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. Within minutes, the Thirteen Court Guard Squads suffer heavy casualties. The Squad captains rush to join the front lines, but even their attacks are ineffective against the enemies. Left with no other option, Byakuya Kuchiki and several other captains decide to perform Bankai in the hopes of turning the tide of war. But their hope quickly turns into further despair...

Shigekuni Genryusai Yamamoto confronts Yhwach for the first time in a thousand years. Stern Ritter members NaNaNa Najahkoop, Äs Nödt, and Bazz-B join the fray but are quickly defeated by Genryusai. Despite losing his subordinates before his eyes, Yhwach condemns them for their foolish actions, further convincing Genryusai that his old nemesis has not changed at all. As Yhwach finally draws his sword against Genryusai, the Soul Reapers notice an abnormal change taking place across the Seireitei.