts explaining, saying that they are Humans, but Humans with a special ability. He continues saying that it'd take too long to just explain and that it'd be easier to just show Ichigo. He then uses his powers on his drink with Ichigo noting that there is a light, and has the liquid go into his mouth. Kūgo says that their power is to pull out the "souls" that reside in matter. He explains to Ichigo that all objects have souls and asks that if he's ever felt like his capabilities of wielding a tool he's used to rise, and that that means he's understood the tool's soul and that all souls of objects are equipped with the ability to help the ones who use them. They, Xcution, take the souls of objects and pull it out, boosts it with their own souls to make it into a great power. He gives some examples, continuing by saying if they are used to a tool and have a good compatibility with it, they can even change its form. Kūgo then removes his necklace, telling him to watch and changes it into a broadsword. He says they call their ability ' Fullbring '.
Just then, Riruka returns. Kūgo says she's earlier than he thought she'd be and asks that if she found him. Riruka then says that she found him. She asks if his sword was what was shining and if he's stupid bringing it out. She says that it's too dark and she can't see anything, demanding that Kūgo add more lights to the hideout. Kūgo replies that he has no intention of doing so and that she should put on her glasses. Riruka complains about glasses and contacts, and Kūgo says he never asked about that. Ichigo asks who she is and Kūgo introduces his ally. She asks who he's speaking to, with Kūgo saying he'll introduce her to him later. She then snaps at someone behind her and tells him to get inside. Ichigo is shocked to see Sado, who is just as shocked to see him.
Bleach, Volume 50
433. The Six Fullbringers [ ]
Kūgo Ginjō explains more about Fullbring. Ichigo Kurosaki agrees to help Xcution.
Ichigo is shocked to learn that Yasutora Sado is with the members of Xcution. Sado is surprised to see Ichigo there. Ichigo starts getting aggravated, demanding to know why he is there and why he's even skipping school. Ginjō tells him to calm down which he doesn't. Ichigo demands Ginjō tell him what's going on and he tells Ichigo to calm down again, saying he won't repeat himself. He continues by saying that he will understand if he just listens to what he has to say, telling Ichigo and Sado to sit. Riruka Dokugamine then asks if the two know each other, yelling at Ginjō if the others knew. Ginjō tells Giriko Kutsuzawa to get Sado something to drink. Riruka demands to know if he's ignoring her. She then notices something and demands to know if Ichigo is the Ichigo Kurosaki that they have been after, and yells at Ginjō to turn on the lights so she can see him. Ginjō says later. He then says to get down to business. Giriko tells him that before starting, he must sheathe his sword. Ginjō complies and Giriko tells him that he can pay for the destroyed floor tiles later.
They start and Ginjō asks Ichigo if he knows why the holes in Hollow ’s chest are open. Ichigo replies no. Ginjō continues by saying that they lose their hearts by not being saved by a Shinigami. He asks Ichigo if he knows where their hearts go. Ichigo doesn't reply and Ginjō continues to say that their hearts become their masks and that the outward appearance and abilities of the Hollow all come from its heart. He then says that everyone in Xcution had a parent who was attacked by a Hollow before the Xcution member was born and a bit of the Hollows' power stayed in their mothers' bodies and was passed down onto them when they were born. He says that they don't like their powers and that Ichigo should understand a bit at the very least what they must feel like, since he, too, was once part Hollow. Ginjō says that they want to rid themselves of this power and through the years spent gathering allies with the same abilities, they found the truth. They can pass their powers onto a person who is the exact opposite of them, someone with the powers of a Shinigami and a Human. Ginjō says that Ichigo wasn't the first child of a Shinigami and a Human, and that many of their old allies changed back into Humans by passing on their powers to these others.
Ginjō asks if Ichigo understands that in order for them to be Human, he must become a Shinigami again. He says that they found Sado, who said he would also participate in order for Ichigo to regain his powers. Ichigo asks if that's true. Sado replies yes and tells Ichigo that ever since Ichigo lost his powers, he has not been able to look at him. Sado says that Ichigo wants to fight and to protect the people around him and that he doesn't need to hide it because it makes him who he is. Ginjō cuts in, saying that his powers will come back and that Xcution will give their powers to Ichigo. Ichigo finally says that he'll help them. Ginjō says that they will then help Ichigo. Riruka then asks if it's ok to just trust someone like that. She says she is going to see him with her own eyes before shining a flashlight at Ichigo.
