Complete listed story — includes the ending
Bleach, Volume 71
643. BABY,HOLD YOUR HAND 6 [Waiting For Love] [ ]
Sternritter "C" Pernida Parnkgjas 's clone kills and consumes 12th Division Lieutenant Nemu Kurotsuchi, but her captain, Mayuri Kurotsuchi, uses her body to defeat Pernida itself.
In the aftermath of destroying one of Sternritter "C" Pernida Parnkgjas 's clones with Gikon Jūrinjū, 12th Division Lieutenant Nemu Kurotsuchi falls through the air with the pieces of the split clone scattered around her and looks fondly at her captain, Mayuri Kurotsuchi, who watches her descend in awe. Suddenly, the pieces of the clone sprout individual eyes, extend their nerves into a shocked Nemu's body, and cause her flesh to swell up before she explodes in a shower of blood and organs, which splatter on the ground around a stunned Mayuri as her severed hand is left to spin through the air.
While Mayuri numbly expresses his disbelief at this, the scattered pieces of the clone begin reforming into their original shape, and as Mayuri hunches over, a kneeling hallucination of Szayelaporro Granz questions if Mayuri just felt grief or despair over this. Assuming he misheard this, Szayelaporro asks to get a better look at Mayuri's face, sarcastically refuses to believe this since Mayuri is the one who lectured him about what it means to be a scientist, and reminds him that he has no reason to be sad about his modified life form dying because he believes perfection has no meaning to scientists and abhors it. Proclaiming that this means Mayuri should celebrate Nemu's death because it means she was not perfect and has left room for him to create something better, Szayelaporro admits that this is what he thought Mayuri would say and mockingly infers that he was beginning to believe Nemu was perfect, which he stands up to look down upon Mayuri for thinking. With the clone of Pernida continuing to regrow behind him, Szayelaporro claims that Mayuri should thank it because it crushed his arrogance and negligence by killing Nemu and reminds him that he is now alone despite his efforts with what he thought was perfect destroyed, which Szayelaporro concludes is something he could only laugh about if he were in Mayuri's situation.
However, a further disheveled Mayuri crushes and dispels the hallucination with his hand and concurs that it was right before asserting that it is utterly comical for him to have needed a false scientist like Szayelaporro to remind him of his own negligence. Slamming down onto the rooftop where Mayuri is standing, the clone of Pernida reveals a tongue with a large eyeball sprouting from its palm, leading Mayuri to deduce that it has come to feast on Nemu's flesh and encourages it to do so until the last scrap of skin is gone. However, upon seeing the clone scooping up a chunk of Nemu's flesh with her brain on it, Mayuri plugs a cord into his ear, reaches into the clone's mouth, and snatches back the brain to keep from it. When the clone attempts to reach for him, electricity crackles around Mayuri, forcing the screaming clone back while Mayuri asks it if it if feels numb after experiencing this.
Mayuri insists that the clone finish eating Nemu because it will quickly die otherwise, and with the clone convulsing in pain and demanding to know what this is, Mayuri explains that Nemu's pituitary gland, which the clone ate, contained an Involuntary Cell Division Acceleration Organ designed to surpass an artificial Soul's cell division threshold. As the clone's flesh begins drastically swelling and bulging outward, Mayuri elaborates that the organ functions at all times to allow cells to continuously grow beyond their theoretical limit and is regulated by the parietal lobe via a connection to the basal ganglia. Deciding to rephrase it so even an idiot like the Pernida clone can understand, Mayuri clarifies that the organ alone being ingested without Nemu's brain will cause the consuming organism to grow out of control and self-destruct just before the screaming clone explodes, splattering its flesh and blood across the nearby buildings.
644. BABY, HOLD YOUR HAND 7 [Never Ending My Dream] [ ]
12th Division Captain Mayuri Kurotsuchi and 11th Division Captain Kenpachi Zaraki are put into healing containers as Captain-Commander Shunsui Kyōraku confronts Sternritter "X" Lille Barro.
Having destroyed the last remaining clone of Sternritter "C" Pernida Parnkgjas, 12th Division Captain Mayuri Kurotsuchi walks away with the brain of his lieutenant, Nemu Kurotsuchi, only to collapse and realize that a surviving nerve mutilated his legs at the last second, which he observes makes him no different from 11th Division Captain Kenpachi Zaraki, just before 11th Division 3rd Seat Ikkaku Madarame and 5th Seat Yumichika Ayasegawa approach him. Surprised that Ikkaku and Yumichika have not fled yet, Mayuri calls them stupid beyond belief, only to commend them for not interfering with the battle.
Moments later, Ikkaku and Yumichika carry Mayuri through the streets with his arms over their shoulders as he directs them to body preservation pods hidden in ruins down the street that contain 10th Division Captain Tōshirō Hitsugaya and Lieutenant Rangiku Matsumoto, now cured of their zombification. Instructing Ikkaku and Yumichika to go on with them, Mayuri admits that their lifespans were greatly reduced and assumes they will not hold it against him for saving their lives. With Hitsugaya departing alongside Rangiku and thanking him, a scoffing Mayuri has Ikkaku and Yumichika place him into one of the pods and allows them to place Kenpachi in the other one. After promising to see Kenpachi soon, Ikkaku and Yumichika close the pod over him, kneel before Mayuri, and thank him for saving Kenpachi before running off.
Bemused by how much he is getting thanked today and calling it disgusting, Mayuri dismisses this as irrelevant because he has finally created a Soul that evolves on its own from nothing and looks down at Nemu's brain, which is secured in his haori, as he revels in having surpassed Kisuke Urahara. Regenerative fluid fills the pod while Mayuri decides to wait to see the look of envy on Urahara's face in person since he cannot picture it right now and promises to show him how much distance now lies between them alongside Nemu, whom he envisions floating above him in the pod.
Elsewhere, as the captains and lieutenants continue running toward the castle, Kisuke Urahara is startled by the sensation of Mayuri's Reiatsu fluctuating and notes that he should be fine. However, a concurring Captain-Commander Shunsui Kyōraku observes that the real problem is how the surrounding Reiatsu has decreased to the point where they can sense large fluctuations from so far away, leading Urahara to inquire if all the lieutenants have been incapacitated and 6th Division Lieutenant Renji Abarai to confirm that he, 13th Division Lieutenant Rukia Kuchiki, and 5th Division Lieutenant Momo Hinamori are still here while Shunsui notes that his lieutenant, Nanao Ise, is also present. With 5th Division Captain Shinji Hirako lamenting how they do not know where the enemy is attacking from and that slowing down would give them an even bigger advantage, Sternritter "X" Lille Barro observes them from a building far behind the group and muses that they must be terrified before admitting that he would be too because they are losing their comrades one at a time to attacks coming from a great distance.
While Shunsui asserts that they still do not know anything about the enemy targeting them after all this time, Lille concludes that anyone who is not afraid is either a fool or a worthless fighter who deserves to be abandoned, and when Shunsui stops in his tracks and draws his Zanpakutō in preparation for finding Lille, Shinji chastises him for not listening to what he just said about slowing down. Suddenly, just as he sees a beacon of Reiatsu at Lille's location and announces that he has found him, Shunsui is shot through the chest by Lille and coughs up blood as he begins to fall back, prompting Shinji and Nanao to rush to him. Lille details how a pack will always collapse with a single foolish action no matter how well it is unified, which he has seen countless times, and expresses disappointment in the Shinigami being no different, but is confused when he hears Shunsui calling out a children's song right before the latter appears behind him unharmed with his Shikai, Katen Kyōkotsu, released and completes Daruma-san ga Koronda by slashing down at Lille, who quickly evades him. Having severed most of the barrel of Lille's Spirit Weapon, Diagramm, Shunsui praises his reflexes and promises his life will the next thing he loses.
645. Don't Chase a Shadow [ ]
Captain-Commander Shunsui Kyōraku and Sternritter "X" Lille Barro begin their battle.
Internally musing on Captain-Commander Shunsui Kyōraku covering the distance between their locations without being sensed, Sternritter "X" Lille Barro wonders how Shunsui got behind him so quickly prior to Shunsui questioning if he has never played Daruma-san ga Koronda before. With Lille confused by the name, Shunsui acknowledges that their respective cultures are too different for this to have happened and praises his lieutenant, Nanao Ise, who is standing behind a nearby corner, for keeping up with him all the way here. When Nanao steps out and claims that this does not sound like a compliment, Shunsui orders her to return to the group since it is too dangerous here, only for her to refuse. Once Shunsui tells her to inform the others that they need to go on ahead instead, Nanao accepts this with a promise to return afterward and threatens to shave the chest hair off Shunsui's chest if he dies before she returns, leaving Shunsui nervously stating that this would prevent anyone from recognizing him.
While Nanao departs by leaping between buildings, Shunsui observes that she is sounding more and more like Lisa Yadōmaru, but Lille asks him if he is done with his charade, which Shunsui is bemused by, and reveals that the Wandenreich has Daten on every battle fought by the captains and lieutenants of the Gotei 13. After describing the power of Shunsui's Shikai, Katen Kyōkotsu as turning children's games into reality, Lille inquires if the technique that Shunsui used was one such game. Admitting that it is understandable how the Wandenreich infiltrated the Soul King Palace and recalling that he did not use this technique against Coyote Starrk, Shunsui explains how Daruma-san ga Koronda is a game where the participant, who is "it", looks behind themselves after saying the verse with their eyes closed, with the losers being whoever is caught moving, and elaborates that the three rules are for the person marked "it" to be in a clearly visible location, the others losing if they are caught moving, and the others winning if they can touch the person marked "it" before they are caught moving.
In response to Lille identifying it as a variant of Chocolate Inglés, a disappointed Shunsui points out that he does know the game after all as Lille deduces how using Daruma-san ga Koronda lets Shunsui see the Reiatsu of an attack no matter where it is coming from, which then allows him to follow the shortest trail of Reiatsu in order to touch the attacker before the attacker sees him while an illusory static image of him is left behind. With Shunsui grinning upon being asked if this is correct, Lille observes that Shunsui loses if he is caught moving even though the rules of Daruma-san ga Koronda seem to heavily favor him. Once Lille concludes that Shunsui will die as log as he sees through the illusion and catches the latter, a grinning Shunsui asserts that he is glad Lille understands things quickly, and when Lille counters that it was a mistake to explain the rules to him because the game will no longer work against him, Shunsui clarifies that a game cannot begin until both sides understand the rules prior to informing Lille that he saw the real Shunsui earlier rather than a static image, to Lille's confusion.
Shunsui details how all combatants rely on their sense of sight and Reikaku to see objects during battle as a natural reflex, progressively relying more and more on Reikaku over physical sight as a battle continues, and reveals that he solidified his Reiatsu at his previous location and left it there so Lille would mistake it for him. Though Lille refuses to believe he would make such a mistake, Shunsui states that he did and identifies himself as the Captain-Commander of the Gotei 13, leaving Lille speechless, before rushing toward Lille and initiates Daruma-san ga Koronda once more, only for Lille to turn around and level his Spirit Weapon, Diagramm, at Shunsui when the latter appears behind him. However, when Lille reminds Shunsui that he can no longer play this game and shoots him in the chest, the real Shunsui stabs one of the blades of Katen Kyōkotsu out of Lille's shadow with Kageoni, forcing Lille to leap into the air before he is cut and fire another shot at the real Shunsui, who quickly evades to the side.
In response to Shunsui praising him for being the first to dodge Kageoni on the first try, Lille reiterates that they have Daten on all the battles that the Shinigami have fought, and as Shunsui staggers and looks down to see a sizable hole in his left foot left by Lille's shot, Lille asserts that the Shinigami have no such data on the Wandenreich. When Shunsui admits that he believed he dodged this and claims it is unfair for Lille to not tell him, Lille counters that he has no intention of having a fair fight, but decides that it will not make things fair to tell Shunsui that his Schrift is The X-Axis. Lille declares that his power penetrates everything and leaves no room for the concept of avoiding it by dodging prior to blasting a large hole in a side-stepping Shunsui's chest with Diagramm.
Despite this, a shadowy Shunsui appears behind a surprised Lille and inquires if he saw a shadow, which he clarifies was an afterimage he created rather than him dodging the shot, as he is now playing Kageokuri, a game where one projects a shadow they stared at to a different location. After noting that a Reikaku as powerful as Lille's creates an even stronger afterimage, Shunsui muses that children's games are scary because of their unpredictability. Observing that one never knows what kind of game is about to start or when it will begin, Shunsui claims that it is all over once a child takes one's hand no matter how uninterested they are because they will have to play until they are dead prior to Shunsui concluding that Lille's hand has already been taken and inviting him to play until death.
