Return of the Zanpakutō Spirits

 is an event taking place during the Zanpakutō Rebellion. It focuses upon the Zanpakutō Spirits being freed from their brainwashing by 12th Division Captain Mayuri Kurotsuchi and proceeding to assist their fellow Shinigami in the Human World in the fight against Muramasa.

Prelude
As Ichigo Kurosaki and Rukia Kuchiki look at the dozens of Gillians standing in the center of the lake, Ichigo wonders what this is all about and what happened to Muramasa, who floats in the air behind the Gillians and screams as black-red Reiatsu surges around him.

Stating his body is burning up, Muramasa proclaims he must withstand this pain as blood trickles from his left eye. Reaching out, Muramasa says Kōga Kuchiki's name. When several streams of darkness burst out of his body, Muramasa screams Kōga's name as the darkness condenses into several large Hollows. As the Gillians roar, Ichigo fires a Getsuga Tenshō, which bifurcates three large Hollows.

As the large Hollows disperse, Ichigo notes the large Hollows were trapped inside of Muramasa and wonders how this is possible. Theorizing Muramasa had been absorbing them and is currently unable to suppress their combined Reiryoku, Rukia says Muramasa has put his very existence at risk for Kōga's sake and states Muramasa has exceeded his own limitations. As Rukia says Muramasa is only maintaining his current state through sheer willpower, Muramasa says Kōga's name once more as blood trickles down his cheek. As the Reiatsu around Muramasa intensifies, the Gillians begin to advance.

As the large Hollows move toward the Reiatsu, Rukia states this is amazing and tells Ichigo that Muramasa appears to be attracting all of the Hollows in this area. Saying they cannot let this happen, Ichigo states he will have to put a stop to it and leaps into the air before firing another Getsuga Tenshō, which destroys several large Hollows. When more large Hollows float forward and replace the destroyed ones, Ichigo prepares to fire another Getsuga Tenshō, only to stop in surprise. As hundreds of Heilig Pfeil destroy the large Hollows, Ichigo turns to see Uryū Ishida standing at the edge of the lake.

As Ichigo calls out to him, Uryū says his bow and arrow will be more effective than Ichigo's single sword in a situation like this. When Ichigo states it is about as handy as a can of bug spray, an irritated Uryū tells him to take this back as Orihime Inoue and Yasutora Sado run up to him. Calling out to Ichigo and Rukia, Orihime says they have come to help as Ichigo lands in front of them and Rukia runs up to them. When a Gillian fires a Cero at the group, Orihime uses Santen Kesshun, which forms a triangular yellow shield in front of the group. As the Cero rebounds off of it, the shield disperses and returns to Orihime's hair clips.

When Rukia tells her she did a good job, Orihime laughs. Smiling, Ichigo looks at the Reiatsu surrounding Muramasa and curses before stating this does not look good for Muramasa. As Muramasa yells in agony, his body is torn apart as the Reiatsu around him condenses into a small, black-red sphere. Meanwhile, the ice covering the lake shatters as a large column of water bursts through it. As the water falls to the lake, 6th Division Captain Byakuya Kuchiki and Kōga stand across from each other while holding their weapons forward in front of them.

As Byakuya stumbles forward, Senbonzakura materializes and catches him. As Byakuya looks over his shoulder, a large amount of blood spurts from Kōga, who falls forward. Saying it cannot be, Kōga stabs the end of his spear into the ice in front of him and leans on it. Stating he will not let them beat him, Kōga reaches out and tells Muramasa to come to him. When he does not receive an answer, Kōga wonders what is happening and tells Muramasa to answer him. Dropping his arm and looking down, Kōga pants and wonders why Muramasa will not respond before saying he is calling Muramasa.

Saying Muramasa's name, Kōga falls into the lake and sinks to the bottom as Byakuya looks on. When Byakuya states this is over, Senbonzakura agrees and says he doubts Kōga would have deluded himself into attacking Soul Society if he did not possess such extraordinary power. Stating it was the fate of a weak-hearted man who was consumed by his own ambition, Byakuya says Kōga's power become a destructive curse instead of a blessing. Standing up, Senbonzakura states Kōga is the exact opposite of Byakuya, who willingly let himself be branded a traitor in order to head off a threat which could have destroyed Soul Society.

