Ichigo Kurosaki vs. Asguiaro Ebern

 is Ichigo Kurosaki's first encounter and battle against someone affiliated with the Vandenreich.

Prelude
As Ichigo asks for Ryūnosuke Yuki's name, Asguiaro Ebern, appearing on Ichigo's bed, introduces himself and asks if there are any other questions. Saying he does not know who he is, Ichigo tells him to get off his bed.

Ebern asks if he could say this again, for he did not hear well, and Ichigo repeats what he said. When Ebern refuses, Ichigo kicks him out the window. As Uryū Ishida and Yasutora Sado ask who he might be, Ichigo grabs his Substitute Shinigami Badge to settle things outside. As Sado and Uryū say they will join him after they finish eating their bread, Shino, Yuki, and Orihime Inoue wonder who he is.

Battle
Muttering to himself, Ebern asks why Ichigo kicked him all of a sudden. Arriving, Ichigo, telling him he understands Ebern has business with him, says he will listen if he follows him. Telling Ichigo not to be so arrogant, Ebern asks him if he is just curious about who he is. Stating he is not, Ichigo dashes away as Ebern, following him, tells him to wait. When Ichigo asks him if he is an Arrancar, for he has a mask on his face, Ebern states Ichigo must think he is here to avenge Sōsuke Aizen. Claiming he is not an Arrancar, Ebern reveals his Spirit Weapon, surprising Ichigo. Taunting him, Ebern asks Ichigo if it reminds him of anything.

As Ebern fires a blast of spiritual energy, Ichigo, destroying it, states the object he wears around his arm is similar to Uryū's Quincy Cross, wondering if it is the same thing. Continuing to taunt Ichigo, Ebern fires multiple attacks at him, but all of them are dodged. Still trying to provoke Ichigo, Ebern states at this rate, he will need to use his Bankai to win. Deciding to go along with Ebern's request, Ichigo activates his Bankai. Ecstatic at Ichigo falling into his trap, Ebern takes out a medallion, which produces white columns which surround Ichigo. Reciting an incantation, Ebern damages Ichigo's left arm. Breaking through the white columns, Ichigo fires a Getsuga Tenshō at a shocked Ebern, who states this is impossible.

Sent flying after being hit by Ichigo's attack, a raging Ebern demands to know why his Bankai did not vanish. Appearing behind him, Ichigo, pointing his sword at his face, states he did not care about Ebern at first, but now he has plenty to do. As Ichigo tells Ebern he is coming with him, a shadow appears. As Ichigo backs away, Ebern tells him not to worry, for the shadow only hides the "chosen ones", and disappears, leaving Ichigo wondering what he did.

Aftermath
Ichigo returns to the Kurosaki Clinic, where he is greeted by Orihime, who asks him if he is hurt. As Ichigo begins to answer, Yuki, receiving a call from Soul Society, tells Ichigo he and Shino must return to Soul Society for Lieutenant Chōjirō Sasakibe's funeral.