Dordonii is struck down by Ichigo once again, and as thanks remains to hold off the Exequias for him. One of Aizen’s henchmen reports the news back to him, Aizen asks who gave the order for the Exequias. Szayel Aporro Granz steps forward to take the blame, but Aizen lets him go since it will help Szayel’s research. Meanwhile, Uryū does battle with the arrancar Cirucci Thunderwitch and Rukia runs into the Espada Aaroniero Arruruerie. Aaroniero takes off his mask, revealing the face of the deceased shinigami Kaien Shiba.