646. The Second Eye [ ]
Sternritter "X" Lille Barro reveals his true power and overwhelms Captain-Commander Shunsui Kyōraku.
After 1st Division Lieutenant Nanao Ise informs the other Shinigami of Captain-Commander Shunsui Kyōraku 's decision, 5th Division Captain Shinji Hirako abruptly agrees to keep going and run off as his lieutenant, Momo Hinamori, initially insists that they stay and help Shunsui. When a startled Hinamori runs after him in protest, Shinji points out how they are running out of time and turns to Nanao for her stance, leading Nanao to inform them that she is going back while they proceed. In turn, Shinji asks the group what 13th Division Captain Jūshirō Ukitake would say if he were here, which causes them to envision him assuring them that Shunsui will be fine if he says he will be fine, and begins to walk away after considering it settled before stopping and reminding his comrades that Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto would be telling them to go on ahead as well if he were here and stuck fighting an enemy, as this is what it means to be a Captain-Commander who shoulders the lives of their officers
Meanwhile, Sternritter "X" Lille Barro points his Spirit Weapon, Diagramm, at Shunsui once more and asserts that the latter made a mistake in assuming he could cut Lille if he got close enough. However, Shunsui merely affirms this and reveals that Lille has already been cut just before half of the remaining barrel of Diagramm is severed and falls to the ground. With Shunsui admitting that he must not have stepped in close enough to sever Lille's arm as well, an initially shocked Lille jumps back several feet and reforms the missing portion of Diagramm in a metallic fashion, which impresses Shunsui. Once Lille explains that Diagramm is his Spirit Weapon and made of Reishi, Shunsui deduces that this is why he can continue firing even with the barrel removed and repair the gun when it is damaged, but notes that Lille has already forgotten the rules and reappears behind him just before slashing horizontally, which forces an astonished Lille to drop and reposition himself to evade it. Shunsui reminds Lille that looking away from Shunsui and seeing his shadow will cause him to see silhouette afterimages while disappearing in a swirl of darkness, and as Lille begins running across the roof of the building, Shunsui assumes that this reminds him of being scared of his own shadow as a child prior to several shadowy clones of himself descending on Lille from the air with their copies of his Shikai, Katen Kyōkotsu, outstretched.
Looking up in shock, Lille finds himself impaled from behind by the real Shunsui's Katen Kyōkotsu once the clones dissipate, only to slowly open his left eye and solemnly observe that this is the third time. With Shunsui confused by this, Lille details how he can only use the full capabilities of The X-Axis when both of his eyes are open, which lets his shot penetrate his opponent's body and his body penetrate his opponent's sword, while Shunsui slowly slides his blade out of Lille's chest, which moves like liquid around it and is left unharmed once it is removed. In response to Shunsui inferring that his games no longer work while this is active, Lille confirms this and asserts that there is no weapon in the world which can kill him right now before clarifying that he is only allowed to briefly open his eye when he is in danger during combat.
Having done so when Shunsui first attacked him and when the former reappeared behind him with Kageokuri, Lille claims that he must keep his eye closed otherwise because it would be unfair to sinners if he kept it open at all times. Though Shunsui encourages him to close his eye again, Lille reveals that he is allowed to keep his eye permanently open once it has been opened for the third time during a fight, which Shunsui is disappointed by, and announces that he is Yhwach 's masterpiece as the first Sternritter to be granted a Schrift, making him him the one closest to God, before proclaiming that opening his eye three times is unacceptable. Lille's left eye and the tattoo around it glow with green Reishi as his Quincy: Vollständig, Jilliel, is activated, granting him eight wings with three holes each, a large carapace-like robe covering his body below the mouth, a more elaborate tattoo on his face, and a wide and thin Heiligenschein. Just as he realizes that he is unable to move, Shunsui is shot through the hat, right shoulder, and left hip by three blasts from one of Lille's wings.
647. THE THEATRE SUICIDE [ ]
Sternritter "M" Gerard Valkyrie confronts the remaining Shinigami as Captain-Commander Shunsui Kyōraku is forced to activate his Bankai against Sternritter "X" Lille Barro.
Having been shot several times by Sternritter "X" Lille Barro following the activation of his Quincy: Vollständig, Jilliel, a hatless and bleeding Captain-Commander Shunsui Kyōraku runs across several rooftops to reach the side of a tower with a broad wall, which he sits down and rests against with a sigh. Musing that he is running well despite his injuries, Shunsui admits it would have been better to have died instantly and laments being so strong that he cannot even lose consciousness, only to pause and realize that there is no point in complaining when his lieutenant, Nanao Ise, is not around to chastise him like usual just before leaping away while the tower is destroyed by multiple shots from Lille. As he comments on how close this was, a sweating Shunsui lands in the open window of a nearby building and runs inside, but Lille merely observes how well he is moving despite his injuries before moving inside the building and directly in front of Shunsui with a swirling teleportation. After questioning if Shunsui is trying to run from him, Lille responds to Shunsui assuming a battle stance by reminding him that no weapon can harm Lille, prompting Shunsui to affirm this and inquire if the same holds true for Kidō before casting Hadō #78. Zangerin, which creates a ring-shaped projectile in the wake of his blades that expands outward and smashes through the walls of the building from inside.
Simultaneously, 5th Division Captain Shinji Hirako, 6th Division Captain Byakuya Kuchiki, and Kisuke Urahara run at the front of the group of Shinigami, whom Shinji warns to get ready since they have now reached the enemy stronghold. However, while 6th Division Lieutenant Renji Abarai and 13th Division Lieutenant Rukia Kuchiki affirm this, a distant booming sound draws Shinji's attention to a far-off rooftop with a trail of dust. Seconds later, Sternritter "M" Gerard Valkyrie abruptly crashes down onto the stairs in front of the Shinigami, enveloping them in a cloud of dust and showering rubble across the area, before grinning while Urahara observes that he leapt quite a far distance to get here.
Congratulating the Shinigami on getting this far, though Shinji points out that they were not looking for him and he instead came flying to them, Gerard declares that this is as far as they get because they will need to get past him if they want to go any further, leaving Shinji to question if Gerard is even listening to him. When Gerard's left arm is restrained by Renji's Shikai, Zabimaru, and Renji affirms Shinji's question of whether they can leave Gerard to him, a grinning Gerard flares out his cape and embeds it firmly in the ground on either side of him, blocking off access to the castle, before decrying the idea of a one-on-one battle since none of them could defeat him alone even with a miracle and challenging the Shinigami to attack him all at once, to Shinji's bemusement.
Elsewhere, Shunsui rests on a rooftop between two wide walls, where he expresses disbelief at Zangerin not harming Lille at all when he only expected it to do minimal damage. Noting that he is at the end of his rope and has returned to the city that they first entered Wahrwelt on, which he hopes will put everyone else far enough away, Shunsui apologizes preemptively to Nanao if she gets caught up in this, positions his Shikai, Katen Kyōkotsu, tip-first on the ground in front of himself, and decides to see what lies beyond the end of the rope before activating his Bankai, Katen Kyōkotsu: Karamatsu Shinjū, which extends dozens of shadowy tree branches across the ground from his position as a shadowy woman leans over his shoulder.
648. THE THEATRE SUICIDE SCENE 2 [ ]
Captain-Commander Shunsui Kyōraku 's Bankai, Katen Kyōkotsu: Karamatsu Shinjū, is felt across Wahrwelt as he begins attacking Sternritter "X" Lille Barro with it.
While Ichigo Kurosaki runs through the streets of Wahrwelt, he is startled to find Sternritter "D" Askin Nakk Le Vaar hanging off the side of a pole in front of him and recognizes him as the one Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez attacked earlier. With Ichigo demanding to know where Grimmjow is, Askin assumes he is referring to the guy with the ducktail haircut and tries to point out where he is sleeping, only to be confused by the street layout. When Ichigo questions if Grimmjow lost, a smirking Askin chastises him for making everything about winning and losing, and once Ichigo asserts that he does not care about Askin's preferences, Askin decides to only reveal his name before preparing to engage Ichigo as the latter rushes toward him. Suddenly, Ichigo and Askin are alarmed by the sensation of darkness enveloping their surroundings as a shivering Ganju Shiba comments on how cold it has become and Yasutora Sado realizes that they are experiencing chills instead of the area actually becoming dark or cold. With Orihime Inoue noting that she cannot stop trembling even though she cannot hear or see anything that would be causing this, Ichigo recognizes the Reiatsu permeating the area as that of Captain-Commander Shunsui Kyōraku.
Elsewhere, Sternritter "X" Lille Barro descends to one of the rooftops in his Quincy: Vollständig, Jilliel, where the bottom of his robe splits open and unfurls to reveal a set of double-pronged, deer-like legs that he lands on the rooftop with while questioning what this strange sensation is. Seeing Shunsui appearing on the far end of the roof as the shadow disappears from his shoulder, Lille comments on him finally showing himself. Shunsui apologizes for keeping Lille waiting and inquires about whether he believes the world looks dark, gloomy, and full of despair right now, prompting Lille to realize that this is his doing and infer that it is his Bankai. Once Shunsui confirms this, Lille acknowledges that the colors of the world look different now, only to dismiss it being despair-inducing as an exaggeration because God's messenger does not feel despair and leap high into the air before gathering energy in all 24 holes in his wings and blasting Shunsui and the area around him with enough force to sever part of the city below, leading it to begin falling into the open air.
Despite this, while asserting that he knows a Bankai will disappear with its owner's death even if they do not have any Daten on Shunsui's, Lille is startled by blood dripping from a hole that appears in his left side and demands to know what it is. In the clearing smoke below, Shunsui identifies this as Ichidanme: Tameraikizu no Wakachiai, where wounds inflicted on the enemy appear on one's own body, and another hole appears on Lille's right shoulder as Shunsui notes that one cannot die from such wounds and responds to Lille remaining bewildered by reminding him that this is the Bankai he spoke of, Katen Kyōkotsu: Karamatsu Shinjū. After instructing Lille to stop talking between acts and remain silent for the rest of the performance, Shunsui initiates Nidanme: Zanki no Shitone, causing brown spots of varying sizes to appear all over Lille's body, and describes this as a man who failed to kill his adversary collapsing from shame and suffering an incurable illness, which results in an agonized Lille bleeding from the eyes and nose. Surrounding himself and Lille with a vast ocean, Shunsui announces Sandanme: Dangyo no Fuchi, which he narrates as the man and his adversary accepting their fate and tossing themselves into the waters until their Reiatsu is exhausted.
649. The Theatre Suicide SCENE 3 [ ]
Captain-Commander Shunsui Kyōraku uses the final act of his Bankai on Sternritter "X" Lille Barro.
As he looks up at the surface above the water generated by Sandanme: Dangyo no Fuchi, Sternritter "X" Lille Barro desperately tries to fly up toward it by rapidly flapping the wings of his Quincy: Vollständig, Jilliel, but is flabbergasted to find the surface moving further away from him no matter how hard he flaps. In turn, Captain-Commander Shunsui Kyōraku reminds him that they threw themselves into the water and claims that what is done cannot be undone regardless of what Lille tries, though he asserts that he knows how Lille feels and describes how throwing oneself into icy waters can test their resolve. However, Shunsui clarifies that this is just Lille being selfish and wonders how selfish he can be while a woman's voice joins him and mirrors his words. From behind Shunsui, Katen notes the disgrace of the man that a woman swore herself to and how pity is the only thing keeping her bound to him and this world prior to draping her arms over Shunsui and observing that it has been a long time.
When Shunsui affirms this and calls her "Ohana", Katen counters that he has a lot of nerve doing so as someone who hardly ever plays with her, leading Shunsui to apologize. Noticing the hole in Shunsui's shoulder, Katen points out how his kimono is torn and states that this is what he deserves for wearing another woman's kimono, only for Shunsui to muse that she is as mean as ever. In response, Katen reminds Shunsui that she is the spirit of his Zanpakutō, regardless of how mean she is, and that he accepted her as she is while swearing they would die together, which Shunsui smiles at. Above them, Lille questions who Shunsui is talking to, as Katen is only visible to the latter, and demands to know if Shunsui believed he could win this battle and kill him before declaring that a mere Shinigami 's Bankai could never kill him.
