Chapter Summaries

Duan Mu exhausted his strength fighting Aizen, who survived his attacks with only a superficial scratch and left Duan Mu gravely wounded. As the captains and lieutenants gathered at Sōkyoku Hill and Kuchiki Byakuya launched his Bankai, Duan Mu lost consciousness.

• Duan Mu used all his remaining experience to strengthen his physique, then struck Aizen hard enough to break through his spiritual-pressure defenses but inflicted only a superficial scratch.
• Aizen attacked Duan Mu with Kyōka Suigetsu, and Duan Mu took the blade through his shoulder before detonating his reformed broken Zanpakuto in a desperate counterattack.
• The blast left Duan Mu severely wounded and drained of spiritual pressure, while Aizen remained standing with only a disheveled uniform and hair.
• Yoruichi and Soi Fon shielded the helpless Duan Mu as Ichimaru Gin and Tōsen Kaname joined Aizen and the captains arrived at Sōkyoku Hill.
• Kuchiki Byakuya confirmed Kuchiki Rukia was safe and unleashed Bankai: Senbonzakura Kageyoshi against Aizen and the others.
• Duan Mu relaxed at the sight of the gathered captains and fainted.

After waking from his coma, Duan Mu learned that Aizen had escaped to Hueco Mundo and that his allies were stabilizing Soul Society. He used experience points to recover and strengthen himself, then left the intensive care unit, leaving Nayula stunned by his apparent health.

• Duan Mu woke in the intensive care unit beside Kenpachi Zaraki, Kuchiki Byakuya, and Toshiro Hitsugaya, who had all been badly wounded by Aizen.
• Toshiro told Duan Mu that Aizen, Tōsen Kaname, and Ichimaru Gin had escaped to Hueco Mundo through Negación, while Duan Mu's adopted sister reorganized Central 46 after Aizen slaughtered its members.
• Duan Mu checked his system and spent experience points to raise his physique and Spiritual Pressure, healing his severe injuries and increasing his strength.
• Duan Mu removed his medical equipment, exercised, changed into his work clothes, and gave Byakuya and Toshiro business cards for his shop.
• Duan Mu left the intensive care unit and encountered Nayula, who was astonished to see him walking after hearing that he was seriously injured.

Amanen Nayula defended Duan Mu’s qualifications and persuaded Central 46 to appoint him as a sage, arguing that his influence in Rukongai and strength could help secure both Soul Society and the assembly. Duan Mu entered the hall to accept the position, deciding he could still represent Rukongai while keeping his identity concealed.

• Amanen Nayula rebuked the sages who opposed Duan Mu, citing Central 46’s founding rules and his standing among the people of Rukongai.
• Judge Juyuan warned that Duan Mu’s power and past actions threatened Seireitei, but Nayula countered with records of nobles’ secret dealings and argued that his appointment would stabilize Rukongai.
• Nayula reminded the assembly that the previous Central 46 had been slaughtered despite the Gotei 13’s protection, and argued Duan Mu could help prevent another such tragedy.
• The sages voted unanimously to appoint Amanmen Duan Mu as the thirty-eighth sage of Central 46.
• Duan Mu hesitated at the opened barriers, then entered the assembly hall after deciding the position’s benefits outweighed its drawbacks and that he could conceal his identity.

Duan Mu welcomed Ichigo Kurosaki and the others to his tavern, where Ichigo clashed with its villainous regulars and saw Duan Mu silence them with his intimidating aura. The chapter ended with Duan Mu deciding to teach Ichigo Bankai.

• Duan Mu recalled rejecting the sages’ demands that he move into the Pure Tower Forest Residence or stop working at the Yorozuya, while Captain Commander Yamamoto allowed him to move freely through Seireitei.
• Duan Mu found Ichigo Kurosaki, Orihime Inoue, Yasutora Sado, Ishida Uryū, Ishida Sōgen, Shihoin Yoruichi, and the others gathered at his tavern, where Ikkaku Madarame and Ichigo were fighting in the rear courtyard.
• Duan Mu confirmed that Iwao had recovered from his injuries after treatment from the Fourth Division and Orihime, then joined Ishida Sōgen and Ishida Uryū for Uzuki’s noodle soup.
• Ichigo Kurosaki called Duan Mu “Big Brother Duan Mu” and challenged the tavern’s villains after they taunted him about nearly defeating Ikkaku Madarame.
• Duan Mu’s gloomy aura silenced the tavern and sent the villains back to their seats, after which he warned Ichigo to keep his distance from them.
• Duan Mu offered to teach Ichigo Kurosaki Bankai.

