After becoming a Shinigami, Ichigo Kurosaki refuses to help Rukia Kuchiki with her work as the local Shinigami of Karakura Town.

The Soul Society is observing a sudden surge in the number of Hollows being destroyed.

The Wandenreich mobilizes its elite force, the Stern Ritter, to annihilate the Soul Society. Creating massive flaming pillars of Reishi as a distraction, the Stern Ritter easily enter the Soul Society to bring carnage to the Soul Reapers.

Squad Zero brings Ichigo back to the Royal Palace to prepare for the coming battle. Meanwhile, Kyoraku is appointed as the new Head Captain to lead the Thirteen Court Guard Squads.

Kensei Muguruma joins the battle against Masculine, who has already defeated Shuhei Hisagi, Ikkaku Madarame, and Yumichika Ayasegawa. However, Kensei is taken aback by how weak his opponent is.

A fearless Rukia swings her Sodenoshirayuki in battle as she takes on Äs Nödt.