Chapter Summaries

Kensei Muguruma struggled to investigate the murders of his Ninth Division officers and left the barracks to clear his head. He sensed a hostile captain-class presence near the Seireitei's edge and confronted a masked stranger, who drew an Asauchi and invited him to fight.

• Kensei Muguruma reviewed the mutilated corpses of his subordinates and found no clues to their killer.
• Kuna Mashiro tried to cheer Kensei Muguruma up, and he left her in charge of the division while he went for a walk.
• Kensei Muguruma encountered Tōsen Kaname in the corridor and learned he was interning in the Ninth Division.
• Kensei Muguruma sensed unfamiliar captain-class Spiritual Power and suspected it belonged to the person who had attacked his officers.
• Kensei Muguruma used Shunpo to reach the Seireitei's edge, where a masked stranger drew an Asauchi and challenged him.

Arima Shizuya fought Kensei Muguruma, who unleashed his Bankai after realizing Shizuya could release Shikai without a command. Shizuya answered with his own Bankai, Sagara Dragon · First Calamity, as the battle escalated.

• Kensei Muguruma attacked Arima Shizuya with Kazeshini, breaking his stance and striking him with Bakudan Totsugeki.
• Arima Shizuya reappeared as two identical figures, and Kensei recognized that he had silently released his Zanpakuto into Shikai.
• Kensei urged Arima to surrender, but Arima refused.
• Kensei removed his captain's haori and unleashed his Bankai, Iron Fist Earth-Severing Wind.
• Arima Shizuya shattered the chain-like objects around his wrist and activated Bankai: Sagara Dragon · First Calamity.

Kensei Muguruma unleashed his Bankai against Arima Shizuya, whose mysterious power let him redirect Kensei’s decisive strike. The clash left Kensei stunned as Shizuya hinted that the attack had fallen just short.

• Kensei Muguruma released Iron Fist Earth-Severing Wind, and its violent gusts began destroying the surrounding Seireitei.
• Aizen watched the battle and wondered how Arima Shizuya would answer Kensei’s fierce assault.
• Kensei challenged Shizuya to attack, then suddenly appeared before him and struck his chest with a fist blade.
• As Kensei’s Bankai attack landed, Shizuya entered a strange state and brushed Kensei’s fist aside with a light gesture.
• Kensei’s explosive power shot skyward in a pillar of light, while Shizuya told him, “Unfortunately, you were just a little short.”

Arima Shizuya defeated Kensei Muguruma after revealing his Bankai, Sagara Dragon · First Calamity, which let him master Kensei’s movements and techniques across an immense span of time. Aizen declared the battle their victory as Arima pinned Kensei and explained the power behind his triumph.

• Kensei Muguruma unleashed a full-force attack, and the resulting gale tore through the sky above the Seireitei.
• Tōsen Kaname worried about Arima Shizuya, but Aizen assured him that Arima was not at a disadvantage and that the battle was already decided.
• As the gale dispersed, Arima Shizuya was revealed pinning Kensei Muguruma to the ground and announcing that the winner had been decided.
• Arima explained that Bankai—Sagara Dragon · First Calamity let him study and master Kensei’s movements, attacks, and techniques across 15,998,000 years.
• Arima told Kensei that he was strong, but not strong enough to defeat him or make him experience true despair.

Arima Shizuya fought Kensei Muguruma and the captains who came to his aid, then activated another form of his Simulated Release as they surrounded him. The chapter ended as Sagara Dragon · Sand Altar began to take shape.

• Arima Shizuya dislocated Kensei Muguruma’s shoulders, but Aikawa Rabu arrived and drove him away from Kensei.
• Hirako Shinji released Sakanade while Aikawa Rabu struck Arima Shizuya with Tengumaru, leaving him wounded and buried in the ground.
• Hirako Shinji and Aikawa Rabu surrounded Arima Shizuya as Kensei warned them not to underestimate him.
• Kenpachi Zaraki arrived and joined the other captains, leaving Arima Shizuya facing four captain-class opponents.
• Arima Shizuya activated another Simulated Release, and Sagara Dragon · Sand Altar began to form.

The captains gathered for an emergency meeting after a mysterious intruder caused damage across the Seireitei and incapacitated several of them. They speculated about his abilities, and Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni ended the meeting by declaring him an enemy of Soul Society and ordering his arrest.

