Bleach: The DiamondDust Rebellion

Bleach: The Diamond Dust Rebellion (劇場版BLEACH The DiamondDust Rebellion もう一つの氷輪丸, Gekijōban Burīchi Za Daiyamondo Dasuto Reberion Mō Hitotsu no Hyōrinmaru?, Full Japanese title "Bleach the Movie: The Diamond Dust Rebellion, Another Hyōrinmaru") is the second animated film adaptation of the anime and manga series Bleach. The film is directed by Noriyuki Abe and co-written by Michiko Yokote and Masahiro Ōkubo, and the theatrical release was on December 22, 2007. The theme music for the movie is "Rock of Light" (光のロック, Hikari no Rock) by Sambomaster.

The film's tagline is Execute Tōshirō Hitsugaya! (日番谷冬獅郎を処刑せよ., Hitsugaya Tōshirō o shokeiseyo.?)

To promote the film, the opening and closing credits of the Bleach anime from episode 151-154 use footage from the film. Tite Kubo also published a special manga chapter focusing on Hitsugaya's past to further promote the film.

The film was released on September 8 2009 in North America.

Attack on the Royal Procession
High above the living world, a large cloud quickly soared across the skies. Within it, the servants of the Royal Family are seen partaking in some form of escort duty with a large procession of carts and entertainers, surrounded by ceremonial guards as they slowly make their journey. Far below the ensemble of royalty, several unseated Shinigami watch over the proceedings, acting as security. Lieutenant Matsumoto then appears behind them, asking for a report on the event's current situation.

Reporting that all is well, one of them questions as to what the item they are protecting, the Ōin, actually is. Explaining that it is a treasure amongst the Royal Family, even she herself is unaware of it's nature as anybody outside of the Royal Family are forbidden from even looking at the treasured item. She then affirms that no matter what it is, it is the duty of the Tenth Division to watch over the proceedings and guard the Ōin.

Returning to her captain, Tōshirō Hitsugaya, Matsumoto reports that all lookouts haven't detected an abnormalities. Commenting on how impressive the procession is up close, Hitsugaya cynically replies that fanfare will always follow authority around. Suddenly, they sense an oncoming presence just before it strikes one of the Royal Family's carts at high speed. Seeing it be knocked over, both Shinigami quickly mobilise to contain the threat.

Bursting into flames, two connected balls of electricity emerge from the wrecked cart. Spinning at high speed, it quickly disposes of the ceremonial guards nearby before being confronted by Matsumoto and several unseated Shinigami. Revealing an electrified cord, the unseated members are quickly killed in an explosion before the cord is sent flying out towards Matsumoto, who quickly defends herself with her Zanpakutō which is then ensnared by the enemies weapon. The smoke clears enough to reveal a blue-haired Arrancar girl, who sends an electric current down the cord in an attempt to kill Matsumoto. Before the charge can reach her however, the lieutenant activates her Shikai which negates the electricity giving her an opening to attack.

Back at the ensemble, a second elemental ball emerges from the wreckage, this time made of flames, which immediately begins incinerating the remaining travellers before Hitsugaya intervenes, quickly revealing that the fireball is in fact another Arrancar girl with red-hair. Demanding to know who they were, he quickly freezes her blade causing the young woman to immediately back off. Laughing as she ran, Hitsugaya quickly gave chase only to pause on top of the wrecked cart.

Hesitating upon sensing a large spiritual presence, an unseen attacker takes advantage of this pause and impales the young captain with his Zanpakutō. Jumping back to get some distance between him and this new attacker, the unseen assailant emerges from the smoke and reveals himself to be a masked Shinigami. Shocked by the sudden appearance, Hitsugaya quickly finds himself being attacked and can only defend himself, while below Matsumoto arrives on the scene demanding to know where the Ōin is. On top of the wreckage, the masked man comments on how their fight brings back old memories, inciting Hitsugaya to immediately try and remove the mask from his face.

Catching only the man's cloak, he and the two Arrancar girls quickly escape and leave the captain conflicted. Calling out to him, Matsumoto can only watch as he seemingly makes the decision to pursue the unknown attacker. Before being able to chase him herself, the situation at hand escalates as the fire causes an explosion, and can only try to control the aftermath of the chaotic event that just transpired. With the remaining ceremonial guards trying to contain the raging fire, an unseated Shinigami arrives to report that all of the known assailants had escaped, and they had sustained severe casualties due to the attack. However Matsumoto is unable to respond, still shocked over the sudden disappearance of her captain.

Confinement of the Tenth Division
Later, the Substitute Shinigami, Ichigo Kurosaki is seen running across the clouds, apparently taking notice of an unknown barrier that had been erected in the area. Cutting through it with his Zanpakutō, Ichigo is confronted with the site of a massacre, bodies strewn across the field and the wreckage of several carts. Unaware of the situation, Ichigo is quickly surrounded by dozens of Onmitsukidō members who quickly prove to be hostile. Trying to identify himself, only the intervention of their captain, Suì-Fēng saves Ichigo from an unnecessary conflict. Revealing herself to be the one who placed the barrier nearby, she takes notice of the hole he had cut through it and demands to know why he is there. Without answering, Ichigo instead asks what happened as he indicates the bloody corpses nearby. Considering her words, Suì-Fēng mentions that normally there would be no need to tell a Substitute Shinigami about the circumstances, but instead chooses to inform him of the situation anyway.

