Arc 16The Third Division Captain
Nara Dan defeated Gin Ichimaru, became captain of the Third Division, and helped confront Aizen’s betrayal. After settling into his new role, he investigated noble schemes involving Ginjo Kugo and Spirit King fragments, then faced a powerful attacker in western Rukongai.
- Nara Dan won the Captain Battle against Gin Ichimaru, broke Shinsō with his swordsmanship, and received the Third Division captaincy.
- Aizen revealed his betrayal and fought the captains, but Gin Ichimaru’s assassination attempt failed when the Hōgyoku restored Aizen and Aizen escaped after battling Yamamoto.
- Nara Dan took command of the Third Division, appointed Kira Izuru as Vice-Captain, and accepted Yamamoto’s assignment to coordinate with the exiled Soul Reapers in the Human World.
- Nara Dan met Kisuke Urahara and Shinji Hirako, delivered Yamamoto’s invitation to return, and brought Jushiro Ukitake’s relative Fuzhuku Rin back to Soul Society.
- Nara Dan defeated Ginjo Kugo, learned that nobles had framed him while pursuing Spirit King fragments, and sent his soul to Soul Society.
- Nara Dan extracted the Hōgyoku from Rukia and offered Byakuya a chance to revive Hisana in exchange for letting Rukia choose her division.
- Nara Dan investigated missing Pluses in western Rukongai and learned that a shadowy figure had eaten them, while hidden masterminds planned to use their power to evolve Rei.
- The Bald Man ambushed Nara Dan, who activated Hollowfication and struck back with Heaven’s Fall before the attacker answered with Hadō #91: Senju Kōten Taihō, and Yamamoto sent Unohana to support him.