Grimmjow takes Orihime without permission and forces her to heal Ichigo. He wants to settle things with Ichigo while he's in his best condition. But before Ichigo's wounds heal, Ulquiorra comes when he realizes what's going on. Ulquiorra stops Ichigo's healing and demands that Grimmjow hand Orihime over to him. Grimmjow refuses and attacks Ulquiorra. The clashing Spiritual Pressures of the two Espada shake Las Noches.

Karakurizer is back! As Karakurizer, Kon tries to impress the ladies when a man named Michel appears. Strong, kind, handsome, and a true hero, Michel instantly gains popularity from the townspeople and the other Karakurizer. Can Karakurizer reclaim the title of No. 1 hero?! Go, Karakurizer!

The battle in Karakura Town and the Soul Society has come to an end. Karakura Town is returned to the World of the Living using Mayuri’s technology, and everyone prepares to return to their respective places. Ichigo is reunited with his friends who have returned from Hueco Mundo, when his condition suddenly changes.

Szayel Aporro has analyzed Uryu's and Renji's Spiritual Pressures and has sealed away most of their abilities. The two decide to work together. Uryu says that he has a plan if Renji can stall Szayel Aporro for twenty seconds. Renji agrees and charges in, but Szayel Aporro easily deflects Zabimaru's attacks. Meanwhile, Ichigo has been defeated by Ulquiorra and has lost consciousness.

Battle ensues between Aizen and Ichigo. His nineties-level Kido attack easily deflected, Aizen further evolves to best Ichigo. But Ichigo, now fully aware of why Tensa Zangetsu was reluctant to teach him the Final Getsugatensho, has come to possess amazing powers.

Lolly and Menoly are jealous that Aizen is treating Orihime well, so they go to Orihime's room to harass her. Orihime tries to stay strong, but they are relentless. At that moment, Grimmjow comes to Orihime's room. Meanwhile, Uryu comes to help Renji, and joins the fight against Szayel Aporro. Uryu takes advantage of an opening and pierces Szayel Aporro with Seeleschneider's blade. Szayel Aporro collapses, but Uryu is shocked when Seeleschneider suddenly disappears.

Gin recalls his past and the fateful event that led him to become a Soul Reaper serving under Aizen. Meanwhile, Aizen’s overwhelming Spiritual Pressure forces Tatsuki, Keigo and the others to fall helplessly to the ground, when Ichigo finally arrives after completing his training.

Ichigo and Ulquiorra begin to fight in the depths of Las Noches. Ichigo fights Ulquiorra at full power right from the start, using his Bankai and even his Hollowfication. Ulquiorra is overwhelmed by his great strength, but strategically retaliates when Ichigo removes his Hollow's mask. Meanwhile, Renji's Bankai is sealed away as he fights Szayel Aporro. Szayel Aporro continues to have a home-field advantage as he effortlessly blocks Renji's attacks and calls on some of his subordinates

Aizen continues his pursuit of Ichigo’s friends. Fearing for their lives, Keigo attempts to attack Aizen using the Zanpakuto he stole from Kurumadani. Gin returns to Aizen after having personally dealt with Rangiku, and his appearance prompts Tatsuki and the others to prepare for the worst.

Renji meets Espada Number Eight, Szayel Aporro Grantz. Renji attempts to use his Bankai but fails because of restrictions that Szayel Aporro has placed on the room they are in that limit Renji's power. Szayel Aporro has extensive information on Renji's abilities. He plans to capture Renji unharmed so he can conduct further research on him. Meanwhile, all of the Espada in Las Noches are informed that Rukia defeated Espada Number Nine, Aaroniero.

Aizen and Gin close in on Tatsuki, when Don Kanonji comes to the rescue. A still-injured Rangiku also arrives to confront Gin. Meanwhile, seeking to learn the Final Getsugatensho, Ichigo battles Tensa Zangetsu and Hollow Ichigo, who have now merged into one being.

Aaroniero has the ability to utilize the Spiritual Pressure of the Hollows that he devours. He devoured the body of the Hollow Metastacia that fused itself with Lieutenant Kaien Shiba before it died. Now he uses his power to gain its memory and abilities. Rukia, who is the Soul Reaper responsible for bringing down Metastacia while it was possessing Kaien's body, is shocked to see her former lieutenant before her. As Aaroniero releases his Zanpakuto, Rukia struggles to find the will to defend against his attacks

Shuhei Hisagi leads a busy life handling the duties of Squad 9 Lieutenant and Editor in Chief of the Seireitei Bulletin, as well as preparing picnic lunches for the Soul Reapers. One day, Hisagi and Rangiku are sent to investigate a string of disappearances in the Rukon district. But being alone together with Rangiku causes Hisagi’s imagination to go wild, which worsens when Rangiku suggests spending the night at an inn.

Nnoitra, one of the Espada, suddenly appears and defeats Chad in a single strike. Ichigo, Uryu, and Renji sense Chad's Spiritual Pressure grow weaker, but they are too far away to help him. Orihime, who is still being held by the Arrancars, also senses Chad's Spiritual Pressure. At that moment, Ulquiorra enters Orihime's room and informs her that her friends will soon perish.

Two monster hunters arrive at an old castle where Franken Ichigo, Succubus Rukia, Vampire Uryu, Pumpkin Orihime, Mummy Renji, Witch Rangiku, and Wolfman Hitsugaya all live as lackluster monsters.

Chad faces the Privaron Espada Gantenbainne and survives many of his fierce attacks. Chad reveals the power of his right arm, Brazo Derecho Del Gigante. Ever since he entered Hueco Mundo, Chad has sensed that his powers are closer to that of a Hollow's rather than a Soul Reaper or a Quincy. Cornered, Gantenbainne releases his Zanpakuto to defend against Chad's powerful attacks.