Outside of the barrier, Uryū Ishida is seen arriving on scene as well, noticing the light from Ichigo's intrusion on the distance. Back inside of the barrier, Ichigo is left shocked by Suì-Fēng's explanation. Before he can ask any further questions however, the captain quickly repairs the barrier which ejects Ichigo from the massacre scene. From behind, Uryū appears and comments on how he was aware of the barrier since it was erected, and asks what Ichigo had discovered. Before he can inform him however, the latter is distracted by the sudden appearance of snow, which Uryū explains is a result of him hiding his reiatsu. At that moment, a heavily injured Hitsugaya emerges from the nearby trees, only to collapse before their feet.

Meanwhile, in Seireitei, the Gotei 13 captains (and Matsumoto being present) are seen discussing the situation at hand. Reporting that they could not find the Ōin, Suì-Fēng also reveals that Hitsugaya had purposely erased his own reiatsu from the area, implying treason. Unable to remain quiet, Matsumoto interrupts the captain's report and defends her captain, despite the evidence proving otherwise. Intervening, Captain-Commander Yamamoto declares that the entirety of the Tenth Division are hereby placed under house arrest, and depending on the outcome of the situation the whole division may be abolished.

Not accepting this decision, Matsumoto attempts to take responsibility as her men were innocent of any crime, however Yamamoto quickly reminds her of her position, and that it was futile to try and take the blame. Reaffirming their goals of reclaiming the Ōin and the capture of the person most related to the incident, Tōshirō Hitsugaya, he declares it to be a special emergency order before dismissing the meeting. In the barracks of the Tenth Division, the lieutenant of the First Division, Chōjirō Sasakibe relays the decision by Yamamoto and explains that until Hitsugaya is captured or the situation at hand is resolved, the men and women of the Tenth Division were to be restricted to their barracks, and their Zanpakutō confiscated.

Arriving in time to witness Matsumoto relinquish her Zanpakutō despite protests from the division, Renji Abarai and Rukia Kuchiki attempt to comfort her, claiming that Hitsugaya would return soon. Seemingly unconvinced, Matsumoto laments how often the people close to her leave without a word, thinking back to Ichimaru's sudden departure. With the confiscation of the Tenth Division's Zanpakutō, Renji and Rukia are forced to leave. Before that however, Matsumoto quickly requests that they look into Hitsugaya's history for her, as she was convinced that they were connected somehow.

The Fugitive, Tōshirō Hitsugaya
While asleep, Hitsugaya flashes back to the days when he was still learning at the Shinō Academy. It is here that he meets with another young student, who was determined to become strong and to risk his life in defence of Soul Society. It's through their time together that they are shown to have developed into friendly rivals, with the unnamed student claiming he would not lose out to the genius, and asking if they'll always be friends. The memories however are abruptly cut short by a violent scene of Hitsugaya's friend being killed, which wakes him from his sleep.

Finding himself in the Kurosaki Clinic, Ichigo enters the room and explains how he had found him unconscious and brought the captain to his house. Trying to get some answers from Hitsugaya, Ichigo is only met with deflective answers which only served to annoy him. Stating he no longer cared, Hitsugaya suddenly bursts out claiming his intent to get back the Ōin and that it was something a Substitute Shinigami shouldn't be concerned with. Claiming to need some extra rest, Hitsugaya turns to lay down again until Ichigo leaves the room, only then revealing his intent to leave.

Waiting until the following morning, Hitsugaya leaves the Kurosaki's home without his captain's haori, leaving it on Ichigo's desk. Trying to leave unnoticed, he quickly discovers Ichigo waiting for him on the street, claiming he didn't have to sneak out. Questioning Hitsugaya's motivation and actions, Ichigo reveals his knowledge of Kusaka, the man from Hitsugaya's memories. Trying to leave, the captain suddenly attacks Ichigo with his Zanpakutō when the latter tries to stop him. Not rising to the challenge, Ichigo declares that Hitsugaya has two choices, he can either contact the Onmitsukidō and surrender, or return to Ichigo's house and recover.

However, before an answer can be given the two are suddenly attacked by the same two Arrancar girls from before, a fireball being launched between them from above. Demanding that he hand over Hitsugaya, they then threaten to take him by force. Below, Ichigo realises that Hitsugaya was seriously considering going with them, and so called him out on it. Attacking the Substitute Shinigami, he send them both skidding down the street. Pleading with Ichigo to let him go, Hitsugaya then kicks the young man into a nearby yard which gives the Arrancar girls an opening to attack, striking him with another fireball and electrical stream.

