Byakuya arrives just in time to save a wounded Rukia from Zommari Rureaux, the 7th Espada. Their battle begins with Byakuya learning that Rukia's unconscious state was caused by a previous fight, but Zommari intended to kill her.

Captain Retsu Unohana and Isane Kotetsu arrive at the location where Chad lies defeated. Unohana peacefully dismisses the Exequias (the Espada's execution squad) and begins healing the wounded, stating she will only fight if forced to.

Reviewers from the Bleach Wiki have praised the vocal intensity of Michael Sinterniklaas as Nnoitra and David Lodge as Kenpachi, noting that the dub captures the characters' bloodlust effectively.