• Retsu Unohana arrived at the First Division Barracks and found the captains arguing about the intruder and the failed attempt to stop him.
• Aikawa Rabu described being dragged into a strange space full of Hollows, while Hirako Shinji, Kensei Muguruma, and Kenpachi Zaraki recounted the different effects they experienced.
• Kuchiki Ginrei criticized Aikawa Rabu for attacking a comrade, and Kisuke Urahara noted that each captain had perceived a different scene.
• Kensei Muguruma admitted he could not explain how the intruder had suppressed him after his Bankai, and Yoruichi Shihouin mocked the captains for failing to learn anything useful.
• Kyōraku Shunsui and Jūshirō Ukitake proposed that the intruder's Zanpakuto might predict attacks, and the captains discussed possible limits to that ability.
• Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni entered the meeting, ordered a warrant for the intruder's arrest, and declared him an enemy of Soul Society.

Arima Shizuya recovered in Aizen’s office after using a layered illusion with Aizen to escape the Captains, but collapsed from exhaustion. Aizen treated his wounds and resolved to advance his own plans while Shizuya rested.

• Tōsen Kaname cut away Arima Shizuya’s bloodied uniform and treated his wounds while Aizen apologized for delaying his help.
• Arima Shizuya explained that his Simulated Release created the Sand Altar, and Aizen had layered Kyōka Suigetsu over it to deceive the Captains.
• Aizen praised Arima Shizuya’s potential, but Arima exhausted himself and passed out; Tōsen confirmed he was only suffering from fatigue.
• Aizen treated Arima Shizuya’s injuries, told Tōsen Kaname to return to the Ninth Division, and stayed with Arima overnight.
• Aizen reflected on the obstacles ahead and decided to quicken his own pace rather than rely too heavily on Arima Shizuya’s growth.

At the Academy, Arima Shizuya discussed the Seireitei lockdown and his injured hand with Kotetsu Kiyone, then reflected on the gains from his clash with several captains and the need to stay cautious. With the Prison Master suspending contact for roughly half a year, Arima decided to spend his free time training and chose his next destination.

• Kotetsu Kiyone told Arima Shizuya that the Academy was under closed management after an unknown intruder injured a captain and escaped.
• Kiyone noticed Arima’s swollen hand, guessed he wanted to visit Kotetsu Isane, and urged him to get the injury treated and stay safe.
• Arima inferred that Head Captain Yamamoto’s response to the incident might also support reforms, while the Academy’s round-the-clock cafeteria and intensified lessons reflected the lockdown.
• Arima reviewed the attribute points he gained from fighting Kensei Muguruma and escaping Love Aikawa, Hirako Shinji, and Kenpachi Zaraki.
• Arima recalled the Prison Master’s order to avoid contact and remain inconspicuous, then resolved to train during his free time and selected his next destination.

Arima Shizuya began an internship with the Sixth Division, where Kuchiki Ginrei explained the division’s noble-focused law enforcement role. Ginrei assigned Arima to study alongside Kuchiki Byakuya until Byakuya could shoulder the Kuchiki Clan leadership, leaving Arima stunned by the open-ended commitment.

• Arima Shizuya arrived at the Kuchiki estate for his Sixth Division internship, supported by a recommendation from Yoruichi Shihouin and a letter from Head Captain Yamamoto.
• Kuchiki Ginrei explained that the Sixth Division prioritized noble affairs and held unique law enforcement authority.
• Kuchiki Byakuya joined Ginrei and Arima, and Ginrei assigned both young men to study noble knowledge and train under his supervision.
• Arima asked how long the lessons would last, and Ginrei said they would continue until Byakuya could take on the role of the twenty-eighth Kuchiki Clan head.

Arima Shizuya and Kuchiki Byakuya endured noble etiquette training before sparring together, where Arima taught Byakuya how to improve his swordsmanship. Byakuya managed to block Arima’s opening strikes but was defeated by a thrust to the chest.

• Arima Shizuya and Kuchiki Byakuya practiced noble bearing under their instructor until the etiquette lesson ended and both collapsed from exhaustion.
• Byakuya asked Arima to spar, and Arima agreed despite being tired and hungry.
• Arima recalled that Byakuya had begun challenging him after learning from Kuchiki Ginrei that Arima was far stronger.
• Byakuya attacked with Shunpo, but Arima blocked him and explained that the Shihouin Clan technique depended on surprise.
• Byakuya blocked Arima’s first two strikes, but Arima struck his chest and explained how using both hands limited his mobility.

