Return to Hueco Mundo

Return to Hueco Mundo is an event that takes place con-currently with the funeral of Lieutenant Sasakibe. Ichigo's group learns about how Hueco Mundo was recently taken over, and hearing that one of their old allies had been captured, they return to save him.

Prologue
After Ichigo returns from his battle with Asguiaro Ebern, Yuki is told that Lieutenant Chōjirō Tadaoki Sasakibe has just been killed in action and that he must attend the Shinigami's funeral. He and Shino then depart for the Soul Society.

The news agitate Ichigo and while doing patrol around Karakura Town, suddenly Nel Tu falls from the sky crashing into him. He is shocked to see her but gets more worked up when she mentions Hueco Mundo. Ichigo tries to get her to speak when suddenly Pesche comes crashing down as well. Ichigo immediately recognizes him and after a brief exchange, Pesche says that Hueco Mundo was attacked.

The Crimson Cremation
During Sasakibe's funeral, Byakuya Kuchiki gives a speech on the lieutenant's life. He talks about Sasakibe's accomplishments, such as achieving Bankai even before Ukitake or Kyōraku, adding how despite being suitable as a substitute captain Sasakibe never strayed away from his place as lieutenant due to his loyalty for the Captain-Commander. Yamamoto mourns for his deceased lieutenant as his body is cremated.

Ichigo calls his friends to his house late at night and in his room, he informs them of the ongoing events in Hueco Mundo. Sado wonders if it is all true and Pesche confirms it. Pesche also states that his and Nel's main objective is rescuing the recently captured Dondochakka. Ishida says that he can't help because he is a Quincy. With the others prepared though, Urahara appears on top Ichigo's windowsill and asks if he helps get them to Hueco Mundo.

Intrusion
Urahara opens a Garganta and he, along with the others, enter Hueco Mundo from the sky; they manage to land safely thanks to Orihime swiftly using Santen Kesshun. When no one comes to look for them, Urahara deduces that it's because the area they're in contains nothing but corpses. Pesche gives a brief explanation about the Vandenreich's powers. When hearing that the bodies recently taken away are probably at their camp, Ichigo goes to look for it. He says that while he does plan to save Dondochakka, he should save any others too. The group then splits up after this.

Aftermath
At the base camp, Executive Hunting Captain Quilge Opie asks if the newly-captured Arrancar would like to die through painful stabs or live and become their allies. He is attacked by two captives, both of whom were thought to have had all weapons taken away. The captives are the Arrancar Loly Aivirrne and Menoly Mallia.