Rukia Kuchiki vs. Äs Nödt

 is a fight which takes place during the Quincy Blood War. It focuses on the conflict between 13th Division Lieutenant Rukia Kuchiki and Sternritter "F" Äs Nödt.

Prelude
Rukia flies through the Wandenreich city, searching for any Shinigami Reiatsu. She notes that the only Shinigami she's been able to find is Isane Kotetsu before wondering if the Shinigami are really so inferior to the Sternritter. After noting that she can't sense any Quincy Reiatsu either, Rukia stops and wonders if she should wait for Renji Abarai and attack the enemy castle.

She then has the sensation of someone touching her arm. She asks for whoever she felt to reveal themselves. A figure appears behind her, stating how lonely it is and asking where its Senbonzakura is. Rukia identifies the Quincy as Äs Nödt, the one who stole her brother's Bankai. Stating that it knows who Rukia is, Äs Nödt tries to inquire about her brother's location. Rukia refuses to answer, prompting it to ask if he will come should it kill her, to which Rukia responds that he might.

Battle
Äs Nödt manifests its Spirit Weapon and attacks Rukia. She evades the initial attack and wonders if what is coming from the thorns is the fear that she has heard about. As one of the thorns rapidly approach her, she releases her Shikai to defend herself. She forms an ice shield to block the attack but the fear comes through and strikes her. Äs, stating that fear can't be stopped by ice, laughs menacingly and says that Rukia can't move now that she has been infected by fear. Rukia, unaffected by the Quincy's power, calmly asks if this is "fear" before asking what Äs fears.