Saying Byakuya can finally reclaim a place of honor among his peers, Senbonzakura states Byakuya can hold his head up high again, prompting Byakuya to say Senbonzakura talks too much. Elsewhere, as the black-red sphere sucks in dozens of large Hollows, the members of the group run forward as Ichigo wonders what is going on up there. As Rukia notes the large Hollows are being drawn into Muramasa, she and the others expresses surprise as the Gillians standing around them are sucked into the sphere, which expands and crackles with red electricity before exploding and sending a torrent of Reiatsu upward.

The Hollow Within
As the dust settles, Ichigo, Rukia, Uryū, Orihime, and Sado shield themselves. As Ichigo expresses surprise, the dust clears to reveal a humanoid Hollow floating in midair. As the members of the group express shock, Ichigo recognizes the humanoid Hollow as Muramasa. As Uryū notes Muramasa appears to have become some kind of Arrancar, Rukia states a Zanpakutō Spirit is of one mind and one body with its Shinigami master. When Rukia says a Zanpakutō Spirit attaches itself to the soul of its master and coexists with them, Uryū realizes Muramasa needed a source of energy to replace Kōga in order to maintain his physical form.

Confirming this, Rukia states Muramasa needed to absorb all of those Hollows if he was to have any chance of holding onto his body. As Orihime realizes this is what deflected Sōten Kisshun earlier, Rukia says this proves how deep and obsessive Muramasa's devotion to Kōga was. Stating this is what one would expect from a Zanpakutō Spirit for its master, Rukia says it must have been horrifying for it to end with such anger and betrayal. As Ichigo curses, Muramasa glows with blue Reiatsu and roars as Rukia notes Karakura Town will be destroyed by Muramasa's Reiryoku if they do not do something.

As Rukia states they have to stop him, the Reiatsu around Muramasa dissipates as he looks toward the group. Putting her hand on the hilt of her sword, Rukia tells the others to get ready as she and the others assume battle stances. As Muramasa flies toward them, Rukia notes he is too fast as Muramasa crashes into Ichigo. Blocking Muramasa's attack with his sword, Ichigo is pushed back as Muramasa pushes him away. As Ichigo moves to the air, Muramasa hurtles toward him as Uryū uses Licht Regen. Dodging the flurry of arrows, Muramasa turns around and dives toward Uryū.

As Uryū expresses shock, Muramasa slams into the ground before flying out of the resulting dist cloud. Turning around, Muramasa hurtles toward Rukia and Orihime, only for Sado to move in front of them and intercept Muramasa's attack with Brazo Derecha de Gigante. As Muramasa's blade pierces through Brazo Derecha de Gigante, Sado yells and throws Muramasa several feet away. As Muramasa slows to a halt by sticking the blade on his arm into the ground, Ichigo yells and crashes into him from above. As the dust clear, Muramasa blocks Ichigo's sword with the blades on his arms.

Pushing Ichigo back, Muramasa stands up as Orihime notes he is in a great deal of pain. Saying she can feel Muramasa's loneliness, Orihime states Muramasa was abandoned after desperately reaching out to his master and says it broke his heart as tears glisten in her eyes. As Muramasa holds out his hand, a large violet Cero begins to form. As Ichigo, Uryū, and Sado express shock, Muramasa fires the Cero at Rukia and Orihime, only for a mass of blade petals to shield them from the blast as the Cero explodes. As the dust settles, Rukia looks over her shoulder to see Byakuya standing behind them.

