Ichigo learns that he is the child born of a Soul Reaper and a Quincy. Finally understanding the truth behind his heritage, Ichigo decides to return to Hoohden with a renewed resolve to finish what he has started. Meanwhile, the Soul Reapers are seen training or seeking new powers to prepare for the next battle. Back at Hoohden, Ichigo passes the Asauchi test and is brought to the next stop by Oh-Etsu, who tells Ichigo that he must now bid farewell to his Zangetsu.

Yhwach sets his plan to end the world in nine days in motion by pulling the Seireitei into the Schatten Bereich for the Stern Ritter to invade. Haschwalth appears before Kyoraku and tells him that they have been ordered to exterminate the Soul Reapers forthwith. Haschwalth's words quickly become a reality as the Soul Reapers find themselves getting crushed by the opposition. Meanwhile, Bazz-B leads the Soldat into battle, but Hitsugaya and Rangiku stand in their way. Hitsugaya still doesn't have his Bankai, so how will he fight against Bazz-B's flames?