Emerging from the attack with only a bloody head wound, the girls then combine their attacks to form a more powerful blast. Ichigo manages to counter it's strength with a Getsuga Tenshō, before launching a second one which the Arrancar narrowly dodge. Unbelieving of Ichigo's strength, the two instead choose to retreat rather then continue fighting, with Hitsugaya attempting to follow. Despite his best attempts, Ichigo finally succumbs to his head wound and blacks out, the last thing he witnesses is Hitsugaya leaving.

Investigating the Situation
Later in the day, Ichigo is found unconscious by Renji and Rukia. Waking him up through rather unorthodox methods, Ichigo quickly realises that Hitsugaya is long gone, and it's been hours since he lost consciousness. Recounting what had transpired back at the Kurosaki Clinic, Rukia asks Renji to return to Soul Society and inquire about the Kusaka that Hitsugaya had mentioned, and to return the captain's haori to Matsumoto. Commenting on it being a dirty job, Renji is still force to go as Rukia wouldn't be allowed contact with Matsumoto.

Meanwhile, Hitsugaya is left reminiscing about the past again, being unable to catch up with the Arrancar girls. Remembering back to when he was before the Central 46, it was decided that only one may wield Hyōrinmaru. Claiming he would abandon the Zanpakutō if that were the case, he is instead forced into a fight with Kusaka over the ownership of Hyōrinmaru. Waking from his daze, Hitsugaya is shown to have been taking shelter in an abandoned, run-down building. Struggling due to his injury, he gets up to leave, limping away from the spot.

Back in Soul Society, Kusaka is seen standing on top of a building which the twin Arrancar girls kneeling behind him. Reporting that Hitsugaya had not been in contact with the Gotei 13, Kusaka decides to leave him for now and watch the situation unfold further. Commenting that as long as they wielded the same power, Hitsugaya wouldn't have a place in Soul Society and would be forced to obey him instead.

In the Human World, Ichigo, Rukia, Orihime, Uryū, Sado, Urahara and Yoruichi are all present for Rukia's elaboration on Hitsugaya's background. Because his time in the Shinō Academy was well before Rukia was accepted into the Kuchiki Clan, she herself did not have interactions with the man. Even though they had both come from Rukongai, they had been in separate districts with Hitsugaya instead growing up with Hinamori. However, due to the latter still recuperating and the unlikelihood that she had been told any important stories, they are unable to pursue her as a lead. Orihime comments that Hitsugaya must be a strong person, only for Ichigo to quickly rebut asking how a strong person could make the people around him sad. Deciding they couldn't find out any more through discussion, Urahara asks for the others to search for Hitsugaya in the meantime while he looks into the matter separately.

Having returned to Soul Society in the meantime, Renji encounters trouble with getting into Matsumoto's residence, as Marechiyo Ōmaeda (on the orders of his captain) was refusing him entry. Bickering for a short time, the arrival of Shunsui Kyōraku and his lieutenant quickly changes Ōmaeda's mind. Once inside, Renji is quick to ask about Kusaka, a name to whom Matsumoto cannot recall ever being mentioned before. Becoming depressed about knowing so little about her captain, Nanao quickly interjects by reminding them of what they do not know, such as what their relationship is and what Kusaka has to do with the case. Kyōraku then asks what will happen if he does, and Matsumoto can only reply with nothing but more questions. Speaking about how all one has to do is inquire to find out about somebody else, Nanao is quickly roped into investigating Kusaka herself, but not before she is able to force her captain into helping too. Finding Nanao's frustration towards her captain amusing, everyone except for Renji breaks into laughter.

With his mind still focused on the task at hand, Renji quickly brings everyone back to earth by presenting Matsumoto with the package he had brought with him. Moving inside, Matsumoto finds her captain's haori enclosed, becoming shocked after noticing the large amount of blood on the inside. Renji then comments on how Ichigo had described the severity of the injury, leaving Matsumoto to question why he still left despite it. Unsure of how to feel, Kyōraku mentions how everyone is worried about him, and wonders what he is doing.

An Increasingly Complicated Incident
Once again flashing back to the past while unconscious, Hitsugaya relives the moment when Kusaka also acquired Hyōrinmaru as his Zanpakutō spirit. Overjoyed at the idea of having the same power as his friend, Kusaka runs towards Hitsugaya before the latter reawaken from his sleep, ending the memory. Finding himself nearby a lake, Hitsugaya then begins to travel across the city using his Zanpakutō as a walking stick, as his injury was now impeding his movement. Slowly but surely he moves towards the outskirts of the city.

Back in Soul Society, Nanao and Kyōraku are seen hard at work investigating. Commenting on how she'd gone through the registry, going back up to 50 years and in that entire time there had not been a single soldier named Kusaka. Kyōraku suggests he could of been registered in the Shinō Academy, too which Nanao replies that while his name doesn't appear, the year Hitsugaya graduated in was a name short, and the student missing was a resident of North Rukongai. It is here that they find the record of a resident named Sōjirō Kusaka, with the only problem being this Kusaka is deceased. Mulling over the possibility he was simply missed from the registry, Kyōraku finds it hard to believe the two could possibly be connected if the Kusaka on hand is listed as deceased. Opting to go for a walk and think things over, Kyōraku leaves Nanao alone to look into how Sōjirō Kusaka met his end.