As Rukia calls out to Byakuya, she and Orihime run up to him as Rukia states she is glad Byakuya is okay. Calling out to Byakuya, Ichigo run up to him and asks Byakuya if he defeated Kōga. Confirming this, Byakuya asks Ichigo if he was worried Byakuya was going to lose, prompting Ichigo to say this was always a possibility and note Byakuya looks battle-worn. When Rukia confirms this and states they need to treat Byakuya's injuries, Byakuya tells her to not mind this and says Muramasa should be their main concern before stating he never expected Muramasa to release a Cero.

As Byakuya says Muramasa has completely transformed into a Hollow, Muramasa roars as blue Reiatsu radiates from him. As blue electricity crackles around him, Muramasa clutches his head and states he will not give in to the power of the Hollows. when Ichigo wonders what is happening, Rukia says Muramasa appears to be fighting the Hollows whom he absorbed. As Muramasa groans in pain, his eye begins to glow red before returning to normal as Orihime states this is wrong. When Orihime runs forward, Ichigo expresses surprise as Rukia calls out to her.

Standing before Muramasa, Orihime tells him to not fight anymore. As Orihime says the master whom Muramasa is looking for no longer exists, Rukia runs up to her and states it is no use. When Rukia says Muramasa cannot listen to reason in this state, Orihime denies this and states she can sense Muramasa has not been completely possessed by the Hollows yet. As Rukia expresses surprise, Orihime says Muramasa is fighting desperately to maintain his identity as a Zanpakutō Spirit despite being in a state of despair. As Rukia asks her if she is sure, Muramasa states he will not give in.

Saying he cannot give in no matter what, Muramasa pulls his hand away from his head and says Kōga's name. As Rukia states she cannot believe Muramasa is still searching for Kōga even after turning into a Hollow, Ichigo notes he is determined. Telling Muramasa he has to stop this, Orihime says it is useless and states Muramasa will only cause himself more suffering. As Orihime tells him to end this before it is too late, Muramasa says he will not give in before ceasing to talk. Walking forward, Orihime expresses happiness, only for Muramasa's eye to fade completely.

When Muramasa begins to groan, Rukia tells Orihime to get out of there as Muramasa attacks her. Putting her hands up to her hair clips, Orihime uses Santen Kesshun, only for the triangular shield blocking Muramasa's attack to shatter under its force. As Orihime is sent flying back, Rukia leaps after her as Muramasa attempts to attack them. Moving to Muramasa, Ichigo blocks his attack with his sword before pushing Muramasa back. Running toward Muramasa, Ichigo slashes at him as Muramasa dodges. Telling Orihime this was very brave, Rukia asks her if she is alright.

Confirming this, Orihime thanks Rukia. When Ichigo slashes at him, Muramasa blocks with the blade on his arm before stabbing at Ichigo. Leaning back to avoid the attack, Ichigo attempts to knee Muramasa in the head, only for Muramasa to block and throw him aside. Flipping over, Ichigo rushes toward Muramasa. Asking Rukia if they cannot save Muramasa from this pain, Orihime states Muramasa is very sad as Rukia looks toward Ichigo and Muramasa, who clash several times. Slashing at Muramasa repeatedly, Ichigo strikes at him, prompting Muramasa to leap back. When Ichigo rushes toward him, Muramasa leaps into the air.

Extending his hand, Muramasa fires a barrage of violet Bala at Ichigo, who looks up in surprise as the Bala crash into him. As the dust around him clears, Ichigo leaps toward Muramasa with his Hollow mask on and slashes at him. When Muramasa dodges, Ichigo clashes with him repeatedly before sending Muramasa flying toward the ground with a single strike. Following Muramasa, Ichigo strikes at him, only for Muramasa to push him away. Turning around, Ichigo clashes with Muramasa once more. Crossing blades, Ichigo and Muramasa separate before clashing repeatedly and separating once more.

When Muramasa charges and fires another Cero, Ichigo fires another Getsuga Tenshō, which collides with the Cero. Pushing through the Cero, the Getsuga Tenshō slams into Muramasa, creating an explosion. As Ichigo pants, his Hollow mask dissipates as the smoke clears to reveal Muramasa with the right side of his body nearly cut off. As the right side of his body reattaches itself, Muramasa roars as black-red Reiatsu surges around him. As Ichigo expresses surprise, Muramasa's Reiatsu extends into the sky as tendrils of darkness begin extending outward in several directions.