Despite this, Shunsui merely sheathes his swords and generates a wispy white thread from the fingertips on his right hand while beginning to narrate about how cruel a woman's pity can be. With Lille flying down toward him, Shunsui elaborates that the woman will not listen to a petulant man and describes a glistening white thread soaked with regret being wrapped around the neck of the man she loves. Promising to cut away this awkwardly-tangled thread of regret while the thread from his hand winds itself around Lille's neck, Shunsui presents Shime no Dan: Itokiribasami Chizome no Nodobue, which creates a large cut in Lille's neck that glows golden and expands upward until it explodes, leaving his headless body to fall into the abyss between the buildings while a watching Shunsui coughs up blood and falls back.
Kneeling behind Shunsui, Katen reaches out and catches him with both hands, leaving Shunsui surprised and lewdly commenting on how resting his head on her lap makes occasionally activating his Bankai worth it. In response, Katen wordlessly jabs her fingers down toward his left eye, forcing an alarmed Shunsui to jerk his head out of the way and plead for forgiveness since this is the only good eye he has left, prompting Katen to note that she is also missing her right eye and muse that fate has a way of playing games with a Shinigami and his Zanpakutō. Despite this, Katen admits that she is glad he won, and when Shunsui wonders why she is being so nice today, a flustered Katen reminds him that he almost died just before Shunsui begins to tell her something. Suddenly, Shunsui is shot through the stomach by a beam of energy from Lille, to his and Katen's shock, and watches in astonishment as Lille's headless body teleports into the air above him with its Quincy: Vollständig, Jilliel, still active and shifting in color from green to golden, where Lille's face begins reforming from energy rising out of the stump while he reprimands Shunsui for believing a Shinigami's Bankai can kill God's messenger.
650. THE THEATRE SUICIDE SCENE 4 [ ]
Sternritter "X" Lille Barro reveals a second form of his Quincy: Vollständig, leading a desperate Captain-Commander Shunsui Kyōraku to decide to return the Zanpakutō of his lieutenant, Nanao Ise, to her.
With an owl-like head with a new Heiligenschein on a long neck growing out of Sternritter "X" Lille Barro 's stump, a grievously wounded Captain-Commander Shunsui Kyōraku expresses disbelief at him still not being dead even after decapitation and claims he is giving up, leading Lille to declare that this is what despair feels like. Reminding Shunsui that his weapon could not harm Lille and severing Lille's head with his Reiatsu could not kill him, Lille twists his neck around and states that those who are sinful feel despair when they see him because he is God's immortal and invincible messenger, granted special privileges, before proclaiming that there is nothing sinners like Shunsui can do against him. After forming a pair of long arms on either side of his torso, Lille raises the right one and fires Sabaki no Kōmyō at Shunsui's location, destroying several buildings and piercing through the underside of the city with a powerful beam of energy.
In the aftermath, Lille looks around the area and deduces that Shunsui is hiding behind a nearby tower, leaving him impressed at the latter still having the strength necessary to escape his attack even with his stomach shot through and praising Shunsui as being worthy of the title of Captain-Commander. With Lille's eyes narrowing vertically as he calls this sinful, Katen tells a panting Shunsui that they should run away because there is nothing more she can do if his Bankai, Katen Kyōkotsu: Karamatsu Shinjū, could not stop Lille and Shunsui has fought hard enough now that he can barely stay conscious or breathe anymore. Once Katen concludes that no one will fault him for running away and tells him to get some sleep while she takes him to safety, Shunsui closes his eyes and begins to drift into unconsciousness, only for his lieutenant, Nanao Ise, to shake him awake while begging him to wake up.
Initially shocked by her arrival, Shunsui expresses relief at her not getting caught up in Katen Kyōkotsu: Karamatsu Shinjū, but begins to cough up blood from the effort of speaking, leading Nanao to assure him that he does not need to say anything and urge him to hand over her Zanpakutō because there is no time to hesitate. Though a startled Shunsui remains silent at this, Nanao insists that he forget the promise he made with her mother, to his further astonishment, just before Lille appears behind Nanao and states that he thought it was getting noisy over here. Musing that Nanao clearly does not know the preciousness of life even though Shunsui tried to get her to safety, Lille calls her sinful, and with Shunsui addressing Kyōkotsu, Lille fires another Sabaki no Kōmyō that rips through the city, though he deduces that Shunsui and Nanao managed to escape it before complaining about how his eyes are drying out from looking at sinners.
Within Lille's shadow cast on the wall of the tower behind him, Shunsui sits in Kageoni with Nanao, where he inquires if she knew about her mother all along. Once Nanao confirms this, Shunsui admits that she never ceases to amaze him and decides to return her Zanpakutō as Kyōkotsu stands behind a startled Nanao.
651. The Theatre Suicide SCENE 5 [ ]
Captain-Commander Shunsui Kyōraku reveals his past with Isuzu Ise, the mother of his lieutenant, Nanao Ise, as the latter wields her Zanpakutō against Sternritter "X" Lille Barro.
In the past, a young Shunsui Kyōraku naps on the porch of Shunzan Kyōraku 's home before being woken by Isuzu Ise, whom he sees is now wearing the hairpin that Shunzan gave her.
In the present, Sternritter "X" Lille Barro wonders where Shunsui and his lieutenant, Nanao Ise, are hiding prior to flattening his head into a disc shape to move his eyes across it and look at the surrounding area from different angles. Upon looking down at his shadow on the buildings below, Lille reforms his head into its previous shape and notes that Kageoni allows Shunsui to stay within it for a while, but generates a ball of golden Reishi and expands it underneath himself, causing it to shine with a brilliant light, while questioning what will happen if he erases his shadow from the ground. However, he is interrupted when Nanao bursts out of a small shadow above his beak with a long wrapped object in her hands.
Moments prior, Nanao expresses confusion within Kageoni after assuming that Shunsui is saying Kyōkotsu is her Zanpakutō even though she knows her and Katen are separate, but Shunsui clarifies that this is not quite the truth and reveals that Katen gave birth to Kyōkotsu in order to hide Nanao's Zanpakutō. When Shunsui informs her this was her mother's request, Nanao is further bewildered, which prompts Shunsui to explain that the Ise Clan is matrilineal and has only ever born women. Observing that this led them to adopt sons-in-laws from other families, Shunsui reveals all men who married into the clan died prematurely from what was known as the Ise Curse, and though some mocked the idea of a curse, Nanao's mother took it seriously and attempted to evade it by marrying into another family, even though this would end the Ise bloodline.
After recalling how her husband ended up dying soon after anyway, Shunsui states that this was his older brother and admits him not getting along with his brother changed after Isuzu joined their family, leading him to recount how their house became a much more comfortable place which he frequently visited just to nap in, only to muse that Isuzu had to return to the Ise Clan after Shunzan's death, a fate common among noble families who are hard to escape. Remembering Isuzu wearing a flowery kimono and asserting that the women of the Ise Clan may be unable to escape the Ise Curse because of their sword, which she held wrapped in her arms, Shunsui observes Isuzu was desperate to keep her unborn daughter away from the curse and details how he had Kyōkotsu hide the sword because she loves playing hide-and-seek. In turn, Kyōkotsu reaches into the void of her mask and pulls out the wrapped sword.
In the present, Lille is shocked at Nanao being able to emerge from such a small shadow and pushes the light sphere toward her, propelling Nanao back upon contact and damaging the wrapping on the sword in her hands.
In the past, Nanao assures Shunsui that she understands why he does not want her to have the sword, but questions if this is truly for her sake and declares that she has decided to accept the curse just as Isuzu tried to evade it. With Shunsui resigning himself to this, a smiling Nanao asserts that she believes the man she admires would probably just laugh off the curse as ridiculous, causing a startled Shunsui to smile and release his grip on the sword so Nanao can take it, as he is sure it will help.
In the present, Nanao slides to a halt on a rooftop several dozen meters away from Lille, who realizes that only she has emerged and questions if she intends to fight him alone. While Nanao hoists her sword aloft, Shunsui ruminates on the Ise Clan being a collection of priests who perform their own rituals and do not possess individual Zanpakutō. As Shunsui muses that the head of the Ise Clan passes down a single Zanpakutō to each generation, one that cannot injure people because it a bladeless sword used for rituals that is said to allow its wielder to confront a god by reflecting its power and dispersing it in all directions, the wrapping falls off to reveal a paddle-shaped sword that shines with brilliant light from four diamonds on either side, which Shunsui identifies as Shinken Hakkyōken.
652. The Theatre Suicide SCENE 6 [ ]
1st Division Lieutenant Nanao Ise injures Sternritter "X" Lille Barro before her captain, Shunsui Kyōraku, steps in to help her defeat him.
With 1st Division Lieutenant Nanao Ise unveiling her clan's Zanpakutō, Shinken Hakkyōken, before him, Sternritter "X" Lille Barro wonders what this sword is before claiming that the sword is shining quite garishly and is so bright he cannot even see the blade, which he considers unsightly. In turn, Nanao affirms this and explains it is a sword which can reflect the power of gods, which means it appearing shiny to Lille is the result of it reflecting the light which he is emitting. Though he does not understand what this means, Lille admits he does not mind being called a god just before Nanao leaps up toward him.
In the past, Shunsui Kyōraku stands in a courtyard and refuses to take an item as valuable as Shinken Hakkyōken, but Isuzu Ise assures him that it only affects members of the Ise Clan and will not bring him misfortune. With a young Nanao listening from behind a nearby wall, Isuzu pleads with Shunsui to take Shinken Hakkyōken because he is the only person she can trust.
Years later, Nanao attends the Shin'ō Academy and sees Shunsui, now the captain of the Eighth Division, walking through the courtyard with a flowery kimono and two hairpins in his hair, delighting the female students as Nanao observes that while his kimono was a common women's pattern found anywhere and simply looked similar to her mother's, the hairpins looked identical to the one her mother wore, to her surprise and confusion. Some time later, Gotei 13 acceptance results are posted for the students, with two ecstatic to learn that their friend joined the Eleventh Division while another is overjoyed to have entered the Fifth Division. While the student states that she finds Lieutenant Sousuke Aizen attractive, though her friend makes fun of Captain Shinji Hirako for having long hair, Nanao is perplexed to find herself assigned to the Eighth Division and returns to her foster parents, distant relatives of the Ise Clan who took her in after her mother's death and raised her like their own daughter, to show them her acceptance letter, which they are greatly pleased by and decide to celebrate that night.
Nanao recalls how even though she was unable to imprint upon the Asauchi she was issued at the Shin'ō Academy, her talent for Kidō was recognized enough for her to take the enlistment exam early. Having then requested to be assigned to the Kidō Corps since she would not have a Zanpakutō, Nanao and the other new members of the Eighth Division later stand before Shunsui, who greets them and claims he is nice to women but uncertain with men. During this, Nanao realizes he is wearing a different kimono and no hairpins, which allows her to deduce that he was the one her mother entrusted something to.
In the present, with Nanao hurtling toward him, Lille inquires if she intends to kill him with Shinken Hakkyōken and confidently invites her to try since he does not believe there is any weapon that can hurt him. However, Lille narrows his eyes at the last second and intercept her downward swing of Shinken Hakkyōken with his left wrist, which the blade cuts through, completely severing his hand in an explosion of light that sends Nanao flying backward again. Aghast at Lille blocking this, Nanao tumbles to one of the rooftops below as Lille inspects the stump of his left wrist, infers that Shinken Hakkyōken must be very dangerous despite its appearance if Nanao is willing to attack him with it, and expresses disbelief at it actually being able to harm him prior to raising his right hand and proclaiming it is over for Nanao. After stating that Nanao should have made sure to kill him with that attack because a messenger of God never lets his guard down twice, Lille begins gathering golden Reishi above his outstretched index finger. Still sitting in Kageoni below, Shunsui mentally recalls thinking it was his fault.
In the past, Jūshirō Ukitake informs a shocked Shunsui that Isuzu was executed yesterday and reveals Central 46 convicted Isuzu for the misplacement of a sacred treasure, only to apologize and admit that he probably should not have told Shunsui about this. In turn, a smiling Shunsui claims that he is glad Ukitake told him when he did. Shunsui bids Ukitake farewell as he walks away, with his smile disappearing while he tells himself this was his fault. Further in the past, Shunsui kneels by the bedside of a dying Shunzan Kyōraku, and with the latter handing over his hairpin, a somber Shunsui wonders why everyone keeps entrusting him with their precious possessions and then dying.
Mentally questioning if they do not know he hates shouldering responsibilities, Shunsui looks up at the shining silhouette of Nanao's shadow in the present and asserts that he cannot bear to be left behind with Shinken Hakkyōken ever again before asking her to take the burden off his shoulders. After requesting that Nanao let him protect her while emerging from her shadow, Shunsui clasps his hand over hers on the handle of Shinken Hakkyōken, and encouraging her to go with him.
