Royal Training is an event taking place during the Quincy Blood War, revolving around Ichigo Kurosaki being invited to the Soul King Palace and trained by the Royal Guard in preparation for the war between the Gotei 13 and Wandenreich.
Prelude[]
Kisuke Urahara contacts the Gotei 13, the Royal Guard, and Ichigo Kurosaki.
While the Royal Guard are meeting with the Gotei 13 outside the Seireitei and declaring their intention to take Ichigo Kurosaki, as well as 6th Division Captain Byakuya Kuchiki, Lieutenant Renji Abarai, and 13th Division Lieutenant Rukia Kuchiki back with them, Kisuke Urahara suddenly contacts them from Hueco Mundo. With the screen being projected out of a panicking Kon's head, 12th Division Captain Mayuri Kurotsuchi orders his subordinates to capture Kon and turn off the feed, only for Urahara to turn the feed back on once they do so.[2]
Upon hearing Ichigo's voice through Urahara's side of the transmission, Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez enters the tent and demands to see him.
After Urahara commends Mayuri for realizing the controls are in Kon's eyes while Mayuri presses his fingers into them, Orihime Inoue enters the frame, greets Ichigo, and expresses relief at him being alright. While Yasutora Sado joins Orihime and Urahara to greet Ichigo as well, Ichigo admits that he was worried about them, and as Urahara explains that he could not contact Ichigo sooner because of Kon being restrained, Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez opens the flap of the tent they are in upon hearing Ichigo's voice, prompting Urahara to frantically have Orihime and Sado push him back out of the tent.[3]
After ending the transmission, Urahara assures Orihime Inoue and Yasutora Sado that Ichigo will protect them all.
Though Ichigo is left aghast at Grimmjow being with them, Urahara brings up Ichigo mentioning that he had something to do, infers this was rescuing them from Hueco Mundo, and states this is no longer necessary. After telling Ichigo to decide on his own what he truly wants to do, Urahara asserts that Grimmjow is not a threat to their lives because they have reached a nice agreement and bids Ichigo farewell as the projection closes. In Hueco Mundo, Sado asks Urahara if it was right to tell Ichigo this because he may want to run away from this fight if he only thinks about himself, but Urahara counters that Sado should not say things he does not believe and explains that Ichigo doing what he truly wants to do will lead to him protecting all of them in the end.[4]
Ichibē Hyōsube reveals that Tensa Zangetsu can be reforged in the Soul King Palace.
With Urahara concluding that both Orihime and Sado know this while Ichigo himself knows better than anyone, back in the Seireitei, Ichigo asks Ichibē Hyōsube if they can fix his Bankai, Tensa Zangetsu, in the Soul King Palace, only for Ichibē to clarify that while fixing it is impossible, they may be able to reforge Tensa Zangetsu into something resembling his original sword using powerful spiritual techniques available only in the Soul King Palace, which prompts Ichigo to decide that he will go with the Royal Guard. Moments later, Ichigo finds himself at the Shiba Clan residence and wonders why he is here, leading Kūkaku Shiba to chastise him for reacting this way to seeing an old friend and claim she might not launch him after all.[5]
Kūkaku Shiba launches the Tenchūren back up toward the Soul King Palace with Kagizaki and the Kakaku Taihō.
As Ichigo expresses confusion at the mention of launching, Ichibē reveals that the Tenchūren has no way of returning to the Soul King Palace on its own and responds to an aghast Ichigo bringing up their unique spiritual techniques by affirming that those exist, only for Ichigo to chastise him for doing so since he makes it sound untrue. When Ichigo brings up Ganju Shiba's absence, Kūkaku claims that she is using him as a statue to hold up her banner after he turned into a large stone version of himself, which Ichigo immediately calls out as a lie, prior to ordering Ichigo and the Royal Guard into the Tenchūren and launching it out of the Kakaku Taihō high into the air while Ichigo screams about the lack of seatbelts.[6]
Ganju Shiba continues training with the dead Fullbringers to take part in the next battle.
Following this, on the ground below, Ganju approaches wonders if this was a good idea, only for Kūkaku to point out that Soul Society is doomed when the next invasion comes if Ichigo does not go now and they have no choice but to let Ichigo go, even if it makes their uncle sad. Turning to face Ganju, Kūkaku tells his group to return to the training hall and not forget who took them off the streets of the Rukongai, prompting Kūgo Ginjō and Giriko Kutsuzawa to muse that they are getting sick of her attitude as they walk away with Shūkurō Tsukishima. When Kūkaku tells him that he is being thrown into the next battle no matter how much he cries or screams, Ganju readily affirms this. Shortly afterward, the Tenchūren lands on a platform in the sky and its doors open while Ichigo is told that they have arrived and looks out to behold the Soul King Palace.[7]
Arrival[]
Ichibē reveals that the true Ōken is the bones of the Royal Guard.
With the group stepping out onto the platform and beholding the floating cities beyond, Ichibē tells Ichigo he should feel free to brag about seeing it since ordinary Shinigami are not allowed here, though he admits he is unsure if Ichigo can be called ordinary. As he muses that this is what Sōsuke Aizen wanted so badly to reach, Ichigo recalls they need an Ōken to enter this place, but Ichibē reveals the Ōken is actually the bones of the Royal Guard members, transformed by the Soul King when each of them joined, and details how the two methods of entering the Soul King Palace are for the Royal Guard to allow someone in or for someone to travel with them.[8]
Tenjirō Kirinji prepares to launch Ichigo to a different part of the Soul King Palace.
With Ichibē concluding that Aizen's attempt to create an Ōken was him trying to make a member of the Royal Guard with his own spiritual powers, Senjumaru Shutara tells Ichigo that Aizen was evil personified for plotting to become a god by killing the Soul King and taking his throne, but warns Ichigo that the Wandenreich is an even greater evil. Seconds later, Ichigo finds himself standing on a platform as Kirinji prepares to smash a nearby button with a hammer, and when Ichigo demands that Kirinji wait and questions if he is going to meet the Soul King, an unimpressed Kirinji wonders if Ichigo is talking in his sleep.[9]
Kirio Hikifune reveals that the cities are overseen by each member of the Royal Guard.
However, when Kirinji declares that there is no way someone like Ichigo would be able to meet the Soul King, Hikifune smacks the back of his head for not explaining it properly and tells Ichigo that while they are currently at the Vestibule Road entrance, the Greater Soul King Palace is floating miles away and is surrounded by five dish-like structures containing palace cities overseen by each of the Royal Guard, with Kirinji clarifying that they are all going to his Kirinden first.[10]
Hot Spring Demon[]
Ichigo is brought to the White Bone Hell to heal alongside his unconscious friends.
Moments later, Ichigo finds himself in a hot spring alongside the unconscious and bandaged Rukia, Renji, and Byakuya, where he is startled by the loud sound of a large rocking fountain and wonders what they are doing, though Kirinji merely tells him to not let the towel fall from his head while resting nearby. With Ichigo demanding to know why he is resting in a hot spring, Kirinji declares that it is therapeutic, and upon seeing Kirinji pushing Byakuya back underneath the water, Ichigo accuses Kirinji of trying to kill Byakuya and questions how the latter got here before Kirinji reveals that he is not the only one by pulling Renji out of the water by his hair, prompting Ichigo to accuse him of treating Renji like a red turnip.[11]
Kirinji throws an unconscious Byakuya into the Blood Pond Hell to replenish his lost blood.
After Ichigo turns to see Rukia floating across the water face-down behind him, where Kirinji comments on her bare rear end sticking out, Kirinji tells Ichigo to keep his mouth shut and explains that this White Bone Hell squeezes out the blood and damaged Reiatsu of individuals within it, to Ichigo's confusion. After drawing Ichigo's attention to the red and boiling Blood Pond Hell nearby, Kirinji tosses Byakuya into it, leaving Ichigo aghast, and elaborates that this hot spring replenishes the lost blood, with this process being repeated several times until all the damaged Reiatsu and blood is replaced with his hot spring water.[12]
The Soul King suddenly awakens within his crystal in the Greater Soul King Palace as Ichigo's presence becomes known to him while healing.