While walking out in the night, Kyōraku quickly realises he is being followed by an unknown individual who was making no attempt to hide their presence. Quickly running into a side ally as a way to lure the stalker in, he is then left surprised as the person from behind suddenly vanishes, and instead a new individual appears from ahead. Identifying his target as Shunsui Kyōraku, the unknown man makes note of Kyōraku's appearance being misleading of his true capabilities. Wanting to know who it was who knew so much about him, Kyōraku is given no time to think as the man claims he is about to be cut down by Tōshirō Hitsugaya, before quickly launching a wave of ice towards the captain. Recognising the Zanpakutō, he is left shocked and determined to find out the man's true identity. Knocking off the assailant's mask with his next blow, Kyōraku is left stunned by what he discovers underneath.

Back in the living world, Hitsugaya had taken up shelter in an isolated shrine, far away from the city. However, he quickly discovers that that Gotei 13 had discovered him and was being led by Lieutenants Hisagi Shūhei and Izuru Kira. Demanding that the captain gives himself up peacefully, Hitsugaya emerges from the shrine and refuses to follow the emergency orders given. Quickly attacking the two, Kira calmly asks him to stand down otherwise his actions would be viewed as rebellion. Rebutting that they are the ones who should stand down, Hisagi then prepares to arrest the fugitive. Declaring him a dead man, Hitsugaya quickly overpowers the two and sends Hisagi flying across the court. Recovering from the blow, he then activates Bakudō '''#62. Hyapporankan''' and launches a hail of large rods towards the runaway. Despite trying to avoid the spell using Shunpo, one of the rods makes contact and goes through Hitsugaya's left shoulder. Picking himself up and removing the rod, Hitsugaya still refuses to back down, quickly resorting to the use of his Bankai, an action that Ichigo senses from afar.

Meanwhile in Soul Society, Kyōraku is revealed to have been defeated by his attacker and left in a critical state. As Retsu Unohana prepares to begin surgery, Nanao is outside the medical room weeping, blaming herself for what had befallen Kyōraku. Arriving in time to comfort her, Jūshirō Ukitake reminds her that the only way he could of been defeated was if his opponent had caught him off guard, or was genuinely more powerful, neither being a situation she could hold herself responsible for. He then tells her that the Sixth Division were currently investigating, and that the attacker would be quickly found and caught. Coinciding with this discussion, at the scene of the attack, the Sixth Division as lead by it's captain, Byakuya Kuchiki and Renji quickly deduce that the Zanpakutō used was in fact Hyōrinmaru, with all evidence now pointing towards Hitsugaya as the assailant. A messenger then arrives to inform Ukitake that the men sent to apprehend Hitsugaya in the living world were defeated and left severely injured.

In the living world, Ichigo and his friends lament over the situation that was quickly spiralling out of control. Desperate, Ichigo asks Uryū to track down Hitsugaya's reiatsu, only to be told he could not do that in the current situation. Having been searching for him all night, Orihime falls to her knees from fatigue causing Ichigo to decide that they should head home and rest, then resume their search in the afternoon. Reassuring him that she was fine, Rukia interjects, reminding her they won't find him any quicker simply by being in a hurry.

Encounter with the Substitute Shinigami
Calling another meeting for the Gotei 13 captains, Yamamoto relays the new information regarding Hitsugaya's recent actions. Suspecting him of defecting, a new order is given out that his capture is the top priority, and if he offers resistance then they are to execute him. In the living world, as Ichigo is woken by his alarm clock Rukia bursts from his cupboard, on the phone with Renji, and relays to him the latest orders. Objecting to the severity of them, Rukia suspects that there was no deliberation to be had and there was no longer a chance for a pardon. Calling out from the phone's speakers, Renji claims that they now know who Kusaka is. Repeating Kusaka's full name, he explains that he was a classmate of Hitsugaya who suddenly died right before graduating from the Shinō Academy.

Before being able to continue, the two are suddenly attacked as the wall behind them explodes inwards, damaging the Kurosaki Clinic. Jumping out of the wreckage in his Shinigami form with Rukia following behind, they quickly find themselves confronted once again by the two Arrancar girls who had attacked earlier, now with their leader present. Noting his abnormal power, both Ichigo and Rukia are shocked when the man reveals his possession of Hyōrinmaru. Meanwhile in Soul Society, Ukitake is seen watching over his fallen friend as Kyōraku lays unconscious before him. Commenting on the reverse situation, and how he's meant to be the one sick in bed, Byakuya interrupts by mentioning there was something that bothered him. It was how the time of the attack on Kyōraku, and the time the squad sent to the living world confronted Hitsugaya himself occurred within too short a span of time for an individual to move between worlds.

Switching back to the living world, the masked Shinigami quickly reveals his mastery over Hyōrinmaru's Shikai state, launching an ice dragon towards Ichigo while ensnaring his arm with it's chain. With the red-haired Arrancar girl keeping Rukia occupied, Ichigo is forced to confront the masked man himself. Questioning how he possesses that Zanpakutō, the man simply replies it is because he is Hyōrinmaru's master. Upon crossing blades, Ichigo is briefly granted a glimpse into the man's memories furthering his confusion.

