Chapter Summaries

Shiraishi stopped Szayelaporro’s copy and drove Loly away, then learned that the Hollows had won in Hueco Mundo while many were badly injured. He arranged for medical aid and the capture of the invading Arrancar before deciding to go to Hueco Mundo himself.

• Mayuri claimed he needed four or five months to safely destroy Aizen’s Reishi absorption devices, while Shiraishi warned him not to let the enemy use them.
• Shiraishi told Akon that the enemies had been dealt with and ordered the squad members to keep eliminating the invading Arrancar.
• Kisuke Urahara reported that Sōya Azashiro had injected him with the Superhuman Drug, and Azashiro appeared and said the Hollows had won in Hueco Mundo.
• Shiraishi knocked Sōya Azashiro unconscious and ordered Akon to heal and imprison him.
• Shiraishi arranged for Retsu Unohana to bring medical aid and had coordinates of the attacking Arrancar sent to Nelliel’s subordinates.
• Kisuke Urahara proposed a surveillance system to detect Negación Threads that could take ten years to deploy, and Shiraishi decided to go to Hueco Mundo.

Shiraishi visited Nelliel in Hueco Mundo while she managed the rebellious Arrancar and recovered from her injury. He reassured her about Tier Harribel’s treatment, and the two shared an intimate moment before Nelliel continued keeping her Resurrección active to restrain the Arrancar.

• Nelliel placed the rebellious Arrancar under house arrest and organized their punishment while keeping her Reiatsu at full strength.
• Shiraishi arrived at Las Noches with members of the Fourth Division, and Retsu Unohana began treating Tier Harribel.
• Shiraishi checked Nelliel’s injury and reassured her that Retsu would heal Tier.
• Shiraishi examined Nelliel’s Resurrección, touched her tail, and scratched her back while she leaned against him.
• Nelliel told Shiraishi she was happy he had become interested in her, and they kissed.
• Nelliel said she could not release her Resurrección while the Arrancar remained under her control, and Shiraishi accepted her as she was.

After treating Harribel, Unohana reassured Shiraishi before he plunged into the work of rebuilding Hueco Mundo and Soul Society. Shiraishi visited imprisoned Sōya Azashiro, who accepted responsibility for his actions and resolved to face his past, and ordered him to cooperate with Mayuri Kurotsuchi's experiments.

• Unohana finished operating on Harribel, gave Emilou and the others instructions for her recovery, and confirmed that the other injured Arrancar were being treated.
• Shiraishi thanked Unohana for her work, then spent the next week overwhelmed by Hueco Mundo's reconstruction and other responsibilities while barely sleeping.
• Genshirō Okikiba showed Shiraishi monitoring-system proposals from Kisuke Urahara and Mayuri Kurotsuchi, and Shiraishi decided to visit Sōya Azashiro.
• In the Great Underground Prison, Azashiro reflected on his dependence on Urozakuro and resolved to recover her true name and confront his past.
• Shiraishi heard Azashiro accept punishment for his actions and ordered him to cooperate with Mayuri Kurotsuchi's experiments.

Shiraishi received Soi Fon’s report on widespread corruption and ordered the Stealth Force to arrest the corrupt ringleaders while continuing to monitor Aizen’s supporters. Later, Retsu Unohana told him she was likely pregnant, and Shiraishi eagerly reacted to the news.

• Mayuri Kurotsuchi focused on designing a surveillance system based on Sōya Azashiro’s Bankai, while Shiraishi instructed Nemu to ensure Mayuri respected basic moral limits.
• Soi Fon reported that Tsunayashiro Takeshi led a corrupt group tied to the Lotus Chamber of Commerce, and that broadening the investigation could require replacing ninety-six percent of civil servants.
• Shiraishi ordered Soi Fon to keep watching civil servants who supported Aizen, arrest those who broke the law, and launch another rectification campaign against corruption.
• Shiraishi told Retsu Unohana that his recent work had gone unusually smoothly, and she revealed that she had learned she was likely pregnant.
• Shiraishi excitedly asked whether the baby was a boy or a girl, and Retsu Unohana reminded him that it was too early to know.

As New Year approached, Retsu Unohana welcomed Kūkaku Shiba, Nelliel, and Tier Harribel to Shiraishi’s home while they discussed her pregnancy and the uncertain peace with the Quincy. Soi Fon arrived last and was immediately pulled into Nelliel’s enthusiastic embrace.