Ichigo recoils from the light and Riruka is frozen for a minute before thinking to herself that Ichigo is good-looking. She falls down and Ichigo asks if she's alright, to which she replies no, blushing.
434. Berry in the Box [ ]
Ichigo Kurosaki begins his training with the help of Riruka Dokugamine.
As Don Kanonji 's TV show comes to an end, Karin Kurosaki tells Yuzu Kurosaki to go to bed. She replies that Karin should go to bed too, but she refuses. She tells Yuzu that it is okay if she is worried about Ichigo, who has come home late the past two days, saying that she will wait up for him. They hear Ichigo come in and rush to see him. He tells them to go to bed or they will be late tomorrow.
An annoyed Ichigo arrives at Xcution's hideout and asks why he was called there. Kūgo teases him and Ichigo asks if he is going to do some training in a larger space. Riruka enters the room with a doll house, telling him that he will be doing just that. After Ichigo asks why she is late, she tells him that she always has things to do. Yukio Hans Vorarlberna tells her it is time that she stopped opening doors with her foot, as she reveals her underwear when doing so. He complains about this and Riruka tells him off for talking to her like he is the boss and acting differently because they have a guest. Yukio, however, is playing a hand held video game and wearing headphones. He takes them off and asks her to repeat what she said. Jackie Tristan stops an angered Riruka from responding and tells her to explain the doll house to Ichigo.
Insisting that she intended to, she shows him the doll house, claiming it will be his training ground. She explains that her Fullbring power allows her to place people or things into anything that she thinks is cute or adorable. She places her pass on Ichigo and he is pulled into the house. Disorientated, the miniaturized Ichigo demands to know what is going on. Riruka tells him that his training is to defeat the doll in the house. As the doll approaches him, she reassures him that it is not strong and should be easy to beat if he uses Fullbring.
435. Panic at the Dollhouse [ ]
Ichigo Kurosaki 's training in the Dollhouse continues.
As Ichigo runs from the attacking doll, Riruka criticizes him for running and encourages him to stand and face it. Ichigo complains that he has not adjusted to the situation yet and asks why he has shrunk. Riruka once again explains about her Fullbring, "Dollhouse", saying that while Kūgo could only turn his pendant into a weapon to fight battles with, but she is different. Her Fullbring allows her to freely move objects that she gives permission to into and out of things that she likes.
The doll attacks Ichigo again and Riruka tells him to use his Fullbring to defeat it. Ichigo protests, demanding to know what using Fullbring has to do with regaining his Shinigami powers. Riruka says that Ichigo should do as he is told, as well as calling him lame for not wanting to risk his life without knowing why he is doing it. Ginjō comments that Riruka is being a tyrant.
When Ichigo evades another attack, Riruka compliments him on his dodging skills. Ichigo asks for a hint on how to use Fullbring, but Riruka replies that everyone in the group has been able to use Fullbring since birth and thus they have no hints or tricks to reveal.
The doll yells at Ichigo, saying that he should stop running away. Riruka tells the surprised Ichigo that there is a Yakuza member that she abducted from the neighborhood inside the doll, calling it Mr. Pork. Mr. Pork then informs Ichigo that he was told to kill him within the next 15 minutes or else he would be stuck inside the toy forever. Ichigo indignantly calls this a lie and Riruka whacks Mr. Pork before closing the roof of her dollhouse, leaving the two of them to duke it out. While Riruka leaves to get a snack, Jackie asks Kūgo if Ichigo will be alright, but he states that he does not know.
While Ichigo runs from Mr. Pork, Ichigo tries to figure out what he could use for a Fullbring. Outside, Jackie asks Riruka if she is concerned about Ichigo and about the timer on Mr. Pork, which she denies.
Sado returns from doing some shopping and asks what the Dollhouse is. Jackie tells him what it is and a shocked Sado lifts up the roof of the Dollhouse to tell Ichigo to use his Substitute Shinigami Badge as a Fullbring. Ichigo remarks that they really did think alike as he had come up with the same idea just then. However, before Ichigo can try to use his badge, the fifteen minute time limit ends, causing Mr. Pork to enter "Mad Beast Mode."
436. The Time Discipline [ ]
Giriko Kutsuzawa 's Fullbring, Time Tells No Lies, puts Ichigo Kurosaki in a tight spot. He must survive 15 more minutes against Mr. Pork in "Full Beast Mode".
