Chapter Summaries

Mayuri Kurotsuchi discussed Arima Shizuya’s plan with the imprisoned Aizen Sōsuke and drew a blood sample from him as a contingency. In New Seireitei, Kyōraku Shunsui visited the powerless, imprisoned Arima Shizuya, whose reunion with Ise Nanao stirred painful memories, and accepted his congratulations on becoming Captain-Commander.

• Mayuri Kurotsuchi met with Aizen Sōsuke in a hidden laboratory and explained that Arima Shizuya had entrusted him with information because he was a neutral contact.
• Aizen Sōsuke admitted he could not approve of Arima Shizuya’s plan, while Mayuri said the Gotei 13 had already shared intelligence on the Quincy.
• Mayuri Kurotsuchi drew blood from Aizen Sōsuke for research, and both agreed they hoped the contingency would not be needed.
• Kyōraku Shunsui visited Arima Shizuya in the White Tower prison and had his restraints and spiritual-pressure-sealing bandages removed.
• Ise Nanao healed Arima Shizuya’s aching body, then left in distress as memories of their academy days resurfaced.
• Arima Shizuya congratulated Kyōraku Shunsui on his promotion to Captain-Commander, and Kyōraku called him Former Captain Arima.

Arima Shizuya refused Kyōraku Shunsui’s offer to spare him and staged his execution to sever his past before the coming war with Yhwach. After the Soul Society mourned his apparent death, he reappeared at the Ishida Residence to take the Wandenreich Proof and prepare for his next move.

• Kyōraku Shunsui urged Arima Shizuya to abandon the execution, but Arima chose to proceed and asked Kyōraku to bear the responsibility for his death.
• Kyōraku rejected petitions to spare Arima, and Arima was bound and hanged at the execution platform until the rope snapped and his body was torn apart.
• Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni, the Kuchiki Residence, the Fourth Division, and the Fifth Division mourned Arima, leaving the Gotei 13 temporarily impaired.
• Mayuri Kurotsuchi found that the flower Nemu Kurotsuchi had been growing had bloomed into a sunflower.
• Arima Shizuya met with the Ishida family, accepted the Wandenreich Proof, and said he would handle what came next.

Arima Shizuya and Uryū Ishida entered the Wandenreich after discussing its origins, their mission, and Arima Shizuya’s uncertain identity. They arrived in a Quincy town and encountered Kirge Opie recruiting Stern Ritter.

• Uryū Ishida explained that Yhwach’s power had given the Wandenreich Quincy extraordinarily long lifespans and warned that they could become powerful over time.
• Ryūken Ishida cautioned Arima Shizuya and Uryū Ishida to proceed carefully, and Uryū promised to be careful as he pursued the Ishida family’s mission to stop Yhwach.
• Isshin Kurosaki asked whether Arima Shizuya was still himself, and Arima explained that he and his clones lacked shared memories and could not give a definite answer.
• Arima Shizuya and Uryū Ishida used the Wandenreich Proof to enter the hidden Quincy world, while Isshin Kurosaki and Ryūken Ishida continued their preparations.
• Arima told Uryū that people would hear his name as something else because Ichibei Hyōsube had Dyed it Black, then the pair approached a town.
• Kirge Opie addressed a gathering and urged the crowd to enlist in the Stern Ritter.

Arima Shizuya and Uryū Ishida encountered Kirge Opie in the Wandenreich, where Uryū challenged the Stern Ritter recruiter and was badly injured. Uryū unleashed Light Rain, but Kirge emerged from the attack and questioned where the two outsiders came from.

• Arima Shizuya recognized the recruiting speaker as Kirge Opie, and he and Uryū Ishida tried to leave before Kirge stopped them.
• Uryū formed a Heilig Pfeil and challenged Kirge, who introduced himself as a Stern Ritter recruiter and attacked with Hirenkyaku and arrows.
• Kirge outmaneuvered Uryū and knocked him to the ground, leaving his arm injured and his glasses gone.
• Uryū refused Arima Shizuya's help, bound his wound, and charged Kirge again.
• Uryū used Light Rain to engulf Kirge in a storm of Heilig Pfeil, but Kirge answered from the dust and questioned their origins.

Kirge Opie revealed his Vollständig and used absolute Reishi subjugation to shatter Uryū Ishida’s bow, forcing Arima Shizuya to step in. Arima activated a Vollständig of his own, leaving Kirge stunned by the revelation that the power was not exclusive to Yhwach.