Tier attended Aizen’s meeting, where he revealed that he had discovered how to break the blood seal on the Hogyoku. At the Urahara Shop, Urahara Kisuke warned Yoruichi to tell Duan Mu to stay in Seireitei, but Duan Mu refused to hear from him and continued relaxing while Ichigo trained.

• Tier received Aizen’s summons and joined the other Espada in the meeting hall, where Nnoitra insulted her and Halibel defended her.
• Aizen showed the Espada the blood-covered Hogyoku and explained that he needed a large amount of blood from the same source to undo its seal.
• Urahara Kisuke learned from Yoruichi that Duan Mu had not seen the Hogyoku and had not given Aizen his blood, then asked her to tell Duan Mu to stay in Seireitei near Yamamoto.
• Yoruichi found Duan Mu relaxing at the Great Kūkaku Training Hall while Ichigo Kurosaki trained, and Duan Mu refused to hear Urahara Kisuke’s message.

After Urahara Kisuke revealed that Aizen could use Duan Mu’s blood to unseal the Hogyoku, Duan Mu weighed his defenses and the danger to those close to him. Tier then warned him that an Arrancar group was about to arrive in Soul Society, and Duan Mu prepared the Yorozuya for the attack.

• Urahara Kisuke contacted Duan Mu and explained that Aizen could use a large amount of Duan Mu’s blood to remove the Hogyoku’s seal.
• Duan Mu confronted Urahara about putting him and his friends at risk, then assessed his allies and defenses against Aizen.
• Duan Mu heard Tier’s voice in his mind and realized an Arrancar attack was imminent.
• Duan Mu ordered Uzuki, Iwao, and Man'ya Ori to evacuate to East District 1 and told Iwao to alert the Seireitei and contact Big Sis Kūkaku.
• Ishida Sōgen stayed behind to help Duan Mu, while the villains in the tavern gathered to fight.
• Duan Mu learned from Tier that the Arrancar group was nearly through the Garganta and headed for Soul Society.

The Espada invaded Soul Society under Aizen’s orders to capture Duan Mu or obtain his blood. Duan Mu met them with overwhelming new power, but the chapter ended with Barragan and the other Espada surrounding him.

• Seven figures emerged from a Garganta, and their Spiritual Pressure spread across Soul Society as they searched for Duan Mu.
• Halibel crushed Aizen’s tracking vessel, revealing Duan Mu’s location, and the Espada looked toward the sky as he descended.
• Duan Mu struck Nnoitra with a single punch, breaking his arms and sending him flying.
• Duan Mu swept Grimmjow back with a Reishi palm and blasted Zommari Rureaux with a black-and-white King's Flash.
• Barragan caught the wounded Zommari and watched Duan Mu as the Espada gathered to encircle him.
• Duan Mu decided to fight openly, confident in the power he had gained by combining Hiryū Gekizoku Shinten Raihō with Flash Cry.

Duan Mu fought off the Espada and their Fracción while waiting for reinforcements, but Halibel’s attacks pushed him to the brink. Kenpachi Zaraki and Yachiru arrived just in time, leaving Duan Mu relieved as the battle continued against Halibel and Barragan.

• Barragan took command of the Espada, while Halibel warned Tier to keep her distance from Duan Mu.
• Duan Mu used Kidō and combat skill to fend off the Espada’s coordinated attacks, killing Abilama Reda and binding Grimmjow and Nnoitra briefly.
• Halibel saw through Duan Mu’s Utsusemi and wounded him, while Tier intervened and defended him from Halibel’s next strike.
• Duan Mu focused his spiritual pressure into a shield to block Halibel as Nnoitra attacked from behind.
• Kenpachi Zaraki arrived and collided with Nnoitra, while Yachiru charged at the remaining Fracción.
• Duan Mu faced Halibel and Barragan, relieved that Barragan was still watching rather than joining the fight.