Though Ichigo is left uncertain at this working, Kirinji notes him being Urahara's pupil, which Ichigo denies, and brings up the strange hot spring in the Study Chamber within Sōkyoku Hill that was able to heal Ichigo's injuries when he bathed in it. Revealing this was Urahara's attempt at recreating his hot springs after studying them, Kirinji proclaims that one night in his hot springs is enough to make someone with injuries like Ichigo's feel twice as good as normal. With Ichigo stunned by this, Kirinji reprimands him for letting his towel fall because leaving his head uncovered will cause the core of his Reiatsu to be sucked out and kill him.[13] Meanwhile, in the Greater Soul King Palace, Ichibē observes the Soul King has awakened as the latter opens his eyes within the crystal encasing him.[14]
Kazuo and Kazuhiro attempt to hold Ichigo under the water to the count of 100.
Some time later, Kazuo and Kazuhiro hold Ichigo under the waters of the White Bone Hell and count to 100, only for Ichigo to kick Kazuo in the face and burst out of the water to breathe when they reach 93. Upon seeing this, Kirinji proclaims that Ichigo has failed because he should have been taught as a kid to not get out of a bath until he counts to 100, and despite Ichigo protesting that he was told to do so with the water only up to his neck because parents do not make their kids do so with their heads underwater, Kirinji has Kazuo and Kazuhiro shove Ichigo's head back under the water to start over while they insist that it is for his own good.[15]
Kirinji punches Ichigo in the face to test how extensively he has been healed.
With Ichigo continuing to struggle against this, to Kazuo and Kazuhiro's irritation, Kirinji tells them to stop, walks over, and punches Ichigo in the face, sending him flying several meters away. When Ichigo demands to know what this was for, Kirinji declares that he is healed because this blow would have killed him otherwise and points out how Ichigo's fallen bandages have revealed his wounds have been healed, which Ichigo acknowledges, before stating that Ichigo can go to the next place now that he has done what he came here to do. Suddenly, a standing Renji tells Kirinji to wait and asserts that he is coming along.[16]
Renji Abarai withstands a direct punch from Kirinji to prove that he can move on as well.
Despite Ichigo warning Renji that he still has not fully recovered, Kirinji walks over to Renji and punches him squarely in the chest, creating a small explosion of force that kicks up the hot spring water around them. However, Kirinji is surprised to see Renji still standing in place when the mist clears while Renji observes that Kirinji did not send him flying. Though he notices Renji's arm trembling, Kirinji determines that he is alright if he was able to withstand this punch and clears him to go, to Renji's gratitude. Once Ichigo and Renji get dressed, Kazuo and Kazuhiro launch them to the next palace, leaving a shocked Ichigo to question if there is really no other way to get around the Soul King Palace. Kirinji soaks his right hand in the White Bone Hell while thanking Kazuo and Kazuhiro for their hard work.[17]
Kirinji reveals that Ichigo reflexively struck back and fractured his fist when punched, which indicates why the Soul King is interested in him.
When Kirinji gives them permission to take off their protective clothing now, Kazuo and Kazuhiro promptly do so and leave the clothing to burst into flames on the ground as their bodies are revealed to have been scarred despite it. As Kazuo notes that the healing process would have made their bodies rupture and explode if they were not wearing the protective clothing, Kazuhiro muses that Ichigo and Renji soaked in the White Bone Hell naked without issue. In response, Kirinji affirms this and admits that the two of them exceeded his expectations before recounting how Ichigo reflexively struck and fractured his fist when Kirinji punched him in the face and musing that he still has not lost the skill in Hohō that gave him the moniker of "Lightning-Fast", which is why he can understand why the Soul King is interested in Ichigo.[18]
Ruler of Grain[]
Kon reveals himself to have been hiding within Ichigo's shihakushō and suddenly bulks up into his muscular form as they fall.
Moments later, while falling through the air at high speeds, Ichigo and Renji struggle and argue over which of them should absorb the impact once they land based on their injuries and bravado, only for them to notice a beeping coming from Kon, who has nestled himself inside Ichigo's longcoat, just before the latter bulks up into a muscular form. Lamenting that he could not have been discovered at a worse time, Kon falls below Ichigo and Renji, who proceed to land directly on top of him once they crash into the Gatonden landing platform and walk away from a deflating and protesting Kon as Renji claims it would not have been good for him to crash from that height just after getting healed.[19]
Ichigo and Renji find themselves presented with a massive feast by Hikifune.
In turn, Ichigo claims that he would have protected himself with a breakfall and assumes that Kon hid himself within Ichigo's shihakushō at some point, then stayed hidden since there were only muscular men in Kirinji's hot springs. Suddenly, the two of them are sent flying when Kirio Hikifune boisterously greets them. While Ichigo and Renji struggle to hang onto the edge of the platform after nearly falling off it from this, Hikifune proclaims that she is happy they made it, but Ichigo simply demands to know if only idiots reside here. Some time later, with Hikifune cooking up large amounts of food, a stunned Ichigo and Renji find themselves sitting at the end of a banquet table piled high with food, where Ichigo admits that he thought Hikifune's method of taking care of them would involve more grueling training. Though Kon insists that they start eating because he is hungry, Ichigo grabs him by the head and asserts that Hikifune cannot be doing this for no reason. In response, Hikifune enters the room and muses that Ichigo grew up distrustful due to Urahara.[20]
Ichigo and Renji rapidly consume entire plates of food and find it to be delicious.
Despite this, Hikifune assures Ichigo the Gatonden is a palace of food and her only job is to ensure their bellies are full, since she is sure they are hungry. With their stomachs growling, Ichigo and Renji enthusiastically decide to eat and begin consuming entire plates of food, impressing Hikifune with their appetites while she leaves to make dessert. Though Ichigo claims he cannot stop eating, Renji admits he can and holds up what appears to be a fried centipede-like insect as he wonders what exactly it is. Despite this, once he takes a bite, Renji effusively praises the awesome taste belied by its strange appearance as well as its awesome texture.[21]
Ichigo questions the fairness of him and Renji getting to relax and eat while everyone else is training.
After Renji declares that the way its awesome aroma spreads through his mouth is awesome, Ichigo tells him to stop since his terrible food critique is ruining Ichigo's appetite. As Ichigo stops eating and sets down his chopsticks, Renji wonders if Ichigo is full and claims that he can keep going, though Ichigo insists that he can as well and is just taking a break prior to asking Renji if they should really be doing this when everyone in the Seireitei is training for the next battle, pointing out that they are instead taking baths, eating food, and fooling around up here as he questions whether it will actually make them strong enough for the next battle.[22]
Renji asserts that what that are doing makes sense as a method of building strength.
However, Renji calls him an idiot and recounts how they took the bath to heal their injuries from battle, then began eating because they got hungry, which he concludes makes perfect sense as a method of building up their strength for the tough training ahead. Awed by this, Ichigo admits Renji makes a good point every now and then, and after expressing annoyance at this, Renji challenges Ichigo to keep eating as they resume feasting on the dishes. Suddenly, Hikifune interrupts Ichigo insisting he can eat more than Renji by laughing and complimenting Renji as living up to the standard of a lieutenant for understanding what she was saying.[23]
Hikifune reveals that she has suddenly slimmed down and explains that her food is preparing Ichigo and Renji for training on a Soul King scale.
Hikifune parts the veil to reveal that she has slimmed down into a much thinner and more curvaceous form, causing Ichigo, Renji, and Kon to spit the food out of their mouths in astonishment, and elaborates that what they are doing now is no different than preparing for any other training and is simply being done on a Soul King scale, with her observing that their rituals are infused with the Soul King's power and the million-year history of Soul Society. Once Hikifune concludes that they are on a whole different levels from the healing and diet options available in the Seireitei and encourages Ichigo and Renji to finish preparing their bodies for the next palace by eating the large cake she made for dessert, Ichigo, Renji, and Kon demand to know who she is, leading a bemused Hikifune to realize that she never explained this part to them.[24]
Hikifune reveals every member of the Royal Guard has made a significant invention.
Some time later, with Hikifune detailing how cooking uses up all her Reiatsu and causes her to lose a lot of weight every time, which forces her to remain bulked up most of the time, Ichigo and Renji step out onto the launching platform, where Hikifune warns them to be careful out there and reminds them of her statement about their rituals being packed with the history of Soul Society. Clarifying that each member of the Royal Guard has created something in Soul Society that the Soul King recognized as significantly contributing to its history and which led to them being invited to the Royal Guard to begin with, Hikifune explains that she invented Gikon.[25]
Ichigo and Renji learn that their Reiatsu has been drastically amplified.