• Kirge Opie transformed into Vollständig, displayed his enhanced power, and asked whether Uryū Ishida still intended to resist.
• Uryū Ishida challenged Kirge over his treatment of Sōken Ishida and demanded to see Yhwach, but Kirge used Seirei to break apart Uryū’s spiritual bow.
• Arima Shizuya stopped Uryū from escalating the fight and examined Vollständig’s enhancements and its power over Reishi.
• Arima introduced himself to Kirge as an ordinary Quincy, then provoked him by questioning whether Vollständig came only from Yhwach.
• Arima activated his own Vollständig, and Kirge stared in shock as Arima explained that the power was not exclusive to Yhwach.

Arima Shizuya defeated Kirge Opie by resisting his Schrift and dismantling his Vollständig, then met Haschwalth, who invited him and Uryū Ishida to visit Yhwach. Haschwalth escorted them toward Yhwach’s residence in the Wandenreich.

• Arima Shizuya resisted Kirge Opie’s attempt to steal his power and calmly escaped Kirge’s Schrift, The Jail.
• Arima Shizuya dismantled Kirge’s Vollständig, leaving Kirge shocked and unable to understand his overwhelming Reishi control.
• Haschwalth appeared, reprimanded Kirge for acting without permission, and asked Arima Shizuya and Uryū Ishida why they had come to the Wandenreich.
• Arima Shizuya said they wanted to visit Yhwach, and Haschwalth revealed that Yhwach had been expecting them.
• Haschwalth led Arima Shizuya and Uryū Ishida along a Reishi stairway toward the towering structure where Yhwach resided.

Arima Shizuya and Uryū Ishida climbed through Yhwach’s tower, encountering the Stern Ritter and members of the Royal Guard before reaching the Quincy king. Yhwach welcomed Uryū as his returned child but said he could not see Arima at all, and asked who he was.

• Bazz-B and several Stern Ritter confronted Arima Shizuya and Uryū Ishida as they climbed, but Haschwalth led the pair onward without stopping.
• Gerard Valkyrie, Pernida, and Askin Nakk Le Vaar appeared along the stairs, while Lille Barro demanded that the visitors explain their purpose.
• Yhwach ordered Lille to let Arima and Uryū pass, and Arima encouraged the nervous Uryū as they approached the summit.
• Yhwach said he had seen everything, called Uryū his child who had returned to him, and asked who Arima was because he could not see him.

Arima Shizuya demonstrated his Vollständig before Yhwach, who accepted him and Uryū Ishida into the Stern Ritter and ordered a welcoming banquet. A month later, the Wandenreich gathered at Arima’s residence to see the two newcomers, and Arima emerged in formal attire accompanied by members of the Royal Guard.

• Arima Shizuya addressed Yhwach directly and asked for an opportunity to gain power.
• Arima manifested his Vollständig without Yhwach’s blessing, puzzling the gathered Stern Ritter.
• Yhwach recognized that he could not see Arima’s future, accepted him and Uryū Ishida, and ordered Haschwalth to prepare a banquet.
• A month later, Stern Ritter members gathered at Arima’s residence and teased one another while waiting for the audience with Yhwach.
• Arima stepped out in formal attire, escorted by Gerard and Pernida of the Royal Guard.

As Arima Shizuya prepared to meet Yhwach, Candice fixed his hair and stirred memories of a woman from his forgotten past. He accepted Candice’s offer to keep helping him with his hair, as fragments of the past converged with the present.

• Bazz-B, Candice, and the others gathered to see Arima Shizuya in his Wandenreich uniform, while Liltotto stopped Bambietta from rushing at him.
• Gerard and Pernida showed their familiarity with Arima Shizuya, and he suggested they shared a subtle connection and similar origins.
• Candice retied Arima Shizuya’s long hair beneath his military cap before he went to see Yhwach.
• Candice’s question about his hair brought Arima Shizuya fragmented memories of a gentle woman from his past, though he could not remember her name.
• Candice offered to help him with his hair regularly, and Arima Shizuya accepted.

Arima Shizuya and Uryū Ishida drank Yhwach’s blood, gaining Quincy power and Schriften before Yhwach named them Royal Guard. He then ordered the Wandenreich to prepare its long-awaited attack on Soul Society.

• Arima Shizuya and Uryū Ishida met Haschwalth and Bazz-B on their way to the tower, where Yhwach summoned them.
• Yhwach cut his hand and filled two silver goblets with his blood, then ordered Arima Shizuya and Uryū Ishida to drink.
• Uryū Ishida gained immense power, Vollständig, and the Schrift Antithesis, prompting Yhwach to praise him despite sensing he could be difficult to control.
• Yhwach found that his blood had drawn out Arima Shizuya’s existing power, and Arima Shizuya announced his Schrift: D, Dominate.
• Yhwach granted Arima Shizuya and Uryū Ishida the status of Royal Guard and ordered the Wandenreich to prepare to attack Soul Society.