As those present express surprise, cracks appear in the sky above, prompting a shocked Ichigo to leap toward Muramasa while yelling his name. When a Hollow appears in front of him, a surprised Ichigo bifurcates it before bifurcating another Hollow. As Ichigo dodges the attacks of five more Hollows and bifurcates all of them, several dozen more Hollows fly toward Muramasa and Ichigo. Cursing, Uryū notes the Hollows are swarming again and tells Sado they must attack the Hollows from two fronts. As Sado agrees, he and Uryū run in opposite directions as Uryū forms Ginrei Kōjaku.

As Uryū uses Licht Regen once more, hundreds of Heilig Pfeil destroy the Hollows as Sado fires El Directo, which obliterates dozens of Hollows. As more Hollows swarm, Rukia fires two '''Hadō #33. Sōkatsui''', which destroy two Hollows. As Byakuya releases his Zanpakutō, Senbonzakura, a swarm of blade petals destroys the Hollows around Rukia and Orihime. As Ichigo bifurcates two more Hollows, dozens of Hollows pile on top of him, only for Ichigo to destroy them all with several rapid sword swings. When Ichigo rushes toward Muramasa again, more Hollows appear in front of him.

Bifurcating six more Hollows, Ichigo fires a point-blank Getsuga Tenshō at Muramasa. As the Getsuga Tenshō tears through the right side of Muramasa's body, red electricity crackles around Muramasa as he falls and crashes into the ground below. As Ichigo descends to the ground, the dust clear to reveal Muramasa standing up with the right side of his body nearly reattached. As Muramasa says he will not give in, his body begins to contort and expand upward into a black-red mass. As Ichigo expresses surprise, the black-red mass fires hundreds of black-red objects into the area around it as Ichigo wonders what is going on.

Sweeping Ichigo away, the black-red mass begins to assume a solid shape as Rukia calls out to Ichigo. As the mass begins to expand outward into a dome, Orihime notes it swallowed up Ichigo. As Rukia states this is impossible, red electricity crackles around the expanding dome as the cracks in the sky above spread. As Uryū wonders what has happened, Byakuya reveals the spike in energy from the Hollows has caused the sky to break. Standing up, Orihime tells Rukia she must go in and save Ichigo and Muramasa. Grabbing her wrist, Rukia tells Orihime to not be ridiculous and pulls her back as Orihime protests.

The Zanpakutō Return
As the dome stops expanding, a glob of darkness lands in the nearby forest and transforms into a Gillian, which roars. As more globs of darkness transform into Gillians, Rukia and Orihime run along a path before looking over their shoulders in terror at the Gillians. When a tear forms in the center of the cracked sky, Uryū notes this is not good and says a Garganta is opening before stating they are going to have to do something quickly. When a Gillian fires a red Cero at them, Uryū and Sado leap away. Dodging several red Cero, Byakuya releases Senbonzakura once more.

As a swarm of blade petals destroys several Gillians, Rukia and Orihime run away from another Gillian, whose foot crushes several trees behind them. As the Gillian charges a red Cero, Sode no Shirayuki uses Tsugi no mai, Hakuren, which encases the Gillian in ice. As the frozen Gillian shatters, Rukia says Sode no Shirayuki's name. Descending, Sode no Shirayuki apologizes for taking so long to find Rukia. When Rukia asks her how she is here, Sode no Shirayuki reveals she did not come alone as several Shinigami and their Zanpakutō Spirits stand behind her.

Appearing, 6th Division Lieutenant Renji Abarai appears and apologizes for taking so long to arrive. As Rukia says Renji's name, Sado notes they brought some backup. As Orihime wonders if they are the manifested Zanpakutō Spirits whom they have been hearing about, Uryū wonders what is going on and points out how they were told the Zanpakutō Spirits were rebelling against their masters. When Rukia tells her to explain, Sode no Shirayuki agrees to do so.