After continuing that she also created the method to put them in bodies and Gikongan using part of this invention, Hikifune details how the essence of Gikon is to increase one's level of power by infusing them with a foreign Reiatsu and revealing that the food Ichigo and Renji ate was filled with that essence, drastically increasing their Reiatsu, leaving Ichigo and Renji staring at their bodies in shock. Though she is glad that Ichigo and Renji can feel this, Hikifune still tells them to proceed with caution because the man in the next palace, Hōōden, is Ōetsu Nimaiya, the creator of the Zanpakutō and completely unpredictable.[26]
God of the Sword[]
Ōetsu Nimaiya bombastically appears before Ichigo and Renji.
Moments later, in a dark room, Mera Hiuchigashima informs Nimaiya that Ichigo and Renji have arrived at the landing platform, which Nimaiya acknowledges as he holds a sword. Meanwhile, in the landing area of the Hōōden, Ichigo and Renji stand before a deflating Kon, where Ichigo observes that no one is here prior to Kon chastising them for using him as a cushion again. When Ichigo asserts that he has no right to complain because he came here of his own free will, Kon counters that he would have happily stayed at the Gatonden because it was paradise just before two spotlights shine down on them and a row of speakers activate on either side of the platform, to their confusion. With a microphone attached to his cheek, Nimaiya tells Ichigo and Renji to lower their heads because they are so high and identifies himself in English as the number one Zanpakutō creator before greeting the two of them with a finger gun.[27]
Ichigo and Renji are brought to the Galaxy Hōōden, filled with beautiful women whom Ichigo refuses to believe are real.
Shortly afterward, Ichigo, Renji, and an overjoyed Kon find themselves before an assembly of beautiful women that comment on their attractive physical appearances. Though Renji is confused by this while they walk through the Galaxy Hōōden, Ichigo warns him to not let his guard down since the women are likely an illusion and forcefully grabs an overjoyed Kon with both hands to restrain him prior to Nimaiya asking them if they liked his welcome show, introducing himself once more, and initiating a series of hand claps with Ichigo to greet him, resulting in Ichigo asking Renji to trade places with him since he cannot keep up with Nimaiya's energy while Renji refuses and admits that he cannot do so either.[28]
Nimaiya pranks Ichigo and Renji by taking a picture of them while they are assuming an embarrassing pose to apologize.
Unimpressed by this, Nimaiya criticizes their energy and wonders if they want to leave, which prompts Ichigo and Renji to bow and request to stay after quietly deliberating on whether or not Nimaiya is serious about this. However, Nimaiya wags his finger at this and claims that the formal way to apologize in Hōōden is to balance on one's head and forearms with one's body suspended vertically in the air above, which he demonstrates. Though Ichigo refuses to do this, Renji insists that they must, only for Nimaiya to take a picture of them with a smartphone once they assume the pose and show it to the women as they teasingly comment on it, to Ichigo and Renji's aggravation. Suddenly, Mera demands to know how long Nimaiya is going to do this for and kicks him in the back of the head.[29]
Ichigo and Renji find themselves trapped in a deep pit within the real Hōōden.
With Nimaiya sent skidding across the floor and protesting this, Mera takes him, Ichigo, Renji, and Kon to the real Hōōden, a dingy wooden shack on the outskirts of the city, where she explains that Nimaiya built the Galaxy Hōōden because he does not want to accept that this is where he lives. As Ichigo expresses disbelief at this, Kon tearfully begs to go back to the other Hōōden because he does not want to be here, which Nimaiya agrees with while clutching Kon and asserting that the latter understands him. Upon walking into the shack, Ichigo and Renji discover that there is no floor past the doorway and shriek as they fall into a deep pit below.[30]
Nimaiya shatters the remnants of Zabimaru and Tensa Zangetsu.
With Renji questioning what this is, Nimaiya reveals they have not met a single Shinigami besides him on their way through the city because all the women were Zanpakutō. Once he sees Ichigo and Renji shocked by this, Nimaiya wonders if they cannot tell the difference between Shinigami and Zanpakutō, causing him to hold up their broken swords and attribute this to them being irresponsible enough to let this happen to their weapons. After shattering most of the remaining blades, to Ichigo and Renji's astonishment, Nimaiya muses that an unloved Zanpakutō is so easily broken prior to informing Ichigo and Renji that they are surrounded by the anger of Zanpakutō. While several pairs of glowing eyes appear in the darkness behind Ichigo and Renji, Nimaiya promises to consider repairing the two swords for them if they make it out of the pit alive.[31]
Nimaiya reveals that Ichigo and Renji are surrounded by humanoid Asauchi.
When Renji expresses aggravation at this, Nimaiya count down from ten to identify himself once more as the number one Zanpakutō creator and concludes that he does not make swords for losers before greeting an irate Ichigo once again.[32] Renji notes that there are a lot of figures in the darkness with them and Ichigo wonders what they are, prompting Nimaiya to identify them as Asauchi, the Zanpakutō that can become anything, as several blank humanoid figures with mouths for eyes step forward and lunge toward Ichigo and Renji. Nimaiya explains that the Asauchi are the nameless Zanpakutō temporarily issued to members of the Gotei 13 during their time in the Shin'ō Academy and officially issued once they graduate and join a division, where they proceed to eat and sleep with their Asauchi.[33]
Ichigo and Renji struggle against the Asauchi as Nimaiya explains why they are fighting.
Nimaiya proclaims that they eventually imprint the essence of their Soul upon the Asauchi to create their personalized Zanpakutō through continuous training and reveals that he is the one who creates all these Asauchi. Though Ichigo assumes they are the embodiment of Asauchi and demands to know why he and Renji have to fight them, Nimaiya asserts that he does not need to worry about what they truly are because all that matters is the Asauchi being angry with them for the way Ichigo and Renji treat their Zanpakutō, which Ichigo does not understand as Nimaiya notes that this does not surprise him at all.[34]
Nimaiya declares that Ichigo has failed the test after three days of fighting the Asauchi.
Dismissing this being the result of how they fight or swing their swords, Nimaiya rapidly questions if Ichigo and Renji have been treating their Zanpakutō like some sort of acquaintance or lover, and with the Asauchi leaking fluid from their mouths, Nimaiya declares that they are fundamentally different and suggests that they start by examining whether Shinigami or Zanpakutō are superior.[35] Three days later, Nimaiya returns to the pit in Hōōden and admits that he is impressed at Ichigo and Renji lasting for almost three days. However, though he announces that a bloodied Renji has passed, Nimaiya informs a prone Ichigo that he has failed.[36]
Nimaiya reveals that he is sending Ichigo home to Karakura Town without repairing his Zanpakutō because he has not earned it.
Despite Ichigo protesting that he can keep fighting, Nimaiya firmly asserts that he is done, and when Ichigo points out that there is no time limit, Nimaiya clarifies that there is instead an emotional limit and reveals that Ichigo simply was not chosen by an Asauchi before explaining that the last three days have proven that Renji is a Shinigami while Ichigo is not. With Nimaiya promising to open a way out of here so he can go home, a stunned Ichigo begs him not to do this as Mera leaps down into the pit and retrieves him at the behest of Nimaiya, who further instructs Ichigo to never enter Soul Society again, since it is the land of the Shinigami and a Human without a Zanpakutō has no right to enter it.[37]
Ichigo is flung into a Chōkaimon by Nimaiya, who intends for him to discover his roots since he does not understand the significance of what he has done.
Despite Ichigo refusing to give up after coming this far and wondering what will happen to Zangetsu if he does, Nimaiya bluntly states he will not fix Ichigo's Zanpakutō regardless of whether or not he stays and counts down from ten to introduce himself again as someone who does not make swords for fake Shinigami. With Ichigo rushing toward him in anger, Nimaiya restrains him with two Kidō rings fired from his fingers and activates the Chōkaimon. As Ichigo disappears in the vanishing portal, Nimaiya bids him farewell and solemnly asserts Ichigo needs to go because he does not understand the significance of not being chosen by an Asauchi and fighting for so long without one before concluding that Ichigo must discover and understand his roots, even if doing so prevents him from coming back.[38]
Nimaiya admits to Renji that Ichigo was never going to pass the test because he is the only Shinigami in history to have used a Zanpakutō without first bonding with an Asauchi.