Bleach, Volume 72
653. The Theatre Suicide SCENE 7 "簪二つ 影一つ" [ ]
Captain-Commander Shunsui Kyōraku helps his lieutenant Nanao Ise finish the fight against Lille Barro.
In the past, Nanao's mother gives Shunsui's brother one of her hairpins, saying that while he is away fighting Hollows, knowing that they he has one of her pins will help comfort her. Upon seeing a young Shunsui leering at him, his brother headbutts him before telling him to go home and study. However, when Shunsui claims that he has mellowed out in his old age, his brother clarifies that this is simply the goodness of Nanao's mother finally showing on him.
In the present, Nanao tumbles to the ground after slicing off Lille's hand and notes that she did not realize fighting with a sword could be this frightening before realizing that the light which burst out of the wound has cut her leg. As Nanao panics over how much it hurts and how she cannot move her legs, Shunsui appears behind her, prompting Lille to note that he has finally emerged before calling him pathetic for hiding behind his subordinate. Forming an enormous Reishi trumpet in the air above him, Lille tells Shunsui and Nanao to listen to his Trompete and perish as Shunsui assures Nanao that he will always be right behind her. Nanao notes that Shunsui is providing support for her like he always has as Trompete fires, erasing a large chunk of the city below. However, Lille suddenly has a large portion of his body blown off and sees Nanao and Shunsui standing on a sliver of ground below, with Nanao having reflected the blast at him. Calling the idea of reflecting a god's power a grave sin, Lille crumbles away.
654. Deadman Standing [ ]
3rd Division Lieutenant Izuru Kira returns to fight Lille Barro as Gerard Valkyrie is overwhelmed by 6th Division Lieutenant Renji Abarai and his captain Byakuya Kuchiki.
Pieces of Lille fall below the Royal Realm as Nanao collapses into Shunsui's arms. Commending Nanao for giving her all, Shunsui decides to return to the others before collapsing himself, which he notes is a sign that he should rest.
Meanwhile, in the Seireitei, Aizen and several unseated Shinigami witness Lille's pieces crashing into the ground below and wonder what is going on. After blowing up one of the Shinigami, Lille emerges from the rubble in a new form while realizing that his halo is gone. Claiming that he has become sinful, Lille fires blasts in multiple directions while proclaiming that he will destroy Seireitei as revenge against Shunsui as several clones of him appear. However, Lille has his head split in half and explodes as Izuru Kira notes how annoying the clones are as he appears with his repaired body. Cutting through more clones, Izuru wonders how he survived this destruction before challenging the rest of the clones to battle.
In the Soul King Palace, a wounded Gerard is thrown into rubble as Renji reprimands him for thinking he could defeat multiple captains and lieutenants. However, Gerard merely grins while noting that doing so would be considered a miracle.
655. THE MIRACLE [ ]
Gerard Valkyrie reveals the power of The Miracle.
Gerard explains that miracles should only occur under certain circumstances so that people recognize them for what they are, prompting Renji to ask him if he always talks like this. As Gerard proclaims that he will show the Shinigami a true miracle, Byakuya engulfs his head with Senbonzakura before flicking the blades sideways, which causes Gerard's bloody helmet to fly off. Seeing this, Momo wonders if they needed to go so far for someone who was close to death, only for Shinji to point out that Gerard would have likely turned the entire situation around with a single attack if they had let him live and figure out how their abilities worked. After blasting Gerard with Senbonzakura a second time, Byakuya attempts to leave alongside the other Shinigami, only to be interrupted by a giant foot smashing into the ground next to them.
As the Shinigami wonder what is going on, an enormous Gerard appears before them, smashing through nearby structures in the process, and reveals that The Miracle allows him to convert damage that he takes into increases in size and power before admitting that he has never been damaged to this extent before. Gerard breaks off and throws a tower at the Shinigami, forcing them to scatter as Shinji grabs Momo by the hand when she begins to fall off. After Gerard smashes his hand into the area where Shinji and Momo are, Byakuya attacks him with Senbonzakura, only for Gerard to block the petals with his hand before destroying the building where Byakuya is standing. After blowing away Rukia and Renji with his breath, Gerard proclaims that there are no miracles coming to save the Shinigami.
656. GOD OF THUNDER [ ]
Askin Nakk Le Vaar defeats Ichigo Kurosaki, Yasutora Sado, and Orihime Inoue, but Yoruichi Shihōin confronts and overwhelms him.
As Gerard smashes through more buildings, Askin observes him from afar while noting that Gerard has unleashed his Schrift before admitting that Gerard probably does not know that Lille has been defeated. Revealing that Lille was the leader of the Schutzstaffel, Askin notes that Gerard and Pernida Parnkgjas had possessed powers prior to Yhwach bestowing a Schrift upon them and that Pernida was rumored to be the left hand of the Soul King while Gerard is rumored to be his heart. Asking Ichigo if this was a short enough summary for him, Askin notes that it is probably difficult for him to take it all in as Ichigo lies motionless on the ground.
Upon seeing Orihime and Sado moving toward him, Ichigo warns them to stay back, only for Sado to attack Askin with Brazo Derecha de Gigante. However, as Askin leaps back, Orihime and Sado fall to their knees and wonder why they cannot stand, prompting Askin to reveal that they have entered his Gift Bad and explains how those who enter it can have their resistance to something lowered before stating that he has lowered their resistance to Reishi, which is causing them to be "poisoned" by the dense Reishi of the Royal Realm. As Askin explains how he has to take a substance into his body in order to lower the resistance of others to that substance, Yoruichi appears on a ledge behind him and notes that he should just strangle his opponents while they cannot move, prompting Askin to inform her that Bambietta Basterbine said the same thing to him before kicking at her while asking if it is too hard for her to have any delicacy.
Dodging Askin's kick, Yoruichi asks him if he believes his opponents are beneath him, only for Askin to claim that controlling lethal doses has much more finesse than strangling people. When Yoruichi activates Shunkō and claims Askin is trying to explain how the beautiful must do things, Askin summons his Heilig Bogen before proclaiming that a woman's value lies in her style and presentation. Askin fires two Heilig Pfeil at Yoruichi, who dodges one before throwing the other back at Askin, who is hit in the shoulder. Stating that Askin will let them through now, Yoruichi activates Shunkō: Raijin Senkei before engulfing Askin in a massive blast.
657. GOD OF THUNDER 2 [ ]
Yūshirō Shihōin joins his sister Yoruichi Shihōin in the battle against Askin Nakk Le Vaar.
As her Shunkō: Raijin Senkei levels the nearby buildings, Yoruichi rescues Orihime from Gift Bad and tells her to heal herself and the others before promising to follow them once she confirms Askin is dead. However, she is interrupted when Yūshirō attempts to hug her from behind, only for her to casually dodge before headbutting him when he moves behind her. When Yoruichi questions why he is not with Urahara and the others, Yūshirō claims that he came to her rescue because there were already several captain-level combatants in his group. Yoruichi sarcastically praises Yūshirō's growth, only for him to believe it is genuine, before the two of them are interrupted by Askin, who apologizes for ruining the family reunion. Seeing Ichigo getting to his feet behind her, Yoruichi tells him to go on ahead, prompting him to do so alongside Orihime and Sado. When Askin wonders if Yoruichi is going to attack him with her " Wonder Dog " technique again, Yūshirō angrily corrects him and, upon being addressed as a girl, punches Askin in the face multiple times. Proclaiming his title as the head of the Shihōin family, Yūshirō activates his Shunkō and uses Bakuen Musō, engulfing Askin in an enormous explosion. As Yoruichi grudgingly commends Yūshirō for having developed his Shunkō so far despite having only recently learned it, Askin, having survived the attack, thanks them for attacking him with so much Reiatsu before revealing that they will not be able to harm him with it any longer.
658. Fatal Matters Are Cold [ ]
Askin Nakk Le Vaar takes down Yūshirō Shihōin as 10th Division Captain Tōshirō Hitsugaya and the remaining Visored confront Gerard Valkyrie.
Noticing Askin's burns disappearing, Yoruichi asks him if he has healed his wounds, prompting Askin to confirm that he has become immune by raising the lethal dosage before reminding Yoruichi that she will be killed without even scratching him once if she keeps being shocked by this. Yūshirō rushes toward Askin and attempts to hit him with another Shunkō attack, but the attack dissipates as Askin shoots him through the chest with three Heilig Pfeil while reminding Yūshirō that he already acquired immunity to this. As Yoruichi rushes over to a collapsed Yūshirō, Askin informs her that taking this long to understand his true power was lethal.
Meanwhile, as Gerard continues to walk around the city, Hiyori Sarugaki and Hachigen Ushōda hide within a building as Hiyori notes the others must have already been defeated. Lamenting how the captain-class fighters of the Gotei 13 have already been defeated, Gerard notes that he will simply have to search through the rubble for survivors before smashing another building while proclaiming that making the impossible possible is the definition of a miracle. However, he is interrupted by Hiyori, who tells him to shut up about miracles before donning her Hollow mask and firing a Cero. When Gerard brushes off the Cero and claims that it will take more than that to defeat him, Hiyori notes that no one said the Cero was meant to kill him as Hachigen, Love Aikawa, and Lisa Yadōmaru attack Gerard from behind, only for Gerard to easily withstand their attacks before sending all four of them flying into nearby buildings. Gerard decides to simply flatten the whole area, but has his right arm frozen in place as Hitsugaya tells him to stay frozen there for all eternity.
659. There Will Be Frost [ ]
10th Division Captain Tōshirō Hitsugaya begins battling Gerard Valkyrie as Uryū Ishida is confronted by Jugram Haschwalth and later Ichigo Kurosaki.
After Hitsugaya introduces himself as the captain of the 10th Division, Gerard introduces himself as a member of the " benevolent " Schutzstaffel and shatters the ice covering his arm before proclaiming that they should be friends as he smashes the area where Hitsugaya is standing. However, Hitsugaya merely dodges and claims that he is not accepting any new applications before activating his Bankai, Daiguren Hyōrinmaru, and engulfing the upper half of Gerard's body in ice as Momo, who is supporting a wounded Shinji, looks on from below.
In the past, a young Uryū finds his father cutting into the corpse of his mother, Kanae Katagiri, and asks him to stop because she has been dead for a while now. Several years later, Ichigo asks Uryū if it is alright for him to be attending a normal high school when he is the son of a doctor, prompting Uryū to reveal that he no longer has the desire to become a doctor as he notes that he would never want a job that requires him to mutilate the body of his dead wife.
In the present, Uryū is confronted by Haschwalth, who points out that Uryū appears to have a lot on his mind. When Uryū claims that Haschwalth appears to have been thinking heavily, Haschwalth reminds him that his powers and Yhwach 's switch at night before admitting that being able to see into the future reveals nothing but worry. Seeing Haschwalth's multiple pupils and irises, Uryū wonders if he is implying Uryū's betrayal, only for Haschwalth to note that he has not said anything about what he has seen before revealing that he has only found countless chips that Uryū has scattered over Wahrwelt. Uryū claims to have never seen the chips before, but Haschwalth notes that they are very similar to the one used by the Leiden Hant taken by Sōken Ishida. As Uryū states that he has the wrong idea, Haschwalth decides to confirm his suspicions of Uryū being a traitor before unsheathing his sword and attacking Uryū, who is sent flying back. Telling Haschwalth to wait, Uryū finds himself confronted by Ichigo.
660. The Visible Answer [ ]
Uryū Ishida reveals his intentions of destroying Wahrwelt, but is confronted by Jugram Haschwalth.
Orihime and Sado notice the blast created by Haschwalth's attack and rush to Ichigo's location, only to be shocked upon seeing Uryū standing before them. Noting that all the players have arrived, Haschwalth steps through the hole in the wall and tells Uryū that he should prove his loyalty by killing Ichigo, Orihime, and Sado before claiming that he can already see how Uryū is going to respond. Uryū fires two Heilig Pfeil at Ichigo, who dodges before leaping forward and clashing with Uryū. As Ichigo demands to know why Uryū is fighting them at Haschwalth's behest, Uryū pushes him back with a Seele Schneider before firing it at the ground underneath Ichigo, who is initially caught by Sado before falling down along with him and Orihime, who manages to cushion their fall with Santen Kesshun. However, Uryū follows them down there, prompting Ichigo to ask him why he is siding with the Quincies. Uryū tosses him a Sun Key and explains that it will allow Ichigo and his friends to get down to the Sun Gate connected to the Human World. Revealing that he intends to stay behind and destroy Wahrwelt, Uryū explains how the chips he has scattered will activate and obliterate the city. Ichigo demands to know why he has to do this alone, prompting Uryū to reveal that only his Reiatsu can activate them because they were handed down to him by Sōken Ishida. As Uryū tells Ichigo to leave before Haschwalth notices something is wrong, Haschwalth interrupts and reminds Uryū that he already knew how Uryū would respond.