Duan Mu fought Grimmjow until Barragan and Zommari intervened, leaving him trapped in Barragan’s decay and Zommari’s control. After Grimmjow cut off Barragan’s grip, Duan Mu escaped, sacrificed his arms to break free of Amor, and killed Zommari with a hidden blade.

• Duan Mu blocked Zommari’s Amor with Dankū and accepted Grimmjow’s challenge to fight one-on-one.
• Duan Mu overpowered Grimmjow’s strongest attack, but Barragan seized his wrist while Zommari marked his left arm with Amor.
• Barragan’s decay spread through Duan Mu’s arm, and he shattered Tier’s descending blade to stop her from interfering.
• Grimmjow severed Barragan’s grip, allowing Duan Mu to escape with Utsusemi, but Zommari’s control forced Duan Mu to destroy his own left arm.
• Duan Mu enclosed Zommari in six Dankū barriers, then killed him with a broken blade concealed in his empty right shoulder.

Duan Mu faced Barragan and the other Espada while waiting for Halibel’s tracking vessel to expire, and Ishida Sōgen arrived to help. Urahara Kisuke briefly appeared through a Senkaimon, then left after realizing Aizen’s forces were targeting the blood stored at his shop, leaving Barragan to begin his attack.

• Duan Mu considered abandoning Kenpachi Zaraki and Yachiru if the tracking vessel kept the Espada on their trail, while Tier offered her help and said Picaro was coming.
• Ishida Sōgen appeared beside Duan Mu and used his spirit-particle weapon, Gotei 13, to trap Barragan, Halibel, Grimmjow, and Tier, but Barragan broke free and the other capsules shattered.
• Ishida Sōgen explained that his Quincy powers had recovered after the damage caused by his Quincy Final Form, then joined Duan Mu against the Espada.
• Urahara Kisuke emerged from a Senkaimon, recognized that Aizen’s forces were targeting the blood at his shop, and immediately went back through the gate.
• Duan Mu realized Aizen might be attacking the Urahara Shop to obtain his blood, while Barragan released his Resurrección and the others withdrew from him.

Duan Mu fought Barragan’s decay flames by testing how different Kidō constructs resisted them, then modified Daichi Tenyō into an earthen barrier. When Barragan unleashed Respira and trapped Duan Mu and Ishida Sōgen, Duan Mu used Reskitar to escape through a short-range spatial jump.

• Barragan released his Resurrección, and his black flames decayed everything they touched, rendering Ishida Sōgen’s arrows and Duan Mu’s early Kidō ineffective.
• Duan Mu tested different Kidō constructs and discovered that physical matter endured the flames longer than Reishi or energy alone.
• Duan Mu modified Destruction Kido #57, Daichi Tenyō, into Earth Wall, using soil barriers to hold back Barragan’s flames.
• Barragan grew tired of the fight and unleashed Respira, whose intensified flames overwhelmed Ishida Sōgen’s Sanctis and surrounded the two men.
• Duan Mu pulled Ishida Sōgen toward the flames, then used Reskitar to make a short-range spatial jump that carried them beyond the encirclement.

Duan Mu struggled to escape Barragan’s encroaching black flames while carrying Ishida Sōgen and Omaeda, until Brother Iwao’s underground tunnel gave them a way out. The group emerged in the Yorozuya’s backyard as approaching figures and more reinforcements arrived through the transfer pillar.

• Halibel decided not to approach Barragan, while Grimmjow and the other Espada continued pursuing their own goals instead of coordinating.
• Omaeda arrived alone to help Duan Mu, but Duan Mu had to carry him and Ishida Sōgen as Barragan’s black flames closed around them.
• Duan Mu found that the area was sealed against opening a Garganta, leaving him trapped with Omaeda and Ishida Sōgen.
• Brother Iwao used the Shiba-style Stone Wave Technique to drop Duan Mu and the others into an underground tunnel, where villains were hauling soil to keep the route open.
• Duan Mu pushed the villains through the collapsing tunnel and emerged with them in the Yorozuya’s backyard.
• Several figures approached as the transfer pillar lit up and additional people appeared.

Duan Mu watched Captain Commander Yamamoto battle Barragan, whose decaying black flames clashed with Yamamoto’s overwhelming fire and destroyed much of District 38. The fight ended unresolved when a rift opened and drew Barragan and the other Espada away, leaving Yamamoto to summon Duan Mu to a meeting the next morning.