Arima Shizuya overwhelmed Kuchiki Byakuya during their sparring, and Kuchiki Ginrei intervened to reprimand his grandson. Later, Ginrei summoned Shizuya and apologized for Byakuya’s behavior, leaving their conversation focused on the young heir.

• Arima Shizuya continued training Kuchiki Byakuya, pointing out flaws in his swordsmanship and teaching him to use a one-handed grip.
• Byakuya briefly gained an advantage in close combat, but Shizuya revealed it was a feint and pinned him to the ground.
• Kuchiki Ginrei arrived, praised Shizuya’s skill, and told Byakuya that he needed further refinement to become head of the family.
• Ginrei reprimanded Byakuya for forcing Shizuya to spar and disregarding his feelings, then arranged for Shizuya to leave the courtyard.
• Ginrei summoned Shizuya later and apologized for Byakuya’s behavior as his elder, family head, and grandfather.

Kuchiki Ginrei explained why he had apologized for Byakuya and reflected on how his rigid approach to family duty had contributed to past tragedies. Unable to guide his grandson himself, he asked Arima Shizuya to help shape Byakuya’s judgment, and Arima agreed.

• Kuchiki Ginrei told Arima Shizuya that he would apologize for Byakuya because the future head of the Kuchiki Clan could not be allowed to lose dignity.
• Kuchiki Ginrei described how he had come to see preserving the clan’s dignity as his duty, despite once questioning its meaning.
• Kuchiki Ginrei admitted that his choices had failed his son-in-law and son, and said he did not know how to educate Byakuya.
• Arima Shizuya suggested that Byakuya might welcome an honest conversation with his grandfather, but Kuchiki Ginrei doubted he could relate to the younger generation.
• Kuchiki Ginrei asked Arima Shizuya to guide Byakuya, and Arima agreed.

Arima Shizuya began teaching Byakuya and took him to commission sandalwood gifts for Kuchiki Ginrei, helping him prepare for his grandfather’s upcoming birthday. Meanwhile, Aizen dismissed this year’s new students as unimpressive and decided to wait for a more suitable companion.

• After worrying about his new teaching responsibilities, Arima Shizuya returned to sleep, while Aizen reviewed candidates and destroyed the report, deciding to wait for another opportunity.
• Byakuya told Arima Shizuya that Ginrei had cut his etiquette lessons in half so he could spend more time learning from him.
• Arima Shizuya took Byakuya out for a walk and brought him to Mu Zhai to commission sandalwood gifts for Ginrei.
• Arima Shizuya encouraged Byakuya to choose a gift because Ginrei’s birthday was the following month.

Arima Shizuya helped Kuchiki Byakuya choose a birthday gift for Kuchiki Ginrei and spent a month training him in swordsmanship and other combat techniques. After Byakuya gave Ginrei the gift, Ginrei offered Arima a position in the Sixth Division and asked whether he would join the Kuchiki Clan.

• Arima Shizuya encouraged Kuchiki Byakuya to mend his relationship with Kuchiki Ginrei by choosing him a birthday gift, and Byakuya bought Arima a small incense burner as thanks.
• Byakuya gave Arima money to buy a gift for someone he wanted to thank.
• Over the next month, Arima taught Byakuya Kendo, Kido, Hakuda, Shunpo, and Shunkō, and advised him to adapt his fighting style to Senbonzakura.
• Byakuya presented Ginrei with a fragrant wood gift and thanked him for his care, easing the tension between them slightly.
• Ginrei told Arima that his internship was nearing its end, offered him a Sixth Division appointment, and asked whether he wanted to become part of the Kuchiki Clan.

Aizen tested Tōsen Kaname’s ability to maintain his disguise and reflected on his wary relationship with Hirako Shinji while examining an incense altar gifted by Arima Shizuya. Growing dissatisfied with his work and experiments, Aizen decided to write to Shizuya as winter began.

• Aizen praised Tōsen Kaname’s work and urged him to advance his rank, then Tōsen narrowly avoided suspicion when Hirako Shinji entered the room.
• Tōsen left under pressure, believing Kyōka Suigetsu had helped him bluff his way through the encounter.
• Hirako admired the incense altar on Aizen’s desk, and Aizen said it had been given to him by someone else.
• After Hirako left, Aizen considered how he and Hirako differed and recognized that he trusted a comrade enough to accept change.
• Aizen grew tired of his duties and stagnant experiments, decided to put his resources to use, and began a letter to Shizuya-kun as snow fell.