661. MY LAST WORDS [ ]
Uryū Ishida stays to deal with Jugram Haschwalth as Ichigo Kurosaki 's group heads up to Yhwach.
As Haschwalth walks toward them, Uryū tells Ichigo to head for the Sun Gate and that he will deal with Haschwalth. Ichigo attempts to protest, but Uryū shouts at him to leave now. However, Haschwalth reminds Uryū that he had already seen this happening, and the Sun Gate connecting to the real world had already been destroyed. Haschwalth says that he will put an end to this before Yhwach awakens, and he begins warping the shadows around him. Ichigo prepares to fight, but Uryū realizes a meaning behind what Haschwalth said. He tells Ichigo that since Haschwalth currently has The Almighty, Yhwach no longer possesses omniscience and omnipotence. Uryū then says to head up to Yhwach's location, and Ichigo asks in shock if Uryū is staying. However, the Quincy replies that he had no intention of dying, and Ichigo smiles and heads upward with Sado and Orihime.
Uryū asks Haschwalth why he is not making an effort to chase them down, but Haschwalth has seen that they will perish. Uryū forms a Heilig Bogen and replies that fate could be changed, and his sudden change in demeanor surprises Haschwalth. Uryū realizes in delight that Haschwalth had not foreseen what he would say then, and says that Haschwalth has yet to fully grasp The Almighty as the two begin to clash.
Ichigo, Sado, and Orihime run up the stairs to Yhwach, and Ichigo notices tears forming on Orihime's eyes. Orihime says that she was relieved that Uryū directly confirmed his allegiance and that he was still on their side. Suddenly, two large Quincy statues appear behind them, and Ichigo pulls Orihime away as the statues attack them with rock spears. They are suddenly attacked again by another statue, but its strike is blocked by Sado. The force of the blow creates a chasm separating Ichigo and Orihime from Sado and the statues, and Sado tells his friends to keep going. Sado faces the statues, when suddenly Ganju jumps out of a sand hole in the ground. Revealing that he got lost and wandered here, Ganju shouts that he will unleash flashy and powerful attacks on the statues. Sado tells him to keep it simple and that it was their task to get rid of all the statues and clear the way for Ichigo to return.
662. GOD OF THUNDER 3 [ ]
Kisuke Urahara arrives and saves Yoruichi Shihōin from Askin Nakk Le Vaar, forcing her to activate a Shunkō form against her will.
As parts of Silbern fall away due to the clash inside it, the pieces fall toward Askin and miss him. Askin lies on the ground, commenting that no matter what he went through, he could not die, and asks Yoruichi for her opinion. Yoruichi ignores Askin as she struggles to keep herself up due to being blasted with a Gift Ball containing Reishi, oxygen, and nitrogen. Askin expresses his surprise that Yoruichi is still alive, and Yoruichi replies that she does not know what to think about him playing with her. However, Askin says that he was trying his best to kill her and tells her to stop putting him down just to make herself look stronger. Yoruichi looks at the fallen Yūshirō, knowing he could not last much longer in his state but she did not have the strength to heal him. However, Askin gets right in front of her, saying that she is as good as dead if he could get this close to her.
Suddenly, Kisuke arrives, touches Yoruichi's rear end, and comments on it, causing her to kick him in the chin. Kisuke is annoyed that Yoruichi treated him this way after he came to rescue her, and Yoruichi replies that he should not have touched her and said a vulgar line. Askin recognizes Kisuke, which flatters the Shinigami, but Askin says that he does not care for acquaintances and only knows that Kisuke was recognized as a special war power by Yhwach. Kisuke says that that was an overestimation as Yoruichi leaps up into the air, shocking Askin. Askin realizes that this was why Kisuke was part of the special war powers, five Shinigami chosen for specific qualities which were enough to be considered unknown variables: Ichigo Kurosaki for his latent ability, Kenpachi Zaraki for his fighting strength, Ichibe'e Hyōsube for his wisdom, Sousuke Aizen for his Reiatsu, and Urahara for his unknown schemes. Askin realizes that this must be why he constantly has difficulties now.
Yoruichi asks Kisuke what he injected into her rear end, but figures out that it was an immunity strengthening drug. Kisuke confirms it, but since it was rushed, it will only last for about five minutes. Yoruichi activates Shunkō: Raijin Senkei again, but Kisuke stops her and suggests that she activate another technique. Yoruichi immediately refuses, saying she would never transform into that form again. However, Kisuke says it was unfortunate that she would need a nudge, and they dodge Askin's Heilig Pfeil. Yoruichi rushes toward Askin, but he dodges her strike and comments on how fast she is moving again as he punches her in the stomach. Yoruichi collapses again as Kisuke shows her a piece of paper, saying that once he peels it off, she would transform. Kisuke peels the paper, causing a massive explosion around Yoruichi which pushes Askin back. Askin looks in shock at Yoruichi, who has gained animalistic features with Shinshun Chōhenge.
663. GOD OF THUNDER 4 [ ]
Yoruichi Shihōin overwhelms Askin Nakk Le Vaar in her new form, but Askin enters his Quincy: Vollständig.
Askin looks in shock at Yoruichi's new Shunkō form and asks what is going on with it, but gets no answer. Kisuke tells him that the name of the technique is Shunkō: Raiju Senkei: Shunryū Kokubyō Senkei, and Askin wonders why he is answering for her, but realizes that she cannot comprehend their language. Suddenly, Yoruichi leaps into the air and confronts Askin, slashing him in the shoulder before he can react. Yoruichi throws Askin through several buildings, but Askin quickly flies back up, wondering how his immunity to her Reiatsu is not working. Kisuke then gets behind him and explains that it was all because of the mood, as Yoruichi's moodiness was significantly increased, and this applied to her Reiatsu as well. Yoruichi briefly does not feel the mood to fight Askin and licks herself during Kisuke's explanation, but quickly returns and hits Askin, sending him flying. Kisuke tells Askin that the smallest change in a pathogen can get around the body's immunity, and though Askin has fast-acting immunity, he cannot possibly keep up with Yoruichi's Reiatsu because it changes 48 times per second. Yoruichi engulfs Askin in a large blast of Reiatsu, sending him flying into the ground far away.
Yoruichi stands on a rooftop, and Kisuke calls her over to play. She flies into him and licks him affectionately before resting on his lap, and Kisuke reflects that Yoruichi's form is bad since only he could reign her in and she was so fickle, but he thinks it is fine because of how adorable she is. Yoruichi begins moaning in pain, and Kisuke realizes that the immunity drug is wearing off. He promises to drain the poison from Yoruichi, but first he will go look for Askin's body. Suddenly, Kisuke and Yoruichi are engulfed by Askin's Gift Ball Deluxe, and Kisuke looks in shock as he sees Askin in his Quincy: Vollständig: Hasshein.
Bleach, Volume 73
664. The Gift [ ]
Askin Nakk Le Vaar traps and injures Kisuke Urahara, forcing him to activate his Bankai, Kannonbiraki Benihime Aratame.
Askin explains that if Yoruichi Shihōin 's Reiatsu changes itself 48 times per second, then it only takes one second to experience all 48 variations, meaning that he only needs to survive Yoruichi's attack for a single second using his Vollständig, Hasshein. As Kisuke watches him in a cold sweat, Askin says that he could probably change Reiatsu in other ways, but it would be useless now since his Hasshein can adapt to changes in an element's properties. Thus, no matter how many changes an element goes through, he would be immune to it as long as it has the same base. Askin tells Kisuke that none of them could land another hit on him no matter how much they change their Reiatsu, but challenges Kisuke to give him another surprise like he expects.
Askin uses Gift Bereich, surrounding him and Kisuke in an impenetrable energy field in order to prevent the Shinigami from escaping. However, Kisuke tells Askin that he does not seem to be acting out of pure loyalty. Askin replies that he had a lot of loyalty, but Yhwach also interests him. Askin states that Yhwach is going to destroy the Human World, Soul Society, and Hueco Mundo and make something new from the destruction. There would be few others that would try to change the world like this, and Askin asks Kisuke if he too would not be curious to see Yhwach's creation. Kisuke slashes at Askin, but the Quincy dodges it as he compliments Kisuke's ability to move that fast in the Gift Bereich. Kisuke tells him that he had no interest in seeing this new world, although Mayuri Kurotsuchi may share Askin's vision. However, Kisuke notes that Mayuri would still have no interest in seeing this world, because as true scientists they would want to create new worlds themselves.
Askin likes Kisuke's answer, but is still unswayed in his opinion as a Gift Ring expands around his arm. He throws it toward Kisuke, but it disappears in front of the Shinigami. Suddenly, the ring reappears inside his right eye and destroys it, forcing Kisuke back. Askin says that Gift Ring is used for opponents too strong for The Deathdealing to work on, and it puts the ability into one focal point and instantly destroys it. Askin tells Kisuke he only has the option of mutilating the former captain's organs one by one, but Kisuke responds by activating his Bankai: Kannonbiraki Benihime Aratame.
665. The Princess Dissection [ ]
Kisuke Urahara demonstrates the power of his Bankai before Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez crushes Askin Nakk Le Vaar 's heart.
Noting that Askin is not leaving him much of a choice if he is earnestly trying to kill him, Urahara activates his Bankai, Kannonbiraki Benihime Aratame. When Askin admits that he does not have any intel on his Bankai, Urahara states that this is the first time he has used it in front of the Quincies, prompting Askin to wonder what kind of power it possesses. Urahara points out how this is a very personal question before telling Askin that he will be experiencing its power soon enough as Askin's arm is suddenly split open. As Askin leaps back, his arm is sown up, prompting Urahara to praise him for realizing that his Bankai has a range before revealing that its power is to restructure anything it touches as the hands of Kannonbiraki Benihime Aratame repair his eyes. Slashing Askin across the chest, Urahara turns around and crosses blades with him as Askin expresses surprise at Urahara being able to see. Urahara restructures his other hand and grasps his sword before sending Askin flying through several buildings. However, Askin manages to recover and laments how this is turning into a battle of brute force before increasing the power of his Gift Ball Deluxe to incapacitate Urahara. As Askin admits that he does not want to deal with Urahara's Bankai, Urahara notes that he forgot one thing as Askin is impaled by a hand through his chest. Pointing out how Askin never said his Gift Bereich was impenetrable, Urahara reveals that he made a path inside and thanks Grimmjow, who crushes Askin's heart in his hand.
666. 空っぽ、傀儡、伽藍堂 [ ]
As he dies, Askin Nakk Le Vaar takes out Kisuke Urahara and Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez. Meanwhile, 11th Division Captain Kenpachi Zaraki arrives to battle Gerard Valkyrie.
As Askin collapses, he expresses his shock that Grimmjow can still move despite being poisoned, and Grimmjow is surprised that Askin is still alive. Kisuke reveals that he healed the Arrancar on his way here due to knowing that their Reiatsu becomes Hollow Reiatsu when they use Resurrección, and he thought that it would be useful during battle. Askin is incredulous that Kisuke had planned that much, but the Shinigami simply replies that he always has a large amount of possible scenarios in his head so he can be ready for them. Askin comments that that is extreme, but Kisuke says that this is a fight for survival. Askin starts to understand Kisuke's will, but he is cut off when Grimmjow impales him again, sick of hearing the Quincy talk.
Grimmjow tells Kisuke that their agreement is complete due to Askin being dead, but the air thickens as the Espada collapses to the ground. Still clinging to life, Askin reveals that when he dies the power of his Gift Ball Deluxe magnifies. He apologizes to Kisuke for putting him in this situation, but wonders if the Shinigami will find a way out. Askin collapses as his Gift Bereich constricts, and Nelliel Tu Odelschwanck watches from the outside. Nelliel remarks that it will be difficult to rescue four souls and get through the tiny entrance, but leaps toward it regardless as Kisuke apologizes for leaving everything in Ichigo and Rukia's hands. He and his Bankai marionette then collapse.
