Shinji Hirako vs. Sōsuke Aizen

Shinji Hirako vs. Sōsuke Aizen is among the first battles after Aizen disposes of the last remaining member of the top three Espada and enters the battlefield himself. The battle involves Vizard and former 5th Division Captain, Shinji Hirako going against his former lieutenant and traitor to Soul Society, Sōsuke Aizen. It is a preceding battle before the Gotei 13 and Vizard all work together to fight against Aizen to allow Ichigo Kurosaki the chance to strike Aizen down.

Prologue
As Aizen enters the battlefield himself, a tense atmosphere arises. While Shinji advises everyone to approach Aizen with caution, Aizen goes about provoking the Vizard, amused at Shinji's statement. As the tense situation goes on, Aizen makes a successful incitement, asking the Vizard on what exactly they are afraid of since since they had already "died" from undergoing Hollowfication 100 years ago. Hiyori foolishly moves to attack Aizen only to be bifurcated by Gin Ichimaru. Shinji catches Hiyori and calls for Hachigen Ushōda to heal her but realizes that he is unable to due to missing an arm. He remembers Orihime Inoue could save Hiyori and yells for Ichigo Kurosaki to come back already. As Shinji holds on to Hiyori, he glares up at Aizen. Aizen remarks on this, saying that Shinji's eyes have a nice look as he feels as though he is looking at eyes have returned to life for the first time in 100 years. He then asks if Shinji despises him and if so, he should come fight him as he will actually unsheathe his sword just for him. Shinji then asks for Hachi to keep Hiyori as long as possible until Ichigo returns. Shinji goes up to face Aizen and Aizen comments on Shinji's statement, questioning why he seems to put such a large amount of faith in the young Vizard. Shinji replies back that Aizen would not understand since he does not even trust his allies. Aizen corrects him by revealing that he never asked his followers to trust him. In actuality, he asked them to not trust anyone including himself, remarking that "all living creatures place their faith in someone more powerful than them and they cannot survive unless they blindly follow that person. The recipient of that faith then seeks out someone in an even higher position in order to escape from the pressure. That person than seeks out someone even more powerful that he must put his faith in. In this way all kings are born and in this way all Gods are born" (referring to himself) He tells Shinji to not believe in him yet because he will show him the power of a "god" first as believing in Aizen's power will come after that.

Battle
While the battle between Sajin Komamura, Shūhei Hisagi and Kaname Tōsen goes on, Aizen proceeds to drawing his Zanpakutō. Shinji comments on this action, being somewhat surprised that he would do so at all. He asks Aizen if he is scared, but Aizen remains silent. Shinji then goes on, stating that there is no point in ignoring him as he surely has some misgivings about his opponent despite how strong he is. Shinji then quotes Aizen's own words from 100 years ago, about how Shinji had never opened up to him, never told him anything or even tried to get to know him. He tells Aizen that as a result, Aizen has no idea about his Zanpakutō's abilities. Shinji declares to Aizen that if he thought that his Kyōka Suigetsu was the only Zanpakutō with the ability to completely control other people's senses, he is dead wrong. Shinji then proceeds to releasing his Zanpakutō's Shikai, Sakanade.