At the Academy’s new year welcome ceremony, Arima Shizuya considered Aizen’s request to recruit promising students and received a list of new arrivals from Kotetsu Kiyone. He spotted a familiar name on the list: first-year student Ichimaru Gin.

• Arima Shizuya delivered a brief speech at the welcome ceremony while worrying about finding promising companions for Aizen.
• Two Academy girls gave Arima a love letter, and Kotetsu Kiyone teased him about his popularity.
• Kiyone handed Arima a list of new students from three training grounds, gathered at his request.
• Arima reviewed the list and stopped when he found Ichimaru Gin’s name among the first-year students at Training Ground No. 4.

Arima Shizuya revealed to Ichimaru Gin that they had met years earlier in the slums, then forced him to break a binding spell to prove his survival instinct and talent. After Gin succeeded, Arima offered to train him in exchange for obedience, leaving Gin to choose whether to accept the dangerous arrangement.

• Arima Shizuya confronted Ichimaru Gin with details of their past encounter in Slum Street, and Gin tried to flee.
• Arima immobilized Gin with Binding Way Number Nine, Geki, and threatened to kill him unless he chose to cooperate.
• Arima demonstrated a binding spell around Gin's neck and demanded that Gin reproduce it to break the spell before it crushed him.
• Gin managed to shatter the Spiritual Power at Arima's fingertip, dispelling the binding spell and saving himself.
• Arima offered Gin a choice between returning to ordinary Academy studies or training under him in exchange for obeying his commands.

Arima Shizuya defeated Ichimaru Gin in training, then praised his growing skill and explained how to combine combat disciplines. After six months of training, Arima gave Gin preserved persimmons and announced that he would take him to meet two important partners.

• Arima Shizuya overwhelmed Ichimaru Gin in their dojo match, countering Gin’s Shakkahō and Raikōhō before Gin surrendered.
• Arima healed Gin’s injuries and praised his rapid progress, explaining that he needed to integrate Zan, Fist, Move, and Kidō in combat.
• Gin asked whether Arima had taught him everything he knew, and Arima confirmed that he had while urging him to combine his techniques.
• Gin questioned why Arima had devoted six months to training him and warned that he was a snake who might turn on him.
• Arima gave Gin a bag of preserved persimmons and said that the training the night after tomorrow was canceled because he would introduce Gin to two important partners.

Ichimaru Gin met Aizen Sōsuke and continued training under Arima Shizuya while preparing to graduate early and join the Gotei 13. Six months later, Yoruichi Shihouin claimed Arima for the Second Division, but Kuchiki Ginrei objected.

• Ichimaru Gin met Aizen Sōsuke and Tōsen at the Fifth Division barracks, though Aizen did not fully trust him and sent him away from part of the meeting.
• Arima Shizuya and Ichimaru Gin discussed their plan to graduate early and enter the Thirteen Court Guard Squads, while Arima worried about what would happen after graduation.
• Arima Shizuya teased Ichimaru Gin with persimmons and disguised taro chunks before they parted at the Academy.
• Six months later, Yoruichi Shihouin announced at the Gotei 13 meeting that the Second Division would take Arima Shizuya and train him as its next captain.
• Kuchiki Ginrei objected to Yoruichi Shihouin's claim on Arima Shizuya.

The captains debated where Arima Shizuya should serve, with Yoruichi Shihouin and Kuchiki Ginrei clashing over whether he should join their respective divisions. Yamamoto settled the dispute by letting Arima choose, and Arima selected the Fifth Division.

• Yoruichi Shihouin questioned Kuchiki Ginrei's request for Arima Shizuya to serve as Kuchiki Byakuya's deputy for three to five years.
• Kuchiki Ginrei asked Yoruichi to let Arima support his grandson until Byakuya could take on the captain's responsibilities.
• Yoruichi challenged whether Ginrei had spoken for the Kuchiki Clan or from personal feelings, but Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni stopped the argument and admonished both nobles.
• Yamamoto proposed asking Arima where he wanted to serve, and the captains agreed that he could also assist other divisions after completing his duties.
• Arima Shizuya submitted his preference and chose the Fifth Division.