• Retsu Unohana watched the snow and prepared for New Year at home, where Shiraishi had arranged a holiday and supplies for Soul Society residents.
• Kūkaku Shiba arrived and teased Retsu about her pregnancy before they discussed how life had improved since Aizen’s defeat and worried that Yhwach might threaten the peace.
• Retsu served Kūkaku tea and cookies, then welcomed Nelliel and Tier Harribel into the house.
• Nelliel pressed against Retsu’s belly and revealed that she and Shiraishi had used his Hollow Bankai, accidentally collapsing a palace.
• Soi Fon arrived, and Nelliel hugged her and dragged her inside.

Nelliel, Soi Fon, Tier Harribel, and Kūkaku Shiba argued over who should become Retsu Unohana’s unborn child’s second mother, so Retsu proposed drawing lots. Nemu Kurotsuchi joined the contest, and the women prepared to draw while Shiraishi worked overtime.

• Nelliel hugged Soi Fon, then declared that she should be the baby’s second mother, prompting Soi Fon, Tier Harribel, and Kūkaku Shiba to claim the role too.
• Retsu Unohana suggested drawing lots, and she invited Isane Kotetsu and Nemu Kurotsuchi to participate.
• Nemu Kurotsuchi arrived wearing a Dalmatian outfit and surrendered her X-ray lenses after Retsu forbade cheating and Tier Harribel crushed the lenses.
• Nemu defended the Research and Development Institute’s peeping-related products, and Retsu decided to tell Shiraishi about them before Kūkaku called for the draw to begin.

Shiraishi returned home in the snow to celebrate the New Year with Retsu Unohana, Soi Fon, and the others, but their lively preparations were interrupted by Soi Fon fainting after tasting her own cooking. The women argued over their rankings as mothers, leaving Shiraishi confused.

• Shiraishi finished his work early and hurried through the snow to his home, where Retsu Unohana and the others welcomed him.
• Shiraishi kissed everyone and suggested an idea, but the women rejected what they assumed was a lewd proposal before he explained he meant wearing only aprons.
• Retsu Unohana, Soi Fon, Nelliel, Nemu Kurotsuchi, and Isane Kotetsu started cooking while Shiraishi relaxed with Kūkaku Shiba and Tier Harribel.
• Retsu Unohana learned that Soi Fon had learned to cook from Inoue Inoue and urged her to taste her own food, causing Soi Fon to faint.
• Soi Fon woke up and confronted Shiraishi for pretending to like her cooking, then argued with Kūkaku Shiba about being number four and third mom, leaving Shiraishi baffled.

Shiraishi tried to calm Soi Fon and Kūkaku Shiba’s dispute over their ranks among Retsu Unohana’s would-be children’s mothers, then struggled to navigate the household’s crowded lunch. He checked Heart Window and advised Renji Abarai on how to confess to Rukia before declining her invitation to Chappy Kingdom.

• Tier Harribel explained that a draw had assigned Isane Kotetsu, Soi Fon, Kūkaku Shiba, Tier Harribel, Nemu Kurotsuchi, and Nelliel the second through youngest mother positions, leaving Soi Fon and Kūkaku arguing over their ranks.
• Shiraishi tried to stop the argument, but Soi Fon and Kūkaku told him to shut up; Retsu Unohana sent them to clear and bring out the food instead.
• At lunch, Nelliel and Nemu offered Shiraishi meat, while the women’s conversation left him feeling like background noise.
• Shiraishi checked Heart Window and saw Rukia invite him to visit Chappy Kingdom; Renji Abarai privately warned him not to accept.
• Shiraishi advised Renji to buy roses and confess his feelings to Rukia, then declined her invitation and continued scrolling.

Shiraishi celebrated the New Year with the women as Kūkaku Shiba’s fireworks lit up the sky, then tried to navigate their jealousy and questions about whom he loved most. The next morning, the group decided to go out together, with Retsu Unohana choosing their destination.

• At midnight, Kūkaku Shiba launched a brilliant fireworks display that amazed Nelliel and captivated Soi Fon.
• After the fireworks, Nelliel asked Shiraishi which woman he loved most, and he relied on Retsu Unohana to defuse the jealous gathering.
• Shiraishi followed Nemu Kurotsuchi to her room, mindful of the schedule Retsu Unohana had established.
• The next morning, Soi Fon’s jealousy prompted Kūkaku Shiba to ask whether Shiraishi had slept with Nemu Kurotsuchi, and Nemu answered plainly.
• Shiraishi hurried breakfast along and suggested an outing, and Retsu Unohana chose where they would go.

Uryū Ishida continued training while grieving over Retsu Unohana’s pregnancy announcement and waiting for a chance to approach Yhwach. After a drunken night with Bambietta and Candice, he agreed to take responsibility for what happened, then panicked when Bambietta raised the possibility of pregnancy.

