Arc 13The Past Challenges the Present
Sōgo Shihoin defeated Yhwach and reorganized Soul Society, then helped oversee Rukia Kuchiki’s promotion and the Gotei 13’s recovery. Yushima Oko revived more than a hundred former captains, who challenged their descendants and brought the past into conflict with the present.
- Kuruyashiki Kenpachi used his Bankai to swallow Gerard Valkyrie after Gerard’s giant blade devastated Rukongai.
- Ichigo Kurosaki defeated Gremmy Thoumeaux, Mayuri Kurotsuchi overcame Mask de Masculine, and Baraggan defeated Loyd Lloyd as Yhwach’s chosen fighters fell.
- Yhwach absorbed power from the surviving Sternritter and fought Sōgo Shihoin, who surpassed him with his true Bankai and forced him to surrender.
- Sōgo Shihoin arranged new responsibilities for Soul Society, while Shunsui Kyōraku became head of the Gotei 13 and Rukia Kuchiki later passed her captain’s examination.
- Sōgo Shihoin trained Byakuya Kuchiki and Tōshirō Hitsugaya to strengthen their Shikai, and both defeated their Bankai spirits and reclaimed their Bankai.
- The Kuchiki Clan held a lavish banquet for Rukia Kuchiki, where Ichigo Kurosaki and his companions arrived to celebrate her promotion.
- Yushima Oko awakened more than a hundred Gigai containing the souls of former captains, who emerged in Rukongai to test their descendants.
- The former captains challenged Soul Society’s current leaders, and Shunsui Kyōraku and Shūhei Hisagi fought to protect the Gotei 13.