Nimaiya infers that Renji also noticed it would be pointless for Ichigo to continue battling the Asauchi and reveals that he knows the location of every Asauchi he has ever forged before detailing how Shinigami transform them into personalized Zanpakutō through continuous training, which is the foundation of the relationship between the two and an absolute truth. After musing that this is true for the Royal Guard in addition to the Gotei 13, with even Kenpachi Zaraki having taken an Asauchi from a dead Shinigami, Nimaiya asserts that not a single Shinigami has awakened their own Zanpakutō without an Asauchi that he forged since the beginning of Soul Society and admits that this method was obviously never going to work for Ichigo before concluding that this is why Ichigo needs to know the whereabouts of his soul.[39]
Secrets of the Father[]
Ichigo is returned to the Kurosaki Clinic in his Human body despite leaving it with Urahara.
Immediately afterward, in Karakura Town, Ichigo stands before the Kurosaki Clinic in the rain, where he realizes that he is back in his Human body despite leaving it at the Urahara Shop and initially calls out for Urahara before realizing the latter is still in Hueco Mundo and questioning who brought his body here, which leads him to think of Isshin Kurosaki. When Isshin comes out to greet Ichigo, he finds the front porch of the house empty and wryly observes that Ichigo has disappeared again while the latter runs away through the pouring rain. Some time later, at her apartment, Ikumi Unagiya dries out Ichigo's coat.[40]
Ichigo heads to Ikumi Unagiya's apartment for shelter and takes a shower as she dries his clothes.
Ikumi expresses disbelief at him coming to her so shaken after not visiting her in months and compares him to a high-school girl who has had a fight with her parents. Standing in the closed shower behind Ikumi, Ichigo simply apologizes, to her concern, and ruminates on getting kicked out of the Soul King Palace without even getting his Zanpakutō repaired, which has left him unable to face his friends or even his father, leaving him grateful that Urahara, Orihime, and Sado are still in Hueco Mundo. However, when Ichigo turns off the shower and exits the bathroom while thanking her, Ikumi throws him a hot dumpling that hits him square in the face, burning it.[41]
Ikumi confronts Ichigo over his crestfallen attitude and asserts that children like him can rely on adults for help.
Telling Ichigo to eat it so he can warm up, Ikumi points out the dry clothes Ichigo can put on to get home and laments the fit Kaoru Unagiya would have thrown if he learned that she let Ichigo take a shower here. Once he gets dressed, Ichigo apologizes for not showing up for work and for coming to Ikumi like this, only for the latter to slam her hand into the locker next to Ichigo and headbutt him, causing Ichigo to fall to the ground as Ikumi claims that she would rather he come to work than apologize to her and bluntly explains that she has felt like an older sister to Ichigo ever since she hired him, which is why he can come to her at any time and for any reason since children should be able to rely on adults for help.[42]
Isshin Kurosaki stands before a stunned Ichigo in his Shinigami form.
Despite this, Ichigo merely points out that Ikumi is stretching the idea of older sister when she is ten years older than him, prompting Ikumi to throw a kick that Ichigo barely blocks and berate him for not being moved to tears by her speech, though Ichigo counters that he believed Ikumi was setting him up for a punchline. Suddenly, after the doorbell rings and a confused Ikumi discovers that no one is outside her front door following her aggravation at Ichigo shouting that she would be right there, a relieved Ichigo is stunned to find Isshin standing before him in his Shinigami form while Ikumi assumes that this was a prank.[43]
Ikumi sees that Ichigo left his Substitute Shinigami Badge behind when he departed.
After telling Ikumi that he is going home, Ichigo assures Ikumi that he is fine while leaving. Requesting that Ichigo take an umbrella, which he does, and frowning at this, Ikumi notices Ichigo's Substitute Shinigami Badge lying underneath the towel he was using and leans out of the door to call after him about it, but sees that he has left and decides to deliver it to him tomorrow after recalling Ichigo's tired expression. Back at the Kurosaki Clinic, Isshin brings up how it has been a while since Ichigo has been home and muses that him being gone for a few days at a time is nothing new before offering to make something for Ichigo to eat.[44]
Ichigo angrily confronts Isshin over the information he has been withholding about the situation.
In turn, Ichigo tells him to stop acting so cheery because he must know what is going on since he appeared in this form, and Isshin confirms that Urahara told him about what happened in Soul Society, including Ichigo's Zanpakutō being broken and the Royal Guard coming down, prior to assuming that the latter kicked Ichigo out and confirming that Ichigo has no chance of fixing his broken Bankai in his current state because he does not know anything about himself. When Ichigo angrily grabs him by the collar, Isshin stares solemnly at him and reminds Ichigo of his promise to wait until Isshin was ready to explain his past to him before concluding that the time has come.[45]
Isshin reveals that he was the 10th Division Captain and Masaki Kurosaki was a Quincy.
Telling Ichigo to listen closely, Isshin clarifies that while he is not a Shinigami, he is also not an ordinary Human[46] and proceeds to tell Ichigo about his past with Masaki Kurosaki, who was a Quincy slated to be married to her cousin Ryūken Ishida until she was attacked by a proto-Arrancar, White, an experiment directed by Aizen who infected her with a form of Hollowfication that forced Isshin, then the captain of the Tenth Division, to abandon his post and enter a special Gigai that would restrain it within her Soul in exchange for losing access to his Shinigami powers.[47] Following this, Isshin notes that Ichigo was born several years later.[48]
Isshin decides to reveal the truth behind Masaki's death, which occurred exactly nine years ago.
Isshin proceeds to recount Ichigo gaining his Shinigami powers from Rukia, who had been sent as part of Aizen's scheme, manifesting his Zanpakutō by training with Urahara, and awakening his inner Hollow during his battles in Soul Society, which meant that Isshin's Reiatsu could no longer suppress the latter and caused him to regain his Shinigami powers for the first time in twenty years by breaking the connection between his Gigai and Ichigo. However, after noting that he does not need to describe everything Ichigo experienced because he has already lived through those events, Isshin clarifies that there are things he has experienced which he still does not understand and reveals that Ichigo does not know the full truth about Masaki's death, nine years ago today.[49]
Isshin details the strength of Masaki's Blut Vene, which should have easily protected her from Grand Fisher when the latter attacked her and Ichigo.
As Ichigo recalls Masaki's death, Isshin observes that she was not supposed to die that day, and when Ichigo expresses confusion at this, Isshin brings up how she had access to Blut, which Ichigo remembers Urahara describing as an enhancement of one's abilities by infusing Reishi in one's veins. Isshin details how Masaki was an Echt Quincy before merging with a Hollow, which let her use Blut from birth without having to train for it like Gemischt Quincy do, and had exceptionally powerful Blut Vene, which was why the wound she sustained from White was such a cause for concern and which prevented her from ever sustaining an injury from a Hollow in the years following the battle. Pausing for a moment, Isshin explains to Ichigo that rather than being unable to help Masaki on the day of her death, he chose not to help her, and details how he felt their Reiatsu from the Kurosaki Clinic, which meant that he would have gone if Masaki had been in trouble even if he could not provide much assistance.[50]
Isshin reveals that on June 17th, 1994, Yhwach initiated Auswählen to restore his strength by robbing impure Quincy like Masaki and Kanae Katagiri of their powers.
Noting Grand Fisher was the type of Hollow to hide his Reiatsu, Isshin states the difference between him and Masaki was still so obvious and vast that Masaki should have defeated him without sustaining a single scratch, but this did not happen. When asked if he knows about Uryū Ishida's mother, Ichigo admits he does not since Uryū does not talk about his family, prompting Isshin to identify her as Kanae Katagiri and reveal she fell ill nine years ago on June 17th before dying three months later, to Ichigo's utter shock. At Ichigo's inquiry, Isshin explains that nine years ago, Yhwach initiated Auswählen to filter through the surviving Quincy and relays a legend about the sealed Quincy king that claims he regains his pulse after 900 years, his mind after 90 years, and his strength after 9 years, which he accomplished by robbing Quincy he deemed impure of their powers and making them his own, resulting in Katagiri falling into a fatal coma while Masaki lost her powers and then her life.[51]
Ichigo regains his resolve after learning the truth about his mother, his powers, and his connection to Yhwach.
When Ichigo questions how Yhwach can accomplish this and assumes that this comes from Yhwach being the king of the Quincy, Isshin reveals that he is actually the Father of the Quincy and the progenitor of them all whose blood runs in the veins of every Quincy. Recalling Yhwach's comments during their battle on his lineage and the inability of The Jail to contain Quincy, Ichigo regains his resolve and thanks Isshin, who smiles at this and says that it was no problem. With the rain clearing up and dawn approaching, Ichigo exits the Kurosaki Clinic with Isshin, where Ikumi approaches him to return Ichigo's Substitute Shinigami Badge that he left behind. Taking it and thanking Ikumi, Ichigo tells Isshin that he is leaving.[52]
Mera Hiuchigashima appears behind Ichigo to take him back to the Soul King Palace.