• Uryū Ishida saw Retsu Unohana’s post announcing that she was expecting a child and liked it despite feeling disappointed.
• Uryū Ishida concluded that he needed to keep training and wait for a chance to avenge his mother by attacking Yhwach.
• Bambietta watched Uryū Ishida leave and smiled, saying she had finally found her chance.
• Uryū Ishida woke beside naked Bambietta and Candice and recalled drinking with them the previous night.
• Bambietta explained that she had arranged for Candice to drink with Uryū Ishida, while Candice recalled going to Bambietta’s room and joining them.
• Uryū Ishida apologized to Candice and promised to take responsibility, then turned pale when Bambietta mentioned that she might become pregnant.

Shiraishi’s daughter was born, and he named her Hakuhō before hurrying to Shin'ō Academy’s graduation ceremony. The chapter ended with him reaching the podium and realizing he had forgotten his prepared speech.

• Shiraishi anxiously waited outside the delivery room while Retsu gave birth.
• Isane Kotetsu told Shiraishi that Retsu had delivered a girl, and he named the baby Hakuhō.
• Retsu reminded Shiraishi to attend Shin'ō Academy’s graduation, so he reluctantly left his wife and daughter to go.
• Shiraishi arrived at the ceremony after Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto’s speech and was called to address the graduates.
• Shiraishi reached for the speech Okikiba had prepared but realized he had forgotten to bring it.

Shiraishi attended the Shin'ō Academy graduation ceremony and assigned the six graduates to divisions based on their preferences and the Gotei 13's staffing needs. After Ichigo Kurosaki chose the Sixth Division, Shiraishi rejected the choice because the Kuchiki did not recruit outsiders to the nobility.

• Shiraishi gave an impromptu speech at the graduation ceremony, followed by Ichigo Kurosaki, whose Reiatsu impressed Shiraishi and Yamamoto.
• After the ceremony, Shiraishi met with the six graduates to decide their assignments among divisions competing for their talents.
• Rei Takaeda chose the Thirteenth Division, Chizuru Honshō chose the Eighth Division, and Shiraishi assigned Michiru Ogawa to the Tenth Division.
• Shiraishi assigned Ganju Shiba to the Eleventh Division at Kūkaku's request, while Alexander Sekreira chose the Fifth Division.
• Ichigo Kurosaki chose the Sixth Division, but Shiraishi told him the Kuchiki did not recruit anyone outside the nobility.

Ichigo Kurosaki chose to join Shiraishi’s First Division after reflecting on his past and deciding where he belonged. Shiraishi immediately assigned him a share of the division’s paperwork, and Ichigo suspected he had been maneuvered into the job.

• Ichigo Kurosaki decided to join the First Division after considering his experiences and his place in the Gotei 13.
• Shiraishi brought Ichigo to the First Division and introduced him to Genshirō Okikiba, then told him Captain Unohana had given birth to a daughter named Hakuhō.
• Shiraishi divided his documents and assigned half to Ichigo, telling Okikiba to guide him through the work.
• Ichigo accused Shiraishi of steering him toward the First Division by claiming the 6th Division was not recruiting nobles, but accepted that he had already joined.

Ichigo Kurosaki finished his work and joined Shiraishi and Hakuhō at the Research and Development Institute, where Mayuri reported that the Quincy were researching a way to steal Shinigami Bankai. Mayuri proposed sending sensing threads to Silbern to monitor them.

• Ichigo Kurosaki finished work and visited Shiraishi, who was playing with Hakuhō.
• Shiraishi explained that Hakuhō was excited because Nemu looked after her at the Research and Development Institute on Fridays.
• Shiraishi brought Hakuhō to the institute, where the researchers disabled dangerous traps and switched the facility to child mode.
• Mayuri took Hakuhō and let her explore while telling Shiraishi that the Quincy were secretly researching how to steal a Shinigami's Bankai.
• Mayuri proposed sending sensing threads to Silbern to observe the Quincy.

Shiraishi’s Perception Network spread across the twenty-sixth district while he cared for Hakuhō and attended to his daily affairs. After Orihime Inoue invited him to her birthday party, Renji Abarai sought Lisa Yadōmaru’s advice about confessing to Rukia and then decided to ask Shiraishi instead.

• Shiraishi used Perception Threads to monitor areas of the twenty-sixth district, prioritizing surveillance for the threat posed by the Silbern.
• Hakuhō crawled around and later fell asleep on Shiraishi’s head while he waited for lunch.
• Retsu Unohana brought Shiraishi food and received his help with her surplus baby food.
• Orihime Inoue invited Shiraishi to her birthday party, and he accepted before realizing he did not know his friends’ birthdays.
• Renji Abarai planned to confess to Rukia at Orihime Inoue’s party, but after Lisa Yadōmaru teased him and offered basic advice, he decided to ask Shiraishi for help.