In Soul Society, Ukitake and Byakuya are seen acting upon their suspicions by approaching Mayuri Kurotsuchi, captain of the Twelfth Division in his main headquarters in the Shinigami Research Institute. Asking him whether it is possible for two identical Zanpakutō to exist, he replies by stating a Zanpakutō is born from the soul of a Shinigami, and that it is impossible for a single Zanpakutō spirit to have multiple Shinigami contracts. Ukitake then asks if it is possible for Mayuri to prove that it wasn't possible, mentioning Hyōrinmaru as the Zanpakutō in question. Becoming elated at the challenge, Mayuri immediately sets his sights on the archives where he would most likely find the records of the two.

Continuing the fight in the living world, Ichigo defends himself from the blue-haired Arrancar, sending her towards Rukia to deal with. Turning around, he sees the masked Shinigami approaching from below and is forced to use Shunpo to narrowly escape an attack from both him and the red-haired Arrancar from above. Appearing atop of the power lines, Ichigo demands that the masked man identifies himself. Naming himself as Sōjirō Kusaka, he recounts his murder at the hands of Tōshirō Hitsugaya in the chambers of the Central 46, shocking Ichigo. Explaining that Hitsugaya was now a fugitive in the eyes of Soul Society and has no home to return to, Ichigo remains as the only definitive element that could ruin his plan.

Resuming his attack on Ichigo, the two clash swords a second time, this time the memory Ichigo is exposed to goes on for an extended period. Both Hitsugaya and Kusaka are standing in a misty clearing out in the mountains, and both are clearly surprised to see each other. However, the scenery quickly changes to that of the Central 46 chambers, the members reiterating that it is not allowed for two Shinigami to share the same Zanpakutō. In order to decide which of them can retain Hyōrinmaru as their own, they are forced into a fight where only the winner may leave. Objecting to the idea, Hitsugaya's protests are quickly silenced by the presiding members. Flashing ahead in time, the fight has clearly taken place as Kusaka is seen covered in ice. Breaking it apart, they are about to resume before a large number of Onmitsukidō members appear. Informing the two that Hitsugaya is the decided owner, they quickly subdue and impale Kusaka from all sides before he can react. Not dying, he continues to fight back, questioning the need for him to die. One of the Onmitsukidō then critically injures him, his last words pleading that he had only fought for the Soul Society before his Zanpakutō disintegrates in his hands, and Kusaka falls to the ground dead.

Breaking out of the memory, Ichigo is left dazed as his opponent removes his mask, confirming himself to be the real Sōjirō Kusaka. Launching an immense amount of ice at the Substitute Shinigami, Ichigo quickly jumps back to avoid the onslaught. Stating that Hitsugaya will be forced to walk the same path as himself, Kusaka launches another ice dragon which directly hits Ichigo, crashing to the ground and creating a enormous prison of ice. Leaving his Arrancar subordinates to finish off Rukia, Kusaka puts on his mask again and leaves the scene. Not giving up, Rukia quickly moves in to continue the fight and launches Hadō #33.Sōkatsui.

Meanwhile, trapped within the ice, Ichigo awakens within his inner world, Zangetsu standing over him. Questioning what it was that he saw whenever he crossed swords with Kusaka, Zangetsu referred to it as the resonance of a Zanpakutō revealing it's past. Stating it's Soul Society's ultimate law to maintain peace, Ichigo questions whether they take peoples feelings into consideration. Finding the idea amusing, Zangetsu elaborates by saying the feelings of an individual are minuscule when compared to the needs of the world, no matter how strong ones opinions are they are still beyond comparison. Commenting on the unstable nature of humanity, and how it is inevitable that one would become corrupted, Ichigo rebuts by claiming Hitsugaya would never become like that. Asking how he would know, Ichigo reflects on his feelings when his mother was killed, and how he had affected the people around him. Realising that Hitsugaya was going through the same thing as him, Ichigo then understands what the former is trying to do.

Outside of his inner world, Ichigo then awakens and initiates his Bankai. Rukia and the Arrancar girls who had been fighting this entire time are surprised by his sudden revival. Asking where Kusaka had gone, Rukia apologises about his escape. Stating that they need only know defeat the twins, Ichigo tells Rukia that he now knows what it is Hitsugaya is trying to do, and that he needs to tell him something no matter what happens.

The Assault on Soul Society
Far away in an industrial building, Hitsugaya makes his way to the lowest level where he encounters Kusaka, the latter finally unmasking himself before Hitsugaya. Reminiscing on the nature of the Gotei 13, and Hitsugaya's reasons for staying, Kusaka is told to leave the others out of it, and to tell him where the Ōin is hidden. Revealing to have been holding onto it the entire time, Kusaka activates the treasure while explaining it is the key to realising his dream. Questioning how Kusaka knows about the Ōin's power and how to use it, both are then transported to another location. Sensing the disturbance, Rukia suspects that it's the power of the Ōin, too which the Arrancar girls confirm. Declaring Ichigo to be a risk, they then summon a multitude of Hollow in order to deal with the Substitute Shinigami.