Despite this, Isshin questions how he intends to get back to the Soul King Palace, prompting Ichigo to look back at him speechlessly just before Mera appears in the air behind him in a puff of smoke, notes that the timing is perfect, and tells Ichigo that they are going. Moments later, Ichigo finds himself standing in the pit in the Hōōden before Mera, who explains that the Chōkaimon used to send Ichigo to the Human World cannot be opened without setting a strict round-trip time limit, which is why Nimaiya planned to bring him back after one night from the beginning since Ichigo would either change in one night or not at all.[53]
Ichigo chooses one of the kneeling Asauchi.
After popping out from behind Mera, Nimaiya affirms this and, having been impressed by the resolve in Ichigo's eyes, points at him while declaring that he should be able to do this now as Ichigo looks back at the Asauchi gathered behind him. However, Nimaiya and Mera are left astonished when the Asauchi respond to Ichigo's presence by kneeling down before him and turning black. Upon turning around, Ichigo looks to a specific Asauchi that he asserts is the right one and holds out his open hand, which the Asauchi reaches up to grip with its own, causing its black skin to flake off and reveal white skin underneath before the Asauchi looks up at Ichigo with a Hollow's face. Grinning at this, Nimaiya tells Ichigo to come up and promises to personally reforge his Zanpakutō for him.[54]
Zangetsu Reforged[]
Nimaiya brings Ichigo and the Asauchi to his personal forge beneath Hōōden.
Some time later, a screeching Ichigo hurtles down a slide alongside Nimaiya and the Asauchi to crash into a pool of water below, where Nimaiya questions if he is okay and commends Ichigo's courage in diving into the chute headfirst even after being warned of the danger, only for Ichigo to angrily counter that Nimaiya is the one who shoved him in headfirst. Dismissing this, Nimaiya directs Ichigo's attention to the surrounding area, where Ichigo is astonished to see several large waterfalls forming a massive body of water around the cliff that the Hōōden sits on while Nimaiya notes this is why it was constructed on a cliff since a Bankai cannot be reforged without this much water.[55]
Nimaiya's five Zanpakutō bodyguards arrive to assist him.
Nimaiya reveals that this is where Ichigo and Zangetsu will say goodbye,[56] and after performing a rapid series of dance maneuvers, Nimaiya announces the beginning of his show before Tsumiko Tsuchimiya, Hasuka Hashihara, Mera Hiuchigashima, Nonomi Nomino, and Tokie Tonokawa crash down onto him from above, injure him in various ways, and proclaim that they are his bodyguards while standing on top of him. As Ichigo and the Asauchi stare blankly at this, Nimaiya wonders why the Asauchi is just standing there and beckons it forward, causing the Asauchi to transform into a shining blade that hurtles through the air around Ichigo and embeds itself in the ground next to Nimaiya, to Ichigo's surprise.[57] At Nimaiya's behest, a large stone construct suddenly forms over the forging pit behind him.[58]
Nimaiya begins forging the Asauchi with the abilities of all five bodyguards.
Once this is completed, Nonomi hollows out the column and cleanly destroys the bottom half with two chisels,[58] Mera breathes fire onto the pit to create a furnace, Tokie laments her role in the forging and weeps to spawn water from a bucket that she holds over a trench next to the furnace while Nonomi reminds her that this is important, Hasuka grabs the blade out of the air with her prehensile hair, and Tsumiko pulls a tooth out of her mouth to sculpt it into a long and large mallet. After tying up his hair and removing his glasses, Nimaiya declares that they will get started and begins hammering the blade in the flames with Tsumiko's mallet.[59]
Nimaiya confirms that the Asauchi drew out the appearance of Ichigo's inner Hollow because that is his Zanpakutō Spirit.
When asked by Nimaiya what he sees, Ichigo notes that it is much brighter now and question if Nimaiya should have kept his glasses on, but Nimaiya counters that he would not be able to see the color of the flames if he did and deduces that Ichigo's first reaction to seeing the Asauchi turn white upon touching him was to be reminded of his inner Hollow. Quenching the blade in the water-filled trench, Nimaiya confirms that the Asauchi does represent Ichigo's inner Hollow and that it was the catalyst to draw out Ichigo's Zanpakutō Spirit. Though nonplussed by this, Ichigo is visibly shocked when Nimaiya resumes hammering and reveals that Ichigo's inner Hollow is actually his Zanpakutō Spirit.[60]
Nimaiya explains that White's similarity to an Asauchi let him merge with Ichigo's powers.
Nimaiya elaborates that Aizen created White by layering countless Shinigami Souls on top of each other in a method identical to Nimaiya's creation of Asauchi, allowing it to enter Ichigo's Soul, merge with his natural Shinigami powers, and become his Zanpakutō Spirit. With Ichigo realizing what this means for the Zangetsu he knows, Nimaiya reminds him that he will be saying farewell to Zangetsu here and asserts that Ichigo should already know the truth about the man masquerading as his Zanpakutō Spirit. In his inner world, Ichigo stands before Zangetsu and claims to already know who he is.[61]
Nimaiya reveals that Zangetsu is taking the form of Yhwach from 1,000 years ago.
However, Nimaiya urges him to look closer because he has already seen this man up close recently as the enemy who destroyed Soul Society and proclaims that Zangetsu is Ichigo's Quincy powers taking the form of Yhwach from a thousand years ago, to Ichigo's shock.[62] Internally, a distraught Ichigo recalls his first confrontation with Yhwach and ruminates that he tried not to think about why he felt drawn to that location, why he went straight to Yhwach without knowing anything about the situation, why he immediately believed Yhwach was the most important enemy, and why Yhwach's face almost reminded him of someone.[63]
Ichigo confronts Zangetsu over the latter impersonating his Zanpakutō Spirit.
Aghast at this revelation, Ichigo calls out to Zangetsu as it begins raining and asks him if this is true, prompting Zangetsu to state that it is just as he has heard and that he is not named Zangetsu. With the building they are standing on cracking and splitting in two, submerging them in deep water, Ichigo questions if he is really Yhwach and not Zangetsu, and when Zangetsu confirms that he is the source of Ichigo's Quincy powers and both is and is not Yhwach, a furious Ichigo demands to know if everything he has said up until now is a lie and if he is an enemy or an ally, only for Zangetsu to assert that he is not an enemy or an ally after a pause.[64]
Zangetsu reminds Ichigo that help always came from his inner Hollow when he was in danger.
Zangetsu clarifies that there were no lies in his words other than the name he told Ichigo and reminds the latter that he always had help from the inner Hollow whenever he taught Ichigo about his Zanpakutō prior to pointing out how the one to save Ichigo whenever he was in mortal danger was always the Hollow rather than himself. When Zangetsu explains that he did not want Ichigo to become a Shinigami and so suppressed his burgeoning Zanpakutō Spirit to become the center of his abilities instead, Ichigo wonders why, prompting Zangetsu to state that he wanted to keep Ichigo far from danger and conflict because it would be inevitable as a Shinigami.[65]
Zangetsu begins to fade away after deciding to let Ichigo access his true power.
After musing that this would lead to Ichigo suffering and eventually force him to kill Ichigo himself, Zangetsu generates a large, flaming Reishi broadsword in his right hand and reiterates his belief that he would have to kill Ichigo if he became a Shinigami, but recounts Ichigo choosing the path of the Shinigami, gaining strength from it, and persevering on it despite being hurt, which caused Zangetsu's heart to waver as he observed it and eventually made him lean to support Ichigo's decision rather than keep him away from the Shinigami. With his body beginning to disintegrate, Zangetsu observes that he now feels the joy of stepping away from Ichigo. While Zangetsu concludes he is satisfied from watching Ichigo grow strong right by his side because there can be no greater joy than that, Ichigo rushes toward him and frantically begs Zangetsu to wait.[66]
Ichigo is engulfed in a bright light after accepting the sword and his true power.
