Arc 9The Rescue and Coming War
Liu Ziyun helped Ichigo rescue Rukia, then revealed Aizen’s betrayal and prepared Soul Reapers and the Visored for the Arrancar threat. The arc left Ichigo resolved to grow stronger, while Liu warned that a future catastrophe would depend on him and Aizen.
- Liu Ziyun helped Ichigo Kurosaki and Renji Abarai prepare for Rukia Kuchiki’s execution, and Ichigo rescued her as Jūshirō Ukitake and Shunsui Kyōraku destroyed the Sōkyoku.
- Liu Ziyun pushed Ichigo and Byakuya Kuchiki into a full-strength duel, and Ichigo’s suppressed Hollow power emerged before Liu ended the fight.
- Aizen revealed that he had faked his death, removed the Hōgyoku from Rukia, and escaped through a Garganta with Gin Ichimaru and Kaname Tōsen.
- Liu Ziyun told Rukia that Byakuya had kept his distance to protect her and helped organize preparations to defend Karakura Town from Aizen.
- Liu Ziyun brought Ichigo to Shinji Hirako and the Visored to learn to control his Hollow, while Soul Reapers arrived in Karakura Town to train.
- Liu Ziyun pushed Ikkaku Madarame and Yumichika Ayasegawa to confront their limits, then trained Tōshirō Hitsugaya until he exhausted his Bankai.
- Liu Ziyun warned the Visored that they and Yamamoto would lose in the coming battle and that their hope lay with Ichigo, while explaining that Aizen would be needed against a future catastrophe.
- Liu Ziyun left the Visored and returned to the Martial Arts Hall, while Ichigo returned home and resolved to become strong enough to protect his family.