Back in Soul Society, the sky above the Sōkyoku Hill begins to crackle with golden lightning, drawing the attention of everybody within the Gotei 13. By use of Hell Butterflies, a message is sent out to everybody informing them that the reiatsu of both Tōshirō Hitsugaya and the likely thief of the Ōin has appeared on top of the Sōkyoku Hill. Calling back all of the search parties in the living world, the forces in Soul Society then mobilise to confront this turn of events. Surprised to find himself and Kusaka atop of the hill, the latter explains that the Ōin holds the power to move time, space and matter depending on the will of it's user. As Hitsugaya begins to understand what this means, Kusaka explains that after his death he had been transported to Hueco Mundo and reincarnated there, which led to his determination in finding the Ōin and using it's power to have his revenge upon Seireitei.

Asking Hitsugaya to cut the Ōin with his Bankai, Kusaka begins to laugh maniacally as his plan begins to come together. At this moment however, Renji, Ikkaku Madarame and Yumichika Ayasegawa are the first to arrive on the scene, with Ikkaku informing the fugitives of their orders to arrest both Hitsugaya and Kusaka. Complimenting Ikkaku's abilities, Kusaka however states that the 3rd Seat is of no match to him. Feeling goaded, Ikkaku immediately jumps forward to attack before being stopped by Hitsugaya, who defends Kusaka. Seeing his wound, Ikkaku mentions that his must be serious if he's still willing to fight.

In the living world, Ichigo and Rukia are seen struggling against the sheer number of Hollow. Just as he is about to be surrounded, Ichigo is saved by the timely arrival of Uryū who quickly subdues the Hollow from a distance. Stating that he can fire his arrows quicker then they can summon the Hollow, Ichigo is still left aggravated due to almost being hit. With the red-haired Arrancar creating an enormous ball of fire, both Ichigo and Uryū prepare to deal with it, only for Sado to step in and meet the attack head on with his own El Directo, the impact of both blasts causing a sizeable explosion. Stating that Urahara had prepared the gateway to Soul Society and that they would deal with the twins, Ichigo and Rukia quickly leave to save Hitsugaya.

On the Sōkyoku Hill, the remaining Gotei 13 forces finally converge, surrounding the two fugitives who were still combating Renji and the others. With the captains stepping forward, they are warned by Suì-Fēng to stand down and surrender. Calling them pathetic, Kusaka once again activates the Ōin in preparation and calls on Hitsugaya to cut it with his Bankai, claiming to bring an end to their hate and suffering. Realising things were escalating quickly, Suì-Fēng orders the majority of their forces to attack, all who then charge forward. Before reaching the two fugitives however, they are cut off by a Getsuga Tenshō fired from above, leaving the Shinigami in a daze as Ichigo and Rukia land from above.

Questioning if killing and fighting is the only things the Shinigami can do, Ichigo is cut off by Suì-Fēng who responds that the Gotei 13 have a duty, and that if Ichigo continues to interfere she will have him killed to. Before the fighting can resume however, Yamamoto appears from behind, calling them all to halt. The majority of the Shinigami present are then seen kneeling as the old man walks by, Matsumoto, Kyōraku and Nanao following behind. Glad to see his friend up again, Ukitake expresses his relief only for Kyōraku to reply he would have nightmares if an innocent man is condemned. Confronting Kusaka, Yamamoto comments on the arrogance of his plan to use the Ōin's power to become the King of Soul Society. Rebutting that it is they who are arrogant, Kusaka begins to activate the Ōin once more, only for Hitsugaya to then attack him before being pushed back. Refusing Matsumoto's attempts to help, Kusaka is left confused as to why Hitsugaya was attacking him. Replying that he is only trying to atone for his crimes, Hitsugaya resumes his attack on Kusaka while Rukia explains the criminal's past.

Ichigo then explains that Hitsugaya wanted to stop Kusaka on his own, rather then as a captain of the Gotei 13 as he blames himself for what had happened to his friend. Realising that Hitsugaya had never intended on joining him, Kusaka decides to cut the seal with his own power rather then rely on his friend's Bankai; cutting the Ōin in half, Kusaka is then engulfed in a pillar of energy. Calling out to his friend, Ichigo steps in before Hitsugaya reminding him that he doesn't have to do it alone. Still believing that he should be the one to do it, Ichigo resorts to punching Hitsugaya away, asking him if he had even considered how the people around him felt to see his suffering. Using his own experiences as an example, Ichigo manages to convince Hitsugaya to let his friends help him.

Preparing to fight, the pillar of energy surrounding Kusaka disperses, revealing the transformation that had been taking place inside. Having been turned into a large, bipedal ice dragon, Kusaka declares this to be the power of the Ōin; with Ichigo and Hitsugaya left shocked by his grotesque form. However, unable to hold back his own excitement Kenpachi Zaraki rushes forward and immediately begins the fight by shattering Kusaka's midsection with his initial attack. Asking if he was seriously done already, Kusaka responds by grabbing Kenpachi's Zanpakutō and creating a mass of spiked ice around the two. Breaking apart almost immediately after, both Kusaka and Kenpachi are launched off of the cliff with the former mocking the latter's attempts to harm him. Responding in kind, Kenpachi shocks Kusaka by becoming elated that he hadn't died already, and begins to assault the transformed criminal as they both fall from the sky.

