Recaps

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.

• Liu Hao separated the Hōgyoku from Aizen, sealed his power, and helped him recognize his feelings for Momo Hinamori before accepting the Hōgyoku and restoring Rangiku’s stolen soul fragment.
• Yamamoto ordered the Gotei 13 and the Visored to return to Soul Society, where Unohana cared for Liu Hao during his seven days of unconsciousness and told him that Aizen had been sentenced to Muken.
• Liu Hao learned that the Soul King had summoned him, then met the arriving Zero Division, which announced that he and Ichigo Kurosaki would visit the Soul King Palace with Renji Abarai and Rukia Kuchiki.
• Liu Hao asked Yamamoto to let him duel Kenpachi Zaraki before leaving, and Yamamoto approved the match in Muken.
• Liu Hao explained that Kenpachi had sealed his power as a boy and that Yachiru Kusajishi had formed from a fragment of his soul, then proposed a bond that would let her anchor him when he used Bankai.
• Liu Hao and Kenpachi fought fiercely, and Liu Hao released Bankai: Emperor's Descent, summoning the Imperial Throne, the Imperial Princess, and the Imperial Guard.
• Liu Hao healed Kenpachi and restored his strength before the Imperial Guard fought him, while Kenpachi eagerly continued despite suffering deep wounds.