Chapter Summaries

Yoriichi taught Ichigo and the others to control their spiritual power through breathing, allowing them to form a stable shield around the Spirit Core. The group launched toward Seireitei in Kūkaku’s cannon, where the force of the blast left most of them unable to speak.

• Ichigo repeatedly disrupted the Spirit Core’s shield because he could not control his powerful spiritual energy.
• Yoriichi taught the group to use breathing to steady their bodies and spiritual power, and Ichigo, Uryū, and Chad began to improve.
• Orihime fell asleep during the breathing practice, and Yoriichi reassured her that her relaxed breathing was useful.
• The group successfully formed an unbroken shield around the Spirit Core and decided to rest before setting out at dawn.
• Kūkaku fired Ichigo and the others toward Seireitei in her cannon, and the launch’s force pinned them down inside the shield.

After the spiritual sphere carrying the intruders exploded over the Seireitei, Yoriichi Tsugikuni landed safely with Orihime Inoue and Chad and continued toward the tower where Rukia might be held. He encountered Shunsui Kyōraku, captain of the Eighth Division, and prepared to fight rather than pass him.

• The spiritual sphere broke apart as Ichigo Kurosaki and Chad lost control of their spiritual power, scattering the group across the Seireitei.
• Yoriichi caught Orihime and Chad, slowed their fall, and landed with them on a rooftop while the others were separated.
• Yoriichi, Orihime, and Chad headed toward the central tower, but Yoriichi sensed a powerful Soul Reaper ahead and sent Orihime and Chad to hide.
• Yoriichi met Shunsui Kyōraku in a narrow street, while Nanao Ise urged Shunsui to take the intruders seriously.
• Shunsui said he could not let Yoriichi pass, and Yoriichi drew his hand to Hekyō and said he had not intended to walk past.

Yoriichi Tsugikuni fought Shunsui Kyōraku while trying to pass through the Seireitei and save Rukia Kuchiki. Shunsui released Katen Kyōkotsu and changed the rules of their duel, leaving Yoriichi to realize he would need to use more than Hekyō as the fight continued.

• Shunsui Kyōraku confronted Yoriichi Tsugikuni and offered to let him leave, but Yoriichi refused and said he was in a hurry to save Rukia Kuchiki.
• Yoriichi and Shunsui exchanged sword strikes, with Yoriichi forcing Shunsui to defend and knocking him back.
• Shunsui released Katen Kyōkotsu and used Takaoni, but Yoriichi recognized its rule and reversed the advantage by taking the higher position.
• Shunsui used Kageoni, then changed games as Yoriichi identified how the rules worked and countered his attacks.
• Shunsui switched the rules again, and Yoriichi realized he would eventually be injured unless he used more than his unreleased Hekyō.

Yoriichi Tsugikuni fought Shunsui Kyōraku to test his strength, then learned that Sōsuke Aizen had been found dead and realized Aizen had staged his death. Shunsui cleared Yoriichi of suspicion, but Yoriichi still asked to continue on to save Rukia.

• Yoriichi released Hekyō and fought Shunsui Kyōraku, pressing him with fast, precise attacks that left him with minor wounds.
• Yoriichi told Shunsui that he had come to save Rukia and test his newly awakened power, and Shunsui judged that an ordinary captain would struggle to stop him.
• A Tenteikūra message announced that Sōsuke Aizen had been found murdered and ordered the divisions to pursue the Ryoka.
• Shunsui questioned Yoriichi about his movements and the other Ryoka, then concluded that Yoriichi could not have killed Aizen and cleared him of suspicion.
• Yoriichi realized Aizen had faked his death to exploit the Ryoka invasion, then asked Shunsui to let him pass.

After Central 46 moved Rukia Kuchiki’s execution to noon the next day, Shunsui Kyōraku let Yoriichi go so he could investigate Aizen’s death and the execution order. Yoriichi reunited with Orihime Inoue and Yasutora Sado, then led them toward the Senzaikyū to save Rukia, whether or not Ichigo was already there.

• Nanao Ise told Shunsui Kyōraku that Central 46 had moved Rukia Kuchiki’s execution to noon the next day.
• Shunsui ended his fight with Yoriichi and let him proceed, asking him not to kill Soul Reapers who were following orders.
• Shunsui told Nanao he needed to investigate both Aizen’s death and the repeated changes to Rukia’s execution schedule.
• Yoriichi found Orihime Inoue and Yasutora Sado hiding behind toppled wooden racks and told them the execution had been moved up.
• Yoriichi led Orihime and Yasutora toward the Senzaikyū, deciding they would join Ichigo if he was there or rescue Rukia themselves if he was not.

Yoriichi and his companions rescued the badly injured Ichigo and brought him to Yoruichi’s secret training ground, where Orihime healed him. As Ichigo began training to master Bankai, Yoriichi declined to materialize Hekyō’s spirit and set out to understand his Zanpakuto on his own.