Renji Abarai planned to confess to Rukia at Orihime Inoue's birthday party and asked Shiraishi, Orihime, and Retsu Unohana for help making it special. He committed to carrying out their plan, while the women around Shiraishi reproached him for never giving them flowers.

• Renji Abarai asked Shiraishi for advice and learned to arrange a blindfold game so he could confess to Rukia in private.
• Renji Abarai asked Orihime Inoue to help with the confession, and she suggested fireworks from Kūkaku and flowers from Retsu Unohana.
• Renji Abarai visited Retsu Unohana and told her about Rukia and the planned confession.
• Retsu Unohana suggested adding a candlelit dinner to the fireworks and flowers, then pressured Renji Abarai not to back out.
• Renji Abarai overcame his doubts and left determined to confess, while Retsu Unohana and other women reproached Shiraishi for never giving them flowers.

Rukia joined the preparations for Inoue's birthday party, unaware that her friends had gathered to support Renji's planned confession to her. After Rukia changed into casual clothes, Renji grew nervous, and the group waited for the party to begin.

• Rukia told Byakuya she was going to Inoue's birthday party and headed to the Fourth Division's Senkaimon.
• Retsu Unohana pointed out that Rukia was still wearing her uniform and took her to change.
• Shiraishi and Soi Fon looked after Hakuhō while Renji arrived dressed up and asked whether Rukia had arrived.
• Retsu brought Rukia back in casual clothes, and Renji nervously complimented her appearance.
• Rangiku, Shūhei, Ikkaku, Yumichika, Momo, and Izuru arrived to watch Renji confess to Rukia.

Orihime Inoue's birthday party brought Shiraishi and the other guests together, and Orihime arranged a mountain walk to help Renji Abarai confess to Rukia. Rukia asked for time to sort out her feelings and fled, while Renji decided his next step was to fight Byakuya Kuchiki.

• Shiraishi and the others arrived through the Senkaimon, gave Orihime Inoue birthday gifts, and joined her outdoor party.
• Ichigo Kurosaki reunited with Yuzu and the others, while Shiraishi enjoyed the gathering before joining Rangiku Matsumoto's drinking circle.
• Orihime Inoue proposed a paired test of courage, and Renji Abarai guided Rukia up the mountain by the hand.
• At the mountain's end, Renji Abarai confessed his love to Rukia and asked her to marry him.
• Rukia, overwhelmed, asked Renji Abarai for time to think and fled with Shunpo; Renji decided to fight Byakuya Kuchiki.

Renji Abarai confessed to Rukia and asked Shiraishi for permission to duel Byakuya Kuchiki, who learned of the confession from Yoruichi Shihōin. Byakuya rejected Renji as a suitor and resolved to investigate Rukia’s future himself.

• Renji Abarai asked Shiraishi to approve a duel with Byakuya Kuchiki, and Shiraishi allowed it as a fight between brothers-in-law.
• Ikkaku Madarame supported Renji, and the group celebrated with drinks and fireworks.
• Rukia returned to the Kuchiki estate, too flustered by Renji’s confession to answer Byakuya.
• Yoruichi Shihōin visited Byakuya and told him that Renji had confessed to Rukia.
• Byakuya declared that he would not allow Renji to pursue Rukia and said he would personally ensure her future was in order.

Renji Abarai finished his work and challenged Byakuya Kuchiki to prove he could protect Rukia. Their fight began in the New Muken, where Renji’s Bankai surprised Byakuya, who then launched another attack.

• Renji Abarai recovered from the previous night’s drinking, finished his Thirteenth Division paperwork, and prepared to challenge Byakuya Kuchiki.
• Renji Abarai met Byakuya Kuchiki at the Kuchiki Clan Estate, and Byakuya led him to the New Muken for their fight.
• Shinji Hirako ran a betting pool as several captains and others placed bets, mostly on Byakuya Kuchiki, while Shiraishi, Momo Hinamori, and Izuru Kira backed Renji Abarai.
• Renji Abarai and Byakuya Kuchiki both immediately released Bankai, and Byakuya’s Senbonzakura Kageyoshi engulfed Renji in blades.
• Renji Abarai’s Reiatsu blasted the blades away, and his furry baboon-like arm left Byakuya Kuchiki with a nick on his cheek.
• Byakuya Kuchiki resumed his attack with greater seriousness.