Meanwhile, Gerard breaks out of the ice encasing his arm and roars. Hitsugaya thinks of a backup plan as Gerard reaches toward him, but his arm is suddenly blocked by Senbonzakura. Byakuya states that Hitsugaya will need help to defeat Gerard as the Quincy attacks Hitsugaya once again. Suddenly, his arm is severed as Kenpachi arrives and criticizes the two Shinigami for their banter.
667. BIGGER, LOUDER, STRONGER [ ]
11th Division Captain Kenpachi Zaraki begins fighting Gerard Valkyrie one-on-one.
In the past, Kenpachi wakes within his healing pod and wonders where he is before kicking the door off, allowing him to step outside.
In the present, Ikkaku and Yumichika express shock at their captain standing in front of them as Gerard regenerates his severed arm, which he claims is now even stronger. As Byakuya explains Gerard's ability to regenerate from any damage and become even more powerful, with Hitsugaya noting that he must have been much smaller at the beginning of the fight, Kenpachi decides to dice up Gerard and see what happens, only for Hitsugaya to intercept his slash while berating him for not considering the damage Gerard would do if he fell down to the Seireitei. When Gerard stomps on him and Hitsugaya, Kenpachi merely grabs his foot before pushing him back, sending Gerard flying into the center of Wahrwelt. Kenpachi leaps after Gerard while proclaiming that he wants to see what the inside of his head looks like, but Gerard deflects his subsequent attack by blowing Kenpachi back with his shield before drawing his Spirit Weapon, Hoffnung, which he claims is worth letting rust a bit for a man like Kenpachi. Having been sent crashing through several buildings, Kenpachi merely states that this only makes him want to cut Gerard more as he releases his Shikai, Nozarashi, before blocking Gerard's enormous slash. Kenpachi manages to repel Gerard and leaps into the air as Gerard reveals he has managed to nick the blade of Hoffnung. Suddenly, Kenpachi receives a large cut in his torso.
668. BIGGER,FASTER,STRONGER [ ]
11th Division Captain Kenpachi Zaraki, 10th Division Captain Tōshirō Hitsugaya, and 6th Division Captain Byakuya Kuchiki continue their fight against Gerard Valkyrie.
As blood spurts from his wound, Kenpachi wonders what just happened, prompting Gerard to claim that The Miracle gives form to the desires and emotions of the masses, which is what increased his size and made Hoffnung unbreakable. Hitsugaya notes that reason does not seem to apply to The Miracle as Kenpachi ridicules Gerard for acting like a cliched villain, only for Gerard to ridicule him in turn for not yet having realized the gap between them. As a stunned Hitsugaya states that the two seemed made for each other as opponents, Kenpachi and Gerard begin clashing, with the two of them complimenting each other's speed and reflexes. Hitsugaya attempts to intervene, but Kenpachi smashes him to the ground below and tells him to stay out of this, with Byakuya agreeing, prompting Hitsugaya to point out how Kenpachi considers Gerard enough of a threat to have already taken off his eyepatch. With Byakuya noting everyone is running low on time due to their exhaustion, Hitsugaya formulates a plan to shatter Gerard with Senbonzakura after freezing him completely solid.
Meanwhile, Kenpachi and Gerard continue clashing, with Kenpachi slowly but surely being overwhelmed as Gerard points out the waning power behind his strikes. After beating back Kenpachi once again, Gerard intercepts Senbonzakura in the air behind him and smashes his sword into Hitsugaya before proclaiming that he is the strongest and greatest warrior who has been bestowed with everything. Suddenly, Yachiru Kusajishi appears before Kenpachi and tells him that the fun has only just started. As energy begins flowing down Kenpachi's arm from where she touched him, Yachiru notes that Kenpachi would be able to cut down anyone if he used her properly before revealing this is the power known as Bankai.
669. 刃 II [ ]
11th Division Captain Kenpachi Zaraki 's Bankai is activated, allowing him to swiftly overwhelm Gerard Valkyrie.
As Yachiru tells Kenpachi that the power he is feeling is Bankai, a massive wave of energy erupts outward from him, startling Byakuya, Hitsugaya, and Gerard, before clearing to reveal Kenpachi, who has gained red skin and a differently shaped sword. As Ikkaku and Yumichika express shock at their captain's appearance, Gerard claims to be disappointed that this is all Kenpachi's Bankai amounts to and proclaims that he is not worth striking down with Hoffnung before attempting to punch Kenpachi, who responds by biting down on Gerard's knuckle and ripping the whole arm off. Gerard reminds Kenpachi that cutting off his arms will accomplish nothing, but Kenpachi merely leaps into the air before slashing at Gerard, who has his left forearm cut off along with half of his shield when he attempts to block the strike. Kenpachi punches Gerard in the chin, sending him flying back off the edge of Wahrwelt as he wonders what this power is. Suddenly, Gerard activates his Quincy: Vollständig and flies up while proclaiming that a Shinigami cornering him like this could not occur even in his worst nightmare, but Kenpachi swiftly cuts him in half vertically.
670. The Perfect Crimson [ ]
11th Division Captain Kenpachi Zaraki falls in battle against Gerard Valkyrie as 10th Division Captain Tōshirō Hitsugaya 's Bankai reaches maturity.
As Gerard's two halves fall down, Byakuya and Hitsugaya watch Kenpachi from afar while noting that they should stay away due to his bestial mannerisms. Suddenly, Kenpachi leaps back and roars as Gerard's two halves rise and form a Quincy Zeichen with their blood before fusing together, resulting in Gerard appearing with his Quincy: Vollständig, Aschtonig active as he fires a beam from the tip of Hoffnung. The beam destroys a large portion of the city, prompting Hitsugaya to freeze much of the rubble in place before it can fall to the Seireitei below, only for Gerard to blast the same area again before proclaiming that he is the most noble of God's knights and will still wield his sword even in the face of his own mortality. Kenpachi prepares to resume his battle, but his right arm suddenly shatters and breaks open as Yachiru notes that she released more power than his body could handle. After slashing through Kenpachi, Gerard destroys the building Hitsugaya is standing on, prompting Byakuya to catch him with his blade petals before imploring him to deactivate his Bankai because he is at his limit. However, Hitsugaya reveals that the last of the petals disappearing from his Bankai signifies that it has reached full maturity as he suddenly gains the appearance of an adult.
671. The Perfect Crimson 2 [ ]
10th Division Captain Tōshirō Hitsugaya, 11th Division Captain Kenpachi Zaraki, and 6th Division Captain Byakuya Kuchiki team up to take down Gerard Valkyrie.
Hitsugaya informs Byakuya that his power was not mature enough to use his Bankai to its full potential before stating that he had to grow up a bit in order to use it properly. Wondering what the purpose of this transformation is if Hitsugaya is already in Bankai, Gerard proclaims that this is how their fight should be and slams his sword down while claiming that Hitsugaya is better suited to fight him as an adult. When Gerard throws his shield at him, Hitsugaya freezes it in place in midair before reprimanding Gerard for throwing around large objects that could fall on Seireitei like that. Gerard slashes at Hitsugaya, who cuts through the blade of Hoffnung before stating that its power has ceased to work because it is frozen, prompting Gerard to summon his Heilig Bogen while proclaiming that he will simply crush Hitsugaya with a torrent of power instead. However, Hitsugaya notes that he summoned his bow a second too late as Gerard is frozen solid by Shikai Hyōketsu, which Hitsugaya explains is the result of his Bankai being able to freeze anything before it in four seconds. Suddenly, Gerard breaks free of the ice and grabs Hitsugaya while proclaiming that he cannot be bound by the elements of this world, only to suddenly be toppled by Kenpachi grabbing and pushing his feet. As Gerard's arm is frozen due to touching Hitsugaya, Byakuya summons the Senkei form of his Bankai before using its secret technique, Ikka Senjinka, to send the blades flying into Gerard's head.
672. Son of Darkness [ ]
Gerard Valkyrie regenerates into another new form as dawn breaks, causing Yhwach to wake up as Ichigo Kurosaki confronts him.
Byakuya's Ikka Senjinka attack destroys Gerard's head, and Hitsugaya freezes Gerard's torso and shatters it. He then collapses from exhaustion and is caught by Byakuya, revealing that he is barely hanging on to consciousness. Suddenly, energy begins forming above Gerard's legs as his body regenerates, which astounds Hitsugaya. Gerard adopts a new form, with a helmet-shaped head and a spike on each shoulder.
Meanwhile, Yhwach has a dream where Ichigo approaches him in his sleep and slashes him down the middle, and he immediately wakes up as the sun rises. As he regains The Almighty, Yhwach remarks that his dream was so wonderful it could have been a nightmare.
Down below, Haschwalth redirects a Heilig Pfeil that Uryū shot at him and remarks that it is morning already. Uryū states that the Sternritter missed his chance to take him down before the sun rose, but Haschwalth is incredulous at the statement, stating that the blood-soaked Uryū is a tamed animal drenched in blood. However, Haschwalth says that his plan to take Uryū out before morning was miscalculated, as his powers are better suited for combat than Yhwach's, and he fires a blast of energy from his sword at Uryū.
Meanwhile, Ichigo and Orihime approach the doors to the throne room, and they sense Yhwach's spiritual energy. Ichigo tells Orihime that she will be his defense and tells her he's counting on her, and she agrees in surprise. Orihime is happy that she is now able to fight with Ichigo and protect him as they enter the throne room, and Yhwach greets Ichigo, saying that he had been patiently waiting for the arrival of his "son of darkness."
673. Father [ ]
As they ascend the rubble, Rukia and Renji are startled by a barrage of energy and see Gerard towering above them in his new form, prompting Renji to wonder what he is. When Hitsugaya warns them to tread carefully because Gerard is far more powerful now than he was when they faced him, a confused Renji wonders who he is, leading Rukia to claim that he must be Hitsugaya's older brother, to Byakuya's bemusement. Suddenly, the Shinigami and Uryū look toward the central palace of Wahrwelt as they sense Ichigo confronting Yhwach.
Meanwhile, Ichigo stands before Yhwach, who notes that Ichigo's newly-attained true power is causing his Reiatsu to become visible around him before revealing that he is not using The Almighty to predict Ichigo's moves because he wants to savor this reunion. When Yhwach claims that Isshin Kurosaki was merely a surrogate father for him, Ichigo decries him being his parent because he is the one who killed Masaki Kurosaki. As Yhwach claims Ichigo is still a petulant brat, Ichigo leaps toward him and fires a Getsuga Tenshō, which Yhwach blocks with a torrent of black energy that attacks Ichigo, prompting Orihime to block it with Santen Kesshun. When the energy pushes past the barrier, Ichigo cuts through it with his shorter sword before leaping toward Yhwach once more, only for the energy to stop his assault as Yhwach claims that Masaki died so he could create Ichigo. Proclaiming that Ichigo should not sulk because there is no greater honor than this, Yhwach flings him into a wall before standing up as he prepares to demonstrate his true power.
674. Father 2 [ ]
As Ichigo Kurosaki continues to fight Yhwach, 6th Division Captain Byakuya Kuchiki sends 13th Division Lieutenant Rukia Kuchiki and his lieutenant Renji Abarai to assist him. Meanwhile, Ryūken Ishida and Isshin Kurosaki arrive in Wahrwelt.
As Ichigo emerges from the wall he was thrown into and charges at Yhwach again, Yhwach himself decides to display his power and begins assaulting Ichigo with black energy, while asking him to stop rushing this fight. Noting that it took a lot of effort to create Ichigo and claiming that his power never belonged to him alone, Yhwach tells Ichigo to release all of his power and die so it can return to him.
Meanwhile, as Rukia and Renji make their way through the battlefield, Gerard swipes at them with his hand. However, Byakuya grabs and moves the two of them to a safer location before telling them to join Ichigo, whom he points out is on Yhwach's level of power. Blocking an incoming strike from Gerard with his Bankai, Byakuya claims that he merely does not need their help here, prompting Rukia and Renji to thank him before leaving. Byakuya leaps down next to Hitsugaya, who states that Rukia and Renji saw the underlying concern in Byakuya's order before explaining how Shinigami who attended the Shin'o Academy were taught to fight for their friends and humans, rather than for their superiors or families, to the best of their abilities, and that Rukia and Renji are Ichigo's close friends while the two of them are merely his acquaintances, making it more appropriate to fight alongside him.
On one of the lower floors of the castle, Haschwalth claims that all people divide their experiences onto a scale that makes up who they are as he stands over an incapacitated Uryū. Noting that he cannot see the real Uryū, Haschwalth asks him if his earnest desire is really to risk his life for selfish Humans, only for Uryū to claim that he cannot tell Haschwalth who the real him is until all of the Wandenreich are dead as he forms a new bow.