Landing a blow on the 11th Captain, Kusaka sends the brutish man down towards the earth with a hail of ice. Thinking his opponent dead, Kusaka flies to a nearby tower which upon landing on freezes over, and grows to create a pillar of ice. Commenting on how spectacular the Ōin's power is, the Arrancar twins are seen returning to him severely injured, apologising for their defeat. Freezing the two with his power, Kusaka begins to glow as his energy starts to rise again, causing the tower of ice to immediately branch out and grow, it's arms quickly reaching the Sōkyoku Hill and spreading all over Seireitei.

Final Clash with a God
Visibly shaken by Kusaka's display of power, Yamamoto rallies the Shinigami and tells them to not be afraid. Reminding them of their duty, the Gotei 13 quickly jump into action with the majority of captains and lieutenants leading the charge. Attacking first, Byakuya and Renji's attacks are easily deflected with the later being thrown to the ground far below. Several others including Suì-Fēng and Komamura attempt to surround Kusaka, only to be blown away by a powerful shock wave, which also destroys the ice branches leading to the felon causing the remaining attackers (Ichigo, Rukia, Hitsugaya and Matsumoto) to fall to the ground as well.

Immediately after a large black sphere of energy forms around Kusaka, quickly expanding to cover a large area of the Seireitei. Shocked by this, Nemu questions Mayuri if it was the result of Kusaka unleashing all of the Ōin's power. He explains that rather then it being the Ōin's full power, the chaos is instead a result of the treasure going berserk due to Kusaka breaking the seal without a Bankai. Reminding them of the Ōin's nature, he warns the other captains that unless the growing sphere of reiatsu is contained, it'd expand to cover all of Seireitei and obliterate everything within it's confines. Realising what this means for them, Yamamoto steps forward to take action.

Meanwhile, inside the sphere of energy the Shinigami that were knocked to the grown recover and regroup. Regaining consciousness, Hitsugaya see Matsumoto standing over him while holding up a large rock, stopping it from crushing the small captain. Reminding her captain that it's the lieutenants job to watch his back, they quickly realise Ichigo and Rukia had also landed nearby. Seeing that they were all unharmed, Renji the appears and points out the situation to them, showing that Kusaka's ice tower had transformed into a colossal stone fortress. Unsure of what to do next, Yoruichi and Suì-Fēng appear nearby and update the others on the situation. Explaining that outside of the barrier the remaining captains were holding the sphere back with the full power of their own Bankai, they inside of the barrier were to climb the tower and kill Kusaka before the Ōin's power could expand any further. Calling from a distance, Ikkaku and Yumichika claim to not want to miss out on the fun and join them.

From the fortress's base, a multitude of Hollow are summoned in order to defend Kusaka while he is unable to move. Not wasting any time, Yoruichi and Suì-Fēng immediately run ahead and fend off the Hollow using Shunkō, allowing the others to move ahead unhindered. Before leaving however, Matsumoto returns Hitsugaya's haori to him, who then accepts it now that he was fighting alongside his comrades now. Splitting into two groups, Ichigo takes one path with Renji and Rukia while Hitsugaya leads the other way with Matsumoto, Ikkaku and Yumichika as backup.

Following a pathway that leads up alongside the castle walls, Ichigo's group quickly encounter a large, armoured Hollow with an open stomach which holds a ball of fire. Realising that the Hollow was the red-haired Arrancar from before, Renji jumps forth to defend them from a fireball the Hollow launched towards them. Cutting the flames in two, rather then explode harmlessly the two halves instead turn about and attack Renji from behind, hitting him directly and causing a large detonation. Fortunately, Renji manages to activate his Bankai in time and emerges unscathed, quickly sending the length of Zabimaru up the tower giving Ichigo and Rukia a chance to quickly ascend.

On the other side of the fortress, Hitsugaya's group are seen climbing the fortress by jumping up the platforms that jut out from the wall. Quickly coming under attack from the blue-haired Arrancar (who also had undergone a similar transformation) they find her lightning bolts difficult to counter. Meanwhile, Yoruichi and Suì-Fēng also encounter the now transformed red-haired Arrancar. Acting as a decoy, Yoruichi distracts it long enough for Suì-Fēng to use Suzumebachi's special ability, Nigeki Kessatsu. Quickly disintegrating, Suì-Fēng turns her back and moves to leave, not realising the Hollow had begun to regenerate instead. Charging up a Cero, the flame Hollow fires the powerful blast at the Second Division's captain, who is only saved by Yoruichi using her Shunkō to counter the blast.