• Yoriichi sensed Ichigo’s Reiatsu weakening and took Orihime and Chad to the battlefield, where they found Ichigo injured after fighting Kenpachi Zaraki.
• Yoruichi explained that Ichigo needed treatment, and the group followed her to a secret underground training ground.
• Orihime used Sōten Kisshun to reject Ichigo’s injuries, and he soon regained consciousness.
• Yoruichi revealed her true form and presented the Tenshintai, giving Ichigo three days to master Bankai.
• Yoriichi refused to use the Tenshintai because he feared Hekyō’s fully materialized power could affect the entire Soul Society, and he asked Orihime and Chad not to tell Ichigo when Rukia would be executed.
• Yoruichi began Ichigo’s training while Yoriichi, Orihime, and Chad each went to train separately.

Yoriichi entered his inner world and recovered Yoriichi Tsugikuni’s swordsmanship and combat instincts, but learned that he could not yet achieve Bankai. He returned to the underground training ground determined to rely on Shikai for Rukia’s execution the next day.

• Yoriichi met Hekyō in the inner world, where Hekyō revealed three separate lights representing his memories and lives.
• Hekyō showed Yoriichi memories of his past lives, and Yoriichi affirmed that he was Yoriichi Tsugikuni.
• Hekyō sparred with Yoriichi and restored the swordsman’s combat memories and instincts.
• Yoriichi asked whether he could achieve Bankai, and Hekyō explained that he first had to accept all three lives as himself and find his true reason for wielding a sword.
• Yoriichi returned to the underground training ground and decided that Shikai was enough for Rukia’s execution the next day.

Ichigo Kurosaki arrived at Rukia Kuchiki’s execution with his Bankai and stopped the Sōkyoku, while Yoriichi destroyed it with a single strike. Yamamoto condemned them, and Byakuya confronted Ichigo as Renji reached the hill to help Rukia.

• Ichigo Kurosaki achieved Bankai, and Yoruichi explained that it concentrated his power into his sword and clothing to improve his speed.
• At Rukia Kuchiki’s execution, Ichigo blocked Kōkō Gonryō Rikyu and declared that he had come to save her.
• Shunsui Kyōraku and Jūshirō Ukitake combined their powers to restrain Kōkō Gonryō Rikyu, but Yoriichi split it apart with his Twelfth Form.
• Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto condemned Shunsui, Ukitake, and Yoriichi for defying the execution order and destroying the Sōkyoku.
• Ichigo freed Rukia and faced Byakuya Kuchiki, while Renji Abarai rushed past Chōjirō Sasakibe to reach them.

Yoriichi Tsugikuni intervened when Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto confronted Shunsui Kyōraku and Jūshirō Ukitake over their disruption of Rukia’s execution. Kyōraku and Ukitake left to investigate Central 46 while Yoriichi stayed to face Yamamoto, who released Ryūjin Jakka.

• Yamamoto accused Kyōraku and Ukitake of obstructing an execution and destroying the Sōkyoku, while they questioned Central 46’s verdict and secrecy.
• Yoriichi challenged Yamamoto’s insistence on obeying orders and argued that a mistaken ruling did not deserve blind obedience.
• Kyōraku and Ukitake tried to leave Sōkyoku Hill to investigate Central 46, but Yamamoto blocked their way and prepared to punish them.
• Yoriichi stepped between Yamamoto and the two captains, telling Kyōraku and Ukitake to go while he held Yamamoto off.
• Yoriichi defended Rukia’s choice to save a family, and Yamamoto drew his Zanpakuto and released Ryūjin Jakka in flames.

Yoriichi Tsugikuni fought Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto on Sōkyoku Hill, and their duel was interrupted when Isane Kotetsu revealed Sōsuke Aizen’s conspiracy. Yamamoto stopped preparing his Bankai and left to deal with the traitors, while Yoriichi prepared for the coming battle.

• Yoriichi and Yamamoto clashed with their fire-type Zanpakuto, and Yoriichi wounded Yamamoto with Hekyō, whose power hindered spiritual-body recovery.
• Yamamoto engulfed Yoriichi in a tornado of fire, but Yoriichi broke through and both fighters sustained injuries in their ensuing exchanges.
• Yamamoto began raising his Reiatsu to use Bankai as Isane announced that Central 46 had been murdered and that Aizen had faked his death and orchestrated Rukia’s execution.
• Isane ordered Soul Reapers to stop fighting among themselves and capture Sōsuke Aizen, Gin Ichimaru, and Kaname Tōsen.
• Yamamoto sheathed Ryūjin Jakka, warned Yoriichi he would answer for destroying the Sōkyoku and entering Seireitei, then left to address the rebellion.