Ichigo is confronted by Mr. Pork in his "Full Beast Mode". Riruka, shocked by this new development, turns to Giriko and asks him what he did. Giriko replies that she was the one who told him to lend his power for Ichigo's training. Riruka says that she is sure there are other ways to do it without making something that gross. Sado interrupts, saying they should focus on getting Ichigo out of the box.
However, Giriko tells him that the box also has a timer on it. He reveals that those inside will be allowed to leave if they survive 30 minutes within it. If Ichigo is removed before then, he will receive the wrath of the "God of Time". Giriko explains that if someone breaches the conditions of his timer, all those subject to the timer will be incinerated without a trace. Sado interprets this as a threat, but Riruka claims otherwise, saying that she has seen it many times. When Sado asks him to disengage his Fullbring, Giriko claims to be unable to do so without killing Ichigo and Mr. Pork.
Meanwhile, Ichigo is fighting Mr. Pork, whose powers have increased. Managing to gain a small upper hand, he hides and wonders how he will activate his Fullbring from his Substitute Shinigami badge. Sado explains to him that pride was in his heart when he first used his powers, revealing that his Fullbring is the skin on his arms. He informs Ichigo of the pride he has always taken in his skin and tells him to think of a time when he felt pride in his Shinigami powers. Ichigo thinks back, realizing there have been many times when he has felt pride. He then focuses on a moment with Rukia and his badge responds, with tendrils of black energy forming in the shape of Tensa Zangetsu ' s tsuba.
437. Swastika Break [ ]
Ichigo Kurosaki manages to utilize Fullbring for both defense and offense, defeating Mr. Pork.
Riruka and Sado are surprised at the sight of Ichigo's Shinigami badge activating. Mr. Pork discovers where Ichigo is hiding. As Kūgo comments that like all his battles are etched into his soul, they are also etched into the tools he possesses, stating that every time Ichigo touched it after finishing a battle, his memories of the battle were engraved into its soul. He claims that this is the greatest asset of someone who has fought many battles when they learn to use Fullbring.
Mr. Pork attacks the wall that Ichigo is hiding behind, but Ichigo manages to escape and jumps up over Mr. Pork’s shoulder. Ichigo launches his badge at Mr. Pork, but the second he lets go, all of the black Reiatsu coming out of the badge’s side disappears and it does no harm to Mr. Pork when it hits him. The badge drops to the floor and Ichigo rushes to get it.
Once he grabs hold of the badge he realizes that the black Reiatsu only comes out when he is holding it. He tries to use it to cut Mr. Pork, but it only dents his arm. Ichigo notes that it makes sense that a sword's guard will not cut an opponent. He then uses it to block one of Mr. Pork’s punches. Though he is slightly injured, it works. As he grabs the badge with both hands, Ichigo feels the sensation of his old Getsuga Tenshō technique.
As Kūgo wonders if he is doing this by instinct or through experience, he notes that Ichigo has calmed and his fighting style has changed. Ichigo flings a large amount of wheel-shaped energy at Mr. Pork's head, defeating him. Riruka and Sado are both surprised that Ichigo won. Ichigo wonders if the power will help him reclaim his Shinigami powers.
Meanwhile, Orihime arrives at Sado's home and remarks that Ichigo and Sado still have not returned to school. Noting that the bread she had previously left is gone, she concludes that Sado does come home occasionally. Orihime is challenged by Moe Shishigawara, who requests that she die there.
438. Knuckle Down [ ]
Ichigo Kurosaki is released from the Dollhouse and hears Rukia Kuchiki 's voice coming from his Substitute Shinigami Badge. Uryū Ishida 's attacker reveals himself to Orihime Inoue.