Still struggling with the lightning powered Hollow, Hitsugaya's group find themselves pressed against a wall. Preparing themselves for another barrage, the group is quickly thrown off-balance as an enormous amount of reiatsu surges from underneath the fortress's leg. Matsumoto questions if it's the fortress moving, only for Ikkaku to correct her, recognising the reiatsu's signature. Far below, the leg of the fortress is shown to be being pushed up by the unrestrained force of Kenpachi's reiatsu, who had regained consciousness without his eye-patch attached. Laughing maniacally while commenting on how awesome the situation is form his perspective, he quickly launches a flying slash vertically alongside the castle, severing one of the legs and distracting the flame powered Hollow long enough for Yoruichi and Suì-Fēng to begin their counter-attack.

Without anything to stop them now, both Hitsugaya and Ichigo's groups meet up at the pinnacle of the fortress, only to be met with a large force of Menos Grande of both Gillian and Adjuchas levels. Activating their respective Shikai and Bankai, both groups quickly begin to defend themselves from the Hollow while slowly making their ways inland. Their progress however is almost halted completely, when the Hollow quickly reveal themselves to be nigh immortal due to the Ōin's influence, regenerating from almost nothing despite the power of the Shinigami's attacks. Realising the only way to get through was to blast a hole in the Hollow's defences that'd last long enough for Ichigo to make it through with his Bankai's speed, Rukia quickly shares to her plan with the others.

Understanding her intent, Matsumoto begins to explain that if she, Ikkaku and Yumichika combine their attacks they should be able to do it, only to be cut off as Ikkaku claims to be able to do it himself. Realising the severity of the situation, he asks them to keep what he is about to do a secret before shocking them with the reveal of his own Bankai. Before they are given a chance to attack however, they realise all of the Menos present had begun charging a barrage of Cero. Unprepared for the barrage, they are left surprised when an immense wall of blades appears and protects them from the attack. Finding themselves within Senbonzakura Kageyoshi, Senkei, Byakuya reminds them of their purpose and that the captains restraining the Ōin's power can't hold out forever.

Refocused, the group prepares to attack as Byakuya disengages his Senkei techniques, transforming the protective wall of blades into a whirlwind that consumes the nearby Menos. Having powered up his own Bankai, Ikkaku attacks alongside Renji to create a powerful blast that blows aside the remaining Hollow, allowing Hitsugaya and Ichigo (now with his Hollow mask) to speed through towards the ice tower which holds up Kusaka. The latter sends out several ice dragons to defend himself, which Ichigo easily dodges with his enhanced speed, leaving Hitsugaya to counter them with his own attack. Reaching the demi-god first, Ichigo is forced to counter a powerful golden blast from Kusaka, which gives Hitsugaya enough time to attack from below with Daiguren Hyōrinmaru, creating another ice dragon that constricts Kusaka's body and bites into his neck.

A circle of runes materialise above the two ice dragons, just as Ichigo appears above them before coming down, striking his Zanpakutō into the demi-god's forehead and firing a point-blank Getsuga Tenshō which destroys the ice dragon's head and wings. Time seems to freeze for all of the Hollow down below, while the Shinigami look on to where the battle had just concluded. Removing his Hollow mask, Ichigo lowers himself to the ground just as the rest of the ice dragon's body shatters, a beam of light shooting into the sky and erasing the sphere of reiatsu that had been growing. All around, the Hollow begin to die and disintegrate as the Ōin's power disappears.

Resolved Bonds
Landing next to Ichigo, Hitsugaya deactivates his own Bankai and watches as the beam of energy dissipates, revealing Kusaka to still be alive, though barely. Encouraging Hitsugaya to go to him, Ichigo watches as the two resolve to finish the fight themselves. Baring their identical Zanpakutō, the two clash while Kusaka remembers back to the original fight, where Hitsugaya had defended him, only for Kusaka to attack him out of desperation and selfishness. Flashing back to the present, Kusaka's Zanpakutō falls to the ground broken, and Hitsugaya is shown to be the victor. Fading away, Kusaka remains adamant about his death, claiming his existence would continue on. Comforting him, Hitsugaya reminds him that they would always be friends before Kusaka fades away for good.

Realising it was finally over, the Shinigami below begin to relax and celebrate, with Yumichika asking Ikkaku who he thought won. Berating them for even asking, Matsumoto claims the answer is obvious as she looks towards the ice tower, a stream of blue light soaring into the sky. Followed by several golden tendrils of energy, the Ōin begins to reconstruct itself before falling from the sky and landing before Ichigo, who picks it up questioning how something so small could cause so much trouble. Approaching Hitsugaya, Ichigo is surprised when the former suddenly thanks him. Assuring Hitsugaya that Kusaka most likely regretted his actions, Ichigo throws him the Ōin and comments how Kusaka was probably happy to of been able to finish their fight.

Later, Hitsugaya is seen visiting a grave and placing Kusaka's bloodied cloak and broken Zanpakutō before it. Saying goodbye, he turns away and leaves with Matsumoto, apologising for putting her through so much for his own selfish pursuits, and thanking her for standing by him in the end. Surprised, Matsumoto asks if he said anything to which he immediately denies, causing the former to complain about going back to work, urging him to leave early. Suggesting a nearby hot spring, Hitsugaya merely responds by telling her to go by herself, causing the woman to annoy him further about going.