Stating 12th Division Captain Kurotsuchi is responsible for the change in their behavior, Sode no Shirayuki reveals Mayuri reversed the mind control which ruled the Zanpakutō Spirits. As Haineko says this explains everything, Tobiume bows and states they apologize for the trouble which they may have caused before saying they are here to help. When a Gillian roars and steps forward, Tobiume proclaims they will make it up to the Shinigami and holds up her sword as she says her release command. As Haineko says her release command, she and Tobiume rush forward.

Shinigami and Zanpakutō: United
As Saru and Hebi say their release command and rush forward, Hōzukimaru spins Hōzukimaru and says his release command as Ruri'iro Kujaku releases his sword as Fuji Kujaku and raises it. As the Zanpakutō Spirits rush toward the Gillians, Tobiume throws a fireball, which smashes through a Gillian's head. As Haineko sends her ash toward another Gillian, Hyōrinmaru, Suzumebachi, Tenken, and Gegetsuburi move forward. When Hōzukimaru crashes through a Gillian, 11th Division 3rd Seat Ikkaku Madarame curses and proclaims Hōzukimaru should let him mount an attack before charging in.

Asking Ikkaku what he is blabbering about, Hōzukimaru asks him if he believes he could do any better and tells Ikkaku to show him. When 11th Division 5th Seat Yumichika Ayasegawa asks him if he has no shame and does not realize how ugly it is to go rushing in and take all of the credit, Ruri'iro Kujaku looks at him and says it is far more ugly for Yumichika to be petty and jealous about getting beaten to the punch by someone else. When the Gillians roar and begin to advance, Uryū notes they are coming. As Rukia confirms this, Sode no Shirayuki raises her sword and uses Some no mai, Tsukishiro.

Slashing at the air several times, Sode no Shirayuki floats into the air as the Gillian behind her is encased in a column of ice, which shatters. When another Gillian charges a Cero, Sado and Orihime express surprise as 2nd Division Captain Suì-Fēng leaps forward and slices through the Gillian's head. Contorting, the Gillian fires its Cero upward before dissipating. Appearing near Sado and Orihime, Suì-Fēng states this was not going to work and says they cannot let a job like this be done by the hot-blooded Zanpakutō Spirits as Sado thanks her for helping them.

Stating it is not her intention to help them, Suì-Fēng says she must do her job regardless of whether or not Sado and Orihime are here before rushing toward the dome. Activating Shunkō, Suì-Fēng expresses surprise when a stream of Heilig Pfeil blocks her path. As Rukia asks Uryū what he is doing, Suì-Fēng states Uryū will pay for this. As Uryū says Suì-Fēng's reckless attack could have caused major damage to Karakura Town, Orihime states Ichigo is still trapped inside of the dome and says Ichigo could get hurt by an attack on the dome.

Stating she does not care, Suì-Fēng says she only needs to get rid of the dome and states she will not let them interfere. As Rukia begs Suì-Fēng to not do it, 10th Division Captain Tōshirō Hitsugaya says this is enough. As those present express surprise, Hitsugaya tells Suì-Fēng they cannot focus on fighting each other right now and states they must defeat these Hollows instead. Expressing disdain, Suì-Fēng tells Hitsugaya to have it his way and moves away with Shunpo. When Rukia asks him what they will do now, Hitsugaya says there is not much time.

Stating they should begin searching for Ichigo's Reiatsu, Hitsugaya says they need an update on him before moving away with Shunpo. As Rukia thanks Hitsugaya and states she will do this, she and the others look at the dome. Yelling, Hitsugaya leaps toward a Gillian and cuts through its neck. As the Gillian dissipates, Suì-Fēng rushes toward another Gillian with her Shunkō active once more and bursts through its midsection. As more Gillians advance, Hitsugaya notes their numbers are continuing to grow and tells himself this fight will be difficult even with the ability to utilize their Zanpakutō.

