Isshin wonders how Ichigo is going to get back into Soul Society, and right on cue Mera appears and brings Ichigo back to Nimaiya's hut. Nimaiya explains he planned to give Ichigo another chance all along. Ichigo is in the pit surrounded by Asauchi but instead of attacking, all of the Asauchis kneel before Ichigo. Ichigo chooses one whose face turns into Ichigo wearing a hollow mask, and Nimaiya promises to reforge Ichigo's zanpukto personally.

Meanwhile in other parts of Soul Society, shinigamis are busy training. Hitsugaya enrolls himself in a kendo class because he lost his bankai. In some woods, Kensei order Mashiro to attack Hisagi in her Vizard form to help Hisagi develop a bankai. Outside a cave, Iba is lifting boulders for exercise and waiting for Komamura to return from the cave. Inside the cave, Komamura meets a giant sentient dog who is not too happy to see Komamura.