Aizen extracted the Hōgyoku from Rukia and revealed his plan before escaping with Gin Ichimaru and Kaname Tōsen through a Negación barrier. Yoriichi briefly cracked the barrier with Hekyō, but Aizen reached Hueco Mundo and promised to meet him again.

• Aizen defeated Komamura and Renji, then removed the Hōgyoku from Rukia's spiritual body.
• Byakuya, Yoruichi, and Soi Fon intervened, and the other captains and Yamamoto arrived to confront Aizen.
• A Negación barrier shielded Aizen, Gin Ichimaru, and Kaname Tōsen as Aizen declared that he would stand in heaven.
• Yoriichi challenged Aizen's view of life and struck the Negación with Hekyō, briefly opening a fissure.
• Yamamoto's flames failed to break through before the Negación closed, and Aizen escaped to Hueco Mundo with Gin Ichimaru and Kaname Tōsen.

After Aizen’s defeat, Rukia and Byakuya reconciled, and Renji and Rukia reflected on their past. At a captains’ meeting, Yamamoto appointed Yoriichi Tsugikuni Third Division Captain; Yoriichi agreed on the condition that he could return to the World of the Living, as the Gotei 13 prepared for war in three months.

• Rukia visited Byakuya in the hospital, where he explained that he had protected her because of Hisana’s request and apologized for keeping his distance.
• Renji and Rukia remembered their childhood in Rukongai, and Rukia reassured him that he had already protected her.
• Ukitake gave Ichigo a Substitute Soul Reaper License, officially recognizing his status and allowing him to enter the Soul Society without being treated as a Ryoka.
• Yamamoto appointed Yoriichi Third Division Captain, and Yoriichi agreed after securing permission to be stationed temporarily in the World of the Living.
• Yamamoto revealed that Karakura Town might host the decisive battle in three months and ordered the Gotei 13 to prepare for war.

After becoming the Third Division Captain, Yoriichi Tsugikuni accepted Kenpachi Zaraki’s challenge and followed him to the outskirts of the Seireitei. Their battle was about to begin as Shunsui Kyōraku, Jūshirō Ukitake, and Retsu Unohana headed to watch.

• Shunsui Kyōraku and Jūshirō Ukitake explained that Yoriichi’s captain assessment was already satisfied by his earlier battles and the destruction of the Sōkyoku.
• Kenpachi Zaraki challenged Yoriichi to a fight, and Yoriichi agreed.
• Yoriichi used Shunpo to lead Kenpachi away from the First Division Barracks, while Shunsui Kyōraku and Jūshirō Ukitake followed to watch.
• Retsu Unohana sensed Kenpachi’s fighting spirit and left Isane Kotetsu to go see Yoriichi’s swordsmanship.
• Yoriichi drew Hekyō on the barren outskirts, and Kenpachi removed his eyepatch and released a surge of Reiatsu.

Yoriichi fought Kenpachi Zaraki, whose reckless attacks tested his swordsmanship but never gave him the upper hand. Yoriichi disarmed Kenpachi with a basic slash, declined to continue the duel, and said he would soon return to the World of the Living.

• Kenpachi Zaraki charged Yoriichi, who blocked his strikes and wounded him with Hekyō.
• Kenpachi deliberately let Yoriichi hit him and pressed the fight with faster, forceful attacks, while Yoriichi read his movements and avoided every blow.
• Yachiru cheered from the sidelines as Shunsui Kyōraku, Jūshirō Ukitake, and Retsu Unohana watched and praised Yoriichi's swordsmanship.
• Yoriichi agreed to trade a head-on strike with Kenpachi and knocked Kenpachi's Zanpakuto from his hands with a basic slash.
• Kenpachi asked to continue after retrieving his blade, but Yoriichi refused, told him to get stronger, and said he would soon return to the World of the Living.

Two days after the duel with Kenpachi Zaraki, Ichigo and his friends prepared to return to the World of the Living while Yoriichi was appointed Captain of the Third Division and assigned to monitor Ichigo. Uryū learned that his dormant Reishi Circuits might let him regain his Quincy powers, and the group left the Soul Society together.

• Yoriichi appeared in a new Captain's Haori as the Captain-Commander appointed him Third Division Captain and stationed him in the World of the Living to monitor Ichigo.
• Ukitake explained how Ichigo's Substitute Badge worked and warned him not to lose or give it away.
• Uryū confirmed that he had lost his Quincy powers after removing the Sanrei Glove, and Yoriichi told him his Reishi Circuits remained dormant and could awaken again.
• Ukitake fixed the transit coordinates, and Ichigo and his friends entered the Senkaimon to return to the World of the Living.
• Ichigo worried about encountering a Kōtotsu, but Yoruichi explained that the rumble came from the Senkaimon closing as the group continued along the passage.

