Arc 26Hell’s Return and the Grand Line
Shiraishi faced Aizen’s escape from Hell, then traveled with Retsu Unohana to the pirate world to pursue him. After parting with Unohana, he accompanied the Straw Hat Pirates through several islands as they helped Vivi, recruited Chopper, and headed for Alabasta.
- Shiraishi’s wedding celebrations led Ichigo Kurosaki to recognize his feelings for Orihime Inoue, while Aizen watched from Hell and recruited Saitō Furofushi.
- Aizen opened the Gates of Hell and unleashed the Original Gotei 13 against Soul Society, where Shunsui Kyōraku and Retsu Unohana defeated Katori Batsu'unsai and Saitō Furofushi.
- Shiraishi used Bankai against Aizen, but Aizen escaped through a black hole, prompting Shiraishi to build a world-traveling device with Kisuke Urahara and Mayuri Kurotsuchi.
- Shiraishi and Retsu Unohana reached Loguetown, met Monkey D. Dragon, and followed the Straw Hat Pirates after Luffy survived Buggy’s execution attempt.
- Shiraishi and Retsu Unohana joined the Going Merry’s journey, recognized Aizen in Crocus’s newspaper, and separated from the crew at Whisky Peak when Robin offered to take Unohana to Alabasta.
- The Straw Hat Pirates rescued Dorry and Brogy from Mr. 3’s scheme on Little Garden, then sailed toward Drum Kingdom when Nami fell ill with Kestia.
- Luffy defeated Wapol, Chopper joined the Straw Hat Pirates, and the crew rescued Bon Clay before heading into the desert toward Yuba while Shiraishi planned to meet Unohana at Nanohana.