Arima Shizuya and Candice shared an affectionate morning before joining the Stern Ritter’s gathering, where Yhwach announced the coming war against the Soul Society. The chapter ended as Yhwach began identifying individuals whose strength could decide the battle: the Special War Power.

• Candice teased Arima Shizuya, showed off her improved reishi-control technique, and spent the morning with him.
• Candice styled Arima Shizuya’s hair and explained that she had changed how she dressed because she was with someone she liked.
• Arima Shizuya and Candice entered the restricted meeting room, where Mina, Giselle, Liltotto, and Bambietta commented on Candice’s changes.
• Askin chatted with Arima Shizuya about his girlfriend and his preference for communicating with people he considered normal.
• Uryū Ishida arrived, and the Stern Ritter gathered in the meeting room.
• Haschwalth arrived, and Yhwach announced that the Quincy were prepared to take revenge on the Soul Society before naming the Special War Power.

Yhwach briefed the Stern Ritter on the Soul Society’s forces and identified five Special War Powers, while insisting that Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni was reserved for him. The meeting turned to questions about Arima Shizuya, whose image showed him facing the Captain-Commander.

• Yhwach ordered Haschwalth to show the Quincy recorded scenes of Shinigami and explain the Gotei 13’s strength and Bankai.
• Quilge argued that the Wandenreich had enough fighters to defeat the Shinigami, but Haschwalth highlighted five Special War Powers for the Knight Order to watch: Kurosaki Ichigo, Kenpachi Zaraki, Ichibei Hyōsube, Aizen Sōsuke, and Kisuke Urahara.
• Arima Shizuya noticed Uryū Ishida’s worry for Kurosaki Ichigo and quietly helped him regain his composure before Lille Barro warned them to pay attention.
• Bambietta asked why Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni was not among the Special War Powers, and Haschwalth said Yhwach had other arrangements for him.
• Bazz-B asked about Arima Shizuya after seeing him face the Captain-Commander in the displayed footage.

Yhwach’s forces reviewed Soul Society’s weaknesses and unveiled a device that could steal Bankai before ordering an invasion in three days. Arima Shizuya left to prepare in secret and opened a passage to Urahara Shop, where Urahara greeted him.

• Haschwalth explained that Arima Shizuya had been stripped of his powers and executed, and Yhwach mocked Soul Society for wasting such a capable opponent.
• Haschwalth demonstrated the Quincy Star Crest, which could absorb and reuse captured Bankai, stirring excitement among the Stern Ritter.
• Yhwach ordered the invasion to begin in three days and told the Stern Ritter to prepare and memorize the Special War Powers.
• Bazz-B and other Stern Ritter dismissed further discussion, while Askin invited Uryū Ishida to talk and Ishida declined before leaving.
• Arima Shizuya excused himself from Candice and went to his residence, where he opened a passage to Urahara Shop.
• Urahara greeted Arima Shizuya through the passage and asked what business had brought him there.

Arima Shizuya contacted Kisuke Urahara and shared intelligence about the Wandenreich’s planned attack on Soul Society, including the Star Badge’s ability to steal Bankai. Urahara promised to relay the information and showed Arima a Hollow-derived medicine meant to counter the Star Badge, but Arima refused to return and stayed committed to a final operation against Yhwach.

• Arima Shizuya used a communication device to contact Kisuke Urahara and Yoruichi Shihouin at the Urahara Shop.
• Arima told Kisuke Urahara that Yhwach had set a date to attack Soul Society and shared the planned routes, troop strategies, and other intelligence.
• Arima explained that the Star Badge could analyze and capture revealed Bankai, and Kisuke Urahara agreed to pass the warning to Soul Society.
• Kisuke Urahara showed Arima a medicine made from Hollow power that was designed to counter Quincy control without burdening its user.
• Kisuke Urahara urged Arima to leave the Wandenreich, but Arima refused because he intended to join a final operation to eliminate Yhwach after the invasion began.

Hinamori Momo reassured Hirako Shinji as Soul Society faced the Quincy threat, and an emergency summons drew every captain-class figure to the First Division. In Muken Hell, Kyōraku Shunsui questioned Aizen Sōsuke, who had freed himself from some restraints and claimed prison had helped him reach a higher understanding.

• Hinamori Momo insisted she could manage the Fifth Division’s work while Hirako Shinji focused on the worsening crisis.
• A Tenteikūra summons ordered Hirako Shinji to the First Division, where he noticed other captain-class figures heading as well.
• Kyōraku Shunsui secretly visited Aizen Sōsuke in Muken Hell and asked what he thought of his imprisonment.
• Kyōraku Shunsui discovered that Aizen had undone some of his restraints and seals.
• Aizen Sōsuke explained that he had learned to break the restraints by understanding their use of Spiritual Power and credited Shizuya-kun with prompting his reflection.