In turn, Zangetsu merely sheds a single tear and disappear completely, leaving behind only the sword. Once Ichigo reaches the sword, Zangetsu informs him that he has been using a mere fragment of his power that could not be suppressed and that he can now fight with his full power by using his true Zanpakutō and the real Zangetsu, causing the sword to explode into light around Ichigo.[67] Mentally, Ichigo admits that there were no lies in the words of either Zangetsu and recalls how Zangetsu used a Quincy's Shadow to help him, Blut to stop his bleeding, and power to help him win when he was weak against Kenpachi.[68]
Ichigo stands with the true dual-bladed form of his Shikai, Zangetsu.
Ichigo leaps between the crumbling buildings in his inner world and asserts that both his Quincy powers and his inner Hollow are Zangetsu to him, which he hopes they can agree to. Back in the real world, in Nimaiya's forge, Ichigo grabs the blade of the Asauchi while it is still in the furnace, and despite Hasuka's protests, Nimaiya affirms that he was just thinking this would be completed by Ichigo pouring his Soul into the blade. At Nimaiya's urging, Ichigo pulls the blade out of the furnace in an explosion that evaporates all the water in the bay. With the bodyguards astonished by this, Nimaiya puts his glasses back on and asks Ichigo if he can handle those Zangetsus as Ichigo stands with two distinct blades in his hands.[69]
Ichigo accepts both Zangetsus as his power.
While the bodyguards look on in awe at him wielding two blades and Nimaiya confirms that they are both real, Ichigo promises Zangetsu that he will not ask him for power anymore, Zangetsu that he will not push him away anymore, and both of them that they will not have to fight alongside him because he will fight on his own before declaring that they are him.[70]
Hueco Mundo[]
Orihime and Sado prepare to begin training at the Negal Ruins in Hueco Mundo after meeting up with Grimmjow.
Meanwhile, in Hueco Mundo, a cloaked Orihime reaches the Negal Ruins and laments how long it took her to do so even if traveling is supposed to be part of their training. As she takes out and begins eating a potato-like food, Orihime turns to Pero, a small black winged creature flying next to her, and assumes he is tired, only for Pero to deny this. Remembering how Urahara sent Pero with her so he could keep an eye on Orihime through a camera installed in Pero and catch up to her if anything happened, Orihime muses that Urahara did not come when she was being chased by a large Hollow despite saying this. Suddenly, Sado approaches Orihime from the stairs behind her and claims she took her time, leaving Orihime relieved to see him alongside Grimmjow.[71]
Urahara is approached by Riruka Dokugamine and Yukio Hans Vorarlberna, who seek to assist Ichigo with their Fullbrings.
Simultaneously, Urahara expresses relief at Orihime reaching the Negal Ruins safely and looks at Quilge Opie's Medallion, which crackles with black electricity within a device, while noting that his research will take some more time.[72] Later, he is approached by Riruka Dokugamine and Yukio Hans Vorarlberna, who seek to assist Ichigo with their Fullbrings.[73] Some time afterward, as Nel Tu and her Fracción run around,[74] Orihime sits against a pillar in the Negal Ruins and drinks from a flask of water as Sado asks her if she is tired enough to want to conclude their training for the day. However, Orihime notes that she was just thinking about how peaceful it is and responds to Sado reminding her that they are training for a battle by explaining that it just feels nice for Humans like them to spend time in Hueco Mundo training with the Arrancar and helping the Shinigami, which makes her wish that they could continue working together and respecting each other's worlds so the battle would never start.[75]
Karakura Town[]
Yuzu wishes that Ichigo would come home from training camp soon.
In the Kurosaki Clinic, Yuzu Kurosaki prepares lunch for her family and yells to Isshin and Karin Kurosaki that it is time to eat, prompting Isshin to promise that he will be right there once he gets rid of his current patient, who is aghast at being referred to this way, and Karin asserts that she will join them once she defeats the boss she is currently battling in a video game. After reminding Karin that she should not play any more today after this, which Karin grudgingly affirms, Yuzu looks up and wishes that Ichigo was back from training camp. Simultaneously, in the Fifth Division barracks, Captain Shinji Hirako yells into a Denreishinki that he is begging with his head down rather than giving an order.[76]
Hiyori Sarugaki decides to help clean up the distortions in Karakura Town.
In turn, Hiyori Sarugaki asserts that she can tell his head is not bowed even over the phone as she stands in the Visored warehouse in Karakura Town. With Shinji claiming Hiyori is the only one who can do this, making her the chosen one, and hanging up, Hachigen Ushōda walks up to Hiyori with a package addressed to her from both Shinji and Mayuri, leading her to decide the Visored will be fixing the distortions in the Human World after marveling at the speedy delivery and realizing Soul Society actually does have a package delivery service. Though Lisa Yadōmaru and Love Aikawa are not enthused about being forced to join this, Hiyori insists they must help her.[77]
Tatsuki Arisawa, Keigo Asano, and Mizuiro Kojima discuss Ichigo's absence.
Elsewhere, Tatsuki Arisawa walks down a set of stairs with Mizuiro Kojima and Keigo Asano, the latter of whom asks her about Ichigo's whereabouts. With Tatsuki questioning how she would know this, Keigo admits that he is out of options now and explains that Karin and Yuzu told him Ichigo was training with the soccer team even though the tournament ended last month. As Tatsuki grimaces at this, Mizuiro muses that Orihime, Sado, and Uryū Ishida are not around either, which means this must have something to do with Soul Society, prior to assuring Keigo and Tatsuki that they will be back some day.[78]
Shunsui Kyōraku approaches Ichigo's friends to warn them that he may not return.
However, they are interrupted when Captain-Commander Shunsui Kyōraku approaches them from behind, which prompts Tatsuki to remind a startled Keigo that Shunsui is here because he obviously has something to do with Ichigo. When Mizuiro identifies him as the captain of the Eighth Division from a conversation that he overheard after the battle against Aizen, Shunsui admits he is flattered to be remembered even though he would be more so if Mizuiro was a girl and responds to Mizuiro noting a captain would only come out here for a serious matter by revealing he has come to discuss them saying goodbye to Ichigo.[79]
Keigo confronts Shunsui over his perceived callousness in forcing Ichigo to stay in Soul Society.
Unnerved by this assertion, Keigo assumes he is joking and compliments his flowery kimono, but Shunsui apologetically states that he did not come here to joke around, leading a stunned Keigo to express disbelief at Shunsui making this statement so casually like it has nothing to do with him and accuse Shunsui of getting Ichigo mixed up in something again, which Shunsui readily confirms alongside Ichigo currently being in Soul Society to help the Gotei 13. In turn, Mizuiro assures Shunsui that this is fine because it is who Ichigo is and is the reason they are friends with him, and when he questions why this would mean saying goodbye to Ichigo, Shunsui details how Ichigo is currently in a special location within Soul Society. Though he is sure Ichigo will come back safely, Shunsui clarifies that he is worried about what kind of power he will return with and responds to Mizuiro wondering why this is a problem by revealing that Ichigo's power could become immense enough to adversely affect the Human World, in which case he would not be allowed to return there. Aghast at this, Keigo grabs Shunsui by the collar and lambasts him for threatening to lock up Ichigo in Soul Society after bringing him there to help them under the pretense of it being better for the Human World, only for Shunsui to merely affirm that this is how it will be if it comes to pass, angering Keigo even further.[80]
Shunsui offers Soul Tickets to Tatsuki, Keigo, and Mizuiro so that they can visit Ichigo in the event that he must stay in Soul Society to protect the Human World.
Before Keigo can attack Shunsui, Mizuiro points out the scenario Shunsui is describing is only hypothetical right now and inquires about how likely it is, which leads Shunsui to admit that it is a 1-in-10,000 chance or less. Though Tatsuki is confused about him coming all this way just to tell them about something so unlikely, Shunsui counters that it would not be fair to Ichigo to keep his friends uninformed of something like that prior to holding up and handing out three Soul Tickets, which he explains will let them enter Soul Society to see Ichigo should this occur, with some having already been sent to his family as well. Seeing Tatsuki's concerned expression, Shunsui assures her this will not be happening today or tomorrow before promising to tell Ichigo to come back and spend some time here before the battle begins.[81]
Great Weave Guard/Monk Who Calls the Real Name[]
Senjumaru Shutara waits in her palace to measure Rukia and Renji for their new garments.
Back in the Soul King Palace, upon making it to Senjumaru's palace with Rukia and getting undressed so she can take their measurements, Renji reacts with confusion to Senjumaru, who insists that he heard what she said and reiterates that he needs to remove his fundoshi as well. When Renji questions why she cannot take measurements for a shihakushō with his fundoshi on, a contemplative Senjumaru decides that she will just take the measurements after removing Renji's testicles, prompting Renji to frantically begin removing his fundoshi instead.[82] Some time later, in Ichibē's temple, Rukia and Renji stand across from each other.[83]
Rukia and Renji undergo endurance training in the Reishi-dense environment of Ichibē's palace.