• Ukitake Jushiro, Kyōraku Shunsui, Kurotsuchi Mayuri, Captain Commander Yamamoto, and Komamura Sajin arrived through the transfer pillar as the Espada gathered above the Yorozuya.
• Captain Commander Yamamoto and Barragan clashed with crimson and black flames, destroying the Yorozuya and forcing Duan Mu to shield the villains from the battle’s aftermath.
• Duan Mu studied the fight and unlocked Kidō #96: Ikka Tōkasō on his system interface.
• A rift opened above the battlefield, and golden beams carried Barragan, Halibel, and the other Espada away after Yamamoto drove off the incoming Cero.
• Captain Commander Yamamoto ordered Kurotsuchi Mayuri to restore the transfer pillar and told Duan Mu to attend a meeting at First Division headquarters the next morning.

Duan Mu surveyed the damage to District 38 and planned to rebuild the Yorozuya while considering how to grow stronger before Aizen's next move. He left himself with goals to improve his spiritual pressure, master his Zanpakuto, and learn more Kidō, while deciding to use Yoruichi to gain Soi Fon's goodwill.

• Duan Mu assessed the destruction in District 38 and accepted that he would rebuild the Yorozuya himself, while the Gotei 13 compensated residents for their losses.
• Duan Mu found Kenpachi Zaraki eager to fight despite his bandages and told the workers to clear the Yorozuya's rear courtyard for reconstruction.
• Duan Mu refused Diao Ao's suggestion to charge into Hueco Mundo and reassured Shiba Kūkaku that he had no plans to go there.
• Duan Mu sensed Ichigo Kurosaki's remarkable spiritual pressure and considered his own need to reach the system's First Stage rating and master his Zanpakuto and Kidō.
• Duan Mu noticed Soi Fon secretly watching Yoruichi and decided to use Yoruichi to increase Soi Fon's goodwill.

After returning to the Supervision Team, Duan Mu cleaned up the Maggot's Nest and resumed his work while considering how to gain more experience. He joined Matsumoto Rangiku for a drinking binge, where her growing favorability and his drunken promises about Ichimaru Gin left Boss Arakawa worried about the consequences.

• Duan Mu returned to the Supervision Building, reassured the Supervision Team, and went to clean the Maggot's Nest, where he beat its unruly prisoners into submission.
• Duan Mu reviewed the Supervision Team's records and decided he needed more experience before approaching Unohana Retsu.
• Duan Mu agreed to drink with Matsumoto Rangiku after sensing her sadness, earning experience as her favorability increased.
• Duan Mu and Matsumoto Rangiku began drinking at Arakawa's izakaya, and Arakawa cleared out the other customers and stocked more alcohol.
• While drunk, Duan Mu promised to help Matsumoto Rangiku capture Ichimaru Gin and claimed he could get Central 46 to drop the charges against him.

Duan Mu woke in the Fourth Division barracks after a drunken night and learned that he had challenged Unohana Retsu to a swordsmanship lesson while she was away. His system showed Kotetsu Isane’s affection had risen to 62, but he still did not know why.

• Duan Mu woke with a hangover, saw that Matsumoto Rangiku’s and Kotetsu Isane’s affection had increased, and realized he was in the Fourth Division barracks.
• Duan Mu left the male dormitory and asked the gathered Fourth Division members what he had done while drunk.
• Oudou Harunobu explained that Duan Mu had released his spiritual pressure in the women’s area and gone to Unohana Retsu’s residence to challenge her to swordsmanship.
• Duan Mu learned that Unohana Retsu had been away at a meeting, so Kotetsu Isane had persuaded him to return to the male dormitory and Oudou Harunobu had helped carry him there.
• Duan Mu remained puzzled by Kotetsu Isane’s increased affection, but felt relieved that he had caused no serious trouble and was pleased by his experience total.

Duan Mu considered how to spend his experience before Kenpachi Zaraki arrived seeking a fight, but Unohana Retsu instead briefed them on Aizen’s plans and the Gotei 13’s response. The chapter ended with Kenpachi eager to guard the Human World, while Duan Mu was relieved he would stay in Soul Society and Unohana declined his challenge for now.