Elsewhere, as they arrive using a Gate of the Sun, Ryūken and Isshin discuss how Sōken Ishida used the same portal to escape when he was exiled decades ago, with Isshin criticizing Ryūken's slandering of his own father.
Bleach, Volume 74
675. Blood for My Bone [ ]
As Jugram Haschwalth prepares to resume his fight with Uryū Ishida, Ichigo Kurosaki unveils a new transformation in his fight with Yhwach.
Assuming a battle stance, Uryū asks Haschwalth why he is concerned about what kind of person Uryū is and points out that he should be trying to kill him instead of asking him so many questions. When Haschwalth reminds him that he has already seen a future where all of Uryū's allies die, Uryū states that this is subject to change as he proved earlier, prompting Haschwalth to admit that this is true before revealing that The Almighty possesses a far more terrifying ability than the power to see the future when used by Yhwach. As Uryū demands to know what he means, Haschwalth promises to tell him after they finish their battle before declaring that it is time for Uryū to place everything upon his broken scales as he attacks.
Meanwhile, in the uppermost level of the palace, Yhwach sends Ichigo hurtling back with his dark energy. As Ichigo gets up and attempts to rush forward again, Orihime stops him and tries to get him to calm down, only to let go when Ichigo looks at her. With Ichigo continuing to rush into his torrent of dark energy, Yhwach wonders why Ichigo is not revealing his true power and notes that he will destroy both Soul Society and the Human World if not stopped. When Orihime covers Ichigo with her Sōten Kisshun, Yhwach points out how she is saying "no" by healing Ichigo and telling him to keep fighting before blasting Ichigo with more energy while ordering him to expend all his energy and die for his allies. However, upon seeing the tip of his blade turning white, Ichigo has Orihime block Yhwach's next blast with Santen Kesshun, which he thanks her for. Noting the strange look that Ichigo had on his face earlier, Orihime notes that there had to be a reason for it, which Ichigo agrees with before revealing that he needed to awaken something with Yhwach's Quincy Reiatsu. An explosion of energy engulfs Ichigo, and as Yhwach realizes what his endgame is, Ichigo, who has entered a new form with characteristics of his full Hollow form, emerges from the dust.
676. Horn of Salvation [ ]
Ichigo demonstrates the power of his new form.
After greeting a shocked Orihime, Ichigo confirms Yhwach's assessment that this is the form he takes on when melding with his Hollow powers before explaining how he reforged his Zanpakutō after his Hollow and Quincy powers came into balance with one another. Noting that they should logically come forth if that balance is disrupted, Ichigo states that his Hollow powers have always come forth when he exerted his Shinigami powers before revealing that he had to draw them out with the help of Yhwach's power. As Yhwach grins at this, Ichigo moves in front of Santen Kesshun while telling Orihime to keep up her guard before unleashing his Reiatsu, which destroys most of the room around them. Yhwach commends Ichigo's power and forms his broadsword, only for Ichigo to grab him before slashing at close range. However, as more of the tower is destroyed by the force of the attack, Yhwach blocks Ichigo's blade with his bare hand and claims that he could not be harmed by Ichigo's level of strength before tossing him back. However, Ichigo proceeds to form a Getsuga Tenshō and fuse it with a Gran Rey Cero before firing it at Yhwach, who is cut deeply.
677. Horn of Salvation 2 [ ]
Yhwach reveals the true nature of the precognition granted to him by The Almighty, prompting Ichigo to activate his Bankai.
Noting that a combined attack like this is fitting for a racial hybrid like Ichigo, Yhwach grabs and repels the augmented Getsuga Tenshō before proclaiming that Ichigo is out of his league. Ichigo clashes with Yhwach, who details Ichigo's probable train of thought before declaring that his window of opportunity is gone as he activates The Almighty, which he admits is the result of him no longer being able to underestimate Ichigo's power. Clashing with Yhwach repeatedly, Ichigo draws his other sword and strikes, only for Yhwach to form a second sword and repel Ichigo in turn. As Ichigo lands on the ground, Yhwach notes that there is a trap there before Ichigo's foot is impaled by a shadow blade from the ground. Leaping off the blade, Ichigo attempts to leap off a nearby pillar, only to have his other foot impaled by shadowy blades as well, which causes him to realize that Yhwach has traps set up all over the area. After planting his sword in the ground, Yhwach states that Ichigo has likely been told that The Almighty allows him to see the future, prompting Ichigo to wonder if he is claiming to have placed traps in all the places he knew Ichigo would step before declaring that his attack should not connect if this is true.
Grinning, Yhwach slashes at Ichigo, who leaps back while noting that it did not connect and that Yhwach must have some limit to his precognitive ability. As Ichigo lands on top of a pillar, Yhwach details his thought process of growth during a fight causing the future to change before telling him to stay there if he believes this. Suddenly, Ichigo is stabbed by long shadowy blades from the wall behind him, causing him to grunt in pain as he falls to the ground below while wondering what is happening. Appearing in front of Ichigo, Yhwach reveals that Ichigo made a miscalculation by believing that the future is linear. Yhwach explains that the future diverges in countless directions from a given point in time like grains of sand in the wind and that there are as many possibilities as there are grains of sand before stating that changing the future is as simple as moving from one grain of sand to the next. Declaring that he can see all the grains of sand from where he stands, Yhwach tells Ichigo to keep pushing forward and moving between grains of sand without despairing. However, Ichigo decries the idea of falling into despair after he has broken through it so many times in order to reach this moment before activating his Bankai.
678. The Future Black [ ]
Ichigo activates his Bankai, but Yhwach swiftly overwhelms him while explaining the true power of The Almighty.
Declaring that he has broken through despair over and over in order to reach this point, Ichigo activates his Bankai, Tensa Zangetsu, in a burst of energy. However, Yhwach immediately breaks off part of the blade with his bare hand, leading a shocked Ichigo to wonder how he did this without moving. Yhwach notes that Tensa Zangetsu is indeed a fearsome Bankai and reveals that he used the future to break it before breaking off Ichigo's horn as well while reminding him to not drop his guard. When Yhwach throws his horn at him, Ichigo bashes it away with the remainder of his Bankai, only for Yhwach to appear behind and slash him out of the air and into the ground below. Attacking Ichigo once more, Yhwach closes in on him and slashes, only for Orihime's Santen Kesshun to block his blade. However, Ichigo is somehow still slashed across the chest, prompting Yhwach to reveal that The Almighty lets him transform the future as well as foresee it before telling Ichigo to despair for him.
679. THE END [ ]
As Haschwalth and Uryū detail the powers of their Schrifts, Yhwach drives Ichigo to the brink of despair.
Revealing that The Almighty allows him to transform the future, Yhwach states that it is no different from Ichigo and Orihime's powers because he can also influence only what he can see, which is the entirety of fate. Yhwach claims that Ichigo has only been able to overcome his despair and change his fate up until now because he was not present and declares that he will cut down any future Ichigo tries to create for himself before telling Ichigo that he can begin despairing now, prompting Ichigo to begin yelling in anger.
Meanwhile, within the castle, Haschwalth further injures Uryū before revealing that his Schrift is The Balance, which allows him to distribute misfortune to the fortunate and redirect all misfortune that would occur to him into his Freund Schild, a shield on his arm. As Haschwalth decides to finish Uryū off after observing that there is nothing left that he can do, Uryū asks Haschwalth if he wants to see his Schrift. Haschwalth reasons that Uryū would have used his Schrift by now if it were of any use in this battle, but Uryū names it as Antithesis as his wounds disappear and reappear on Haschwalth, who bleeds profusely while demanding to know what happened. Uryū explains that Antithesis allows him to reverse something that has already happened between two targets, such as damage inflicted, leading Haschwalth to note that it may be the only power capable of stopping Yhwach. Shocked by this statement, Uryū demands to know if this has something to do with the true power of The Almighty, but Haschwalth merely claims that he was right to try and kill Uryū as soon as possible, prompting Uryū to attempt to leave the area. However, Haschwalth states that he will not let Uryū go so easily and uses The Balance to badly wound Uryū for having the good fortune of being able to injure Haschwalth himself. After explaining this, Haschwalth notes that the misfortune he suffers is absorbed into his Freund Schild and redirected to Uryū, who is further injured. As Haschwalth declares that he has no way of winning, Uryū attempts to crawl away, prompting Haschwalth to note his tenacity before preparing to impale him as he states that Uryū is simply a human who desperately clings to his own beliefs.
At the top of the palace, Ichigo coughs up blood after being attacked by Yhwach, who grabs him by the head while noting that he expected more of a fight from Ichigo. Noting that neither his sword nor Orihime's powers have any effect, Ichigo loses all hope of winning, prompting Yhwach to drop him while claiming that all Ichigo accomplished was providing him with some entertainment before preparing to take back the power he had given to Ichigo.
680. THE END 2 [ ]
After absorbing Ichigo's power, Yhwach invokes another Auswählen on his remaining Sternritter before departing from the Royal Realm.
Black veins encompass Ichigo and the surrounding area as he realizes his Quincy and Hollow powers are fading away. As his merged Hollow form dissipates, Ichigo falls to the ground, unconscious, as Yhwach laughs maniacally while darkness swells behind him.
Within Wahrwelt, Uryū manages to dodge Haschwalth's stab at the last minute before noting Haschwalth's comparison of him to his friends. Admitting that he has tried to remain calm and weigh his actions on scales up until this point, Uryū states that he cannot help but follow Ichigo's lead because he will help someone without question, which he notes is also true for Orihime, Sado, Renji, and Rukia. When Uryū claims that he would feel great joy if he began to resemble any one of them, Haschwalth dismisses his emotions before explaining that he was referring to Uryū's growth, as the single moment where Yhwach granted him power gave him far more growth than all the years he spent with his friends, and that it is more logical for him to side with Yhwach because of this. However, Uryū states that he chose to side with them not because it would benefit him, but because they were his friends. Angered by this, Haschwalth notes that Uryū never expected to give up anything in return for being taken in by Yhwach before declaring that Uryū will give Yhwach his life, only to be interrupted when an Auswählen beam envelops him, surprising both him and Uryū.
Outside, as Hitsugaya and Byakuya continue to face off against Gerard, they are shocked to see Gerard's flesh stripped away by the Auswählen, leaving his bones to crash into the ground below. Power is drawn from all over the area to the top of Wahrwelt, where Yhwach has opened a portal and bids Ichigo farewell while promising to bring ruin to all of existence now that he no longer has need for him or the Sternritter. When Rukia and Renji appear, Yhwach expresses annoyance at having so many weaklings be sent after him and note that they are probably too exhausted to take another step before deciding to leave the portal open so they can pursue him if they wish, which he will reward them for by slaughtering them in their time of greatest happiness. As he promises them that they will feel the looming shadow of death for all eternity, Yhwach steps into the portal.
681. THE END TWO WORLD [ ]
As Haschwalth gives Uryū the opportunity to save his friends, Ichigo is assisted by the deceased Fullbringers.
As Yhwach enters the portal, Renji attempts to attack him from behind, only for Yhwach to effortlessly shatter the end of his Shikai before disappearing into the void.
Meanwhile, within Wahrwelt, Haschwalth collapses and, upon seeing a concerned Uryū looking at him, claims that he does not feel betrayed by Yhwach because the latter chose to take his power over Uryū's, which means only he can be an asset to Yhwach. When Uryū begins to walk away, Haschwalth asks him to come back so he can transfer Uryū's wounds to himself, shocking Uryū. Noting that he will die regardless of how wounded he is, Haschwalth reminds Uryū of how he puts everything on his scales because he might come to regret everything if he merely follows others without considering the consequences of his actions before telling him to save his friends. Shortly after transferring Uryū's wounds to himself, Haschwalth lies alone on the ground and notes that living life according to one's convictions and without any regrets is compelling as his grip on his sword loosens to reveal Bazz-B 's emblem.
At the top of Wahrwelt, as Rukia expresses shock at Yhwach's power and notes that there is no limit to what he can accomplish through rewriting the future, Orihime apologizes to Ichigo for being unable to restore Tensa Zangetsu and claims that she will be unable to stop any future destruction as well. Suddenly, Renji hoists Ichigo up and declares that they will be confronting Yhwach, prompting Rukia to point out that simply charging in will accomplish nothing. However, they are all interrupted when Ichigo is stabbed through the shoulder by Shūkurō Tsukishima, who reveals that Kūgo Ginjō told him they were taking Ichigo's side before explaining how he altered the past so Orihime can restore Ichigo's Bankai. Emerging from Yukio's transport behind Tsukishima, Kūgo corrects Tsukishima's statement by saying that they are merely repaying the debt they owe. When Tsukishima asks him if they are even now, Ichigo confidently stands up with his restored Bankai and confirms this.