Noting Mayuri is working as fast as he can to free the remaining Zanpakutō Spirits from Muramasa's mind control, Suì-Fēng tells herself they cannot wait any longer. When Hitsugaya tells her they will have to take care of all of the Hollows which are here and asks her if she is ready, Suì-Fēng tells him they will do it as she and Hitsugaya leap forward. Meanwhile, 6th Division Captain Kuchiki leaps toward a Gillian and slashes it across the neck. As the Gillian falls over, Senbonzakura appears next to Byakuya, who opens his eyes as more Gillians advance.

As he and Byakuya stand back-to-back, Senbonzakura says he will be right behind Byakuya, who states he can handle this. Elsewhere, as another pillar of ice shatters behind Sode no Shirayuki, Hōzukimaru stabs a Gillian as red Reiatsu emanates from the end of Hōzukimaru. As green Reiatsu billows out of a cut in another Gillian, Ruri'iro Kujaku laughs as Zabimaru extends toward a Gillian and slashes it across the neck. As Saru retracts Zabimaru, Hebi tells her he does not trust Muramasa. Agreeing, Saru says he had the Zanpakutō Spirits completely fooled.

When Hōzukimaru spits, Ikkaku tells him to let it go. Agreeing to do so, Ruri'iro Kujaku states he understands how Hōzukimaru is feeling. As Haineko says he kept claiming he would never accept Shinigami, Tobiume states this does not seem right regardless of what the reason may be. When 5th Division Lieutenant Momo Hinamori says this is not the time to talk about this, Tobiume begins to protest. Telling Tobiume to sort out her feelings later when she has the time, Momo states they must fulfill their duties as Shinigami and Zanpakutō Spirits right now.

Confirming this, Tobiume says she agrees and states they will all give this their best. When Haineko says she has not been herself lately, Tobiume asks her if she thinks so, prompting Haineko to state it is not a change for the better. As Momo says this is enough, 10th Division Lieutenant Rangiku Matsumoto states Haineko cannot help it and says the Zanpakutō Spirits are not the only ones who are feeling this way right now. As Yumichika states they do not feel bound by this mission despite being part of the same Gotei 13, Ikkaku says the feelings of the other Shinigami and Zanpakutō Spirits are not his concern.

As Ikkaku tells the other Shinigami and Zanpakutō Spirits to shut up and fight, the Gillians advance toward Byakuya and Senbonzakura. Yelling, Renji slams Zabimaru into one of the Gillians. Slashing another Gillian across the neck, Renji retracts Zabimaru as Saru and Hebi appear next to him. Asking Byakuya if he is alright, Renji states the injuries which Byakuya had were minor and says Byakuya cannot be telling him he is finished. Revealing Karakura Town has been placed in an area freeze, Renji states they are now able to use their full power.

Asking Renji what he means by full power, Saru says they will not clean up after him if Renji gets carried away and makes a mess of the situation. When Hebi states Renji probably does not want someone with a big bottom cleaning up after him, Saru asks him why he always has to act like Renji and punches the top of Hebi's head. Saying he acts like Renji because Renji is dumb and cannot help him, Hebi kicks Saru in the bottom as Renji curses and tells them to cut this out. As Renji tells Byakuya there is something he should know, Hitsugaya bifurcates a Gillian.

As Suì-Fēng kicks a Gillian in the face, Renji states there are a lot of people who still will not be able to accept Byakuya's actions as Yumichika and Ruri'iro Kujaku run against each other. As Ikkaku and Hōzukimaru each impale a Gillian's head with Hōzukimaru, 2nd Division Lieutenant Marechiyo Ōmaeda and Gegetsuburi smash their Gegetsuburi into another Gillian. As Sode no Shirayuki encases a Gillian in ice, Renji begins to say Byakuya is still his captain. Interrupting Renji, Byakuya tells him they should go as he and Senbonzakura move away.