After Ichigo defeats Mr. Pork, he asks Riruka if she could get him out of the doll house, but Giriko interrupts saying if that was Ichigo's true Fullbring, then Mr. Pork, who is currently lying on the floor, would have fulfilled the requirements and turned back to his original form; Giriko asks that if they should wait to see before bringing Ichigo out. Mr. Pork starts to return to his original form, and Ichigo demands to be let out. Riruka answers him saying that she will let him out. She grabs Ichigo and Mr. Pork and gets out a screwed up piece of tissue paper which she uses to make herself sneeze over Ichigo and Mr. Pork. By doing so, the love heart she put on Ichigo's top reveals the letter “R” on it which shines and then Ichigo and Mr. Pork are popped out of the doll house and are returned to their original size and state, with Mr. Pork in his Human form. Riruka tells Ichigo that if she sneezes on it, then her doll house Fullbring will be deactivated; Ichigo says that he got that and is annoyed that he is soaked in Riruka's snot. Kūgo asks Ichigo if he needs a towel to use, but Ichigo answers in a sarcastic way saying that he would rather stand here and let it soak in. Ichigo yells at Kūgo saying that he knew about this, but kept quiet about it. The black Reiatsu from the sides of Ichigo's badge begins to disappear making Ichigo state that he was worried that he didn't know how to pull the Reiatsu back and wonders if there was a time limit on it. Suddenly, the badge begins to produce some noise so Ichigo puts it up to his ear and listens, the badge begins to talk saying “of course not, Ichigo would never-” the voice stops, and Ichigo cannot hear it anymore. Ichigo then recognizes the voice and that it belongs to Rukia Kuchiki, which confuses him.
Meanwhile, Shishigawara thinks back on how he got the job of killing Orihime. It is revealed that the man who attacked Uryū ordered Shishigawara to defeat Orihime which he gives him a photo of her, Shishigawara says that this one’s a chick while looking at the photo, to which the man asks him if he can’t attack girls. Shishigawara is somewhat surprised saying that what the man said is not true. He thinks to himself that he will prove himself useful, that he will kill this chick and prove himself useful to Shūkurō Tsukishima. He introduces himself to Orihime and asks her if she minds dying. He thinks to himself that in fights, being preemptive is key, and once Orihime turns around, he will slam her with a big one as his introduction. He jumps up into the air screaming about to attack Orihime, but when she is turned around and facing him, he flings himself back when he sees how beautiful she is. He tries to get back up to fight her, but is knocked back by himself again, he lays on the floor apologizing to Tsukishima in his mind saying that this is as far as he can go. He then changes his thoughts and is determined to defeat her for Tsukishima. He gets back up and faces her slightly. While blushing, he asks if she is ready and saying that he is going to kill her, just like he did with that four-eyes. Orihime starts to get angry and asks if he was the one who attacked Uryū. He notices that her aura’s changed and he could fight her like this. Orihime demands an answer from him, but he simply says that the fact he just mentioned it is enough proof, to which Orihime agrees. She asks Shishigawara where he is from, but he tells her that she has to force it out of him. A voice interrupts Shishigawara and Orihime, telling Shishigawara that it is enough. A man appears behind Orihime and tells her that the one who attacked Uryū was him. Shishigawara is shocked to see the man and reveals him to be Tsukishima.
439. KEEN MARKER [ ]
Ichigo Kurosaki and Mr. Pork are dismissed for now, while Orihime Inoue confronts Shūkurō Tsukishima.
After being released from the dollhouse, Mr. Pork demands money from Riruka for his work. She declines and threatens him with her Fullbring, which scares him and makes him apologize. Riruka gives Mr. Pork a phone and says that she will call him when there is another job for him to do and that he should appear within 15 minutes of her call. After the yakuza leaves, Riruka tells a surprised Ichigo that he can go too. Kūgo tells him that he must allow his body time to recover and asks him to rest for a few days.
At Sado's home, Tsukishima introduces himself to Orihime. Shishigawara interrupts, insisting that he will deal with Orihime. However, Tsukishima tells him not to do anything and converts the placeholder in his book into a sword, threatening him. Orihime asks Tsukishima if it is a Zanpakutō, which he denies. He reveals that it is his Fullbring, " Book of The End ". He tells Orihime to relax, because he is not planning to do anything to her yet. Instead, he will leave after punishing Shishigawara for not listening to what he says. Orihime places herself between them, prompting Tsukishima to remark that she is just as kind as he had heard. He asks her if she cannot bear to see even an enemy hurt in front of her, but she tells him that if he was the one who attacked Uryū, then she cannot let him get away.
Sado and Ichigo walk to Sado's home and he tells Ichigo that Orihime has been bringing him leftover bread everyday lately. Ichigo tells Sado that she is worried about him and that he should call her. Sado tells Ichigo that she leaves him too much and that he will give half of it to Ichigo. When Sado arrives at his door and reaches for the bread, he notices something is wrong with her Reiatsu and shouts at Ichigo that something happened to her.
440. Mute Friendship [ ]
Ichigo Kurosaki and Yasutora Sado race towards Orihime Inoue, who is attacked by Shūkurō Tsukishima.
