Ichigo Kurosaki completes his battle with 11th Division 3rd Seat Ikkaku Madarame while his friends continue to progress through the Seireitei.

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

Quilge Opie uses his power to imprison Ichigo inside the Garganta. As he tries to break free, Ichigo begins to hear, through his Soul Phone, the screams of the Soul Reapers falling to the enemy's onslaught.

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.

Mayuri receives a call from Urahara, who had stayed behind in Hueco Mundo to search for a way to reclaim everyone’s stolen Bankai. Urahara claims that he was able to come up with a solution based on the data gained from his earlier battle with Quilge.

Kenpachi defeats Gremmy, but his moment of victory is cut short when he is suddenly struck by Candice’s thunderbolt attack. Meninas, Giselle, and Liltotto also join Candice to take down Kenpachi, who is considered to be a Special Threat.

Ichigo and the Soul Reapers try to stop Yhwach upon learning that his real target lies within the Royal Palace. However, their efforts are thwarted by Uryu, who stands in Ichigo's way in order to allow Yhwach safe passage to the Royal Palace.

Yhwach performs Auswählen to bestow power to his fallen Royal Guards and activate their Voll Stern Dich forms. What follows is a fierce battle between the Royal Guards and Squad Zero.