As Saru states this is what Renji gets for trying to play it cool, Hebi says Renji sucks. Telling them to shut up, Renji states they should go. Appearing next to a Gillian, Byakuya slashes it across the face before moving back. Elsewhere, 3rd Division Lieutenant Izuru Kira tells Ōmaeda they should go as Ōmaeda proclaims he is itching to show the Gillians why they should never mess with the lieutenant of the 2nd Division. When Ōmaeda tells him to smash the Gillians, Gegetsuburi declines and kicks Ōmaeda in the back, sending him flying toward the ground below.

Rising up to Gegetsuburi, Ōmaeda curses and asks him why he just kicked him. When Ōmaeda theorizes Gegetsuburi has not been released from Muramasa's mind control, Gegetsuburi denies this, prompting Ōmaeda to ask him why he would kick his beloved master in the back like this. When Gegetsuburi tells him to call him mister, Ōmaeda expresses shock as Gegetsuburi tells him to say "Smash 'em, Mr. Gegetsuburi!" As Ōmaeda says no Shinigami has ever referred to their Zanpakutō Spirit as mister and states it is unheard of, Izuru attempts to get their attention.

Saying he believes in Ōmaeda, Gegetsuburi tells him to make history and states it will make him wish to serve Ōmaeda as Izuru says they are hopeless. When several Gillians surround them, Ōmaeda and Gegetsuburi blame each other for getting them into this mess. Raising his sword, Izuru begins to release his Zanpakutō, Wabisuke, before expressing shock as a wave of energy destroys the Gillians around them. As Izuru expresses surprise, 7th Division Captain Sajin Komamura stands in front of Kokujō Tengen Myō'ō. When Ōmaeda states the attack somewhat grazed him, Komamura notes he may have rested for too long. Saying he feels a little bit fatigued, Komamura tells Ōmaeda and Gegetsuburi to stop wasting their time and states he will take care of this. When Komamura asks them if they can do him the favor of staying out of his way, Ōmaeda confirms this and apologizes as Gegetsuburi notes he may have peed a little.

Meanwhile, at the dome, Rukia says it is no use and states she cannot sense Ichigo's Reiatsu as Orihime says this is not good. Stating there is no sense in simply waiting, Uryū proclaims they need to take actions and assumes a battle stance. As Sado tells him to wait, Uryū uses Licht Regen, only for the dome to absorb the Heilig Pfeil. As Uryū wonders what just happened, Rukia notes Muramasa's Reiryoku is out of control and says it will not be easy to defeat him even with the power of a captain's Bankai. As Uryū states they must at least try to help, those present express shock when a Garganta opens in the cracked sky. As a black ooze drips out of it and lands on the ground, several more Gillians rise.

As Rangiku says more and more Gillians are coming out, Hōzukimaru states it never ends as Ruri'iro Kujaku asks Yumichika if they will have to battle all of the new Gillians as well. As Yumichika says they will likely have to, Ikkaku notes they have much more work to do. As Izuru asks Komamura what they will do, Saru notes there will not be enough time for arguing. As Hebi states they do not have a choice, Renji chuckles and notes Saru and Hebi only get along in serious situations like this one. Saying this is not good, Suì-Fēng states they will not get anywhere like this as Hitsugaya narrows his eyes.

When intense Reiatsu radiates from the dome, Rukia notes the dome's Reiatsu has increased even more as the tear in the sky continues to grow. As dozens of glowing red eyes appear within the tear, Rukia notes the tear's expansion is allowing more Menos to gain access to this world. As Rukia says they will be facing an infinite number of Menos if this keeps up, Ikkaku curses and notes they just keep on coming. When Hōzukimaru states he is going in, Ikkaku asks him where he is going. Saying he is going into the opening, Hōzukimaru states it will help if he seals it.

Asking Hōzukimaru if he is an idiot, Ikkaku asks him how he is going to seal something so big. As the tear continues to expand, the faces of dozens of Gillians appear in the darkness as more black ooze drips out of the tear. As Sado says they are coming, Rukia notes they are pouring in as Tobiume states they must stop this. As Haineko asks Tobiume what they could do, Ōmaeda tells Gegetsuburi to do something, prompting Gegetsuburi to tell Ōmaeda he should do something. As Ikkaku and Yumichika assume battle stances, Hitsugaya and Suì-Fēng express surprise.

