348. The Lust 2

Summary
Ulquiorra tells Ichigo to look at his new form; that this is true dispair. Ichigo's eyes widen in shock.

Uryu and Orihime make their way to the top of the dome on a Spirit Energy "surf board" created by Uryu. Uryu tells Orihime that he only learned that he could create one in Hueco Mundo halfway through, first learning he could make one in the Garganta. He says that he might have been more useful if he would have realised it sooner. Suddenly, when close to the top of the dome, they are shocked by an intense Spiritual Energy coming from the top of the dome. Uryu describes it as an ocean above the sky and tells Orihime that they have to hurry.

Ulquiorra tells Ichigo that his new form is the second stage to his Resurrección and that he is the only Espada that has ever reached this stage; that not even Aizen knows about it. Ichigo raises his Zanpakutō to fight and Ulquiorra notices that Ichigo still thinks he can win before remarking that he'll rip Ichigo to shreds to make him understand. Ulquiorra attacks him mercilessly.

Ichigo tries to fight him with his Hollow mask but continues to get beaten up. Ulquiorra tells him that he doesn't understand why he continues to fight. He smashs him into more pillars and tells Ichigo that it is because of his heart that he will die. Ichigo says that he doesn't fight because he thinks he can win, but because he has to win. Ulquiorra says its simply nonsense.

Uryu and Orihime set foot on the roof of the dome. They immediately spot Ulquiorra and Ichigo at the top of a pillar, the fourth Espada holding Ichigo up by his neck with his long tail. Ulquiorra acknowledges Orihime's arrival and tells her that to watch closely; to watch the man she put all her hope in die. He then charges up a Cero and blasts it right through Ichigo's chest.

Characters
Characters in order of appearance:
 * Ichigo Kurosaki
 * Ulquiorra Cifer
 * Orihime Inoue
 * Uryu Ishida