Festival of Lights · Diwali
Liu Hao joined the Soul Reapers, awakened the Imperial Sword, and used his foreknowledge to protect Kaien Shiba and Miyako from a looming threat. He became captain of the Fourth Division’s Medical Guard Team and began intense training with Unohana and his Zanpakuto spirit.
Liu Hao revealed Aizen and Yhwach’s future plans to Soul Society’s leaders while trying to change the fates of those caught in them. He began Bankai training and overcame the first three trials, reaching the fourth flight of stairs.
Liu Hao completed the Imperial Path, awakened a new power, and warned the Shiba and Ishida families about Yhwach’s future plans. After confronting Aizen’s forces in Hueco Mundo and aiding the Expeditionary Force, Liu Hao returned to the World of the Living and settled at the Kurosaki Clinic, where Isshin and Masaki married.
Liu Hao protects the Ishida family and helps Ichigo grow stronger while Aizen’s schemes draw Soul Society into crisis. As Ichigo and his allies enter Seireitei to save Rukia, Liu Hao heals Renji, is framed for murder, and finally clashes with Byakuya while protecting Hanatarō and Ganju.
Liu Hao exposed Aizen’s plot to seize the Hōgyoku, then helped Soul Society prepare for the Arrancar threat while guiding Ichigo Kurosaki toward accepting his Hollow power. After the Arrancar attacked Karakura Town, Isshin revealed Ichigo’s origins and Liu Hao began training him to awaken his Zanpakuto.
Liu Hao helped Ichigo master his emerging powers, then led a group into Hueco Mundo to rescue Orihime. The group was split among battles with the Espada, while Ichigo confronted Grimmjow and struggled to fight without endangering Orihime and Nel.
Ichigo and his allies fought through Las Noches to rescue Orihime, while Liu Hao confronted the Espada and helped Ichigo face Ulquiorra. The group escaped toward Karakura Town as Aizen turned against the Espada and the Soul Reapers, leaving the battles against Aizen and his allies unresolved.
Liu Hao and the Soul Reapers confronted Aizen as the Hōgyoku repeatedly transformed him. Liu Hao revealed his sealed power and destroyed one Hōgyoku, but Aizen survived another attack and proclaimed himself a god.
Liu Hao defeated Aizen, restored Rangiku’s stolen soul fragment, and recovered as Soul Society prepared to receive the Zero Division. Before traveling to the Soul King Palace with Ichigo, Renji, and Rukia, he began a duel with Kenpachi Zaraki and revealed how Yachiru was connected to Kenpachi’s power.
No recap yet. An arc gets one once it has 25 chapters.