3rd Division vs. The Hollows

3rd Division vs. The Hollows is the first defining conflict in the Kasumiōji Conspiracy.

Prologue
The 3rd Division members are assembled at the assembly hall, where they are greeted shortly after by Liutenant Izuru Kira and 3rd seat Makoto Kibune. They apologize for their lateness, and the Division wonders where Captain Amagai is. Amagai is seen at the Captain's meeting proposing the idea of inter-squad co-operation, using the incident in the Dangai as a prime example of the Gotei 13's lack of communication between the divisions.

Amagai then states that joint training is necessary to promote this concept, with Kenpachi dismissing it as a waste of time. Ukitake disagrees with him, stating that the captains who defected from the Gotei 13 used the lack of contact between divisions to go about with their secret plans, and that this idea could prevent further cases. Meanwhile, at the bar, Amagai is seen intoxicated once more, depressed by the viewpoint of the other captains. Kyōraku consoles him, whispering to Ukitake that he got drunk off of the smell of the sake.

Ukitake reinforces Amagai's proposal, stating that it will take a while for the Gotei 13 to agree as a whole. Amagai, overcome with happiness, hugs him in delight, much to Kyōraku's surprise. Amagai gets up and apologizes, finally feeling motivated, as he drinks the sake and collapses. Hitsugaya tells Renji and Rangiku about Amagai's proposition of joint training, which prompts Rangiku to imagine a possible scenario. She then tries to persuade Renji to think approve of it, as Hitsugaya walks away.

Hitsugaya knows of Kyōraku and Ukitake's wholehearted support of Amagi's concept, and hopes that this doesn't cause dissension between the captains. Later, Izuru reports to the 3rd Division that the proposal has been rejected, much to the dismay of the other members, who believe that they will continue doing tedious tasks. They comment uon the ridiculous nature of tasks they were assigned, as Makoto walks in, stating that two captains are supporting Amagai's idea, and tells them that their opinions may soon change.

Izuru eyes off Kibune, citing their previous conflict and his appearance at the Kasumi-Oji compound. Kibune inquires what is wrong, to which Kira asks him why he entered the Kasumi-Oji compound the other day, to which Kibune states that he must have him mistaken for someone else. Kira wonders whether it actually was him, but his train of thought is interrupted by a Hell Butterfly, which announces that Menos have infiltrated Soul Society. Kibune states that they should go out first, regardless of their captain's whereabouts.

Kira refuses, telling them that they should wait for their captain, but Kibune interrupts, stating that their training was more than sufficient to allow the Division to handle itself without the presence of the Captain. Kibune then asks if he is prepared to disregard the Division's wishes, in order to receive orders from Amagai, as it would ruin their morale. Kira counters, stating that they don't have enough information to rush in blindly. However, the other members back Kibune up, stating that they can more than handle it.

Since Kira refuses to take the lead, 3rd Seat Kibune is forced to take up the mantle, and watches in shock as they wholeheartedly agree with Kibune's perspective. Meanwhile, the 11th Division are seen assembling, and are searching throughout Seireitei for the Menos. Ikkaku states that the 11th Division will get there first, but they are cut off by the 7th Division members, led by Liutenant Iba. Ikkaku and Iba immediately start arguing, as both divisions start squabbling over getting there first.