With sweat beading on their faces, Rukia and Renji point wooden swords at each other until a large set of bells next to them rings, causing them to gasp in relief and drop their stances. Collapsing to the ground, Renji complains about how tough this is, and when Rukia wonders what is difficult about standing still, Renji counters that he is not suited to doing that or pointing a weapon at his friend. After Rukia frantically asserts that it does not suit her either, Renji takes this as evidence that she is exhausted too and points out how they are not used to the air in the temple either, with Rukia affirming that the Reishi density of the atmosphere here is unbelievable and admitting that while it does not feel completely overwhelming anymore, it still feels as though they are underwater, which leads her to question what this could be doing to their bodies.[84]
Byakuya Kuchiki makes a full recovery in Kirinji's hot springs.
Suddenly, Rukia receives a call on her Denreishinki and is excited by what she is told, prompting her to inform Renji that this was Kirinji, which leads Renji to wonder when they exchanged numbers, and that Byakuya has recovered. At his hot springs, Kirinji notes that Byakuya has spent more time under his care than anyone else and asks him if the heat has gone to his head, only for Byakuya to muse that his lack of power prevents anything from going to his head and resolve to become strong enough to change that, to Kirinji's amusement. Back in the temple, Renji is excited to learn of Byakuya's recovery, only to realize that this means Byakuya will consume Hikifune's food, hone his sword with Nimaiya, and then go to Senjumaru's palace, which he is still traumatized from having his measurements taken in.[85]
Ichibē welcomes Rukia and Renji to his palace and prepares to train them personally.
Though Rukia is similarly regretful of her time stripped naked in there and warns him to not think about it, Renji begins remembering his encounter with Senjumaru against Rukia's advice. However, he manages to snap back to reality while sweating and panting, where Rukia expresses relief at him not reaching the part where he took it off and expresses remorse at Byakuya having to go through the same ordeal, which she considers far graver than Renji's situation, to his chagrin. Throwing open the nearby doors, a laughing Ichibē comments on how chatty Rukia and Renji have become since they first got here, when they were too weak to even stand under the pressure.[86]
Ichibē informs Renji that the name "Hihiō Zabimaru" is a lie and not his real Bankai.
Noting how Rukia and Renji were reduced to cowering on the floor by the press, Ichibē invites them to train with him in the back room, which they readily accept.[87] Later, Ichibē tells Renji that the name "Hihiō Zabimaru" is a lie, which leaves Renji aghast and confused at how this can be possible. Admitting that calling it a lie makes it sound bad and elaborating that it is only half of the true name, Ichibē tells Renji that his Zanpakutō only partially acknowledges him, and when Renji expresses disbelief at this happening after fighting alongside Zabimaru for so long, Ichibē clarifies that this is why he found it hard to tell Renji.[88]
Ichibē reveals that he has named every single phenomena in Soul Society.
However, Ichibē cheerily announces that he will just tell Renji the real name despite this. Though Renji assumes that he is joking, Ichibē reveals that he named Zanpakutō, Shikai, Bankai, and every other phenomenon occurring in Soul Society because the Soul King assigned him the title of "Monk Who Calls the Real Name". After promising to reveal the true name of Renji's Bankai to him, Ichibē warns Renji that he will have to prove his strength to Zabimaru right now in order to wield it,[89] which Renji does.[90] The next day, Ichigo walks up the long stairs to Ichibē's temple atop one of dozens of mountains alongside Ichibē himself.[74]
Ichigo and Ichibē discuss the Royal Guard's response to the attack.
Inside the temple, Ichibē brings up the extensive damage that Soul Society has suffered, and as they come to stand before the large doors within the temple, Ichibē slams his Zanpakutō on the ground and calls this pathetic because a thousand years of peace have clearly made the Shinigami weak, though Ichigo points out that the Royal Guard merely watched as this happened. In response, Ichibē asserts that part of their duty is to watch in addition to training Ichigo, whom he informs that the Wandenreich are sure to come again in the near future. Affirming this, Ichigo bows, thanks Ichibē for his help, and begins to walk out of the temple.[74]
Ichigo sets aside the two blades of Zangetsu in order to begin training with Ichibē.
Despite this, when Ichigo tells an inquisitive Ichibē he is returning to Soul Society to help the Gotei 13 before the next attack, Ichibē merely questions if he is that eager to die and declares Ichigo has no chance of winning against Yhwach right now, to Ichigo's shock. Some time later, Ichigo shrugs off his robe and walks to a cloth-covered table in the temple, where he sets down the longer blade of Zangetsu before Ichibē walks in. Ichibē reiterates that Ichigo cannot defeat Yhwach in his current state and declares he must surpass the existence of a Shinigami, where Ichigo promises to surpass whatever he needs to while holding up the shorter blade of Zangetsu.[74]
Ichigo finds himself in a strange hallway as he begins his training with Ichibē.
Ichibē claims that he will only ever be a Shinigami if he merely hones his Zanpakutō skills. Once Ichigo sets down the shorter blade, he finds himself holding a wooden sword in his other hand before Ichibē decides that they will begin, causing the walls and floor to begin peeling away around them. Shortly afterward, Ichigo finds himself standing in a long, dark, raining hallway filled with green light and a stone path. From afar, Ichibē explains that this is a sacred place which not even the Royal Guard can enter without the permission of the Soul King and that he will be testing Ichigo to see if he is worthy of surpassing the existence of Shinigami.[74]
Ichigo walks through the Irazu Sandō, which puts more pressure on him with every step.
Ichigo begins walking as Ichibē recites a poem about something beginning without end, names withering in the silence, and raindrops filling an empty vessel in an abyss of rolling clouds. With a struggling Ichigo wonders how it can be so heavy in here and forces himself to keep going, Ichibē continues the poem about those who are unworthy feeling the weight as they turn to stone and are reduced to gravel, which pounding rain reduces to dust, and how there is no way out for such vessels. However, Ichibē notes that there is no path for those who do not enter and concludes that those who are about to perish call it Irazu Sandō.[91]
Ichigo momentarily gains four additional pupils in each eye after seeing visions of the Soul King.
As he continues walking toward the gate at the end of the path despite the immense pressure building with every step, upon taking a specific step, Ichigo experiences rapid and inexplicable visions of a man in a pool of Reishi, which he is left bewildered by. Attempting to ignore this and continue progressing, Ichigo receives the same visions again at a slower rate, letting him see a man stabilizing Reishi in four separate pools with arrows, having his arms and legs cut off, and ultimately being sealed in a crystal to become the Soul King, leaving Ichigo speechless while the pupils of his eyes are surrounded by four additional, mirage-like pupils in the corners.[92]
Ichigo Kurosaki is surrounded by multi-hued Reiatsu in the Irazu Sandō.
A sweating Ichigo stands and wonders what is happening while Ichibē muses that the weight he feels is what he is trying to protect and reveals that what Ichigo is experiencing are the everlasting memories and revelations from the power of the Soul King. Experiencing the same visions as before alongside glimpses of the original captains of the Gotei 13 during their confrontation with the Lichtreich, Ichigo stops walking and is surrounded by surging golden, green, blue, and red Reiatsu that begins suffusing his body, causing Ichibē to question if he is a vessel capable of holding the power he is filled with or a bowl that shatters.[93]
Ichigo channels his power into the wooden sword to overcome the illusion he is experiencing.
Suddenly, Ichigo envisions his body swelling up from the power entering him and screams in pain as four additional pupils appear in his eyes again, only for it to subside once he raises his wooden sword above his head, which Ichibē smiles at. In the aftermath, an exhausted Ichigo slowly walks forward and passes through the gate at the end of the path, taking him to the interior of Senjumaru's palace, where she sits before him on a throne surrounded by fabrics and smiles while Ichigo demands to know what comes next. On the last day, a shirtless Ichigo grabs the two blades of Zangetsu from the pedestal he had set them down on.[93]
Departure[]
Rukia and Renji arrive in the replaced Seireitei in the new garments that Senjumaru wove.