As two streams of blade petals surge against either side of the tear, Hitsugaya and Suì-Fēng see Byakuya and Senbonzakura directing the blade petals while glowing with white Reiatsu. As Rukia wonders what Byakuya is doing, Hōzukimaru asks Ruri'iro Kujaku if he sees this as Ruri'iro Kujaku expresses shock at Byakuya and Senbonzakura's Reiatsu. As Izuru notes Byakuya is doing this while in a weakened state, Ōmaeda wonders where this power is coming from. As Suì-Fēng notes Byakuya is using his Reiryoku to force the Gillians back, Hitsugaya says this is reckless.

When Renji asks him if Byakuya will be able to pull it off, Hitsugaya states it may be possible with an immense amount of Reiryoku and wonders what the cost would be. As the Gillians roar, Ikkaku and Hōzukimaru yell as they glow with red Reiatsu. As Yumichika and Ruri'iro Kujaku glow with green Reiatsu, Rangiku and Haineko glow with white Reiatsu as Momo and Tobiume glow with red Reiatsu. As Ōmaeda and Gegetsuburi glow with pink Reiatsu, Hitsugaya and Hyōrinmaru glow with white Reiatsu. As Suì-Fēng and Suzumebachi glow with yellow Reiatsu, Komamura, Kokujō Tengen Myō'ō, Renji, Saru, and Hebi glow with red Reiatsu.

As columns of pink, yellow, green, blue, and red Reiatsu extend into the sky, the Gillians roar in pain as Hitsugaya sends an ice dragon past several Gillians, which are frozen solid. As Suì-Fēng and Suzumebachi stab two Gillians, a Hōmonka appears on each one as they dissipate. As Renji's Hihiō Zabimaru crashes through and bites several Gillians, Kokujō Tengen Myō'ō bifurcates several Gillians, which dissipate. As Rukia tells the other Shinigami to be careful, Uryū says this is amazing as the Reiatsu around Ikkaku, Hōzukimaru, Yumichika, and Ruri'iro Kujaku intensifies.

As the Gillians writhe in pain, the Reiatsu around Rangiku, Haineko, Momo, and Tobiume intensifies as a Gillian retreats into the tear. As the Reiatsu around Ōmaeda, Gegetsuburi, Izuru, and Wabisuke intensifies as another Gillian retreats into the tear. As the Reiatsu around Renji, Saru, Hebi, Suì-Fēng, and Suzumebachi intensifies, several more Gillians retreat into the tear. As the Reiatsu around Komamura, Kokujō Tengen Myō'ō, Hitsugaya, Hyōrinmaru, Senbonzakura, and Byakuya intensifies, blue electricity crackles around the tear, which begins to close as Hitsugaya tells the others to do it now.

As those present yell, their Reiatsu intensifies as the tear closes completely. When Suì-Fēng expresses disbelief at them actually having done it, Hitsugaya confirms they did it. Appearing next to Byakuya, Senbonzakura asks him if he is alright. When Byakuya asks him who he thinks Byakuya is, Senbonzakura chuckles as Renji states Byakuya is very reckless. As Hōzukimaru says Byakuya is not very great, Ruri'iro Kujaku states he would not have succeeded without their power. When Haineko says she is feeling beat, Tobiume states Haineko's age may finally be catching up with her.

Aftermath
As Haineko expresses irritation, Momo and Rangiku smile at each other. When Hitsugaya says they must take care of the rest, those present confirm this and move away. As the dome continues to grow, Uryū notes it is still expanding as Sado states nothing has changed. When Orihime asks her if they can save Ichigo, Rukia says she does not know and states they are leaving it up to Ichigo to save himself because they cannot risk going near the dome. As Orihime says this is awful, Sado and Uryū say Ichigo's name as Orihime tells Ichigo to be okay.