• Duan Mu raised his mastery of Kidō #96: Ikka Tōkasō to advanced level and kept sixty thousand experience points in reserve.
• Kenpachi Zaraki and Yachiru came to the Comprehensive First Aid Station, where Kenpachi challenged Duan Mu to fight before they sought out Unohana Retsu.
• Unohana Retsu told Duan Mu and Kenpachi that incomplete Arrancars had appeared in the Human World and that Aizen was pursuing records about the Ouken.
• Unohana Retsu explained that the Gotei 13 would avoid invading Hueco Mundo and planned to send a squad to guard the Human World, with support determined by the situation.
• Unohana Retsu said Yamamoto had rejected Kurotsuchi Mayuri’s proposal to send Duan Mu, while Kenpachi eagerly volunteered for the mission.
• Unohana Retsu declined Duan Mu’s challenge, saying it was not a good time for a fight.

Duan Mu resumed Hakuda training while his Zanpakuto recovered, discovering how techniques such as Hachihachiwara Kumanyo’s Bear Bite could shape spiritual pressure into powerful forms. As Arrancar appeared in Karakura Town, Yamamoto assigned Duan Mu’s 9th Division to support and rescue the Soul Reapers sent there, offering Unohana’s Zanjutsu guidance as payment.

• Duan Mu trained in the Great Kūkaku Training Hall, and Shiba Kūkaku and Shiba Ganju discussed his renewed focus and his interest in Stone Wave.
• Duan Mu practiced Bear Bite, which he had secretly learned from Hachihachiwara Kumanyo, and used the system to develop its bear-shaped spiritual-pressure form.
• Duan Mu connected Hakuda’s potential to techniques like Hyōsube Ichibē’s Thousand Mile Sky-Piercing Palm and tried to create bear claws that could fly free of his hands, but they dispersed into spirit particles.
• An Onmitsukidō Patrol Corps member reported two previously unidentified Arrancar in Karakura Town, whose spiritual pressure matched that of the Arrancar who had previously appeared in the Soul Society.
• Yamamoto assigned Tōshirō to lead the Human World deployment and ordered the 9th Division to handle support and rescue duties for the absent 3rd and 5th Divisions.
• Yamamoto told Chōjirō Sasakibe to commission Duan Mu in his name and offer Unohana’s Zanjutsu guidance as payment.

Duan Mu took charge of the 9th Division’s emergency support duties and cultivated beneath Sokyoku Hill while the dispatched squad prepared for the Human World. After multiple Arrancar appeared there, he and Shuhei Hisagi set out to provide support.

• Chōjirō Sasakibe asked Duan Mu to lead the 9th Division’s rescue and support work, and Duan Mu accepted in exchange for Zanjutsu instruction from Unohana Retsu.
• Shuhei Hisagi told Duan Mu that the dispatched squad would soon go to the Human World, and Duan Mu chose the underground space beneath Sokyoku Hill for cultivation.
• Duan Mu cultivated in the underground space for two days while Shuhei Hisagi brought him meals and observed his dangerous training.
• After the dispatched squad led by Tōshirō left for the Human World, Shuhei Hisagi received word that several Arrancar, possibly including multiple Espada, had appeared there.
• Duan Mu told Shuhei Hisagi that they would go provide support alone because Soul Reapers below captain level would only suffer casualties against the Espada.

Arrancar invaded Karakura Town, where Toshiro Hitsugaya’s group and Ichigo Kurosaki’s allies faced several battles. Duan Mu went to seek Urahara Kisuke’s help while Ichigo fought Grimmjow and his latent power began to awaken.

• Halibel’s group arrived in the Human World, and Grimmjow left to find Ichigo Kurosaki while Ruby and Tier confronted Toshiro Hitsugaya, Matsumoto Rangiku, and Renji Abarai.
• Ichigo Kurosaki activated Bankai to fight Grimmjow as Kuchiki Rukia battled two Arrancar.
• Duan Mu killed the two Arrancar attacking Rukia, then told her to let Ichigo continue fighting so his latent power could awaken.
• Renji used Bankai to help Toshiro against an Arrancar’s tentacles, and Shuhei Hisagi arrived to protect Rangiku as the limit release completed.
• Duan Mu appeared at Urahara Shop and demanded that Urahara Kisuke help him.