Kyōraku Shunsui visited the imprisoned Aizen Sōsuke to ask for help against the approaching Quincy, explaining that he would sacrifice his dignity to protect the Gotei 13. Aizen asked what he would receive in return, and Kyōraku offered to let him leave Muken Hell briefly to see Soul Society's sky; Aizen began to respond.

• Aizen Sōsuke described the emptiness of Muken Hell, and Kyōraku Shunsui reflected on how becoming Captain-Commander had changed his conduct.
• Kyōraku told Aizen that the Quincy were gathering and preparing to attack Soul Society.
• Kyōraku asked Aizen to lend his strength, accepting Aizen's contempt and explaining that he wanted to reduce casualties.
• Aizen asked what reward Kyōraku could offer, and Kyōraku proposed personally allowing him a brief visit outside Muken Hell.
• Aizen considered how long he had been without sunlight and began to answer Kyōraku's proposal.

Yoruichi Shihouin brought Kurosaki Ichigo to Kisuke Urahara, who warned that the Wandenreich would attack Soul Society the next day and asked Ichigo to help. After learning that Arima Shizuya had appeared as one of the Wandenreich’s Royal Guard, Ichigo declared that he trusted Arima’s decisions unconditionally, while Urahara began explaining a task Arima had entrusted to him.

• Yoruichi Shihouin visited Kurosaki Ichigo and took him to the Urahara Shop, newly relocated beside his school.
• Kisuke Urahara showed Ichigo a Reishi projection and said the shop was preparing for trouble.
• Urahara told Ichigo that a Quincy force was expected to attack Soul Society the next day and explained the Wandenreich’s strength and abilities.
• Urahara revealed that Arima Shizuya, whom Soul Society had executed, had appeared as a Wandenreich Royal Guard, and Ichigo said he trusted Arima unconditionally.
• Urahara asked Ichigo to set aside his resentment toward Soul Society and help with a task Arima had entrusted to him.

Kurosaki Ichigo resolved to face a dangerous operation alone, while Shino Madarame and Ryūnosuke Yukiki encountered a Hollow invasion in Karakura Town. Ichigo rescued them and introduced himself as a Substitute Soul Reaper.

• Ichigo distracted Orihime Inoue and Chad Yasutora, then decided not to involve them in the operation he planned to begin that night.
• Shino Madarame complained about her assignment with Ryūnosuke Yukiki, but said she would still protect the human world as part of her duty.
• Rifts opened behind Shino and Ryūnosuke, and a Hollow Flash swallowed Ryūnosuke after Shino froze in fear.
• Ichigo appeared, diverted the Hollow Flash, and returned the unconscious Ryūnosuke to Shino.
• Ichigo defeated the invading Hollows and introduced himself to Shino as a Substitute Soul Reaper.

Kurosaki Ichigo rescued Shino Madarame and Ryūnosuke from Hollows, then entered Hueco Mundo to confront the Wandenreich invasion. As Ichigo reaffirmed his resolve to protect others without abandoning his principles, he arrived at Las Noches, where Quilge Opie was leading the assault.

• Kurosaki Ichigo saved Shino Madarame and Ryūnosuke, warned them that more Hollows were coming, and sent them to Kisuke Urahara for treatment.
• Kurosaki Ichigo entered a passage to Hueco Mundo with Äs Nödt, defeated him by turning his unstable Reishi against him, and left him alive.
• Kurosaki Ichigo told Uncle Zangetsu that he would avoid killing when possible but would do so if necessary to protect the people he cared about.
• Arima Shizuya appeared beside Kurosaki Ichigo and urged him to do his best as the time for action approached.
• Quilge Opie led the Quincy assault on Las Noches, ordering the annihilation of Hueco Mundo and attacking the Arrancar defenders.
• A figure arrived before Quilge Opie in a flash of yellow lightning, and Quilge recognized the newcomer as someone on his hunting list.

Quilge confronted Tōsen Kaname and Ichimaru Gin, then discovered their forces had prepared a counterattack against the Wandenreich. As Quilge tried to warn his king, he was struck down, but his incomplete Vollständig let him open a passage for reinforcements, and a military-uniformed man arrived.

• Quilge berated Tōsen Kaname and Ichimaru Gin for betraying the Soul Society, while Ichimaru Gin said they had anticipated the invasion.
• Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez attacked Quilge, who blocked his blade and recognized him as a former Espada believed to have been killed.
• Ichimaru Gin revealed that Soul Society and Hueco Mundo had prepared a counter-surprise attack against the Wandenreich.
• Quilge tried to send a warning to his king, but Ichimaru Gin pierced his chest with Shinso.
• Quilge activated an incomplete Vollständig and opened a passage, announcing that reinforcements had arrived.
• A man in military uniform stepped through the shattered air and asked whether he had arrived in time.