After returning to Karakura Town, Ichigo and the others were rescued from a fall by Kisuke Urahara’s flying cloth and went their separate ways. Yoriichi returned home as the new Third Division Captain, while Kisuke and Yoruichi considered how his arrival might change the future.

• Everyone emerged from the Senkaimon high above Karakura Town, and Yoriichi stood calmly in midair while Ichigo, Orihime, Chad, and Uryū fell.
• Kisuke Urahara’s flying cloth caught the group, and he learned that Yoriichi had become the Third Division Captain after the previous captain defected.
• Yoruichi told Kisuke that Yoriichi had held off Yamamoto, and Yoriichi explained that Aizen’s defection had interrupted Yamamoto’s preparations to use Bankai.
• Uryū left after warning Ichigo not to charge recklessly, while Orihime and Chad went home together.
• Ichigo got off near the Kurosaki Clinic to walk home alone, and Yoriichi also left the cloth to return to his home.
• Kisuke and Yoruichi discussed how Yoriichi’s existence could affect the future as he arrived at his front door.

Yoriichi Tsugikuni and his friends returned to school after a month away, keeping their Soul Society experiences secret as they resumed ordinary classes and dealt with missed homework. Ichigo rushed out to fight a weak Hollow, while Uryū helped the others prepare for a makeup exam and Orihime and Chad resolved to grow stronger.

• Keigo Asano questioned Yoriichi about the group’s month-long absence, and Ichigo Kurosaki arrived soon after and pinned Keigo against a desk.
• Yoriichi asked Uryū Ishida whether his Quincy abilities had returned, and Uryū said he was searching his grandfather’s records for a solution.
• The homeroom teacher discovered that Ichigo’s homework answers were all Yoriichi’s name and ordered Ichigo to copy the assignment three times.
• Orihime Inoue shared an unusual lunch, while Tatsuki Arisawa noticed the group seemed changed and chose not to press them about their absence.
• Ichigo sensed a Hollow during math class and left school by pretending to have a stomachache, while Yoriichi sensed the weak Reiatsu too.
• Uryū organized makeup-exam study after school, and Orihime and Chad reflected on becoming stronger as Yoriichi finished a practice test with full marks.

Yoriichi confronted Ichigo about the chaotic powers inside him and warned that the white personality in his heart was trying to take over his body. Ichigo returned to school troubled, while a mysterious blond figure watched him and decided to report to school the next day.

• Yoriichi noticed Ichigo's worsening condition and took him to the rooftop to ask what was happening.
• Ichigo told Yoriichi that a voice urged him to surrender his body whenever he used his Soul Reaper power.
• Yoriichi identified the white personality inside Ichigo as the cause of his disrupted breathing and uncontrolled Reiatsu, and urged him not to face the problem alone.
• Ichigo returned to class and spent the afternoon distracted; Orihime Inoue, Chad, and Uryū Ishida worried about his behavior.
• A pale-blond figure watched Ichigo walk home, judged the Hollow inside him to be increasingly unstable, and decided to report to school the next day.

Shinji Hirako transferred into Ichigo Kurosaki’s class and revealed that he and the Visored could help Ichigo control the Hollow inside him. Ichigo agreed to train with them, while Yoriichi Tsugikuni went to Kisuke Urahara’s shop to ask Tessai Tsukabishi to teach him Kidō.

• Shinji Hirako introduced himself to the class and sat beside Ichigo, while Yoriichi noticed him and recognized him as a Visored.
• At lunch, Hirako took Ichigo behind the school and warned him about the Hollow inside him, but Yoriichi intervened and attacked Hirako.
• Hirako revealed his Hollow mask and explained that the Visored could teach Ichigo to control his power.
• Ichigo agreed to train with the Visored but said he was not joining them.
• After school, Yoriichi visited Kisuke Urahara and asked for Tessai Tsukabishi to teach him Kidō.

Yoriichi trained in Kidō at Urahara Shop and mastered every spell Tessai demonstrated, including Counter-Kidō, after seeing each technique once. He left determined to strengthen himself before Aizen made his move, while Tessai faced the damage to the underground training ground.

• Yoriichi copied Tessai's Hadō and Bakudō demonstrations on his first attempts, unleashing spells powerful enough to crater the training ground and crack its barriers.
• Yoriichi learned to control Bakudō precisely after accidentally shattering a boulder with Rikujōkōrō.
• Yoriichi canceled Tessai's Shakkahō with his own and then matched Tessai's Sōren Sōkatsui, astonishing Tessai and Kisuke Urahara.
• Yoriichi told Urahara he wanted to shore up his weaknesses before Aizen made his move, since he had not achieved Bankai and needed stronger opponents to push him.
• Yoriichi went home after training, while Urahara left Tessai to deal with the damaged underground base.