The Gotei 13 investigates strange occurrences in the Human World and are confronted by enemies.

Ichigo and his friends learn that their latest enemy are Quincies.

The Wandenreich mobilizes the Stern Ritter to annihilate the Soul Society; the Stern Ritter create a distraction to easily enter the Soul Society to bring carnage to the Soul Reapers.

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.