682. The Two Sided World End [ ]
Ichigo and Renji follow Yhwach to the Seireitei, where the latter destroys Aizen's restraints.
Exiting a portal in the rubble of the Seireitei, Yhwach sees Aizen in his chair as Aizen admits that he never expected to meet him in Soul Society before welcoming Yhwach to his Soul Society.
In Wahrwelt, as Uryū ascends a flight of stairs, Ryūken appears with Isshin and fires a silver arrowhead into a nearby wall. When a shocked Uryū questions why they are here, Ryūken explains how he forged the silver arrowhead from the silver blood clot that he found within Kanae Katagiri 's heart after she was killed by the Auswählen before telling Uryū that he is the one who should fire it, prompting Uryū to pull it out of the wall.
Meanwhile, within the Dangai, Ichigo and Renji run along a path of Reishi. When Ichigo collapses, Renji asks him if he will be alright, prompting Ichigo to claim that he will be fine as Renji hoists him up by the arm. Upon being told that it would have been more sensible to stay behind with Orihime given his injuries, Renji headbutts and punches Ichigo before explaining how Ichigo is the one who mended his relationship with Rukia, which is why he decided to return the favor by helping Ichigo in such a dire situation. Stating that he will always have Ichigo's back, Renji asks him to not question this decision so he does not have to sound sentimental again.
In the Seireitei, a huge wave of dark energy erupts as Aizen, now freed of his chair and restraints, notes that Yhwach was supposed to be fighting fiercely against Ichigo in the Royal Realm before deducing that Ichigo gave Yhwach more trouble than he anticipated, only for Yhwach to remind him that he is the one whom Ichigo defeated. Thanking Yhwach for freeing him from the chair, Aizen exerts his Reiatsu and notes that he now possesses the means to defeat Yhwach before responding to Yhwach's questioning of his motives by stating that he merely intends to eviscerate anyone who stands in his way. Suddenly, Ichigo and Renji appear behind Yhwach as Ichigo attacks him, only to be repelled. Claiming that he knew Tensa Zangetsu would be restored and that Ichigo and Renji would follow him, Yhwach states that Ichigo would have his Bankai shatter in his hands once more as Tensa Zangetsu is suddenly cracked, only for Yhwach to note that he had intended to destroy it completely and that Ichigo possesses good fortune.
683. The Dark Side of Two World Ends [ ]
Ichigo and Renji team up with Aizen to take down Yhwach.
Pushed back by a blast of dark energy from Yhwach that destroys part of Sōkyoku Hill, Ichigo glares at him as Yhwach questions why he did not let Orihime heal his wounds prior to coming here before reminding Ichigo that he was told he would be unable to do anything even if he followed. When Renji attacks him, Yhwach states that this applies to him too. An angry Renji activates his Bankai, Sōō Zabimaru, only for Yhwach to sever his left arm while claiming that all Bankai are rendered impotent against him before deciding to crush Renji with his own hands in order to prove this point. Suddenly, Aizen appears with Kyōka Suigetsu in hand and intervenes, prompting Yhwach to ridicule him for defending one of the "losers" which he so detests, before using Hadō #99. Goryūtenmetsu, which ruptures the ground around them and forms a large energy dragon in the air above as Aizen rushes forward.
Despite this, Yhwach merely points out that Aizen's sword is cracked before sending him hurtling back with an energy blast. When Ichigo appears behind him, Yhwach blows off his arm and stops his blade while noting that Ichigo decided to ally himself with Aizen before pointing out how even Kyōka Suigetsu was useless before his power. Reminding Ichigo that he can see everything, Yhwach shatters Tensa Zangetsu and bids Ichigo farewell before seemingly blowing a hole in his torso as he prepares to destroy Soul Society. However, Aizen, having disguised himself as Ichigo, merely notes that Yhwach's vision of Ichigo attacking him is interesting while impaled on Yhwach's hand. Suddenly, the real Ichigo impales Yhwach from behind with Tensa Zangetsu before unleashing a powerful Getsuga Tenshō.
684. The Blade [ ]
Yhwach revives himself, but Uryū briefly stops his powers by shooting him with the silver arrowhead, allowing Ichigo to strike a decisive blow.
As Ichigo cuts him in half, Yhwach dissolves into a mass of darkness, prompting Aizen to commend Ichigo for responding to his usage of Kyōka Suigetsu as quickly as he did. When Ichigo notes that he experienced a strange feeling similar to when Aizen used Kyōka Suigetsu on his allies, prompting Aizen to explain how he released it before Ichigo arrived and confirmed that it would work on Yhwach before revealing that Ichigo was the final component in his plan because he was unaffected by it. Suddenly, Yhwach's darkness engulfs Aizen as Yhwach himself notes that the power of Kyōka Suigetsu appears to have run out before reforming as he asks Ichigo if he really thought an attack of that caliber would be enough to kill him. Proclaiming that he can even rewrite futures where he dies using The Almighty, Yhwach bashes Tensa Zangetsu out of Ichigo's hand and engulfs him and the rest of the Seireitei in his darkness before declaring that everything will lose its form and become one before his power. However, Yhwach is interrupted when Uryū fires the silver arrowhead through his chest, to the surprise of both him and Ichigo. As Uryū recalls Sōken Ishida 's words about how the silver formed by the Auswählen can stop the powers of its user by making contact with their blood, Yhwach's darkness suddenly clears from his body, prompting Uryū to tell Ichigo to move now. With his cracked Bankai in hand, Ichigo leaps toward Yhwach, who is beginning to regain his powers and seemingly shatters the blade in his hand. However, the blade instead crumbles to reveal the original Zangetsu in Ichigo's hands, prompting a stunned Yhwach to realize that this is what Haschwalth was trying to warn him about with his dream as Ichigo cuts him in two.
685. 無欠の果て [ ]
Ten years after the defeat of Yhwach, the captains and lieutenants of the Gotei 13 gather for the promotion of the newest captain.
Sitting by the resting place of his dearest friend, Shunsui notes the rebuilding of Soul Society is almost complete; reminiscing how fast the years have gone by, and how they were able to accomplish the rebuilding process by themselves. He is then interrupted by Nanao to head over to the First Division barracks. Meanwhile, Mayuri oversees the completion of the brand new Research and Technology Department, and prepares for the expansion of his secret underground network with his newest lab assistant, Nemuri Hachigō, commenting that her shouting is unnecessary.
Elsewhere, Kenpachi loudly rebukes his squad members for their unwavering fealty, prompting Ikkaku to ask if it's okay to be wasting time like this, when they should be heading to the First Division barracks. But Kenpachi tells him that it should be at the Thirteenth Division 's barracks, reminding the new lieutenant that because Yachiru is no longer around, his sense of direction should no longer be as bad as it was before. Noticing that the Eleventh Division is heading in the wrong direction, Momo attempts to set them on the right course, but Shinji stops her, saying they'll end up late as well dealing with that lot.
At the training grounds, Iba, now Captain of the Seventh Division, jumps a huge distance down a hill, telling his squad they can come down at their own pace. He then bumps into Hitsugaya and lieutenant Matsumoto, as Hitsugaya notes that he has the initiative and temperament to be captain, and that a certain someone could learn a thing or two from him. The Captain and Lieutenant of the Ninth Division suddenly show up, as Kensei confirms that he was referring to Shūhei, who exchanges banter with Matsumoto, stating that he has mastered his Bankai. Everyone then belittles him, stating that they've never even seen his Bankai before, while he insists that it's only because he hasn't had the chance to use it for a while. Hitsugaya remarks that that's a good thing, as it means nothing has happened during that time to break the peace they all enjoy.
Kenpachi finally arrives at the First Division barracks, only to be reprimanded by Suì-Fēng for being late, as the new Captain Isane politely tells them that they're both here now. Shunsui then begins the ceremony of promoting Rukia to the captaincy of the 13th Division, as a nervous Rukia walks in and confirms her presence. Back at the S.R.D.I., Akon notices some strange readings on the scanners, confirming that they look identical to ones Yhwach's Reiatsu emitted ten years ago.
686. Death & Strawberry [ ]
As Ichigo and company gather at the Kurosaki Clinic to watch Yasutora Sado fight in a boxing match, Rukia and Renji arrive with their child.
A young boy with orange hair is caught by Hiyori Sarugaki when he sneaks into her home, but he runs away before she can get to him.
In Seireitei, Byakuya races toward the reported remnants of Yhwach's Reiatsu. Another Shinigami reports that the Reiatsu response is coming from the West 55th Block, the final area under reconstruction. Suì-Fēng then catches up to Byakuya and tells him that Rukia immediately left after her ceremony, but Byakuya does not care because it has been a while since she had downtime and he can deal with this himself. They then reach Mayuri, who is surprised that they were informed of this, and Suì-Fēng tells him not to underestimate their intelligence networks. Byakuya states that since Mayuri is here, he will assume the information they received was accurate, and Mayuri only responds that they will soon find out for themselves as a large mass of Yhwach's Reiatsu manifests in front of them.
In the Human World, Rukia and Renji arrive at the Kurosaki Clinic, and Ichigo greets them.
Rukia makes fun of Ichigo's lack of customers as she and Renji head inside, and she is greeted by Keigo, Tatsuki, and Mizuiro. Karin and Yuzu then arrive with popcorn and soda, and they happily greet Rukia as well. Karin races to the couch and tells Ichigo to hurry up as a boxing match featuring Sado is about to begin. As they watch Sado on the screen, Keigo notes that he ended up becoming the most famous out of all of them. Meanwhile, Uryū takes a lunch break on the roof of the doctor's office where he works, and his fellow doctors reveal to each other that since he could not go out and meet up with his friends, this was the next best thing he could do.
Back at the Kurosaki Clinic, Ichigo calls Orihime to the TV, and she comes into the den as Ichigo asks where their son Kazui is. Orihime says that he should be upstairs, having heard that he just returned from snooping around Hiyori's home. Ichigo asks Yuzu if she is fine with Kazui being in her room, which she affirms, and Karin asks her if he gets a free pass like Ichigo did. Ichigo then questions Rukia and Renji if they brought their child as well, and Rukia states that she was given permission to come with them after becoming a Shinigami apprentice. However, their daughter is nowhere to be found, but Rukia is flippant about it and believes that she can easily win if she gets into any fights, outraging Ichigo. Meanwhile, Kazui sees a dark ball on the wall of Yuzu's room brimming with Yhwach's Reiatsu. Inside Seireitei, the Shinigami get ready for the mass of Reiatsu to attack, while Kazui reaches in and touches the Reiatsu in front of him. Right then, the mass of Reiatsu completely vanishes, shocking the Shinigami.
As he sits bound inside Muken, Aizen realizes that the last remnants of Yhwach's power have completely disappeared, and remembers when Yhwach was defeated ten years ago. As he died, Yhwach told Ichigo that the path to a world without fear was closed. He had intended to create a world where all the realms were unified, removing the barrier of death and the fear that came with it. He told Ichigo that because of him, the cycle of life and death would continue and people would live in fear for all eternity. However, in the present, Aizen reflects that such a world would strip people of the hope and willpower to keep death at bay, which gave them courage. While Ichigo and Rukia argue, a red-haired girl emerges from a dark orb behind Kazui and introduces herself as Ichika Abarai, a Shinigami apprentice. Kazui then introduces himself and reveals that he is a Shinigami as well as he transforms into one, shocking Ichika.
Sources and content license
Source and revision history · Exact listed stories combined in catalog order. Sources retain their stated license; formatting and headings adjusted. Adapted from Bleach Wiki contributors, BABY,HOLD YOUR HAND. Chapter synopses combined; illustrations, author notes, publisher blurbs and reference markers omitted. Adapted from Bleach Wiki contributors, MY LAST WORDS. Chapter synopses combined; illustrations, author notes, publisher blurbs and reference markers omitted. Adapted from Bleach Wiki contributors, BATTLE FIELD BURNING. Chapter synopses combined; illustrations, author notes, publisher blurbs and reference markers omitted. Adapted from Bleach Wiki contributors, THE DEATH AND THE STRAWBERRY (Volume 74). Chapter synopses combined; illustrations, author notes, publisher blurbs and reference markers omitted. · Content license