As Ichigo and Sado rush towards Orihime's Reiatsu, Sado stops Ichigo from calling her, fearing from her very tense Reiatsu that the distraction of her phone ringing could result in her death. Sado tells Ichigo that he can only discern the direction of her Reiatsu, but Ichigo realizes that her apartment is that way.
Tsukishima chastises Orihime for her comment about not letting him leave. Moe tries to impress upon her how dangerous Tsukishima is, but she silences him. Orihime contemplates the situation and what action she should take, but Tsukishima turns away. She tells him to wait and begins to activate Santen Kesshun, but he appears behind her and slashes her with his Fullbring, cutting through her shoulder and deep into her chest.
Ichigo and Sado arrive to find a confused and uninjured Orihime alone. They ask what happened, but she claims that she has a stomach ache after her friend left. She wonders to herself why she called him a friend and decides that she will text Sado later about the situation, so that she does not alarm Ichigo. Sado notes that she thinks Ichigo is still powerless and decides to ring her later. He tries to reassure Ichigo, but keeps him in the dark about his thoughts on the matter.
Ichigo returns to Xcution's hideout and tells them that he knows something happened. When he mentions the attack on Uryū, a drunk Kūgo confirms that Tsukishima is a Fullbringer and former ally.
441. Spotlight Brocken [ ]
Ichigo Kurosaki begins the next phase of his training.
Ikumi Unagiya rushes to answer her door, wondering who it could be at such a late hour. She is surprised to see it is Ichigo and invites him inside. As Kaoru Unagiya eavesdrops, Ikumi complains about Ichigo missing work and asking for more time off. When the clearly troubled Ichigo tries to leave, she stops him and tries to convince him to trust her. Ichigo thanks her and leaves.
Ichigo thinks about Kūgo explaining that Tsukishima used to be Xcution's leader and that he came up with the idea to give their powers to a Substitute Shinigami. However, when they did so, he killed the Shinigami and those that gave him their power and then disappeared. He shows Ichigo the Shinigami's badge and tells him that while they do not know his aims, he believes Tsukishima wants to keep Ichigo away from them and is using his attacks on Uryū and Orihime to catch Ichigo's attention. He then tells him that they will prepare for the next stage of his training and tells him to go home until then.
While walking the streets, Ichigo spots Isshin in an alley and hides. He witnesses him meeting with Urahara and the pair go elsewhere at Isshin's behest. Ichigo contemplates Kūgo's warning about Urahara and wonders if he should follow them, but decides not to due to his current power. He notes that he needs to get his powers back quickly.
Ichigo later returns to Xcution's hideout where Riruka reveals that she will place him inside a fish tank. She is surprised by his co-operation and places him inside, where Jackie is waiting. She introduces herself to Ichigo, who activates his Fullbring and introduces himself.
Sources and content license
Source and revision history · Exact listed stories combined in catalog order. Sources retain their stated license; formatting and headings adjusted. Adapted from Bleach Wiki contributors, HEART. Chapter synopses combined; illustrations, author notes, publisher blurbs and reference markers omitted. Adapted from Bleach Wiki contributors, SHOCK OF THE QUEEN. Chapter synopses combined; illustrations, author notes, publisher blurbs and reference markers omitted. Adapted from Bleach Wiki contributors, KINGDOM OF HOLLOWS. Chapter synopses combined; illustrations, author notes, publisher blurbs and reference markers omitted. Adapted from Bleach Wiki contributors, VICE IT. Chapter synopses combined; illustrations, author notes, publisher blurbs and reference markers omitted. Adapted from Bleach Wiki contributors, THE BURNOUT INFERNO. Chapter synopses combined; illustrations, author notes, publisher blurbs and reference markers omitted. Adapted from Bleach Wiki contributors, BACK FROM BLIND. Chapter synopses combined; illustrations, author notes, publisher blurbs and reference markers omitted. Adapted from Bleach Wiki contributors, END OF THE CHRYSALIS AGE. Chapter synopses combined; illustrations, author notes, publisher blurbs and reference markers omitted. Adapted from Bleach Wiki contributors, GOD IS DEAD. Chapter synopses combined; illustrations, author notes, publisher blurbs and reference markers omitted. Adapted from Bleach Wiki contributors, The Lost Agent. Chapter synopses combined; illustrations, author notes, publisher blurbs and reference markers omitted. Adapted from Bleach Wiki contributors, The Six Fullbringers. Chapter synopses combined; illustrations, author notes, publisher blurbs and reference markers omitted. · Content license