Midway into the Wandenreich's second invasion of the Seireitei, which they replace with their own city by dragging it into the Schatten Bereich, Rukia and Renji fall toward the replaced Seireitei from the Soul King Palace, with Renji correcting Rukia on the Seireitei being replaced by the Wandenreich city before Rukia urges him to hurry since it will soon grow dark.[94] Moments later, Rukia tells Renji that they should decide on what they are going to do once they land and sets aside Renji's poor understanding of their plan to bring up how they will be landing in the middle of enemy territory, which will leave them at a disadvantage even with their training if they let themselves be surrounded. After pointing out that Renji's fighting style will quickly attract attention and assuring a flustered Renji that she has already accepted this, Rukia warns Renji to conceal himself after each battle to avoid letting the enemy surprise him.[95] Shortly afterward, Rukia and Renji burst through the clouds as two bright lights and descend into the city, with Byakuya following them some time afterward.[96]
Ichigo prepares to return to Soul Society with the new garments that Senjumaru wove.
Some time later,[97] in the Soul King Palace, Kirinji stands on the Vestibule Road with Senjumaru, where he announces that the Royal Guard are ready and tells Ichigo that he should be too, prompting Ichigo to step forward in a heavily-layered garment and confirm this. When Ichigo begins looking around in confusion, Kirinji questions what he is looking for, prompting Ichigo to inquire about the absence of the Tenchūren that the Royal Guard reached the Seireitei with. In response, Kirinji bluntly reveals that it is not here because Ichigo is going back on foot, and with Ichigo flabbergasted by this, Kirinji derides his response.[98]
Ichigo watches as a long, circular flight of stairs extends down toward Soul Society.
Kirinji has Senjumaru tap the platform, causing a large circular portion of it to retract and begin extending a circular flight of stairs down into the clouds below. With Ichigo staring down in confusion, Kirinji explains that his trip down will be on foot since the Royal Guard cannot be sending the Tenchūren down all the time even though they would love to help him and asserts that it will simply take Ichigo a week if he uses Shunpo. Despite Kirinji eagerly expecting a panicked response from him over the prospect of the Wandenreich attacking in this time, Ichigo readily acknowledges this, to Kirinji's befuddlement.[99]
Ichigo rushes down toward the Seireitei upon learning that the invasion has already begun.
Reminding Kirinji that he said it was not too far before, Ichigo declares that it will only take him about half a day if he hurries. In turn, as he laughs heartily at this, Ichibē approaches them from behind, praises Ichigo's confidence, and assures him that he does not need to worry about reaching the Seireitei ahead of the Wandenreich since the second invasion began three hours ago. After a brief pause of disbelief, Ichigo hurtles down the gap in the center of the stairs and reprimands Ichibē for not telling him earlier, prompting Ichibē to remind Ichigo that he was still training with the Royal Guard three hours ago.[100]
Ichibē praises Ichigo's growth in body and spirit as making him a true Shinigami.
Upon reaching the other Royal Guard, Hikifune throws Ichigo a pack of onigiri to eat if he gets hungry along the way, prompting Ichigo to catch them and promise to sneak off to eat them if he gets hungry in the middle of battle. Watching Ichigo hurtle downward, Hikifune observes that he has changed, which Kirinji affirms, and recalls how shaky his Reiatsu used to be, though Ichibē denies him getting stronger and rephrases it as him growing and getting stronger. When an annoyed Kirinji inquires about the difference, Ichibē concludes that Ichigo has become stronger in both body and spirit, making him a true Shinigami.[101]
Urahara promises that the Gotei 13 will hold out until Ichigo's arrival.
Shortly afterward, Ichigo calls Urahara and informs him of the situation prior to surmising that it will take him a bit longer to reach the Seireitei, which Urahara acknowledges as he tells Ichigo to be careful. After a pause, Ichigo acknowledges that he will sound cocky, but requests that Urahara and the others hold out even if the battle gets bad because he will finish it when he gets there, prompting a smiling Urahara to promise that they will be waiting for him. Ending the call, Ichigo muses that Urahara did not say anything about how the battle was going, pulls fabric from his cap down over his eyes, and decides to hurry before accelerating downward.[102]
Aftermath[]
Byakuya Kuchiki cautions Rukia against rushing to help Kenpachi Zaraki because she has yet to recover from her battle.
Several hours later, with 11th Division Captain Kenpachi Zaraki being incapacitated by the Bambies in the replaced Seireitei, Rukia and Byakuya move through the air, where Rukia insists they have to hurry because of the lightning she has seen striking at Kenpachi's location, only for Byakuya to warn her to be patient since she still has not recovered from her previous battle. However, a protesting Rukia stops moving and looks up at the sky before asking Byakuya if he senses what she does just as he stops in surprise as well. With someone falling through the clouds above the Shakonmaku, Renji, 11th Division 3rd Seat Ikkaku Madarame, and 5th Seat Yumichika Ayasegawa look up as well while a delighted Rukia recognizes the Reiatsu she is feeling.[103]
Ichigo Kurosaki arrives to save Kenpachi.
As Sternritter "T" Candice Catnipp, "G" Liltotto Lamperd, "P" Meninas McAllon, and "Z" Giselle Gewelle look up in shock at the figure breaking through the Shakonmaku, they see it crash into a tower miles away, leaving them confused and unimpressed until Ichigo appears behind them with Shunpo and admits that he came in too fast. While the Bambies whirl around in shock, Ichigo stands over Kenpachi, whom he observes is way more injured than usual, and when Kenpachi questions why he is here, Ichigo admits that he never thought he would say this prior to announcing that he is here to save Kenpachi.[104]
References[]
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 536, page 16
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 518, pages 1-2
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 518, pages 3-5
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 518, pages 5-8
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 518, pages 8-12
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 518, pages 12-13
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 518, pages 13-17
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 519, pages 1-3
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 519, pages 3-6
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 519, pages 6-7
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 519, pages 9-11
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 519, pages 11-13
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 519, pages 13-15
- ↑ Bleach anime; Episode 374
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 520, pages 4-5
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 520, pages 5-8
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 520, pages 8-10
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 520, pages 10-12
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 521, pages 1-2
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 521, pages 3-7
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 521, pages 7-10
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 521, pages 10-11
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 521, page 11
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 521, pages 12-14
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 521, pages 14-15
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 521, pages 15-17
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 522, pages 1-5
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 522, pages 6-9
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 522, pages 9-11
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 522, pages 12-14
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 522, pages 14-16
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 522, page 17
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 523, pages 2-5
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 523, pages 5-7
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 523, pages 7-8
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 527, pages 11-13
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 527, pages 13-16
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 527, pages 16-18
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 529, pages 1-4
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 528, pages 1-4
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 528, pages 4-5
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 528, pages 5-7
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 528, pages 8-9
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 528, pages 10-12
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 528, pages 12-14
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 528, pages 1-17
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapters 529-535
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 536, pages 1-14
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 536, pages 14-17
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 537, pages 1-4
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 537, pages 4-9
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 537, pages 9-14
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 538, pages 1-3
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 538, pages 4-7
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 539, pages 14-17
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 539, page 17
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 540, pages 1-4
- ↑ 58.0 58.1 Bleach anime; Episode 379
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 540, pages 5-8 & 10
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 540, pages 10-13
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 540, pages 13-15
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 540, pages 15-17
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 541, pages 1-3
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 541, pages 3-8
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 541, pages 8-11
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 541, pages 11-15
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 541, pages 15-17
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 542, page 1
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 542, pages 2-11
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 542, pages 12-14
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 544, pages 15-16
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 544, page 17
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 625, page 13
- ↑ 74.0 74.1 74.2 74.3 74.4 Bleach anime; Episode 380
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 546, pages 8-9
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 545, pages 1-2 & 12-13
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 545, pages 13-14
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 545, pages 14-15
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 545, pages 15-17
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 546, pages 1-4
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 546, pages 4-7
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 545, pages 910
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 545, page 4
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 545, pages 4-6
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 545, pages 6-9
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 545, pages 9-12
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 545, page 12
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 564, page 5-6
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 564, pages 6-8
- ↑ Bleach anime; Episode 384
- ↑ Bleach anime; Episode 381
- ↑ Bleach anime; Episode 382
- ↑ 93.0 93.1 Bleach anime; Episode 383
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 558, page 20
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 566, pages 1-2
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 559, page 17
- ↑ Bleach anime; Epsiode 385
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 555, pages 1-4
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 555, pages 4-5
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 555, pages 6-7
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 555, pages 8-10
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 555, pages 10-14
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 581, pages 8-12
- ↑ Bleach manga; Chapter 582, page 1